H. B.

Worth It

Revisado: 02-23-25

The beginning chapters are _dry_, but there's a reasonable uptick through the middle and a satisfying, and well reasoned ending.
I'll never understand how so much of French Lit can be be all at once dry, and melodramatic.
Still, without being egregiously moralistic, this delivers an important and poignant message on the duality of Nature.

The narration was... interesting. I didn't much care for it at first, but then it grew on me. When I realized that he sounded VERY similar to Ron Howard's narration in "Arrested Development", my opinion flipped and I decided it was fantastic and an amusing addition to the story

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Achingly Beautiful

Revisado: 07-10-24

Despite how incredible this story is, I feel like I first need to mention the narrator. Perdita Weeks was everything I could have asked for. Her voice is like cool water running over rocks in Summer.
The story itself was so beautiful. You can't help but fall in love with the character of Circe, and her indomitable spirit. Every page felt fresh, and new, while at the same time, holding that space of comfortable and familiar. This is a gorgeous depiction of witchcraft, and the incredible strength women carry

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Heartbroken it's Over

Revisado: 06-30-24

I wanted this book to last forever. The story stirred something deep in my soul, and awakened a Truth. If I could, I would have this be mandatory reading. the wiring is sumptuous, and so elegant, like a balm. The narrator couldn't be more perfect with her portrayal of emotion. Put this book on your "To Read" list, then move it right to the top. It's truly one of the best books I've read this decade.

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Humanist SciFi at it's Best

Revisado: 03-13-24

Becky Chambers manages to create endearing characters and a plot that doesn't need the perfect, sappy "fairy tale" ending. Hey characters are gorgeous, fleshed out, and multidimensional. When I started this series, I was apprehensive about each book following a different character group. I was deeply mistaken. this Universe she has created is everything we _could be_.

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Hauntingly Beautiful

Revisado: 11-18-23

I want to buy up a dozen copies to donate to my local high school libraries. It should be included in every Black and LGBTQ literature section.

Rivers Solomon has created a captivating story that twists in ways that surprise, and yet make perfect sense. Her characters are raw, real, and spring to life. She beautifully Bridges the gaps between Black History, fantasy, horror, and some of the most tantalizingly provocative gay literature I've had the shivering pleasure of reading.

The narration feels liquid smooth. I couldn't listen in bed, as her voice is so soothing I would have fallen asleep. Imagine deep water tumbling over rocks in a perfect dream: that's this narrators voice.

My only complaint is that it was over too soon.

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A Radiant Heartbreak

Revisado: 06-07-23

For starters, this might be the most poignant, beautiful, and agonizing book I've ever encountered. I have to say that it needs trigger warnings for just about everything: Any imaginable type of bodily abuse, drugs, religious trauma, etc.
You might think that with all the pain contained within this book, it might be best to steer clear, but I would disagree.
While the story is primarily about Jude, it is also very much about the people in his life. The people trying to live their own tangled existences, while doing all they can to carry Jude through unimaginable pain.
For that reason (among others), I think this book holds so much value. For me, "A Little Life" gives me a sense of representation. For anyone who has dedicated unfathomable portions of their life to trying to keep a loved one afloat, especially when that person is fighting every step... For people who love someone whose trauma makes them unable to love themself... For those who know what it is to ache for wanting to help someone who can't see the value in their own life... You'll feel this book.

I've read other reviews that state not understanding the point of a book encapsulating so much agony. I am envious of those people, who have not had the life experiences that make you really feel and understand the point of this book. And I'm glad they haven't felt that pain. But I'm also glad this book exists for those of us who have.

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Meaningful Topics, Respectfully Discussed

Revisado: 01-21-22

The Actual Star was a painful balance of wanting to hear more, but really not wanting it to end.

I've read a few reviews that use the word "cringe", in relation to the environmental topics and the frank discussion of sex, and gender. I would agree that if sex is a topic you don't enjoy reading about, passages might be uncomfortable. However, there was nothing "cringe" about this. The author's voice for describing sex changed according to the character's perspective in a wholly appropriate way. I found the author's approach on gender to be intriguing, and thoughtfully created (but _do_ keep your glossary handy).
The handling of the topic of the foreign gaze, and the tendency to fetishize the "exotic" was beautifully done, with a light hand.

Moving past the book itself, the narration was delightful. The use of three narrators to track with the different time periods made listening easy, and kept the timelines well structured. It was also incredibly refreshing to hear voices that could beautifully speak the patois of the various regions. Bravo!

My only disappointment was the length of the book. I could have happily stayed with these characters for twice the time.

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