latashman's reviews
158 reviews

The Measure by Nikki Erlick

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I loved that this book focused on the connections that people make and how even the smallest connection or moment could have a lasting impact on someone else's life. From the obvious of taking a bullet for someone to simply riding a bike down the street singing your favorite song. I felt like this book was a drawn out version of would you rather know when you die or not. I do wish the characters had more depth and we could focus on them a little more. I like that it remained open that we don't know exactly where the strings came from. 

Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole

adventurous fast-paced

• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Diem has to be one of the most frustrating main characters that I've ever read. I did finally start liking her toward the end when she started sticking up for herself. I felt like the book was predictable, but it added to the anticipation of what was going to happen next. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the hopes that Luther makes more of an appearance. Though I'm frustrated with Diem, I have to remember her character is only 20. I made stupid decisions when I was 20 and was so caught up in myself that I didn't care about the things happening around me, I was headstrong and thought that I was always doing what is right. I think she is similar. 

Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell

informative medium-paced

4.0

I really enjoyed this look into what makes cults so appealing to a wide range of people. The language that leaders and followers use and how that language develops. I thought the book was well written. The audiobook had a good narrator. I wish the pacing was a little different. It is probably my fault because I don't know a lot about some of the historic cults mentioned so I felt lost at some points. I did start noticing cult like language in everyday interactions after listening to this. I also started noticing when someone used the term "brainwash" on social media or in arguments as an end to a conversation which I thought was interesting. Definitely makes me think about the way I use language. 

The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley

emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I loved the theme of getting older and the people you lost being proud of who you become. Living life to the fullest and embracing those you love while they are here. I lost my best friend 2.5 years ago and i have lived through some of the turmoil that is in this book, am I making her proud, am I living for myself, am I embracing every moment for what it is. The one thing I hated was the marriage and that Greg and Olivia didn't seem to take the kids into consideration at all until the last minute. 

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Infidelity

The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous reflective fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

I really liked the ideas of hope and the foundations of religion that this book explored. I'm a big fantasy fan, but the source of the stories is hardly ever made into an event, instead it is just something there. I appreciate that this book explores a new religion starting and it's connections to previous ones. I thought the pacing was better than the first book with a lot of political intrigue and action scenes. 

Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This is my second Grady Hendrix book, I like that he includes humor and a critique on society in his books. I found this book to be particularly humorous with some of the retail things going on and the digs at Ikea. I thought Amy was a great narrator though I didn't like her most of the book. I felt like I had met the characters through jobs over the years and could relate to Amy's exasperation with them. The horror elements were so creepy and built in intensity. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, and Gore

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

emotional funny medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I appreciate the humor sprinkled throughout the story. I found myself laughing out loud to several parts. I thought their lives were hectic and emotional, but true to what life is in your 20s when you are figuring out who you are. I wish Emma wasn't such a push over for most of the book, I found it so frustrating. I am glad that in the end she was able to make healthy decisions for herself. 

Zorrie by Laird Hunt

emotional informative reflective slow-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.5

Though this book is short it packs in a full life and a lot of events from the 20th century. I was drawn to Zorrie's life and her reflections on choices she made throughout the years. I thought of my grandma who grew up in Michigan for a lot of the book and what a few changes in choices could lead her life to look like. 

Also, wtf Noah. I love that he was loyal to Opal through it all, but I was also so infuriated that he never fought for what he wanted. 

Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.5

Read this in tandem with a reread of Empire of Storms. I've read the entire series, but always skipped this book in the past because I hate Chaol. I still dislike Chaol and his self righteousness. He is one of the most infuriating people in this story. I did like reading about the other rulers in this world. Not a huge fan of the conquering forces from the "good guys" 

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous emotional fast-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0