I have been mulling over my thoughts on this book over the past couple of days, as it is a fluid family saga. The writing is beautiful and I loved reading a story where I am very familiar with the setting.

I truly enjoyed this character driven mystery set on Lewis Island in the Hebrides of Scotland. The descriptions of the landscapes and the people made this a quick and enjoyable read.

"In society, we do horrible things to one another because we don't see the person it affects. We don't see their face. We don't see them as people. Which was the whole reason the hood was built in the first place, to keep the victims of apartheid out of sight and out of mind."

"The hood has a gravitational pull. It never leaves you behind, but it also never lets you leave. Because by making the choice to leave, you're insulting the place that raised you and made you and never turned you away."

I frequently watch Trevor Noah on The Daily Show and I wanted to read this book as soon I as I heard it was being released. This book is full of humanity and discusses how policies impact a family, a child, a mother. The books is a series of essays that discuss his years growing up South Africa, from apartheid to almost present. I love his insight into how he has been shaped by these experiences, and I appreciate his honesty.

I will start with the caveat that I have not read any of Ami McKay's previous books and this is a follow up (I can't tell what I have missed). This is a very atmospheric book full of descriptions of food and aromatic smells that successfully captured my imagination. I did find plot was a bit predictable and I would have liked to have a bit more depth in the character development. All in all, it was an entertaining read and I love the cover.

I was given this book from the publisher as part of a Goodreads Giveaway. I enjoyed this novel. Throughout this series, Ferrante has delved into the complexity of female relationships (how we can be so close and yet so devastating to each other). This book has left me with a lot to ponder, including how much is based on a life story. I am looking forward to the fourth in the series.

I like this book, but I have to admit that I am not as taken with it as others are. It took me a bit to get into it. However, I do love her description of Naples in the 60s, it feels gritty and real. I also already have a copy of the third and there is something pulling me to find out what comes next in the lives of Lila and Lenu.

This is a gentle, poetic read, which means I think some will love it, and some will find it a slog. I however found it endearing and a little sad.

I am late to Tana French party, but I think I will be reading more of her books! It took me about 100 pages to get into rhythm of the book, but after that, I was hooked. The characters are flawed and make poor choices which impact the story (and make things messy like in life). I have read reviews that criticized these elements, but I truly found that it only added to the story.

A solid mystery, and just what I needed. The characters are well-developed and I am interested to see this as a TV series!

And now to wait for the 5 movies!!! Just for those who love Potter.

This slight book almost like being in a conversation with someone who is recounting their life story, where they glaze over parts and remember others with great detail. I did really like the setting of the book as I grew up in British Columbia, and the places seem familiar. The use of plot devices was a bit clunky.

A fun night with #kennethoppel! Inspired my boys!!

This is bleak and heartbreaking tale about a Maori family, struggling with the effects of colonialism. I had a difficult time with the character flaws and where the responsibility was placed, but it should be one of many books read on the subject of colonialism and indigenous peoples.

This book plods along, but truthfully I was a bit disappointed. I found the plot was slow and characters slight. It was okay.

A bleak and compelling read! Hannah Kent has masterfully woven historical facts into her novel, and I really enjoyed it.

A book about a family living a "lovely" life and putting forward a facade of niceness and sentimentality over an undercurrent of loneliness, desire and annoyance. This is a character-driven book which plods along for quite a long time. I became quite attached to Fran and Baggy.

I love the world of Harry Potter as it took me away to another world when this world became too much. This is a play and not really a Harry Potter book, as it misses many of the details that a book would have.

"Sometimes life turns out hard, Isabel. Sometimes it just bites right through you. And sometimes, just when you think it's done its worst, it comes back and takes another chunk." What a compelling read.

This was a very readable book with some satire and social commentary. A good read!

Tess works in a high-end restaurant in NYC, and it follows her through one year. Well-written and easy to fly through.

I found this book reads like the early draft that it is. It did, however, did give me insight into Harper Lee's writing process, but I am still debating whether I needed to read it.

This is a funny, light read that outlines the pros and cons of dating in the digital age - so happy I am not single. I appreciated that this was not a book about why he is such a good person/celebrity. I want to give credit that he does provide some interesting observations.

I recommend this book. In the first half, I found the characters a bit insufferable and too beautiful. However all was redeemed by the second part full of twists and turns, perfect for a summer weekend read.

This beautiful book seethes with anger. It is well written, descriptive and easy to read, but is too angry to say I love it. I am sure that I will revisit certain scenes in my mind and images for a long time - and that makes this book a pick.