First things first, I’m finally on track with my reading goal and have a strong feeling I can reach my goal of 52 books by the end of the year. I managed to read 8 books in August – it was quite a month! Let’s dive in!!
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami ⭐⭐⭐
This was my first Haruki Murakami book! It reads more like a stream of thoughts than a traditional memoir with Murakami sharing everything that comes to mind while he’s running. As a runner myself, this book made me reflect on my own thoughts during my runs, like what I plan to eat afterward, whether I’ve cancelled that unnecessary subscription, and if people still read my blog?? Similarly, Murakami dives into his love for long-distance running, his marathon preparations and his reflections when he doesn’t meet his running goals.
Honestly, if you don’t enjoy running, this book might feel a bit pointless. It’s deeply personal and focuses on what running means to Murakami.
The Devil’s Playbook: Big Tobacco, Juul, and the Addiction of a New Generation by Lauren Etter ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I mentioned in my previous post that I was reading this book and I truly believe it’s a game-changer. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in public health, especially the effects of vaping on young adults. Etter digs deep into the world of Big Tobacco and Juul, revealing how these companies have manipulated the market to get a new generation hooked on nicotine.
One thing I wondered while reading was whether Juul’s ban would have made as much of an impact if the affected parents weren’t from affluent communities in Silicon Valley. The portrayal seemed to paint vaping as a “rich kid” problem. I also appreciated the compassion doctors showed when treating teenagers affected by Juul, in contrast to the parents who were angry at their kids. Many of these teens didn’t know how harmful Juul could be—no one really did at the time!
Explicit Instruction by Scarlett Finn ⭐
This is my first time ever giving a book one star. The plot was terrible and the characters were boring. It’s about a girl named Flick who gets stranded and ends up in a bar where she meets Rushe who warns her not to enter. She gets kidnapped and the book tries to create a Stockholm Syndrome dynamic but instead presents a disturbing rape fantasy. I skimmed most of the pages, it was a complete waste of time for me and generally a book not worth your time (at least for me)!
Wellness by Nathan Hill ⭐⭐
This was a major snooze for me!! If I am being honest, this book started out so strong that I thought it might be a five-star read, but after about 200 pages, it became a chore to finish! Nathan Hill writes about a young Chicago couple who met in college in their 20s and are now adults purchasing a condo that has yet to be built in the Chicago suburbs. Honestly, the back-and-forth narrative became too tedious, and the book was longer than it needed to be. Some satirical parts were funny, but overall, I think it was overhyped. You can skip this book.
Decolonizing Wellness by Dalia Kinsey ⭐⭐⭐
I’m generally not a fan of typical self-help books but this one was an exception. Dalia shares how individuals can improve their health and wellness journey through nutrition, self care and exercise. It’s also a body-positivity book, encouraging us to be gentle with ourselves and accept our bodies. Some readers may find it too political, but I appreciated the interactive prompts that made it more engaging.
You’re the Only One I’ve Told: The Stories Behind Abortion by Dr. Meera Shah⭐⭐⭐⭐
tw: Abortion
If you’re ready for something raw and real, this book is a must-read. It’s a collection of personal stories about abortion, shedding light on a topic often hidden and stigmatised. Dr. Meera Shah’s compassionate approach reminds us that health is multifaceted and understanding these stories is crucial to understanding reproductive health.
In short: abortion should be treated like any other medical procedure.
Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-and What We Can Do About It by Jennifer Breheny Wallace ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved this book! It’s especially great for parents and educators. Jennifer Wallace explores the roots of toxic achievement culture, detailing the pressure students face when applying to colleges and the influence of parents in driving their children to strive for applying to elite schools. Jennifer interviews psychologists, families, and educators to uncover why so many chase the status associated with elite education.
What Happened To You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey ⭐⭐⭐
I have been enjoying some Psychology books and this was a great audiobook to listen to! Oprah and Bruce Perry discuss how our earliest experiences shape our lives and worldviews. It is a bit scientific but I love how Bruce, an American psychiatrist, shares how trauma affects people years later in a digestible manner. If you’re interested in psychology or understanding trauma, this is a great book.
That wraps up this month’s book review! I’ll also be posting a bonus blog this Wednesday since I missed last Sunday’s post. See you then!
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