Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Robotswithpersonality

Robotswithpersonality

Joined June 2022

Funny fantasy, good robots, sci fi for speculating (not 'space war'), myth&fairytale retellings, final girls, 'good guy' detectives, ace&agender rep
quote
Robotswithpersonality
post image

Cranky/creaky but still ass-kicking 'mature' "old man" Bruce is my favourite Bruce Wayne. ?

1 stack add
review
Robotswithpersonality
post image
Pickpick

Normally I wait until issues of a graphic novel have been bound into a volume, but I was hungry for another Ram V/Filipe Andrade collab, and predictably, this was also incredible. All the food-related clichéd compliments apply: 'darkly delicious, a feast for the eyes'. Little ominous, hints of violence, but also beautiful and immersive. Gave me Gaiman/Sandman vibes. Demon gourmand: what more do you need? Hope my library gets the next issue soon!

review
Robotswithpersonality
post image
Pickpick

I needed that. As much as I picked this up in the vein of 'I should', it ended up being a welcome antidote to my standard 'tightly wound' state. Tough love, emphasis on meditation without action being a superficial practice, encourages being engaged with the world; down to earth relating/reinterpretation and questioning of Buddhist teachings/traditional texts. 1/2

Robotswithpersonality 2/2 References spirituality, but the way the teachings are reviewed feels very much like any atheist layman (such as yours truly) could adhere to what is being discussed. 49m
3 likes1 comment
review
Robotswithpersonality
Noopiming: The Cure for White Ladies | Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
post image
Mehso-so

Poetic prose or verse novel? Some passages more poem like than others, as such, my reading comprehension ebbed and flowed.
The formatting is unique, but it does make the narrative feel disjointed.
If it was meant to expand my understanding, it partially succeeded.
I think the text vacillates between not being for me (white person), and being directed at white people specifically. 1/?

Robotswithpersonality 2/3 Commentary around the many negative impacts/trauma Indigenous (here specifically, Nishnaabeg) people in Canada face as a result of colonialism, racism, capitalism, pollution, is clearly evident.
The fight to preserve fading traditions, to help and protect one another, the model of resilience was seen most clearly for me in the passages personifying the flock of geese migrating, and the raccoons remaining.
8h
Robotswithpersonality 3/3 Special shout outs to:
-the surprisingly hilarious battle between earnest attempts at home gardening/decor and raccoons who only see spa/party accomodations
-the tree who gives backrubs ☺️
8h
2 likes2 comments
quote
Robotswithpersonality
Noopiming: The Cure for White Ladies | Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
post image

OMFG it's Fly Away Home shade! 🫢

quote
Robotswithpersonality
Noopiming: The Cure for White Ladies | Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
post image

Hope is the sound of trees. 😌

4 likes1 stack add
review
Robotswithpersonality
post image
Pickpick

I never get tired of stories considering the place of death in life, stories with a personification of Death. Stunning. Impressively imaginative (never read POV of a cigarette before, or seen a temple speak), gorgeously illustrated (the colours chosen as much as the art itself 👨🏼‍🍳💋), wistful bordering on melancholic, and yet so vibrant and hopeful. I will be seeking out other works by both the author and artist. 👌🏻

quote
Robotswithpersonality
post image

Why does it make me happy? Is it the pink background? Statement of the obvious, seemingly confirmed by feathered friend?
To be fair, crows in art usually bring me joy. 🤷🏼‍♂️☺️

6 likes1 stack add
review
Robotswithpersonality
Mister Terrific Vol. 1: Mind Games (the New 52) | Eric Wallace, Gianluca Gugliotta, Scott Clark, Oliver Nome
post image
Mehso-so

Visually I had troubles with this because I really didn't enjoy the art style, and the nature of the main character (complex inner monologue/hyper intelligent thought processes, plus any dialogue happening between other characters) means a high concentration of text boxes fighting the art for space. 1/3

Robotswithpersonality 2/3 Plotwise it often went outrageous to ridiculous in scenarios and opponents, which had me vacillating between fully absorbed and rolling my eyes, but I really appreciate that it didn't shy away in terms of themes discussed, i.e.
Intersex/non-binary alien with tragically intolerant parents/society finding power through self-acceptance; woman establishing clear boundaries with a colleague over a business dinner, calling out sexual harrassment, shouldn't have to be part of professional interactions, but really glad to see positive example of such on the page.
2d
Robotswithpersonality 3/3 As in Strange Adventures, I'm still not left with much sense of Holt/Terrific as a character, even with the addition of some key back story, but I'm still intrigued based on what I've seen. Here's hoping my library has other graphic novels by other artists with this character!

⚠️suicide attempt, mentions of slavery
2d
6 likes2 comments
quote
Robotswithpersonality
Mister Terrific Vol. 1: Mind Games (the New 52) | Eric Wallace, Gianluca Gugliotta, Scott Clark, Oliver Nome
post image

Identifying strongly with Jamaal's relief at no longer having to head a meeting because a natural disaster interrupted the normal course of business. 🤦🏼‍♂️

quote
Robotswithpersonality
post image

Language = as "a way of seeing the world".
I like.

5 likes1 stack add
review
Robotswithpersonality
The Poet X | Elizabeth Acevedo
post image
Pickpick

Full points for garnering an emotional reaction! So many things covered that make me angry and feel hard to forgive: misogyny, abuse, religious indoctrination. Xiomara handles it with more grace than I think I could muster. I appreciate the harmony evoked by the chosen ending, that it is probably a healthier way to resolve the issues covered, but Acevedo was so skilled in getting me steamed up I'm finding it hard to cool down.

Robotswithpersonality I appreciate the strong feminist element, questioning sexualization of teen girls, body image, gender norms. 2d
Robotswithpersonality ⚠️ Fatphobia, child abuse, misogyny (internalized?), street harrassment/SA, homophobia 2d
14 likes2 comments
quote
Robotswithpersonality
The Poet X | Elizabeth Acevedo
post image

😔

quote
Robotswithpersonality
Mister Terrific Vol. 1: Mind Games (the New 52) | Eric Wallace, Gianluca Gugliotta, Scott Clark, Oliver Nome
post image

Warrior turned gardener (except for a brief reversion to violence to stomp the evil shrimp aliens [Kryl = krill? 🦐] who imprisoned them). ☺️

5 likes1 stack add
review
Robotswithpersonality
Bookshops and Bonedust | Travis Baldree
post image
Pickpick

Baldree's ability to create endearing fantasy characters continues to shine. A marvelous audiobook to have for cozy catch up on a crochet project. It might be recency bias, or the fact that I love books not coffee, or am already invested in the main character, but in contrast to many reviews I've seen, I enjoyed this one at least as much as Legends & Lattes. It avoided the kind of dissatisfying ending that makes me leery of prequels.

quote
Robotswithpersonality
The Poet X | Elizabeth Acevedo
post image

'Twould be nigh impossible to be as eloquent as this character, so I think I'll settle for being angry on her behalf. 😤

7 likes1 stack add
review
Robotswithpersonality
post image
Mehso-so

Well we all know how I feel about cliffhangers...at least the next book in the series is also the last book in the series.
There are a number of elements about this series I enjoy, and thankfully there are audiobooks for the parts I want to speed up. 💁🏼‍♂️ Great fantasy elements; complex to the point of morally gray characters; thoughts on family loyalty vs monarchical fealty vs free will and personal identity; power and responsibility.

julesG Who reads the audiobook? I once tried ADSoM on audio and couldn't deal with the 'old man voice' trying to 'be' Kell. 4d
Robotswithpersonality @julesG Oh, man, and his inflection in this book was SO off.😆 If it hadn't been for 1.5 to 2x speed and the intercession of the female narrator I would have bailed. Still, having that guy around to voice the king when he was being an asshole really added something. 🙃 4d
julesG Just checked, this one was read by the dynamic duo of Michael Kramer and Kate Reading. 😬 They did a lot of Sanderson's books. I'm not a fan of his narration. 4d
See All 9 Comments
Robotswithpersonality @julesG forewarned is forearmed! Hopefully we've warned/encouraged somebody with this knowledge 💁🏼‍♂️ 4d
julesG The first book in the series is read by Steven Crossley and Kell sounds like he's at least 40 years old. 4d
Robotswithpersonality @julesG To be fair, I think between Rhy and Lila, Kell has to take on grumpy Only Adult in The Room Energy™ every once in a while 😋 4d
julesG Sure! But he's in his early twenties and should sound like it. I didn't even get to a part with Lilah, now I wonder whether I missed out on a Ditsy SoCal Lilah 😂😂 4d
Robotswithpersonality @julesG I'm not even sure there was a female narrator for the first book, I just remember a dude using a higher voice 🤦🏼‍♂️ 4d
julesG See, I missed out on Steven Crossley doing Lilah. 😁 4d
9 likes2 stack adds9 comments
review
Robotswithpersonality
The Mortal Word | Genevieve Cogman
post image
Pickpick

While I could still wish for a slightly different ratio of relationship development and mystery solving to political intrigue and interpersonal drama/sniping, on balance I found this entry in the series more fun than frustrating, and the ending more satisfying. Cogman is effective in goading my emotions, which does allow for a fully involved reading experience. Irene continues to be a badass par excellence. On to the next! ...in a week or four..

Robotswithpersonality I want my Irene/Kai/Vale throuple, dammit! 5d
6 likes1 comment
review
Robotswithpersonality
post image
Mehso-so

Moments, recollections, observations. Not just a travel journal. A memoir about a very specific window in this woman's life, where it benefitted her to write it all down. I can very much relate to the discussions about what it is to walk and want to complete a certain trail at not peak fitness/late 30s. I felt disconnected from the discussions of parenting a toddler and being autistic. I hope it helps others. ⚠️ Ableism

quote
Robotswithpersonality
post image

🐦♥️☺️

quote
Robotswithpersonality
post image

Solidarity with the conditional love for the outdoors. 🤦🏼‍♂️

quote
Robotswithpersonality
post image

🚶🏼‍♂️♥️

review
Robotswithpersonality
post image
Mehso-so

I'm torn. There are elements that make this book unique: reflections from someone who's spent serious time, living and working in Japan, talking to and learning from all kinds of people, that resembles a great memoir, a series of moments with a certain theme running through them. But much of the self-help advice feels like something I've read before, repackaged. It also feels like it might be more useful when read slowly/referred to as needed.

quote
Robotswithpersonality
post image

The manageability of sheep. 🐑🐏

review
Robotswithpersonality
Moon Over Soho | Ben Aaronovitch
post image
Pickpick

I think this is the first time I've ever recommended the audio book as the best way to consume a novel. While I enjoyed the first in the series that way out for conveniences this second one confirmed: the narrator for this series is superlative, and as I'm not from London, the accent is a shortcut to steeping me in the geography, culture and history the author/main character regularly refers to. 1/?

Robotswithpersonality 2/? Not to mention, I think the narrator, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, shares more characteristics in common with the main character than the author actually does, which adds to the authenticity, on top of his ability to voice act well and give unique voice to the other characters. Sincerely hoping he voices the whole series.🤞🏻 1w
Robotswithpersonality 3/3 The story itself continues on from the first novel, some recurring characters, some new, fresh mysteries, fresh magical lore, along with cosmopolitan insights and snippets of cynical hilarity, and always a little darker and more violent than I was expecting, without wandering past my comfort zone. Already put a library hold on the next audiobook in the series. ⚠️Ableism 1w
8 likes2 comments
review
Robotswithpersonality
post image
Pickpick

I'm not sure I have the words to review this book. I think I'll be processing what I've read for a while. The writing is powerful, yet accessible. I appreciate how much hope it contains. I think everyone could benefit from reading it.

quote
Robotswithpersonality
The Mortal Word | Genevieve Cogman
post image

Oooo, now I want a night club on an illicit library theme - contains every banned book in history, open all night. Full of cozy nooks...

4 likes1 stack add
review
Robotswithpersonality
Red Mars (Mars Trilogy #1) | Kim Stanley Robinson
post image
Mehso-so

Well, shucks. There were parts of this I really liked. The scientific and poetic descriptions of Mars; working out some of the practical problems of space colonization, terra-forming; debating ideologies when it comes to preserving/studying a new environment vs. the pragmatic necessities of considering how to harvest resources/transform land in order to sustain human settlement; how to build a better society. 1/?

Robotswithpersonality 2/? And then the heavy intrusion of the popular theme 'the Earth is fucked'! which when it comes up in sci-fi, I always hope is acting as a preventative caution instead of a cynical statement. 1w
Robotswithpersonality 3/? HOWEVER:
I get that politics, and interpersonal drama are also realistic aspects of any human endeavour, particularly a Mars colony, and expansion of such, but it was a bit too much of the text. That alone wasn't the problem. Secondly, if it weren't for Nadia, I wouldn't have had a single POV I actually enjoyed reading from.
1w
Robotswithpersonality 4/? And then there's the inevitable 'it's gotta get worse before it gets better' cliffhanger situation built into so many first books in a series. 1w
See All 7 Comments
Robotswithpersonality 5/6 Knowing the likely percentages of drama vs description and discussion, I'm just not willing to invest a significant amount of time into reading the next two books. 🤷🏼‍♂️ 1w
Robotswithpersonality 6/6 ⚠️ Heads up for prospective readers, this book suffers from being published in the 90s. There's definitely stereotypes all over the place produced by unexamined sexism, racism and xenophobia, and some fairly overt Islamophobia. It was difficult for me to discern how much was one odiously intolerant character's point of view, and how much was the author not really thinking too hard about how he was presenting certain characters/arguments. 1w
RamsFan1963 This trilogy is considered a major work in the science fiction genre. I've attempted it twice and bailed both times midway through the first book. 1w
Robotswithpersonality @RamsFan1963 Major work doesn't necessarily mean favoured by all, I guess. 🤷🏼‍♂️ I can see giving the second book a try after a long break, though I worry putting distance between entries would further hamper my ability to get into the world of that story... 1w
10 likes7 comments
quote
Robotswithpersonality
post image

🫣 Relatable.

Texreader Yep 1w
Larkken Lol. I once found an article about how going minimal was a disaster for one person (something about, the things they had bought or had been gifted had sentimental meaning) and importantly have been using it as validation for never going minimal myself. 1w
julesG Definitely relatable. 1w
6 likes1 stack add3 comments
review
Robotswithpersonality
Fauna | Christiane Vadnais
post image
Panpan

There's a point at which evocative surrealism eliminates sense-making and this is on the wrong side of that borderline. Also, gross and disturbing.
Would not advise eating while reading. 1/3

Robotswithpersonality 2/3 There were moments clearly outlining one version of our world a few years in the future where climate change has made things worse for everybody, and humanity's unchecked negative actions to continue to deteriorate the environment, but overall the novella is too disjointed. It doesn't come across as a teaching moment, just a dystopian backdrop. 1w
Robotswithpersonality 3/3 On the side of the yikes: it's never explicitly conveyed as ED, but there are MANY moments showcasing different behaviours that mimick disordered eating and it's effects, those currently struggling or recovering, be aware.

⚠️SA, animal death, abuse, body horror
1w
6 likes2 comments
review
Robotswithpersonality
Zoe's Tale | John Scalzi
post image
Mehso-so

Having enjoyed the charming Acknowledgements, I now know that the questions raised by the last book for me, (and apparently many other readers!) were not addressed in tandem because the author wasn't sure they required answering and was worried about length. Having read The Last Colony and now Zoe's Tale, I can say I would have preferred if they were a singular, bulkier book. 1/?

Robotswithpersonality 2/? While there are some surprises involved in seeing the story from Zoe's POV, new plot points are not offered until after the 300 page mark, outside of a few moments that are important to Zoe's character development, not necessarily the overall plot. 2w
Robotswithpersonality 3/? If Zoe is a character that reappears in the series, it would be worth knowing all that's happened, but if you want to skip The Last Colony rehash, I feel like you could just read the last 100 pages of Zoe's Tale for fresh material. I sincerely hope that Zoe is a character we get to follow in a unique story in this series because I feel like where it ended, I'm just starting to get to know her. 2w
Robotswithpersonality 4/? For a teenager, she is breathtakingly self-assured and competent, and while John Perry and Jane Sagan are also impressive individuals met in earlier books, I felt close to them because of the vulnerabilities and flaws the reader becomes acquainted with. 2w
Robotswithpersonality 5/5 If you love Scalzi's writing as I do, it's still a fun time. Maybe I'm just biased by the fact that I read the last book recently, but I worry that other readers might feel this entry in the series is more plot than characters, and familiar plot at that. 🤷🏼‍♂️ 2w
GondorGirl My partner had the same complaint about this book (he recently finished the series). 2w
6 likes5 comments
quote
Robotswithpersonality
Zoe's Tale | John Scalzi
post image

Say it with haiku. 😆 Love is worth the risk of being cubed.

julesG 😂😂😂 2w
julesG And, you're posts still aren't helping erode #MountTBR 2w
Robotswithpersonality @julesG All part of my evil plan! 2w
7 likes2 stack adds3 comments
review
Robotswithpersonality
A Blanket of Butterflies | Richard Van Camp, Scott B. Henderson
post image
Pickpick

Dene own voices' story of choosing the path of generosity and healing over violence and greed. I will never get tired of stories that take the harder, more hopeful path.

review
Robotswithpersonality
post image
Mehso-so

Did not expect that to be a 'meh' experience, but nothing really grabbed me. Nothing felt fresh, more like old reruns without the benefit of nostalgia. I guess you could call it classic themes, but to me they appeared tired. Apparently not really a fan of Tim Sale's art style either. Welp, to each their own preferred Batman comics. 🤷🏼‍♂️

RamsFan1963 Yeah I agree this was pretty meh. The Long Halloween is much better, but if you don't like Tim Sale's art, you might not like it either. 2w
Robotswithpersonality @RamsFan1963 Think I saw the animated film adaptation of that one, not sure I've read the graphic novel... let's just say I won't be prioritizing it! 💁🏼‍♂️ 2w
10 likes2 comments
quote
Robotswithpersonality
post image

🙌🏻

10 likes1 stack add
quote
Robotswithpersonality
post image

Character design continuity: It's not Alfred's physical appearance that must remain consistent, but rather his SASS. 💅🏻

quote
Robotswithpersonality
post image

Creatchur. He is creaturing.

6 likes1 stack add
review
Robotswithpersonality
post image
Pickpick

Dammit, I still CARE! Definitely still too plot heavy versus heartfelt moments and shenanigans, but there were snorts of laughter and a hopeful moment I'd been waiting for so, yes, I will be continuing to read every ridiculous book in this series. 🤷🏼‍♂️

TheBookHippie 😂 I read these daily with my little readers ( students) … they love them and I love hearing them read them aloud. 2w
Robotswithpersonality @TheBookHippie that sounds so fun! 2w
8 likes2 comments
review
Robotswithpersonality
post image
Mehso-so

As promised, gives insight into the mental processes that make it so hard to admit having made a mistake, and that often persuade people to double-down when a mistake has been made, to justify rather than confess culpability. 1/?

Robotswithpersonality 2/? I could wish that less of the book had been focused on darker subject matter than expected (there's political scandal and family therapy, not much on private business, but also wrongful imprisonment, assault, abuse, murder and torture cases) but as in most psychology books that hope to reach a broad audience, dramatic examples are employed. 2w
Robotswithpersonality 3/? I can appreciate the authors wanted to back the concepts introduced by a wealth of evidence, but it does start to feel like they've got a few key concepts (self-justification, cognitive dissonance, bias, the pyramid), and then move through hundreds of pages indicating examples of where those came into play, and the few hopeful instances where people acknowledged the mistake, stopped the downward momentum. 2w
Robotswithpersonality 4/? I think if you're in therapy, law enforcement or politics in the U.S. there are chapters in here that should be required reading. To a lesser extent, the concepts introduced are broadly applicable and worth keeping in mind. Unsurprisingly, being mindful of your decision-making, your biases, and being willing to admit your mistakes are useful things for all humans to practice. 2w
Robotswithpersonality 5/5 Would I recommend the average person pick this up and read it? No. It's too long, it risks putting off the reader before they get the full message the authors hoped to provide. If you'd like a terrible flashback with a sprinkle optimism, you can just check out the last chapter added for this edition, about Trump's presidency. 🤦🏼‍♂️
2w
Robotswithpersonality ⚠️🚩 It would appear Carol Tavris has made some headlines for anti-trans statements, so now I REALLY don't recommend you read this. 🤢 2w
6 likes5 comments
quote
Robotswithpersonality
post image

Why I consider "deregulation" one of the scariest words in the English language.

quote
Robotswithpersonality
post image

♥️

review
Robotswithpersonality
post image
Pickpick

DRAAAAAMAAAAA! What else can one expect from Olympians, honestly? While I admit I occasionally get tired of the 'will they, won't they' that is the backbone of this series, it continues to have relatable conversations about relationships, and there was an important confrontation I'd been waiting on, in this volume. For now, still interested in continuing.

6 likes1 stack add
review
Robotswithpersonality
post image
Pickpick

Love, Love, LOVED IT! Easily a new favourite. The representation, the messaging, the humour, the fashion, the romance, the sweetness, UGH. Delicious, start to finish. 🥰

Singout What age? 2w
11 likes1 comment
review
Robotswithpersonality
post image
Pickpick

A bit more classic fantasy epic than detective noir this volume, but still chock full of interpersonal drama, machinations and incredible art.

quote
Robotswithpersonality
post image

Newsflash: Just because it was groundbreaking in the 1950s, doesn't it mean it should be upheld today! 🙄

quote
Robotswithpersonality
post image

😲 And the award for most appalling portmanteau goes to...

quote
Robotswithpersonality
post image

👀

quote
Robotswithpersonality
Red Mars (Mars Trilogy #1) | Kim Stanley Robinson
post image

Took a moment with context cues to realize that isn't a typo for insulation.
InSOLation: the amount of solar radiation received on a given surface in a given time period.
Nifty! ☀️

quote
Robotswithpersonality
post image

Love the phrasing. 🧪🔬♥️

review
Robotswithpersonality
The Magician's Secret | Zachary Hyman
post image
Panpan

I went looking for other picture books illustrated by Joe Bluhm, and in that regard, I found one! The art was easily the best part. The narrative? Schmaltzy, cliched, felt less like an arc than an abrupt end, and I have concerns about Grandpa's grasp of reality. I think it was supposed to be about the power of imagination, the power to create stories and to change the world by creativity, but it lost me somewhere. 🤷🏼‍♂️