Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 16
June 3, 2025
Book Review: The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
There’s something uniquely satisfying about diving into a new book and letting it pull you into a world crafted by someone else’s imagination. In today’s post, I’m excited to share my thoughts on a recent read that did just that. Whether you’re looking for a book to add to your reading list or simply enjoy reflecting on how stories resonate, I hope this review inspires your next literary adventure.
Title: The Year of Magical Thinking
By: Joan Didion
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 227
Release Date: September 1st, 2005
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:An act of consummate literary bravery, a writer known for her clarity allowing us to watch her mind as it becomes clouded with grief.'
From one of America's iconic writers, a stunning book of electric honesty and passion. Joan Didion explores an intensely personal yet universal experience: a portrait of a marriage–and a life, in good times and bad–that will speak to anyone who has ever loved a husband or wife or child.
Several days before Christmas 2003, John Gregory Dunne and Joan Didion saw their only daughter, Quintana, fall ill with what seemed at first flu, then pneumonia, then complete septic shock. She was put into an induced coma and placed on life support. Days later–the night before New Year's Eve–the Dunnes were just sitting down to dinner after visiting the hospital when John Gregory Dunne suffered a massive and fatal coronary. In a second, this close, symbiotic partnership of forty years was over. Four weeks later, their daughter pulled through. Two months after that, arriving at LAX, she collapsed and underwent six hours of brain surgery at UCLA Medical Center to relieve a massive hematoma.
This powerful book is Didion's attempt to make sense of the "weeks and then months that cut loose any fixed idea I ever had about death, about illness . . . about marriage and children and memory . . . about the shallowness of sanity, about life itself."
June 2, 2025
Weekly Menu #610 And The Book Of The Week
This week, we’re diving into the vibrant flavors of Dubai and beyond! Inspired by the rich culinary heritage of the UAE, our menu highlights warm spices, fragrant rice dishes, and hearty stews that bring the spirit of Dubai’s bustling souks and family feasts into our own kitchens. From traditional Machboos Dajaj to the comforting Thareed, each dish tells a story of hospitality and history. And because we love a good global fusion, we’ve sprinkled in a few of our favorite dishes from around the world for a menu that’s as diverse and exciting as the city of Dubai itself.As I savor this week’s dishes, I can’t help but think about Silvercloak by Laura Steven, the book I’m currently devouring. This dazzling fantasy adventure, with its blend of magic, intrigue, and high-stakes danger, mirrors the vibrant and cosmopolitan mood of Dubai itself. Much like the way Dubai seamlessly blends tradition with modern innovation, Silvercloak combines a sense of wonder with a sharp edge, reminding me to embrace both the familiar comforts of home and the thrill of discovery. It’s a perfect pairing for a week of culinary exploration and literary escape!
Let's eat!
WEEKLY MENU
Monday
(Dubai)
Machboos Dajaj (spiced chicken and rice dish)
Kids - Chicken and Rice
Tuesday
(Korean)
Kids - Beef Ramen
Wednesday
(Dubai)
Tharid (Emirati lamb stew with vegetables and crispy flatbread)
Kids - Chicken Soup
Thursday
(Italian)
Kids - Mac and Cheese
Friday
(Mexican)
Kids - Cheese Quesadillas
Saturday
(Danish)
Frikadeller and Mashed Potatoes
Kids - Chicken Nuggets and Mashed Potatoes
Sunday
(Family Night)
Cheese Quesadillas
June 1, 2025
Sunday Confessions #307
Welcome back to Sunday Confessions! This week, I’m spilling all the bookish tea—from the titles that made me swoon to the ones I couldn’t quite finish. Sunday is the perfect day to slow down, reflect on my reading week, and, of course, confess a few guilty pleasures and unexpected surprises along the way. So, grab a cozy blanket, your favorite beverage, and settle in as I share my literary highs, lows, and everything in between!
Sunday Confessions #306~Weekly Menu #609 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine~Novella Review: Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame by Neon Yang~Book Review: The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness~Fantasy Friday: Lightlark by Alex Aster
Weekly Menu #610 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion~May 2025 Wrap Up~Thriller Thursday: The Eyes are the Best Part by Monika Kim~
Book Review: The Story of ABBA by Jan Gradvall~Sunday Confessions #308
Erich Maria Remarque’s All Quiet on the Western Front is a raw and unflinching portrayal of the horrors of war, told through the eyes of young Paul Bäumer. The novel’s strength lies in its haunting, visceral descriptions and its ability to capture the dehumanizing effects of combat on soldiers. While I deeply appreciated Remarque’s poignant writing and the emotional weight of the narrative, at times, the pacing felt uneven, and certain scenes became repetitive. However, its powerful anti-war message and timeless relevance make it a profound and unforgettable read that I would highly recommend.
169/100 2025 Reading Challenge~100/196 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~14/20 2024 Goodreads Fantasy Nominees Reading Challenge
As another week of reading comes to a close, I’m left reflecting on the stories that made me laugh, cry, and think a little deeper. From unexpected plot twists to characters who felt like old friends, this week’s confessions have been a journey through pages and emotions. No matter where my reading adventures take me next, I’m grateful for the chance to share it all with you. Here’s to more stories, more confessions, and many more pages turned in the weeks ahead.
May 30, 2025
Fantasy Friday: Lightlark by Alex Aster
Happy Fantasy Friday, friends! There’s something truly magical about stepping into a world where anything is possible, where dragons soar, magic pulses, and heroes (or villains) emerge from the shadows. This week, I’m diving into a fantastical adventure that transported me far beyond reality and into a story brimming with wonder. Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy reader or just looking for an escape, grab a mug of something warm and join me as I explore Lightlark—a tale of twists, turns, and pure enchantment.
Title: Lightlark
By: Alex Aster
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 416
Release Date: August 23rd, 2022
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:Welcome to the Centennial.
Every 100 years, the island of Lightlark appears to host the Centennial, a deadly game that only the rulers of six realms are invited to play. The invitation is a summons—a call to embrace victory and ruin, baubles and blood. The Centennial offers the six rulers one final chance to break the curses that have plagued their realms for centuries. Each ruler has something to hide. Each realm’s curse is uniquely wicked. To destroy the curses, one ruler must die.
Isla Crown is the young ruler of Wildling—a realm of temptresses cursed to kill anyone they fall in love with. They are feared and despised, and are counting on Isla to end their suffering by succeeding at the Centennial.
To survive, Isla must lie, cheat, and betray…even as love complicates everything.
May 29, 2025
Book Review: The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness
Welcome back to my corner of the bookish world! This week, I’m excited to share my thoughts on a book that completely captivated me. Whether you’re in search of your next read or simply love hearing what others think, join me as I dive into The Book of Life. From its unforgettable characters to its rich storytelling, this one left a lasting impression—and I can’t wait to tell you why!
Title: The Book of Life
By: Deborah Harkness
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 564
Release Date: July 15th, 2014
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Summary from Goodreads:Bringing the magic and suspense of the All Souls Trilogy to a deeply satisfying conclusion, this highly anticipated finale went straight to #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. In The Book of Life, Diana and Matthew time-travel back from Elizabethan London to make a dramatic return to the present—facing new crises and old enemies. At Matthew’s ancestral home, Sept-Tours, they reunite with the beloved cast of characters from A Discovery of Witches—with one significant exception. But the real threat to their future has yet to be revealed, and when it is, the search for Ashmole 782 and its missing pages takes on even more urgency.
Review:
The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness was a bit of a letdown after the promising start of the All Souls trilogy. While the premise of wrapping up Diana and Matthew’s story was intriguing, the pacing felt glacial, bogged down by excessive details and meandering subplots. Though the lush descriptions and attention to historical elements were commendable, I found myself wishing the story would pick up speed. Overall, while The Book of Life had moments of brilliance, it ultimately struggled under the weight of its own slow narrative.
May 28, 2025
Novella Review: Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame by Neon Yang
Welcome back, fellow readers! This week, I’ve decided to shift gears and dive into a shorter, yet no less impactful, story. There’s something uniquely satisfying about a novella—concise yet rich with meaning, delivering a complete experience in a fraction of the time of a full-length novel. Today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame, a story that captivated me from the first page and lingered in my mind long after I finished. Let’s dive in!
Title: Brighter Than Scale, Swifter Than Flame
By: Neon Yang
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 176
Release Date: May 6th, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:A new Queer, Asian-inspired fantasy novella about a renowned dragon slayer who never takes her armor off in public, Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame reads like She Who Became the Sun meets The Mandalorian, with dragons!
The fiercely independent nation of Quanbao is isolated, reclusive, and something of a mystery to the rest of the world. It is rumored that there, dragons are not feared as is right and proper but instead loved and worshiped.
Yeva is perhaps a strange emissary to these people. Not only because their face has never been seen in public, but because they are a hero born to a birthright that makes them suited for their task—hunting dragons.
And so the dragon hunter must woo Quanbao's queen—the Lady Sookhee—to understand what secrets she is hiding. A woman reasonably suspicious of Yeva's intentions, and the imperial might of the throne she represents, Sookhee bears the burden of the safety of her entire people. How can she trust this stranger newly arrived to her court, a weapon forged in blood and fire, to understand what her people need and how best to safeguard their future?
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
May 27, 2025
Book Review: Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine
Welcome, bookworms! As the seasons shift and the days grow shorter (or longer, depending on where you are!), my reading list has been a constant companion. This week, I’m diving into a story that tugged at my heartstrings and sparked more than a few thoughtful moments. Whether you’re looking for your next weekend read or just love hearing about new releases, grab a cozy blanket, a hot drink, and join me as I share my thoughts on Junie!
Title: Junie
By: Erin Crosby Eckstine
Genre: Historical
Pages: 368
Release Date: February 4th, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:A young girl must face a life-altering decision after awakening her sister’s ghost, navigating truths about love, friendship, and power as the Civil War looms.
Sixteen years old and enslaved since she was born, Junie has spent her life on Bellereine Plantation in Alabama, cooking and cleaning alongside her family, and tending to the white master’s daughter, Violet. Her daydreams are filled with poetry and faraway worlds, while she spends her nights secretly roaming through the forest, consumed with grief over the sudden death of her older sister, Minnie.
When wealthy guests arrive from New Orleans, hinting at marriage for Violet and upending Junie’s life, she commits a desperate act—one that rouses Minnie’s spirit from the grave, tethered to this world unless Junie can free her. She enlists the aid of Caleb, the guests’ coachman, and their friendship soon becomes something more. Yet as long-held truths begin to crumble, she realizes Bellereine is harboring dark and horrifying secrets that can no longer be ignored.
With time ticking down, Junie begins to push against the harsh current that has controlled her entire life. As she grapples with an increasingly unfamiliar world in which she has little control, she is forced to ask herself: When we choose love and liberation, what must we leave behind?
May 26, 2025
Weekly Menu #609 And The Book Of The Week
Sometimes, all we crave is a comforting, satisfying meal that warms us from the inside out – but that doesn’t mean we have to overload on heavy ingredients. This week’s menu brings the cozy comfort we love, while focusing on dishes that are lighter, naturally gluten-free, and loaded with vegetables. It’s a delicious way to nourish your body while still indulging in the familiar flavors that make comfort food so special. As I savor these meals, I’m also diving into The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig, a book full of eerie twists and dark family secrets that’s perfect for these cozy, comforting nights.Let's get to this week's menu. Enjoy!
WEEKLY MENU
Monday
Side of Roasted Carrots & Zucchini
Kids -
Tuesday
Side of Mixed Greens Salad
Kids - Ramen
Wednesday
Spaghetti with Marinara and Turkey Meatballs
Side of Steamed Broccoli
Kids - Little Pizzas
Thursday
Sheet Pan Salmon with Roasted Veggies
Side of Brown Rice
Kids - Chicken and Rice
Friday
Kids - Cheese Quesadillas
Saturday
Roast Chicken with Root Vegetables
Side of Sautéed Spinach
Kids - Chicken and Carrots
Sunday
Leftovers Night
May 25, 2025
Sunday Confessions #306
Welcome to this week’s Sunday Book Confessions, where I spill the tea on my current reads, bookish highs and lows, and whatever literary thoughts I can’t keep to myself. Whether I’m swooning over a new favorite, battling a reading slump, or admitting to yet another book haul I didn’t need, this is my cozy corner for all things unfiltered and bookish. Grab a warm drink, settle in, and let’s confess!
Sunday Confessions #305~Weekly Menu #608 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff~Reading through the Star Wars Universe Part 18~Book Review: A Sweet Sting of Salt by Rose Sutherland~
Fantasy Friday: What If... Loki Was Worthy? by Madaline Roux~Saturday Sips: 4 star Bonanza
Weekly Menu #609 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine~Novella Review: Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame by Neon Yang~Book Review: The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness~Fantasy Friday: Lightlark by Alex Aster~Sunday Confessions #307
★★★☆☆Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne is a classic adventure filled with imagination and scientific curiosity, but its pacing and dated style may not resonate with every modern reader. The concept is undeniably creative, and Verne’s enthusiasm for exploration is infectious, yet the long-winded descriptions and lack of character depth can make the story feel slow and dry at times. While it’s easy to appreciate the novel’s influence on the sci-fi genre, the execution doesn’t always match its ambitious premise. A solid three-star read that’s more enjoyable for its historical significance than its narrative momentum.
163/100 2025 Reading Challenge~100/196 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~13/20 2024 Goodreads Fantasy Nominees Reading Challenge
Thanks for joining me for another week of bookish reflections! Whether you’re adding new titles to your TBR or silently nodding along with my reviews, I’m so glad you’re here. As always, feel free to share your thoughts, your latest reads, or your own confessions in the comments—I love hearing from fellow book lovers. Until next time, happy reading and see you next week for more literary adventures!
May 24, 2025
Saturday Sips: 4 star Bonanza
Welcome to Saturday Sips, where I serve up a quick pour of book reviews to kick off your weekend! This week’s edition is a 4-star Bonanza, featuring reads that hit all the right notes—engaging plots, memorable characters, and just enough spark to keep me hooked. These books might not be perfect, but they definitely delivered satisfying stories worth sipping slowly (or devouring in one go). Let’s dive into this flavorful batch of solid reads!
A Fate Forged in FireHazel McBrideA Fate Forged in Fire by Hazel McBride is a captivating fantasy filled with emotional depth, slow-burn romance, and a richly built world that draws you in from the first page. McBride’s writing strikes a lovely balance between lyrical and accessible, and the character development—especially the heroine’s journey of resilience and self-discovery—is a standout. The pacing occasionally falters in the middle, but the payoff is worth it, with stakes that feel real and a conclusion that satisfies while leaving room for more. A strong and immersive read for fans of character-driven fantasy with heart.
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly WarfareDamien LewisThe Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare by Damien Lewis is a gripping and eye-opening account of the covert operations that played a crucial role in shaping modern warfare. Lewis brings to life the daring exploits of Churchill’s secret warriors with vivid storytelling and meticulous research, making this a thrilling read for history and military enthusiasts alike. While some sections dive deeply into technical details that may slow the pace, the overall narrative is compelling and sheds light on a lesser-known but vital chapter of World War II. A fascinating blend of suspense, bravery, and strategy that earns a solid four stars.
Death RowFreida McFaddenDeath Row by Freida McFadden is a tense, fast-paced thriller that keeps you guessing until the very last page. McFadden’s knack for twisting the plot and creating high-stakes situations shines throughout, making it hard to put down. The characters are well-drawn, with just enough complexity to keep the suspense grounded and emotionally engaging. While a few plot points felt a bit predictable, the sharp pacing and relentless tension more than make up for it. A solid four-star read for fans of gripping, edge-of-your-seat mysteries.
The Lost StoryMeg ShafferThe Lost Story by Meg Shaffer is a beautifully crafted tale that weaves nostalgia, mystery, and the power of storytelling into a heartfelt journey. Shaffer’s prose is warm and evocative, bringing the characters and their emotions vividly to life. The narrative unfolds at a thoughtful pace, allowing the layers of the story to gently reveal themselves, which some readers may find soothing rather than fast-paced. While it doesn’t break new ground, the novel’s charm lies in its sincere exploration of memory and connection. A lovely four-star read that lingers long after the last page.
The Girl I WasJeneva RoseThe Girl I Was by Jeneva Rose is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of trauma, memory, and identity with skill and sensitivity. Rose crafts a suspenseful narrative full of unexpected twists that keep readers on edge, while also exploring the emotional depth of her characters in a way that feels authentic and compelling. The pacing is steady, building tension without feeling rushed, and the prose is clear and engaging. Though some plot elements feel familiar within the genre, the strong character work and emotional resonance make this a solid four-star read for thriller fans.
