⭐️⭐️⭐️
It took me a long time to finish this book, despite the fascinating premise. The first 2/3 of the book are dry, repetitive, and are just a retelling of Rosenhan‘s study. The last 1/3 or so picked up the pace and it evolved into more of an exposé. I wish there was more information on other problematic studies, as well as their effects on the field. I only recommend this book to those concerned with the issues in modern mental health fields.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This novel weaves together two storylines that at first glance appear unrelated. As the stories progress, it all converges in a denouement that is satisfying and heartwarming. My only critiques are that it was very slow until the last third, so it was difficult to get invested; and the frequent foreshadowing made it fairly predictable. Overall, I enjoyed this book and recommend it for those looking for a feel-good novel.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story was painstakingly researched and beautifully woven in the way that makes the reader miss it all when it‘s over. I don‘t want to say too much because I don‘t want to spoil it, but wow...I didn‘t want to put it down. The characters were deep and dynamic. The story was suspenseful and heartbreaking. I could picture the French scenery as the story moved smoothly along. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In 2021, I‘m endeavoring to read all of CS Lewis‘ works in chronological order. I honestly did not know what to expect since this predates his dramatic conversion. These poems were so moving! They are clearly a window into his tormented soul as he sought to reconcile the idea of a just, loving God with the horrors of WWI. This book was a wonderful way to launch my exploration into Lewis‘ mind and heart. I recommend this book.

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This book was exactly the lighthearted, easy-to-read book I needed to transition into 2021. It‘s a goofy, over-the-top romp that mocks the Pinterest-perfect lives we think we‘re supposed to have. I recently saw a meme that said “the term domestic housewife implies there‘s such thing as a feral housewife...” That perfectly describes the character of Holly Banks: feral but lovably relatable, a la Lucy Ricardo. And I‘m here for it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

This one took me an inordinate amount of time to finish because I just couldn‘t get into it. It had some poignant moments, but overall it fell flat for me. I didn‘t connect with any of the characters, who were mostly underdeveloped and static. The ending lacked closure and felt rushed. I wish there had been more exploration of music therapy. There were some good points, but I was fairly disappointed and wouldn‘t really recommend it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was dark, heavy, & sad. It was like when you need to yawn but you can‘t quite get a deep enough breath. The ending felt unsatisfactory, the plot never really went anywhere interesting or unpredictable, and the characters weren‘t very likable. It was well written and had some poignant insights into the lives of minorities in the ‘70s. It was also a quick read. Overall, I don‘t recommend this book simply because I didn‘t enjoy it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book will be on my mind for a long time. The writing is probing and emotional, while not overdramatic or sappy. The author does a wonderful job of showing how this love story points unquestionably to the grace and mercy of a loving and personal God. This book is painstakingly researched, beautifully written, and thoughtfully edited. I don‘t normally enjoy love stories, but I loved this one. I recommend this book.

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I‘ve always loved Shakespeare, but I was unsure about this book as we really know so little about his private life. I was pleasantly surprised! Hamnet‘s death is truly heartbreaking, although the idea of switching places in death was a bit over the top to me. Overall, it‘s beautifully written, historically accurate, and paints a vivid picture of his world. I recommend this imagining of the Bard and his cast of real-life characters.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book seems to be very loosely based on the real-life story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard. The book felt dark, heavy, and disturbing. The chapters switch perspectives, which is confusing at times because Rose Gold‘s perspective is from the years leading up to the present; Patty‘s is present tense. Most of the “twists” were predictable. Overall this book was well written but only so-so for me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I struggle to review memoirs, but I‘ll say this: Megan‘s voice is powerful, and not just because she found the courage to leave. Her prose is captivating and challenging at the same time. Her story is not only that of an escaped prisoner, but also of a humble champion. I love that she‘s built her own life with people who obviously make her feel safe and loved. I hope to hear more from her and recommend this book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a very short but convicting read. It‘s also incredibly timely (purposely so, I believe). This has been an election year like none other with even the Christian church funding itself torn apart in places by butter politics. I‘m sad this book is necessary, but grateful someone had the courage and compassion to speak the truth. I recommend this book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I‘m now rather fond of Inspector Gamache and his band of Sureté investigators. The whole time I was reading this book I heard it in a voice that I couldn‘t quite put my finger on until Inspector Gamache sat on a bench to watch the sunrise. It was Tom Hanks. ? The plot is intriguing, quaint, funny, and surprising. It was a fun mystery that had me chuckling and guessing until the end. I‘ll definitely be reading more of this series!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I will be reading this book every single year we choose to homeschool. This book was so perfectly short and yet densely packed with biblical truths. I needed Sarah‘s wisdom and insights, and I appreciated her honesty. I even joined her Read Aloud Revival program. If you‘re considering homeschooling, or if you‘re a seasoned veteran, this book will soothe your soul and bolster your strength. I definitely recommend this book!

A victim of sexual assault will relive their trauma through so many unpredictable ways and mundane interactions. Miller describes these thoughts and emotions in ways that may help fellow survivors feel heard and understood, as well as helping those on the outside understand what it‘s like to be at the epicenter. If you can‘t read the book, at least read her statement. There are so many lessons we need to learn here. Please take the time to listen.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the most encouraging book I‘ve read on being a homeschool mom. I plan to read it every single year for as long as we plan to homeschool. This will be one of those books that will end up highlighted, annotated, with curled corners and a reinforced cover. It‘s full of scripture, quotes, detailed references, and encouraging personal anecdotes. If you‘re new to homeschooling or even if you‘re already a veteran, read this book.

⭐️
This book is supposedly audacious but respectful. Yet it references heresy such as a female spirit of God, a woman nemesis for God (it‘s even hinted she was God‘s lover...??), and the main character lusts after Jesus and eventually marries him. Nope. So many lies, too much liberty taken, I can‘t stomach this nonsense. I do NOT recommend this book AT ALL.

⭐️
I got 25% of the way through and this book did nothing to grab me at all. I think I‘m figuring out that this version of fiction—the attempt to throw a bunch of modern liberal agendas into one storyline and normalize them all at the same time—is definitely one of the reasons I‘m not a huge fan of contemporary fiction. This book is not engaging and is poorly written. Maybe I‘ll try to get through the rest of it again sometime. Probably not.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a sweet book! It was pretty slow and whimsical. I loved how the author used Austen‘s brilliant classics to bring together an unlikely group of people. Each person carries heavy burdens of grief and trauma, but they all find healing in books. I appreciated the author introducing a twist that made me think I knew the end, only to twist the twist! I found this book to be sweetly reminiscent of Austen‘s own writing. I recommend it!

“At the end of the day, God‘s abundantly more is always found in our relationship with Him and how our lives can bring Him glory...Nothing will put you on the fast track to bravery quite like acknowledging who you are versus who God is. That kind of truthful assessment will give you the proper perspective of your calling, no matter how difficult the task might seem...Brave shifts the confidence to God and fully embraces His ability to do it right.

⭐️
I forced myself to finish this book because I kept thinking something was going to happen. It never did. The characters are shallow and uninteresting. The plot is meandering and uneventful. There didn‘t seem to be a point to any of it. Maybe that was the point? Is the author trying to say life is pointless? Add to that the regular drug usage and I don‘t recommend this book at all. I just didn‘t like anything about it. Blah.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was a breath of fresh air. It is the perfect little tome to start setting your world back on its proper axis. What will our “new normal” be when everything calms down, or will things ever really feel “normal” again? Either way, Morgan has provided experiential wisdom, tips, and tricks for living out hospitality. As an “Includer,” I appreciated the discussions of relationships and building communities. I recommend this book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed this book, but not nearly as much as Child Finder. While CF was a dance between delicate innocence and consuming darkness, this book was a lot more raw and gritty. It lacked the creative beauty and intrigue of the first one. I will keep my fingers crossed for more from this author and Naomi. I recommend this book for those who wish to continue following the series. There is profanity and discussions of sexual assault and murder.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (ARC: Netgalley)
I loved the premise of this book and enjoyed how much I learned about books! But it had the sense of building frantically and then suddenly sputtering out at the end. The ending was unsatisfactory. In fact, I hated the ending. Overall, I wouldn‘t go out of my way to recommend it. It was more Nancy Drew than Dupin in the end, but I prefer Dupin, Holmes, Poirot, or even Miss Marple over this group. This one was “meh.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mrs. Majumdar portrays her culture with courage, candor, and profound respect. The storyline, although predictable, is moving. However, while I felt compassion for the character “Lovely,” I did not appreciate the subtle attempt at normalizing gender dysphoria. This is the primary reason for the downgrade. While it is poignant and well-written, I do not recommend this book. The mature content is inappropriate for teens and below.

“General Jackson and his multiethnic, multigenerational army made up of people from every American social class and occupation had come together to do what Napoleon had failed to do: destroy the finest fighting force in the world.” These are the stories today‘s American youth need to read—stories of unwavering courage, patriotism, and devotion. The USA is but a shadow of the nation men like Jackson fought so hard to build and preserve.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story has a little of everything, and the cast of characters is stunning: Jackson, Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, even pirates! Kids should be reading these accounts so they don‘t believe the revisionist drivel they‘re fed in the public forum. I hope that such well-researched and powerfully written accounts will help instill in my kids a love for their country and what it is meant to be. I love this book and highly recommend it!

⭐️⭐️
I barely slogged my way through this book. The characters were boring boilerplates, the storyline was annoying to try to follow, and the author‘s not-so-subtle agendas were irritating. The book was superficial and vapid at times, with a few tiny, bright moments. I gave it two stars because I could see the author is a talented writer and that perhaps this just isn‘t her best work. I don‘t recommend this book. It‘s just...blah.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
I liked this book. There are definitely twists that I didn‘t expect and that didn‘t make me groan. For being the first in a series supposedly about a female “Detective D.D. Warren,” she plays a very small, almost inconsequential role in this book. I haven‘t decided yet if I‘ll read more books by this author. Overall this book was entertaining and I‘d recommend with some warnings for language and sexual content.

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I adored this book. It was full of quintessentially British charm, whimsy, and wit. I have been to the Tower on several occasions; we always loved visiting there and hearing all the stories. I enjoyed the equally entertaining little world of the London Underground Lost Property Office. I also enjoyed how the author peppered historical facts and lore throughout the book. I definitely recommend this book.

⭐️⭐️
This book was...ok. For starters, it felt like it jumped right in, but in actuality the overall story is painfully slow. The writing was ok, but I had the ending figured out about 2/3 of the way through. The language was too explicit for my taste. I was honestly glad to be done and will be passing it on via Goodwill. I don‘t recommend this book unless you were fascinated with Donnie Darko (I hated it) and really love fast, easy mysteries.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book‘s laugh-out-loud humor juxtaposed with the vulgarity of Nicodemus Dyzma‘s innermost thoughts paints a wonderfully human portrait. The ending, although abrupt, is perfection. I downgraded this text due to a scene of implied sexual assault, occasional explicit language, and there are 2 peyote-driven occult-ish scenes. I honestly think this book could find its way to being an international classic. I recommend it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

I enjoyed this book overall, but...this book was a little too Hallmark-Movie-Channel for me. I found it almost entirely predictable, it occasionally got confusing bouncing between three different narrators, and the storyline was a little tired. The characters were fun though, and relatable. There were a couple of parts that were really touching. All in all I'd say this was a fun, easy, quick read that makes a great brain-break.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This audio book was even better than expected! I love the storied friendship of Lewis and Tolkien. Neither author would have penned their most beloved books without their friendship. I had no idea how much the war had effected both men. Their tremendous losses and sacrifices haunted them and it‘s evident in their writing. I will be rereading both authors soon in light of these revelations. I highly recommend this book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was short and sweet. I overthink everything, so I appreciated the concept and approach she took to the issue. I really wanted there to be scripture references and biblical tie-ins for her advice, but I always love Anne Bogel‘s warm, friendly voice. I recommend this book. Don‘t overthink it, just read it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love Lisa See‘s novels because I learn so much. They feel thoroughly but lovingly researched, and reverently presented. I liked The Island of Sea Women better, but this one was really good too. I wish I knew a little more about the daughter, but I understand that would‘ve made the book intolerably long. This is more the story of a mother trying to find her daughter, and it‘s poignantly written as such. I recommend this book.

This mystery was so much fun! The concept was unique, the clues revealed only as the narrator discovers so you feel you‘re solving it with him. The characters didn‘t have a ton of depth, and there were a couple red herrings that I honestly thought could‘ve been left out and the story would‘ve been just as good (and shorter!). Otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to fans of traditional whodunnits.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

OOF. 21+ hours of cringes and what-the-hecks and rewinding to listen again. Tim Weiner spent years combing through declassified documents and interviewing key personalities. I definitely recommend this book. It‘s well-written, witty at times, incredibly thoroughly researched, and engaging. The narrator had the most wonderful voice. Just know that it might just put some tarnish on the shiny reputation of American intelligence...

⭐️⭐️⭐️
There were lots of practical ideas and good science in here. For me, however, it was missing one critical component—God. The book itself was well-written in a way that could easily lend itself to conversations with kids. The cartoons were cute and helpful, although at times a bit cheesy. I really like the “SIFT” method too. There‘s a lot of good info here, just “chew and spit” when necessary. I would recommend this book with some caveats.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is incredible. It‘s well-researched, beautifully written, and emotionally captivating. I was sucked in from the very beginning, when Kya is completely abandoned in the isolated marshes of the South Carolina coastline. The cast of characters are dynamic and well-developed. The final two twists were both expected and astonishing. I loved this book. Even the ending was satisfactory. I would recommend this book in a heartbeat.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Although I found the plot of this book rather predictable, I also thought it was a really fun way to add depth to the characters. Flavia is, after all, almost 12 now. This book also tied up some loose ends while allowing the characters to move on with their lives. I can‘t wait to tag along with Flavia as she heads “to the colonies” and finds new adventures with new characters and friends.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was such a sweet book! I loved the guided prayers and Brooke McGlothlin‘s tone was that of a dear friend giving loving advice. The only criticism I had was that I wish there was a little more meat to each of the chapters. The topics and verses were so perfect—I just wanted a little more discussion. But like she says up front, it‘s not a parenting book per se. I recommend this book to all those helping raise little boys.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Why do I think? What is consciousness? How does God factor in? Sharon Dirckx does a phenomenal job of exploring human consciousness. Her writing is scholarly yet easily understandable. She is an expert in the human brain having spent decades studying it, so she is both credible and passionate. If you‘re even a bit curious about God, please read this book. Everyone should read this book. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Flavia de Luce never fails to entertain. The “big twist” in this one was something I‘ve predicted from the very first book, but I still enjoyed it. The characters are fun, the plot was engaging, and I learned a few more fun facts (as one always does with Flavia, chemist extraordinaire), including how to make the perfect hard-boiled egg. Overall, this was an enjoyable, quick read that I‘d recommend, especially for the tween/YA crowds.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is beautiful. The lilting prose is almost lyrical. The emotions are palpable and the little bird is almost tangible. I have read many books about the Holocaust and the years that followed, but this book stands alone. I don‘t want to say much more for risk of ruining some aspect of the story. Just read it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is very well written. There are surprises throughout that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The book honestly leaves so much up to interpretation, as though the readers are the real jury. I really enjoyed this book, but had to downgrade it for language (numerous f-bombs) and a few subtle agendas with which I don‘t agree. It‘s still a good book overall and I would recommend it with those warnings.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another delightful work of fiction! I don‘t usually enjoy fiction, but lately I‘ve stumbled across some true gems. I adore Ove. He‘s ornery and stingy and concrete and utterly lovable. This book was so fun to read. I laughed my way through so many chapters, and cried through a few as well. I will definitely be seeking out this author again, and I know I‘ll return to this book again in the future. Highly recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

God is still in control.

Where is God then? How can He allow such horrible things? Where is God when millions lay dying of untreatable diseases and famine and starvation and earthquakes and floods and killer hornets?! This book scratches the surface in answering those questions. If you‘re struggling with such questions, START HERE. Then dig deeper. I think you‘ll find that God has been there all along and in ways you never thought.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This has become one of my all-time favorite works of fiction. It‘s well-researched, beautifully written, emotionally engaging, and absolutely delightful. This is one of the very few works of fiction that I suspect I will return to over the years and enjoy anew each time. I‘d never had the experience where you yearn for the book to continue so you can linger in that world just a little bit longer. Until now. I miss the Count, truly I do.

Here‘s the thing...on Goodreads I gave this 3⭐️, and I stand by that. BUT that‘s because if I‘m fair, I‘m not the target audience. I didn‘t take much away from this (although I loved her discussion of plankton), but I can see how a teenage girl would find this empowering. It‘s fun and biblically sound. Impressive for such a young writer. Recommend for YA audiences.