nicole_bookmarked's reviews
1021 reviews

Just finished The Family Experiment by John Marrs, and it was quite the journey. The concept grabbed me right from the start, offering a mix of dystopian and reality TV elements that's both unique and bold. This book, the third in a series, ventures into new territory, and while it's a bit of a puzzle to keep all the pieces straight, it showcases Marrs's knack for ambitious storytelling. Though it didn’t quite capture my heart like the previous entries, its intricate plot and the moral dilemmas it presents were definitely thought-provoking. Gave it a solid three stars 🌟🌟🌟 - it’s a testament to Marrs' creativity, even if it didn't top my list of favorites. 

Sociopath was an eye-opener for me. This memoir isn't your typical journey through someone's life. Dr. Patric Gagne takes us deep into the world of a sociopath - herself. It's a fascinating, raw, and sometimes chilling exploration of what it means to live with sociopathy.⁠
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Gagne describes her life with stark honesty, detailing her experiences of feeling certain emotions like happiness and anger, but missing out on others like shame, guilt, and remorse. The concept of "stuck stress" and her methods of coping with this emotional void through acts like breaking into homes and stealing cars are both terrifying and intriguing. It makes you ponder the fine line between feeling too little and feeling too much.⁠
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What struck me most was the portrayal of sociopathy not just as a disorder but as a misunderstood personality type. Gagne's relationship with her now-husband David adds a personal touch, showing how acceptance can ease the restlessness that comes from her condition. Yet, the book doesn't shy away from the complexities of sociopathy, such as the anxiety and stress from hiding one's true self and the notion that there's no treatment for it.⁠
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Gagne's indifference to others' opinions and her candidness are admirable. It made me wonder if, as she suggests, there's a spectrum of sociopathy that we're all on to some extent. ⁠
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Sociopath is a thought-provoking memoir that offers a unique perspective from someone who navigates both the personal and professional aspects of being a well-adjusted sociopath. If you're curious about the inner workings of a mind that operates differently from the norm, this book is a compelling read.⁠
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Thanks to @NetGalley and @PanMacmillan for this e-ARC! ⁠

To be honest, I wasn't exactly jumping with excitement to start reading this book. It was a pick for my local book club, so I went for it - and, surprise, surprise, I'm glad I did!

Lisa See has clearly poured a ton of research into this novel. Set in 15th century China, it paints a vivid picture of life during that era, especially highlighting the stark class and gender divides and the state of medicine. The book delves into some harsh realities, like the brutal tradition of foot binding.

At its heart, though, is a beautiful exploration of friendship among women. In a time when women's rights were non-existent, the support and bond between these characters were truly uplifting to read. The story is inspired by the real-life Yunxian Tan, a pioneering female doctor, which adds an extra layer of authenticity and depth.

Fair warning, the pacing can feel a bit slow at first, but it picks up in the second half and becomes quite the page-turner.

If you're into historical fiction and stories about strong women defying the odds, this might just be your next favorite read. Definitely an enjoyable piece of historical fiction that took me by surprise.