Twenty-five-year-old Presley Fry has a lot on her plate! An assistant at a late-night talk show she is long due for a promotion and is on the hu3.75⭐️
Twenty-five-year-old Presley Fry has a lot on her plate! An assistant at a late-night talk show she is long due for a promotion and is on the hunt for a talented new stand-up comic to be featured on the show which has her exploring the stand-up comedy scene in NYC. It’s been a little over a year since her mother, with whom she shared a complicated relationship, passed away, and Presley is yet to come to terms with her loss. Her social life is mostly guided by her friend and roommate Isabelle, "Izzy," which is fine by Presley since she isn’t too confident in herself. She is also trying to navigate her feelings for a colleague, not quite sure whether the person thinks of her in the same light. When her mother’s childhood friend, the charismatic Susan Clark, who is also navigating a particularly disturbing life situation takes her under her wing, Susan’s friendship, advice and worldview not only nudge Presley out of her comfort zone but also help her to navigate her grief, open up to new experiences and embark on a journey of healing, self-discovery and personal growth.
The narrative is presented from Presley’s first-person POV. A lot is going on with the characters, but the narrative is fluid and the plot never gets convoluted or difficult to follow. The character-driven elements were stronger than the plot-driven aspect of this novel, which made this an interesting and enjoyable read.
The pacing is on the slower side, which suits the nature of the story. Cat Shook writes with wit, humor and much emotional depth and addresses sensitive themes such as complex mother-daughter relationships, alcoholism, the #MeToo movement, grief and infidelity with maturity and compassion. Her characters are real and relatable. We might not agree with all of their choices, but you can understand them. Presley is an endearing character and I was invested in her journey as she navigated her personal and professional struggles, her grief and much more. Susan is an interesting character and I enjoyed her dynamic with Presley. The romance angle was well-developed and deftly woven into the narrative. I enjoyed the insight into the NYC comedy scene, though I would have liked this aspect to have been featured in more depth. The ending is a bit too neatly tied up and convenient, but stories such as these are mostly predictable, so that’s not surprising.
Overall, I enjoyed Humor Me by Cat Shook and thought it was a well-written novel.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Ferdelle Capistrano, which made for a delightful immersion reading experience.
Many thanks to Celadon for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Meredith McCall, a New York City psychiatrist, is drawn into a complex web of deception, secrets, lies and obsession after she encounters a man wh3.5⭐
Meredith McCall, a New York City psychiatrist, is drawn into a complex web of deception, secrets, lies and obsession after she encounters a man who has a tragic connection to a traumatic event that upended her life.
The Unraveling by Vi Keeland is a well-crafted psychological thriller that has enough twists and turns to keep you engaged until the very end. I can’t say I particularly liked Meredith, but I couldn’t look away as she began to unravel, triggering a shocking chain of events and I was curious to see where she would finally land. I won’t even begin to question her choices or her professional ethics, because despite what she has gone through it is almost impossible to justify her actions, which renders her a complex, if slightly (I’m being kind here) unhinged protagonist. There were a few scenes that felt gratuitous but that's more a personal preference. I had expected a somewhat predictable denouement and I was partially correct in my assumptions, but the author did surprise me with one particular twist toward the end. The ending was satisfying, though a tad rushed and less intense than I had expected after the tension-filled build-up.
Well-paced, suspenseful and overall enjoyable, I did like this one even though I can’t say I loved it. As I say for most books in this genre, don’t overthink it and enjoy the wild ride!
Many thanks to Atria Books for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Thirty-seven-year-old Lenny Marks lives her life in adherence to a set routine – riding her bike to school wHappy Publication Day! (July 2, 2024)
4.25⭐
Thirty-seven-year-old Lenny Marks lives her life in adherence to a set routine – riding her bike to school where she teaches fifth-grade, shopping from the same grocery store, and spending her free time rearranging her book collection comprising thirty-six (and counting) copies of the “The Hobbit, watching reruns of “Friends” and playing scrabble with her favorite fictional character from the show. She doesn’t have much of a social life and her interactions are limited to her colleagues and the people she meets in the course of her day. Though she would like to have more friends, she isn't too good at reading people or interpreting social cues. Whenever she feels overwhelmed, she copes by playing a game of anagrams.
When Lenny receives a letter from the Parole Board, she is forced to revisit her traumatic past and the childhood memories she has repressed – events that have contributed to Lenny’s worldview and the way she chooses to live her life. But as her past comes back to haunt her, she finds herself compelled to step out of her comfort zone. As the narrative progresses, we follow Lenny’s journey as she slowly begins to emerge from her shell and effect changes in her life.
Revolving around themes of trauma and healing, resilience, friendship and kindness and personal growth, Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder by Kerryn Mayne is a beautiful story. Shared from Lenny’s perspective, the narrative is well-paced and engaging. Lenny is an endearing character and I appreciated the author’s respectful and sensitive depiction of neurodiversity. The supporting characters are well thought out and I appreciated how the author has depicted how Lenny’s interactions with each of them - her pleasant and unpleasant experiences- help in her journey of self-discovery.
Please note that the title of this book is a tad misleading. This is not exactly a light-hearted cozy mystery that is implied, but an emotional story about a neurodivergent individual with a traumatic past who, with the help of those who care for her, embarks on a journey of healing and self-acceptance. The author injects a fair dose of humor, a few surprises and a sweet romantic track (which is well-woven into the narrative and does not distract from the primary plotline) to prevent the story from becoming too heavy. I did have to suspend disbelief at certain points in the story, but this in no way detracted from my overall experience.
I adored Lenny and wanted to spend more time with her! Exceptionally well-written, at times heartbreaking yet hopeful, full of heart and humor, this is an impressive debut novel and I look forward to reading more from this talented new author in the future.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Annie Maynard, who has done a brilliant job of capturing Lenny’s sweetness and resilience, her moods and emotions, and breathing life into this story. I couldn’t recommend the audiobook enough!
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Jane Flanagan grew up in the small coastal town of Awadapquit, Maine. Her home life wasn’t a happy one, being raised by an alcoholic mother and Ja4.5⭐
Jane Flanagan grew up in the small coastal town of Awadapquit, Maine. Her home life wasn’t a happy one, being raised by an alcoholic mother and Jane’s sister getting into enough trouble on her own. Jane’s safe place was a deserted old Victorian house situated on a cliff, where she would spend her free time. Jane eventually moves away to college and goes on to become an archivist at Harvard. Over twenty years later, after her mother’s death triggers a downward spiral with Jane indulging in destructive old habits that jeopardize her marriage and her career, Jane returns to her hometown. As she clears her mother’s house before putting it up for sale, she struggles to get a grip on her life. Coincidentally, she meets Genevieve Richards, the wealthy woman whose family has purchased the house on the cliff and is in the process of giving it a massive makeover. A few strange occurrences lead Genevieve to believe that the house might be haunted and she requests Jane to research the history of the house. As Jane embarks on her quest to unearth the history of the house and the land on which it rests, she discovers much more than she had expected - the legacy of tragedy, loss, and heartbreak that upended the lives of its previous owners - compelling her to take stock of her own life and confront her own painful past.
The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan is an exceptionally well-written novel that blends family drama, historical fiction, gothic elements, spiritualism and an element of mystery into an immersive narrative shared from multiple perspectives across multiple timelines spanning centuries and featuring a cast of strong female characters.
Each of the characters is well fleshed out and what connects their stories is the house and the land on which it rests. The novel revolves around themes of generational trauma, alcoholism, family secrets, motherhood, loss, grief and healing, as well as Native American history and colonialism. With so many perspectives and themes, it is to be expected that some threads of the narrative are more deeply explored than others. Though I could sympathize with Jane and her struggles, I did question her choices and thought that occasionally her behavior was a tad immature for a thirty-nine-year-old. However, I appreciated how she was inspired to effect change in her life.
The novel emphasizes the importance of history and legacy and how crucial it is to preserve the stories of those who came before us. I loved the rich history of the house and wish that we had spent more time in the past timelines. The stories of the women who lived in the house were in turn inspiring, poignant and heartbreaking. The author incorporates in-depth segments on Native American culture and repatriation, the history of settler colonialism in Maine and the Wabanaki Nations, and the Shaker movement into the narrative. I found these sections extremely informative and I commend the author for the meticulous research that went into crafting this novel. I should mention that the inclusion of these segments did render the novel a tad lengthy and disjointed and slowed down the pace of the narrative, but this did not detract from my overall reading experience.
This is a complex novel meant to be read with time and patience. Overall, I found it to be a rewarding read and well worth the time and effort.
This was my first time reading J. Courtney Sullivan and I’m eager to explore more of the author’s work.
Many thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on July 2, 2024.
The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella revolves around Jack Schmidt, the fifty-two-year-old owner of a beachfront restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, De4.5⭐️
The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella revolves around Jack Schmidt, the fifty-two-year-old owner of a beachfront restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, that has been in the family for three generations. We follow Jack as he ponders over his options of continuing with the restaurant that he has devoted his life to or accepting the offer made to him by a large restaurant corporation to buy him out. Jack is compelled to takes stock of his life and contemplate what a future without the restaurant, which is his family legacy could look like, while also considering how his decision would affect his employees who Jack cares deeply about and the local community which considers Schmidt’s a local beacon.
Jack is single, has never been married and has never ventured outside his community after college but is conflicted about his decision, emotionally exhausted and feels the need for freedom from the responsibilities he has prioritized his whole adult life that have taken a toll on his personal relationships. His thoughts often drift to the memories of those who came before him - memories of his grandmother and father - and how the restaurant has always been a safe place for him in his most difficult moments. Complicating matters further is some shocking news related to his past, that has Jack questioning some of the choices he made decades ago and his realization that his life as he knew it will never be the same again.
The narrative is shared from Jack’s perspective through past and present timelines and is interspersed with segments from a guidebook describing the town through the seasons. The writing is crisp yet elegant and the author conveys the thoughts and emotions of his characters with insight and wisdom. What I particularly liked about the writing was that even in the tensest or most emotionally charged moments, the author does not unnecessarily embellish. Both timelines are well-developed and I liked how the different threads of the narrative come together as the story progresses. There are a few plot points that could have been explored further but this did not detract from my overall experience.
This is a slow-paced, character-driven novel with well-thought-out characters. Jack is a very likable protagonist – kind and generous - and it is easy to relate to him as broods over his past and present choices. I loved the setting and found the dynamic between Jack and his friends and employees incredibly heartening. The narrative features several subplots revolving around Jack’s friends and acquaintances deftly woven into the story, which allow us a better understanding of Jack as a person and his relationships with those he holds dear. The tone of the novel mostly shifts between nostalgic, melancholic and contemplative, but the author balances this with several light-hearted and heartwarming moments that make you smile. The ending felt realistic and I liked how the author concludes the story on a hopeful note and does not force an overly dramatic ending.
A story about family, community and human connection, legacy and personal growth, this is a beautifully written novel that I would not hesitate to recommend to those who enjoy character-driven stories that inspire pause and reflection.
(On a personal note, Delaware and Rehoboth Beach hold a very special place in my heart and reading a story set there brought back some fond memories.)
This was my first Ethan Joella novel and I hope to explore more of his work.
Many thanks to Scribner for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on July 2, 2024.
"Here in Tokyo’s neighborhood of secondhand bookstores is our little bookshop. It’s full of little stories. And it holds within its walls the thoughts"Here in Tokyo’s neighborhood of secondhand bookstores is our little bookshop. It’s full of little stories. And it holds within its walls the thoughts and hopes and feelings of a great many people.”
It was wonderful to revisit Tokyo’s Jimbocho neighborhood and the Morisaki Bookshop once again, the story picks up with Takako, her uncle Satoru and Satoru’s wife Momoko who has returned to her husband after years apart. Takako is now gainfully employed in a design studio, having moved on from the events described in the previous book and is now in a new relationship. Satoru and Momoko are running the bookshop, but Takako often spends her free time at the ship and fondly remembers the time she spent living in the apartment above. The narrative follows the joys, sorrows and struggles of these characters, their friends and their customers as they go about leading their daily lives.
But when tragedy strikes, it is up to Takako to remind her uncle how important the bookstore is to everyone around them and how their love for books and reading can help them through the most difficult of times.
“When I’m sad, I read. I can go on reading for hours. Reading quiets the turmoil I feel inside and brings me peace. Because when I'm immersed in the world of a book, no one can get hurt,”
More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa (translated by Eric Ozawa) is a short and simple yet emotionally moving story that revolves around themes of family, love, grief, healing and personal growth, and the of course, the magical power of books and bookstores. Whereas the previous novel focused on Takako’s journey as she dealt with heartbreak and disappointment, the second book in the series revolves around the interpersonal dynamics between people in Takako’s life and the role the Morisaki Bookstore plays in their lives. The pacing is on the slower side and despite the slightly stilted writing, I thought that the story flowed well. I loved the setting and thought that the characters were well thought out. I found the quirky characters amusing and enjoyed the literary references. There were a few subplots that were left unexplored and I certainly hope we get the opportunity to meet these characters again. I wish we had learned more about the neighborhood and the second-hand book business, but this does not detract from my overall experience.
“People forget all kinds of things. They live by forgetting. Yet our thoughts endure, the way waves leave traces in the sand.”
Though this is the second in a series, this book can be read as a standalone.
Many thanks to Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I loved the premise of Ivan, Boris and Me by Suze Leonie. The story revolves around twenty-five-year-old artist/children's book illustrator Elodie GinI loved the premise of Ivan, Boris and Me by Suze Leonie. The story revolves around twenty-five-year-old artist/children's book illustrator Elodie Ginsburg and her clown Boris, who has been her closest companion ever since she was four years old. Elodie lives with Boris, who creates much chaos in her life, in the house she inherited from her late grandmother. She is not particularly close to her family, who don't approve of her career choices. When she strikes up a friendship with her new neighbor Ivan Lennard, a former professional cyclist who is also dealing with his own life problems, she notices Boris behaving even more erratically than usual. As the narrative progresses we follow Elodie as she navigates her budding friendship with her new neighbor, her strained relationship with her family especially her mother who is critical of everything Elodie does and the shift in her her dynamic with Boris.
The novel touches upon themes of loneliness, emotional abuse, social anxiety, individual coping mechanisms, kindness, compassion and personal growth. The author poignantly portrays the deep impact of emotional abuse on a person’s sense of self-worth. The characters are well thought out and the narrative flows well. I loved the descriptions of Elodie’s artwork. Boris’s antics and the interactions between Boris and Elodie were hilarious. Elodie is an endearing protagonist - kind and thoughtful despite her inner struggles - and I was invested in her journey and was glad to see her evolve into a more confident individual.
This is a well-written, imaginative and emotionally impactful story with endearing main characters and much to reflect upon. The ending felt a tad rushed and I would have liked it if the author had delved deeper into some of the important issues that were addressed in the novel. My heart ached for Elodie and I could sympathize with her plight, but there were some issues that I found hard to ignore, such as how clueless everyone around her was to her situation, which seemed unrealistic. I did like how Ivan and Elodie’s dynamic evolved through the course of this novel, but I was left with a lot of unanswered questions and felt that the ending was abrupt, though I did appreciate that the author ended the story on a positive note.
I do not want to venture into spoiler territory, but I think you would enjoy this more if you could take the story lightly, which was not possible for me on account of the sensitive themes.
I loved the cover art!
Many thanks to Fidessa Literary for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on May 1, 2024.
“None would yet know of the evolving tragedy that would be their lives.”
1975, Monta Clare, Missouri: An act of bravery becomes a defining point in4.5⭐
“None would yet know of the evolving tragedy that would be their lives.”
1975, Monta Clare, Missouri: An act of bravery becomes a defining point in the lives of thirteen-year-old Joseph “Patch” Macauley and those close to him. As the narrative progresses, we follow Patch, his best friend Saint and Misty, the girl he saved, and the important people in their lives and their community for over two decades. While the dynamics within the once close-knit community will never be the same again, the trauma they experience as children follows Patch, Saint and Misty through the years, manifesting in the choices they make and leaving them to grapple with the consequences that follow.
All the Colors of the Dark is my third Chris Whitaker novel after We Begin at the End, which remains my favorite to date, and Tall Oaks. In his latest offering, the author has woven elements of literary fiction, coming-of-age, a love story and a crime procedural element with a solid mystery at its core into an immersive character-driven narrative.
“Memories lie in people, not places and things.”
This is a lengthy novel featuring a large cast of characters and several subplots. The pacing is a tad uneven, but the tonal shifts justify the need to alter the pace as and when required. The author’s strength lies in the way he presents his characters - complex and flawed yet vulnerable, and Patch and Saint are no exception. We follow the characters as their trajectories diverge and then converge again in a continuous cycle of events each more surprising than the next – even when pitted against one another on opposing sides, the deep connection they forged as children is never eroded. The traumatic aftermath of the events described in the 1970s timeline casts a long shadow on the lives of our characters, setting the overarching bleak and melancholic tone for the novel. We might not always agree with the choices our characters make, but we remain invested in their respective journeys - their sorrows become our sorrows, and we rejoice at their smallest of triumphs; their rage, their pain and disillusionment will break our hearts but as they endure the challenges life throws their way, our hearts will be filled with hope. Each of the secondary characters is well defined, with a distinct role to play, which is why, at no point do we find it difficult to follow their character arcs/ respective subplots as the narrative progresses.
Though this is a predominantly character-driven novel, the plot-driven mystery/ procedural aspects do not disappoint. With plenty of twists and revelations with an ending that you do not see coming, the author succeeds in maintaining an atmospheric and suspenseful vibe throughout the narrative.
The story is presented in short chapters, from multiple perspectives spanning over two decades (1975-2001). The author’s masterful storytelling, evocative prose and the emotional depth and insight with which he touches upon themes of love and friendship, sacrifice, resilience, trauma and healing, guilt and redemption render this an incredibly moving story that will stay with you long after you have turned the final page.
“To love and be loved was more than could ever be expected, more than enough for a thousand ordinary lifetimes.”
Many thanks to Crown Publishing for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on June 25, 2024.
Book #15 in Paul Doiron’s Mike Bowditch series begins with our protagonist, an investigator with the Maine Warden Service being informed of an armed mBook #15 in Paul Doiron’s Mike Bowditch series begins with our protagonist, an investigator with the Maine Warden Service being informed of an armed man inquiring into the whereabouts of a father and daughter residing in the area. Correctly guessing that the father-daughter in question is the reclusive Mark Redmond and his twelve-year-old daughter Cady, who is never seen in public, Mike begins to suspect that there is more to the situation than meets the eye. Mike and his father-in-law, retired chief warden pilot Charley Stevens, approach Josie, a friend of Charley’s, who recently hired Mark to build a cabin near Prentiss Pond, to help establish contact with Mark. Josie, who considers Mark a friend and is protective of Cady, reluctantly agrees to help and takes them to where Redmond and Cady are camped. In a shocking twist, their meeting with Mark and Cady takes a dark turn as it becomes evident that Mark is harboring secrets that he would kill to protect.
We follow Mike as he navigates the Maine wilderness, inclement weather and an adversary who would resort to any means to evade capture. Complicating matters further are a bounty hunter who is also in pursuit of Redmond and Cady and the fact that Redmond has sympathetic neighbors as well as contacts within law enforcement who are aiding him.
I thoroughly enjoyed Pitch Dark by Paul Doiron. The vivid, atmospheric setting and the fast-paced suspenseful narrative drew me in and kept me hooked until the very last page. Mike Bowditch is an interesting protagonist and this time he was up against an equally (if not more) skilled and experienced adversary which made for a tension-filled cat-and-mouse game with some shocking twists and surprises along the way. Sharp writing, convincing characters and superb character development, and plenty of action and adventure make for a thrilling read. My only complaint is that I would have liked for Stacey to have had a more active role in this installment.
Though this is #15 in the series, it would work well as a standalone. The author provides sufficient background information in his books, which allows for a satisfying reading experience even if you jump in mid-series. This is my second book in the series ( I started with #14, Dead Man's Wake) and haven’t had any problem following the narrative in either book. I look forward to exploring more books in this series.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Henry Leyva, which made for a riveting immersion reading experience.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel is expected to be published on June 25, 2024.
The Garden of Memories by Amanda James is an uplifting story that revolves around themes of friendship and community, self-discovery and personal growThe Garden of Memories by Amanda James is an uplifting story that revolves around themes of friendship and community, self-discovery and personal growth, new beginnings and the therapeutic power of nature.
Widowed after her husband Glen passed two years ago and with her daughter Bella busy with her own family, sixty-two-year-old Rose Lanyon is trying to figure out how to fill her days after retiring from her nursing career of forty years. Rose finds herself drawn to her garden, which used to be Glen’s pride and joy. As she begins to tend to her garden, she is comforted by happy memories and soon her garden begins to attract the attention of friends, neighbors and new acquaintances – among whom are her childhood friend Daisy, her former colleague Sally and her neighbor Flora, a retired schoolteacher - who share their own memories and/or knowledge of gardening with her. With Rose’s encouragement, they begin to participate in the care of the garden, planting flowers/decorating the garden in ways that they associate with their own significant memories. Soon, her “memory garden” becomes a sanctuary for those looking for friendship, solace, or a safe place to ponder over their own life difficulties.
As the narrative progresses, we follow the characters as they build a supportive community around their memory garden and how the same inspires them to effect positive changes in their lives.
The narrative, shared from multiple perspectives, is slower-paced yet immersive with characters you would want to root for - relatable and well thought out with backstories as distinctive as their personalities. The author addresses several important issues such as loneliness, addiction, dysfunctional family dynamics, infidelity, emotional abuse and mental health, among others, realistically and with compassion. I loved the vivid descriptions of the garden and the stories behind the personal connections between the characters and their favorite flowers. Full of heart, with splashes of humor and romance, this is a beautifully penned, evocative story that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. I also must mention that I loved the cover art!
Many thanks to HarperCollins UK /One More Chapter for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on June 20, 2024.
“You are the curator of your story in every choice you make “
A compilation of Portuguese illustrator Luis Coelho’s panel drawings featuring his signat“You are the curator of your story in every choice you make “
A compilation of Portuguese illustrator Luis Coelho’s panel drawings featuring his signature adorable ink illustrations of cats and full of positive affirmations, encouraging words of wisdom and loads of wit and humor, The Book of Purrs: Everyday Thoughts from Your Feline Friends is a fun read and a charming ode to how our furry friends can be a source of positive energy in our lives!
I loved the artwork, which was intricate yet simple and soothing. This is a simple book, one that might not inspire deep reflection (no offense to our feline friends!), but irrespective of whether you are a cat person or not, the witty feline wisdom and gentle reminders to be kinder to oneself could be just what you need to put a smile on your face when you are feeling overwhelmed!
Purrfectly delightful, this is a book that I would certainly want to revisit!
My favorite quote: “If your inner critic turns into a bully just let me tell you that you really do not need to be perfect”
Many thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Expected Date of Publication: October 22, 2024
You can see more of the illustrator’s work on his IG: @purr. in. ink
A special thanks to my GR friend Cheri, whose delightful review put this uplifting book on my radar!
Well-written, with an intriguing premise and superb characterization, What You Leave Behind by Wanda M. Morris is a gripping read.
The story revolves Well-written, with an intriguing premise and superb characterization, What You Leave Behind by Wanda M. Morris is a gripping read.
The story revolves around thirty-nine-year-old Deena Wood, who recently moved back to her childhood home in Brunswick, Georgia, where she lives with her father and his new wife, Ruth. The move hasn’t been easy for Deena. She is still grieving the loss of her mother and her recent divorce and having to move back home and take up an unfulfilling job after being fired from her position as a litigator in a prestigious law firm in Atlanta hasn’t been a pleasant experience. On a day trip to the south Georgia Coast to clear her mind, she encounters Holcomb Gardner, who looks to be in his seventies living in a trailer, who claims she is trespassing on his property – land that he jointly owned with his sister Delilah. Deena is curious and on looking into the details, discovers that Delilah is recently deceased and when she attempts to meet Holcomb again, she finds him gone -and the land up for sale, which her suspicions as Holcomb had been adamant about protecting what was rightfully his. Deena sets out to find out what happened to the Gardner family and who is behind the realty company that is facilitating the sale of the Gardners' land.
As Deena embarks on her quest to find out what happened to Holcomb, she uncovers a complex web of illegal land grabs targeting low-income communities, political corruption, corporate greed, conspiracy and murder. As Deena gets closer to the truth, it is evident that there are players in the mix who resort to any means to stop Deena and she will need all the help she can get.
The plot, the writing and the characters grabbed from the very first page and I stayed up all night reading this novel, simply unable to put it down until I reached the end. The story touches upon themes of grief, family, community, inheritance and legacy. The narrative is shared for the most part from Deena’s first-person POV with the other narrators’ perspectives shared in short chapters interspersed throughout the narrative.
I enjoyed following Deena’s character arc and getting to know the people in her support system (Uncle Duke was one of my favorite characters) and thought that the author has done a commendable job of striking a balance between Deena’s home life, personal troubles, family history and the primary plotline, weaving the different threads of the narrative together into a consistently paced, well crafted, suspenseful narrative with enough twist sand surprises (with a touch of the supernatural) to keep you turning the pages. The romance track was maturely handled and did not distract from the main plot. I was satisfied with how the author chose to end the novel and enjoyed the climax, which followed a tension-filled build-up.
The elements of Gullah-Geechee culture and beliefs and the historical detail on Igbo Landing at Dunbar Creek on St. Simons Island, Georgia, incorporated into the plot, certainly enriched the narrative.
Do read the informative Afterword where she discusses the issue of heir’s property and the places and people that inspired this novel.
This was my first time reading Wanda Morris and I look forward to exploring more of her work.
Finally, I love that cover!
Many thanks to William Morrow for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on June 18, 2024.
With exquisite prose, dark humor, complex characters and a gripping narrative that revolves around themes of grief, trauma, fatherhood, racial id4.5⭐️
With exquisite prose, dark humor, complex characters and a gripping narrative that revolves around themes of grief, trauma, fatherhood, racial identity and legacy, I found Devil Is Fine by John Vercher hard to put down.
As the novel begins, we meet our unnamed narrator/protagonist, a biracial author born to a White mother and Black father, grappling with the recent loss of his teenage son Malcolm. When he inherits a plot of land from his estranged maternal grandfather, he wants nothing to do with the property and travels south to initiate all necessary formalities for its sale. However, a routine inspection of the land leads to a shocking discovery. As the dark history of the land and his ancestors is gradually revealed, our protagonist is traumatized by the implications.
Adding to his grief and pain are his strained personal relationships and the stress brought on by the fact that his latest manuscript isn’t generating much interest among publishing houses and that his inability to publish in recent years might make it difficult for him to hold on to his teaching position.
As our narrator slips back into old habits, triggering a downward spiral, what follows is a fever dream-like journey wherein the lines between reality and imagination begin to blur, past and present collapses into a hallucinatory series of events that force our protagonist to confront his complicated feelings about his legacy and explore how the same has impacted the most important aspects of his life.
The narrative is shared from the PoV of our unnamed protagonist in the form of a one-sided conversation with his deceased son. The author has deftly woven an element of magical realism into the narrative, creating a tension-filled almost claustrophobic vibe but also injects enough dry humor into the narrative so as not to overwhelm. The strength of this novel lies in its in-depth exploration of the protagonist's psyche – his beliefs, his motivations, his inner conflict and his worldview - as he wavers between moments of lucidity and phantasmagoria. The supporting characters are well thought out, and from their interactions with our narrator we are provided an insightful look into how he is perceived by those who know him/ come to know him as opposed to his self-perception. We might question our narrator's choices, because at times, his motivations are difficult to understand, but at no point do we stop rooting for him to emerge from his traumatized state and embark on a journey of self-acceptance, forgiveness, healing and redemption.
I appreciated the significance of the cover art - which is indicative of the symbolism of the jellyfish, which is integral to the narrative - more after reading the book. I only wish that we were given a bit more insight into past events and the history of the plantation.
I paired my reading with the incredible audio narration by Dion Graham who brought this story, the setting and the characters to life making for an intense immersion reading experience.
Overall, I thought this was a brilliantly crafted work of literary fiction that I would not hesitate to recommend to those who enjoy character-driven narratives with an element of magical realism.
Many thanks to Celadon Books for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on June 18, 2024.
I loved Kirsten Miller’s The Change and was eager to read her latest offering. Well-crafted, satirical and humorous (with several laugh-out-loud 4.5⭐️
I loved Kirsten Miller’s The Change and was eager to read her latest offering. Well-crafted, satirical and humorous (with several laugh-out-loud moments), but also hard-hitting, Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller is an engaging read.
“Gather as much knowledge as you can, because information is power. And choosing how to use it is freedom. The more you know, the freer you will be.”
Set in the small town of Troy, Georgia, the novel revolves around tensions that arise from one of the townspeople’s missions to ban books that are deemed inappropriate – a mission she has successfully executed resulting in the removal of said books from the public library. Lula Dean also sets up her own lending library with hopes of circulating what she considers acceptable books among the townspeople. Beverly Underwood, also a lifelong resident of Troy and on the school board, vehemently opposes Lula’s actions. Beverly’s daughter Lindsay takes matters into her own hands and unbeknownst to her mother, replaces the books in Lula’s library with those which have been banned. To avoid detection, she places the banned books inside the dust jackets of acceptable literature. As the narrative progresses, we see how these books impact the lives of the townspeople and the dynamic between Beverly and Lula, both of whom are running for mayor.
“When you have everything, the only luxury left is taking things away from others.”
The novel features a large cast of characters, multiple perspectives and several sub-plots seamlessly woven into the primary narrative. The pacing is consistent and the story flows well. At no point did I lose interest or feel that there was too much going on. I loved how the author emphasizes the transformative power of books and how important it is for people to have the freedom to choose what to read and/or what they want their children to read. I loved that the author incorporates certain books (a few of which are banned in some parts of the US) into the plotlines and shows how those books not only inspire individuals to effect change in their own lives but also enable them to gain perspective and expose those spreading hate in the community.
“I think you’re scared that your children are going to open a book and discover the truth. They’ll realize that the Holocaust happened and that slavery was worse than they ever imagined. They’ll find out that both men and women like sex and that gay and trans folks are just regular people. These seem to be the things that you’re trying to hide from them. Why is that?”
There is a lot to like about this novel. The author injects a healthy dose of humor into the narrative, rendering it an entertaining read while also conveying a strong message. The author tackles several heavy themes and social issues such as censorship and book banning, homophobia, bigotry and racism, antisemitism, sexual abuse, racially motivated violence, misogyny and much more. All the characters are well thought out - even the unlikable ones. Beverly is an admirable character and I appreciated her efforts to do the right thing in the face of much adversity. I adored Wilma and I wish we had more scenes with her. I liked how the author depicts the impact of ideological differences and conflicting views on critical issues on the dynamics within a small town. I particularly liked how the author has portrayed the younger crowd and their efforts (a tad misguided at times, but with best intentions) to bring about change in their community.
I did feel, however, that a few aspects of the novel could have been explored further, but with so many characters and subplots, this is to be expected. I also believe that some might not be entirely comfortable with certain content and the tone of the narrative. The ending is a tad too neatly tied up, but I’m glad that the author ends the novel on a positive note.
Thoroughly enjoyable yet timely and relevant, this is a book that I would not hesitate to recommend.
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Do read the Author’s Note where she talks about the themes addressed in this novel and much more.
Many thanks to William Morrow for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on June 18, 2024.
{ On a personal note, I loved that one of the characters (not Indian, to be noted) mentions their favorite Indian dish being "kosha mangsho" (a savory mutton curry that is a favorite in most Bengali households) from West Bengal. This made my Bengali heart so happy!}...more
Sandwich by Catherine Newman follows fifty-four-year-old Rachel or “Rocky” as is called by those close to her, over the course of her annual family trSandwich by Catherine Newman follows fifty-four-year-old Rachel or “Rocky” as is called by those close to her, over the course of her annual family trip to Cape Cod. We meet her husband Nick, her adult children – daughter Willa, son Jamie and his girlfriend Maya and her elderly parents also join them for a few days in their rental cottage. There is a lot to manage and Rocky is the middle of it all. We follow her as she navigates the demands of her family, her own struggles with bouts of melancholy and mood swings (not to mention the hot flashes) brought on by menopause and is often overwhelmed by memories of the years gone by – some happy and some not so much.
The narrative is presented from Rocky’s first-person PoV and spans a week in the characters’ lives, with past events being shared as flashbacks as present-day events evoke nostalgia and Rocky is reminded of past events. The pacing is on the slower side, which suits the nature of the story. This is a story about what it means to be a family-the shifting dynamics within, navigating the ups and downs, growing together and giving each other space for individual growth, making memories, evolving, holding on and learning to let go. The author addresses several sensitive topics, including parenting, sexuality, menopause,motherhood, miscarriage,marriage, aging, family secrets, grief, sacrifice and much more with maturity and insight.
Beautiful prose, relatable characters and realistic situations, plenty of love, laughter and food (and of course, sandwiches) as well as tears and frustrations, and some truly heartfelt conversations and poignant moments make for a quiet yet incredibly thought-provoking read!
Many thanks to Harper for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on June 18, 2024.
As the novel begins, we meet twenty-eight-year-old Emlyn, who makes a living as a hunting and fishing guide in Idaho. She lives aBook: 3⭐ Audiobook: 4⭐
As the novel begins, we meet twenty-eight-year-old Emlyn, who makes a living as a hunting and fishing guide in Idaho. She lives a simple life, keeping busy with her work and living alone in her Airstream. Her closest companions are Varden, a Forest Service Ranger and the makeshift reverend “Rev” who took her in after a particularly traumatic episode in her life.
Emlyn is forced to confront a painful episode from her past when her former boyfriend Tyler asks for her help to find Janessa, a #vanlife social media star who was once Emlyn’s closest friend and who has gone missing with her boyfriend, both of whom work with Tyler, while on their latest trip. Her relationship with Tyler had ended three years ago when he had abandoned her, leaving her freezing and fighting for her life, on the side of the road. Janessa had once been Emlyn’s closest friend, but their friendship became strained after Emlyn embarked on a relationship with Tyler, who was Janessa’s childhood friend. Emlyn, unable to reach Janessa, also identifies discrepancies in her most recent social media post. Concerned for Janessa’s well-being, Emlyn agrees to help Tyler and the narrative follows them as they navigate the wilderness in search of their missing friend.
I really enjoyed These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant and was eager to read The Nature of Disappearing. I loved the atmospheric setting and the vivid descriptions that transport you to the Idaho wilderness along with the main characters. The narrative is presented from Emlyn’s perspective and moves between past and present timelines – the past timelines detailing Emlyn’s past, her friendship with Janessa and her relationship with Tyler. Though I could sympathize with Emlyn, I can’t say that she was a particularly interesting character. I wish we had gotten to know more about Rev and Varden. I should mention that the plot focuses on personal relationships and the complicated history between the main characters more than the mystery behind Janessa’s disappearance. The plot progresses slowly and only in the final quarter of the novel is the mystery addressed and even then, I found the “twists” and revelations a tad underwhelming (with more telling than showing) after the long-drawn-out build-up.
Overall, while I didn’t dislike the novel, it wasn’t the gripping suspenseful read that I’d expected. However, many have enjoyed this more and I would request you to read the other reviews before making a decision about reading this one.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Emily Pike Stewart, which made for an engaging immersion reading experience.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel is expected to be published on published on June 18, 2024.
Laugh-out-loud funny and heartwarming, featuring a diverse cast of characters (including a charming dog named Maggie Thatcher), How to Age Disgra4.5⭐️
Laugh-out-loud funny and heartwarming, featuring a diverse cast of characters (including a charming dog named Maggie Thatcher), How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley is a delightful read that will touch a chord in your heart.
As she approaches her seventieth birthday, reclusive Daphne decides to make some changes to the way she leads her life. For starters, she decides to be more sociable, which motivates her to join the Senior Citizens Social Club at the local Community Centre. Daphne isn’t the easiest person to be around – secretive and opinionated – she’s off to a bumpy start but gradually makes friends with the other members - Art (and his friend William who often joins the group activities), Ruby and Anna– a diverse group of people, each of whom is dealing with their own difficulties in life, including fifty-three-year-old Lydia, who runs the group. An empty nester whose husband mostly ignores her has,she just started in her new role and wasn’t prepared for the spirited group of seniors whose idea of fun doesn’t quite translate into quiet group activities. When the city council decides to sell the crumbling building that houses the community centre, the club members join forces with the daycare (also housed in the same building) and Ziggy, the teenage father of one of the toddlers to raise funds to save the building – not an easy task, with Daphne struggling to keep her dark past hidden and each of the members dealing with their own life problems.
The narrative is presented from multiple perspectives that allow us to get to know the characters and their backstories. I loved the characters, enjoyed their banter and loved how they grew to care for one another, banding together not only to save their community centre but also to help one another. Daphne is a fascinating character and I enjoyed following her character arc, not to mention her dynamic with Art. Ziggy is an endearing character. I was rooting for him to get his life sorted. Ruby and Anna were wonderful characters. I sympathized with Lydia but also admired her resolve. I really liked how she was able to emerge out of her shell with the help of her new friends! The author approaches several serious themes such as aging, loneliness, infidelity, emotional abuse, teenage parenthood and complicated family dynamics and much more with heart and insight. You might have to suspend disbelief on occasion, but that does not detract from the overall reading experience.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this uplifting story about unlikely friendships, living life on your own terms and new beginnings. I didn’t want the story to end and would love to meet these characters again!
Many thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Viking for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on June 11, 2024.
With complex characters and an immersive setting, Middletide by Sarah Crouch is an interesting character-driven novel with an intriguing mystery 3.5⭐️
With complex characters and an immersive setting, Middletide by Sarah Crouch is an interesting character-driven novel with an intriguing mystery at its core.
Set in the small town of Point Orchards, Washington, the novel begins in 1994 with the discovery of the body of Dr. Erin Landry hanging from a tree on the property of Elijah Leith. Elijah had been living alone in his late parents’ cabin after returning to his hometown in 1988, after his first novel failed to launch his literary career. Elijah hopes to rekindle his relationship with his former high school sweetheart, Nakita, whom he had left to pursue his dreams of becoming an author, breaking his promise to return after four years. Nakita, grieving the recent loss of her husband, isn’t quite ready to move on. Elijah was also friends with Dr. Landry, whose marriage collapsed after the death of her young daughter in a road accident. Erin’s death is initially ruled a suicide, but when Sheriff Jim Godbout discovers that the details from the crime scene are uncannily similar to the plot of Elijah’s novel, Elijah soon becomes the prime suspect. It is up to him and the few people who believe in his innocence to find the truth behind Erin’s death.
I loved the premise of this novel. The prose is sparse yet elegant and the narrative, presented through past and present timelines, flows well. After a slow start, the narrative gains momentum in the second half of the story. I was invested in the characters and the mystery did hold my interest till the end. The characters were well thought out, but I thought certain aspects of the story could have been explored in more depth, with less telling and more showing.
I did feel, however, that certain components of the story were of no consequence to the plot. The procedural aspect had its moments, but some details weren’t entirely convincing and the courtroom scenes weren’t particularly intense. The ending felt a tad rushed, but I did like how the mystery was unraveled despite the predictability.
Though I won’t call this an entirely satisfying read, there is a lot to like about this debut novel and I look forward to reading more from this promising new author in the future.
Many thanks to Atria Books for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on June 11, 2024.
A group of seven decide to spend the night before graduation in the basement of William E. Woodend Rare Books Library in Vermont to participate in a rA group of seven decide to spend the night before graduation in the basement of William E. Woodend Rare Books Library in Vermont to participate in a ritual that they believe will set them free from the fear of death. Of the seven, three of them are students working as assistants in the library each hoping to secure the one permanent position being offered after graduation; another is a PhD student/TA who frequents the library for his research and also convinces one of his students to bring along a friend who would supply the drugs they would need for the ritual; and the other is a socially awkward scientist who is involved in a project for the library. After the library closes for the day, they lock themselves in the basement and commence with the ritual. In a shocking turn of events, one of them suddenly dies and the other, unable to exit the building with scheduled routine maintenance rendering them unable to communicate with anyone on the outside, are left to fend for themselves with a killer in their midst.
I was intrigued by the premise of That Night in the Library by Eva Jurczyk. A locked room mystery set in a library, that too a rare books library, and a ritual rooted in Greek myths – this one checked all the boxes for this bibliophile who loves Greek mythology.
The narrative is shared from multiple perspectives and moves quickly enough, but none of the characters were particularly interesting and I soon got tired of their bickering, bouts of self-pity, and overall immature behavior. The final reveal was underwhelming, to say the least, and everything in between was bizarre. I don’t mind OTT (it is expected in this genre), but in this case, the plot was simply too messy (literally and figuratively) and absurd, to take seriously.
I struggled to finish this one and in hindsight, I should have followed my instincts and abandoned it mid-read but I didn’t in hopes that maybe, just maybe…..but sadly, I couldn’t find anything that appealed to me other than the premise and the element of Greek mythology. Perhaps I wasn’t the right audience for this one.
Overall, I can’t say that I enjoyed this novel. However, I would request you to read other reviews before making a decision about reading this one.
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on June 11, 2024.
Sujoya(theoverbookedbibliophile)
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