Secondborn Book Reviews

Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee Review Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee by Dee Brown is a historical non-fiction book telling the history of the move West and the clashing of the w hite settlers and the Native American inhabitants of the land. Filled with quotes by Native Americans, the book focuses on their experiences and their stories. “ The whites told only one side. Told it to please themselves. Told much that is not true. Only his own best deeds, only the worst deeds of the Indians, has the white man told.” - Yellow Wolf of the Nez Percés Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee is a tough, extremely emotional read. It’s filled with heartbreaking events that I don’t remember learning about while in school. That’s not to say none of it was taught, I may have just received a watered-down version. Especially since some of the incidents are immensely violent and just straight-up slaughters. The quotes from people who lived through this dark time brought these situations ...

Nimona by Noelle Stevenson Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Nimona by Noelle Steveson is a fantasy and adventure graphic novel. The story follows Nimona, a reckless shapeshifter, and Lord Blackheart, the wizard she apprentices. They are attempting to bring attention to the immoral acts being committed by the Institute of Law Enforcement. “A dangerous nation is a powerful nation.” Nimona has it all: drama, betrayal, and a positive lesson to learn. The characters are captivating. The world Stevenson has built is phenomenal.  What's more, all of it is brought together with her awe-inspiring artwork. Nimona is a perfect adventure story told with amazing characters and plot. Lord Blackheart is an understandable villain. He tried to follow society's rules, was knocked down and forced to respond in the only way the society told him he could. Nimona is tan adorable shapeshifter with a taste for revenge. They learn to work together and learn more about each other.Everything about Nimona (the a...

Turn Your Pain Into Art by Ariel Bloomer Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “What will being true to your soul allow you to accomplish?” Turn Your Pain Into Art: One Self-Hater’s Journey to Self-Love, Authenticity, and Creative Freedom by Ariel Bloomer is both an autobiography and a self-help guide. The book is split into two parts: her life story followed by the story of her recovery from self-hate. Ariel approaches both of these subjects with humor and heart. To be perfectly honest, I approached this book with a massive bias. I enjoy Ariel’s weekly vlogs and am a little obsessed with her band, Icon For Hire. However, I don’t normally read self help books. I didn’t think I would like the parts of the book that focused more on subjects concerning self-care. Still, I wound up really connecting with her words and her suggestions. Ariel doesn’t preach about or imply that her life was terrible but now everything is great. It’s simply “Hey. This thing helped me feel better. Maybe it can help you t...