oversherin's reviews
67 reviews

¡Hola Papi!: How to Come Out in a Walmart Parking Lot and Other Life Lessons by John Paul Brammer

emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-paced

3.5

I appreciated that this book had a distinct voice and POV. There were some very touching moments but ultimately the writing style did not connect with me. 

Truth & Beauty CD: A Friendship by Ann Patchett

challenging emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

This book is beautifully written. I was looking for books about friendship and this was highly recommended. While it certainly portrays a complicated friendship, I was struck by how much of this book is about how captivating Lucy was. It was almost more of a biography told through the lens of friendship. She seems like a totally magnetic person and I feel honored to get a glimpse of her through this book. I definitely plan to read more Ann Patchett because the prose was beautiful and effortless. Also the audio book narrator was very good.  It's definitely a heavy read but I enjoyed the bursts of joy and friendship. 

Wildwood Imperium by Colin Meloy

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

4.5

I loved the whole Wildwood series so much. This book ties up all the story lines in satisfying and surprising ways. This book, more than the other two, felt like a movie with some fun nods to classic movie/action tropes like storming of the tower, big battle scenes, etc. I hope the whole world reads this book series. It's classic and surprising, with so much heart. 

Foster by Claire Keegan

emotional hopeful fast-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

The prose of this book felt like a song. 

Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet by Ben Goldfarb

challenging informative medium-paced

4.5

Very well written comprehensive look at road ecology. I went into this book expecting chapters on fish culverts and invasive plant species because it’s relevant to my work. I was surprised by how much of it was about roadkill! I listened to the audio book and 90% while driving the freeways and fs roads of the western us mentioned in this book so it felt very relevant and insightful. 

I especially loved the final chapters about roads affecting the human habitat. The whole book is peppered with humans relationship to roads but the last few chapters really brought it together. 

I also read eager and I really enjoy goldfarb’s style of anectodea, ride alongs, and case studies. This book was less hopeful than eager but also tackled a complex subject very well. Highly recommend to anyone! 

The House of Hidden Meanings by RuPaul

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

I am surprised by how good this book is! I love drag race and was excited to know more about Ru, but thought it would be a silly read. Ru is an excellent author. I especially loved descriptions of his childhood and his empathetic portrayal of his parents and sisters. His philosophies of life, stardom, and creativity were quite profound and stuck with me. I have even more respect for Ru than before and recommend this book to anyone. 

The Country Will Bring Us No Peace by Matthieu Simard

dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

3.5

This book was intriguing and moody. I really enjoyed the first half and was really spooked by the eerie town. Simard does a good job portraying the couple’s complex love. Overall, it didn’t blow me away but it was a great fast read with an intriguing progression. 

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Child death, Suicide, and Grief

Under Wildwood by Carson Ellis

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A wonderful second story in this series! I've been nervous to read the second book because I loved Wildwood so much. This story expanded in the world in a fascinating way. I loved the new character additions and I'm excited to see what comes next. Meloy is an excellent narrator for the audiobook. I was completely transported into Wildwood! 

Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel García Márquez

adventurous dark funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I had heard this book described as "masterful" so many times I was a little nervous it may not live up to the hype. I read it in one sitting and I absolutely loved it. It is incredible how much I felt transported to the town in such a quick novella. The character descriptions are quick but compelling. The plot is obvious yet so surprising. I sometimes find classic books or translated books difficult to read, but this was stylistic and compelling. I will add in to the many voices calling this book a masterful piece of storytelling!

Mink River by Brian Doyle

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective relaxing tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I adore this book. I wanted to live in this town with these people forever. Every page had a beautiful phrase or observation that moved me. I especially liked Doyle's experimental sections where he would alternate story lines in each sentence or describe a point in town where every character was kneeling.
The first 50 pages were a little overwhelming as all of the characters were introduced (many of whom have 2 names) but once I sat with the characters a bit, they felt like my own neighbors and community. This book hits a beautiful crossroads of Pacific Northwest and Irish storytelling that I didn't realize was so characteristic and powerful to me. This may be my favorite book I've ever read.