nookandcrannyseattle's reviews
185 reviews

Homeward by Angela Jackson-Brown

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-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? No

3.75

I am really glad I listened to the audio on this one. It wasn't explicitly written as a diary, but the narration definitely had that feel. The audiobook narrator really embodied the character in a way that made it feel authentic. I think it would have felt more gratuitous if I had read it in print. Turning an unassuming character into a hero shouldn't have been unexpected, but it was both surprising and super satisfying. I loved that it still managed to be a portrayal of Black Joy, even in the face of hardship and evil.
The MANIAC by Benjamín Labatut

Go to review page

challenging informative slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

This book started off with a bang (sorry, tasteless pun) that led nowhere. It was one big missed opportunity. Such a shame. A fascinating and prescient topic rendered dry as a bone, and the narrative construct that required it be marketed as "fiction" was exactly its downfall. The author attempted to paint a picture of a vibrant historical figure through the perspectives of the people in his orbit, but since all the dozen or so voices were the same, they basically told us nothing. The childhood friend was interesting, the wife was interesting, the nemesis was interesting. The rest were unnecessary. Part 2 involving AI was engaging on its own merits, but clumsily tacked on to the rest of the story.
The Refugee Ocean by Pauls Toutonghi

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This book is stunning and a solid 5 stars. The 4.5 is for the audiobook, which is not nearly as good as the writing deserves. It sounds like it's being read by AI, although I'm pretty sure they are real people.
Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted reflective sad 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

It feels weird giving a 5-star rating here, but I can't find anything to dislike other than the fact that it's not really my generally preferred genre. But I was on a quest to find a romcom I didn't hate and this one came through! The characters were so deeply believable, that I didn't even mind the (almost) miscommunication trope, which is one of my least favorite. It worked because it made sense for them to communicate (or not) in that way. And their developmental arcs were so satisfying as to be almost unbelievable but, again, not, because I so completely bought into these characters and their relationship. Also, great setting. It was clear that the author has been on the trail and that added a lot of richness to the storytelling.
Learned by Heart by Emma Donoghue

Go to review page

emotional informative reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Donoghue's exceptional research managed to capture the humanity and romance of a deeply flawed, but essential character in queer history. Anne Lister is famous for having a lot to say, and the fact that the author chose to tell her story by giving voice to the heretofore voiceless Eliza Raine was a stroke of genius. Also, Shiromi Arserio's narration was outstanding. I only wish we were able to explore some of Anne and Eliza's relationship outside of school so the rift felt less abrupt.
The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho by Paterson Joseph

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring sad tense slow-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? It's complicated

4.25

If I had minor complaints about the structure of this story, I had none whatsoever about the great performance from author Paterson Joseph, or about the incredible amount of historical research put into bringing the story to life. Sancho was one of the most vibrant narrators I've encountered, no less because of his shortcomings than his heroism. I also loved the author interview at the end of the recording, which added so much context and richness to the experience. I can't wait for more from this author!
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson

Go to review page

funny lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I delayed reading it for so long because...do I really need to spend any more energy on stories of the 1%? I'm actually glad I picked it up. It was LOL funny at times, with fairly satisfying character development. It also largely dodged the "mommy issues" bullet, which would have been low-hanging fruit. Probably the best part, however, was Marin Ireland's narration. I become a bigger fan each time her name pops up.
Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed by Dashka Slater

Go to review page

challenging emotional informative sad tense medium-paced

5.0

I really appr ciated the rhythm and pace of Dasha Slater's writing. I had been meaning to read The 57 Bus for ages, but it so happens that this was my first introduction (other than the Escargot books for littles, which are perennial favorites). This book made me angry for reasons I can't quite explain here, and not completely for the reasons I would have expected. But the author's presentation was robust and balanced and I while I didn't "enjoy" it, per SE, I HIGHLY recommend it.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth, Sara Lautman

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Honestly, I loved it. It felt like it was building up to something big and I kept wishing their was more spooky. But then the ending felt just right. Maybe the side story with Simone felt a tiny bit slapdash, but I'm already over it. Also, I didn't realize until after I finished and read the author notes that Mary MacLane was a real person. Not sure if that would have affected anything about my perception as I read, but I'm now fascinated to learn more!
The Ghost Club by Kate Winkler Dawson

Go to review page

informative slow-paced

3.0

I guess it was interesting? Not sure what I expected. The author presented the material as if they were setting up to prove whether or not the Victorian ghost club was a scam, then seemed surprised when it was still a question mark at the end of all their research. Like, it's a ghost club. If we knew whether or not paranormal activity was real, it would lose both potency and enjoyment.