spinningjenny's reviews
474 reviews

Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties by Tom O'Neill

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mysterious tense slow-paced

3.75

This book was cryptic and long. There were so many players and I mostly walk away with dismay at the reality that so much will never be known about so much. 
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

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challenging mysterious reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

A solid read, but I found it hard to get invested in the characters until like halfway through which made it hard to be motivated towards any particular one of them. Very different perspectives though which was a good change of pace. 
Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown

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emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

The Road to Wigan Pier by George Orwell

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informative reflective medium-paced

4.5

My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf

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emotional reflective sad fast-paced

4.0

It seems a shame we don't work on helping people to not feel so lonely with themselves; interesting to see the perspective on Dahmer being odd and no adults seeming to notice/care. 
Tomorrow Sex Will Be Good Again: Women and Desire in the Age of Consent by Katherine Angel

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challenging informative medium-paced

4.25

A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow

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lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

When Women Were Birds: Fifty-four Variations on Voice by Terry Tempest Williams

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reflective slow-paced

4.25

When Women Were Birds was thought provoking and guided me along streams of thought I hadn't previously considered. The comparisons throughout the work of her life to her mother's and grandmothers gave the feel of a multi-generational work through many different lenses while keeping the narrator consistent. A lovely book that brought me along on the adventures of Williams' life.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

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mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75