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clacksee's reviews
1116 reviews
Both Not Half: A Radical New Approach to Mixed Heritage Identity by Jassa Ahluwalia
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
5.0
I really can't praise this book enough. I went into it for the author's thoughts on life as a mixed-heritage person in the UK. And I did get that, but there's so much more than just that. In the interview at the end, the author's sister describes this book as 'part historical nonfiction, part manifesto, part memoir' and I think that's completely fair.
It's really about rejecting the binary – the idea that we must choose A or B, White or Brown, gay or straight, male or female, etc. It resonated with me on so many levels.
I am White. Ethnically, I'm something like 97% White British. There's no escaping that reality. But I'm also an immigrant. I'm Canadian. And I'm British. I'm both.
This book isn't chronological, rather it's divided by themes. And, honestly, there wasn't a single chapter where I disagreed or thought the author was over-simplifying. There wasn't anything he said that made me feel like I didn't understand.
Anyways. Read this book. Reject the binary. Join a union.
It's really about rejecting the binary – the idea that we must choose A or B, White or Brown, gay or straight, male or female, etc. It resonated with me on so many levels.
I am White. Ethnically, I'm something like 97% White British. There's no escaping that reality. But I'm also an immigrant. I'm Canadian. And I'm British. I'm both.
This book isn't chronological, rather it's divided by themes. And, honestly, there wasn't a single chapter where I disagreed or thought the author was over-simplifying. There wasn't anything he said that made me feel like I didn't understand.
Anyways. Read this book. Reject the binary. Join a union.
Skin Deep by Liz Nugent
Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.
DNF at around 15%. I intensely disliked the MC. I loved Strange Sally Diamond, but this one just really wasn’t the right book for me.
Space Rogues 5: So This is Earth? by John Wilker
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I actual think this is a much more realistic view of the human response to aliens than much of what’s out there.
And yay for an Alberta mention!
And yay for an Alberta mention!
13 Steps to Evil by Sacha Black
challenging
funny
informative
fast-paced
4.75
Really useful guide. Challenges readers to think through our villains more to make them fully realised and compelling characters.
I will caution protective readers, though. The author makes frequent gushing references to a certain transphobic author all throughout the book. This was written back when that author was mainly known for her books rather than for her fascism, though.
I will caution protective readers, though. The author makes frequent gushing references to a certain transphobic author all throughout the book. This was written back when that author was mainly known for her books rather than for her fascism, though.
Ancestral Night by Elizabeth Bear
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Much of this book explores philosophical topics. A large portion of it is taken up with the debate over whether it’s better to prioritise the collective at the expense of the individual or the individual at the expense of the collective. Part of it explores the fundamental nature of who a person is.
The characters were fantastic – brilliantly realised. But the book was too long and complicated for my tastes.
The characters were fantastic – brilliantly realised. But the book was too long and complicated for my tastes.
The Craft of Character: How to Create Deep and Engaging Characters Your Audience Will Never Forget by Mark Paul Boutros
challenging
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
4.75
Really useful.
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Five years ago, Lucy killed here best friend. Or did she?
The one person who definitely doesn’t know the answer is Lucy. Everyone else is sure.
This book is called Listen for the Lie; a more accurate title would be Listen for the Truth – because it doesn’t come up very often. Everyone in this town is lying about something.
The one person who definitely doesn’t know the answer is Lucy. Everyone else is sure.
This book is called Listen for the Lie; a more accurate title would be Listen for the Truth – because it doesn’t come up very often. Everyone in this town is lying about something.
Make Bosses Pay Why We Need Unions by Eve Livingston
challenging
informative
fast-paced
4.5
The subtitle of this book is ‘Why We Need Unions’ and so I think I expected more focus on how unions function and how they help.
What I got instead was a book that primarily revolved around how unions can evolve to meet the needs of evolving labour markets and how they can attract younger members.
One other thing I noticed was that the author seemed to assume that readers would take her views on politics and economics as a given. Politically, we’d probably agree on policies, but not on practical matters. Economically, we’re further apart.
This is a great resource, full of excellent ideas and examples – but it wasn’t quite what I was expecting.
What I got instead was a book that primarily revolved around how unions can evolve to meet the needs of evolving labour markets and how they can attract younger members.
One other thing I noticed was that the author seemed to assume that readers would take her views on politics and economics as a given. Politically, we’d probably agree on policies, but not on practical matters. Economically, we’re further apart.
This is a great resource, full of excellent ideas and examples – but it wasn’t quite what I was expecting.
Murder in Christmas River: A Christmas Cozy Mystery by Meg Muldoon
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Fun cosy(ish) mystery with baked goods, an adorable dog, and a good cast of characters.
Doughnut economics by Kate Raworth
challenging
informative
inspiring
5.0
My master’s degree is in finance; I’ve studied economics at a post-grad level. And this model just plain makes sense. Why isn’t this being taught everywhere?
But this book is so much more than economics. It’s formed up in my mind that the only hope for the human race is if we all work together.
You know who needs to read this book? Rachel Reeves, that’s who. Also, everyone.
PS: Join a union.
But this book is so much more than economics. It’s formed up in my mind that the only hope for the human race is if we all work together.
You know who needs to read this book? Rachel Reeves, that’s who. Also, everyone.
PS: Join a union.