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josiemi's reviews
70 reviews
Small Mouth Sounds by Bess Wohl
challenging
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Hands down one of my favorite plays! I’m fortunate enough to have seen this play staged and it’s fun to read it afterwards, but there’s nothing like seeing an actual production. I love thinking about my relationship with silence, how I communicate, etc.
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I read the book while listening to the audio. I love when a book is narrated by the author themselves. I love that Verghese brings world to life by giving each main character a distinct voice, doing dialects and accents, etc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Death
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book is a stunning work of art. It took me 4 months to get through, but it was worth it. It’s not the type of book I usually reach for, but it is beautifully written. The imagery of India is unparalleled and made me realize how little I know about this region of the world. The complexities of this family over generations is fascinating and I’m glad that I stuck with it, although part of me feels that this book might have been better as 2 volumes rather than compressed into one large book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Death
i will still be whole (when you rip me in half) by Ava Wong Davies
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
4.0
The Burning God by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What a way to finish a series. In my opinion this is the best out of the original trilogy. I love the darkness and grit of this book compared to its predecessors. It pulls no punches and I found it utterly devastating.
The Language of Food: A Linguist Reads the Menu by Dan Jurafsky
informative
slow-paced
3.75
Found this book really intriguing and I loved the incorporation of recipes. I got a little bored with the format as each chapter seemed a bit repetitive in structure (not in content). I think it touches on some awesome cultural points.
Multicultural Magic of Cafe Japon by Miyoko Honma
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
This is a no frills cookbook. I’m a fan of café Japon that used to be on Liberty in my hometown of Ann Arbor. My mom and I would frequent the shop when I was a child and I adored the pastries. My grandmother was dying during this time and didn’t have much of an appetite, however, she loved any of the treats we would bring her. I’m thrilled that I now have a book to help me bring these recipes to life in my own kitchen and remember the flavors of my childhood.
Kung Food by Jon Kung
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
Kung’s voice is loud and clear throughout this cookbook. It is wonderful hear Kung’s voice walk us through their own personal history, the backgrounds of these dishes and what it means to be a third culture kid. I think this book takes on a greater meaning of “you are what you eat.”
Mooncakes and Milk Bread: Sweet and Savory Recipes Inspired by Chinese Bakeries by Kristina Cho
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
4.75
This cookbook is so beautiful and contains wonderful stories. It is such a stunning representation of Chinese and Asian-America. Multiple things can exist at the same time together. I wouldn’t say this is the most accessible cookbook in terms of tools; some of these recipes require investments in time and equipment but are absolutely worth it!
Mrs. Warren's Profession by George Bernard Shaw
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This play is delight to read! It’s funny, I love the female characters, however, it’s definitely of its time. Personally, I find it to be a wonderful period piece, although I understand how it would feel distant to a modern audience and/or reader.