Scan barcode
ssgcedits's reviews
160 reviews
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
The most beautiful, educational, well-structured and hopeful book on sustainability I have ever come across and I read a lot on the topic. So much is woven into this book--this is science in context, nature in context. The idea that we are actually part of it seems so foreign these days, yet Kimmerer writes seemingly effortlessly about our own role in the ecosystem. She makes it personal by sharing her own life in her essays and those of her community without dismissing much wider economic, political, colonial forces. I hope it is ever more successful and reaches more and more people because its message is urgent: we need not be the destroyer; we need not tear apart to survive; we can be carers, good neighbours, messengers, good children. This is one to pass on and discuss with everyone in your life.
Um Lugar Mágico by Susanna Tamaro
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A very adventurous tale that awakens environmental conscience and inspires action. It also sheds a magical light on parks. The characters have very curious names that would make any kid smile. I read this when I was just starting to get into books and it has definitely played a role in my book-addiction.
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Child death, Death, Suicide, and Torture
Creating a Forest Garden: Working with Nature to Grow Edible Crops by Martin Crawford
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
5.0
Invaluable information made accessible through both the language and outline of the pages themselves. Whether you are trying to build a forest garden or just want to get the most out of your traditional garden, you should have a look at this one. It also doesn't hurt that it's beautifully edited and filled with inspiring photographs.
Junky by William S. Burroughs
dark
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It is exactly as bleak as the title suggests. The writing is so exquisite that I actually felt as if I'd lived through the events myself. It is a punch in the gut; it's both repulsive and relatable; it's a photograph of a specific time and an x-ray of a timeless hidden reality. It's brutal. And also one of the best Beat books, which, for me, is saying a lot.
The King Arthur Trilogy by Rosemary Sutcliff
adventurous
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A faithful retelling of the Arthurian legends--all liberties are explained in the foreword note. It is very accessible and directed at the middle-grade/young adult audience. *Spoiler alert* As a fan of Merlin, it's always hard to see him leave the scene early on, still it's very well handled and his influence is definitely present throughout the tale. And, as a historian, I love the details about the spirit, rituals, and cultural adjustments of early Christianity. It is very much worth powering through the 800 pages.
The Curse of the Gloamglozer by Paul Stewart, Chris Riddell
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I love The Edge Chronicles and this title does not disappoint. What's better than a quest to keep a city from floating away? It is an awesome adventure where we get to know the Edge World a little better. Persnoally, I loved to learn more about the academes of Sanctaphrax. It's great to see how these narratives connect and build up a wonderful fantasy.
Come Close by Sappho
emotional
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
5.0
It's such a shame that so little of Sappho's writing survived... These are some of the warmest, loveliest lines ever written. Every word has a moving tenderness to it. It's like a garden of blossoming poems. I love to pick this up when I am feeling down. As a true masterpiece, it stands the test of time.