Pithy Reviews

Unlike many of my fellow readers, I am less than stellar at tracking both books read, and what I thought of them.

I try to keep up on Goodreads, however my approach to starring there has shifted so much over time, that the five star books are the only consistent ratings, sort of. 

That said, there have been the occasional books that had enough of an impact on me to merit a few words of review. In fact, less than 10% of my tracked Goodreads books include a review. They have come at various times over the years and come from one to five-star reviews, so seem worth calling out as their own category. 

Herewith, a brief collection of occasional reviews, including the year read. 

A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway *****

Five stars, but only if read while getting increasingly drunk at a French* cafe.

(*ideally in Paris but elsewhere with primarily French speakers accepted)  

- 2016

Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson ***

I'm giving this an extra star just because the scenario is so fascinating and prescient.
But I've otherwise come to realize that all of Stephenson's books devolve into the final third as an extended chase/shoot em up which is very boring.

- 2015

The Woman Behind the New Deal: The Life of Frances Perkins, FDR'S Secretary of Labor and His Moral Conscience by Kirstin Downey **** 

Four stars for the text, five for the subject.

- 2012

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline ** 

Utterly predictable. 

- 2017 

The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett ***

“His eyes burned yellowly.” 

- 2018 

Hold Your Own by Kate Tempest *****

I already plan to read it again, rare for me and a book of poetry. 

- 2015 

I have not, as of yet, in fact read this again, so it seems like a good one to add to my TBR for next year!