LPL_LeahN's Completed Shelf
Filter your results by...
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added May 26, 2022
Their Eyes Were Watching GodTheir Eyes Were Watching God, Book
by Hurston, Zora NealeBook - 2006Book, 2006
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added May 26, 2022
Comment:
This is a feminist work so ahead of its time that I'm honestly in awe. I loved the examination of romantic relationships and the slow, subtle way of getting to know the protagonist, Janie. Her story is a mirror of so many women's lives, and not just in 1937.
I think the best part of my experience reading this book came from learning more about Zora Neale Hurston. Even when she was winning awards and rubbing elbows with some of the generation's other greats, there were those (looking at you Richard Wright) who dismissed her work out of pure misogyny. This book in particular flew in the face of so much "conventional wisdom" of the era and I am truly stunned by her bravery.
I'm really looking forward to discussing this with my book club!This is a feminist work so ahead of its time that I'm honestly in awe. I loved the examination of romantic relationships and the slow, subtle way of getting to know the protagonist, Janie. Her story is a mirror of so many women's lives, and not just…
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added May 17, 2022
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added May 11, 2022
Comment:
I’m going to preface this review by saying I can definitely see the problematic “character development” in this series. I’m going to reserve judgment until I’ve read some of the author’s later works and determine if he learned from these mistakes. His female characters fall under one of two categories: Virgins or whores. Like many male fantasy authors, Weeks seems to have fallen under the illusion that no women will ever read his books.
That said, if you can get by several painful “romantic” moments and unrealized female characters in general, the action, political intrigue, and unique magic in this book are really top shelf. It has given me a reading experience I haven’t had since Game of Thrones, with so many cogs in the plot wheel that mesh together in interesting ways. I’m committed now and will finish the Night Angel series even if I die of cringe.I’m going to preface this review by saying I can definitely see the problematic “character development” in this series. I’m going to reserve judgment until I’ve read some of the author’s later works and determine if he learned from these mistakes.…
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added May 02, 2022
Comment:
I found this to be very nearly perfect. It’s fun and weird and grim and full of heart and boundless creativity. I can’t really put my finger on why, but it gave me Labyrinth vibes? A possible explanation would be all the adjectives I just used to describe it, actually.
The plot was expertly paced…I enjoyed the slow burn build up at the beginning, took it as an opportunity to get to know Marra, the most precious, bumbling but determined protagonist ever. Every single member of her motley crew endeared themselves to me immediately and I would even go so far as to say I’ve never loved a character more than I loved Bonedog.
The Goblin Market, the demonic hen, the curse-child, the Palace of Dust, GAH, I could go on forever about the things in this book that fascinated or moved or wildly entertained me. Suffice it to say this is my favorite of 2022, a masterpiece as far as I’m concerned.I found this to be very nearly perfect. It’s fun and weird and grim and full of heart and boundless creativity. I can’t really put my finger on why, but it gave me Labyrinth vibes? A possible explanation would be all the adjectives I just used to…
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added Apr 26, 2022
Comment:
This was fast paced and uniquely plotted. Does the science check out? Undoubtedly not. Was I still entertained? Yes. I especially enjoyed the political current running under everything (something I'm sure others will say they HATED about this book), and the complicated character dynamics.This was fast paced and uniquely plotted. Does the science check out? Undoubtedly not. Was I still entertained? Yes. I especially enjoyed the political current running under everything (something I'm sure others will say they HATED about this book),…
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added Apr 24, 2022
Comment:
Enemies to lovers tale of a couple who meet while working a summer Renaissance Fair. A very sweet and fun read, with just the right amount of spice. (For me anyways…those of you who crave many and varied spicy bits may find this one wanting.) I especially enjoyed the small town element and was delighted to learn this is the first in a series. I’ll definitely be returning to Willow Creek for faire time!Enemies to lovers tale of a couple who meet while working a summer Renaissance Fair. A very sweet and fun read, with just the right amount of spice. (For me anyways…those of you who crave many and varied spicy bits may find this one wanting.) I…
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn HugoThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, BookA Novel
by Reid, Taylor JenkinsBook - 2017Book, 2017
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added Apr 21, 2022
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added Apr 15, 2022
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added Apr 10, 2022
Comment:
Unflinchingly dark, as hard to keep reading as it was to stop.
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added Apr 09, 2022
Comment:
There's an anomaly in the timeline, an irresistible mystery to solve for the employees of the Time Institute. Sweeping across centuries, from 1912 to 2200, from Earth to the moon colonies, the breadth of this story and the endearing humanity of the characters kept me up way past by bedtime.There's an anomaly in the timeline, an irresistible mystery to solve for the employees of the Time Institute. Sweeping across centuries, from 1912 to 2200, from Earth to the moon colonies, the breadth of this story and the endearing humanity of the…
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added Apr 08, 2022
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added Apr 02, 2022
Comment:
Totally original plot that follows Earth’s last humans as they struggle to find a way to preserve the species after a catastrophic epidemic. Their solution involves bots programmed with the “Mother Code” and designed to raise children up from embryos. It’s cinematic and smart, at times frightening, but an overall moving examination of motherhood and humanity.Totally original plot that follows Earth’s last humans as they struggle to find a way to preserve the species after a catastrophic epidemic. Their solution involves bots programmed with the “Mother Code” and designed to raise children up from…
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2022
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added Mar 05, 2022
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added Feb 26, 2022
Comment:
This is a treasure trove of tropes! The Chosen One, the Mentor, the Artifact, the Anti-hero, the Damsel just to name a few. So how you feel about those genre cliches may heavily influence how you feel overall about this series opener, but I thought it was a lot of fun. I loved the rich cast of characters, the political intrigue, and the foreshadowing Brent Weeks has a real flair for. Highly recommend for folks looking for their next high fantasy bender!This is a treasure trove of tropes! The Chosen One, the Mentor, the Artifact, the Anti-hero, the Damsel just to name a few. So how you feel about those genre cliches may heavily influence how you feel overall about this series opener, but I thought…
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added Feb 22, 2022
Comment:
I've been hearing about this book for years and am so glad I finally read it. Memoirs are typically a hard sell for me, they're usually either too dry or too abstract to effectively suck me in, but I could NOT put this one down. Westover has not only a compelling life story but also a stunning way with words. I know I'll be thinking about this book for a long time.I've been hearing about this book for years and am so glad I finally read it. Memoirs are typically a hard sell for me, they're usually either too dry or too abstract to effectively suck me in, but I could NOT put this one down. Westover has not…
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added Feb 12, 2022
Comment:
Captain Hook has always been my favorite villain (mostly due to Dustin Hoffman's absolutely stellar performance in Hook) and I've always yearned for a book that told his story. This is romantically written and provided some surprising answers to my most burning questions about the Captain, the Boy, the mysterious origins of the Neverland. There were a few revelations that literally gave me goosebumps!Captain Hook has always been my favorite villain (mostly due to Dustin Hoffman's absolutely stellar performance in Hook) and I've always yearned for a book that told his story. This is romantically written and provided some surprising answers to my…
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added Feb 07, 2022
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added Jan 29, 2022
Comment:
The daughter of a convicted serial killer grows up to be a psychologist. She's making her way in the world, still struggling to escape her past and the unhealthy coping mechanisms she's picked up along the way, when a copycat appears right around the 20th anniversary of her father's killings.
Thrillers aren't my usual fare, but every now and then one sucks me in...I read this in just a few sittings! Masterful pacing that kept me turning the page, a strong sense of place in Louisiana, and some very satisfying twists. Just know that when you think you've worked out what's really going wrong, you're *probably* wrong. Very strong debut from Stacy Willingham!The daughter of a convicted serial killer grows up to be a psychologist. She's making her way in the world, still struggling to escape her past and the unhealthy coping mechanisms she's picked up along the way, when a copycat appears right around…
How High We Go in the DarkHow High We Go in the Dark, BookA Novel
by Nagamatsu, SequoiaBook - 2022Book, 2022
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added Jan 25, 2022
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added Jan 25, 2022
Comment:
Six prodigal medeians are recruited to compete for acceptance into the Alexandrian Society, an elite order tasked with the caretaking of all of human knowledge. Alliances are made and destroyed, potentially deadly secrets are kept, betrayed, and bartered with, all while six of the most powerful people in the world try to prove their worth. It's rather like magical Survivor. This was a super fun, sexy read that fans of dark academia will not want to miss!Six prodigal medeians are recruited to compete for acceptance into the Alexandrian Society, an elite order tasked with the caretaking of all of human knowledge. Alliances are made and destroyed, potentially deadly secrets are kept, betrayed, and…
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added Jan 21, 2022
Comment:
A rare instance of me enjoying a sequel more than the series debut. This book gave me more of the character history and depth of feeling that I felt was missing from Six of Crows. Definitely a satisfying resolution to the adventures of everyone's favorite Barrel gang, but now I'm a little sad...I definitely need more Kaz and Inej stories!A rare instance of me enjoying a sequel more than the series debut. This book gave me more of the character history and depth of feeling that I felt was missing from Six of Crows. Definitely a satisfying resolution to the adventures of everyone's…
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added Jan 10, 2022
Comment:
A monk and a robot team up for an adventure, in an effort to end the robots' estrangement from the human race, as well as answer a number of existential questions. This was a quick, delightful read for me. It gave me strong "House in the Cerulean Sea" vibes, despite being a very different book. It's wholesome, uplifting, humorous...perfect if you're looking for something light but thoughtful.A monk and a robot team up for an adventure, in an effort to end the robots' estrangement from the human race, as well as answer a number of existential questions. This was a quick, delightful read for me. It gave me strong "House in the Cerulean…
The Underground RailroadThe Underground Railroad, BookA Novel
by Whitehead, ColsonBook - 2016Book, 2016
LPL_LeahN's rating:
Added Jan 06, 2022
Comment: