5/5 🌟

Seeing this book everywhere, I finally decided to pick it up—and wow, I‘m so glad I did! A fantastic read from start to finish. A beautifully written tale of guilt, regrets, life choices, and coming to terms with the consequences of our actions. Highly recommend!

Currently enjoying 'Water' by John Boyne.

4/5 🌟

This short, intriguing and brilliantly crafted novel follows a family's grief after the brutal murder of a young girl, told through three perspectives. As the victim's sister seeks closure years later, the story reveals the impact and consequences left behind.

4/5 🌟

This novel explores womanhood and motherhood through the eyes of a woman who secretly keeps a diary. Writing late at night, she's anxious that her family might find it, feeling ashamed of her private thoughts. As she journals, she begins to question her values, family dynamics, and sense of self.

A thought-provoking and engaging read.

3.5/5 🌟

This Japanese novel is anything but cozy. It follows a young woman, pregnant out of wedlock, facing her parents' disapproval and surviving an abusive, alcoholic father. Her journey through childbirth, work struggles, and finding childcare is raw and challenging.

It started strong, but by the end, my interest had faded.

5/5 ❤️

After all these years, re-reading this series has solidified it as my all-time favourite! The characters of Elena and Lila and their intense friendship are so real, raw, and honest, making it all incredibly relatable. The writing is simply brilliant! ❤️

3.8/5 🌟

This heartwarming story about someone finding solace in a bookshop after heartbreak is comforting. The simplicity of the writing adds to its charm, especially in the first part, which I preferred. It‘s a reminder of how books can heal and bring comfort.

4/5 🌟

Another cozy, heartwarming Japanese novel with talking cats and a mystical pop-up café. Astrology plays a significant role throughout the book, and while it isn‘t usually my thing, it didn‘t detract from my enjoyment of the book. You really can‘t go wrong with warm, comforting reads like this. 📚

3.5/5 🌟

This is a straightforward and compelling retelling of his experience following an attempted murder. It's heartbreaking and shocking that he had to endure such a terrible ordeal.

'We would not be who we are today without the calamities of our yesterdays.'

3/5 🌟

A journalist seeks an exclusive interview with a woman on trial for the murder of three men. Did she commit the crime or not? I loved the premise, the writing, and the themes of gender roles and body image. However, the book was too lengthy. It would have been a much better book if it had been more concise.

2/5 🌟

Despite the intriguing plot, the execution lacked depth, leaving the book aloof and disappointingly dull, with a flat and emotionally distant main character.

Author Talks with Madeleine Gray - so excited to have a signed copy. 🥳

5/5 🌟

I couldn‘t put this book down. It tells the story of Firdaus, a woman on death row for the murder of a man. She remains silent until the day of her execution, when she recounts the harrowing and heart-wrenching experiences she endured at the hands of weak, cowardly men. This book is both savage and powerful—a truly worthy read.

4/5 🌟

This novel begins at a languid pace, mirroring the isolated life of its protagonist, a woman who seems to be merely existing rather than living. As the story unfolds, one empathises deeply with her, feeling the weight of her solitude and unspoken struggles. It is a beautifully written and compassionate book.

3.8/5 ?

Currently in a reading slump, so I‘m grateful to this book for pulling me out of it. I loved the first half, but the ending felt too neatly wrapped up.

"This story is, in short, about a monster meeting another monster. One of the monsters is me."

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 🌟

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.