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ryner's rating:
Added Mar 27, 2024
ryner's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2024
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Kiera has a secret that not even her family and high school friends know about: She is the owner and creator/coder of SLAY, an extremely popular online VR role-playing game celebrating Black culture and, more importantly, a safe space free from racial "othering." But when a young teen is murdered in real life over in-game money, the media spotlight suddenly shines unfavorably on SLAY and harsh speculation ensues about the game and its perceived threats.
I loved this book most of all for clueing me in on so many not necessarily outwardly visible aspects of Black culture, which was both educational and a delight. Importantly, Black joy plays a significant role in the narrative, despite a tragedy being a pivotal plot element. As a lifelong gamer I was excited by the virtual world Kiera built and wanted to more about SLAY's origin. How/where did Kiera and Claire meet? How did their partnership develop? The technology-curious me also wanted to know more about the game servers, where they are hosted, and how that all came about. That said, there were some aspects of SLAY gameplay that I willingly suspended my disbelief in favor of pure entertainment. Recommended!Kiera has a secret that not even her family and high school friends know about: She is the owner and creator/coder of SLAY, an extremely popular online VR role-playing game celebrating Black culture and, more importantly, a safe space free from…
A Bride's StoryA Bride's Story, Graphic Novel4
by Mori, Kaoru, 1978-Graphic Novel - 2013Graphic Novel, 2013
ryner's rating:
Added Mar 08, 2024
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I don't have it in me to review each installment individually, but just wanted to say that I'm starting to get the feeling "bride" is not necessarily singular. Although I'd like to get back to Amir and Karluk at some point, it's exciting how the story is expanding in multiple directions.I don't have it in me to review each installment individually, but just wanted to say that I'm starting to get the feeling "bride" is not necessarily singular. Although I'd like to get back to Amir and Karluk at some point, it's exciting how the…
A Bride's StoryA Bride's Story, Graphic Novel3
by Mori, Kaoru, 1978-Graphic Novel - 2012Graphic Novel, 2012
ryner's rating:
Added Mar 08, 2024
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I don't have it in me to review each installment individually, but the series is still great!
The Secrets of Great Mystery and Suspense FictionThe Secrets of Great Mystery and Suspense Fiction, Audiobook CD
by Schmid, DavidAudiobook CD - 2016Audiobook CD, 2016
ryner's rating:
Added Mar 07, 2024
The Secrets of Great Mystery and Suspense FictionThe Secrets of Great Mystery and Suspense Fiction, Downloadable Audiobook
by Schmid, DavidDownloadable Audiobook - 2017Downloadable Audiobook, 2017
ryner's rating:
Added Mar 07, 2024
Alexander the GreatAlexander the Great, BookHis Life and His Mysterious Death
by Everitt, AnthonyBook - 2019Book, 2019
ryner's rating:
Added Mar 07, 2024
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In this newer biography of one of history's most well-known names, Everitt provides a sweeping narration of Alexander's life, from his birth as the son of Macedonian King Philip and coming into his own power upon Philip's murder, to what he is best known for: vanquishing Darius, the Great King of Persia, and subsequently conquering all peoples from the Mediterranean to India.
I became concerned during the first few chapters that this was going to be partly a work of speculative nonfiction, which I struggle with, but it eventually found more or less stable footing in the historical record. (I'm also willing to be more forgiving when the time period we're talking about is 2000+ years ago.) The writing is effective and strives to provide balance in areas of uncertainty. As someone not naturally drawn to military history, I found the narrative just engaging enough to keep me interested. I'm not sure any new conclusions can be drawn surrounding his puzzling death at only thirty-three years of age, but Everitt lays out multiple plausible scenarios. Understandably, Alexander's staggering military finesse and accomplishments take center stage in this comprehensive history, though occasionally my eyes would glaze over keeping individual battles and their locations straight. To have completely dominated the known world by the age of thirty is an incredible feat, and it's incredible that we know as much as we do about this enigmatic leader. All that said, it's eye-opening and sobering how perspective changes through time. Today, we would consider Alexander a war criminal.In this newer biography of one of history's most well-known names, Everitt provides a sweeping narration of Alexander's life, from his birth as the son of Macedonian King Philip and coming into his own power upon Philip's murder, to what he is best…
ryner's rating:
Added Feb 28, 2024
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Humes has assembled here a fascinating, educational and eye-opening compilation of photographs, both historical and contemporary, in which a single woman features among anything from a handful to several hundred men. Some of these women were simply in the right place at the right time, while a great many others had courageously demanded admittance to fields, trades, affiliations, societies and other arenas previously reserved only for men. It appears that every effort had been made to identify the women in these photos, though clearly some were impossible due to either the passage of time or poor record-keeping. I would have loved to have learned more about Humes' process for sourcing all of these photos as it is an impressively diverse and varied collection. It isn't as though you can easily google "photos of lots of men but only one woman." A must-have for any women's history display.Humes has assembled here a fascinating, educational and eye-opening compilation of photographs, both historical and contemporary, in which a single woman features among anything from a handful to several hundred men. Some of these women were simply…
ryner's rating:
Added Feb 23, 2024
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An accomplished architect, Duncan is driving home from a site visit when a car accident leaves him almost entirely paralyzed from the neck down. Worse, his colleague in the passenger seat, was killed. After Duncan's wife Laura hears of an experimental primate assistance program, Ottoline, a female capuchin monkey, is welcomed into their home and trained to help Duncan with simple tasks when Laura and other caregivers are not present. Despite Ottoline's presence, Laura's support and the many fancy pieces of technology designed to make his new circumstances easier which have been added to their home, Duncan's bleak future makes each day a mental struggle for him.
This is a beautiful book. Though it took a few chapters for me to really get into the story, I was thereafter totally engrossed. The story alternates between scenes from the present, events leading up to the accident and vignettes from both Duncan's and Laura's pasts, providing insight on their lives and personalities. Ottoline (I really wanted to know the correct way to pronounce her name — folks on the internet are of several opinions) and her big personality and antics are only a small fraction of narrative but her presence helps tie together the dual timelines. Weber's writing touches with sensitivity on all kinds of topics, from disability and infertility to guilt and hopelessness. I learned about all kinds new concepts in architecture, medicine, and art conservation. Weber must either be incredibly knowledgeable or have done extensive research. Her writing is really stellar, both authentic and perceptive. I'm frankly confused by how this book hasn't received more recognition. It's a sleeper hit for sure. Highly recommended.An accomplished architect, Duncan is driving home from a site visit when a car accident leaves him almost entirely paralyzed from the neck down. Worse, his colleague in the passenger seat, was killed. After Duncan's wife Laura hears of an…
ryner's rating:
Added Feb 23, 2024
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When Brodeur was in her early teens, her mother took her into confidence, revealing that she had begun an affair with her husband's best friend. In this memoir Brodeur details the trajectory of that clandestine relationship, Brodeur's own involvement in it, and though it took her many years to accept it, the innumerable ways it messed her up. Reading this book was like watching the proverbial train wreck — even though it was just overflowing with dysfunctional relationships, psychological manipulation and deceit, I couldn't stop turning pages. So while it ticked the boxes for engaging and entertaining, I'm not sure what made it a story worthy of publishing. The writing is skilled, but other than feeling grateful that I don't come from nearly as dysfunctional a family, I don't feel like a really got much out of it. Recommended if you, too, just want to feel better about your own family.When Brodeur was in her early teens, her mother took her into confidence, revealing that she had begun an affair with her husband's best friend. In this memoir Brodeur details the trajectory of that clandestine relationship, Brodeur's own…
A Bride's StoryA Bride's Story, Graphic Novel2
by Mori, Kaoru, 1978-Graphic Novel - 2011Graphic Novel, 2011
ryner's rating:
Added Feb 21, 2024
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I don't think I have it in me to review each of the 14 volumes individually. Just know that I'm so far really loving this series. The slice-of-life writing style is pretty charming, and it's educational to boot. I plan to see it through to the end.
Added Feb 20, 2024
Comment:
DNF. I began to have misgivings immediately, but I usually try to make a good-faith effort to reach Nancy Pearl's Rule of 50 before truly giving up on a book. Unfortunately, I could make it only 19 pages in before I had to set this aside with distaste. It reads like bad fanfiction romance written by a man. The multiple cringey descriptions of a fourteen-year-old girl's breasts, thighs and virginity within just those first 19 pages was pretty creepy. I won't be wasting any more time on anything by this author.DNF. I began to have misgivings immediately, but I usually try to make a good-faith effort to reach Nancy Pearl's Rule of 50 before truly giving up on a book. Unfortunately, I could make it only 19 pages in before I had to set this aside with…
A Bride's StoryA Bride's Story, Graphic Novel1
by Mori, Kaoru, 1978-Graphic Novel - 2011Graphic Novel, 2011
ryner's rating:
Added Feb 18, 2024
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This extended manga tale opens with the arranged marriage of Amir and Karluk in 19th-century central Asia. Amir is twenty. Karluk is twelve. In this first volume, Amir becomes acquainted not only with her new husband but also with her new extended family and community, to which she brings considerable bravery and self-confidence, as well as a few surprises. Her native family, however, is having second thoughts about the arrangement.
I'm so curious to see how this saga unfolds, as I sense some interesting subplot tendrils spiraling off from the main narrative. I've already learned a great deal about the local culture, which is almost a whole vibrant character in itself. I've never read a lengthy manga series, but I think I'll stick with this one.This extended manga tale opens with the arranged marriage of Amir and Karluk in 19th-century central Asia. Amir is twenty. Karluk is twelve. In this first volume, Amir becomes acquainted not only with her new husband but also with her new extended…
BarracoonBarracoon, BookThe Story of the Last "black Cargo"
by Hurston, Zora NealeBook - 2018Book, 2018
ryner's rating:
Added Feb 17, 2024
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Back in 1927 and 1928, anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston interviewed a man called Cudjo Lewis in Africatown, Alabama. The elderly Lewis, whose birth name was Kossola, had been captured in 1860 in his native Africa, in what is now Benin, and transported aboard the very last slave ship to Louisiana. In 1927, he held the tragic distinction of being the last known survivor of those "cargo" who had been aboard. Hurston visited Lewis and, over the course of several months, recorded his fascinating but heartbreaking history, but she was unable to find a publisher willing to include either Lewis' speech as transcribed or descriptions of Africans' own involvement in the slave trade, and the book's release was aborted — until 2018.
It feels awkward to express affection for a book whose roots lie in dehumanizing hardship and misery, but I truly treasure this book and what it contributes to history. Lewis had an amazing memory, and the reader will be astounded at the level of detail he was able to recall, well into his late eighties, about his early life and his native culture. Hurston's patience and kindness shine during times when Lewis didn't feel like opening up because he had to mend a fence or work in the garden, as well as on the days when the heaviness of his losses overwhelm him to the extent that he was unable to speak at all. The scenes in which they just sit around eating peaches are so heartwarmingly wholesome. This is a quick, insightful read, and once you recognize the patterns, Lewis' speech is not difficult at all to understand, so it's unfortunate that was a reason given for it not having been published nearly 100 years ago. Highly recommended.Back in 1927 and 1928, anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston interviewed a man called Cudjo Lewis in Africatown, Alabama. The elderly Lewis, whose birth name was Kossola, had been captured in 1860 in his native Africa, in what is now Benin, and…
Notes From A Young Black ChefNotes From A Young Black Chef, BookAdapted for Young Adults
by Onwuachi, KwameBook - 2021Book, 2021
ryner's rating:
Added Feb 17, 2024
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In this culinary memoir, Kwame Onwuachi describes how he arose from a rough-and-tumble childhood selling drugs to putting himself through cooking school and emerging as a 2019 James Beard "Rising Star Chef of the Year."
Every time I read memoirs from the culinary world, my mouth waters at all the descriptions of food preparation and regret that no one has yet invented books you can taste. I enjoyed Onwuachi's impressive and detailed life story (so far). The narrative flowed at a steady pace and was always interesting. I selected the version "adapted for young adults" to fulfill the Read Harder category "a YA nonfiction book," but I think I would have appreciated something meatier (no pun intended), so I would recommend prospective readers to reach for the other edition.In this culinary memoir, Kwame Onwuachi describes how he arose from a rough-and-tumble childhood selling drugs to putting himself through cooking school and emerging as a 2019 James Beard "Rising Star Chef of the Year."
Every time I read memoirs…
ryner's rating:
Added Feb 15, 2024
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In addition to caretaking their neighborhood cemetery in East L.A., Yadriel's extended family are also brujx. The brujas possess enhanced healing abilities, while the brujos' role is to assist the recently dead by releasing them from their tether to an earthly object. Yadriel, however, is trans, and his family is struggling with denial and acceptance, in particular with respect to what his role will be. In secret, inside the old church with the support of his cousin Maritza, Yadriel undergoes the ceremony to become a brujo, and to his joy (and relief), is accepted by Santa Muerte. There's just one snag: in the church they also discover the spirit of the recently murdered Julian Diaz. Now there are two secrets to keep.
I selected this title to fulfill the Read Harder category "a YA book by a trans author," but I approached it with skepticism, as I have never cared for magical realism. Despite my hesitance, I was hooked within the first three chapters and couldn't put it down. The characters felt genuine, and I came to care strongly about them. The writing is also quite wonderful. I have to say it was a very strange experience to have chanced to read this at the same time as 'Under the Whispering Door.' The parallels are eerie and many.In addition to caretaking their neighborhood cemetery in East L.A., Yadriel's extended family are also brujx. The brujas possess enhanced healing abilities, while the brujos' role is to assist the recently dead by releasing them from their tether to…
ryner's rating:
Added Feb 14, 2024
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Placing high value on education, Jordan's parents decide to enroll him in a well-regarded private school, even though his neighborhood friends attend public school. But at Riverdale Academy Day School, he's not only the new kid, but the new kid of color. This graphic novel spans Jordan's first year at RAD, where he learns to navigate new friendships, academics, teachers of questionable integrity, and the cringey behavior on the part of (usually) well-meaning but ignorant peers, as well as stand up for himself and his friends as they bravely call out instances of discrimination.
This is REALLY good. The illustrations are expressive and meaningful — each detail of every panel is drawn with intention. Jordan's middle school situations, conversations and inner monologues, many of them surrounding the struggle to fit in, come across as realistic and authentic. As a middle-aged white woman it would be insensitive for me to say I identify with Jordan, but there were definitely some scenes that resonated strongly. My daughter read this last year as part of her 7th grade English curriculum, and this year I'm reading it to fulfill the Read Harder category "a comic that has been banned." Highly recommended.Placing high value on education, Jordan's parents decide to enroll him in a well-regarded private school, even though his neighborhood friends attend public school. But at Riverdale Academy Day School, he's not only the new kid, but the new kid of…
ryner's rating:
Added Feb 13, 2024
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Wallace Price is a ghost observing his own funeral. He was a ruthlessly successful lawyer, and he's supremely disapproving that nobody can think of anything good to say about him at the small gathering. In the midst of his self-centered consternation, Mei arrives to escort him to "the ferryman." Arriving with Mei at an unassuming tea shop, Wallace meets two additional ghosts: an elderly man named Nelson, and the dog Apollo. He also meets Hugo, the tea shop proprietor whose role is to assist the newly dead with "crossing over" to what comes next.
This book has all the emotions, but also asks some philosophical questions. Despite the innately heavy nature of a story about death, the narrative was given a deftly lighthearted delivery, and I laughed out loud in a number of places. I strongly resisted growing to like Wallace because of how unsympathetic he was when introduced, but this is essentially the story of his redemption, and by the end I was convinced. This was for me a 3/3.5-star book most of the way through, until it hit 4 stars during the last 15% or so. By far the strangest thing about my experience with this book is having read it simultaneously, purely by coincidence, with 'Cemetery Boys.' The parallels are eerie.Wallace Price is a ghost observing his own funeral. He was a ruthlessly successful lawyer, and he's supremely disapproving that nobody can think of anything good to say about him at the small gathering. In the midst of his self-centered…
How to Love the UniverseHow to Love the Universe, BookA Scientist's Odes to the Hidden Beauty Behind the Visible World
by Klein, Stefan, 1965-Book - 2018Book, 2018
ryner's rating:
Added Feb 09, 2024
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In this pocket-sized but knowledge-filled volume, physicist Stefan Klein tells us a little about the universe as we currently understand it over the course of ten chapters, in topics ranging from particle physics, and statistics to dark matter and the size and nature of the universe. Though an expert in his field, Klein gently and conversationally explains the concepts in a way you'd want a friend to describe them to you, a non-scientist. Overall, it was a pleasing reminder of all the amazing things we have learned already about the universe, as well as the many perplexing things we have yet to fully understand.In this pocket-sized but knowledge-filled volume, physicist Stefan Klein tells us a little about the universe as we currently understand it over the course of ten chapters, in topics ranging from particle physics, and statistics to dark matter and…
ryner's rating:
Added Feb 08, 2024
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Years ago, while on a top secret mission time traveling from the year 2142 into the past, Kin became stranded in 1996. Though he waited and waited for rescue, apparently none was forthcoming, so he resigned himself to his situation and attempted to live as normal a life as he could, establishing for himself a career, marrying, and having a child. Now, eighteen years later, someone finally arrives to retrieve him, but his heart breaks as he must leave his family behind against his will.
This story was immediately riveting, and the writing was excellent. There are a lot of things for the reader to ponder — philosophical, moral, existential, and otherwise. Not sure why this book isn't more popular. I really enjoyed it and will be recommending it to my 14yo daughter as well.Years ago, while on a top secret mission time traveling from the year 2142 into the past, Kin became stranded in 1996. Though he waited and waited for rescue, apparently none was forthcoming, so he resigned himself to his situation and attempted to…
ryner's rating:
Added Feb 07, 2024
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An exceedingly accomplished violinist who rose above the obstacles placed in his way by his family's financial circumstances, their lack of support, their general disdain for his passion for music, and daily experiences with both casual and overt racism — Ray is a black musician in the white-dominated world of classical music — Ray's star rose even further when he discovered that his violin, a family heirloom, was actually a priceless Stradivarius. Now, as Ray is engaged in intense practice for the prestigious Tchaikovsky Competition, the violin is stolen.
What I loved about this novel were the immersive focus on music and music terminology, as well as the dramatic storytelling. I was sucked in immediately and had many thoughts about the "whodunit" from the get-go. It was a respectable debut novel, though I did have a few quibbles. Some of the characters felt like little more than caricatures. Ray's younger siblings were never named (unless I missed it?) and were referred to only as "the twins," making them seem like cardboard placeholders. It was also disappointing that most of the antagonistic characters were described as fat and/or ugly. There were times when I would have desired a bit more subtlety (more showing, less telling) in the narrative, and some of the contrived drama and the ending neatly wrapped up with a bow was almost too much, but I'll forgive these in a first novel. Recommended.An exceedingly accomplished violinist who rose above the obstacles placed in his way by his family's financial circumstances, their lack of support, their general disdain for his passion for music, and daily experiences with both casual and overt…
King ArthurKing Arthur, Downloadable AudiobookHistory and Legend
by Armstrong, Dorsey, 1970-Downloadable Audiobook - 2015Downloadable Audiobook, 2015
ryner's rating:
Added Feb 06, 2024
King ArthurKing Arthur, Audiobook CDHistory and Legend
by Armstrong, Dorsey, 1970-Audiobook CD - 2015Audiobook CD, 2015
ryner's rating:
Added Feb 06, 2024
The Origin of CivilizationThe Origin of Civilization, Audiobook CDPart 4 of 4
by MacEachern, ScottAudiobook CD - 2010Audiobook CD, 2010
ryner's rating:
Added Feb 06, 2024
The Origin of CivilizationThe Origin of Civilization, Audiobook CDPart 3 of 4
by MacEachern, ScottAudiobook CD - 2010Audiobook CD, 2010
ryner's rating:
Added Feb 06, 2024
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