book reviews
Reviews of books by relationship gurus, dating experts, and cautionary tale-tellers.
'Transcription' by Kate Atkinson (Book Review)
Kate Atkinson is an English writer with multiple novels and awards to her name. Her latest, released in September 2018, is Transcription, a novel following the life of Juliet Armstrong as she enters the world of spy-craft during World War II. However, Atkinson's novel isn't only about espionage, but also includes humor, romance, a look at the reality of humanity, and literary callbacks to other famous works. Atkinson takes the good and the bad of the world and creates a believable, yet also quite an unbelievable heroine/simple girl in Juliet. Readers are unsure of Juliet's true motives (or if she even has any). She's a girl, just like any of us reading the novel, who simply get caught up in the casualties of war. However, Atkinson has audiences rooting for Juliet to find love, to make it through her crazy spy missions, and to maybe even figure out who she really is along the way.
Kristen BarenthalerPublished 5 years ago in HumansReview: 'Stillwater Dusk' by L.G. Castillo
I have read several books by L.G. Castillo, so when she sent me Stillwater Dusk, I was really excited to dig in. Because of school, I hadn’t had a chance to do a lot of reading the last year, but knowing how good the previous Castillo books were, I had to take some time off from my studies to sink into the newest creation of one of my must-read authors.
Vanessa Cherron RiserPublished 6 years ago in Humans'Call Me by Your Name'
A lot of things have changed in me since reading this book, and furthermore, watching this film. The way I look at love, the way I understand my sexuality, and more importantly, I've felt emotions I haven't felt in years. I'd like to talk about my favourite part of the novel and what I understand from it. This book is incredible, and I'm so happy that it's finally getting the recognition it deserves. The film, although different, had me in absolute tears, too.
Caleb JohnsonPublished 6 years ago in HumansThe Rules: May Not Always Work for Gender Non-Conforming
The good points on the Rules is that it does mention to put yourself first, but you cannot pursue the one pursuing you. The Rules' values being mysterious, not laying it bare on the first date, which I do agree with. One rule I also agree with is ending the date first, so you leave the opposite partner wanting more. The Rules does explain what men want but the concept does not warm up to the modern feminist thought of pursuing the man as an equal. If we are equals, then a woman can do the Rules on a man, and a man can do the Rules on a woman. The Rules is not necessarily about gender equality, however, because it is about the woman allowing the man to pursue her, which means she has him interested in her only, and she doesn’t get treated badly as a result.
Iria Vasquez-PaezPublished 6 years ago in HumansBest Dating Books for Guys
Dating, for a guy, is a pretty lonely ordeal. Most men don't really talk about relationships the way women do. Nor do they often have the support that women do, either. So, it's not surprising that a lot of men end up getting lonely and unable to find quality advice.
Ossiana TepfenhartPublished 6 years ago in HumansBest Dating Books for Single Women
If there's one category of relationship advice books that has a flood of authors in it, it'd have to be dating books for single women—and it totally makes sense why this is, too. The dating scene has never been more difficult, and truth be told, everyone can use as much advice as possible.
Ossiana TepfenhartPublished 6 years ago in Humans'A Man Called Ove' by Fredrik Backman
If you want to fall in love with a book this year, then A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman is that book. In a world of IKEA furniture and constant bureaucracy, smart phones and idiotic people, Ove does not suffer these fools and their frustrating ways lightly. Backman's character creation is incredible. As the reader, I couldn’t help loving the vulnerabilities of Ove while at the same time hating the stuffy old man for being so rude to people. The opening scene illustrates my frustration and enamour fantastically with our protagonist in a computer shop trying to purchase an “O-pad.” We cringe at Ove’s stubborn belief that he’s correct in this field and we share the annoyance of the men behind the counter; however, the author revisits this scene later in the book because he wants the best iPad for Parvannah’s daughter, a scene which is quite oafishly beautiful.
Most Useful Books for a Healthy Relationship Every Couple Should Read
I remember the time a book saved my life. It was called, My First 2,000 Men, by Liz Renay. At the time, I was in an abusive relationship with someone who would slut-shame me for having lovers in my past. Today, I would have gotten up and left. Since I was only 18, I didn't know any better.
Mackenzie Z. KennedyPublished 6 years ago in HumansBooks That Celebrate Being Single
Being in a relationship seems to be a societal mandate after a certain age. When you're a teenager, it's okay if you're single. But, when you're 25 or so, people start asking you "why?"
Ossiana TepfenhartPublished 7 years ago in HumansThe Keepers
I’ve just finished watching The Keepers. I would advise everyone to try and see this extraordinary seven part docuseries. It seems to tell the story of the unsolved murder of Sister Catherine Cesnik in 1969. But really it also reveals a painful and terrible legacy of sexual abuse, perpetrated principally by Father Joseph Maskell, on a variety of female students at Archbishop Keough High School in Baltimore. This legacy of sexual abuse is corroborated by Charles Franz, a male child victim of Maskell’s. Horrifically, we learn as the documentary progresses that his corroborating story was specifically and maliciously kept from Jean Wehner, when she and another victim sued the Archdiocese of Baltimore in 1994 for $40 million.
Felicity HarleyPublished 7 years ago in HumansHow To Not Hate Your Husband After Kids
According to multiple studies, having a child is the third most traumatic and life-changing event that a young person can experience. It's filled with more chaos and turmoil than being locked up, getting seriously ill, or even losing your job.
Alicia SpringerPublished 7 years ago in HumansBest Books To Read After A Breakup
Heartache. Lovesick. Broken heart. Anyone that has suffered through a breakup will attest that the intense pain of a failed relationship can be debilitating, especially at first. People can be so impatient to get rid of their sadness that they mask the pain, or ignore it, and don't actually take the time to reflect on the breakup so that they learn from it and gain clarity to apply to future relationships. The best thing to do after a breakup (besides the obligatory ice cream benders) is to read books that help you heal effectively and understand what went wrong, what went right, and the steps you can take to grow from a rough experience.
Rashaunna NelsonPublished 7 years ago in Humans