Book Review, Non-Fiction, Self-Help

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by M.K.

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3.5 stars. I consider this book to be a failure. I read it. Did not apply it. It mildly inspired me to want to donate things. Made me laugh when she said one of her clients had stock-piled 80 rolls of tp. And I credit my resistance to her on the fact that she is quite arrogant in the introduction. Normally with books like this I would skip the introduction, but we’re in quarantine right now everything is changing.

Kondo’s ideas are radical and I do believe they may work. I am drawn to a minimalist lifestyle, but I can’t live in a tiny house and have all my books. Though I was satisfied to know that I already fold my socks AND store my t-shirts in the manner she recommends. I also vacuumed and cleaned my toilet after reading the intro, but I’m not sure that’s because she incited this behavior of it was just time in my normal routine.

Halfway through the book I was certain that I had already learned all there was to know about discarding and tidying, when boom! turns out the little 50% symbol was in the corner of my screen (ebooks are always tricking me like this). As I continued to read the more I thought, “maybe this Kondo lady is a little crazy, no way am I talking to my house when I get home for the day or thanking my wallet for being in my purse and not doing anything.”

I did learn some helpful tips and tricks, but I don’t think full immersion in the KonMari method is gonna work out for me.

Book Review, Fiction, Memoirs/Autobiography

The Bell Jar by S.P.

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3 stars. Despite 4 racist statements within the first 2 chapters (after which I quite keeping track) I can see why this book is a hit, but also cannot fathom why it is.
The extreme selfish nature of our narrator was discouraging and the manner of prose wasn’t actually altogether engaging. But some of the themes–namely mental health–do qualify it to be a nominal feminist piece rather than the “seminal” label given under other circumstances. I wasn’t a fan. I wasn’t about to stick my head in an oven to end my pain, but now that I’ve read it I’d rather not think about it ever again. And if I want to read actual feminist literature from this era I will probably turn to Betty Friedan or Gloria Steinem or Maya Angelou or any number of others that remain relevant in todays gender climate. I do not enjoy the company of those with a personality similar to Esther and similarly did not enjoy reading about it. Also the amount of white privilege seeping from the pages filled me with so much disdain that I ultimately decided to not even try out Plath’s poetry to see if it redeemed her.

To clarify, I do not claim that because of Esther’s socio-economic background her feelings and very real problems are not valid. I am just pointing out the dangers in continuing to call this book an essential read for all feminists/humanity due to its many toxic themes perpetuating a culture of oppression for the underprivileged.

Book Review, Historical Fiction, Series

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Bss.E.O.

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4 stars. Baroness Orczy apparently brought the whole theme of heroes with secret identities into the world, which is kind of cool. Reading this book also made me want to watch the 1992 series starring Richard E. Grant, which I haven’t seen since childhood. Alas, PrimeVideo failed me once again. Anyway, what a riot this book was. Had I known before reading it that alter-egos for heroes had basically been invented with this book, I probably would have read more into that. But Lord and Lady Blakeney are lovable in their own way, despite being so involved in the throes of love and hate that they can’t seem to think clearly especially in regards to one another.

The writing was clear and simple, and often repetitive, but not in an overly annoying way. It made me want to describe people as “foppish,” so I consider that a plus. I mostly enjoyed that the book focused on many people and their contributions to the unfolding plot rather than solely on the titular character. It was a refreshing sort of style.

Book Review, Fiction, Romance

The Art Forger by B.A.S.

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A solid 4 stars (maybe even 4.5)! Be aware of minor spoilers ahead. I loved the narrative of this book. It was well thought out and reminded me about a lot of things I know about art but had forgotten I even knew! Also who doesn’t love a win for the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum after the heist literally 20 years ago! The characters were lovely and I liked seeing Claire’s progression from lowly grad student to flourishing and successful artist! Though every time her and Aiden got mushy, my eye rolls were intensely audible. But as we all know, I’m not a fan of romance so much.
This one was hard to put down! A delicious read full of fun twists and turns and the gaiety I needed amidst Coronavirus lock-down. And I’m definitely interested in reading more of Shapiro’s work…once the library reopens.

Book Review, Fiction, Futurism, Historical Fiction, Time Travel

Kindred by O.E.B.

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5 stars. I do think that this is the most beautiful book I’ve read all year. Dana is so relatable! She is terrified and anxiety ridden, but still able to do what she needs to survive. What a gorgeous, raw tale. I am speechless and can do no better than to tell everyone to seek out this book and read it immediately. The perfect blend of time-travel and historical fiction is epic. This will have a place in my favorites forever.