Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 8
August 1, 2025
Book Review: Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
Title: Out of My Mind
By: Sharon M. Draper
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 295
Release Date: March 9th, 2010
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:Melody is not like most people. She cannot walk or talk, but she has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She is smarter than most of the adults who try to diagnose her and smarter than her classmates in her integrated classroom—the very same classmates who dismiss her as mentally challenged because she cannot tell them otherwise. But Melody refuses to be defined by cerebral palsy. And she's determined to let everyone know it—somehow.
July 31, 2025
ARC Review: Zomromcom by Olivia Dade
Title: Zomromcom
By: Olivia Dade
Genre: Dystopian/Paranormal
Pages: 411
Release Date: August 5tth, 2025
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:Teaming up with your neighbor during a zombie outbreak is a no-brainer, but if it turns out he’s a vampire . . . the stakes couldn’t be higher, in this infectious new paranormal romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Spoiler Alert.
When Edie Brandstrup attempts to save her sweet, seemingly harmless human neighbor from the first major zombie breach in two decades, she’s stunned to be saved by him—and his ridiculously large sword—instead. As it turns out, he's actually a super-old, super-surly vampire. But for all her neighbor's newly revealed cynicism and lethality, Gaston "Max" Boucher (yes, Gaston) is unexpectedly protective. He wants her to stay in his safety bunker until the breach is resolved. Edie can’t risk more innocent people getting killed, though—and Max won’t let her save them alone.
As they unravel a sinister conspiracy to set zombies loose on the world (again), the duo meet a host of lovable allies and discover they're not the only ones willing to fight for the future of humanity. Despite the awful timing, Edie finds herself falling for the vampire who’s helping her save the world . . . but all their dangerous plans could end their future before it even begins. As she and Max battle side by side, Edie must decide whether having a love worth living for also means having a love you'd die for—and, in a world that grows deadlier by the minute, whether that’s a risk she’s willing to take.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
July 30, 2025
Reading through the Star Wars Universe Part 19
know Star Wars isn’t everyone’s cup of caf, but this galaxy far, far away has always held a special place in my heart. From the epic battles and complex characters to the quieter, more emotional moments tucked between the stars, I find myself endlessly drawn into its orbit. So even if you're not a fellow Jedi (or Sith), bear with me, because I’ve got thoughts, favorites, and a few surprises to share from my latest reading adventures in the Star Wars universe.
From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes BackFrom a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back is an absolute delight, offering a fresh and imaginative look at the iconic Star Wars movie through the eyes of characters often relegated to the background. I loved this book—it was so much fun to read about all the other characters from the film, from the random troopers to the creatures and droids we barely noticed. Each story added depth, humor, and heart to the familiar narrative, and the diverse perspectives made the galaxy far, far away feel even richer. Five stars for this inventive, entertaining, and wholly immersive collection!
Star Wars: Tales of the Bounty HuntersStar Wars: Tales of the Bounty Hunters is a gritty, action-packed collection that dives deep into the lives of the galaxy’s most notorious trackers. Each story offers a unique perspective on familiar faces like Boba Fett, Bossk, and IG-88, fleshing out their motivations and moral gray areas. While a few stories stood out more than others, the anthology as a whole is a thrilling ride for any Star Wars fan. With its blend of lore, character development, and classic expanded universe flair, it’s a strong four-star addition to the Star Wars Legends lineup.
Star Wars: Shadows of the EmpireSteve PerryShadows of the Empire by Steve Perry is a fast-paced, entertaining addition to the Star Wars universe that fills the gap between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi with plenty of action, intrigue, and familiar faces. With a compelling new villain in Prince Xizor and a gritty, behind-the-scenes look at the Rebellion and the underworld, the story adds rich layers to the saga. While some dialogue and pacing feel a bit dated, the nostalgia and clever integration into the original trilogy make this a rewarding read. A solid four stars for any Star Wars fan looking to explore the Legends timeline.
From a Certain Point of View: Return of the JediFrom a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi offers a unique lens on a beloved film, with 40 stories told from the perspectives of background characters and lesser-known figures in the Star Wars universe. As with the other entries in this anthology series, it’s a mixed bag. Some stories are brilliant and deeply moving, while others fall flat or feel unnecessary. The concept is clever and die-hard fans will likely appreciate the expanded lore, but the uneven pacing and shifting tones made it hard to stay fully engaged throughout. A fun companion for Star Wars enthusiasts but not quite a standout in the series.
Star Wars: Tales from Jabba's PalaceKevin J. AndersonStar Wars: Tales from Jabba’s Palace is a gritty, imaginative dive into the shadows of the galaxy, offering a fascinating look at the scoundrels, slaves, and survivors who orbited Jabba the Hutt’s slimy throne room. Edited by Kevin J. Anderson, this anthology stitches together short stories from a variety of authors, each focusing on a different background character seen in Return of the Jedi. While some stories shine brighter than others, the overall collection is rich in world-building and character depth, transforming minor screen presences into fully fleshed-out players in the Star Wars mythos. It's a fun, layered read for fans who love the underbelly of the galaxy and who’ve always wondered what really went on behind Jabba’s curtains.
July 29, 2025
Book Review: Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
Title: Wild Dark Shore
By: Charlotte McConaghy
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 307
Release Date: March 4th, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:From the beloved, New York Times bestselling author of Migrations and Once There Were Wolves, a novel about a family living alone on a remote island, when a mysterious woman washes up on shore
A family on a remote island. A mysterious woman washed ashore. A rising storm on the horizon.
Dominic Salt and his three children are caretakers of Shearwater, a tiny island not far from Antarctica. Home to the world’s largest seed bank, Shearwater was once full of researchers. But with sea levels rising, the Salts are now its final inhabitants, packing up the seeds before they are transported to safer ground. Despite the wild beauty, isolation has taken its toll on the Salts. Raff, eighteen and suffering his first heartbreak, can only find relief at his punching bag; Fen, seventeen, has started spending her nights on the beach among the seals; nine-year-old Orly, obsessed with botany, fears the loss of his beloved natural world; and Dominic can’t stop turning back toward the past, and the loss that drove the family to Shearwater in the first place.
Then, during the worst storm the island has ever seen, a woman washes up on shore. As the Salts nurse the woman, Rowan, back to life, their suspicion gives way to affection, and they finally begin to feel like a family again. Rowan, long accustomed to protecting her heart, begins to fall for the Salts, too. But Rowan isn’t telling the whole truth about why she set out for Shearwater. And when she discovers the sabotaged radios and a freshly dug grave, she realizes Dominic is keeping his own dark secrets. As the storms on Shearwater gather force, can they trust each other enough to protect one another—and the precious seeds in their care? And can they finally put the tragedies of the past behind them to create something new, together?
A novel of heart-stopping twists, dizzying beauty, and ferocious love, Wild Dark Shore is about the impossible choices we make to protect the people we love, even as the world around us is ending.
July 28, 2025
Weekly Menu #618 And The Book Of The Week
This week, we’re heading to the Philippines for a culinary adventure bursting with bold flavors, comforting textures, and rich cultural history. From savory classics like adobo and sinigang to sweet treats like bibingka and halo-halo, Filipino cuisine offers a delicious blend of influences from Spain, China, and Southeast Asia. I’ve curated a menu that highlights some of the most beloved dishes, with easy adaptations for the home cook, perfect for warming up your kitchen and exploring something new.Alongside all the cooking, I’ve been diving into We Were Liars by E. Lockhart, a hauntingly lyrical YA mystery that’s equal parts gripping and emotionally raw. Set against the backdrop of a privileged but crumbling family estate, the story unravels through the eyes of an unreliable narrator trying to piece together the truth of a summer gone wrong. It’s the kind of book that lingers after the last page, leaving you questioning memory, guilt, and the stories we tell ourselves. Perfect for late night reading with a bowl of champorado.
WEEKLY MENU
Monday
Adobo Night
Kids - Chicken and Rice
Tuesday
Street Food Vibes
Kids - Pork Skewers with Cucumber
Wednesday
Palengke (Market) Day
Kids - Chicken Noodle Soup with Crackers
Thursday
Ulam Combo
Bistek TagalogKids - Cheese and Fries
Friday
Fiesta Friday
Kids - Pizza Pockets
Saturday
Island Grill Night
Soup or Salad
Kids - Chicken Skewers and Crackers
Sunday
Leftovers Night
July 27, 2025
Sunday Confessions #315
Welcome back to another round of Sunday Confessions, where I spill the truth about my reading habits, bookish blunders, and everything in between. Whether I devoured five novels this week or abandoned one by page 30, this is the place where I come clean. Grab your coffee (or tea, no judgment here) and let’s talk about what really went down on my bookshelf this week.
Sunday Confessions #314~Weekly Menu #617 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo~Binge-Worthy Wednesday: What the River Knows by Isable Ibanez~Book Review: The Wish by Nicholas Sparks~Book Review: Off with Her Head by Elenor Herman
Weekly Menu #618 And The Book Of The Week~ARC Review: The Ever King by L.J. Andrews~Reading through the Star Wars Universe Part 19~ARC Review: Zomromcom by Olivia Dade~Book Review: Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper~Sunday Confessions #316
Note to self: start reading the summary before diving in. Lights Out definitely took me by surprise—steamy, bold, and a bit kinkier than I usually go for. That said, I was absolutely entertained. Navessa Allen knows how to build tension and keep the pages turning, and the characters had enough spark and sass to keep me hooked. Not my usual flavor, but I can’t deny it delivered on drama, heat, and a good time.
232/100 2025 Reading Challenge~105/217 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~18/20 2024 Goodreads Fantasy Nominees Reading Challenge
That’s it for this week’s confessions. Books I loved, books that blindsided me, and a few I’m still trying to make sense of. Whether you’re judging my DNF pile or nodding along in solidarity, thanks for joining me in the chaos. Same time next Sunday? I’ll bring the tea and probably another overly dramatic plot twist.
July 25, 2025
Book Review: Off with Her Head by Elenor Herman
Title: Off With Her Head
By: Eleanor Herman
Genre: Non-Fiction
Pages: 384
Release Date: September 6th, 2022
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:New York Times bestseller Eleanor Herman, author of Sex with Kings and Sex with Presidents, returns with another work of popular history, exploring the history of misogyny against women with power from Cleopatra to Kamala Harris.
Imagine Donald Trump as a woman, called Donna. Would Donna Trump have been viewed as blunt, honest, and refreshing? Would she have won the election? Imagine Hillary Clinton as a man. Howard Clinton says and does the exact same things as Hillary. Would Howard Clinton have been portrayed in a thousand Pinterest images as a witch, stirring a cauldron or riding a broomstick? Would he have been called a bitch on countless T-shirts? Would his thoughtful, circumspect answers to media questions have been seen as inauthenticity, secretiveness, and untrustworthiness? There is a particular kind of rage—let’s call it unadulterated bloodlust—usually reserved for women, especially women in power or vying for it. From the ancient world, through the European Renaissance, up to the most recent U.S. elections, the Misogynist’s Handbook, as Eleanor Herman calls it, has been wielded to put uppity women in their place. In a story that is shocking, eye-opening, and a powerful force for change, Eleanor Herman’s signature wit and humor explores the patterns that have been operating for more than three thousand years—and are still operating today—against powerful women across the globe, including Cleopatra, Anne Boleyn, Marie Antoinette, Catherine the Great, Hillary Clinton, Kamala Harris, and more.
Each chapter analyzes a tried-and-true misogynistic method to keep women down, Her Overweening Ambition, Why Doesn’t She Do Something About Her Hair?, The Dangers of Female Hormones, The Alarming Shrillness of Her Voice, The Mysterious Unlikability of Female Candidates, She’s a Bitch and Other Animals, She’s a Witch and Other Monsters, and Her Sexual Depravity. Herman ends the book by looking forward, examining ways to rip up the Misogynist’s Handbook once and for all.
July 24, 2025
Book Review: The Wish by Nicholas Sparks
Title: The Wish
By: Nicholas Sparks
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 387
Release Date: September 28th, 2021
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:1996 was the year that changed everything for Maggie Dawes. Sent away at sixteen to live with an aunt she barely knew in Ocracoke, a remote village on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, she could think only of the friends and family she left behind . . . until she met Bryce Trickett, one of the few teenagers on the island. Handsome, genuine, and newly admitted to West Point, Bryce showed her how much there was to love about the wind-swept beach town—and introduced her to photography, a passion that would define the rest of her life.
By 2019, Maggie is a renowned travel photographer. She splits her time between running a successful gallery in New York and photographing remote locations around the world. But this year she is unexpectedly grounded over Christmas, struggling to come to terms with a sobering medical diagnosis. Increasingly dependent on a young assistant, she finds herself becoming close to him.
As they count down the last days of the season together, she begins to tell him the story of another Christmas, decades earlier—and the love that set her on a course she never could have imagined.
July 23, 2025
Binge-Worthy Wednesday: What the River Knows by Isable Ibanez
Title: What the River Knows
By: Isabel Ibanez
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 404
Release Date: October 31st, 2023
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:Bolivian-Argentinian Inez Olivera belongs to the glittering upper society of nineteenth century Buenos Aires, and like the rest of the world, the town is steeped in old world magic that’s been largely left behind or forgotten. Inez has everything a girl might want, except for the one thing she yearns the most: her globetrotting parents—who frequently leave her behind.
When she receives word of their tragic deaths, Inez inherits their massive fortune and a mysterious guardian, an archeologist in partnership with his Egyptian brother-in-law. Yearning for answers, Inez sails to Cairo, bringing her sketch pads and an ancient golden ring her father sent to her for safekeeping before he died. But upon her arrival, the old world magic tethered to the ring pulls her down a path where she soon discovers there’s more to her parent’s disappearance than what her guardian led her to believe.
With her guardian’s infuriatingly handsome assistant thwarting her at every turn, Inez must rely on ancient magic to uncover the truth about her parent’s disappearance—or risk becoming a pawn in a larger game that will kill her.
The Mummy meets Death on the Nile in this lush, immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt filled with adventure, a rivals-to-lovers romance, and a dangerous race.
July 22, 2025
Book Review: The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo
Title: The Fox Wife
By: Yangsze Choo
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 390
Release Date: February 13th, 2024
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:Some people think foxes are similar to ghosts because we go around collecting qi, but nothing could be further than the truth. We are living creatures, just like you, only usually better looking . . .
Manchuria, 1908.In the last years of the dying Qing Empire, a courtesan is found frozen in a doorway. Her death is clouded by rumors of foxes, which are believed to lure people by transforming themselves into beautiful women and handsome men. Bao, a detective with an uncanny ability to sniff out the truth, is hired to uncover the dead woman’s identity. Since childhood, Bao has been intrigued by the fox gods, yet they’ve remained tantalizingly out of reach—until, perhaps, now.
Meanwhile, a family who owns a famous Chinese medicine shop can cure ailments but can’t escape the curse that afflicts them—their eldest sons die before their twenty-fourth birthdays. When a disruptively winsome servant named Snow enters their household, the family’s luck seems to change—or does it?
Snow is a creature of many secrets, but most of all she’s a mother seeking vengeance for her lost child. Hunting a murderer, she will follow the trail from northern China to Japan, while Bao follows doggedly behind. Navigating the myths and misconceptions of fox spirits, both Snow and Bao will encounter old friends and new foes, even as more deaths occur.
New York Times bestselling author Yangsze Choo brilliantly explores a world of mortals and spirits, humans and beasts, and their dazzling intersection. Epic in scope and full of singular, unforgettable characters, The Fox Wife is a stunning novel about old loves and second chances, the depths of maternal love, and ancient folktales that may very well be true.
