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Audiobook Review – Talking to Strangers

So when I picked this book up, I don’t think I knew exactly what I was getting into. Covering recent high-profile events of violence, rape, pedophilia, and torture in detail—this is a stomach-turning and uncomfortable read.

And though the accounts Gladwell brings to the table are interesting, for the first 95% of this book, I didn’t actually know what the punchline was or how these topics connected.

At first this seemed to be a book about how difficult it is to actually detect when someone is lying. But then we also delved into topics of both coupling and alcohol. Disparate strands that I’m still having trouble trying together into the final conclusion.

Which (I think) is that in 99% of cases it doesn’t pay off to expect the worst of people, and we cannot turn murky grays into black and white. Honestly, I’m still chewing it all over. But if you’re looking for a different perspective to provoke thought (and you don’t mind dark topics), you might try this one. Though I do believe you have to read to the very end to see what he’s trying to get at.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Watch those content warnings, my friends.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Book Review – The Maiden Ship

Definitely enjoyed this heartwarming, magical adventure on the sea with its huge found family vibes, colorful cast, a sweet slow-burn romance, and old lore. Will definitely be reading book 2!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’m a sucker for an adventure on the high seas!

Thanks for reading!

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Audiobook Review – The Bomber Mafia

Malcolm Gladwell is one of the few nonfiction authors that can really draw me in. The way he writes and narrates his audiobooks makes me feel like I’m sitting across the table from him and he’s telling me a story and teaching me a history lesson at the same time. He showcases so much depth to the figures of history, their motivations, and the chain of events that led to huge world events in a way that’s both incredibly intelligent but also so accessible, I’m always drawn in. The actual audio of the interviews too ranging back fifty years were also a really awesome addition to this. My only critique is that the overarching story or theme of this book feels a little lost. It feels like, in a way, he was pitting LeMay and Hansell against one another, but that narrative feels a little murky. Then again, history is murky, so maybe he hit it just right.

⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Gladwell is one of the *very* few that can interest me in a nonfiction book, so cheers to that.

Thanks for reading!

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Book Review – A Daughter of the Trolls

Beautiful writing with an imaginative and unique fairy-tale-like adventure in an atmospheric world both cozy and dark. Lovable characters, a sweet romance, and a few twists along the way. Definitely recommend and can’t wait to read book 2!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Heartwarming and creepy at the same time. I’m here for it!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Only When It’s Us

What I liked:

  • The narration
  • Ryder was very sweet and overcomes a lot

What I didn’t like:

  • Willa. The mental gymnastics she does to convince herself that Ryder has wronged her and not to really communicate is super frustrating. Especially when she’s relatively aware she’s the problem, but continues to be the problem.
  • The “frenemies” thing here didn’t quite work for me, since I thought it was pretty clear they were friends/into each other from the start.

In general, there were lot of good elements here that just didn’t quite gel for me. If you’re looking for a new adult college romance with some spice though, you might want to give it a try.

⭐⭐⭐

Not for me, but if could be for you!

Thanks for reading!

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Audiobook Review – Thornhedge

A interesting, quirky Sleeping Beauty retelling, but in the end I felt like this novella just needed a little more oomph to flesh the characters out. Recommended for those looking for quick read of an old tale that keeps the grim fairytale feel with a twist.

⭐⭐⭐¾

Definitely gets me itching for another fantasy though!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – The Enemy at Home

Really liked the authentic-feeling WWII homefront setting of this one, and the whodunnit felt classic with some twists and turns to keep me guessing. But there were some elements that didn’t quite jive, and I found the ending to be too bittersweet for me. If you’re looking for a solid 1940s whodunnit without romance though, this might be for you!

⭐⭐⭐¾

A unique twist of genres that didn’t quite stick a satisfying conclusion for me.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Assistant to the Villain

Okay, this one is really tough for me to review, because this was one of those rare instances where the audiobook narration really bothered me. And in some cases, it was nearly impossible for me to tell whether it was the writing that was throwing me off or the weird cadence of the narrator.

What I liked:

  • The premise. Combining high fantasy with a workplace comedy a la The Office. YES.

What I didn’t like:

  • The characters didn’t connect for me, and I felt like we covered not a lot of ground for the length of this book, and the, (in what is a huge pet-peeve of mine) we got an abrupt cliffhanger in an ending that didn’t give much satisfaction.

So, I won’t be reading the sequel, but lots of people loved this book, so it could just be me! If the premise intrigues you, definitely check it out, but as much as I love audiobooks, I recommend you go print for this one.

⭐⭐⭐

Not for me, but it could be for you! (Just pass on the audiobook)

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Demon Copperhead

Loved the voice in this one, and it was a really interesting retelling David Copperfield and also a reflection on the early 2000s. However, I did find the second half to be a little slow, and the conclusion to be rushed in a way that didn’t feel super satisfying. But if you’re looking for a character-centered modern classic, this could definitely be for you! Also the audiobook narration was fantastic!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Different than my usual read, but definitely enjoyed it!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – The Seven Year Slip

Another super popular book, that just wasn’t quite for me. Actually, I think I felt very similar to how I felt about Dead Romantics, so if you like that, you’ll probably like this one.

What I liked:

  • The premise. A time-traveling apartment that takes you back 7 years. Awesome!

What I didn’t like:

  • Eh, I just didn’t feel like I really connected to the characters, and the tension wasn’t really there for me.

So although I liked it (and would totally watch the movie), I didn’t love it. Audiobook narration was great though, and if you’re looking for a solid romance with a thought-provoking premise, check this one out!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sometimes you just need a light, fun read!

Thanks for reading!