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hotlizard's reviews
368 reviews
So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love by Cal Newport
fast-paced
2.0
This was somehow ineffectually offensive, poorly researched, and uninteresting written all at once.
Perhaps one thing can be taken away is that, you don't always need to have deep overwhelming passion for what you do. You can be a worthwhile human being just being good at a job and not tying yourself worth to it. It's just a tool to get you to the things you do want to do.
Of course, he didn't say that but I'm telling you so that you don't spend any time on this book.
Perhaps one thing can be taken away is that, you don't always need to have deep overwhelming passion for what you do. You can be a worthwhile human being just being good at a job and not tying yourself worth to it. It's just a tool to get you to the things you do want to do.
Of course, he didn't say that but I'm telling you so that you don't spend any time on this book.
Barbarian's Prize by Ruby Dixon
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I think this might be my favorite in the series. Do check trigger warnings.
The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.0
The Atlas Paradox by Olivie Blake
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
They hate themselves and everyone else and ultimately try to kill everyone or whatever. Boohoo.
This was a re-read because when I tried to read the next book I couldn't remember what happened before.
I almost thought it was a different experience (having listened to it via audiobook this time). However my previous icks came back: despite the really neat plot and cool pseudo sci fi, the "dark academia" vibes are meh. All the characters are well off but still try to convince people that they have suffered and are unique.
Anyway, I still want to know how it all ends so I'll be starting book 3 soon.
This was a re-read because when I tried to read the next book I couldn't remember what happened before.
I almost thought it was a different experience (having listened to it via audiobook this time). However my previous icks came back: despite the really neat plot and cool pseudo sci fi, the "dark academia" vibes are meh. All the characters are well off but still try to convince people that they have suffered and are unique.
Anyway, I still want to know how it all ends so I'll be starting book 3 soon.
We See Each Other: A Black, Trans Journey Through TV and Film by Tre'vell Anderson
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
I came to know about this book through the podcast What a Day and I'm so happy to have finally picked it up. I have both the physical copy and the audio book - but I recommend the audiobook in Anderson's own voice (which I already knew I'd love from the podcast). A sharp and encompassing though by no means complete picture of trans and gender non conforming folks in the media.
Space Oddities: The Mysterious Anomalies Challenging Our Understanding of the Universe by Harry Cliff
informative
medium-paced
3.0
I believe this will warrant a re-read. The audio book was almost a waste because of all the math and diagrams included so that's on me. The book does require some basic prerequisite knowledge of quantum mechanics, string theory, general relativity, etc.
Voyage of the Damned by Frances White
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
I really had no idea what I was in for but this fantasy, magic, queer, ship-bound murder mystery (or "the fantasy gay murder cruise" as someone put it) really won my heart.
I'm not a murder mystery person but this one did it for me. Likely because it had an ending that produced a resolution and even more likely because, **MAGIC**.
My heart is left here, with the sweet Dee who said, bravely, "I am not nothing".
I'm not a murder mystery person but this one did it for me. Likely because it had an ending that produced a resolution and even more likely because, **MAGIC**.
My heart is left here, with the sweet Dee who said, bravely, "I am not nothing".
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Suicide attempt, and Murder
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
I can see why many consider ToD to be a top favorite in the series. On to Kingdom of Ash!
Thinking 101: How to Reason Better to Live Better by Woo-Kyoung Ahn
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
For someone who hates self-help books I sure do read a lot that are adjacent.
Anyway. At first I found this book annoying because it just repeated all the concepts you learn in conducting research and doing public health communications. However, the examples and digestion of the many biases we face and how we can overcome them in life, not just academically or work, was surprisingly insightful and helpful. I think this might be a re-read for me since it's nice to remind yourself sometimes, that maybe it's NOT what you think.
The best anecdote by far mentioned is that, our stoplights in the US, are not actually red, yellow, and green. They are red, ORANGE, and green. Courtesy of a sweet 4 year old who challenged their mom to actually look.
Anyway. At first I found this book annoying because it just repeated all the concepts you learn in conducting research and doing public health communications. However, the examples and digestion of the many biases we face and how we can overcome them in life, not just academically or work, was surprisingly insightful and helpful. I think this might be a re-read for me since it's nice to remind yourself sometimes, that maybe it's NOT what you think.
The best anecdote by far mentioned is that, our stoplights in the US, are not actually red, yellow, and green. They are red, ORANGE, and green. Courtesy of a sweet 4 year old who challenged their mom to actually look.