February Book Reviews 2022
By Jessica Marie Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder 3/5 Stars I have very conflicting feelings about this book. I read the series in High School and I remember enjoying them, but I remembered absolutely nothing else, simply that I read them and liked them. I was curious and decided to give them another shot. Since I didn’t remember anything, it was essentially like reading them again for the first time. I read the entire book and read it rather quickly, I would stay up past my bedtime (yes, I’m an adult with a bedtime, and since I set the bedtime, I can break it, much to my morning self’s chagrin) to read just a few more pages. Snyder does a great job of ending every chapter on a cliffhanger that you simply must know what happens next. However, there was almost no character description or development. It is pretty much entirely plot driven. Which, the plot is full of twists and turns and constantly keeping you on your toes. But, I couldn’t really tell you anything about the main character or most of the side characters. I don’t really know who they are or what they want. I don’t think they have a dream, goal, or objective in any sense outside of their literal job in Ixia. Everyone is single-minded and one-dimensional. However, they at least weren’t making every stupid decision that a character could make. Like I said, very conflicting feelings. I enjoyed it, I have since finished book 2 in the series and am reading book 3. So, I do like the book(s), however, if you are looking for characters to fall in love with you may want to pass. But if you enjoy YA style fantasy, magic, and some political intrigue you’ll enjoy this book/series. The Two Towers by J. R. R. Tolkien 5/5 Stars I watch the extended editions at least once a year and every 5-10 years I listen to the books on tape again. I don’t particularly love the style of writing, that’s why I listen on audio versus physically reading. But it’s good to see little bits and pieces that are left out of the movies or develop the characters in a way that is hinted at and simply knowing more of the story. Liberty & Tyranny by Mark R. Levin 5/5 Stars My Dad suggested we listen to this book on tape as that is how he prefers to consume books, and so we listened to it when went on rides through the country. We would pause and debate or go further in depth about what the author was saying. We started listening in 2020 and only finally finished it now. When we started listening, we were on opposite ends of the political spectrum, though a great many recent events have changed us and we see more eye-to-eye on most topics. We still have some differences, but we agree far more than we realized now. I think listening to this book helped us facilitate that. It gave us a chance to talk out thoughts, ideas, and opinions that we had. See from different perspectives and try to understand how the world works (politically) and what could be improved upon. No matter your political affiliation, I would suggest reading this book. You never want to be caught inside an echo chamber and only hear one idea or opinion. And you can hear ideas, perspectives, or facts implemented in a way you hadn’t considered before. Plus, learn more about how government works in general. Overall, good book and would suggest to anyone. Alone in Wonderland by Christine Reed 5/5 Stars I absolutely loved this book! I thought Christine really captured the essence of trying to navigate being a 20-something female in America today. Our society, culture, and what exactly is independence. I loved her insights into van-life, outdoor recreation, and being a woman. I didn’t realize how much internal gate-keeping I did to myself by believing I couldn’t enjoy or give myself labels as an outdoors-y or wilderness loving woman because I didn’t do it as well, as fast, as often, or as hardcore as someone else. How she wrestled with those feelings and did what she wanted to anyway, all while fighting internal battles. The fact that we aren’t ever fighting one battle at a time, but wresting with different ideas, concepts, values, and beliefs all at once. The book was told very candidly. It felt like sitting down with morning coffee with Christine and she would tell just a little bit more of her story. I resonated with a lot of her thoughts and struggles. Seeing her life play out, I could see the reflections in myself and in so many around me. If you like nature, wilderness, outdoors, and are a 20-something woman trying to find your place in this world, this book is for you. This wilderness, outdoors, adventure woman memoir is quickly becoming one of my favorite genres.
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AuthorJessica Marie Cunningham - Intentional lifestyle blogger, aspiring author, and podcast host. All things Slow Living, Books, Writing, Art, creativity, Christianity, and personal stories. Archives
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