Some of It was Real was recommended to me by a blogging buddy. I’m glad I decided to read it. This book is not only a fun romance that asks the readerSome of It was Real was recommended to me by a blogging buddy. I’m glad I decided to read it. This book is not only a fun romance that asks the reader to decide if they believe in the supernatural, but it’s also a heart-wrenching journey to find oneself and acceptance for who you are. I really enjoyed the premise and I liked the mystery aspect of finding out about Sylvie’s past. I loved the execution of the enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity romance tropes used in the story. I especially loved the inclusion of Moose and Christopher Robin. Some of my favorite moments were with them....more
I really loved reading Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda. It was my first book with an LGBTQ+ main character and it was really a very heart-warming stI really loved reading Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda. It was my first book with an LGBTQ+ main character and it was really a very heart-warming story. I recently came out as queer and reading Simon's coming out story felt familiar; the fear of rejection and/or disappointing those you love is all too real and Albertalli portrayed that so well. I'm really glad I decided to read this and I look forward to reading more LGBTQ+ fiction....more
I really loved Every Summer After. I loved the premise and execution. I loved the connection and sexual tension between Percy and Sam. I had an inklinI really loved Every Summer After. I loved the premise and execution. I loved the connection and sexual tension between Percy and Sam. I had an inkling of what went down between them when they were 18, but the way Carley Fortune wrote the story I kept wanting more and to find out how it all ended....more
OMG! This book! I adored it so so SO much. It reminded me of a cross between My Best Friend’s Wedding and something written by Beth O’Leary. I loved EOMG! This book! I adored it so so SO much. It reminded me of a cross between My Best Friend’s Wedding and something written by Beth O’Leary. I loved Emmie. I related to her so hard. I loved the characters and I loved the setting. This was just such a good story that I needed to read right now. ...more
It took me a little bit to get into The Sound of Stars, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. I stayed up late reading, savoring the story I was reaIt took me a little bit to get into The Sound of Stars, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. I stayed up late reading, savoring the story I was reading. I loved the inclusivity of LGBT+ characters, including Ellie, herself. I also loved that the author talked about racism and prejudice in a way that added to the story. It was a fun and engaging story. I look forward to reading more books that take place in this universe....more
A River Enchanted had me hooked from the get go. I didn’t want to put it down and I kept thinking about it in between reads. I stayed up until 4am finA River Enchanted had me hooked from the get go. I didn’t want to put it down and I kept thinking about it in between reads. I stayed up until 4am finishing it because I was that invested in the characters and story. I think it’s going to be a long wait for the sequel. I really loved the Scottish feel to the story and think Ross could’ve pushed that even a little further....more
I would’ve given The Good Sister 4 stars, except near the end Hepworth decided to perpetuate the stigma that people diagnosed with Borderline PersonalI would’ve given The Good Sister 4 stars, except near the end Hepworth decided to perpetuate the stigma that people diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) are violent psychopaths. I didn’t appreciate that so I’m knocking off a star.
Other than the glaring misconception of people with BPD, I thought the story was intriguing. I guessed the big reveal pretty early in the beginning, though. I did really like the two main characters and that they weren’t neurotypical....more
The Magnolia Palace was my January book for Book of the Month. I adored it from beginning to end. I was hooked from the get-go. When I wasn’t reading,The Magnolia Palace was my January book for Book of the Month. I adored it from beginning to end. I was hooked from the get-go. When I wasn’t reading, I wanted to pick it back up and find out what happened next. I loved the non-fiction mixed in with the fiction aspects of the story. I also really enjoyed the dual timeline. I thought it was a perfect vehicle for the story....more
Rock Paper Scissors kept me on the edge of my seat. I wanted to keep reading to find out what was going on. I guessed some of what was going on by theRock Paper Scissors kept me on the edge of my seat. I wanted to keep reading to find out what was going on. I guessed some of what was going on by the end, but not the whole plot. I was a little disappointed in the ending because it was kind of confusing. But, for the most part, it was a fun, entertaining read....more
I knew if I read a book I’ve been looking forward to and a romance to boot, I’d get excited about reading again and I was right. I loved the setting, I knew if I read a book I’ve been looking forward to and a romance to boot, I’d get excited about reading again and I was right. I loved the setting, the fake-dating trope, the A+ banter between Olive and Adam. I loved the characters, especially Olive and Adam. (If this is how Reylo fans see Rey and Kylo Ren together, then I know why it’s such a HUGE movement.) ...more
I read Keep Moving really quickly, in a few hours, as it's mostly pages of affirmations. I did like many of the affirmations, but my favorite part of I read Keep Moving really quickly, in a few hours, as it's mostly pages of affirmations. I did like many of the affirmations, but my favorite part of the book were the parts where Smith went into more detail. Those were the times I felt a kinship toward her. Even if I hadn't experienced loss quite the same way she had, I could still empathize with her and think of ways to apply her advice to my own life. I especially liked the parts about serotinous pine cones and kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing ceramics with gold....more
I absolutely adored Anxious People. I felt almost spiritually moved by and like Backman had spoken to me through his characters on a deep personal levI absolutely adored Anxious People. I felt almost spiritually moved by and like Backman had spoken to me through his characters on a deep personal level. Backman made me feel a gambit of emotions for every single character, including the grumpy know-it-all who thrived on causing conflict. It made me love every single one of them. He even made me feel things for bridges. I’m so glad I acted opposite of my initial inclination to not read it....more
My friend recommended Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man to me and I'm glad I read it. Acho doesn't pull any punches as he discusses race, BMy friend recommended Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man to me and I'm glad I read it. Acho doesn't pull any punches as he discusses race, Black culture, and racism in a very open and sometimes uncomfortable conversation with his readers. I thought Acho's words were eye opening and they gave me a lot to think about. If more white people were willing to sit down and read his words, maybe we could actually learn from our mistakes and end racism and bias once and for all....more
I’ve never been much of a Christmas or holiday reader. I don’t really even watch many holiday movies. I was a little bit hesitant about reading IN A HI’ve never been much of a Christmas or holiday reader. I don’t really even watch many holiday movies. I was a little bit hesitant about reading IN A HOLIDAZE because of this and I have no idea why. I adored this story. I loved the setting, especially since I’m familiar with SLC and Park City, Utah. I loved Maelyn and her family so much! I also loved the Groundhog Day-esque “magic” of the story. It was definitely a fun, little bit steamy read for Christmas....more
Dune is my all-time favorite book and I was very excited when I found out a graphic novel was being written for it. I enjoyed reading the graphic noveDune is my all-time favorite book and I was very excited when I found out a graphic novel was being written for it. I enjoyed reading the graphic novel along side the first part of the novel. I also enjoyed seeing my favorite story come to life in a different way than the movies. The artwork was awesome, but I missed the detail and richness of the world and character building of Herbert’s masterpiece. I missed being in each of the characters' heads or reading Herbert's beautiful descriptions. Still, I think the graphic novel has its place. It's great to read along side the novel to give more insight into the story....more
I've always been interested in secret societies like Skull and Bones at Yale. When I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it. I loved this gritI've always been interested in secret societies like Skull and Bones at Yale. When I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it. I loved this gritty tale of magic and murder among college students. I really like Alex, the main character, and I have high hopes about her and a certain someone in the rest of the series. I loved that Bardugo had me questioning everyone's motives and trying to figure out what happened. (view spoiler)[I'm glad the big douchebags got what they deserved. However, (hide spoiler)] I was way off in the end and blown away at what Bardugo accomplished with the story and where it leads for book #2....more
Reading The Midnight Library has been one of the most profound reading experiences I’ve ever had. It spoke to me like no other book has. I felt seen aReading The Midnight Library has been one of the most profound reading experiences I’ve ever had. It spoke to me like no other book has. I felt seen as someone who’s struggled with depression, suicidal ideation, and crippling regret for most of my adult life. Haig also perfectly and metaphorically illustrated what going through Dialectical Behavior Therapy has done for me in helping me want to build a life worth living....more
I don't know anything about Jane Eyre. AT ALL. I was drawn to this book by its title and cover. When I discovered it was a Jane Eyre retelling, I deciI don't know anything about Jane Eyre. AT ALL. I was drawn to this book by its title and cover. When I discovered it was a Jane Eyre retelling, I decided to only look up the setting and the main characters online and, otherwise, go into the story blind. The names are practically the same. Most retellings I've read are far more subtle than this seemed to be (I read the plot of Jane Eyre after I finished) and I like subtle retellings much better. I just couldn't get behind this no matter how hard I tried. I especially hated reading Bea's POV. (view spoiler)[Although she did surprise me. I never guessed she was an unreliable narrator and the true antagonist. (hide spoiler)] I did like Eddie's *insert eye roll* POV near the end of the novel. That section was actually my favorite part of the entire novel. (view spoiler)[And, even though I didn't want Jane to end up with him because of what he had done, I still wished she had found out the full truth. (hide spoiler)] PS: panic rooms don't keep their owners in ... just sayin'....more
I thought the way The Family Upstairs was written was weird at first but it grew on me. I’ve never experienced only 1/3 of an unreliable narrator befoI thought the way The Family Upstairs was written was weird at first but it grew on me. I’ve never experienced only 1/3 of an unreliable narrator before and I didn’t realize it was happening until near the end. Coupled with that dark twisty ending ... I’m glad I stuck it out until the end....more
Educated was very interesting to read. It was multi-faceted. It was about family, religion, mental health, abuse, and discovering oneself. However, moEducated was very interesting to read. It was multi-faceted. It was about family, religion, mental health, abuse, and discovering oneself. However, more than anything, this story made me appreciate my education. It made me appreciate my parents who emphasized getting good grades and doing well in school. Thanks to them, not only do I have life experience, I’m not ignorant either. ...more
I'm a sucker for vampires so this book appealed to me, but you don't even meet the vampire (view spoiler)[(if you can even call him that) (hide spoileI'm a sucker for vampires so this book appealed to me, but you don't even meet the vampire (view spoiler)[(if you can even call him that) (hide spoiler)] until nearly a fourth of the way into the story. Fortunately, the ladies' book club was entertaining and I really liked them so I didn't mind. I thought the book had a lot going for it, besides the horror aspect. It was an interesting look at sexism, class, and race in the south during the 90s. I liked how most of the story played out. (view spoiler)[Why were none of the husbands killed off?! They were the worst humans ever. I would even go as far to say they were as bad as the "vampire." (hide spoiler)] I wish the women were strong or cared enough to defy their husbands to help the black children instead of waiting until their own children were in danger. I'm disappointed in the ending. It felt anticlimactic. (view spoiler)[I'm also disappointed the "vampire" didn't die and that whatever he implanted/impregnated Slick with just fizzled and never came to life. (hide spoiler)] Also, the attic is the worst scene I have ever read in my life! Way too many bugs! Talk about the heebie-jeebies!...more
I actually really enjoyed reading Nine Perfect Strangers. Sure, some of it was a little far-fetched. And, the characters and what each of them dealt wI actually really enjoyed reading Nine Perfect Strangers. Sure, some of it was a little far-fetched. And, the characters and what each of them dealt with in the story were so intriguing that I wanted to keep reading and find out how the book would end. I related to a few of the characters in terms of their mental health battles and I thought Moriarty did such a great job of writing about depression, suicide, and psychedelic therapy (especially if used by a madwoman). It was just a really compelling read....more
So many emotions while reading The Winter of the Witch. So many. First, I take back what I said in my review of The Girl in the Tower of finding someoSo many emotions while reading The Winter of the Witch. So many. First, I take back what I said in my review of The Girl in the Tower of finding someone else I hate more than Brother Konstantin Nikonovich. There is no other character I hate more in all of literature except for Professor Umbridge. This story was beautiful and sad and intense and romantic and spiritual and ethereal all in one go. I really loved the mythos of the chyerti; all they wanted to do was survive in a world of men and growing Christianity. I especially loved the fiction intermingled with the 14th century Russian history. I still adored the Russian setting. The language, buildings, scenery, clothes, food--they were a joy to read about. I also liked that the ending was left open enough that Arden can revisit this world if she wants to. (view spoiler)[My favorite part of the story is that Vasya and Morozko do get to be together. I also adore when he calls her “beloved”—swoon. (hide spoiler)]...more
The Girl in the Tower was just as enchanting as The Bear and the Nightingale. I’m still in love with the medieval Russian setting at the time when pagThe Girl in the Tower was just as enchanting as The Bear and the Nightingale. I’m still in love with the medieval Russian setting at the time when pagan and Christianity clashed, not knowing who’d win, rather than trying to coexist together peaceably. I loved meeting the new characters(view spoiler)[and didn’t realize I could ever meet someone I hated more than Brother Konstantin, Kastyan (hide spoiler)]. I need Morozko around more, but I fear that won’t happen under the current circumstances. I’m quite worried about what’s going to happen in The Winter of the Witch. (view spoiler)[I’ll only be happy if Vasya and Morozko end up together for good. He’s the only one who can give her the freedom she craves but still love her. (hide spoiler)]...more
I loved Jenny Lawson’s Furiously Happy. It kind of changed my life. I found in her a kindred spirit. I didn’t enjoy Broken nearly as much as FuriouslyI loved Jenny Lawson’s Furiously Happy. It kind of changed my life. I found in her a kindred spirit. I didn’t enjoy Broken nearly as much as Furiously Happy, but I still appreciated her candor and openness with her struggles with mental illness. There were times when I felt like she could’ve been describing me. I also think that if we knew each other IRL, we’d be friends....more
What a powerful story of courage and bravery of the Jewish people during WWII. I loved learning about the true events that took place during WWII throWhat a powerful story of courage and bravery of the Jewish people during WWII. I loved learning about the true events that took place during WWII through this fictional story. I never knew about the couriers and what they risked for their people. I also didn't really know much about the resistance fighters within the ghettos. I thought this book did a great job at showing the Jews' courage as they suffered at the hands of the Germans and their own countrymen, yet risked their lives to help each other. Many of the Jews knew that their resistance movements wouldn't "win," but it wasn't about winning; the goal was resistance and standing up to the Nazis and showing the world that they wouldn't be silenced. Because of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the Allies finally decided to stop turning a blind eye to what was happening to the Jews in Europe....more
Jenni Elyse
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