It's so hard to accurately talk about this book without spoiling it, but I really had a fun time with Catriona Ward's The Last House on Needless StIt's so hard to accurately talk about this book without spoiling it, but I really had a fun time with Catriona Ward's The Last House on Needless Street! The story focuses on several— central characters—Ted, a lonely man who lives with his cat Olivia. Ted lives a very quiet life, but becomes more vibrant and excited when his extroverted daughter Lauren arrives.
We also meet Dee, a young woman obsessed with finding her missing sister Lulu. Dee's obsession with Lulu's disappearance leads her to suspect that Ted has something to do with it, but after being cleared of all suspicion, Dee begins to investigate herself. What happens from here on out is a character driven, atmospheric telling of all the characters as they navigate the central conflict of the story. I CAN'T SAY ANY MORE, LEAVE ME BE! If you're confused, you're on the right path because I surely was during this story (in a good way). It took me a week to finish this book, when I can usually read 2-4 books in the same time.
I did suspect some aspects of the story early on, but Catriona Ward's beautiful storytelling immersed me regardless and that's what ultimately has me holding such a light for this book. I alternated between the audiobook and the physical written copy, and it did not disappoint. This light horror novel just oozed suspense throughout the story, from the creepy and a bit gory start, to the beautifully gothic imagery by the end. This is my first venture into Catriona Ward's writing, but surely won't be my last. I think the story places a bit too much emphasis on twists, but luckily the author provides them with respect to the story. Unlike many novels that have been published in a post-Gone Girl era of thrillers. The ending is actually what sold it to me in the end and has cemented this book as one of my favorites for 2021. Wow...I think this book will be getting EVERYONE talking....more
A cute, cozy mystery that wouldn't normally be my cup of tea, but reading it at the right time is key. If you enjoy mysteries, but want something withA cute, cozy mystery that wouldn't normally be my cup of tea, but reading it at the right time is key. If you enjoy mysteries, but want something with more of a comedic undertone, The Maid will definitely be more your speed....more
Couple Found Slain: After a Family Murder is definitely one of the stronger true crime books that I've read lately. I navigated the story by alterCouple Found Slain: After a Family Murder is definitely one of the stronger true crime books that I've read lately. I navigated the story by alternating between audiobook and the written book, and the audiobook was much stronger. This book started right into the case of Brian Bechtold and his family's murder. We dive into a world people tend to forget - post conviction prison life. This book provides an in-depth account of Brian's post-arrest and his psychological diagnosis. The narrative was very strong and at times I felt like I was listening to a show on Investigation Discovery (my favorite tv channel). Highly recommend....more
MINI REVIEW: Can you believe that I didn’t read No Exit?! I may be the only book reviewer who hasn’t! Well I picked up Hairpin Bridge up last night anMINI REVIEW: Can you believe that I didn’t read No Exit?! I may be the only book reviewer who hasn’t! Well I picked up Hairpin Bridge up last night and finished it before I have to go to work today. This book may be the fasted paced book I’ve ever read. It’s not a mystery by any means, but a fast paced thriller meant to put you on the edge of your seat from chapter one—and it does! Fun fun fun! ...more
The Sky Blues is the best YA novel that I've read in years. Legitimately years. The story is focused on Sky Baker's high school journey in a smallThe Sky Blues is the best YA novel that I've read in years. Legitimately years. The story is focused on Sky Baker's high school journey in a small, conservative town. Growing up in Rock Ledge, Michigan, Sky has had issues with other people, including his family, with accepting his sexuality. Sky is gay and out, a feat that is difficult in his hometown. As Sky prepares for prom, he starts to brainstorm on how the best prom-posal could be.
Sky plans to ask his crush out to prom, but is nervous that the fellow student doesn't share the same feelings. Right before Sky decides to make his move, he becomes the incoming joke from school bullies. His plans are leaked, with photos of Sky and his crush sent via the Internet for all to see. Sky is ashamed and unnerved as he becomes public fodder for everyone at school to laugh at. As the countdown to prom continues to get closer and closer, Sky and his friends decide that they need to find out who has gay bashed Sky and why.
Maybe I have a strong sense of connection to this book as something like this happened to me in college. A group of peers wrote a blog post on a website called Juicy Campus and gay bashed me before I was ready to come out to my friends and family. It was one of the worst experiences of my life. I resonated so deeply with Sky's trauma, and I rooted for Sky and his friends. The Sky Blues has teachable moments when it comes to acceptance and queer pride. I loved that the author, Robbie Couch, included deep conversations about trans-people and gender identity. The Sky Blues is a heartfelt story about accepting who you are and making no apologies for it. I wish a book like this was here for me when I was younger. This is a must read and one of my favorite books of the year....more
Caitlin Wahrer's debut novel The Damage is my favorite book of the year (dated 5/26, so could change, but very unlikely). There's a lot to unpack Caitlin Wahrer's debut novel The Damage is my favorite book of the year (dated 5/26, so could change, but very unlikely). There's a lot to unpack here and I'm not sure my review will give it justice. This book is centered around the Hall family—mainly brothers Nick and Tony, and Tony's wife Julia. Tony and Nick are half brothers, born 17 years apart. Their alcoholic father has created a unique dynamic with Tony and Nick. Tony views Nick as a son, rather than a younger brother. The story focuses on a night that Nick experienced—and I have to be delicate in how I speak to this synopsis to avoid spoilers—but Nick is raped and beat up after meeting someone at a bar. Nick is gay and the focus of this rape becomes public fodder. The Hall's lives are all changed by this one moment, but what happens next is something a lot more complicated than any of them ever expected. The Damage dives into many different genres, but ultimately asks how far people would go to protect their family and the ones they love.
Thank you Caitlin Wahrer for respectfully diving into male rape (especially within the gay community) and handling the subject matter appropriately. I can tell you did your research when choosing to write about this topic. This book had me in tears, jumping for joy, angry as F, and a bunch of all different mixed emotions. At almost 400 pages, I couldn't put it down and I'm sure the dark circles I have prove this. I can not even believe this book is a debut! Where have you been hiding Caitlin?! I can't even put to words how much I loved this book. This book has many triggers and maybe I have a propensity to read books dealing with trauma, but this one is a story that I want everyone to read. The plot is what hooked me in initially, but the character development is what had me flipping the pages like a psycho over the last 24 hours. You won't regret picking this one up.
If you enjoyed Chris Whitaker's We Begin at the End, you will absolutely love The Damage!...more
Fantasy. Horror. Action. Coming of age. Mystery. How can a book literally be such a genre-bending whirlwind of a story?! First and foremost, this bookFantasy. Horror. Action. Coming of age. Mystery. How can a book literally be such a genre-bending whirlwind of a story?! First and foremost, this book is not for everybody and I don't think the author was meaning to write a story for everybody.
The story focuses on two friends—Andrew and Eddie. Best friends for years with an inexplicable bond, until Eddie moved away to start his graduate program. Andrew eventually decides to uproot his life and go join him, but before that could happen, Eddie commits suicide. In his apparent death, Eddie leaves Andrew his inheritance, a house, and a mystery surrounding what happened. As Andrew tries to uncover the truth, he begins to form suspicions around Eddie's circle of friends and their unique behaviors. Andrew dives into a world of betrayal, fast cars, sex, and hard drugs—a world Andrew wasn't prepared for. Has Andrew really accepted what it means for Eddie to be dead?
This story is full of unlikable characters and dark slow burn suspense. Again, this haunting book may not be for everybody. The story dives deep into the emotions of grief and loss, the feelings of denial, and the pain of losing someone you weren't ready to let go of just yet. The story is queer at its core, but it is mainly a secondary plot point to the themes I mentioned previously. If you're unsure about the horror elements of this novel, don't be deterred as it's not gruesomely scary, but more of a gothic suspense. I can't wait to see what comes out of Lee Mandelo's future stories. ...more
I legit went into this story without reading the synopsis. The Other Black Girl is a dark literary fiction novel, showcasing the disparities in thI legit went into this story without reading the synopsis. The Other Black Girl is a dark literary fiction novel, showcasing the disparities in the workplace—specifically in the world of publishing. After the spark of 2020's Black Lives Matter movement, publishing has tried to start an overhaul of toxic and racial bias practices (we'll see if they ever get there or not).
This book shows the reader a bird's eye view of Nella Rogers and her role at Wagner Books. Nella is sick of being the only Black person in her office and is pleasantly surprised when a new hire is made—Hazel. Nella is happy to see that the publishing house has finally hired another Black woman and she tries to forge a friendship with her new colleague. As Nella and Hazel begin to get to know each other, there seems to be some questionable actions taking place. Nella is being threatened by a mysterious presence in the office but questions if it's this new colleague.
The Other Black Girl is less thriller and more social commentary meets workplace drama. The depictions in this story are brutally honest and quite the mirror for white readers. I've been buddy reading this with my friend Chelsea and it's allowed us to have honest conversations about society's racial bias. I can't say too much about this story, but I will say that Zakiya Dalila Harris is not afraid to give a story a sinister turn—don't go into this book thinking that you'll be getting a story that won't keep it 100 with you. At times sad and ultimately heartbreaking, The Other Black Girl will get you thinking about the bigger picture. I'm excited to see what the author has next for readers. ...more
I normally don't read cute stories (remember, I DNF'd Red White & Royal Blue), but I really enjoyed Paul Rudnick's upcoming romantic comedy, PlayinI normally don't read cute stories (remember, I DNF'd Red White & Royal Blue), but I really enjoyed Paul Rudnick's upcoming romantic comedy, Playing the Palace. Utterly corny, yet also so fun, this story takes you on a journey through the eyes of Carter Ogden. Carter lives in New York City with his two roommates and meets Prince Edgar during a work event. The Prince is next in line for King of England and Carter is starstruck. Edgar is openly gay and a celebrity in both the LGBTQ+ community and mainstream media. To no surprise, Edgar and Carter forge a relationship. Their relationship has many strides and hurdles; navigating through each of their families and through the tabloids. Overall this story was maybe a bit too cute for my liking, but I definitely picked it up at the right time. I binged the entire book in two sittings, which is unheard of for me when it comes to romance. Definitely a fun ride and lighthearted, pick up Playing the Palace when you're looking for a book to make you smile....more
With Teeth is my first venture with Kristen Arnett's writing, but I heard amazing things from her last book, Mostly Dead Things, so IMINI REVIEW:
With Teeth is my first venture with Kristen Arnett's writing, but I heard amazing things from her last book, Mostly Dead Things, so I knew I needed this book. The story centers around Sammie, her wife Monika, and their son Samson; throughout their journey over an 18 year period. The Lucas family deals with marriage, a difficult son, and complexities within parenthood and relationships. The story starts off with a dark and sinister story arc, but the story is mainly a family drama, with sarcastic and humorous undertones sprinkled throughout the story. Sammie has to keep focus on her family, and her son's dark behavior, for the betterment of the family. Arnett's characterization of Sammie, Monika, and Samson is utterly realistic, and they're at times very flawed and unlikable, but this story shows the tribulations of parenthood and relationships. To be honest, this book wasn't my favorite, but the writing was really *chefs kiss*, so I definitely would pick up another book by Kristen Arnett. For those who want to read about realistic social dynamics of the family unit, sprinkled through a range of time and seasons, this is your book! ...more
As usual, I have absolutely no business reading a book that isn't coming out for another couple of months, but when you have the opportunity to read aAs usual, I have absolutely no business reading a book that isn't coming out for another couple of months, but when you have the opportunity to read a Robyn Harding novel, you stop everything you're doing and pick this book up. One thing about Robyn Harding is that she knows where and how to pivot when it comes to her storytelling. Sometimes you'll get a relationship drama, sometimes you'll get a sugar daddy dilemma, other times you'll have an open marriage rendezvous; but you know every single time you pick up one of her books, it'll be JUICY.
The Perfect Family is the newest installment in Robyn Harding's juicy mysteries and it's definitely one of the most detailed. We have the Adler family, Thomas and Vivian (Viv), and their children Eli and Tarryn. The four of them are the town's most notable family—beautiful house, attractive, and what appears to be the perfect American dream. However not everything is as picture perfect as you may suspect. Things start to unravel after a series of delinquents start vandalizing the Adler home—each prank getting progressively worse and worse. Why are the Adlers being targeted? What are they hiding? And how far will this family go to keep up their image?
Robyn Harding has done it again, folks! Yet another amazing story by one of my favorite authors. I could not put this book down and I have the dark circles to prove it. It's common knowledge that I'll read anything Robyn Harding writes, but this time around, I definitely felt she geared in a new direction in storytelling. This time around, we had multiple main characters, rather than one central arc with varying point of views. This really made the story that much more difficult to crack. I really felt emotionally connected to this family and can see *SOME* of their dynamics in my own family. I wonder if we'll ever get to peek into the lives of the Adler family again, because it was just that good of a story....more
I normally don't read memoirs as I feel like public figures tend to pick and choose what they'd like to talk about, but Margaret Josephs holds nothingI normally don't read memoirs as I feel like public figures tend to pick and choose what they'd like to talk about, but Margaret Josephs holds nothing back in her upcoming memoir. This no holds barred story talks about her upbringing with a mother who was a friend rather than a parent, living with traditional Hungarian roots and forging her own path in fashion. We can scandalous tales of sex and romance, loss and tragedy, and career set backs. Of course, we are given a bird's eye view on everything Real Housewives, but I really loved hearing about Margaret's past before becoming a reality tv staple. As mentioned on The Real Housewives, Emily Liebert is the ghostwriter for this book and she captured Margaret's voice perfectly! I had Marge's voice in the back of my head as I kept turning the pages. My respect for Margaret has grown immensely after reading this book and I really think it'll be a popular read for not only housewives fans, but people who want to read read about women commanding their own respect in work and in life....more
Loading...
