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4 Stars • The Outsider by Colin Wilson (1956) explores the "Outsider," an alienated individual who rejects societal norms due to intense self-awareness and a sense of a valueless world. Through figures like Dostoevsky, Kafka, van Gogh, and Nietzsche, Wilson examines their existential struggles, suffering, and search for meaning.

#TheOutsider #ColinWilson #Bookish

4 Stars • In Asylum Hotel by Juliet Blackwell, architect Aubrey Spencer explores the haunted Hotel Seabrink, a former asylum. When her new friend, YouTuber Dimitri, dies suspiciously, she digs into the hotel‘s dark past—murders, abuses, and ghosts—helped by pal Nikki and paramedic Jasper. It‘s a cozy Gothic mystery with suspense, romance, and social vibes.

#AsylumHotel #JulietBlackwell #Bookish

This was a moving family drama!

The book starts off strong. The story is about 3 sisters who reunite at their home on the Japanese coast. Immediately, I was invested in the story and the scandal involving the youngest sister. The ending was also very strong. It was touching and packed an emotional punch. However, the middle of the book was slow and dragged on.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2025/08/09/review-kakigori-summer/

#CardcaptorSakuraVol1 #Clamp #book #books #bookyourself #bookunion #bookutopia #bookunicorn #bookunicorns #bookunhaul #bookish #bookishfeature #bookishfeatures #bookishlife #booksoflitsy #bookobsessed #bookobsession #bookoholic #bookoholics #bookperson #bookpeople #bookpassion #bookpicture #bookpictures #bookphoto #bookphotos #bookphotograph #bookphotographer #Manga #Fantasy #Shojo #Comics #GraphicNovels #Romance #Magic #YoungAdult #MiddleGrade 🤎

5 Stars • All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman is a funny, twisty debut novel about Florence, a messy single mom and former pop star in West London. Struggling and shunned by the rich moms at her son Dylan‘sl fancy school, she dives into a chaotic mission to find a missing kid, Alfie, when Dylan‘s accused of foul play. ⬇️

This was a powerful YA fantasy!

First off, I loved that the story was inspired by the authors‘ grandparents and their romance during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Drawing on real life experiences gave the story a ton of emotional depth.

I also enjoyed the dual POVs. The story is told in alternating points of view of the two leads, Seung and Eunji.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2025/08/07/review-the-last-tiger/

4 Stars • In Shy Creatures by Clare Chambers, set in 1960s Britain, art therapist Helen Hansford investigates the mysterious past of a mute patient, William Tuttle, at a psychiatric hospital. Uncovering his reclusive life and a missing woman, Helen navigates her own loneliness, a forbidden attraction, and societal constraints. The novel blends mystery and romance, exploring repression and mental health.

#ShyCreatures #ClareChambers #Bookish

This was a truly amazing read. It had me hooked from beginning to end. The story was full of adventure and twists. If you are looking for an adventure book, I strongly recommend reading this series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#WhereTheLibraryHides #IsabelIbanez #SecretsOfTheNile #book #books #bookish #bookishfeature #bookishfeatures #bookishlife #booksoflitsy #bookobsessed #Fantasy #HistoricalFiction #Romance #YoungAdult #Mystery #Fiction #Historical #Audiobook 🖤

5 Stars • The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami is a dystopian novel set in a future LA where surveillance is next-level creepy. Sara, a Moroccan American mom and historian, gets nabbed at the airport because her dreams—tracked by a brain implant—supposedly show she might hurt her husband. She‘s tossed into a shady detention center run by a corporation called Safe-X. ⬇️

4 Stars • The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon is a historical mystery set in 1789 Maine, following midwife Martha Ballard. When a man‘s body is found frozen in the river, Martha investigates, uncovering a scandal involving rape and betrayal. Balancing her role as a healer and truth-seeker, she challenges powerful men in her town. The novel blends suspense, historical detail, and Martha‘s fierce resilience.

#TheFrozenRiver #ArielLawhon #Bookish