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ocoury23's reviews
46 reviews
The Woman They Could Not Silence: The Timeless Story of an Outspoken Woman and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear by Kate Moore
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.0
*Review based on experiencing the book as an audiobook
This book was incredible to listen to and learn from, but also was incredibly long. Elizabeth Packard was a name I had never heard before, but her story is inspiring and I would highly recommend this for book for any adult-level readers (due to the sensitive content that is discussed). Truthfully, my main drawback to this was the length - I’m not sure if I would be able to work my way through this again without taking my time.
This book was incredible to listen to and learn from, but also was incredibly long. Elizabeth Packard was a name I had never heard before, but her story is inspiring and I would highly recommend this for book for any adult-level readers (due to the sensitive content that is discussed). Truthfully, my main drawback to this was the length - I’m not sure if I would be able to work my way through this again without taking my time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Suicide and Excrement
The Insect Crisis: The Fall of the Tiny Empires That Run the World by Oliver Milman
dark
informative
sad
slow-paced
2.5
*Review based on experiencing the book as an audiobook
This is one of those books that I finished because of the principle of finishing it and not out of any enjoyment. I agree with other reviewers that the pacing and structure of this book felt choppy and disjointed, and really was just a giant collect of the results of a number of studies. I get it - conservation is bleak and there are no promises of a brighter future, but I feel like there could have been more engaging ways of conveying that message. The end of the book took a turn and focused on specific species, people, and stories, which I wish had been the way the whole book was written because I feel like I would have enjoyed it much more.
This is one of those books that I finished because of the principle of finishing it and not out of any enjoyment. I agree with other reviewers that the pacing and structure of this book felt choppy and disjointed, and really was just a giant collect of the results of a number of studies. I get it - conservation is bleak and there are no promises of a brighter future, but I feel like there could have been more engaging ways of conveying that message. The end of the book took a turn and focused on specific species, people, and stories, which I wish had been the way the whole book was written because I feel like I would have enjoyed it much more.
Irena's Children: The Extraordinary Story of the Woman Who Saved 2,500 Children from the Warsaw Ghetto by Tilar J. Mazzeo
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
*Review based on experiencing the book as an audiobook
This is the kind of book I’d encourage anyone to read - not because it’s especially beautifully written, but because of the power of the story and the lessons we can all learn from it. As time lapses and the events of the past become even more distant, I’m grateful for books such as this which show the ugly and raw side of history. Though at times the writing was a little slow and maybe even hard to follow, read this book if only for the bettering of one’s self.
This is the kind of book I’d encourage anyone to read - not because it’s especially beautifully written, but because of the power of the story and the lessons we can all learn from it. As time lapses and the events of the past become even more distant, I’m grateful for books such as this which show the ugly and raw side of history. Though at times the writing was a little slow and maybe even hard to follow, read this book if only for the bettering of one’s self.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Antisemitism, War, and Deportation
Moderate: Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Suicide, Torture, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, and Murder
How Far the Light Reaches: A Life in Ten Sea Creatures by Sabrina Imbler
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.5
*Trigger warnings for book: non-consensual sex and references to eating disorders
*Review based on experiencing the book as an audiobook
I enjoyed this book, especially since the author narrated the audiobook themself, so you can really appreciate the stories as they are meant to be told. Each chapter is a different story, perspective, or experience of the author, paired with a unique sea creature to which a metaphor is created. While I appreciated learning about each of the unique animals, some of the metaphors and descriptive language was a bit exaggerated, while others were beautifully conveyed. I really appreciated getting to see the perspective of the author - someone whose life I will never be able to live, but I feel more enriched for having gleaned the smallest glance at their experiences.
*Review based on experiencing the book as an audiobook
I enjoyed this book, especially since the author narrated the audiobook themself, so you can really appreciate the stories as they are meant to be told. Each chapter is a different story, perspective, or experience of the author, paired with a unique sea creature to which a metaphor is created. While I appreciated learning about each of the unique animals, some of the metaphors and descriptive language was a bit exaggerated, while others were beautifully conveyed. I really appreciated getting to see the perspective of the author - someone whose life I will never be able to live, but I feel more enriched for having gleaned the smallest glance at their experiences.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder and Sexual content
End of Days: The Assassination of John F. Kennedy by James L. Swanson
informative
sad
slow-paced
3.5
*Review based on experiencing the book as an audiobook
I learned a lot from this book, but that was mostly because I had zero knowledge of JFK’s assassination besides the fact that it happened. I struggled to get through some parts due to the slow pace and repetition of the same facts or events over and over. And while I appreciate the obvious love and admiration that the author had for the president, it definitely came through in his writing as biased without much acknowledgement of the other side of the coin - that not all of the public loved President Kennedy and his relationship with his wife was not all sunshine and roses. I don’t know if I would read this again, but it was an enjoyable experience and I don’t regret sticking with it to the end.
I learned a lot from this book, but that was mostly because I had zero knowledge of JFK’s assassination besides the fact that it happened. I struggled to get through some parts due to the slow pace and repetition of the same facts or events over and over. And while I appreciate the obvious love and admiration that the author had for the president, it definitely came through in his writing as biased without much acknowledgement of the other side of the coin - that not all of the public loved President Kennedy and his relationship with his wife was not all sunshine and roses. I don’t know if I would read this again, but it was an enjoyable experience and I don’t regret sticking with it to the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Gun violence, and Blood
Countdown by Carol Fiore
5.0
As a young girl I was introduced to the worlds of Tamora Pierce and from the first chapter of the first book I was hooked! Badass heroines, animals, magic...to this day, she is still one of my favorite authors. I’ve included this tidbit in my review because reading Countdown transported me right back to my middle school days in the best of ways. This is a book that I found my adult self loving and wishing I had read years ago! There is a great mix of action, romance, and mystery, but is still appropriate for younger audiences. Add in a strong lead female character surrounded by unique and fun supporting characters, and you have a wonderful journey that I easily found myself getting lost in. If you have a young environmentalist in your life, get them this book!