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Artificial Condition
by Martha Wells
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This is the second novella in the Murderbot Diaries series and a re-listen for me. I just can't seem to get enough Murderbot. In this one, Murderbot has left Dr. Mensah and Preservation Station aboard a bot-driven transport, heading for a mining facility where it had once been assigned to try and find out what terrible thing happened that caused it to hack its governor module. On the way, it meets ART, a sentient Deep Space Research and Teaching Vessel, then contracts to protect three humans who are determined to do something dangerous - though it would rather just be alone with its media to binge serials. I love the interaction between Murderbot and ART, as well as the growth of the Murderbot character. The world building is complex, dealing with corporate greed, political corruption, and interstellar happenings, but it's easy to follow, which is a testament to Wells' storytelling skills. The books are queer and diverse and just full of wholesome, positive representation, and it's wonderful! They are also hilarious at times, gut-wrenching at others, but it's the character of Murderbot that makes this series so special. Is it concerning how much I relate to a cyborg that calls itself Murderbot?
The Code Breaker Jennifer Doudna
by Walter Isaacson
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Phew! Finally finished this book about the scientists whose work on gene editing resulted in the development of CRSPR. I found parts of it a real slog and parts fascinating. (The parts that talked about the infighting and legal battles over patents were the slog for me; the parts about the scientific discoveries and the ethical questions of gene editing fascinating.) I'm really glad I finished it after having run out of time and it going back to the library when I was a few chapters from the end. Reading about the events around the Covid vaccine was very interesting, and I actually cried when Doudna reconnected with her French collaborator and they both ended up winning the Nobel Prize. Another 3-1/2 star book.
Native Son
by Richard Wright
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Good but devastating. You see the prosecution of a black man that really meant no harm. You can also see the difference between the value of the white female body vs the black female body.
A Good Neighborhood
by Therese Anne Fowler
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A fine read, but no discussion is deep enough to make a lasting impression, and the quality of the prose is not strong enough to compel the reader.
Black Girl Call Home
by Jasmine Mans
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Inhaled this in one sitting and can’t wait to go back and savor it.
The Last Black Unicorn
by Tiffany Haddish
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Tiffany Haddish has had a crazy life. I can't believe some of the things I read but you can see the love and forgiveness she has for her family, mom especially. After going through so much and becoming a success was inspiring to read.
Summer Of 69
by Elin Hilderbrand
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I enjoyed another beach classic by Elin Hilderbrand. This one followed a summer in 1969 of one family. It covered their day to day lives and the struggles each faced openly or secretly in their lives. I love that each section was songs from the year. It was a good reminder there is always room for another chance.
Finlay Donovan Is Killing It
by Elle Cosimano
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I enjoyed the story and the characters. It kept me from wanting to put the book down. Can’t wait for the next book in the series
The Betting Woman
by Jenni L. Walsh
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The book had a good idea and started off strong in its depiction of a figure from history but as it progressed it seemed rushed even the ending.
Becoming
by Michelle Obama
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I was surprised about the information she shared such as not wanting Obama to be present until 2016, really not thinking he would be one and having to go through invitro to have a children. This book did not disappoint and could not stop reading.