3.5⭐️ I ❤️ the creepy atmosphere, the odd characters (Callie has some disturbing habits!), & Callie's dysfunctional relationship with her more alluring twin sister. 1st-person perspective + a character with a fixation can be a little exhausting for me though! I enjoyed the overall quality and atmosphere of White Bodies, so I recommend giving it a shot if you don‘t have the same issues with being trapped in an obsessive character‘s mind as I do.

3.5 ⭐️. Ten short stories by Iraqi writers envisioning Iraq 100 years after the US-led invasion. I love short speculative fiction, but I was mostly interested in this book because I have a huge blind spot in my knowledge about Iraq. Everything I've read about Iraq has been from the viewpoint of the American military or Western journalists! These futuristic tales provide insight into Iraq's present-day situation from a much-needed perspective.

3⭐️ Lily has never been open about her past. In fact, she denies she was ever in an internment camp during WW2. Several decades later Lily is missing & her daughter Rita must dig deep into her family's past to find her. She discovers there's much more to Lily's story—and consequently, her own. Is it better to forget or does remembering make us whole? After the Bloom is about the things we do to survive and the things we do to live with ourselves.

4?! Sometimes love just isn't enough. An emotional story about the disintegration of a relationship during a time of political turmoil. The shame of not being "enough" according to societal expectations can drive people to great lengths to hide their deficiencies. Old lies give birth to new ones. Through the many twists & turns in this story, Yejide and Akin suffer a neverending series of setbacks. How many lies and secrets can a marriage endure?

3.5 ?! The three protagonists are centuries apart, but their lives are all linked by the fate of the bees. The author draws "connections between the small and the large, between the power of creation and creation itself." Every living thing in this book is "fighting the ordinary, daily struggle" for their descendants and survival. The main characters will never know each other, but together they have a major impact on mankind's destiny.

3.5 ?. "You don't stop being a real person just because you aren't in a real place.” Three astronauts embark on a simulated journey to Mars. This character-driven novel explores the nature of self and our relationships with each other. To some extent, all the characters live in simulated environments. One doesn't have to travel to space to experience the unknown. The most unexamined territory is not within the simulation, but within themselves.

4 ⭐️! A thought-proving story about belonging, identity, and what it means to be a family. These flawed characters make awful choices and even made me angry sometimes, but I could understand how they evolved into the people they were and how they were able to rationalize their choices. The characters fool themselves to protect a life they've grown accustomed to, but they can never completely escape the problems they're running from.

4🌟! Ken Holmes's career at the coroner‘s office spanned nearly 40 years. This book highlights the most memorable cases of his career, as well as the lessons he learned along the way. Real life truly is stranger than fiction! I side-eyed a few of the conclusions made, but for the most part, it's a fascinating look at a long and varied career. Holmes's insistence on getting answers for the families made this a compelling read. It's a page-turner!

How does something horrific become an accepted part of a society? A captivating tale described as "Never Let Me Go meets The Giver." It's an interesting exploration into the way cults operate and their methods of indoctrination. The subjugated are trained to assist in their own subjugation from a very young age and there's no room for dissent. Some of the content is disturbing but not graphic. Controversial issue is spoiler-tagged in comments.

A short, evocative memoir. At 34, Irish filmmaker Simon Fitzmaurice was diagnosed with ALS. His doctors began to counsel him on his end-of-life options when the disease took away his ability to breathe on his own, but Simon knew it wasn't his time to go. Surrounded by the love of his family and friends, there was so much to live for. It may not be the life he would have imagined for himself, but it's still a life.

Almost everyone knows Kevin Hart's name by now, but that wasn't always the case. This is the story of how he became an "overnight success that was only 16 years in the making"–from a shoe salesman whose biggest dream was to become a Nike rep to a world-famous comedian–& the valuable lessons he learned along the way. A reminder that what looks like a series of constant successes from a distance is actually a never-ending emotional roller coaster!

3.5 Stars. A Final Girl's life ten years after being the lone survivor of a massacre. I still don't love first-person narratives with an MC that has amnesia, but I had a hard time putting this book down. I only set it down once because I couldn't put off sleep any longer! I really liked the atmosphere, especially in the flashback scenes. This book is a good choice if you're looking for an all-consuming weekend read.

It's Career Day at Guadalupe Middle School.The day is dedicated to helping the students see their future potential, but not everyone attending sees a future for themselves. This story alternates between the perspectives of 12 characters. As all these characters from diverse backgrounds are brought together, they set each other on unexpected paths. By the end, I didn't feel rewarded for getting invested in each character's unique story.

5 🌟! Summer 2006: 12 U.S. soldiers were tasked with guarding former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein as he sat on trial. Saddam is responsible for unspeakable crimes against humanity, but that's not the version of the man the U.S. guards met. They met a man stripped of his power and possessions. A glimpse into the surreal assignment of guarding an infamous dictator & the emotional complexity of leading someone you‘ve bonded with to their death.

3.5/5 ⭐ Beautifully written story about family bonds, redemption, & time. Because of his criminal past, Hawley has left a trail of destruction & a number of loose ends behind him. The past isn't done with him yet. His daughter Loo is trying to piece together their past, so she can make sense of their present and find a way to forge her own future. Interesting story, unique characters, & distinctive setting, but I had trouble staying engaged.

1950s: Sen. McCarthy began his relentless search for communist spies within the US Government. This well-researched book shatters the notion that Pres. Eisenhower sat idly by while McCarthy wreaked havoc on American institutions. He deftly handled a demagogue & intraparty conflict. Country vs. party: some values are too important to betray for party allegiance. It shows how far we‘ve come, how far we‘ve fallen, & how much has stayed the same.

1st place winner in the Memoirs/Life Story category in the 4th Annual Writer‘s Digest Self-Published e-Book Awards. Mr. Omi was 11yo when his family and other Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated to internment camps during WW2. It offers a glimpse into the day-to-day life in the camps from the view of an observant teenager. It's only 148 pages, but I learned so much. A reminder of what happens when we let fear to dictate our decisions.

Violet is blindsided when her beloved husband runs off with their 3-year-old son. Did she misinterpret obvious clues? Maybe she'd only been seeing what she wanted to see the whole time. All the coincidences that make up a life--is it fate or random? The characters keep their secrets to themselves, but perhaps everything would've turned out better if they confided in their partners. For fans of domestic fiction who like a little bit of mystery.

Jakub is alone in outer space, until a Nutella-loving alien spider appears. A story about life & love, with a mix of sci-fi, history, politics & philosophy. Sometimes I saw shades of Vonnegut & Marra. What makes a life meaningful? Will Jakub's expedition help him overcome his father's sins? Will his wife remain permanently out of reach? Can the things that drive us also destroy us? It's a messy, beautiful journey--a celebration of humanity.

Who knew a book about numbers could be so entertaining? This book is written for the average person. It introduces fundamental critical thinking skills that will assist the reader in making logical decisions and analyzing claims made in the news. It's about understanding the limits of our knowledge and not being ashamed to admit that we don't know everything. An excellent refresher course in thinking about the world around us more critically.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Yay! My copy of The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui arrived today. It‘s one of my favorite graphic memoirs. Such a beautiful examination of family, home, & identity. Available today!

At the Roanoke estate, secrets fester in the darkness. This book is exactly the type of twisted tale that I‘d sneak into my library book stack when I was a teenager. Disturbing content, so you may want to read the 1st comment. One of the secrets is revealed in the beginning, allowing me to focus on how everything happened rather than what happened. I was riveted by the story, but the entertaining quality made me feel like I was gawking.

4.5 ⭐. A haunting collection of seven short stories about life in North Korea. It's the first time a book critical of the North Korean government written by someone who still lives in North Korea has been published. The stories are great! It gave me a more well-rounded view of life in NK, replacing the caricature that previously existed in my mind. A government can oppress its people, but it can't crush all imagination and independent thought.

A one-sitting read, but a total gut-punch of a book. The way these brothers can't help but care for their father makes it even more painful to watch him take advantage of their innate trust. As psychological abuse escalates into physical abuse, the boys‘ perception of their father changes. This book exposes the dark side of widely accepted concepts. Even admirable values can be distorted & used as tactics to normalize abuse & keep a child silent.

Why would a mother abandon her child? The chapters alternate between Yuki's coming-of-age tale & Jay's struggle to come to terms with his mother's abandonment. There are no explosive revelations, but the characters were fascinating. Anyone who has ever felt like an outsider will see a sliver of themselves in Yuki. I was anxious to find out why Yuki ran away, but I was mostly curious to see if she ever found what she was looking for.

Seoul, SK 1978: 3 coming-of-age tales mirror the growing pains of a nation. I enjoyed the first 30%, but became disinterested in the college drama and romantic escapades. If you're looking for a story about college students navigating relationships during a tumultuous time in history or you like Sunam, you‘ll probably enjoy this one more than me. Thought-provoking commentary on the corrupting power of money & the barriers between economic classes.

3.5 Stars. Twelve macabre short stories set in Argentina, mixing history and horror. Past atrocities refuse to stay buried, always lurking in the back of the collective mind. All of the stories had great moments, but they didn't all feel satisfying. If you enjoy supernatural tales and the dark & twisty characters of Gillian Flynn or Roxane Gay (Difficult Women), you might want to read this. I recommend reading it in the dark! Full review at GR.

From the author of the bestseller I Let You Go. An unsettling reminder to stay alert, trust your instincts, & be aware of your surroundings. Zoe is set in her routine and that predictability is potentially being used against her. An entertaining read & I suspected almost everyone at one point, but I didn't feel like I was at the center of the action. I preferred the investigative over the personal, so really enjoyed PC Kelly Swift's chapters.

I had a complicated relationship with this book! The writing was exquisite and I was amazed at the brilliance of the author, but there were also long sections where I felt completely lost. I loved how it was structured as a play and the interesting mix of fact and fiction. The emotional core of Abraham Lincoln and son was my favorite part. I didn't enjoy reading about some of the other ghosts as much and there were a lot of them! Full review @ GR.

3.5 Stars. Time travel! Alternate timelines! It was very reminiscent of Vonnegut for me. The tone is lighthearted and self-aware, so it's an entertaining read. The main character and his relationships with women didn't thrill me (except Greta), but I loved the technology, the exploration of different realities, and the questions it raised. The first half was slow because Tom was at max-whininess, but the pace picked up in the second half.

Redemption, forgiveness, & second chances. Dark and gritty with a deliberate pace. I was able to picture the Mississippi landscapes so vividly in my mind. The characters were so complex; even minor townspeople have distinct personalities. Russell and Maben have been to hell and back & they don't always make the best decisions, but I was rooting for them. How will these they escape their desperate situations? I wasn't sure that they would.

Exhilarating, gritty, & raw! I loved reading about two talented women creating art together. I fell in love with both Of them, flaws & all. They both use art to deal with their past traumas, but what are the consequences of exposing your most vulnerable self to the world? It shows that there's not a set point where we stop "growing up." A fascinating look into the lives of artists and hand-drawn animation. Warning: It deals with some heavy stuff.

Empathetic, honest, & emotional. Thi Bui looks to the past to understand her parents and her complicated relationship with them. She writes about her parent's childhood in Vietnam, raising a young family during the Vietnam War, their harrowing escape, & starting again in the US. It's the story of one family's journey from Vietnam and the obstacles they overcame, but it's also an examination of family, home, & identity. Gorgeous graphic novel!

High-school senior Gretchen Asher's life changed forever the night she was attacked. Phoenix (18) & his brother (12) fled their home in El Salvador to seek asylum in the US. These two characters stole my heart as their histories were revealed. I'm leery of love stories, but G & P were interesting as individuals. They support each other as they learn how to keep living a full life despite their past trauma. Addresses PTSD & US immigration system.

The UFYH method says if you spend a few minutes a day on chores, you'll save time, reduce anxiety, and build lifelong habits. Little things done consistently can make a big difference and add up to a better quality of life. UFYH will be most useful for people who are complete beginners at cleaning, but there are helpful tips for everyone. If you need a supportive, no-nonsense voice to encourage you to get started, this is the book for you.

Short stories about complex individuals who might typically be reduced to dismissive categories. Gay has a remarkable ability to create fully-formed characters & relationships in just a few pages. Not light reading. Common threads: child loss, adultery, abuse, rough sex, female bonds. One of the best parts of this collection were the moments of recognition and vindication. This was my first Roxane Gay experience, but it certainly won't be my last!

A great way to experience Octavia Butler's classic story. Kindred is a great candidate for a graphic novel because there's so much dialogue & historical fiction seems to work especially well in the format. An adapted version won't include everything, but the illustrations add emotional power to the text. The choice of presenting the 1970s in sepia tones & the 1800s in full-color reminded of how differently Dana processed the two different worlds.

4 🌟. Times are tough for the citizens of Kiewarra, Australia. Their crops are dying & money is tight. Tensions are already high when a local family is found dead. Federal Agent Aaron Falk returns home and reluctantly investigates, but the community hasn't forgiven him for his past. The past & present collide in this compelling mystery with an immersive setting & complex relationships. Solid from beginning to end. Loved the creepy prologue!

5 🌟Powerful & emotional book written by Trayvon Martin's parents. They write about their son, the building of a movement to bring the case to trial, their personal reactions during the legal process, frustrations with the prosecution strategy, the sinking feeling of defeat, & their efforts to help others and keep their son's name alive. Perfect mix of journalistic & personal. I've never forgotten about the Martins & I don't think I ever will.

4 ⭐️! The most interesting part was not the ‘whodunnit', but how the characters confront conflict. Desire & hubris become these characters' undoing. They succumb to temptation despite knowing the consequences. Hattie (MC, 18yo) wears many masks--can you spend your life pretending to be someone else without losing yourself? Can you ever truly know anyone, including yourself? Do we all have a dark side? Loved the addictive writing & rural setting.

3.5 ⭐️A collection of 26 short stories & essays written by the author of The Shining Girls & Broken Monsters. A mix of sci-fi and realistic pieces; the realistic ones are some of the most unsettling. The 5 non-fiction pieces reveal how Beukes's career as a journalist informs her fiction. Like any short story collection, some resonated with me more than others. This was my introduction to the author & I definitely want to read more!

Great intro to contemporary Chinese science fiction! 13 short stories from 7 writers + 3 essays about Chinese SF, collected & translated by writer Ken Liu. Features a diverse range of styles, from surreal fantasies to hard sci-fi. Some topics addressed: government surveillance, exploitation of workers, economic inequality, & aging populations. Loved the unique societies these authors created to make us look at our own world more critically.

Set in Cape Town, South Africa. As a pest control expert, Katya Grubbs knows there's always something lurking under the surface. About the futility of keeping everything in its proper place & appreciating change. It was more descriptive than I typically read, but I loved the strangeness and complexity of the story. One of those I like more as I think about it. For anyone who likes strange, character-driven stories with atmospheric settings.

5 Stars! The Daily Show's Trevor Noah on growing up in South Africa: living under & after apartheid, the bond between mother & son, the unique challenges of growing up mixed race, and living with an abusive stepfather. It's filled with humor and social commentary, but the main words that describe this book are insightful and heartfelt. It made me laugh and cry. I know I love a book when I'm giving everyone around me daily updates! #netgalley

In 2014, Brittany Maynard became the most public face of the controversial "Death With Dignity" movement. After being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, she used her situation as a platform to advocate for the rights of all terminally ill patients. Her mother wrote this candid tribute to the daughter she loved so fiercely. She discusses the difficult road of coming to terms with an impossible situation. More @ Goodreads.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Many Picoultish features, but I liked this more than My Sister's Keeper. Intro to racial bias, active/passive racism, & white privilege for those that may be unfamiliar with those issues. The white public defender felt the most well-drawn. She thought she was "color-blind," but the case makes her realize her privilege. The nurse & white supremacist didn't always feel authentic to me. Loved the jury selection and courtroom parts!

5 🌟! Inspiring! Massimino has such a positive attitude! He reveals all the interesting things astronauts get to experience, but he also describes how it feels: the surge of panic & doubt when preparing to enter the shuttle for the first time, the overwhelming pressure of making high-stakes repairs when there‘s no room for error, & the awe-inspiring feeling of floating above Earth. I‘ll never work at NASA, but I felt like I did for a few hours!

🌟 Lib arrives on a mission to expose a hoax, but her concerns become more complicated as she bonds with the fasting girl. She attempts to find a logical solution to this real-life riddle. Lib struggles as an unwelcome outsider trying to navigate this unfamiliar world where it seems like everyone is speaking in code, a mix of religion and superstition. Characters that made my heart ache, well-drawn setting, & interesting moral and ethical issues.

3.5 Stars. Entertaining crime novel that doesn't make the detective work easy for you! I read it within 24 hours, so it's certainly compelling! Every time I thought I had a character figured out, something would happen to make me doubt myself. I couldn't figure out who was manipulating who. Some analysis of women who fall in love with prisoners. Mixed feelings about the very end (like I have with most twisty books!), but an enjoyable read overall.

Speculative fiction. If you love the TV series Black Mirror, this book is for you! This collection of 13 short stories features a variety of imagined futures where technology has become so embedded in day-to-day life that it's impossible to live without it. Some characters have grown so dependent on virtual reality that they've forgotten how to connect with people in the real world. The tales are bleak, but also interesting & unique.