ArapahoeJulia's Completed Shelf
Filter your results by...
Format
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added Sep 30, 2021
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added Sep 08, 2021
Comment:
Overall, a good read! This book is a melodic coming of age story about a young songwriter named April. We see both the family April is born into and the family she chooses for herself along the way. A lovely character-driven book filled with bits of wisdom and impactful outlooks on life.Overall, a good read! This book is a melodic coming of age story about a young songwriter named April. We see both the family April is born into and the family she chooses for herself along the way. A lovely character-driven book filled with bits of…
Once There Were WolvesOnce There Were Wolves, BookA Novel
by McConaghy, CharlotteBook - 2021Book, 2021
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added Aug 03, 2021
Comment:
Y'all this book was crazy, but so good! This was a super fast listen for me and so engaging. If you like stories that have mystery, global impact, a passion for animals, and a deep love of family all seen through a somewhat eerie lens then I think you’ll love this one! I will say this read got dark at times, so be sure to check out my content warnings below if you're unsure. Overall, a great read!
Some Content Warnings: Physical & mental abuse, traumatic birth, death of humans & animals.Y'all this book was crazy, but so good! This was a super fast listen for me and so engaging. If you like stories that have mystery, global impact, a passion for animals, and a deep love of family all seen through a somewhat eerie lens then I think…
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added Aug 03, 2021
Comment:
At 600 pages Great Circle is quite a journey! This is the story of Marian Graves, a female aviator who finds her fame in circumnavigating the globe by flying over the North and South Poles. While the book was a bit too long in my opinion, I really appreciated this book for Shipstead’s incredible writing and the stunning descriptions around Marian’s passion for aviation and her struggles as a female. The flying scenes were definitely my favorite and for the last one hundred or so pages of the book I couldn't put it down. Read this one if you like immersive (and lengthy) literary fiction reads and have a particular proclivity for piloting :)At 600 pages Great Circle is quite a journey! This is the story of Marian Graves, a female aviator who finds her fame in circumnavigating the globe by flying over the North and South Poles. While the book was a bit too long in my opinion, I really…
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added Aug 03, 2021
Comment:
I loved this book! This was a very character-driven book that touches on family and the messes they create. It shows how to make the most of the hand you've been dealt and how to have your word really mean something to those who love you most. I absolutely loved the Riva kids!I loved this book! This was a very character-driven book that touches on family and the messes they create. It shows how to make the most of the hand you've been dealt and how to have your word really mean something to those who love you most. I…
The Rural DiariesThe Rural Diaries, BookLove, Livestock, and Big Life Lessons Down on Mischief Farm
by Morgan, Hilarie BurtonBook - 2020Book, 2020
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added Aug 03, 2021
Comment:
Y'all I loved this book. Hilarie Burton Morgan did such a fabulous job describing her family's journey from Hollywood to hometown farm life. This book chronicles their move to Rhinebeck, NY where they find the beauty of living in a small town and the power of simple moments. She discovers the ups and downs of farm life, the joy in investing where you live, and the struggles you face when life doesn’t go as planned. Hilarie's stories are filled with love, loss, redemption, and humor… you can’t help but feel a little more faith in humanity after reading this one. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Y'all I loved this book. Hilarie Burton Morgan did such a fabulous job describing her family's journey from Hollywood to hometown farm life. This book chronicles their move to Rhinebeck, NY where they find the beauty of living in a small town and…
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added Aug 03, 2021
Comment:
This is an easy romantic read. Kit and Will’s banter is cute and I appreciate all of the observations made about their differences in lifestyles. I just find people and the choices they make in their life to be very fascinating to delve into and I feel like this book does that. Check this one out if you like a good modern romance, especially one that touches on an influencer lifestyle and the choices women make in regards to career and family.This is an easy romantic read. Kit and Will’s banter is cute and I appreciate all of the observations made about their differences in lifestyles. I just find people and the choices they make in their life to be very fascinating to delve into and I…
All the Children Are HomeAll the Children Are Home, BookA Novel
by Francis, PatryBook - 2021Book, 2021
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added Aug 03, 2021
Comment:
Wowza, this book y'all. This one will tear your heart out and stitch you back up. There are all the content warnings for this one with a variety of physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse, neglect, various kinds of trauma, so be warned. This story, amidst all of its difficult subject matter however, was beautiful. You truly feel a part of this knit-together family, soaring in their highs and aching in their lows. This also felt incredibly realistic in that there were victories, but not every thread was tied up in a lovely bow. This book is pain and trauma and resilience and life. If you like deep subject matter, books that will make you cry, and family dramas, there's a good chance you will like this one! I highly recommend All the Children are Home.Wowza, this book y'all. This one will tear your heart out and stitch you back up. There are all the content warnings for this one with a variety of physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse, neglect, various kinds of trauma, so be warned. This…
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added Aug 03, 2021
Comment:
Poppy and Alex are both quirky and I appreciated that they felt like real people and not just caricatures of real people. They were heartfelt and messy and incredibly awkward at times, yet they were endearing and their love for one another is some of the most genuine I've read. I think a big pro for me was the history that this pair shared. At times the pace of this book felt just a bit slow, but overall I loved this one. For a friends to lovers romance spanning years and filled with travel and witty dialogue, I think you’d enjoy People we Meet on Vacation!Poppy and Alex are both quirky and I appreciated that they felt like real people and not just caricatures of real people. They were heartfelt and messy and incredibly awkward at times, yet they were endearing and their love for one another is some…
Everybody FightsEverybody Fights, BookSo Why Not Get Better At It?
by Holderness, KimBook - 24 mBook, 24 m
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added Aug 03, 2021
Comment:
Everybody Fights comes from Kim and Penn Holderness, of internet viral video fame, and touches on the value in doing daily maintenance on our marriages. While not experts themselves, the Holderness duo (along with their marriage counselor) dive into what it takes to, not stop fighting, but fight better. I appreciated the vulnerability, wit, and practical application provided by Kim and Penn to not only touch on hard conversations, but on how to truly work through them. I’m an examples-driven learner, so I appreciatef them for providing tangible examples!Everybody Fights comes from Kim and Penn Holderness, of internet viral video fame, and touches on the value in doing daily maintenance on our marriages. While not experts themselves, the Holderness duo (along with their marriage counselor) dive into…
The Hill We ClimbThe Hill We Climb, BookAn Inaugural Poem for the Country
by Gorman, AmandaBook - 2021Book, 2021
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added Aug 03, 2021
Comment:
The captivating words spoken by Amanda Gorman at President Biden's inauguration, The Hill We Climb is a book I need to add to my shelf. It’s amazing the power that words hold. The power to uplift and encourage and heal.
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added Aug 03, 2021
Comment:
Well, I have to say I did not enjoy this one... I went in expecting more escapism and came out with more social commentary. More than anything this book felt a bit disheartening and I don't know if I walked away having learned much or having improved my mindset. You may like this if you liked Cobble Hill (which I also did not care for haha).Well, I have to say I did not enjoy this one... I went in expecting more escapism and came out with more social commentary. More than anything this book felt a bit disheartening and I don't know if I walked away having learned much or having…
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added Aug 03, 2021
Comment:
This book is a behind the curtain look into the immortal life of the Greek goddess Circe. Not having a huge background knowledge of Greek mythology felt like it somewhat hindered my overall enjoyment of this one. It did, however, make for fascinating book club discussion! Overall, this was a very interesting read that I would recommend to fans of Greek mythology and to those who like sweeping epics that are more atmospheric and character driven than plot focused.This book is a behind the curtain look into the immortal life of the Greek goddess Circe. Not having a huge background knowledge of Greek mythology felt like it somewhat hindered my overall enjoyment of this one. It did, however, make for…
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added Aug 03, 2021
Comment:
I really enjoyed this book. There were pieces that didn't feel well executed in my opinion, but I'm not overly upset about some of the pitfalls in this read because I liked the book overall. It may not feel as shocking as The Silent Patient for some, but I enjoyed the ambience of this read even a bit more with its awesome Cambridge setting. I'm very into the creepy academia, but make it historic, vibe that I've been seeing in books lately. The characters weren't my favorite, but honestly characters in thrillers never are for me because they all end up being suspicious and creepy so that you doubt them throughout the story 😂 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I really enjoyed this book. There were pieces that didn't feel well executed in my opinion, but I'm not overly upset about some of the pitfalls in this read because I liked the book overall. It may not feel as shocking as The Silent Patient for…
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added Aug 03, 2021
Comment:
Namesake was such a pleasant surprise for me! As someone who wasn't in love with the first book, Fable, I REALLY liked this sequel. Namesake had all the adventure, intrigue, redemption, and backstory I craved in the first. This book captured my attention and had me plunging into the depths looking for gems (both literally and symbolically 😂) with Fable. Even for those that weren't totally sold on the first book in the series, I highly recommend this one!Namesake was such a pleasant surprise for me! As someone who wasn't in love with the first book, Fable, I REALLY liked this sequel. Namesake had all the adventure, intrigue, redemption, and backstory I craved in the first. This book captured my…
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added Aug 03, 2021
Comment:
Another amazing read from an #ownvoices author about the experience of a Columbian-born family seeking opportunity, financial security, and a future in the US. The author, Patricia Engel is both a daughter of Columbian immigrants and a dual citizen, which really aided in painting a more personal picture of what several of the characters in this book navigate. I highly recommend this book to those potentially dipping their toes into literary fiction and who would like a narrative about immigration that is own voices!Another amazing read from an #ownvoices author about the experience of a Columbian-born family seeking opportunity, financial security, and a future in the US. The author, Patricia Engel is both a daughter of Columbian immigrants and a dual citizen,…
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added Aug 03, 2021
Comment:
This book was crazy and creepy and adventurous. Think Indiana Jones, except with a young female lead, and a cursed treasure hunt in the remote hills outside of Dublin. I will confess that there were elements of this read that let me down. As the book went along, I felt like the storyline became a little more random than intentional and intriguing. The characters felt younger and more immature to me as the story progressed and I felt like the action played out too quickly for me. There were plenty of parts that weren't super believable, but we're dealing with mystical creatures and a centuries old curse, so you can't expect too much realism in that department, right? This read was also definitely creepier than I expected it to be with some very eerie curses and haunted areas of Dublin, but it was a wild ride that definitely keeps your attention!This book was crazy and creepy and adventurous. Think Indiana Jones, except with a young female lead, and a cursed treasure hunt in the remote hills outside of Dublin. I will confess that there were elements of this read that let me down. As the…
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added Aug 03, 2021
Comment:
A debut Own Voices novel about the choices, pitfalls, and triumphs of women who seek better lives for themselves and those around them. While at times this book almost felt like too much information to process in such a tiny amount of pages, I'm definitely glad I read it. I recommend this to those who would like an Own Voices read that tackles the often difficult topic/experience of immigration. This is educational and insightful and I definitely recommend it.A debut Own Voices novel about the choices, pitfalls, and triumphs of women who seek better lives for themselves and those around them. While at times this book almost felt like too much information to process in such a tiny amount of pages, I'm…
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added May 25, 2021
Comment:
A glimpse into the life of Scientist Marie Curie, as well as what her life would have been had she made different choices, Half Life is a nod to women and the many challenges they uniquely face. This historical fiction novel discusses everything from motherhood to sisterhood, from fame to the pursuit of knowledge.
This was a very slow building story that felt to me like more of a commentary on life as a young woman with intellect and ambition in the early 1900s than being overly specific to Marie Curie. The alternative life that Cantor created didn't necessarily spark a drastically different narrative either, which disappointed me. I did find it intriguing to observe how Marie was different as a person in each of these timelines, how her choices affected her heart and overall character.
Half Life was a bit slow for me personally, however for historical fiction fans with an interest in women's roles in advancing science this could be a win for you!A glimpse into the life of Scientist Marie Curie, as well as what her life would have been had she made different choices, Half Life is a nod to women and the many challenges they uniquely face. This historical fiction novel discusses everything…
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added May 19, 2021
Comment:
This book was a light-hearted teen drama about what it would look like if America had a monarchy, equipped with its own tabloid-stalked royals. I'll confess that this book felt very young, but it does provide readers with all the love triangles, commoner dating a royal, mysterious accidents, familial pressure, and gorgeous gowns you could want! While this wasn't my favorite read, I did enjoy it. If you're looking for a distracting, tea-spilling teen drama then have at it and enjoy!This book was a light-hearted teen drama about what it would look like if America had a monarchy, equipped with its own tabloid-stalked royals. I'll confess that this book felt very young, but it does provide readers with all the love triangles,…
Frontier FolliesFrontier Follies, BookAdventures in Marriage & Motherhood in the Middle of Nowhere
by Drummond, ReeBook - 2020Book, 2020
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added May 19, 2021
Comment:
I ended up switching to the audiobook for Frontier Follies by Ree Drummond and it made it all the more enjoyable. The stories Ree tells don't have any specific order or rhythm to them, however it was entertaining and light-hearted. If you are interested in an easy read, this audiobook clocks in under 8 hours and was the perfect little autobiographical adventure I hoped it would be.⠀⠀I ended up switching to the audiobook for Frontier Follies by Ree Drummond and it made it all the more enjoyable. The stories Ree tells don't have any specific order or rhythm to them, however it was entertaining and light-hearted. If you are…
Finding FreedomFinding Freedom, BookA Cook's Story; Remaking A Life From Scratch
by French, ErinBook - 2021Book, 2021
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added May 19, 2021
Comment:
Erin French is the owner and chef of the critically acclaimed restaurant, The Lost Kitchen, and this book captures the story behind the successes. This poignant memoir explores everything from addiction to abuse, success to motherhood. It is heart-wrenching, honest, and hopeful. I really enjoyed reading Erin's story and I appreciated the honesty with which she not only described the difficulties she'd been dealt, but also her own missteps along the way. Erin shares what it takes to pick yourself up, and how to get help, after falling down again and again. She also shows the saving power of motherhood and the ability of food to unite, comfort, and love those around us.Erin French is the owner and chef of the critically acclaimed restaurant, The Lost Kitchen, and this book captures the story behind the successes. This poignant memoir explores everything from addiction to abuse, success to motherhood. It is…
Becoming Mrs. LewisBecoming Mrs. Lewis, BookA Novel : the Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis
by Henry, Patti CallahanBook - 2018Book, 2018
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added May 19, 2021
Comment:
A fascinating look into the woman behind the famous man, Becoming Mrs. Lewis is the story of Joy Davidman, the American poet who would later become C.S. Lewis' wife. This book was, at times, a bit too detailed for my liking, however you can tell that Callahan thoroughly researched this book and it really did add to the overall narrative. I loved learning more about Joy Davidman and the poet and writer she was acclaimed for being. I highly recommend this book for historical fiction and Christian fiction fans, who would enjoy a behind the scenes look into the life of a powerful woman, who influenced and loved one the most beloved writers of our time.A fascinating look into the woman behind the famous man, Becoming Mrs. Lewis is the story of Joy Davidman, the American poet who would later become C.S. Lewis' wife. This book was, at times, a bit too detailed for my liking, however you can tell…
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added May 19, 2021
Comment:
The Princess Diaries meets American Royals meets Crazy Rich Asians in Emiko Jean's new book Tokyo Ever After. This read was cute and heart-warming with Japanese culture beautifully woven throughout. I loved Jean's descriptions of Izzy exploring Japan. Her immersive cultural experiences are beautifully described, joyful, and character-building for Izzy's coming-of-age journey. The dialogue in this book was a bit too cheesy for my liking, but if the description of this book sounds up your alley, you will likely not be disappointed. This is a sweet #ownvoices read that I think a lot of people will love!The Princess Diaries meets American Royals meets Crazy Rich Asians in Emiko Jean's new book Tokyo Ever After. This read was cute and heart-warming with Japanese culture beautifully woven throughout. I loved Jean's descriptions of Izzy exploring…
ArapahoeJulia's rating:
Added May 19, 2021
Comment:
This book was sweet and I enjoyed a lot of Marin's adventures, but I think the romance was my least favorite part of this book. I didn't sense major chemistry between Lucas and Marin, despite how much everyone around them said they had it. In my opinion, the romantic relationships take a backseat to deeper commentary on overcoming loss and anxieties, all while finding the strength to live life to the fullest. I did, however, love Marin and Sadie's relationship. Those sisterhoods or friendships where people are total opposites, yet they love each other so much brings me joy.This book was sweet and I enjoyed a lot of Marin's adventures, but I think the romance was my least favorite part of this book. I didn't sense major chemistry between Lucas and Marin, despite how much everyone around them said they had it. In my…
Comment: