tlindhorst's reviews
558 reviews

The Universe in Verse: 15 Portals to Wonder through Science & Poetry by Maria Popova

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adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

4.25

A lovely little book of essays by Maria Popova along with accompanying poems. My main wish was for more!
Nature Tales for Winter Nights by Nancy Campbell

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adventurous informative inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced

5.0

This is a delightful anthology of writings spanning centuries and continents about winter. A wonderfully eclectic yet moving reflection on the depths of the season. 
The Vegetarian by Han Kang

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challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

This book is not what I expected. I had read some generic reviews about it being full of violence — that is there but as an answer to why things are happening. The three linked stories provide perspectives on what is happening to Yeong-hye as she rejects meat and with it the standards by which the world operates. 
The Book of Purrs by Luís Coelho

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.75

A sweet little book of affirmations from cats’ perspectives. Some of the drawing style is not quite for me, but I loved the intent and kindness this book communicated. 
The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny

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challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This is the book LP wrote during the pandemic. As such, some of her writing about the pandemic being over felt uninformed. Yet as I consider, I think the majority of Americans and Canadians would endorse her belief. 

The mystery was interesting and confusing as these character studies usually are. What I love most about LP’s books is the way she illustrates how actions decades ago can reverberate in the present moment. 

Definitely worth the time. 
A Year with Rumi: Daily Readings by Coleman Barks

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective slow-paced

4.5

I read a poem a day this year from this book. I marked so many that I want to come back to. And reconnected with some of my favorites. 
Winter Solstice: An Essay by Nina MacLaughlin

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hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

3.75

This book is worth the price of admission for the 4th essay, “Burn Something Today.”  The rest were ok. 
Which Side Are You On by Ryan Lee Wong

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challenging emotional hopeful tense medium-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

3.0

Up until the last chapter of this book, I was in a zone of irritation with the narrator. His rigidity and authoritarian belief in his own correctness made me consider DNFing this book. However, I enjoyed the mom and the discussion of history I lived through (Rodney King riots and aftermath) so I kept going. In the last chapter the narrator has an abrupt change of heart which at least led me to feeling the author was aiming for this throughout the book. 

Any “movement” or “revolution” that cares more for ideological purity and not for the living, breathing people surrounding us is not for me anymore. 
In Between: The Poetry Comics of Mita Mahato by Mita Mahato

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adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious reflective relaxing slow-paced

4.25

Beautiful collage comics exploring identity, ecology and more. 
The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by Susan Wiggs

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing 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

3.25

A sweet romance with a sparkle of doggie dust over it!