Going into this one I expected it to be more of a thriller but I was very surprised to discover it’s so much more! It’s a fantastic blend of historicaGoing into this one I expected it to be more of a thriller but I was very surprised to discover it’s so much more! It’s a fantastic blend of historical fiction, character driven, mystery, and a coming of age tale.
I loved Jane as a main character. Following Jane’s journey from an isolated and lonely teen in Montana to a young woman in San Francisco, had me hanging on the authors every word. I also really enjoyed the 90s nostalgia in this one, especially the references to Map Quest and AOL discs.
The book discusses many topics including humanity vs technology/AI, mental illness, parent-child relationship, and nature vs nurture. I was completely blown away by What Kind of Paradise and will not be forgetting it anytime soon.
I listened to the audiobook which was read by Helen Laser and Peter Ganim who both did an amazing job. If you decide to pick this one up, i highly recommend this format.
What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown was published on June 3 so it’s available now. Many thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the gifted audiobook! ...more
Home of the American Circus is a slow burn character driven story centered around family and friendships. I really enjoyed the small town setting as wHome of the American Circus is a slow burn character driven story centered around family and friendships. I really enjoyed the small town setting as well as the emotional aspects. However it did take me a while to get into the story. The first half was a bit too slow for my liking but I really liked the second half.
I listened to the audiobook version which was narrated by the amazing Julia Whelan. So of course you know if Julia is reading it, it's going to be good!
Home of the American Circus by Allison Larkin was published on May 6 so it's available now. Many thanks to Simon Audio for the gifted audiobook! ...more
Will Leitch is back with another of his signature heartwarming humorous stories. I love how Will crafts perfectly flawed and relatable main charactersWill Leitch is back with another of his signature heartwarming humorous stories. I love how Will crafts perfectly flawed and relatable main characters. The bits of wisdom and Lloyd’s philosophies were my favorite part of the book. Even though the main character is dealing with death, the story is written with an uplifting tone. Readers looking for the perfect summer escapist read that will give you all the feels, will adore this one!
Will Leitch is such a remarkable author and he definitely deserves more hype! I highly recommend checking out Lloyd McNeil’s Last Ride as well as the author's prior works (which I also loved) How Lucky and The Time As Come.
Lloyd McNeil’s Last Ride by Will Leitch was published on May 20 so it is available now. Many thanks to Harper Books for the gifted copy! ...more
When I saw that Kaveh Akbar, author of Martyr! (my top read of 2024), raved about Great Black Hope, I just knew that I would love it!
Kaveh was not wrWhen I saw that Kaveh Akbar, author of Martyr! (my top read of 2024), raved about Great Black Hope, I just knew that I would love it!
Kaveh was not wrong. Great Black Hope pulls you in from the start and doesn’t let go until the last page. It’s an emotionally impactful story about grief, class, race, addiction, and identity. But even though the story contains heavier themes, there is plenty of humor to balance the story out.
I loved the queer rep and how the book makes the reader question their own privilege. I also adored the way the author made New York City almost a character in itself. I live for a well written book and I was very impressed with the writing in Great Black Hope, especially since it’s Rob Franklin’s debut novel.
Great Black Hope by Rob Franklin will be available on June 10. Many thanks to Summit Books for the gifted copy! ...more
If you read one book during PRIDE month, it should be A Language of Limbs.
A Language of Limbs is a story of love but most importantly it recounts theIf you read one book during PRIDE month, it should be A Language of Limbs.
A Language of Limbs is a story of love but most importantly it recounts the modern history of queer communities. Beginning in the early 20th century to present times the book covers the rise of the N- - i movement in the 30s, the AIDS crisis in the 80s, the emergence of queer theory in the 90s, to the white supremacy movement today.
Beautiful, breathtaking, and devastating, this captivating story just blew me away. Dylin Hardcastle is a gifted storyteller, and his prose had me entranced from page one until the end. But as you can tell, this isn't an easy story. The story focuses a lot on the worst of humanity, but there are also some lighter parts in the book. The book also includes themes of found family, trauma, and identity.
Books like A Language of Limbs are why I love reading. They give the reader a gift- insight into lives of those who are different from our own and teach us the struggles these people face just to live an ordinary life that so many cis people (myself included) take advantage of. But most importantly, these stories evoke empathy and ignite a fire in the reader to the injustices marginalized communities face.
A Language of Limbs by Dylin Hardcastle will be available on June 3. Many thanks to Dutton Books for the gifted copy! ...more
Aftertaste is a speculative fiction work that's centered around the culinary world and the supernatural realm. The book is so many things in one, it'sAftertaste is a speculative fiction work that's centered around the culinary world and the supernatural realm. The book is so many things in one, it's a love story, a story about grief, and the danger that can accompany the spiritual world. Aftertaste explores our relationship to food and how certain foods evoke a memory.
The book was very will written with a vivid New York City setting and characters with depth. I just adored the main character Konstantin and found Aftertaste hard to put down. Daria Lavelle has crafted a beautiful debut novel and I see readers of all genres loving Aftertaste when it is released.
I alternated between reading the book myself and listening to the audiobook. The audiobook is read by full cast including Ari Fliakos, Tessa Albertson, André Santana, and Kristen Sieh who all did a fantastic job bringing this story to life.
Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle will be available on May 20. Many thanks to Simon Audio for the gifted audiobook and Simon Books for the gifted copy! ...more
Small Ceremonies is a beautiful coming-of-age story centered around an Indigenous community featuring a high school hockey team. The author breathed lSmall Ceremonies is a beautiful coming-of-age story centered around an Indigenous community featuring a high school hockey team. The author breathed life into all the characters, making them seem as if I knew them myself. The story is a poignant and sometimes humorous glimpse at what it’s like growing up indigenous. Even though the book is set in Winnipeg, it still reminded me of my own community.
Small Ceremonies is a character centered/literary work but it’s faster paced than most in this genre. The book deals with so many topics including community, friendships, identity, racism, and trauma. This was such a powerful and brilliant debut. I see a bright literary future for Kyle Edwards and I can’t wait to see what he writes next!
I alternated between reading the book myself and listening to the audiobook. The audiobook is narrated by a full cast including Chris Mejaki, Yolanda Bonnell, Dillan Meghan Chiblow, James Dallas Smith, Jay Northcott, John Wamsley, Marion Newman, Monique Mojica, Shane Ghostkeeper, T'Áncháy Redvers, Tara Sky, and Steve Dangle. If you decide to pick this one up, I highly recommend this format!
Small Ceremonies by Kyle Edwards will be available on April 1. Many thanks to Pantheon for the gifted copy and Penguin Random House Audio for the gifted audiobook! ...more
Heartwood is a genre-bending, character-driven mystery that explores the human connection to nature, the mother-daughter bond, friendship, and self-exHeartwood is a genre-bending, character-driven mystery that explores the human connection to nature, the mother-daughter bond, friendship, and self-exploration.
I really enjoyed all of the characters and reading from their perspectives. In my opinion, Lena was the star of this story and my favorite character. . I learned so much about hiking and especially the Appalachian Trail (its length and history).
Even though the book was set in the immediate after math of covid, the pandemic took a backseat. The book is classified as a thriller and even though it has a couple of the genres elements, I would classify it more as contemporary fiction or womens fiction.
I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by a full cast including Justine Lupe, Alma Cuervo, Rebecca Lowman, Ali Andre Ali, Cary Hite, and Helen Laser. If you decide to pick this one up, I highly recommend this format!
Heartwood by Amity Gaige was published on April 1 so its available now. Many thanks to Simon Audio for the gifted audiobook! ...more
Big Chief is a completely engrossing story that gives a behind-the-scenes look at tribal life. Filled with dimeWhat a beautiful and remarkable debut!
Big Chief is a completely engrossing story that gives a behind-the-scenes look at tribal life. Filled with dimensional, complex, and even unlikeable characters who make the story much more interesting.
The book is an exploration of Indigenous identity and authenticity, abuse of power, and who makes the decisions in small communities. The events in the story seem metaphoric of what's happening in the US’s current political climate of corruption and greed.
We definitely need more books by indigenous authors and I loved the representation in this book. Big Chief is a deeply profound and unforgettable story. I found myself thinking about it long after finishing it. I see a bright future for Jon Hockey in the literary world and I immediately put him on my list of auto-read authors.
Big Chief will be one of my favorite books of the year and I highly recommend it!
Big Chief by Jon Hickey was published on April 8 so it’s available now. Many thanks to Simon Books for the gifted copy! ...more
Punished is an international bestseller and a translated work based on actual events that details the trauma of 5 Samí (indigenous people of Sweden) ePunished is an international bestseller and a translated work based on actual events that details the trauma of 5 Samí (indigenous people of Sweden) endured when they were sent away to Kiruna Nomad school, a boarding school, as children. The story captures the heavy burdens the 5 faced well into adulthood and how the trauma manifested itself into their lives.
Punished is a very heavy read yet its such an important story that everyone needs to hear. I learned so much about the Samí culture in this one. The story made me very emotional at several points. As an indigenous person myself, stories like this are so personal to me and even though I've read several stories about indigenous people being forced into boarding school, Punished is definitely one of the best.
Punished is also very well written and it quickly immerses the reader into the character's lives and the settings. This powerful read is my first book by the author and I can't wait to read more of her work!
Punished by Ann-Helén Laestadius was available in the United States on February 4. Many thanks to Scribner Books for the gifted copy! ...more
“Each of us is worth more than the worst thing we have done.”
A breathtaking debut about the secrets we carry and the healing power of forgiveness. Cen“Each of us is worth more than the worst thing we have done.”
A breathtaking debut about the secrets we carry and the healing power of forgiveness. Centered around a mystery, this poignant character driven story kept my attention from page 1 until the end.
Without giving anything away, my only complaint with this one is the why is never answered. But I still thought Penitence was a brilliant debut and I see a great future for Kristin Koval. Readers of family stories and character driven books will love this one!
I listened to the audiobook version which was read by Thérèse Plummer, who did a fantastic job. If you decide to pick this one up, I recommend this format.
Penitence by Kristin Koval was published on January 28 so it is available now! Many thanks to Macmillan audio for the gifted audiobook! ...more
I've seen so much praise surrounding The Favorites but I was reluctant to pick it up. Aside from the Nancy Kerrigan assault by Tonya Harding in the 90I've seen so much praise surrounding The Favorites but I was reluctant to pick it up. Aside from the Nancy Kerrigan assault by Tonya Harding in the 90s, I know nothing about skating (I highly recommend the film I, Tonya). So going into The Favorites I wasn't sure what to expect.
This book far exceeded my expectations and blew me away! I'm happy to report that you don't have to be familiar with figure skating or ice dancing to enjoy this one.
The Favorites is a story about a girl never giving up on her dreams. Through many setbacks and struggles, Kat works hard to achieve what she wants. I loved Kat as a main character and I immediately found myself rooting for her.
The Favorites is also a story about the relationship between childhood sweethearts and the struggles they go through for her to achieve her dreams. I also couldn’t help but root for Kat and Heath as both a couple and a team.
I've seen this book being compared to TJR work but it's not. The Favorites is much better! Layne Fargo’s writing is much better than Reid’s. The Favorite’s is filled with depth as well as multidimensional and relatable characters.
I listened to the audiobook version which was narrated by a full cast. If you decide to pick this one up, I highly recommend this format!
The Favorites by Layne Fargo will be available on January 14. Many thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the gifted copy! ...more
We All Live Here is a character-driven mix of family drama, women’s fiction, and romance. Full of humorous and heartfelt moments, the book speaks on tWe All Live Here is a character-driven mix of family drama, women’s fiction, and romance. Full of humorous and heartfelt moments, the book speaks on the power of forgiveness, grief and found family.
Initially it took me a bit to get interested in the story. The book has a slow start and I had a hard time connecting to the characters but once it picked up, I found myself thoroughly enjoying it. I also felt that this one was a bit too long and overwritten at times but overall I think a lot of readers will enjoy this one.
I listened to the audiobook, which I highly recommend. The audiobook is read by Jenna Coleman who did a fantastic job.
We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes will be available on February 11. Many thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the gifted audiobook! ...more
We need more stories centered around older women, and Anne Tyler’s upcoming Three Days in June delivers just that!
Three Days in June is an intimate cWe need more stories centered around older women, and Anne Tyler’s upcoming Three Days in June delivers just that!
Three Days in June is an intimate character illustration depicting the everyday life. Centered around the ups and downs, and the unexpected changes we must deal with. Even though this is a shorter read, it packs a powerful punch. Heartfelt, humourous, nostalgic, and with a deeply relatable main character, this brilliantly written novel is truly a must-read!
I listened to the audiobook version which was read by J. Smith Cameron who did an excellent job. If you decide to pick this one up, I highly recommend this format.
Three Days in June by Anne Tyler will be available on February 11. Many thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the gifted copy! ...more
At its core A Sea of Unspoken Things is a slow-burn mystery centered around a woman returning to her hometown after losing her twin brother. Filled wiAt its core A Sea of Unspoken Things is a slow-burn mystery centered around a woman returning to her hometown after losing her twin brother. Filled with secrets and long-buried traumas, this slow-burn tale calls the reader to slowly savor the beautiful writing.
Atmospheric with a touch of magical realism seems to be Adrienne Young’s trademark. I like how the author sets her stories in rural small towns. These small towns become characters themselves in her stories.
I enjoyed following James as she unraveled the mystery of her brother’s life. I did predict the outcome but I still liked reading how it all played out. This is my third read by Adrienne and I can't wait to see what magical tale she comes up with next!
I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Christine Lakin. If you decide to pick this one up, I highly recommend this format.
A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young will be available on January 7. Many thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the gifted copy! ...more
What Happened to the McCrays is a sweeping story about the power of love, never giving up on those we love, and the importance of forgiving ourselves.What Happened to the McCrays is a sweeping story about the power of love, never giving up on those we love, and the importance of forgiving ourselves.
Tracey Lange has a knack for warming my soul during the cold winter days. Her heartwarming family stories never fail to lift my spirits. Like her prior works, Tracey pulls the reader into her complex characters' lives and makes you feel as if you know them. I love how Lange writes about small-town USA and in this one, the town of Potsdam is a character itself.
I listened to the audiobook of What Happened to the McCrays which was narrated by Stephanie Németh-Parker and William DeMeritt. If you decide to pick this one up, I highly recommend this format. If you haven't already, I also highly recommend checking out Tracey Lange’s prior works, The Connellys of County Down and We Are the Brennans.
What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange will be available on January 14, 2025. Many thanks to Macmillan Audio and Celadon Books for the gifted audiobook! ...more
After reading this book, I am truly speechless. I am struggling to conjure the words to even begin to describe this epic tale.
This story is everythinAfter reading this book, I am truly speechless. I am struggling to conjure the words to even begin to describe this epic tale.
This story is everything. At its heart, All the Colors of the Dark is a love story about two kids who met in the dark. It's a story about America in the 20th century. It's a story about fate. It's also a story about this beautiful and heartbreaking thing called life.
All the Colors of the Dark is a story centered around:
A pirate, beekeeper, serial killer, artist, bank robber, prisoner, FBI agent, gallery owner, bus driver, and a house.
All the Colors of the Dark is one of the best books I've read recently. Its breathtakingly beautiful and the writing is nothing short of flawless. Chris Whitaker is a brilliant storyteller and All the Colors of the Dark is hands down, one of my favorite books of 2024 (if not the best). Do yourself a favor, and read this book!
I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Edoardo Ballerini who did a fantastic job and is one of my all-time favorite narrators. I highly recommend this format!
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker will be available on June 25. A massive thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the gifted copy! ...more