Reviews and Comments

a heavy one, books on these experiences need to exist. It was hard to set down but others may find themselves wanting to take a break from the topics. Really glad that I finally read this, and it will definitely stick with me. Side note: while reading this, an article also came out about how royalties from the book go to support a home for women in recovery in the county the story is based.

Started and finished this novella on a long drive. Loved it; entertaining and good feels. I want to read more from this author as well.

I would read more from this author. I liked her zone and overall vibe of this novella.

This book was heavy but I also really enjoyed and learned a lot from it. I went with the audio book version and it was not only read well by the author but includes some helpful audio clips that really enhance her story and process of understanding her CPTSD diagnosis. She cites a few studies I want to follow up on as well.

Always excited for a new Murakami book to read.

I would have been ok with not reading this. It was somewhat interesting at the start, but just dragged on for so long with random thoughts on experiencing covid while living in NYC, and her stressing about her jewelry being stolen and connecting this to her friend’s death. I also should have counted how many Joan Didion quotes were in the book. Grief is heavy so I’m also not trying to judge how someone experiences it, but also just didn’t get much out of this book.

I went back and finished this. Not worth my time (so I multitasked while listening); it didn’t get any better.

oops, reading another grief memoir.

“For the rest of my life, I will live with my hands outstretched for things that are no longer there.”

…as close as I can get to Werner Herzog reading bedtimes stories to me. Definitely going for the audiobook version read by him.

ugh. I can’t. I give up.

I downloaded the audio book version right before a long drive based on seeing this book pop up on best of 2024 lists. I’m half way into it…..what was I thinking? I kind of hate it but also kind of hate not finishing books. The narrator, age 45, seems to be only just now discovering that perimenopause is a biological thing that happens. People write about the book like it’s so raw and shocking. I just feel like I’m trapped in some modern romance novel that’s trying to be edgy…. So far I find it to be boring and annoying.

I’m kind of a sucker for historical fiction. The story kept my attention as an audiobook on long drives. It wasn’t an intense page turner but it was interesting to learn more from about the Panama Canal and the lives impacted by it. She weaves the stories of multiple characters, the transitions from each perspective were clever and smooth.

Really enjoyed this collection of three novellas. First time reading this author and I want to read more. I really liked his writing style, the themes, and the characters.