DCL_Cheryl's Completed Shelf
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How to Keep House While DrowningHow to Keep House While Drowning, Downloadable AudiobookA Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing
by Davis, KCDownloadable Audiobook - 2022Downloadable Audiobook, 2022
All copies in use
Holds: 14 on 31 copies
Holds: 14 on 31 copies
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Dec 20, 2023
My Dark VanessaMy Dark Vanessa, Downloadable AudiobookA Novel
by Russell, Kate ElizabethDownloadable Audiobook - 2020Downloadable Audiobook, 2020
All copies in use
Holds: 4 on 9 copies
Holds: 4 on 9 copies
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Dec 20, 2023
Comment:
As one could guess from the book description, this was difficult to work through - especially in audio. If one can get past the triggering content, this could be an excellent book club choice, as there is a lot to unpack and discuss. I can't say I was "glad" that I read it - it was upsetting, triggering and frustrating, and weighed heavily on my heart - but it was thought provoking and I do feel it was worth my time - especially given the productive conversations that came from it afterwards.As one could guess from the book description, this was difficult to work through - especially in audio. If one can get past the triggering content, this could be an excellent book club choice, as there is a lot to unpack and discuss. I can't say I…
Fourth WingFourth Wing, Downloadable Audiobook
by Yarros, RebeccaDownloadable Audiobook - 2023Downloadable Audiobook, 2023
All copies in use
Holds: 425 on 120 copies
Holds: 425 on 120 copies
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Dec 20, 2023
Comment:
This is a mashup of (or liberally borrows from...depending how you interpret it) Hunger Games/Battle Royal (win by lethal attrition), Twilight (Edward vs. Jacob), Dragonriders of Pern (bonding with dragons, sexual freedom...sort of), and a handful of other dystopian YA books.This is a mashup of (or liberally borrows from...depending how you interpret it) Hunger Games/Battle Royal (win by lethal attrition), Twilight (Edward vs. Jacob), Dragonriders of Pern (bonding with dragons, sexual freedom...sort of), and a handful…
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Dec 20, 2023
Comment:
Viola Davis narrates the audiobook and she was wonderful to listen to. Her personal story is harrowing and difficult to absorb, but it was so well told from a perspective of maturity and forgiveness. I am glad I took the time for it.
The Woman in MeThe Woman in Me, Downloadable Audiobook
by Spears, BritneyDownloadable Audiobook - 2023Downloadable Audiobook, 2023
Available
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Dec 20, 2023
Comment:
It was good that Britney Spears was able to have her say... however, the book is so poorly executed that its primary purpose is to indulge curiosity and make junk food of her negative experiences. It had a defensive, reactionary tone and I think a couple years to settle, reflect, heal and grow (and a decent writing team) would have delivered a more substantial and compelling memoir. It seems more like the writing team cashed in for quick money off a celebrity memoir than giving true due diligence and care. It's a book for Britney fans and those curious about her. I didn't feel better for having read it.It was good that Britney Spears was able to have her say... however, the book is so poorly executed that its primary purpose is to indulge curiosity and make junk food of her negative experiences. It had a defensive, reactionary tone and I think…
The Longest RaceThe Longest Race, Downloadable AudiobookInside the Secret World of Abuse, Doping, and Deception on Nike's Elite Running Team
by Goucher, Kara • Pilon, MaryDownloadable Audiobook - 2023Downloadable Audiobook, 2023
Available
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Dec 20, 2023
Comment:
It's a compelling story and Kara Goucher does a great job narrating her own book - so on its own, it's a great read. But for me, it was also the right book at the right time.
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Aug 23, 2023
Comment:
This was a beautiful read.
A Thousand Steps Into NightA Thousand Steps Into Night, Downloadable Audiobook
by Chee, TraciDownloadable Audiobook - 2022Downloadable Audiobook, 2022
Available
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Aug 23, 2023
Comment:
That was cute - great audiobook narration and it was an enjoyable story. It plays out like listening to an anime in the realm of Studio Ghibli or InuYasha, maybe.
The Secret Keeper of JaipurThe Secret Keeper of Jaipur, Downloadable Audiobook
by Joshi, AlkaDownloadable Audiobook - 2021Downloadable Audiobook, 2021
Available
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Aug 23, 2023
Comment:
I enjoyed the continuation of the initial story. The audiobook narrator was great.
Never BrokenNever Broken, Downloadable AudiobookSongs Are Only Half the Story
by JewelDownloadable Audiobook - 2015Downloadable Audiobook, 2015
Available
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Aug 23, 2023
Comment:
If you listened at all to Jewel in the early 90's, especially, this is well worth a listen. I enjoy her storytelling, appreciated learning more about her life and the insight she had to offer about overcoming adversity as well as tending to mental health. I also enjoyed her narration.If you listened at all to Jewel in the early 90's, especially, this is well worth a listen. I enjoy her storytelling, appreciated learning more about her life and the insight she had to offer about overcoming adversity as well as tending to mental…
No Cure for Being HumanNo Cure for Being Human, Downloadable Audiobook(And Other Truths I Need to Hear)
by Bowler, KateDownloadable Audiobook - 2021Downloadable Audiobook, 2021
All copies in use
Holds: 2 on 2 copies
Holds: 2 on 2 copies
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Aug 23, 2023
Comment:
This was a beautiful, short book with a realist's view of the platitudes and inspirational nonsense that gets dished out in lieu of actually confronting and dealing with the reality that sometimes bad things happen and there is no "inspiration porn" to be made of it.
I appreciated her insight, her questions, her anger, her humor, the way she handled herself and especially some of her responses to the doctors. I feel like this goes on the shelf next to "When Breath Becomes Air" for "perspective."This was a beautiful, short book with a realist's view of the platitudes and inspirational nonsense that gets dished out in lieu of actually confronting and dealing with the reality that sometimes bad things happen and there is no "inspiration porn"…
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Aug 23, 2023
Comment:
There is a podcast interview with the author after the book finishes that lends insight into her research process and how the characters were developed. I wish I had read that first - it gave more depth and retrospective enjoyment to the story.
The first chapter is a great hook. After that, the characters and their relationships felt flat, so it took me several hours to recover and get back into the book and engage with it. The audiobook narrator tried to drop her voice to do male voices and that always twangs a nerve for me (same with men who raise their voices to try to sound "feminine"). I also immediately loathed one character's boyfriend who shortens her name from Jordan to "Jor." What the heck is that? An orc name?
That said, I enjoyed the tenacity and energy of Nina and Jordan. Loved a literary spotlight on this historical group of women who were next-level bad***.There is a podcast interview with the author after the book finishes that lends insight into her research process and how the characters were developed. I wish I had read that first - it gave more depth and retrospective enjoyment to the story.
The…
Running with ShermanRunning with Sherman, Downloadable AudiobookThe Donkey with the Heart of a Hero
by McDougall, ChristopherDownloadable Audiobook - 2019Downloadable Audiobook, 2019
All copies in use
Holds: 2 on 1 copy
Holds: 2 on 1 copy
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Aug 23, 2023
Comment:
Sherman needs a children's book written about him. McDougall did a great job of connecting readers with the animals' personalities. I could read a whole offshoot book about the goats...
I really enjoyed this book and found it pretty entertaining all the way through. Kept me mentally occupied for several hours of bike riding. He's an engaging storyteller and fun to listen to.
Really recommend it if you enjoyed Born to Run, or have a soft spot for donkeys (and goats!).Sherman needs a children's book written about him. McDougall did a great job of connecting readers with the animals' personalities. I could read a whole offshoot book about the goats...
I really enjoyed this book and found it pretty entertaining…
Never Saw Me ComingNever Saw Me Coming, Downloadable Audiobook
by Kurian, VeraDownloadable Audiobook - 2021Downloadable Audiobook, 2021
Available
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Aug 23, 2023
Comment:
I felt like it could go down a Liane Moriarty path, but then it did not.
The title made me expect a big twist, but it didn't really manifest.
The Boy Who Was Raised as a DogThe Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog, Downloadable AudiobookAnd Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist's Notebook - What Traumatized Children Can Teach Us About Loss, Love, and Healing
by Perry, Bruce D • Szalavitz, MaiaDownloadable Audiobook - 2018Downloadable Audiobook, 2018
All copies in use
Holds: 5 on 3 copies
Holds: 5 on 3 copies
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Aug 23, 2023
Comment:
I feel that it was well worth the read for someone like myself, who is very interested in the impact of trauma, abuse and hardship on adult behavior (or, conversely, looking at adult behavior and sussing out an understanding of root causes).
In a recent criminology class, there was a discussion on the enormous cost benefits of early intervention in crime prevention. While one would hope the reasons for reading this book are more altruistic than "spend less tax dollars," it is still something worth considering and an obvious key point in his work.
However, hopefully the more immediate takeaway is to build a better general understanding of child development and how children process trauma/neglect/abuse. Understanding the impact of neglect and abuse on mental health and brain development can offer insight into behavioral issues in children and adults. This may generate more compassion and less stigmatization of people. He makes such a strong point in that you cannot punish someone into being a loving and compassionate person (he makes a lot of strong points - I'm really underselling this book in this review).
The cases he discusses are difficult to hear - all of them deal with trauma and abuse and some of this is graphic and deeply disturbing, so it's good to be forewarned. There are some kvetchings about him being "full of himself" or exhibiting "white savior" complex. I can see where - if the book was written in part to validate his work and he's trying to quantify the impact of it - it can come across that way. I felt I saw him own up to a lot of mistakes made in his own process of learning to be a better therapist, and his horror at the unintended consequences of some of his work (example: a therapist citing his work as validation to commit abuse on his patients). So I while there may have been a blip or two of it, I didn't really feel it stood out to me or grated.
I would say that there's discussion about autism earlier in the book that could use an update. I would change "normal" to "neurotypical" and adjust some of the language there, as it felt out of tune with current language and understanding of Autism. He does discuss Autism later in the text and seems to be a bit more nuanced there, but that one segment jumped out and grated at me. It's not to say that other parts of the book are perfect, but this one piece caught my attention.I feel that it was well worth the read for someone like myself, who is very interested in the impact of trauma, abuse and hardship on adult behavior (or, conversely, looking at adult behavior and sussing out an understanding of root causes).
In a…
Crying in H MartCrying in H Mart, Downloadable AudiobookA Memoir
by Zauner, MichelleDownloadable Audiobook - 2021Downloadable Audiobook, 2021
All copies in use
Holds: 151 on 30 copies
Holds: 151 on 30 copies
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Aug 23, 2023
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Aug 23, 2023
Comment:
Didn't love it, but there were things I enjoyed.
I felt like it could have been combed over a bit more for feedback before publication. Maybe some trimming. The book was overpopulated with jerks - I didn't know which way to turn to face the bad guy, they were coming in from all angles.
I feel like there was a missed opportunity with Khalid in reference to his faith and practices. It wasn't just the inappropriate boss, but everyone around him. Everyone bagged on him over his religious practices and beliefs - only one or two were supportive. Even the Imam gave him a little nudge that he was taking it too seriously. There was little context offered as to what he drew from his faith. The author did, at one point, show how the practice of ritual helped calm him and clear his head. His connection to the mosque seemed strong, but otherwise, there wasn't much depth there. Ayesha, the heroine, doesn't bother to explore it or ask. Why? Shouldn't that be important to you - since it is obviously vital to him?
I don't see a parallel with Pride and Prejudice, other than what looks like a direct (or very close) quote or two.
Overall it was a pleasant - if a bit infuriating on the characters' behalves - afternoon read with a few nits to pick. Writing quality was not great. Some of the characters felt like cardboard props. Not quite "rom com."
I did like some of the characters - I really wanted to steal her Nana and Nani, when all was said and done. I'd read a book about them. Maybe about Zareena, also.Didn't love it, but there were things I enjoyed.
I felt like it could have been combed over a bit more for feedback before publication. Maybe some trimming. The book was overpopulated with jerks - I didn't know which way to turn to face the bad guy,…
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and TomorrowTomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Downloadable AudiobookA novel
by Zevin, GabrielleDownloadable Audiobook - 2022Downloadable Audiobook, 2022
All copies in use
Holds: 259 on 47 copies
Holds: 259 on 47 copies
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Aug 23, 2023
Comment:
I loved this start to finish and was a little sad when it was over. The audiobook narration was wonderful, the story was engaging, and it hyped me up for a video game that doesn't exist! I so want to play Ichigo! I loved the game references.
Between Two KingdomsBetween Two Kingdoms, Downloadable AudiobookA Memoir of a Life Interrupted
by Jaouad, SuleikaDownloadable Audiobook - 2021Downloadable Audiobook, 2021
All copies in use
Holds: 43 on 9 copies
Holds: 43 on 9 copies
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Aug 23, 2023
Comment:
The author does a beautiful job of narrating her own book. I really enjoyed her performance and the book is beautifully written. I can't do it any sort of justice in my review.
I also enjoyed her storytelling, candor, and emotional intelligence. She does not shield readers from the experience of trying to survive cancer, or herself from the toll it takes on all around the person who is sick. My mother survived cancer when I was a teenager and I am amazed at how much I compartmentalized that experience. There are a few moments - snapshots, and everything else is put away and locked up except the expectation that I will also have to go through this at some point. I am not prepared for it.
What felt personally relevant is that we all experience life derailment at some point where we're thrown off the path we expect to be on. The derailments may vary in magnitude, but in many cases, perspective shifts over to "survive this." What comes after that ... doesn't matter. There's no space for "later" in the frame. I appreciated all she had to say about that piece of her journey. I think that we are all - to some level - experiencing this globally after 2020 derailed everyone and many are still in the thick of it (or have rolled in to a series of new crises on the tail of Covid crises).
I recommend this one in audio.The author does a beautiful job of narrating her own book. I really enjoyed her performance and the book is beautifully written. I can't do it any sort of justice in my review.
I also enjoyed her storytelling, candor, and emotional intelligence.…
The Private PatientThe Private Patient, Downloadable Audiobook
by James, P. D.Downloadable Audiobook - 2008Downloadable Audiobook, 2008
All copies in use
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Aug 23, 2023
Comment:
I enjoyed the audiobook narrator. There was nothing particularly striking about it other than there is a long lead-in with the first victim but readers are left hanging on questions that seem relevant to the murder. There's backstory for that character that is set up to go nowhere. So that was odd.
Otherwise it was an enjoyable listen for doing a puzzle in cold, snowy "stay indoors" weather. I give it 3 stars based on that and the enjoyable narrator.I enjoyed the audiobook narrator. There was nothing particularly striking about it other than there is a long lead-in with the first victim but readers are left hanging on questions that seem relevant to the murder. There's backstory for that…
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Aug 23, 2023
Comment:
Recommended by a co-worker. Good recommendation - it was well worth the read. It offered some insight and triggered plenty of emotions to process. I appreciate that I felt connected enough to respond to it emotionally.
This ended up sparking a conversation with my Dad about his time working in the Oil Sands in the 70's. He knew all the places Beaton referred to and had his own stories to add.Recommended by a co-worker. Good recommendation - it was well worth the read. It offered some insight and triggered plenty of emotions to process. I appreciate that I felt connected enough to respond to it emotionally.
This ended up sparking a…
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Aug 23, 2023
Comment:
The audiobook narrator was great. It is possible, looking at other reviews, that she elevated the book. I didn't find myself bored at any particular point or wanting to rush the story along. I enjoyed it - particularly the main character and her family, and the setting.
The love interest was flat, but this was a much better parallel to Pride & Prejudice than Ayesha at Last (which I read recently). That said, I didn't much care about Darius or his family. I kept thinking he was going to reveal to her that he came from a more complex background and Zuri was misjudging him in his privilege, but that never materialized. I'm also not sure where exactly they are "forced" to find common ground. It seems like they could have just continued to ignore each other.
It wrapped up a bit tidy - and a couple major life-changing events take place that seem to only be addressed on a surface level. It felt like an opportunity for a lot more exploration there.
That said, I loved the setting, Zuri and her family and especially the audiobook narrator.The audiobook narrator was great. It is possible, looking at other reviews, that she elevated the book. I didn't find myself bored at any particular point or wanting to rush the story along. I enjoyed it - particularly the main character and her…
Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg - Book SummaryNonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg - Book Summary, Streaming AudiobookA Language of Life
by FlashBooks • Bokhari, DeanStreaming Audiobook - 2020Streaming Audiobook, 2020
Added Aug 23, 2023
Assassin's ApprenticeAssassin's Apprentice, Downloadable AudiobookAssassin's Apprentice
by Hobb, RobinDownloadable Audiobook - 2010Downloadable Audiobook, 2010
All copies in use
Holds: 9 on 5 copies
Holds: 9 on 5 copies
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Aug 23, 2023
DCL_Cheryl's rating:
Added Aug 23, 2023
Comment:
I loved every page of this - I loved the creativity, I loved the narrator and his snarky observations, I loved the characters, I loved the story. I 1000% loved this book and enjoyed every moment reading it.
There's a touch of Pratchett-ness in here, which made me love it even more.I loved every page of this - I loved the creativity, I loved the narrator and his snarky observations, I loved the characters, I loved the story. I 1000% loved this book and enjoyed every moment reading it.
There's a touch of Pratchett-ness in…
Comment: