Author Archives: Carissa W Tomas

This was one of my favorite memoirs I’ve ever read. So honest, so transparent, and a inspiring story of perseverance and ambition.

Hot take – I didn’t like this book at all. Main characters where whiny and brooding and the plot went nowhere. I ought to stick to my nonfiction interests and stay away from mainstream fiction.

Another instance of why I shouldn’t gamble on books because they have catchy titles… this collection of short stories was a major let down for me. The reader is plopped in the middle of a story and just as fast they’re sucked right out before any ending is presented.

Picked this one up at my local bookstore because it had a beautiful cover and a catchy title. Boy was that a mistake. I think this is another example of me missing the boat entirely. I don’t have the slightest sense of the purpose of this story…

A local author I found at my local bookstore. A quick thriller with so many local references I felt I was part of the story!

A set of very though provoking short stories that will leave you pondering our pasts and futures. Some black mirror themes embedded throughout.  “My father proclaims that he works in the business of capturing reality, of stopping time and preserving memory. But the real attraction of such technology has never been about capturing reality. Photography,Continue reading “The Paper Menagerie by Ken Liu”

“Being constantly assaulted by, but consciously cut off from the origin of bodily sensations produces alexithymia: not being able to sense and communicate what is going on with you. Only by getting in touch with your body, by connecting viscerally with your self, can you regain a sense of who you are… trauma makes peopleContinue reading “The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk”

Wow – what a childhood Mikel had born into Synanon. Love the way it was written from his perspective at each respective age. What a strong and admirable human being!

You know I love a book about animals. And octopuses?! Love them! Such incredible and intelligent animals that we can learn so much from!

A brutally honest report of early career academic life. I aspire to have half the grit and perseverance as Dr. Jahren in my own academic journey.