hotlizard's reviews
368 reviews

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as If Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss, Tahl Raz

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informative inspiring medium-paced

4.0

I would consider this one of the most essential reads within a lifetime - the type of thing rich kids (esp boys) are encouraged to read, that most of us in the real world do not. And we are poorer for it. The ability to negotiate with anyone as a partner, and not an adversary, is a priceless skill which most of us can benefit from. This will be an annual re-read for me. 
Children of the Black Glass, Volume 1 by Anthony Peckham

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adventurous challenging emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

For an *intermediate* reading level, it was quite an engaging read, clever, and full of lessons the children of the black glass had to learn. Hoping the next book in the series comes out soon!
Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful lighthearted 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? No

5.0

Well. I see it now. 
I love all of these characters so much and if I lose any of then I will riot. 
The Ledge: An Adventure Story of Friendship and Survival on Mount Rainier by Jim Davidson, Kevin Vaughan

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challenging dark reflective sad tense slow-paced

3.75

I wouldn't pick this up if you want to feel enjoyment while reading - I don't mean thay this is a terrible book, but that it's mostly full of really tough dissection of a man forced to deal with the death of a very good friend AND try to survive despite the overwhelming despair and physical obstacles. Overall important read I think if you're an adventurer at heart. 

I personally didn't enjoy it because I have a complex about the rock climbing world. But again, in this instance it doesn’t mean a bad book - well written, important- I just didn't like it. 
She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement by Jodi Kantor, Megan Twohey

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challenging emotional informative tense medium-paced

4.0

I think this was a 5 star book for me if you count the first section (on Harvey Weinstein). The second section felt like a "oh by the way" and a little disjointed. It was rushed and felt separate from the main story. 

Otherwise, a very important read and chronicle of that very ugly man who abused and assaulted women for decades and all of the men and women that protected him. 

I'm wondering if it's worthwhile now to read Ronan Farrow's book accounting similar history.
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Kenna's Dragon by Leigh Miller

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adventurous challenging emotional lighthearted tense 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? Yes

5.0

I love this book. It was different from the first in the series - in the *trope* and monster sense, since now we're dealing with a grumbly dragon and the fmc is outspoken and adventurous. And again, a million snaps for consent. I enjoy when authors write it well (though I think it was more present in the first book). I need the next book in the series stat!
Nora's Kraken by Leigh Miller

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted 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? No

4.0

Well I'll be damned. Read it for a joke, and now I'm excited for book 2. Tentacles aside, I think it's important to note what makes this book a great little (maybe silly) treat - consent, validation, praise - in addition to a neat plot about monsters becoming part of society in a modern day setting. I honestly might re-read it one day. 
The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

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adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • 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

My early opinion stands. This book will mean little if read first. But read after the third? It DESTROYED me. 

Onto the next, but first a quote that makes so much more sense now:
“My name is Celaena Sardothien,” she whispered, “and I will not be afraid.”
😭
The Night Swim by Megan Goldin

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dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

It was fine. A little murder mystery and my first guess was right. 
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry

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dark hopeful lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced

3.5

I teeter between good and kind of really good. I listened to the audio and the eerieness of listening to a man no longer alive shook me up a little. I mean this is our FRIEND. 

The book itself chronicles Perry's fortunate life which belonged to an unfortunate man. It's a book that delves into the inner works of the disease of addiction and Perry bares himself. It doesn't make him very likable, the opposite in fact. 

Despite that, I think it's a good read and an essential one if you want to hear and understand a little, of what the inside of an addict's mind sounds like.