3.5/5 🌟

If you're a fan of quirky characters and bizarre situations, this book might be your cup of tea. There are parts that are genuinely funny and interesting, and the writing is fabulous. However, overall, it's just strange. I would not recommend it unless you're into weird and unconventional novels.

3.5/5 🌟

The book deals with addiction and grief, and I found myself neither loving nor hating it. Some chapters were interesting and insightful, while others occasionally faltered, veering into overly sentimental and clichéd territory.

3.8/5 🌟

A fun, easy escape that doesn't demand much, just entertainment.

4.5/5 🌟

Shares a similar plot to Yellowface but surpasses it in many ways. Although it starts slow, it gains momentum and becomes a truly worthwhile read. Highly recommended to go in blind!

3.5/5 🌟

This is a light read about class, marriage, and motherhood, exploring how a desperate decision made at a young age can shape one's entire life.

4/5 🌟

This is a strange little novel about a woman obsessed with another woman in a purple skirt. We learn about the woman in the purple skirt through the eyes of our narrator, who stalks and manipulates her from afar. Although not much happens, the author does a great job creating intrigue, suspicion, and questions in the reader's mind. It's an unsettling and interesting read. The audiobook is fantastic.

Starting a new book... Let's hope it's a good one. 🤞

4/5 ?

This book is bonkers! You need to have an open mind going into it. It's absurd, funny, honest, raw, and very explicit!! It's not a book for everyone, but it kept me entertained, and there are certain things I can't unsee. Proceed with caution - it's not for the faint-hearted.

"...I'm forever wanting to know what it feels like to be other people. What were we all doing?"

3.5/5 🌟

This book is about a breakup told from two perspectives. The majority of the book is narrated from his point of view, with only the last 40 pages dedicated to her perspective. This is a shame because I absolutely loved her perspective—it was so relatable and heartfelt. If the majority of the book had been from her pov, it would have easily been a 4.5🌟 read for me.

An overrated and frustrating read. The protagonist's endless monologues about his loneliness and dreams felt repetitive and tedious. His corny and desperate demeanor made it difficult to sympathise with him or take his emotions seriously. Despite its short length, I couldn't bring myself to finish this book.

5/5 🌟

A slim, beautiful, and heartbreaking book about the lasting consequences of slavery and racism. Its short and straightforward pages tell the story of Noemi‘s life, from her birth in a shantytown where she lives with her mother. It depicts their life as workers at a nearby manor, serving a large, wealthy French family, and struggling to break out of the cycle of poverty and inequality. It is a powerful, compelling, and harrowing narrative.

4/5 ?

What begins as a light-hearted and humorous story quickly descends into a crazy roller coaster nightmare in Emmanuel Carrère's "The Moustache." The protagonist shaves his long-worn moustache, expecting playful reactions from his wife and friends, but no one acknowledges the change. This simple act puts his entire life and identity into question, illustrating the thin line between sanity and insanity. A memorable and gripping read.

A new day, a new book. 📚

4/5 ?

A book about a quiet man named William Stoner who led a very ordinary and lonely life. It seems boring but the writing is what kept me going. Glad I read it!

"Lust and learning...That‘s really all there is, isn‘t it?"

4/5 🌟

A heartbreaking tale of a family dealing with loss, and a brother's struggle to avoid becoming like his abusive and dysfunctional father.

3.5/5 🌟

This book looks into the intricate dynamics of relationships, exploring how the people we encounter shape our lives. While well-written, it may lack the excitement to sustain interest throughout. However, the final chapter offers a captivating conclusion that left me liking the book better.

5/5 🌟

This gripping and addictive book follows the journey of a 15 year old girl pressured into marriage with a much older man to help her family relocate to NYC. Young, naive, and isolated in a daunting city where she lacks language skills and support, you can't help but empathise with her and hope for her survival. It felt like I was immersed in a telenovela. I loved the audiobook, too! ❤️

5/5 🌟

Meursault's refusal to play games and straightforwardness is refreshing and hilarious. Emotionally indifferent and blunt, he defies societal expectations, viewing life as arbitrary and absurd. I love the book's exploration of these themes. Fantastic read!

3.8/5 🌟

This poignant novel examines the life of a boy whose world is shattered when his mother disappears, leaving him to be adopted by a white family and navigate a new identity. As he grapples with the trauma of his past and struggles to find his place in the world, the story offers a heartbreaking exploration of loss, identity, belonging, and much more.

3.8/5 🌟

Initially put off by yet another tale of a disaffected 20-year-old lacking motivation, I hesitated to continue. However, I'm glad I persisted because after 100 pages, the narrative gains momentum, and I became invested in her entanglement. Despite the familiar setup, the story proved to be a rewarding read overall.

3.5/5 🌟

Admittedly, I found myself skimming through the Shakespearean elements, initially unsure if I'd make it to the end. However, I'm pleased to say that I did, and I'm glad for it. Overall, my experience with the book was mixed.

Paws-ing to Share: Currently reading 'Green Dot' by Madeleine Gray. 📚

4.5/5 🌟

Set within the comforting walls of a bookstore, this quaint and heartwarming book artfully intertwines the lives of its characters as they grapple with societal pressures and personal struggles. Through the healing power of friendship, they discover solace, joy, and a newfound appreciation for mundane life. A delightful read for anyone seeking to appreciate the little things in life. ❤️

So honest & relatable!!

"But her eyes were still watering and the only way she could think to stop them was to eat until her stomach felt like it was made of stone, until she was so full she couldn‘t feel anything else."

"There were some things that you could not tell your friends. She knew that truths, once spoken, had the power to strip her of the life she had so carefully built, so smugly shared."

4/5 🌟

This book resonated with me as I followed Piglet's journey through her struggles and conflicted emotions amidst major life events, raising vital questions: Are our choices driven by personal desires or external pressures? How do we know if we've chosen wisely? Are we pursuing 'having it all' or our genuine passions? Through Piglet's story, the book thoughtfully explores self-discovery and decision-making amidst societal expectations.

5/5 🌟

Yet another masterpiece by Claire Keegan, showcasing her unmatched talent for crafting deeply moving narratives in a concise format. With every page, she effortlessly transforms ordinary moments into literary gems and conveys profound insights, reaffirming her status as a true master of short stories.

5/5 🌟

In this sequel, Selin navigates the aftermath of unrequited love with Ivan, seeking understanding and control over her life and love. Her introspective musings on aesthetic versus ethical living prompt readers to ponder existential questions. This book may not appeal to all tastes, but I totally related to it and loved the honesty, wit and humour.

4/5 🌟

Dysfunctional but entertaining. At least, it made me feel better about myself and my marriage. Read at your own peril.

Disappointed. DNF. Some parts were good but 3/4 of the way and I just couldn't keep going. A bit unrealistic. But maybe it's me, I'm the problem, maybe. 🤷‍♀️

5/5 🌟

Another classic Judy Blume book about preteen experiences. Loved it!

3.5/5 🌟

On my second try with this book, I almost gave up after 100 pages (again), but persistence paid off as the second half improved. I understand the varied opinions – it's a book that evokes different reactions. I didn't have strong feelings either way, but I'm pleased the ending clarified a few things and enhanced my opinion of the book.

Just a few pages in and I'm not feeling it. Is it worth continuing?

4/5 🌟

Molly the Maid has made a triumphant return in the sequel, and I couldn't be happier. Having loved the first book, I was thrilled to find that Molly is as lovely, meticulous, and quirky as ever. The sequel is just as entertaining, and I'm pleased to say it did not disappoint.

3.8/5 🌟

Captivating and nuanced, this slow-paced book explores human relationships and family complexities with its beautiful and intriguing prose. I enjoyed accompanying the narrator as she gradually unveils the truth behind her parents' marriage. However, the conclusion seemed rushed and abrupt, leaving a sense of dissatisfaction. Perhaps, in mirroring life, it conveys the idea that people and things often move on without much fanfare.

4.5/5 🌟

How does one move forward in life when a sister/child disappears without a trace? This book explores that question and more. It's a poignant and heartbreaking narrative delving into themes of loss, guilt, trauma, secrets and love. A truly worthy read.

"It‘s not insane to be depressed in this world. It‘s more sane than being happy."

5/5 🌟

This beautiful book explores the themes of love, loss, loyalty, and forgiveness through the lives of the four Padavano sisters. The narrative takes us on a bittersweet journey as the sisters navigate relationships, marriage, motherhood, and the challenges of betrayal and heartbreak. A charming and utterly engrossing read. A worthy read!

5/5 🌟

This book is incredibly sweet, heartwarming, and funny, transporting me back to my pre-teen years. I truly wish I had read it during my youth, which is why I bought a copy for my daughter. A must-read for all young girls.

This memoir courageously recounts a female surgeon's challenging medical journey, candidly addressing her eventual burnout fueled by a toxic workplace. It serves as an important reminder that more individuals should speak up against outrageous and unacceptable behaviors/practices in the workplace. The narrative underscores the need for systemic change; otherwise, we risk losing more passionate and talented professionals like Yumiko Kadota.

3.5/5 🌟

I found the first half more enjoyable, starting off well with the narrator's youthful voice and perspective. I appreciated the insight into the experiences of non-speaking individuals and their treatment by society. However, the mystery surrounding the dad in the second half disappointed me.

"Give me the confidence of a mediocre white man
who thinks he has the right to
a woman‘s work –
her words
and womb –
and everything else”

❤️❤️

5/5 🌟

An incredibly underrated gem! This book masterfully intertwines anger and beauty in a straight-to-the-point narrative written in verse. A powerful read that hits all the right emotional chords. Don't miss out on the audiobook either! So good!!

4/5 🌟

For me, the most striking aspect is its portrayal of the human capacity for rejection and abandonment when faced with something unfamiliar or challenging. It poignantly captures how individuals, even those closest to us, might react when someone can no longer fulfill societal expectations. This raises thought-provoking questions about empathy, societal norms, and the complexities of human relationships.

Glad to have finally read this!

3.5/5 🌟

Ending 2023 with this impassioned book centered around an actor navigating a divorce. Truth be told, I picked it up solely because it's Ethan Hawke! While some parts captured my interest, the sections focusing on the Shakespearean play were just passable for me, given my lack of interest in theater or acting. Overall, it's a decent read. The audiobook, narrated by Ethan himself, is fantastic!

Happy New Year, everyone! 🎉🥂

4.5/5 🌟

This grim and gripping story delves into the experience of being born into oppression and paints a stark and horrifying picture of the cruelty innate to humanity. It reminded me a bit of the book 'Where the Crawdads Sing'. In both narratives, the protagonists, navigating solitary lives, compel us as readers to root for their survival amidst the harshness of their worlds. The audiobook was fantastic!

3.5/5 🌟

An intriguing yet challenging exploration of a young mind wrestling with mental health and past traumas. Thought-provoking but admittedly frustrating towards the end. This is definitely not a book for everyone. 📚

3/5 🌟

The initial half captivated me with character introductions and a compelling storyline build-up. However, as the narrative progressed, I anticipated a chilling turn that never materialized. Perhaps my skepticism played a role, but I found the climax disappointing. Instead of a haunted house tale, it delved more into an individual's psychological decline, echoing the idea that it's people, not houses, that bear haunting experiences.

3.5/5 🌟

This book offers a fast-paced, engaging narrative that's more thrilling than frightening. It's an easy and entertaining read, yet, as with many books in the horror/thriller genre, it does require suspending belief to fully immerse yourself in the story.

4.5/5 🌟

A magnificent book - perfect for all bibliophiles seeking to revel in the beauty of words and reflect on how language shapes the world. ❤️

2.5/5 🌟

I was in the mood for an easy thriller and found satisfaction in this book at the beginning. However, as the story unfolded, the structure weakened, characters lacked depth, and the plot twists seemed unbelievable. This culmination of factors turned what initially held promise into a disappointing read.