#ilr2026

[lizziethereader]

I last read...

This Charming Man by C. K. McDonnell

what I wanted: more fun, magical shenanigans

what I got: a wonderfully entertaining read

what I thought: This was great fun! From characters to writing style to the plot - everything just works well to make up a great read. I rate this 4 out of 5 cloves of garlic.

[lizziethereader]

I last read...

The Stress Prescription: 7 Days to More Joy and Ease by Elissa Epel

what I wanted: helpful techniques to keep a step ahead of stress

what I got: a clear (and hopefully ultimately helpful) guide

what I thought: I really like how this book is structured - it focuses on 7 different things to try to deal with stress by first painting a picture of their relevance with references to research and a concrete example, and then gets into the specific recommendation of what exactly to do about it and how. This is then summarized at the end of the chapter, with some additional suggestions for relevant related activities.  It does break things down to be very simple, but it also provides lots of suggestions for further reading material if you do want to take a deep dive into one of the insights mentioned. I rate this 4 out of 5 calming things.

[lizziethereader]

I last read...

Having People Over: A Modern Guide to Planning, Throwing, and Attending Every Type of Party by Chelsea Fagan

what I wanted: a book that provides tips to make me a better host

what I got: some really nice idea and a good reflection on the value of having people over

what I thought: This book features beautiful photography, cute illustrations, and some helpful tips. It could go into a little more depth, but I like the focus on community and what can be achieved without having to unnecessarily spend large amounts of money on trendy things that are not what hosting should be about. I rate this 3 out of 5 serving dishes for some nice treats.

[lizziethereader]

I last read...

How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks

what I wanted: something to help me get better at having better connections

what I got: good information!

what I thought: This certainly provides a lot of helpful tips for becoming better at conversations and discusses relevant related aspects of personal identity and communication. I did think that the last third was much weaker than the first two and the book lost be a bit there, but overall I still think it's a good read and rate it 3.5 out of 5 little tidbits you learn about the other person in interesting conversations.

[lizziethereader]

I last read...

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

what I wanted: a magical, bookish story

what I got: a book that isn't as bookish as expected but definitely magical

what I thought: This was a really enjoyable read! I liked the different POVs and how they interlocked, the very vivid images the writing style created, and the way feminism featured in this book. Although I usually don't really enjoy magical realism, I didn't mind it in this book. It's not perfect - there are some details that I didn't love, but it's certainly a good read. I rate this 4 out of 5 bookmarks from bookshops.

[lizziethereader]

I last read...

Greenteeth by Molly O'Neill

what I wanted: an immersive fantasy read

what I got: a character-driven quest story

what I thought: This quest story told from the perspective of a magical creature rather than a human is a good read. It features some very vivid descriptions and intriguing characters, but for some reason the group of heroes, while working together, never really felt like they turned into a found family - a trope I quite enjoy and have almost come to expect in these kinds of stories. I think it's for that reason that I did not feel as emotionally involved in this story as I was hoping to feel. Still, it's a good read and I rate it 3 out of 5 gold pieces from the hoard.

[lizziethereader]

I last read...

One Piece Volume 6 by Eiichiro Oda

what I wanted: to continue reading this story

what I got: a solid volume overall

what I thought: Interesting part of the story, interesting characters! I rate this 3.5 out of 5 dishwashing supplies.

[lizziethereader]

I last read...

One Piece Volume 5 by Eiichiro Oda

what I wanted: to continue with this series

what I got: an okay sequel

what I thought: This had some nice moments but not necessarily my favorite characters, which is why I rate it 3 out of 5 improvised weapons runts can use.