tracithomas's reviews
935 reviews

I Finally Bought Some Jordans: Essays by Michael Arceneaux

emotional funny reflective fast-paced

4.0

I’ve read all three of Arceneaux’s books, this is my fave. It’s got so much vulnerability and depth on top of the humor. It really shows his growth. 

The Brothers: The Road to an American Tragedy by Masha Gessen

dark informative fast-paced

3.0

A lot of great reporting for the 1st 3/4 and then this book sorta jumps the shark into conspiracy land. It felt like maybe the book was a bit rushed and wish there was an updated version because Gessen does so great for so much of the book and then gets into total conjecture land.

Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space by Adam Higginbotham

adventurous dark informative sad tense medium-paced

5.0

This is so well done. I loved this book and the style of storytelling. By the end I was just hoping they would do the right thing and call off the launch, though of course they didn't. Really appreciate Higginbotham highlighting the full story of the space program and the astronauts (not just McAuliffe). Really great investigative journalism. Its a page turner.

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

Ok look the writing in this book is pretty terrible, but overall it was better than I was expecting. I didn't like the book at all and found it to be extremely cringe but it is readable and I understand how and why folks might like it. I think it also depends on why you come to reading. And this is now why. So yes, it is serviceable fluff, but also like there is much better fluff.

Little Rot by Akwaeke Emezi

adventurous challenging dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I liked this book. It is a wild ride and not for the faint of heart. I think this book is going to be very polarizing, especially for folks who need likable characters. You're not getting that here. My biggest gripe is that the pacing stalls out (a bit long) in the middle third and I saw the ending coming miles and miles away. 

Oye by Melissa Mogollon

emotional funny lighthearted sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I liked the premise of this book and thought the writing was fun. It might have gone on a bit too long since it is a lot of telling and not showing. Its a clever idea, but maybe just too long. 

Coming Home by Brittney Griner, Michelle Burford

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

I was surprised by how much I liked this book (I read on audio). The story is well told and gives the reader what they're looking for in terms of Griner's experiences in Russia. I think this book is aiming toward a very wide audience and at times tries to really explain things (like racism, Black women's hair, queer identity) that feels very basic. I also think Griner was not allowed to divulge center information and also wasn't privy to other things so there are gaps. It is a very smooth and clear narrative that I was engaged with from start to finish.

Undue Burden: Life and Death Decisions in Post-Roe America by Shefali Luthra

informative slow-paced

3.0

I really appreciated the idea and effort behind this book. I’m glad there is writing about post Roe abortion care. UNDUE BURDEN is too long, though. It is extremely redundant. It is detailed in ways that do not add to the story/information being shared. The book is one note. 

Annie Bot by Sierra Greer

adventurous challenging dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Started off so strong. A total mindfuck and great world building to kick things. Exciting plot. Engaging characters. So much to like through chapter five. The ending (last 75 pages or so) just weren’t for me. I didn’t love the authors choices and am not sure it really fit the first part of the book. 

Big Night: Dinners, Parties & Dinner Parties by Katherine Lewin

inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

This is such a fun cookbook for folks who love to host, want to host, or have to host. I flagged at least 1/3 of the recipes. It’s got gorgeous photos and I really liked the writing style. It’s super conversational. A good mix of mains, sides, drinks, snacks, and desserts. Also a lot of help menu planning.