"Real power is the responsible application of knowledge." -The author, David J. Lieberman, PhD.
This book read like a textbook from a psychology class "Real power is the responsible application of knowledge." -The author, David J. Lieberman, PhD.
This book read like a textbook from a psychology class and piqued my interest for a few minutes at a time. Towards the end it started picking up speed for me, I'm not sure if it was the material or my lack of full interest. However, it was insightful and gives those reading it a chance to analyze more of the interactions they have with other people around them. By looking into someone's speech patterns and behavior, we get a look at the invisible, the inner world. I found that to be quite interesting and I'm sure I picked a thing or two to take away from this book, as I hope you do too. Overall, a good read....more
The spectacular spectacular ✨️... it actually was a dazzling novel to read yet had profound depth to it, much like our protagonist. We got to see the The spectacular spectacular ✨️... it actually was a dazzling novel to read yet had profound depth to it, much like our protagonist. We got to see the glitz, the glamor with a ton of girl power. Our leading lady, the showstopper, Marion Brooks recounts events from her past while jumping us forward to her present every so often to glue together her story for the reader. I really enjoyed it. She faces hardships such as barriers to what her idea of success looks like, what her future should look like vs what she wants out of life, along with trauma, but I won't get into specifics. Sounds enticing, right? You have to read this book, it held my attention and gives a fresh perspective on the bustling lifestyle of a Rockette, and so much more. Overall, a good read....more
Women empowerment. Deep friendship love. Paving the way for women everywhere. Lisa See wrote a fantastic novel depicting the role of women in 15th cenWomen empowerment. Deep friendship love. Paving the way for women everywhere. Lisa See wrote a fantastic novel depicting the role of women in 15th century China, an altogether time period and culture I wasn't too familiar with, which was fascinating to read about. Tan Yunxian as the protagonist (and female doctor!) felt like a trailblazer, and an independent thinker despite her obeisance to traditional values such as footbinding (which would secure a good marriage for her daughters in the future), buying her husband a concubine to name a few. As a trailblazer, she tended to women and girls as patients with exquisite knowledge of herbs and their medicinal effects (which is a huge plot point later on). She began in secret but then got the recognition she deserved to be able to practice on a larger scale and now her works are prized and well known as they should be. Most of all, I adored her relationship with Meiling, the young midwife who would've been separated from her had her mother-in-law not intervened and decided for her and her midwife mother to be the midwifes for the Garden of Fragrant Delights. At times, Meiling showed feelings of inadequacy comparing herself to Yunxian but with her reassurance, the relationship felt stable and full of love. Themes that kept popping up were disturbing to me as a woman who rejects most traditional gender roles, but it was a product of the time, such as footbinding. I'm glad that it is no longer practiced in China, or anywhere for that matter, glad that it's banned. Women experience hardships that men know nothing about which is also discussed frequently throughout the book. Towards the end, I loved Lady Kuo's words to Yunxian's daughter because it wraps up perfectly the dynamic between Yunxian and Lady Kuo all throughout the years where Yunxian was trying for a son. I will admit, at times this was a difficult read just because it mirrors reality in which I mean it felt like I stepped into another life and it kind of lulled me. I pushed through it though as the events would intrigue me again. Read this book, as you'll find it to be a blessing to your soul. Overall, a good read....more
The nicest couple with the not so nicest story... surprise, there's more to the couple than meets the eye. I enjoyed how this book grabbed my attentioThe nicest couple with the not so nicest story... surprise, there's more to the couple than meets the eye. I enjoyed how this book grabbed my attention as I haven't read a book this quickly since I was in middle school. It grabs your attention and leads you on a mysterious ride. However, like others have noted and I observed as well at multiple points, the characters act rather irrationally. I was shocked at some points and even had to pause the part where I'm at and take a breath of surprise. It's a thriller of course, and it delivers. It twists the thriller knife even up until the end. Can't complain about it, I was surprised to also see the low rating but I enjoy books as they are so that might explain the discrepancy. I'd only rate it low if it was borderline unreadable or incredibly dull... which is why I stray from certain genres... this deserves a solid rating. Overall, a good read....more
The Life Impossible, a charming universal self-actualizing tale from Matt Haig. I remember reading his other popular title, The Midnight Library, whicThe Life Impossible, a charming universal self-actualizing tale from Matt Haig. I remember reading his other popular title, The Midnight Library, which read similar to this one. However, this book takes place on the island of Ibiza and feels like a mini vacation laced with a bit of supernatural occurrences.
Grace Winters is 72, believes she too old to change herself and mentally blocks herself from ridding her grief. She has been left alone, her husband and child gone. She is suddenly invited to Ibiza by a shocking twist of events she couldn't have predicted much like the events that follow. She, just like the reader, starts out with a myriad of questions, to which we find out answers over time. It's a shimmering tale, as the reader imagines La Presencia and its desire to protect through individuals. It's a cool concept and not too complicated.
I love how this book explores a meaning of life- connection, among others, as meaning is derived from your own perception, and I found it stunning how the author wrote about it, I often reread a few lines as I wanted to absorb them and carry them with me. I'll share them here: (Regarding confusion) "The willingness to be confused, I now realize, is a prerequisite for a good life. Wanting things to be simple can become a kind of prison... because you end up staying trapped inside how you want things to be rather than embracing how they could be." At the point when I was reading that, I admit, I was kind of confused but that excerpt came at just the right time as if La Presencia had written the book itself and could read my thoughts. I also found other coincidences through the book such as similarities here and there to a book I had just read previous to this one. It's truly beautiful. Confusion is par for the course as it arises when there are questions bouncing around in your head. Finding the answers, learning, leads to growth. Moving forward...
(Regarding loneliness) "We think we are lonely because we are often blind to the connections." This rings true. Any one of us could think we are alone, but if we zoom out, step outside of ourselves and panned around the world, you'd find someone going through the same thing. You can't see the connection at times, but it's there.
(Regarding appreciating the beauty of the present moment, our surroundings, the little things) "We should see ourselves as aliens, because to the rest of the universe, that is who we are." I love this line. He also mentions humans have a preconceived notion that aliens are predatory in nature, but that is a projection of the nature of humans which also rings true and is food for thought.
Oh, and the chapters are super short so you have no excuse to not read this book. Overall, a good read....more
Best House on the Block follows our protagonist Shannon and her new neighbor Chloe as they search for clA thriller yet full of heartwarming moments...
Best House on the Block follows our protagonist Shannon and her new neighbor Chloe as they search for clues leading to the truth behind the murder of former neighbor Rosella Marlow. The investigation brings the neighborhood closer yet sinister vibes nestle in. You never really know who did it until well into the book which made for an intriguing read, as all the characters would have a motive technically.
I will admit, the opening chapter is an abrupt start to the book but it strangely simmers down yet packs a punch yet again. Like slamming on the brake. The pacing to me felt a bit off and I struggled to focus my attention for too long at a time but when it is an action packed chapter, you can't do anything else but read it in its entirety.
On this book, I have mixed reviews. It seemed to have a strong start and ~potential~ to build to a great storyline and depth with its characters but eOn this book, I have mixed reviews. It seemed to have a strong start and ~potential~ to build to a great storyline and depth with its characters but eventually fell rather flat. Or uninteresting. It had me hooked at the beginning and held my attention until I got lost and bored around almost halfway through the book. It took a while to actually make sense or meaning of what was going on and even then it didn't have the pizazz it deserved. To me it also felt like there were a lot of ends left untied or questions not answered. I feel like it was a half baked story, which I wouldn't write unless I truly felt that way, because I love books and normally don't stumble upon ones I don't like. Overall, a good read....more
A heartwarming Christmas story of a year of Christmases. A slightly nutty plotline but somehow the author makes it work.
It's around the time of year wA heartwarming Christmas story of a year of Christmases. A slightly nutty plotline but somehow the author makes it work.
It's around the time of year where families get together, cheer is spread all around, and stress can sometimes be found in the air. All of that is encapsulated within the confines of the covers. I did get lost for a good portion of the book trying to figure out who was who, as their names are very close together. Also, they didn't really seem different from each other enough to tell them apart. Like I couldn't describe to you any of their personalities or what they would be more likely to do in a certain scenario. With that being said, the actual content was almost redeeming. This group of women decide to celebrate Christmas each to month to make up for the lousy Christmas they got, for various reasons. I like the comradery (did I spell that right? it doesn't look right) among them and their efforts to make each month special. They made memories for their children and memories of their own along the way. It's beautiful, not as shallow as one might think, and perfect for the Christmas season. Overall, a good read....more
I was searching for this book yet I had no idea it actually existed. Even though this book was written around a decade ago, it still seems poignant anI was searching for this book yet I had no idea it actually existed. Even though this book was written around a decade ago, it still seems poignant and has the same alarming effect when it shares how ignorant we as a population were. As relevant as it was back then, we are still ignorant. It's to the point where the term "meta-ignorant" in the book becomes a more apt way to describe what's going on with our knowledge bank. In "Head in the Cloud," the author, Poundstone, shares facts and studies surrounding knowledge and recall of facts. When it came to wanting to study memory recall, it turns out people perform worse when they use a phone to snap a picture of something memorable in their environment (like at a museum), or when they expect to be able to search up a fact (the fact is available online, 24/7, so why should my brain have to hold on to such information?) However, the startling issue was the realization most people do not take the time to critically research facts or information they do not know. Yet, we hold beliefs so strongly, most without knowing exactly what they are about. Crazy right? It was refreshing to see this printed and the reader is more inclined to want to critically analyze new information and prove they are not part of that meta-ignorant crowd. Hopefully more people go this route. Because the crowd is not always the wise way to go. On some general knowledge questions proposed by the author, the majority was wrong, and far off in some questions asking for a numerical estimation. We need more people to read this book and gleam insight to foster better critical thinking skills and cultivate more curiosity. We should be curious about why we believe what we believe and learn more about the world. Sure, facts are easy to look up but it's more rewarding and engaging to have a conversation among people who are already knowledgeable, it's more humane. Even if one of the people does not know a fact the others do, we can teach and learn from each other and break down those beliefs and pursue research after the fact and go from there. Read it! Your brain will certainly thank you. Overall, a good read....more
I didn't know what this book was going to be like going into but it definitely felt like reading a lengthy research paper. It didn't scare me away thoI didn't know what this book was going to be like going into but it definitely felt like reading a lengthy research paper. It didn't scare me away though, and it had some interesting, retain-worthy information in it. I do think it could've had more brevity based on what it simmers down to, but the author clearly has a passion for the medical field he's worked decades in... so I let it cook.
A.I. isn't going anywhere, and it's dominating spaces one at a time. One of those spaces it's inching into is the healthcare industry. It has the potential to be the *perfect* doctor, but what would that look like? It wouldn't be someone you want as your doctor, as the book argues. A.I. is a tool for progress and offletting some human tasks and it has shown potential in the healthcare industry already through comparisons to radiologists and its efforts to diagnose (often with much higher accuracy!) Yes it has access to all of a patient's medical history and answers to what questions doctors would need to know, but it misses the humanist element. That's where it truly falls short. It's a shine of optomism in a world where A.I. is the subject of thrillers and sci-fi hits. It's a beacon of hope, that humans can embrace what A.I. can do for us, and where we can provide what it can't, and exist simultaneously successfuly. Overall, a good read....more
Hablo inglés y quería leer un libro en español que ha escrito para niños para practicar mi español. Este libro era comico, y disfruté el arte que estaHablo inglés y quería leer un libro en español que ha escrito para niños para practicar mi español. Este libro era comico, y disfruté el arte que estaba en las paginas. La cuenta empecó con una chica y nos dijo cuando era mas joven, esperaba tener una hermanita. Les preguntaba y preguntaba a sus padres y al fín, tuvo una hermanita! Pero no salió como lo esperaba. Como las mayoría de cosas en la vida. Disfruté el cuento porque pasaron una semana en el carro en un viaje por varios estados. Durante la historia, vemos la relación entre sus padres, la estrés y chaos. Se siente real y no era un cuento de hadas. Era una pedaza de vida, en realidad. La única cosa no me gustó mucho era los flashbacks, me confusé varios veces. Eso siendo dicho, me gustaba el resto de la cuenta, especialmente porque soy la mayor de mis primos, y Raina es la mayor hermana. Algunas cosas mejores en la vida incluyen las relaciones entre hermanos o primos, si no se tiene hermano, como yo. De todo, era un goodread....more
Molly the maid returns to us 5 years later after her first encounter with tragedy befalling the Regency Grand Hotel. Over the course of those 5 years Molly the maid returns to us 5 years later after her first encounter with tragedy befalling the Regency Grand Hotel. Over the course of those 5 years she has proven the teachings of her Gran true. She would learn much more about the world, especially when it comes to social interactions. She is more confident, willing to lead, and shows us change can happen at any time for any reason. I guess people weren't such a fan of Molly as is reflected by the ratings but I believe her to be stellar. She remains the Molly that we knew in the first book but is somehow transformed in tiny ways. It's wonderful to see growth in her as well as other characters, such as Detective Stark and Lily. My only gripe with this book and the first is that it seems a bit on the nose, which I'm not sure if its intentional or not. I would love more substance. The characters and lessons are great and complex but I can't help but feel there is something missing. But what it lacks, it makes up for in twists, moments that make a mystery a certified mystery. When it comes to twists, Prose has a way of throwing them in your face like confetti as you turn the pages which was delightful to read as Molly would say. The plot from the beginning grips the reader and promises a swift pull into an adventure across time as Molly reveals she knew the recently deceased writer, a plot-thickener in itself. All in all, it's an engaging read if you want a bite-sized mystery. Give it a read, see what the hype is about. Overall, a good read....more
A page-turning who-dunnit mystery told from the perspective of Miss Molly the maid. What she says throughout the story is often true... some people arA page-turning who-dunnit mystery told from the perspective of Miss Molly the maid. What she says throughout the story is often true... some people are invisible to others simply because of status. But we all tend to have ears that overhear things, interests, and people we are close to. These do not change. As the story unfolds, we get to know Molly the maid along with what she hears (or is told), her interests, and see who she surrounds herself with. One quickly realizes Molly is rather unique and honestly seems neurodivergent. This proves to be a strength not a weakness for her and the representation is great. It's the first novel I've read where the protagonist is evidently neurodivergent. She has her quirks, like counting her steps on the way somewhere, using old-fashioned language she learned from her beloved Gran (who seems like a fantastic teacher of life by the way) the way she calls some men a "bad egg", and the eloquent way she speaks "what a delightful day." She treats everyone fairly which I marveled at, as well. Along the ride, she has questions about motives and truth but the writer composes this in such a way that the reader is not confused because it'll be clarified within the next sentence. We get to see situations through Molly's eyes, empathize with her, and watch as she learns, grows, and adapts as her late grandmother once believed she could do. I didn't fancy some of the people around Molly especially the ones that didn't like her, but more so the ones that showed fake interest in her. (You know who I'm referring to if you've read it...). It's been a while since I was able to finish a book so fast, this one truly had me hooked. The mystery also remains a mystery until the very end. If you wanna know more about Molly the maid and who killed the rich guy, what are you still reading my review for?? Overall, a good read. ...more
If I could give this book **ten** stars, I would. What a masterpiece it is.
First off, I'm not much of a sci-fi person, I don't seek out sci-fi media, If I could give this book **ten** stars, I would. What a masterpiece it is.
First off, I'm not much of a sci-fi person, I don't seek out sci-fi media, but occasionally a book will come along (Michael Crichton... Douglas Adams...) and blow my mind. This was definitely one of those. I love how our protagonist is a teacher as I myself work with children and found his optimism to be warm and radiate from the book. Now, I did get lost at times when physics and base six and rocket science appeared throughout the sentences but you get the gist of it. My biggest pet peeve is spoilers so I won't spoil this read for anyone... but you're in for a treat. I can't get enough of this book. I'll be listening to podcast episodes discussing it to get even more from the book. That's how phenomenal this novel was. Can't wait for the movie to come out! Overall, a good read....more
A matchmaking service but with a twist. You can date a man from the 1800s, the 80s or anywhere in between. Because why use time travel for anything elA matchmaking service but with a twist. You can date a man from the 1800s, the 80s or anywhere in between. Because why use time travel for anything else!
I joke, but I did have this question as most readers probably did, why use time travel to have people find love instead of I don't know... curing diseases in a certain era?! The author mentions through the dialogue of her characters, that it is illegal to tamper with technology of the era you're traveling to, which makes sense... how would they go about inventing a cure if they already have it? Where did they get it from? Who researched the cure? The list goes on. I honestly don't understand the low rating for this book, it's a silly wattpad book, but it's not. It can be taken lightly or seriously and I think it has merit.
I'm satisfied with the pace of the story, I found myself flipping page after page, which is noteworthy because I haven't been like this with reading (so quickly!) in months or even years.
Ada, Henry, Teddy, Sam, Ms. Little... they all are quite interesting characters if a tad bit one dimensional. And I gotta say, I didn't see much change on Ada's part through the book but c'est la vie. Additionally, I was confused with the repetitive saying "What is to be, will be, even if it never happens." I found myself at times understanding it and then returning the book and realizing I don't have a dang clue what it means. Those were my only qualms with the book.
I think the writing was excellent, no typos, great pacing, I'd recommend it to others. Overall, a good read....more
Orange is the new black but make it Russian. As a fan of the Netflix show OITNB, I was eager to pluck this book from the library bookshelf because I wOrange is the new black but make it Russian. As a fan of the Netflix show OITNB, I was eager to pluck this book from the library bookshelf because I wanted to know exactly what were the incredible events author Yarmysh alluding to. And I will tell you, I wasn't disappointed! This felt like a realistic depiction of what being detained for 10 days with five other women for more trivial reasons would be like. Anya kind of takes on an observational role when surrounded by these women and soon begins to witness some strange events.
Anya's story both past and present strikes the reader as entertaining and keeps the plot moving forward. As it moves forward, we begin to lose some of the characters as they have served some time before Anya got there. With her being the last one there, we're found rather full circle by being introduced to our protagonist and closing up the story with her and reflecting on the whole journey. And there is a lot to reflect on.
Throughout the duration of her stay in the detention center, Anya begins to hallucinate rather connected ideas and struggles to grasp what meaning it has for her and changes in identity.
She also recalls her interactions with men that lead the reader to understand she doesn't have the healthiest relationship with men in large part because of the one she has with her father. She idolized him growinf up, validating the distance he placed between them and it's evident this has traumatized her as we see the story with her and one of her company's top executives.
I wish there were more to the book as questions still remain such as those that emerge at the very end. Overall, a good read....more
BETTER than 3.9 stars! After a quick skimming through what the book summary I was hooked. Who doesn't love a sci-fi book that's easy to follow (no timBETTER than 3.9 stars! After a quick skimming through what the book summary I was hooked. Who doesn't love a sci-fi book that's easy to follow (no time travel thank god) with body snatching? I found this book highly entertaining.
This novel follows multiple people but mostly Annami, a woman on the run in search of how to right the wrongs presented around the origins of the flash. Can't say too much about that without having to flag this as a spoiler review.
The plot twists continue to thrill you even past the end of the novel. Plot twists, female lead, innovative technology where you can be anyone with Anyone... it's bound to be fascinating. Throughout the book, we see themes of corruption, betrayal, hatred, and those trying to be heroes with villainous intentions. It will startle you, provoke your thoughts and beg you to read further.
I had so many questions about the character Annami and one by one they were answered. Of course not all of your questions will be answered about the flash technology though, the book would be 10,000 pages. I did however wish they explored it more, but plot!
I also wondered about Stephen Hauser and his gang up in space, why even bring that up just to never mention it again, haha. But I digress. There's much more to love about this book than meets the eye. I can't recommend it enough, read it for yourself! If you could be anyone, be someone that has read this book! Overall, a good read....more
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