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 delves into 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.

I wasn't going to read this but I guess I will now!

When you start a book you know nothing about, and now you can't sleep! 😊

#hooked

3.6/5 🌟

Not suited for serious-minded individuals seeking intricate plotlines or deeply developed (likeable) characters. However, it kept me entertained and provided moments of comedy amidst its portrayal of a millennial navigating a divorce.

3.5/5 🌟

The first part of the book had a distinct YA fiction vibe, which I found less enjoyable. However, I'm pleased I continued, as the second half significantly improved.

3.5/5 🌟

A fictional tale centered around Tarare, a historical figure known for his insatiable appetite, was quite engaging in its first half as it delved into his childhood. However, the second half of the book became overly political for my taste, causing the storyline to lose momentum. I occasionally found myself zoning out and having to backtrack, making it an overall okay read.

Currently reading 📚🍖🍔

4/5 🌟

Mieko Kawakami is undoubtedly my favourite Japanese author. I adore her writing style and her unique perspective on various themes. In 'Heaven,' she delves into the question of bullying and suffering. It offers a distinctive outlook on bullying, from both the perpetrator's and the victim's perspectives.

❤️ Tracey Lien

5/5 🌟

The story revolves around a teenage boy who falls victim to a violent murder, and his sister, Ky, embarks on a relentless quest to uncover the truth behind this senseless tragedy. The narrative delves into the themes of generational trauma, loss, identity, belonging, and the struggle to survive in a culture and country that often vilify you. It's astonishing to think that this is Tracey Lien's debut novel. I'm truly amazed and in awe.

5/5 ?

Not many authors can write children's voices well but Mieko Kawakami is an exception. I loved this novella and I love this author. This is such a sweet and heart-warming book.

"I've already had to deal with the hardest thing in the world. You know what that was? It was to try to meet someone who's already disappeared."

Nope. Not for me. The audiobook made me dislike the book even more. Terrible narration. It's so hard to find authors that can write children's voices well. The dialogue was so cringy. I gave up after chapter 4.

4.5/5 🌟

An interesting and fabulous book about womanhood and motherhood, featuring a number of intriguing characters and diverse points of view. It illustrates that in life, there is no absolute right or wrong; rather, there exists a multitude of perspectives.

Nope. Not for me.The first chapter had me hooked but after that the writing and storyline took a nose dive. 😔

3.5/5 🌟

The first third of the book was great and had me hooked from the beginning. However, it became monotonous, and my interest wavered as I progressed.

4.5/5 🌟

A great page turner about a female serial killer seeking revenge on terrible, vile men. If you like Dexter, you'll like this book.

What would I do without my local public library? ❤️📚 #libraryhaul

It's always exciting when I find a book that my reluctant reader enjoys. 🥳📚

I decided to re-read this book and I'm very glad I did because I enjoyed it much better the 2nd time around. ☕📚

5/5 🌟

Wow!!! An interesting and sad book that will forever be etched in my mind. 💕