At sometimes dark, sometimes light, Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood from HP movies) writes of her journey grappling with mental health issues + eating disorders, moving on to gain a role as her favorite character in HP, and her experiences as a celebrity in that regard. For being so young, she‘s lived quite an interesting life so far. Conversational + raw/genuine. Def sad, but a strong recovery is a solace. #harrypotter #memoir #autobiography

First book for #womenshistorymonth is one of my super favs — The Five: The Untold Story of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper by Hallie Rubenhold. I absolutely suggest this well researched and presented nonfic. It reads like a historical documentary you‘d hear on TV. Totally accessible to all levels of interest. Also a podcast! Great to learn about Victorian era + women‘s history in that time

Finished in one day, super quick and good read. Short chapters but still a slow building plot following a 17 year old living in Communist regime Romania in 1980s. Encompasses themes such as fear/paranoia, distrust and state control of thoughts/expression. He is blackmailed into informing, like many others, to the State. Explores these themes through the MC‘s pov and learning about the West, revolutions in EE. 4 stars from me! #historicalfiction

An imagined world after JA‘s lost memoirs are discovered in an attic. Reader learns about her love life, a romance that entices her and motivates her writing. Def not for everyone (such as purists lol), but this reminds me of a creative writing / fan fic prompt that takes some liberties. Fine enough if you like regency age romance or anything JA related. #bookreview #janeausten #romance #historicalfiction

My first #contemporaryromance in a while. Cheesy and unrealistic, but nerdy, endearing in some ways, and steamy (enough for me, someone who isn‘t a seasoned NSFW reader) read. If you‘re into grumpy tall brunette dudes who slow fall for the quirky girl, then this is your book. A bit of Big Bang Theory style dialogue mixed with Darcy Bro vibes. 3 ⭐️ from me 😂 #romance #bookreview #thelovehypothesis

My next Historical Fiction read is planned to be Atomic Love by Jennie Fields. Has anyone already read it? I haven‘t come across anyone who has yet! It came out last year from Putnam. #historicalfiction #romance #wwii #histfic #womensfiction #tbr

Happy 210th birthday to Charles Dickens, a total literary legend. This is one of my favorites by him!

I put together a list of books by and about Dickens, as well as media adaptations and touristy spots: www.instagram.com/p/CZsFXC_vNmZ/

Today on Bookstagram (IG), I posted a list of books about the Brontë family. One of the lesser known Brontë books is The Professor, a novel that Charlotte attempted to publish. However, it was rejected, and it was eventually published posthumously. There are several good research pieces about the siblings and family www.instagram.com/p/CZfL4WRvJyq

Highly recommend this historical fiction telling the important story of one of the US‘s most notable librarians, Belle da Costa Greene, who had to hide her racial identity during the early 1900s in order to work in an esteemed position. Her skills and knowledge resulted to a curated collection of amazing rare books + manuscripts. This his fic is a co-written project that tells her story. Excellent writing and genuinely interesting/educational! 💜

Happy book birthday to Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, one of my all time favorites and a 5 star classic read in my humble opinion! I really love everything about this novel — it encapsulates Austen‘s witty, clever and erudite writing AND pokes fun at social dynamics of over 100+ years ago. Yet, we still find this story relevant and poignant today. Truly a timeless classic that sparks so much enjoyment in its media + inspired art etc.

What Classic do you think encapsulates that perfect “timeless” quality? I really think TKAM is one of those books. I rate it 5 stars because it evoked so much emotion, relatability, empathy, and life lessons compacted into a well-written story that gripped me even from grade school. Class discussions on themes in TKAM were mature & heartfelt for the first time at a young age, which left a lasting impression. I loved this one!

One of my all time favorite authors wrote this amazing short read about a (mostly) true experience of having a woman live outside his London home for a few months. It also has a great movie adaptation. This is a great introduction to one of the UK‘s finest playwrights and authors, imo, and a lasting unique writing voice that is humble, relatable, entertaining, and soothing in some ways. 5 stars!!

A slow paced family drama that wasn‘t as interesting as it sounded. Mostly about compulsive liar, a guest house, crappy characters + their secrets, a unnamed body at the start of the story so you don‘t know who is dead or why til around the midway point. Good things were a few twists/reveals I was interested in (not the main ones though) and I liked the setting (Wales). Not very thrilling, but readable and will try another by this author! :)

Didn‘t enjoy this one as much as the author‘s The Burning Girls. Found this dull & wholly depressing, convoluted plot + ending made it worse. Loose plot points, not much thrill/suspense. caveat: seems to be a lot of Stephen King references. Liked dual timeline / flashback storytelling, favored the 1986 childhood timeline. Content warnings should be advised, this is packed with graphic stuff. Overall, not recommended, others by author much better.

Happy birthday to the great Jane Austen, author to several iconic contributions to #britishliterature & #classicliterature. And of course the period drama, how can anyone deny the appeal of Mr. Darcy.... :P #prideandprejudice #classics #fiction

As 2021 closes down, have you thought about your top picks for favorite reads? Also, did you happen to meet any bookish goals? There‘s still time! :P #tbr #2021 #goodreads

Not really enjoyable for me. I found this dense and a bit of a let down, a bit of a slug to get through despite being less than 100 pages. I would suggest this to fans of philosophy and writers like David Foster Wallace or Kerouac.

What are you reading this week? Anything good?

Audio & Book. Lengthy discussion of 44‘s Presidency from his POV. Not necessarily a biography, but more of a presidential memoir and extended diary/explanation of events. Audio was better than reading the highly detailed account, it helped stay focused & retain more of the writer‘s story. Lots about the Middle East, war, early to mid 2000s, etc. Volume 1 of 2. Definitely try the audio! It‘s ~23 hours 🤣 #nonfiction #politics #audiobook #history

Explores the personal experiences of the 5 living former presidents during the Trump presidency. Identifies “rules” of the former POTUS club, outlines how each Pres dealt with each. For example, post-presidential life. Includes references to historical presidencies. Asks about the legacy of Trump and if he can fit into the tradition. Overall, interesting, unique and educational. #nonfiction #politics #bookreview #ushistory #uspolitics

A 5 star read focusing on the 5 main known victims of JTR‘s Whitechapel murders. Author combines a strong research skill and accessible academic voice to present the perceived stories of these women‘s lives. Combines historical, political, and social contexts to help better understand their circumstances and the impact/aftermath of the murders. Very interesting and informative.

Captivating, engrossing and a quick read, but inspires feelings of discomfort and frustration. If you grit your teeth through scenes of frustrating parenting, marital problems, bad decisions, etc., this one has done its job. Lesbian/queer MCs. 3.5 stars. Finished in one day, a quick read with skilled prose. Mostly character driven rather than plot. #queer #lesbian #fiction #bookreview

I listened to the audio version of this book by Jeopardy host Alex Trebek (RIP) and narrated primarily by contestant Ken Jennings. It was an interesting collection of stories. The ones which have had a lasting impact on me were the short excerpts narrated by Trebek. It was haunting & depressing, but at the same time inspirational and humbling. A great, albeit short, listen. Not all about the show. Read like a end of life convo. #audiobook #memoir

Anyone like any of the classics? I love Jane Austen in particular ☺️ #janeausten #classicliterature #literature #bookstack #sherlockholmes

Highly informative book which features 4 pioneering women in TV media as identified by the author. Each has a unique experience which IMO symbolizes a certain figure in media, such as the soap opera/daytime star, politics/opinionated figures, those who circumvent societal norms (gender, race, religion, marriage/singles etc). Research in pop culture / history to convey interesting themes & tell the stories of women behind the screen. #nonfiction

Two books approaching similar themes of Poverty and Social Class in modern Britain in different ways, yet it‘s interesting to see overlap in experiences despite different gender, countries of origin, age, backgrounds etc. Both cover highly relevant topics emerging from socioeconomic cleavages in society. Book 1 is a bit NSFW/pg-13 memoir/convo about her life and book 2 more of a flowing essay of narrative political/social commentary

I loved the audiobook 10x more than just the book alone. Features tons of cameos & celebrity guests. Loads of stories about Rogen‘s experiences. Probably need to be a fan or interested in his POV to get anything from it. If this is you, then I highly suggest it! #audiobook #ebook #humor #essays #memoir #biography #celebrity #bookreview #audiobooks

An illustrated highlight reel of more than 100 women in rap who have helped shape the genre and eschewed gender norms in the process. The format of this book follows a layout of modern graphics, charts, infographics, and thematic chapters dedicated to a specific artist. A few pages are dedicated to each and respective contributions, obstacles faced, or unique characteristics. Recommended for music nerds and rap music fans. More on IG.

An illustrated highlight reel of more than 100 women in rap who have helped shape the genre and eschewed gender norms in the process. The format of this book follows a layout of modern graphics, charts, infographics, and thematic chapters dedicated to a specific artist. A few pages are dedicated to each and respective contributions, obstacles faced, or unique characteristics. Recommended for music nerds and rap music fans. More on IG.

This is what I hope to read during the summer at the very least! I want to also add some audiobooks and more nonfiction (I usually get from the lib). Also, I wanted to thank everyone for welcoming to this app. I love it! #summerreading #summertbr #tbr #tbrpile #tbrstack

I tried the cucumber sandwich recipe and it was good! This is packed with beautiful photography and inspiration for 1) tea parties; 2) get togethers; 3) or just themed parties. Emphasis on the English style finger foods/small desserts and simple dishes. Some full entries, meat based. A collection that is loosely themed around the TV show, but mostly reflects English tea time recipes you would expect! #cookbook #bridgerton #cooking #baking

A slow building domestic drama surrounding a family with secrets and deceit; centered on the mom‘s diagnosis with terminal cancer, she believes she‘s been poisoned. 6 weeks to uncover the truth. Boring in some parts, depressing in mostly all. End is anticlimactic but very depressing. Audio is OK. CW: cancer, terminal illness, divorce/cheating, mental illness. #thriller #suspense #mystery #domesticthriller #fiction #newbooks #audiobook

Audiobook: Interesting and unique POV as the author is a direct descendant of Wells. Draws correlations between civil rights movement of Wells day and today‘s BLM etc. Relatively short but does the job. Somewhat disjointed in logical flow, but I think all in all a good read. #audiobook #diversereads #history #africanamericanhistory #americanhistory #nonfiction

A modern day NI/IRA drama. I didn‘t find it thrilling until the very end, but even still was slightly anticlimactic. Otherwise, I enjoyed the development of the MC‘s inner thoughts re: parenthood and family in light of the IRA/internal affairs of her surrounding area. Looming terrorism and potential danger are the tension building elements in this one. A decent read, albeit with some bits being a tad rushed to conclude. #fiction #reesesbookclub

Highly recommend this biographical account of classic British author Jane Austen‘s life. Bio seeks to fill in historical gaps in the amount of Austen‘s life, particularly focusing on some influential events that may have shaped her writing. Great read for all ranges of interest and prior knowledge in #JaneAusten. #biography #nonfiction #classicliterature #historical #britishliterature

Audiobook‘s narration was clear and engaging. The book is about a middle aged woman diagnosed with terminal cancer who thinks someone poisoned her. Secrets and lies follow twists within the domestic family - a narcissist cheating husband/dad, adult triplets, Jennifer the sick wife/mom, and Bea the grandma. Multiple POV. Slow when it mattered (why i knocked points). Audio is worth trying. 3/5 stars #thriller #suspense #audiobook

Quirky, fun but some seriously killer content — LOL — that makes this one a read you need to 1) be in the mood for and 2) approach with a sense of humor or suspension of reality for a bit. MC is a mess, accidentally gets into murder for hire situation.

Definitely something you can read as you please, but can be finished quickly. Will have a follow up coming out. #mystery #fiction #contemporary #goodreads #popularfiction #botm

A gripping and psychologically suspenseful novel by a popular author who utilized the dual POV/timeline storytelling method effectively. What stands out to me was the use of language and art references. Author has The Maidens with similar influences coming soon. #thriller #suspense #fiction #psychologicalsuspense #goodreads

The analysis of the English fixation on crime, especially #murder, as a form of entertainment is coupled with discussion of successful writers and artists of the time, and real examples of crimes which were influential in literature and popular culture, as well as the development of police work. Came with a TV series. A bit scattered but thematically interesting and Worsley is an accessible and intelligent historian #crime #history #nonfiction

Story of an apocalyptic cult and the survivor. Narrative style shows the talent of the author, but sometimes I found the switching timeline/POV elements hard to follow. I didn‘t find this suspenseful or thrilling, more interesting and dark. It‘s slow paced and the ending was a bit less than desired but I would suggest it as a #dark, #emotional, and sad read for fans of reads ft psychology, cults, abnormal settings/plots etc 3/5 #thriller #suspense

I enjoyed the setting and realistic characterization of a young woman grappling with self-destructive behaviors and unresolved trauma. For me, MC is not likeable but uncomfortably relatable. The raw nature of Queenie‘s decisions and circumstances are realistic and resonate with me and I imagine many readers of similar age of MC or older. A good read that‘s quick but packs a punch. #DiverseReads #ContemporaryFiction

First post!

TLDR: I hardly ever give out 5 stars, but this book was exciting, engaging, and actually thrilling. For the first time in a really long time, I felt that “I can‘t wait to get home to read that book!” feeling. The writing is modern, intelligent, and even at some points quite scary. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend. Longer review on blog/IG. #thriller #suspense #horror #cjtudor #thrillerbooks