aksmith92's reviews
162 reviews

The Setup: Honestly, I wanted to give a setup but can't because I couldn't tell you what happened, which is super fair in a brand-new quick comic read. It seems we are presented with some nut jobs who preach about this god. Flash forward some years later, and there is some heist happening related to this religion and god, but we don't really know anything about it. 

What I Liked: I was certainly interested. Sign me up for a dystopian comic related to some weird religion!

What Could Have Been Better: Outside of being quite confused, the art and illustrations were quite different from what I was used to. They were NOT bad, but their faces were distorted, and I couldn't tell if that was on purpose or what. It left me more confused than even the plot.

The Setup: Jumping into a new comic is always interesting, especially one related to Batwoman. We have Kate Kane, aka Batwoman, a proud lesbian who was discharged from the military during the Don't Ask, Don't Tell era and is now on a vengeance. Let's just say she has an incredibly complicated relationship with her dad after the deaths of her mother and sister. She utilizes all the energy into kicking ass and taking names. She is also super close to her cousin, although they don't necessarily see eye-to-eye on all the crime-fighting ways (and not in the way you think!). We watch as Batwoman navigates grief, new relationships, and folks on her tail, trying to find out who Batwoman is.

What I Liked: This Batwoman was intriguing. In this volume, she battles grief and takes on a case that hits too close to home. I enjoyed seeing her battle through that in these short pages and understanding that she is a flawed superhero. I liked the secondary characters and even the brief appearances of Batman himself. Overall, there was a decent plot, the art was fantastic, and I am curious to see where it goes next. 

What Could Have Been Better: The beginning was confusing as if the narrative was going in two different directions. I caught on, and it made sense, but the setup and format were a little cluttered, in my opinion. Additionally, something about the aggravated and bully-ish female main lead who likes to punch people in the face annoys me sometimes. It is almost as if the trope has been overdone. Can a super badass female main lead please be somewhat kind? It wasn't a huge deal, but sometimes I fear the comic writers forget that women are sometimes multifaceted. With that said, they did portray her well with grief and sadness at times, which I appreciated. 

Either way, I am excited to read the next volume!

The Setup: On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder is a concise and impactful guide that draws parallels between historical instances of tyranny and contemporary political developments. Snyder, a Yale historian, distills complex historical events into twenty accessible lessons aimed at empowering citizens to recognize and resist the encroachment of authoritarianism. 

Each lesson serves as a call to action, urging readers to defend democratic institutions, be wary of propaganda, and uphold the truth. For instance, Synder emphasizes the importance of defending institutions, noting that "institutions do not protect themselves" and require active support from the populace. He advises readers to "beware the one-party state," highlighting the dangers of political monopolies. These lessons are grounded in historical precedents, providing a sobering reminder of how democracies can falter. 

What I Liked: This book cuts straight to the chase. It lets you know the signs of authoritarianism and what to do in advance to prevent yourself from falling into its trap. It's quick, concise, and simply makes sense. I wanted to read this after a certain election in the US to ensure that I look for signs of a falling democracy, and this was the perfect fit.

Why Not 5 Stars? Honestly, it seemed a little too simple. While I enjoyed the book's simplicity and conciseness, I did feel like something was a little bit missing, but barely. There was a lack of emotion to it, which I suppose is quite the point, but it still prevented me from loving this book. Plus, it's hard to love a book about looking for signs of the collapse of democracy, but alas.

The Setup: This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune is a contemporary romance that explores themes of forbidden love, self-discovery, and the complexities of friendship. The story follows Lucy, who regularly vacations with her best friend, Bridget, on Prince Edward Island (PEI). During one of these visits, Lucy has a spontaneous and passionate encounter with a charming local named Felix, only later to discover that he is Bridget's younger brother - a fact previously unknown to her because of a nickname he goes by.

The novel delves into the ensuing tension as Lucy and Felix grapple with their undeniable chemistry while striving to keep their relationship hidden from Bridget over the years. Their interactions are marked by a magnetic attraction, leading to clandestine meetings that challenge their resolve to maintain boundaries. Fortune's vivid depiction of PEI enriches the narrative, immersing readers in the island's picturesque landscapes and enhancing the romantic atmosphere.

What I Liked: This book was a pleasant surprise! I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. While I still had some qualms (it is a romance book, after all), I thought this was a nice take on a rom-com. I waffled between giving it a 3.5 or a 4.0 for a while and decided to hang with a 3.5 only because the last quarter fell just a bit flat for me. Regardless, I still enjoyed this, mostly because I felt the characters were decently fleshed out, and the description of PEI was entertaining. I also must admit that the writing and prose flowed, and I was hooked. I read this quite quickly and enjoyed the act of reading it. There was great chemistry between Lucy and Felix, and I did enjoy their relationship, especially the tension in the beginning and middle.

What Missed the Mark? I mean, besides Lucy not knowing about Felix as Bridget's brother, which I actually didn't give too much thought to because rom-coms sometimes don't make too much sense, I think overall, the wrap-up of the book was "eh." I'm unsure why, and I can't share too much without giving it away, but I wasn't sold on a relationship for a while. I loved their meeting, and the tension built throughout the middle, but the end simply didn't do it for me. Maybe the characters regressed just a bit, leading to unbelievable actions or ones that didn't make a lot of sense.

Still, I found this to be a great fun read. While I didn't read it in the summer, I think it had great cottage and water vibes. Overall, I still liked it a lot! 

The Setup: Off with Her Head: Three Thousand Years of Demonizing Women in Power by Eleanor Herman is an incisive and timely exploration of the misogyny faced by women in authority throughout history. Herman delves into the historical "playbook" long used to undermine powerful women, from Cleopatra and Catherine the Great to contemporary figures like Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton. Her analysis reveals persistent patterns of vitriol targeting female leaders based on gendered stereotypes, often focused on perceived ambition, appearance, and personal lives.

The book blends some factitiousness and humor with serious scholarship as Herman shares stories of slander and vilification across centuries, shining a light on the societal challenges that still exist for women in leadership roles.

What I Liked: NOTHING! Just kidding, although I must admit, it's always incredibly challenging to read about misogyny. It grinds my gears every time, and this book was no different. With that said, it was interesting to read about the showcased sexism throughout time and that even though women's rights and other gender equity practices have been in place for decades now, some things haven't changed. Those things that have yet to change are more insidious and usually pronounce themselves in narrative, media (for whatever that meant at the time), and societal norms. I was glad to glance back throughout millennia to see how those tactics were prolific and continue to this day. I learned a few things, particularly about history, that I needed to remember about or understand with the misogyny playbook at hand. I'm always interested in stepping back and learning about women in history since many have yet to be included in textbooks and other media.

What Missed the Mark: While I learned a few things, most weren't revolutionary or nuanced. Nuance is complicated here because so many things have been lost throughout time. At times, I felt like Herman was reading between the lines. While I fear she was likely correct, there were times when I felt there was a lack of explanation around some of the other atrocities associated with some of these women (Cleopatra, for one). Herman did mention she may have been a murderer (lol), but I felt the way Herman wrote about these women absolved them from all their crimes simply because they were victims of misogyny. Women can be many things: criminals AND victims of misogyny, but I think it's important to note it as such. 

I will also state the two apparent reasons this could have been better. What others have already shared about this book: (1) this went on so long about the same thing over and over again - women have been told to smile so much more, men attack women's appearances when they have too much power, etc., which then meant there was a lack of actual solutions or ways to address these frustrating tactics from the misogyny playbook. The end chapter encapsulates some action or tangible solutions, but this book was simply about the atrocities women had to go through. I don't think Herman meant for this book to be the end all be all about how to address misogyny - we do not know since it's still around, but because there was a lack of addressing the problem, it made the book seem disjointed, and the pace was off. 

(2) This book clearly emphasizes cis-heterosexual women and mostly white women in Western culture. A chapter at the end discusses the intersection between sexism and racism, which I appreciated. Still, the bulk of the book focused solely on European misogyny, including Christianity. Maybe Herman only wanted to discuss what she felt comfortable sharing based on her education and training. However, it felt that something was missing because of it. In the contemporary parts, there was also a lack of integration of LGBTQ+ items, except for the brief mention that modern women in power are regularly called lesbians by their haters. 

Although some historical details were broad-brushed, this book made its point with clarity and wit, capturing a troubling reality with vigor and compassion. 

I began this book around Halloween, and while it wasn't jump-scary or terrifying in general, it had an odd element that was fitting for the season.

The Setup: We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson is a dark, atmospheric novel that blends psychological horror with themes of isolation, familial bonds, and societal prejudice. The story is narrated by 18-year-old Mary Katherine, or Merricat, Blackwood, who lives with her sister, Constance, and their uncle, Julian, in an eerie, secluded mansion on the edge of a small village. The townspeople shun the Blackwoods after a family tragedy involving the poisoning of Merricat's parents, which many believe was committed by Constance.

Somehow, Jackson creates a sense of claustrophobia and dread as Merricat reveals her disturbed inner world and the strict routines she imposes to keep her family safe. Her rituals and superstitions hint at an unstable mind, while her fierce loyalty to Constance emphasizes their inseparable yet complex bond. The arrival of their estranged cousin Charles disrupts their fragile peace, setting off a series of events that force the sisters to confront their past and dependence on each other.

What I Liked: This was an eerie story! It wasn't scary, and I wouldn't define it as horror (even psychological horror) like the summary states, but it sure was creepy. This novel had a considerable mystery element, making me continuously guess about the story. I like stories like this because they keep me highly engaged (which I was the entire time). The sisters and Uncle were quite peculiar; you wanted to know more about them and the family. I thoroughly enjoyed Jackson's writing style - a mix of lyrical prose and haunting simplicity; overall, the premise was quite enticing.

What Could Have Been Better: For a mystery, the reveal of the "plot twist," if you can call it that, was quite anticlimactic. I had guessed the reveal for a bit, and while I don't mind when I guess it right, I generally like seeing how it all plays out, which was done poorly here. I understand why Jackson did it this way - it weaved well with the characters, but overall, I was disappointed. Additionally, while the prose and premise were great, Jackson shared much without showing you a lot. Jackson did phenomenally with psychological depth with Merricat, our unreliable narrator, but so many things dragged on that weren't needed. Since it was such a character-driven story, I didn't let that impact my rating too much, but there were times when various "acts" were so long, while the mysterious reveal was barely a page. I'm sure all of it was done intentionally - Jackson was a fabulous writer, but I didn't love it here.

However, overall, this was a great book for the season, and I did enjoy it. I'm currently in the midst of moving, meaning my reading schedule is in a bit of flux, so this took me longer than anticipated, but I think this would be a great quick read, especially during the fall around Halloween or even winter. 

The Setup: Our Hideous Progeny is a unique blend of gothic fiction, feminist themes, and mad science, creating a darkly atmospheric reimagining. The novel delves into the exploration of ambition, obsession, and the consequences of scientific pursuit. The protagonist, Mary, is the great-niece of Victor Frankenstein. Along with her husband, Henry, Mary discovers remnants of her great-uncle's forbidden research. Desperate to establish themselves in the scientific world and escape financial strain, they continue Victor's controversial work of creating life from dead matter.

The novel not only delves into the technical aspects of their scientific endeavor but also raises thought-provoking moral and ethical questions. Mary's character is driven by a complex mix of ambition and defiance, challenging her time's patriarchal and imperialistic limitations. Her relationships—both with Henry and other characters like Maise, Henry's sister who becomes her confidante and ally—reflect themes of power, gender, and betrayal. The strong character development in the novel will make you feel connected and invested in the characters.

What I Liked: This was a great ride. I loved the prose, the plot, and, of course, Mary, who C.E. McGill depicted as a flawed and unique character who was also someone you wanted to root for. There were pieces of actual scientific historical context in this novel, but it wasn't like you needed to know it in depth to get it, but it was a lovely touch. Mary was brilliant, and I had such a great time reading about her researching things, figuring out the scientific community, and her beautiful relationship with Maise. I also completely loved her throwing wine in the face of someone ANNOYING [read to find out]. Overall, this was a fantastic book. Exploring Mary's relationship with the Creature was also done phenomenally well.

What Could Have Been Better: This book was slightly slow at the end of the day. I put "medium" for the pace because I think it evened out by the end; however, the beginning, even up to the first half, was a tell, not show, building the scientific piece of the story. I didn't mind it, but you might. Additionally, as much as I enjoyed Mary, she made some more questionable decisions near the middle/two-thirds of the way through. I get what she was doing, but as a reader, you just knew it was a bad idea. 

However, I loved it! It was a great take on a popular book (that I still haven't read), and I think the feminist and non-heterosexual elements were a nice touch.

This book was an entertaining Beauty and the Beast retelling with a bit of a twist that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The Setup: A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer is a contemporary retelling of Beauty and the Beast, blending fantasy, romance, and action. The story follows Harper, a modern-day teenager with cerebral palsy, who is unexpectedly transported from Washington, D.C., to the magical land of Emberfall. This modern twist adds a relatable element to the classic tale. Harper, with her unique qualities and determination, is a protagonist that will surely intrigue and captivate readers. There, she meets Prince Rhen, who is cursed to relive the same season over and over, transforming into a monstrous beast at the end of each cycle unless he can make a woman fall in love with him.

On top of the transformation into a scary beast, Rhen's kingdom is also on the brink of collapse, ravaged by his monstrous form and the curse placed on him by a vengeful enchantress. Despite her initial struggles and vulnerability in a new, dangerous world, Harper shows resilience and refuses to be the passive beauty Rhen expects. She quickly becomes involved in the plight of the people in Emberfall and is determined to help them, even if breaking the curse seems impossible.

As Harper and Rhen form a reluctant alliance, their growing connection is complicated by Rhen's self-loathing and the threat of the enchantress's curse. Harper's strong will and determination to protect those she cares about make her a unique protagonist, and the novel touches on themes of courage, strength in the face of adversity, and the transformative power of empathy.

What I Liked: This is likely my favorite Beauty and Beast retelling because Harper is a unique and determined protagonist. Despite her age (see below), I think Harper was relatable, and there weren't many times when you rolled your eyes because of something she did. She was intelligent and cunning and also quite thoughtful. I loved all the characters, who all seemed to have their own voice and personalities, and I enjoyed the world-building in Emberfall. Was it perfect world-building? No. Did it make a ton of sense? Also no. But it was a unique world with an interesting magic system that I truly enjoyed. Lastly, and very importantly, I enjoyed the romance and found it realistic. The slow and steady development of the romance, devoid of instant love, made it more emotionally engaging and relatable. It was as if friendship and respect were building in the process, and it oozed on the page to make the romance more enjoyable. Although I felt Rhen made some "eh" choices, particularly for Harper (and maybe vice versa), I felt for both of these characters and thoroughly loved their stories and experiences. 

What Could Have Been Better: I'll get the obvious over with: the two main characters were supposed to be 17/18, and the side character, Grey, Rhen's commander, 20. Nope, nada, no thanks. That was the dumbest decision ever. These characters did not act their age, nor did I want them to. Making these characters older simply would have made more sense! The age-related inconsistencies were a disappointment, and I believe more realistic character development would have enhanced the story. 

Additionally, there was a bit of toxic positivity throughout this - always fighting even when you're hurting, not giving up even though you should in this one instance. It wasn't horrible, but I noticed it at times. I can appreciate the author trying to make someone's illness or disability not define them, but this oozed on the page even outside of Harper's character. It was a little bit annoying at times. 

Overall, this book had well-drawn characters, a very action-focused plot, and diverse representation. The stakes were high and had a satisfying blend of romance, adventure, and magic. I'll continue reading the series, even though I heard it falters a little.

I will stand by the fact that I am not an Audiobook girlie. At my core, I am the worst auditory learner of all time. I started this book on Audio on May 10. It is October 11!!! It took me five freaking months to finish it. Ugh. I wish I loved Audiobooks as much as the next person, but they are a bit of my nemesis. Regardless, I somehow got through this, and overall, I liked what Graeber had to say.

The Setup: Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber is a provocative exploration of modern labor, examining the rise of meaningless or unfulfilling jobs in contemporary society. Graeber, an anthropologist, activist, AND self-proclaimed anarchist, argues that many jobs in today's economy serve no real purpose and exist only to maintain the appearance of productivity. These "bullshit jobs" are characterized by their lack of social value, where even the people performing them often feel that their work is unnecessary or even harmful.

The book draws from interviews and anecdotal evidence to categorize different types of bullshit jobs, such as flunkies (those who exist solely to make others feel important), box tickers (who engage in pointless bureaucratic tasks), and goons (whose work exists to undermine others, like lobbyists). Graeber delves into the psychological and societal impacts of these jobs, showing how they lead to widespread dissatisfaction, depression, and a sense of alienation.

One of the book's key arguments is that the proliferation of bullshit jobs is a product of capitalism, consumerism, and the desire to maintain power structures. Graeber critiques the assumption that more work always leads to a more productive and prosperous society, arguing that these meaningless jobs often mask the fundamental problems of inequality and exploitation.

What I Liked: Graeber didn't hold back, and his beliefs, views, and opinions were nuanced. Undoubtedly, this book leaned a certain way politically, but Graeber threw in quips at both the US conservatives and liberal elites. I learned so much because Graeber talked about labor from a multifaceted perspective, including going back to European feudalism and Christianity. I also couldn't get over the fact that the US could try and solve some of the complicated insurance systems that we have, particularly regarding healthcare, but if we streamline it and make it more efficient and productive, that would mean the loss of TONS of jobs in the insurance industry. It was truly phenomenal to learn how complicated our systems are and why they are that way (because, in reality, it's a choice).

What I Didn't Like: It's hard for me to pinpoint what I didn't like. Mostly, it was simply an Audiobook, and I didn't like that. Additionally, there were times when it was a little dull and boring, but I find that with the majority of nonfiction books, particularly about the economy or system structures. It also seemed to be a lot of opinion without many references, but that's because it was an Audiobook - I bet there was a massive list of references in the back of this book in physical copy.

Regardless, I thought this thought-provoking and interesting. I loved the premise that why do we have to be so strict on labels regarding systems? Graeber is adamant about universal income, but he also recognized that it would mean shrinking and eliminating some governmental jobs because he vehemently thought that there were too many jobs in the government. Those opinions are counterintuitive to one another politically and ideologically, but he nuanced views to help you understand the different perspectives. 

I've decided not to rate this review. It feels bizarre to do this. However, I got this book for free, so I had it just sitting on the shelf, waiting to be read. I know so many of my fellow friend readers loved this book. However, I had also heard the intense controversy around it, where the author came out and said this book was supposed to mimic the schools in the US and Canada that would essentially imprison Indigenous groups and forced them to assimilate into society. I am not Indigenous, and so after reading this, I cannot fathom trying to argue one way or the other. However, enough people of color and Indigenous folks have come out to say that tying the book to those schools is offensive and not handled with much care. I listen to them, so I won't give this book any stars. However, I will share below what I liked and disliked.

The Setup: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune is a cozy fantasy exploring acceptance, identity, and found family themes. The novel centers around Linus Baker, a middle-aged caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. His job involves inspecting orphanages that house magical children to ensure they are adequately cared for and not dangerous to society. Linus leads a monotonous, lonely life until he is given a highly classified assignment to investigate Marsyas Island Orphanage, home to six dangerous magical children and overseen by the enigmatic Arthur Parnassus. 

As Linus arrives at the orphanage, he meets a group of children whose powers and personalities range from a gnome gardener to a boy who is the literal Antichrist. Over time, Linus forms deep connections with the children and Arthur, whose secrets are gradually revealed. What starts as a bureaucratic mission transforms into a journey of self-discovery for Linus, as he realizes that love and acceptance are more important than adhering to rigid rules.

What I Liked: Listen, this novel oozed whimsy, humor, and heartfelt moments. On the surface lies the message of inclusivity and the idea that people (or magical beings) should not be defined by their labels, and there is usually more than meets the eye. The book was intended to tackle issues of prejudice and societal judgment while wrapped in a cozy, almost fairy-tale-like atmosphere. It was a feel-good, uplifting story and a lovely little break from reality.

There was also a cute little love story peppered throughout this, which I wholeheartedly enjoyed. The children were adorable, and each had their personalities, which I loved. The children made this story for me, as I liked them better than the main character, Linus, who constantly just talked about his round middle. *Sigh*. The book's idea was lovely and had a significant meaning from a bird's eye view. Overall, it was also an easy read. While predictable, it was a nice little getaway to a fantastical island (literally).

What I Didn't Like: Well, besides the fact that this book has been deemed insensitive to literal genocide, I also felt that it spoon-fed you with "goodness" at times. There was much telling instead of showing when it came to "teaching" the children about good vs. evil. This book aimed to showcase that Arthur was teaching children morals and how people should not be defined by their appearance, but it came across as a bit preachy. Therefore, I was pulled out of the story for some reason. I'm notorious for not enjoying many (subjective) "preachy" books.
 
I also didn't love Linus. It's hard to pinpoint why, but I don't think it was because he was a grump in this book. It was more that he was self-deprecating and bland, so I didn't see what others saw in him, including Arthur and the children. I may have missed something because I was alone in this assessment, but something was missing. 

Overall, I enjoyed this book. Once again, at the surface, it was a cute fantasy that showcased human (or magical being) connections and flaws. That said, I take its criticism to heart and understand that it may have shared this book is insensitive to a highly problematic event in the US and Canada.