I haven’t done a set of small reviews in a while so here we go!
Title: Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked
Author: Adam Alter
Date Published: March 7, 2017
Rating: 3.25/5 stars
Date read: April 3, 2020
Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked is a non-fiction novel exploring what causes individuals to become addicted to screens, how this addiction effects their lives, and what can be done to prevent these additions or deal with them.
I’d argue that Irresistible is more a novel that focuses on what addictive behaviour is and how its dealt with, screens just seem to be the main example used in the novel. There are a lot of interesting points made in this novel and well as some great discussion had on how this is a problem today, and what we can do about it. I personally feel motivated to change some of my own behaviours in regards to technology after reading this, and I really do feel that that is the major benefit of reading this novel. If this is at all interesting to you, I highly recommend checking it out as it is a quick read that I think everyone who uses a smartphone should pick up.
Title: American Like Me
Author: America Ferrera
Date Published: September 25, 2018
Rating: 3.84/5 stars (average rating of all the stories)
Date read: March 17, 2020
American Like Me is a collection of short stories/essays written by some well-known people of colour detailing some of their experiences being people of colour in the United States, and my goodness, I wish I had had the opportunity to read a book like this when I was younger, and a lot more confused and embarrassed by my identity. I wish I could put this book into the hands of every young person of colour growing up in North America because some of these narratives spoke so well to my younger self.
This might be the highest I’ve ever rated a collection of essays/stories, and I feel that properly reflects the quality of the novel, naturally not every story is going to work for me, and some I found too short, but majority of them I enjoyed. America Ferrera’s introduction, essay, and conclusion were especially great and now I’m wishing she would write and narrate her own novel. I think this is a must read for everyone.
Reshma Saujani 3.75/5
Al Madrigal 1.5/5
Jenny Zhang 3/5
Bambadjan Bamba 3.75/5
Padma Laksmi 3.75/5
Randall Park 4.75/5
Roxanne Gay 3.5/5
Carmen Perez 4/5
Issa Rae 3.5/5
Diane Guerrero 3.5/5
Joy Cho 3/5
Liza Koshy 4.5/5
Kumail Nanjiani 4/5
Michelle Kwan 4/5
Geena Rocero 4/5
Frank Waln 4.5/5
Aulii Cravalho 4.5/5
Jeremy Lin 4.5/5
America Ferrera 4.5/5
Ravi Patel 3.5/5
Lin Manuel Miranda 4/5
Tanaya Winder 4/5
Wilmer Valderrama 4.25/5
Anna Akana 4/5
Laurie Hernandez 4/5
Kal Penn 3.5/5
Anjelah Johnson Reyes 3.25/5
Martin Sensmeier 4/5
Carmen Carrera 4.5
Uzo Aduba 4/5
Linda Sarsour 4/5
Joaquin Castro 4/5
Title: The Tales of Beedle the Bard
Author: JK Rowling
Date Published: December 4, 2008
Rating: 4.75/5 stars
Date read: April 18, 2020 (reread)
The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a collection of fairytales taking place in the Wizarding World.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard reads like a classic set of fairytales, with grim undertones and relatively clear morals. It’s a fantastic expansion to the Wizarding World and I’d recommend it to any Harry Potter fan (though I think anyone could read and enjoy this collection).
If you’re able, I think the best way to enjoy this collection is by listening to the audiobook while simultaneously following along in the illustrated edition, honestly, best reading experience ever.
If you’re curious, the collection is narrated by actors from the movie franchise, and is as follows:
❥Sally Mortemore (Madame Pince in Harry Potter) reads the introduction as well as the JKR footnotes
❥Jude Law (Dumbledore in Fantastic Beasts) reads Dumbledore’s commentary
❥Warwick Davis (Flitwick/Griphook in Harry Potter) reads The Wizard and the Hopping Pot
❥Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter) reads The Fountain of Fair Fortune
❥Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy in Harry Potter) reads The Warlock’s Hairy Heart
❥Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley in Harry Potter) reads Babbitty Rabbitty and Her Cackling Stump
❥Noma Dumezweni (Hermione in The Cursed Child) reads The Tale of the Three Brothers
Also, if Jude Law could read every book to me, my life would be complete.
If you’ve read any of these books or plan to read them, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Happy reading! 💗
A Bookish Balance 
I will just say I would NOT mind Jude Law reading me a dish soap label!
I haven’t read The Tales of Beedle the Bard but you sold me on listening to it!
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LOL same! Nice! I hope you love it! 💗☺️
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