Can I drop everything and become a zoologist? I think I found my new passion! This book gripped me from start to finish. I‘m left in a state of awe and shock about the animal kingdom. I had never thought about the deep entrenchment of society and culture into the scientific method…how it impacts the questions we think to ask, what we‘re able to see, and the answers we‘re willing to accept. My mind is cracked wide open in the most wonderful way.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I wish I could download this book to my brain! Brené offered a nuance to emotions that I didn‘t know I desperately needed to make sense of literally almost anything one can experience. I saw so much of myself and people I know in the emotions. I feel as one should feel after a mind-expanding book: more connected to humanity and left with more to learn.

There is something rage-inspiring about adrenaline-pumping about being reminded of the injustices inherent in being female that we all sort of accept. Our value tied to our youth, reproductive viability, and quiet compliance. How what we are valued and encouraged to be makes us easy prey for tireless hunters. The Change is a reality check and an empowering note on the sacredness of womanhood.

Winstead is so versatile! Her move from a dark thriller to romance was unexpected but entertaining and well-executed. I know when I pick up one of her books that I won't feel disappointed. In My Dreams I Hold a Knife was my favorite read of 2021, I prefer her psychological acuity in the thriller realm, but her romance was also shrewdly smart and enjoyable.

Who knew we all needed a Halloween romance in our lives!? This was so much fun, I loved reading it all in October to really get into a festive spirit. This is a pick for those who love all of the magic and beauty of Halloween without the scaries!

What sheer entertainment! I loved getting in touch with my inner vengeful, sinister side through this nonstop academic thriller. It was the perfect read for late-September into October. I‘m left with the musing: what punishment would I see fit for that irritating behavior? What a dark, guilty-pleasure daydream ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

I wasn‘t excited by the overall approach that BOTM took to October‘s picks (give us more seasonal spooky and cozy fall feels!?) but I‘m going to go outside of my typical genre choices with this fun one! At least The Ex Hex is brimming with delicious Halloween energy 🎃 #BOTM

Not totally what I expected but I definitely think about our relationship to plants and nature differently than I had before! I feel more open and curious about natural drugs rather than judgmental or fearful. My favorite thought to mull over was the notion that we can learn a lot about what a culture values based on what plants they celebrate or prohibit. Worth a read or listen!

It‘s hard to put my finger on what makes Donna Tartt so masterful, but my goodness she IS. She held my attention for all 32.5 hrs of this audiobook, which was beautifully narrated. It is exquisite how the story allows the reader to understand Theo‘s life and perspective through pure illustration and symbolism. I usually like books with sharp, clever insights but Tartt patiently paints a masterpiece, much like the Goldfinch itself ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

3.5 ⭐️ I struggled through the first half! I knew the main character was flawed based on her trauma, but she felt unlikeable and nonsensical. I also wasn‘t feeling the wolf magic like I hoped! The last third of the book redeemed itself to me and the ending was tenderly interwoven in a way the surprisingly made me cry, multiple times! Ultimately a beautiful, touching story even if it took me awhile to get there.

I was intrigued by the concept of this book! Drawing inspiration from Greek Mythology to create modern day characters and explore the havoc they wreak. There were some thought-provoking hidden gems in this book that I really enjoyed; deep, insightful lines. Overall I found the pace to be slow, the premise to be disturbing (but still uninteresting somehow) and an ending that tied up loose ends a little too neatly.

Woohoo, what a way to start the week! I‘m behind on my August reading since it has been my first month back to work from maternity leave..but it‘s not stopping me from getting two for September! I love a good memoir and Beautiful Country looks intriguing. I am fascinated by immigrant perspectives on American culture. Plus I had to get the Rooney! Love that both books this month have “Beautiful” as the first word in each title ✨ #BOTM

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I am hungover! There are so many elements that combine to make this an outstanding novel. The badass, testosterone-pumping energy paired with rich, poetic prose and characters that felt so real I could touch them. Ah, I loved it, would love to see it as a series. The last sentence was masterful — chef‘s kiss!

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I wish I could deliver this book to my 25-year-old withered, cranky soul! Every chapter resonated deeply for me. While the premise of the book focuses on moods experienced by women, I would wager that it especially speaks to highly introverted women. Adding this one to the list of books that I‘ll give my daughters when they are older to protect their inner peace and be in tune with themselves! I‘ll be referring back to it myself.

Ok, it‘s time that I stop being a ghost on litsy and actually join in! August #BOTM picks are a great place to start! It‘s my birthday month and I‘m really excited about my choices 🎉. Once There Were Wolves in its buttery neutral aesthetic and theme of our connection to nature is right up my alley. I‘m also a dog mom to two huskies! Have you ever felt like a book just captures your essence? I can‘t wait to get lost in it!