A teenage girl caught up in the conspiracies of an artistic secret society- the start was promising. The building blocks of the story were good, but it tried to have it all: art, physics, history, crime...the details bogged down the pace (telling, not showing)and overshadowed the characters. I'm open to rereading in case something flew over my head, but I was hoping for more. 2.75/5

Retellings of 'The Tempest' seem to be everywhere. I agree with the mixed reviews it has been receiving, as it didn't feel like something new or different-- general Tempest fatigue or something else? Jacqueline's writing is gorgeous as always, but I didn't feel the same wonder as I did with Kushiel's Legacy. Overall, a good read. 3/5.

A moving debut novel about the Soweto Uprisings in 1970's South Africa. Young Robin Conrad and Beauty Mbali narrate their tragic life events and build a bond, only to have society force them to make heartbreaking choices. The setting is wonderfully portrayed, and the characters lept off the page. Simultaneously sad and undeniably hopeful- I want more from this author! 4/5

This debut novel about a young girl escaping her crime filled past has mixed reviews re: characterization and lack of 'thriller' action (no thanks to overused Gone Girl comparisons). However, because I knew a girl exactly like Grace, the characters felt true. The story explores the dark side of identity and love. Not perfect, but constructed well enough to keep me going till the last page. 4/5

I waited awhile to read this because of the incredible reviews it received-- I didn't want anything to influence my experience. Now, I'm frustrated I waited so long! This intimate nature of the story just astounded me, and the characters felt like they could be my neighbors. Please, if you haven't read this yet, pick it up soon! 5/5

This novel follows a riverboat theatre troupe as they navigate the border between free and slave states in 1838. While the characters were believable and the perspective unique, the plot ultimately left too much action until the end. It felt like the promise of the theatre setting was unfulfilled. This was sent by PageHabit, so I had the author's annotations included as well.

This is a darkly atmospheric tale about a natural phenomenon that changes the lives of a young scientist and a formerly married couple. While the prose was rich, the second half was strangely paced and eroded my suspension of disbelief. The flawed characters' growth was undermined by the jarring ending. I did enjoy the themes of the story, but it wasn't a fulfilling journey. 3/5 stars.

Inspired by a real life woman in New York City, Saint Maizie is a story about triumphing over tough circumstances. Normally I dislike stories told through interviews or diary entries, but Attenberg's deft characterization and pacing went straight to my heart, catching me off guard. What an empowering journey! 5/5 stars.

I absolutely loved Hag-seed, a retelling of The Tempest (and that is a big deal, as it definitely isn't one of my favorite Shakespeare plays!) I want to try other titles in the Hogarth Shakespeare series--any recommendations?#margaretatwood #hogarthshakespeare

Told from the perspectives of twin girls who find themselves at the hands of Nazi Germany's most notorious doctor, Mischling left me underwhelmed. It wasn't graphic, and I didn't need it to be. However, the overly poetic language created an inconsistent tone, preventing me from connecting with the young narrators and historical events when it mattered. 2.5/5

Not the result I was expecting! Maybe the fact that I am busy trying to finish my masters thesis in public policy influenced the results somewhat... ;) #ModernMrsDarcyQuiz

The Wanderlust calendar from @Obviousstate (and of course, my plush guinea pig Garner) make my workspace bearable on summer Fridays. #summerhaze #academicreading #wouldratherreadfiction

This was one of those reads where the inside flap said one thing, and the book was the opposite. Described as a 'debut thriller' about Ava Antipova's scavenger hunt after her sister's death, it was actually a heartbreaking family saga. If you like your fictional characters flawed and embroiled in slowly simmering drama, you will get lost in this atmospheric tale. 4/5 stars.

What an opening paragraph! #wow #sold
#hooklineandsinker

Insightful, hilarious and unapologetic. Scaachi Koul has such a unique perspective on matters such as race, sexism, and family. Plus, she's Canadian, so it was way too enjoyable as she described her different but yet familiar childhood in the Canadian Prairies. Recommended for those who look for memoirs with wit. 4.5 out of 5 stars. #memoir #canada #laughtilithurts #diverseread