thebacklistbook's reviews
300 reviews

Capitalism and Freedom: Fortieth Anniversary Edition by Milton Friedman

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 4%.
I read the 2002 preface and skimmed the rest. What I did read was wildly out of touch. I can understand how a disillusioned professor coming into his career at the height of war-time rationing would have been influenced to think like this. However wanton capitalism as Friedman suggests is also the "wrong cure for the wrong disease". All I can say is I feel far more free with universal healthcare than I ever could without it.
Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon

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

2.0

Hope Harbor is a small town America analogue. Two tortured souls find their way to each other. Add in one kooky taco chef, one town recluse, an ailing cranberry farm, and a charity in need. Together that is the recipe for a redemption arc.

The story itself was pleasant enough and an easy read. it only gets two stars because I am not a fan of certain aspects of the narrative. There is a part in the epilogue which suggests one needs be religious in order to find love, or peace. It also suggests that one won't feel at home unless they are in a relationship or aspiring to be in one. Overall not a bad read.
Annie Bot by Sierra Greer

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challenging dark reflective tense fast-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? Yes

2.0

Annie is a femmebot. She comes in three basic presets nanny, cuddle bunny, and Abigail (housekeeper). Doug is human. He owns Annie. A short while ago he decided he wanted an upgrade. Annie is now autodidactic. 

She can learn. Doug likes teaching her. But he can't control what she learns.... 

This book is an interesting look at what it might be like to be in an abusive relationship. It explores the nuance of seeming to be property. It also explores consent. This book will make you squirm, and it should. I only give this two stars because it reads like a first draft, rather than a completed product.
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Shit, Actually: The Definitive, 100% Objective Guide to Modern Cinema by Lindy West

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challenging tense slow-paced

2.0

That was the least humorous thing I've read that was trying to be funny. Her COVID stress oozed right off the page. 

The essay on twilight and Titanic were the highlights of the book. Honestly I feel quite ambivalent about his book. I didn't love it, didn't hate it. It just exists. 
Of Light and Shadow by Tanaz Bhathena

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adventurous challenging dark funny hopeful mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I loved this book from the first page. As soon as I saw the map I knew it would be a wild ride. The story follows a group of bandits struggling to get by because they insist on helping others as well as themselves. Through magic, emotional turmoil, and war they persevere. But will they get what they need or only what they want? You will just have to read it. 
The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

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dark emotional informative reflective sad tense slow-paced

3.0

This book was one I checked out just to have something to listen to. It was very informative about the suffering she has been through.
Lost in Paris by Betty Webb

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challenging dark mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

2.0

Well, this book did hold my attention alright. I can't say that I ever came to even sympathize with Zoe. She is extremely unlikeable, constantly sticking her nose places it really doesn't belong. The book was worth reading for all the side characters. Eventually I may continue with this series.
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

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2.0

Didn't hold my attention the same way it used to. Took me ages to slog through it!
The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

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

5.0

The Summoning can be viewed in one of two ways, as the author intended it, and as something else. It is intended to read as the coming of age story of an adolescent necromancer, in a decidedly non-magic world, full of mystery and intrigue. It can also be viewed as the teenage struggle to accept mental illness. Possible triggers for dissociative identity disorder and other illnesses present. Kelley Armstrong spins a brilliant yarn either way you choose to take it.
Savor: A Chef's Hunger for More by Fatima Ali

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emotional informative reflective sad tense slow-paced

2.0

I first came across Fatima on her season of top chef. She was tenacious and more than a little pig-headed based on how they edited the show. I read this book because it was honestly a gut punch to learn that she had died of cancer. She was so young. I can't help thinking, if she had chosen to make her career in a country with universal health care could it have made a difference? 

This book takes you through her short life from soup to nuts. Or from dahl to sushi. I listened to this on audio because I knew I wouldn't get through it as a physical book. As it is I spent months listening to the audio. It contains both her perspectives and her mother's on key events from her life.
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