Cactus Academy - Book Reviews

#nonfiction

Empire of AI Book Review: A Deep Dive into Sam Altman's OpenAI
4.2

Empire of AI Book Review: A Deep Dive into Sam Altman's OpenAI

Kent Kelly's Empire of AI pulls back the curtain on Sam Altman's OpenAI empire, blending investigative journalism with access-journalism tension. If you're curious about the humans shaping artificial intelligence's future, this one belongs on your reading list — though it has a few blind spots worth noting.

haunh4 min read
A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness — Full Review
4.2

A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness — Full Review

A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness is a spiritual nonfiction title from Penguin Press that explores deep questions about awareness, perception, and the nature of reality. In this review, we break down its approach, target audience, and whether it belongs on your reading list.

haunh4 min read
The Spy and the Traitor Book Review – A Masterful Cold War Espionage Tale
4.5

The Spy and the Traitor Book Review – A Masterful Cold War Espionage Tale

If you've been hunting for a nonfiction book that reads like a spy thriller, Ben Macintyre's The Spy and the Traitor is the one. I spent two weeks with it — on my commute, on weekends, in bed past midnight — and every chapter pulled me deeper into the real-life chess game between a British double agent and the KGB. Here's my full, honest review.

haunh5 min read
A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides Review
4.2

A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides Review

A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides is a Penguin Press release that tackles the psychology of shame and personal transformation. In this full review, we break down its approach, strengths, and whether it's the right fit for your reading list this year.

haunh4 min read
The Anxious Generation Buch Test & Rezension 2025
4.4

The Anxious Generation Buch Test & Rezension 2025

The Anxious Generation von Jonathan Haidt ist ein sachliches, gut recherchiertes Buch über den Zusammenhang zwischen Digitalisierung und psychischer Gesundheit bei Kindern. Erfahre in meinem Test, ob es sich lohnt.

haunh3 min read
What Remains Memoir Review – Honest Verdict 2025
4.2

What Remains Memoir Review – Honest Verdict 2025

What Remains: A Memoir of Fate, Friendship, and Love es un memoir escrito por Carol Hedin que explora la amistad, el duelo y el amor a través de la historia real de una de sus amistades más profundas. En esta reseña te contamos si vale la pena leerlo.

haunh4 min read
The King Is Coming Boek Review – Thomas Nelson
4.2

The King Is Coming Boek Review – Thomas Nelson

The King Is Coming van Thomas Nelson is een christelijk inspiratieboek dat lezers uitnodigt om stil te staan bij hun geestelijke voorbereiding. In deze review deel ik mijn persoonlijke ervaring na het lezen van dit boek over de terugkeer van Christus.

haunh3 min read
When Breath Becomes Air Review – A Doctor's Haunting Final Memoir
4.6

When Breath Becomes Air Review – A Doctor's Haunting Final Memoir

I finished When Breath Becomes Air at 11 PM on a Tuesday, something I almost never do. Paul Kalanithi's memoir about becoming a doctor while dying consumed me in a way few books manage — with prose that cuts clean and a story that refuses easy comfort. This review breaks down whether this modern classic belongs on your shelf.

haunh5 min read
Hold Me Tight Review: Is Dr. Sue Johnson's Book Worth Reading?
4.6

Hold Me Tight Review: Is Dr. Sue Johnson's Book Worth Reading?

I picked up Hold Me Tight expecting another generic relationship guide. What I found instead was a clinically-backed roadmap for emotional connection. This Hold Me Tight review breaks down Dr. Sue Johnson's seven conversations framework and whether it actually works for long-term couples.

haunh4 min read
No Bad Parts Book Review – Is Richard Schwartz's IFS Guide Worth It?
4.4

No Bad Parts Book Review – Is Richard Schwartz's IFS Guide Worth It?

I picked up No Bad Parts on a recommendation from my therapist, expecting another dense clinical manual. What I found was something far more accessible – Richard Schwartz's practical guide to Internal Family Systems therapy that reads like a conversation with a calm, patient healer. Here's my full review after reading it twice.

haunh4 min read
I'm Glad My Mom Died Review – Honest Take on McCurdy's Memoir
4.3

I'm Glad My Mom Died Review – Honest Take on McCurdy's Memoir

Jennette McCurdy's I'm Glad My Mom Died isn't just a celebrity memoir — it's a raw, often uncomfortable excavation of emotional abuse and an eating disorder that lasted years. Here's my honest take on whether it lives up to the hype and who should actually pick it up.

haunh5 min read