abbi_g
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
abbi_g's Completed Shelf
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abbi_g's rating:
Added Jun 27, 2019
The Next Millionaire Next DoorThe Next Millionaire Next Door, BookEnduring Strategies for Building Wealth
by Stanley, Thomas J.Book - 2018Book, 2018
abbi_g's rating:
Added May 19, 2019
Everybody LiesEverybody Lies, BookBig Data, New Data, and What the Internet Can Tell Us About Who We Really Are
by Stephens-Davidowitz, SethBook - 2017Book, 2017
abbi_g's rating:
Added Feb 20, 2019
Comment:
If it wasn't for the fact that this book is the February read for my job's book club, I probably would've never read it; but I am so glad that I did! I couldn't even pull something from it to quote in this review because I felt like there were whole paragraphs that I wanted to share.
Everybody Lies is both informative and fascinating. I feel like Seth Stephens-Davidowitz did a great job explaining the significance and revolutionary impact of data on our world. His thesis didn't surprise me; however, many of the findings that he shared in his book did. And based on everything Seth discussed in Everybody Lies, it's crystal clear that data science is real and it's impact on our lives is big.If it wasn't for the fact that this book is the February read for my job's book club, I probably would've never read it; but I am so glad that I did! I couldn't even pull something from it to quote in this review because I felt like there were whole…
abbi_g's rating:
Added Feb 05, 2019
Comment:
This novel pulled me in from the start. I don't read a lot of fantasy novels but this one has been on the reading lists of a lot of readers that I follow on Instagram, so I wanted to get my hands on it. Thankfully, it didn't disappoint. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series.This novel pulled me in from the start. I don't read a lot of fantasy novels but this one has been on the reading lists of a lot of readers that I follow on Instagram, so I wanted to get my hands on it. Thankfully, it didn't disappoint. I'm looking…
abbi_g's rating:
Added Jan 28, 2019
Comment:
Americanah struck so many chords within me. Before this novel, I've never read fiction about Black immigrants in the U.S. that boldly tackles the racist social structures in the U.S. that Black immigrants must learn to adapt to. Although I didn't always agree with the things that the main character, Ifemelu did, I absolutely loved her character and appreciated her views on the differences between life in Nigeria and the U.S. After reading Americanah, I have to get my hands on another Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie novel.Americanah struck so many chords within me. Before this novel, I've never read fiction about Black immigrants in the U.S. that boldly tackles the racist social structures in the U.S. that Black immigrants must learn to adapt to. Although I didn't…
Quotations
- They would not understand why people like him, who were raised well fed and watered but mired in dissatisfaction, conditioned from birth to look towards somewhere else, eternally convinced that real lives happened in that somewhere else, were now resolved to dangerous things, illegal things, so as to leave, none of them starving, or raped, or from burned villages, but merely hungry for choice and certainty.They would not understand why people like him, who were raised well fed and watered but mired in dissatisfaction, conditioned from birth to look towards somewhere else, eternally convinced that real lives happened in that somewhere else, were now…
The Obstacle Is the WayThe Obstacle Is the Way, BookThe Timeless Art of Turning Trials Into Triumph
by Holiday, RyanBook - 2014Book, 2014
abbi_g's rating:
Added Jan 21, 2019
Comment:
This is the second Ryan Holiday book that I've read and it really resonated with me. I jotted down some key takeaways for my own personal reference, including his quote that I shared above. Now having read this book and Ego Is The Enemy, it's obvious he's a person who submits himself to countless hours of reading and educating himself on the nuances of life. I personally find his viewpoint of the world to be very thoughtful, yet practical, which makes me appreciate his writing even more.This is the second Ryan Holiday book that I've read and it really resonated with me. I jotted down some key takeaways for my own personal reference, including his quote that I shared above. Now having read this book and Ego Is The Enemy, it's…
Quotations
- There is no good or bad without us, there is only perception. There is the event itself and the story we tell ourselves about what it means.
abbi_g's rating:
Added Jan 13, 2019
Comment:
Ready Player One is my job's book club pick for January. I've never seen the movie; but I would hope that it lives up to the story that Ernest Cline creates on paper. Granted, it contains a lot of 80s pop culture jargon that I'm not familiar with; but I found the story to be very engaging. If you're a video game fanatic, then I can't see how you wouldn't appreciate this novel. He does a great job building a story around the nuances and adventures of playing a video game.Ready Player One is my job's book club pick for January. I've never seen the movie; but I would hope that it lives up to the story that Ernest Cline creates on paper. Granted, it contains a lot of 80s pop culture jargon that I'm not familiar with;…
Tell Me How It EndsTell Me How It Ends, UnknownAn Essay in Forty Questions
by Luiselli, ValeriaUnknown - 2017Unknown, 2017
abbi_g's rating:
Added Jan 11, 2019
Comment:
I heard about this book while listening to an episode of The Book Riot's podcast, Get Booked. It's an essay, so it's just a little over 100 pages; but it packs a punch! Valeria gets straight to the roots of the immigration crisis in the U.S. Unfortunately, I think she's right about the U.S. not being willing to take responsibility for the role we've played and continue to play in why so many Central Americans are migrating to our southern border.I heard about this book while listening to an episode of The Book Riot's podcast, Get Booked. It's an essay, so it's just a little over 100 pages; but it packs a punch! Valeria gets straight to the roots of the immigration crisis in the U.S.…
Quotations
- In the media and much of the political discourse, the word 'illegal' prevails over 'undocumented' and the term 'immigrant' over 'refugee'. How would anyone who is stigmatized as an 'illegal immigrant' feel 'safe' and 'happy'?
abbi_g's rating:
Added Jan 08, 2019
Comment:
I really enjoyed Vivica A. Fox's memoir. It wasn't so much her writing style; rather her life story that I enjoyed reading about in her own words. It was like listening to an old head pass on the wisdom that they've acquired over the years. I feel like an in person conversation with her would be so enriching. You can tell that she is the person always dropping gems on younger people in entertainment and business. She seems to be a great mentor!I really enjoyed Vivica A. Fox's memoir. It wasn't so much her writing style; rather her life story that I enjoyed reading about in her own words. It was like listening to an old head pass on the wisdom that they've acquired over the years. I feel…
Quotations
- Butterflies just mean the work is still important to you.
A Good CryA Good Cry, BookWhat We Learn From Tears and Laghter
by Giovanni, NikkiBook - 2017Book, 2017
abbi_g's rating:
Added Jan 02, 2019
Comment:
I borrowed this book from the library on a whim; and I'm so glad that I did. I don't read much poetry anymore let alone poetry that doesn't rhyme (don't judge me); but Nikki Giovanni's collection, A Good Cry, confirmed that I need to include books of poetry in my reading selections going forward.I borrowed this book from the library on a whim; and I'm so glad that I did. I don't read much poetry anymore let alone poetry that doesn't rhyme (don't judge me); but Nikki Giovanni's collection, A Good Cry, confirmed that I need to include books…
Quotations
- We recognized you cannot be anti-abortion while supporting Capital Punishment; By what right must I birth him that you put him in the electric chair; Or in prison for life for a crime he did not commit
abbi_g's rating:
Added Jan 01, 2019
Comment:
This is a very good thriller and I'm not surprised that it's will be made into a movie. It gave me that old school Lifetime movie vibe.
Quotations
- I must have said this out loud. 'What doesn't matter?' he asks. You, I think. I don't say it. Instead I hang up.
Their Eyes Were Watching GodTheir Eyes Were Watching God, Book
by Hurston, Zora NealeBook - 2000Book, 2000
abbi_g's rating:
Added Dec 26, 2018
Comment:
I felt compelled to read Their Eyes Were Watching God after reading Glory Edim's, Well-Read Black Girl anthology. I can relate to the main character, Janie on a spiritual level, specifically her quest to live life on her own terms. In her case, she did this during an era in American society when it was very unpopular for a woman to exercise any form of independence or autonomy. Nonetheless, I'm so glad that I finally read this classic novel! I believe that novels represent a piece of their authors, so I'd like to imagine that Janie is a reflection of her creator, Zora Neale Hurston; and if she is, then Zora would've definitely been a friend of mine.I felt compelled to read Their Eyes Were Watching God after reading Glory Edim's, Well-Read Black Girl anthology. I can relate to the main character, Janie on a spiritual level, specifically her quest to live life on her own terms. In her case, she…
Quotations
- Two things everybody's got tuh do fuh theyselves. They got tuh go tuh God, and they got tuh find out about livin' fuh theyselves.
This Is Just My FaceThis Is Just My Face, BookTry Not to Stare
by Sidibe, GaboureyBook - 2017Book, 2017
abbi_g's rating:
Added Dec 24, 2018
Comment:
I've had Gabourey Sidibe's memoir for almost 2 months now. I've seen it on display at the library a few times but didn't decide to borrow it until Election Day after participating in early voting at the Hickory Grove branch. Honestly, I thought that I'd end up returning it to the library before actually reading it. However, after reading Gabourey's essay in Glory Edim's, Well-Read Black Girl anthology, I knew that I wanted to learn more about Gabourey's story.
Gabourey's memoir was really good. I love how down-to-earth she is and her humor (I laughed on several occasions while reading it). I love the fact that writing a book about her life helped her heal in some areas and grow in others. I'm happy that she's embracing her purpose and pursuing film directing too. I found her story to be truly inspirational and I plan to keep an eye out for more of her work. Kudos to you Gabourey!I've had Gabourey Sidibe's memoir for almost 2 months now. I've seen it on display at the library a few times but didn't decide to borrow it until Election Day after participating in early voting at the Hickory Grove branch. Honestly, I thought that…
Quotations
- I prayed that whatever my life was supposed to be, whatever my path was, I would finally be on it... It wasn't that my purpose was to be a movie star; it was just for my life to begin.
Triumph of the ImaginationTriumph of the Imagination, BookThe Story of Writer J.K. Rowling
by Chippendale, Lisa A.Book - 2003Book, 2003
abbi_g's rating:
Added Dec 23, 2018
Comment:
I picked up this book on a whim while serving as a Reading Buddy at the Hickory Grove branch; and I very much enjoyed it despite this book being almost two decades old. Like most bookworms, I love the Harry Potter series. It's a fascinating story and has proven to be timeless. However, HP wouldn't even exist had J.K. Rowling not pushed past her fear of sharing her story with people that could help her share it with the world.I picked up this book on a whim while serving as a Reading Buddy at the Hickory Grove branch; and I very much enjoyed it despite this book being almost two decades old. Like most bookworms, I love the Harry Potter series. It's a fascinating story…
abbi_g's rating:
Added Dec 23, 2018
Comment:
I've been wanting to read Little Fires Everywhere since I first heard about it; and I finally got my hands on it thanks to the library. It's definitely one of the best novels that I've read in 2018. Great storyline, great characters, and great premise. I'll have to check out Celeste Ng's debut novel, Everything I Never Told You, too.I've been wanting to read Little Fires Everywhere since I first heard about it; and I finally got my hands on it thanks to the library. It's definitely one of the best novels that I've read in 2018. Great storyline, great characters, and great…
Training School for Negro GirlsTraining School for Negro Girls, Book
by Acker, CamilleBook - 2018Book, 2018
abbi_g's rating:
Added Dec 09, 2018
Comment:
This was a decent book of short stories. I enjoyed the last 4 stories the most, especially Training School for Negro Girls and Now, This.
abbi_g's rating:
Added Nov 15, 2018
Comment:
I stumbled across Misty Copeland's memoir at my local library a few weeks ago and decided to borrow it. I knew little to nothing about her background besides the fact that she started ballet later than most professional ballet dances; and that she is the first Black woman to have been promoted to principal dancer at the American Ballet Theater. I'll admit that I didn't expect her childhood and her transition into ballet to be as complex as it was. Still, she deserves credit for sticking with it despite the personal trials she's experienced since she started ballet. I really enjoyed her memoir; and I definitely hope to see her perform in person before she retires.I stumbled across Misty Copeland's memoir at my local library a few weeks ago and decided to borrow it. I knew little to nothing about her background besides the fact that she started ballet later than most professional ballet dances; and that she…
Quotations
- Now that it was real, after fighting so hard for so long, through years of doubt, I finally believed that I deserved this.
abbi_g's rating:
Added Nov 10, 2018
Comment:
A friend of mine recommended Tayari Jones' novel, Silver Sparrow to me; and I must say that I enjoyed this even more than I enjoyed her latest novel, An American Marriage. The characters in Silver Sparrow are so well-developed and gave this story an edge over other novels that focus on a similar theme. I felt bad for the women in this story because their circumstances with the men in their lives are way more common than I feel comfortable admitting. But that's also what made this novel so great.A friend of mine recommended Tayari Jones' novel, Silver Sparrow to me; and I must say that I enjoyed this even more than I enjoyed her latest novel, An American Marriage. The characters in Silver Sparrow are so well-developed and gave this story an…
Quotations
- 'Would you lie to me? she asked.' 'You only lie to people you love,' I said.'
No Ashes in the FireNo Ashes in the Fire, BookComing of Age Black & Free in America
by Moore, Darnell L.Book - 2018Book, 2018
abbi_g's rating:
Added Nov 09, 2018
Comment:
As someone that grew up in Philly, one of Camden's neighboring cities, Darnell's stories about his neighborhood and school life were all too familiar. I didn't know of Darnell before but the synopsis of his memoir enticed me to read it. It's a solid coming of age story about a Black man finally accepting himself for who is and who he's not.As someone that grew up in Philly, one of Camden's neighboring cities, Darnell's stories about his neighborhood and school life were all too familiar. I didn't know of Darnell before but the synopsis of his memoir enticed me to read it. It's a solid…
Quotations
- But if I knew nothing else growing up in the hood, I knew collective work had always been the salve for individual triumph.
Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of PilgrimageColorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage, UnknownA Novel
by Murakami, HarukiUnknown - 2014Unknown, 2014
abbi_g's rating:
Added Nov 04, 2018
Comment:
I read this for my book club and it was okay. I thought that the main character's conflict was interesting but the ending of the story was lackluster.
abbi_g's rating:
Added Oct 29, 2018
Comment:
Ego Is The Enemy is without a doubt one of the best books I've read in 2018. Ryan Holiday does an amazing job making a case for why ego will cause you to self-sabotage and ultimately leads you no where. I loved reading about the success and failures of lesser known figures throughout history, as well as more popular people as well. Because it's a library book, I couldn't highlight the gems this book contains; but I definitely took notes in my journal. This book is truly special (and very insightful too!) and deserves all the praise it receives.Ego Is The Enemy is without a doubt one of the best books I've read in 2018. Ryan Holiday does an amazing job making a case for why ego will cause you to self-sabotage and ultimately leads you no where. I loved reading about the success and failures…
Quotations
- Do your work. Do it well. Then 'let go and let God'. That's all there needs to be.
abbi_g's rating:
Added Oct 27, 2018
Comment:
This book is 2 days overdue at the library; but I refused to return it until after I read it because it's a long waiting list for it (but I promise to return it tomorrow fellow library patrons :)). I was really excited that Ransom Riggs decided to continue this series. I enjoyed the first 3 books a lot and this one didn't disappoint. I'm looking forward to seeing how Jacob's peculiar adventure continues to unfold in America.This book is 2 days overdue at the library; but I refused to return it until after I read it because it's a long waiting list for it (but I promise to return it tomorrow fellow library patrons :)). I was really excited that Ransom Riggs decided to…
All the Single LadiesAll the Single Ladies, BookUnmarried Women and the Rise of An Independent Nation
by Traister, RebeccaBook - 2016Book, 2016
abbi_g's rating:
Added Sep 16, 2018
Comment:
Say it louder for the people in the back, Rebecca! I've definitely been called selfish by someone for not being ready to have children. I've been side-eyed for proudly expressing how much I enjoy my life as an un-partnered woman. Thank God my skin has grown thicker over the years because this whole idea that every woman is supposed to desperately desire marriage and motherhood is ridiculous. I'm grateful for Rebecca Traister's book, All The Single Ladies because it sheds a big, bright flood light on our bad habit of boxing the genders into certain roles and expectations, especially women, which can intimidate a person from bringing their whole self into a potential relationship. At this point in my life, I believe that it's vital to let men and women to live life on their own terms. No one says you have to like it but please spare us your judgement.Say it louder for the people in the back, Rebecca! I've definitely been called selfish by someone for not being ready to have children. I've been side-eyed for proudly expressing how much I enjoy my life as an un-partnered woman. Thank God my skin…
Quotations
- When people call single women selfish for the act of tending to themselves, it's important to remember that the very acknowledgement that women have selves that exist independently of others, and especially independent of husbands and children, is revolutionary.When people call single women selfish for the act of tending to themselves, it's important to remember that the very acknowledgement that women have selves that exist independently of others, and especially independent of husbands and children, is…
Malcolm XMalcolm X, DVD
DVD - 2010DVD, 2010
abbi_g's rating:
Added Sep 08, 2018
Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?, Book
by Chast, RozBook - 2014Book, 2014
abbi_g's rating:
Added Sep 08, 2018
Comment:
I really enjoyed this memoir! Roz Chast's story about how her parents dealt with old age made this graphic novel worth reading. One thing that this story brought to mind is the fact that none of us can choose who our parents are.
Comment: