helendipietro's reviews
243 reviews

Recitatif by Toni Morrison

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mysterious reflective sad fast-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? Yes

4.5

Unique, thought-provoking and reflective. I craved more but understand that it’s shortness adds to the effect. 

I ended up reading Zadie Smith’s introduction after reading the story and I’m so glad I did this; I got to have my own reading experience with my own thoughts first then take the time afterwards to reflect with Zadie. Both pieces were interesting and engaging to read. 

This book is one that I can imagine reading again and one that I can imagine being studied. It’s full of unanswered questions, up and downs, time changes so it’s definitely a unique one for sure!

This was my first Morrison so I will of course be reading something else! Perhaps Sula and Beloved! 👌

5* for how clever and unique it is but 4* for my enjoyment of this reading experience. 
Nightshift by Kiare Ladner

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  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This book is definitely a page turner and it’s easy to read! I liked certain parts of it and thought bits were clever but overall it didn’t feel developed enough. Definitely a dark one though!
The Poetry Pharmacy Forever: New Prescriptions to Soothe, Revive and Inspire by William Sieghart

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing slow-paced

5.0

Love that I picked this up as it came at the right time for me! I needed a little hope and this Poetry Pharmacy sure did give me that. It makes you feel soothed and less alone. Often I enjoyed Sieghart’s writing more than the poem itself; he add so more meaning and understanding to the reading experience. Loved it!  
Claude at the Palace by Alex T. Smith

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funny lighthearted 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

4.0

Great stepping stone from picture books! Love Claude’s character, the humour and of course the illustration style! Perfect for 5 and 6 year olds I’d say!
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

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

4.0

This is my first Keegan and I will definitely be reading more of her work now. I’ve been finding short stories to be rather refreshing! This one is emotional, poignant and impactful; I also like the character of Furlong. I, too, was reminded of ‘Of Mice and Men’ when reading this. The setting and general atmosphere is done so well; I would have liked just a bit more character development. I’m glad I read this and will be looking more into this tragic history + I’ll watch the film! 
Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson

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  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Wow! Loved this! Beautiful, poetic writing with such control over every sentence! It’s emotional, reflective and will definitely make you feel something! The last few pages were a little confusing to me so I may re read this but overall it was fantastic! 
The Swifts by Beth Lincoln

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.
Started and was enjoying it but wasn’t fully into it. Life got in the way so must return!
Cross My Heart and Never Lie by Nora Dåsnes

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hopeful lighthearted relaxing 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

4.0

The Big O: An Empowering Guide to Loving, Dating and F*cking by Oloni

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informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

This is an extremely comprehensive manifesto for sex-positivity! It covers everything from sexual desires, pleasure, consent, kinks, taboos and some of the history behind it all. It''s relevant, accessible and would help to educate and empower many people. Oloni's tone is energetic, honest but charismatic and it makes it an enjoyable read. It feels like she's fighting your corner!


Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor

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hopeful informative reflective sad slow-paced

4.0

This book has made me want to change the way that I breathe. It reminds and enlightens us to prioritise breathing through our noses to aid health. I can see how some people didn’t vibe with the amount of anecdotal evidence included over scientific research and journals etc but it’s clearly still a well researched book. I actually enjoyed the hands on approach Nestor took as he takes us on his travels of the world to discover ancient breathing practices. It gave me hope, as someone who is a mouth breather and snorer, that I am not a passenger in my body but the pilot!! 👩‍✈️