AnnabelleLee27's Completed Shelf
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The Lazy Genius WayThe Lazy Genius Way, BookEmbrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn't, and Get Stuff Done
by Adachi, KendraBook - 2020Book, 2020
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Mar 30, 2021
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Mar 18, 2021
Comment:
Clever, insightful, romantic, critical, and foundational literature that is endlessly fun and surprising. A touchstone worth considering and reconsidering over one's lifetime.
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Mar 10, 2021
Comment:
A wonderful presentation of naturalist Sy Montgomery's memoir How To Be A Good Creature for a young audience which also uses the same talented illustrator. Clear, charming, and inspiring.
Becoming Duchess GoldblattBecoming Duchess Goldblatt, Book
Book - 2020Book, 2020
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Mar 10, 2021
Comment:
Actually 3 1/2 stars. A hard to describe little book that is curiously inspiring, witty, touching, and ultimately charming. Great for readers who like non-traditional memoirs, current social media topics, humor, and uplifting narratives.
Deacon King KongDeacon King Kong, Downloadable AudiobookA Novel
by McBride, JamesDownloadable Audiobook - 2020Downloadable Audiobook, 2020
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Mar 04, 2021
Comment:
An brilliant and powerful book that sneaks up on you and then doesn't let go. It is by turns funny, heart breaking, thrilling, and raw with characters that are complex and compelling. The audio version featuring Dominic Hoffman is absolutely amazing.An brilliant and powerful book that sneaks up on you and then doesn't let go. It is by turns funny, heart breaking, thrilling, and raw with characters that are complex and compelling. The audio version featuring Dominic Hoffman is absolutely…
To Bless the Space Between UsTo Bless the Space Between Us, BookA Book of Blessings
by O'Donohue, JohnBook - 2008Book, 2008
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Mar 04, 2021
Comment:
A lush and beautiful little book full of poetry, blessings, and musings from a modern mystic. The last section is surprisingly profound and touches both the mind and the heart with its richness. A treasure to feed the soul over many readings.
What Would Frida Do?What Would Frida Do?, BookA Guide to Living Boldly
by Davis, AriannaBook - 2020Book, 2020
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Mar 04, 2021
Comment:
A bright and youthful take on how Frida's life can inform a modern day admirer through a mixture of biographical information and self-help tips. Some sections are unnecessarily disjointed and what it lacks in depth is made up with freshness and zest. The book is a short and charming addition to the expanding Frida canon.A bright and youthful take on how Frida's life can inform a modern day admirer through a mixture of biographical information and self-help tips. Some sections are unnecessarily disjointed and what it lacks in depth is made up with freshness and…
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Feb 23, 2021
Comment:
A beautifully written, gritty, and bleak western with complex, complicated, and compelling characters. Themes of violence, family, greed, consequences, and the humanizing power of love are examined, although not resolved, with a philosophical bent. Good for readers who enjoy character driven literary fiction, lyrical prose, and westerns but who do not mind intense violence and do not need neat, tidy (or even happy) endings.A beautifully written, gritty, and bleak western with complex, complicated, and compelling characters. Themes of violence, family, greed, consequences, and the humanizing power of love are examined, although not resolved, with a philosophical bent. …
The Wife UpstairsThe Wife Upstairs, Downloadable AudiobookA Novel
by Hawkins, RachelDownloadable Audiobook - 2021Downloadable Audiobook, 2021
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Feb 19, 2021
Comment:
A twisty, snarky, entertaining riff on classic Gothic tales set in modern day Alabama with some barbed social commentary. Secretive (sometimes unlikeable) narrators add to the suspense. I found the coarse language grew rather tiresome without adding much to the story or atmosphere although this may not bother most readers. The audio version was well produced and engaging even though some of the southern accents felt jarringly forced. Overall, a fast, entertaining, and satisfying read for those who enjoy modern re-tellings, domestic thrillers, suspense, and Gothic fiction.A twisty, snarky, entertaining riff on classic Gothic tales set in modern day Alabama with some barbed social commentary. Secretive (sometimes unlikeable) narrators add to the suspense. I found the coarse language grew rather tiresome without…
WinteringWintering, Downloadable AudiobookThe Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times
by May, KatherineDownloadable Audiobook - 2020Downloadable Audiobook, 2020
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Feb 03, 2021
Comment:
A moving and poetic look at winter as a metaphor for dealing with difficult periods in life, inspirational and thoughtful.
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Feb 01, 2021
Comment:
A charming and sweet book about the enlivening power of nature as told by the kind and magical little girl of the forest. The book is printed on stone paper which gives an enjoyable tactile sensation to the playfully lovely illustrations.
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Feb 01, 2021
Comment:
This little book is itself like a walk; leisurely meandering between philosophy, observation, conversation, and personal history in regards to how walking (or physical movement) reflects creativity and life. There is not much structure to the book and so some parts feel flat while other parts are truly astonishing and moving. It is perhaps best read and savored in small pieces over a period of time in order to let the content truly land with the reader.This little book is itself like a walk; leisurely meandering between philosophy, observation, conversation, and personal history in regards to how walking (or physical movement) reflects creativity and life. There is not much structure to the book…
Fresh From PolandFresh From Poland, BookNew Vegetarian Cooking From the Old Country
by Korkosz, MichałBook - 2020Book, 2020
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Jan 20, 2021
We Have Always Lived in the CastleWe Have Always Lived in the Castle, Book
by Jackson, ShirleyBook - 2006Book, 2006
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Jan 17, 2021
Comment:
A dream-like tale; dark, twisty, disturbing and one that definitely stays with you even after you put it down. Themes of madness, family, secrets, sisterhood, agency, and isolation all colliding as the sisters seek to survive in a hostile world.
Magic LessonsMagic Lessons, Downloadable Audiobook
by Hoffman, AliceDownloadable Audiobook - 2020Downloadable Audiobook, 2020
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Jan 14, 2021
Comment:
A sweeping tale of tragedy, perseverance, family, magic, and love. Hoffman's writing is lyrical and lush and while she often gives a lot of historical detail (slowing down the story), she manages to keep the reader engaged and invested in her colorful characters. Sutton Foster does a wonderful job distinguishing between various characters making the audio version compelling and accessible. A great read for those who like strong female characters, historical fiction, magical realism, and romance. *Thanks to @librofm for an advanced listening copy, author Alice Hoffman, Read by Sutton Foster, Simon & Schuster Audio (2020).A sweeping tale of tragedy, perseverance, family, magic, and love. Hoffman's writing is lyrical and lush and while she often gives a lot of historical detail (slowing down the story), she manages to keep the reader engaged and invested in her…
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Jan 14, 2021
Comment:
Berg gives voice to the bewildering (and often conflicting) swirl of emotions that arise when caring for aging parents. Everything from frustration, sadness, guilt, humor, joy, and ultimately love is presented in this big hearted reflection on family. It is a quick, touching, and raw book which would be good for those who like reflective memoirs, those dealing with aging or declining family members, and/or grief.Berg gives voice to the bewildering (and often conflicting) swirl of emotions that arise when caring for aging parents. Everything from frustration, sadness, guilt, humor, joy, and ultimately love is presented in this big hearted reflection on…
The Animals at Lockwood ManorThe Animals at Lockwood Manor, Book
by Healey, JaneBook - 2020Book, 2020
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Dec 30, 2020
Comment:
A dark, slow-moving, sapphic World War II era gothic mystery set in a richly atmospheric declining manor house in Britain. The novel highlights the era's shifting social norms and expectations for women as well as the abusive privileges of a declining aristocracy.A dark, slow-moving, sapphic World War II era gothic mystery set in a richly atmospheric declining manor house in Britain. The novel highlights the era's shifting social norms and expectations for women as well as the abusive privileges of a…
StepmonsterStepmonster, UnknownA New Look at Why Real Stepmothers Think, Feel, and Act the Way We Do
by Martin, WednesdayUnknown - 2009Unknown, 2009
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Dec 30, 2020
Comment:
I am a bit conflicted about this book; while it offers a lot of valuable information and puts into perspective many of the painful experiences women have when they become stepmothers, it is written for and about a very narrow sliver of the population (upper middle class white suburban woman). It is an important and useful book but it should be read with an understanding of its limitations in scope and inclusion.I am a bit conflicted about this book; while it offers a lot of valuable information and puts into perspective many of the painful experiences women have when they become stepmothers, it is written for and about a very narrow sliver of the…
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Dec 17, 2020
Comment:
Delightful and charming, this book is a pleasure to read and reread and it invites interaction with the reader (or one being read to) all the while reinforcing early literacy skills. Magnifique!
Other-WordlyOther-Wordly, BookWords Both Strange and Lovely From Around the World
by Mak, Yee-LumBook - 2015Book, 2015
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Dec 16, 2020
Comment:
Surprisingly beautiful and moving little book full of little known but powerful words that relate to the human experience. Lovely illustrations bring nuance and life to each page. Loved it!
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Dec 16, 2020
Comment:
An historical fiction/romance with a great premise and interesting setting. Characters were not complex and largely predictable against the melodramatic action. Overall a non-challenging, light, and enjoyable read.
Plain Bad HeroinesPlain Bad Heroines, Downloadable Audiobook
by Danforth, Emily M.Downloadable Audiobook - 2020Downloadable Audiobook, 2020
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Dec 11, 2020
Comment:
A very clever gothic style novel with dual storylines (one in past and one in present day), strong unconventional characters, subtle social commentary, humor, and chills. The audio version is especially well narrated. It was quite long and might have benefited from tighter editing but it was always compelling, intriguing, and quite enjoyable.A very clever gothic style novel with dual storylines (one in past and one in present day), strong unconventional characters, subtle social commentary, humor, and chills. The audio version is especially well narrated. It was quite long and might…
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Dec 06, 2020
Comment:
An enchanting little book of magical poetry illustrated with gorgeous watercolors. It evokes and celebrates the beauty of the natural world that is all around us that is often overlooked or taken for granted. It is set in the United Kingdom and I found myself longing for a version set here in the southwestern US.An enchanting little book of magical poetry illustrated with gorgeous watercolors. It evokes and celebrates the beauty of the natural world that is all around us that is often overlooked or taken for granted. It is set in the United Kingdom and I…
The World-ending FireThe World-ending Fire, BookThe Essential Wendell Berry
by Berry, WendellBook - 2018Book, 2018
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Dec 06, 2020
Comment:
A collection of essays that span several decades. While some of the elements of older pieces may seem dated or puzzling (for example, I don't even know what to do with the pieces on feminism), Berry's insights and ideas are always fascinating, challenging, heart-felt, and critically important.A collection of essays that span several decades. While some of the elements of older pieces may seem dated or puzzling (for example, I don't even know what to do with the pieces on feminism), Berry's insights and ideas are always fascinating,…
AnnabelleLee27's rating:
Added Dec 06, 2020
Comment:
A character driven thriller featuring a fascinating indigenous protagonist. The novel is rich with detail, cultural observations, a strong sense of place, and complicated relationships. An intense, intriguing, satisfying, and surprisingly touching read.A character driven thriller featuring a fascinating indigenous protagonist. The novel is rich with detail, cultural observations, a strong sense of place, and complicated relationships. An intense, intriguing, satisfying, and surprisingly touching…
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