None yet knew of the evolving tragedy that would be their lives.
All the Colors of the Dark is a luminous, sweeping, multi-generational literary mysterNone yet knew of the evolving tragedy that would be their lives.
All the Colors of the Dark is a luminous, sweeping, multi-generational literary mystery. At a whopping 600 pages, I was hooked from the first line to the last, and this is a new all-time favorite.
Our story begins in 1975 in the small town of Monta Clare, Missouri, where girls are disappearing. When a young boy named Patch saves a girl from her would-be abductor, he sets off a chain of events that will impact the lives of everyone around him.
This book is very, very hard to review without giving away parts of the plot that I just really don't want to give away. What I will say is that the characters in this story, especially Patch and Saint, will stick with me for the rest of my life. They just feel like real people to me. Whitaker's prose is so vivid and evocative that I felt like I could see Monta Clare, and the thousands of miles from there that our characters travel. Whitaker also clearly believes that we are smart enough to put the pieces together without needing everything spelled out for us. I was fully immersed in their world.
This book isn't just a thriller - it's a deeply emotional journey that explores the endurance of the human spirit. The relationships described in this story cracked my heart wide open and brought tears to my eyes on multiple occasions. I would compare the feeling I had here to the one I had when I read Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow - this is not a traditional love story, but it is a love story nonetheless.
All The Colors of the Dark is a literary masterpiece that transcends genres. Chris Whitaker has created a story that is both thrilling and deeply moving, with characters that will stay with you long after the final page. This is a novel that demands to be read, shared, and remembered. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Thanks so much to Crown Publishing for the review copy in exchange for my honest review.
*** pre-review
This is just a masterpiece. I’ll never stop thinking about Patch, Saint, Charlotte, Sammy, and the world created in these 600 pages. This is my contender for book of the year right now. I’m just… stunned.
Full review to come, thank you to the publisher for the ARC...more
Claire Lombardo's Same As It Ever Was is a beautifully written exploration of mid-life, family, and the past. Ju4.5 - thanks to Doubleday for the ARC!
Claire Lombardo's Same As It Ever Was is a beautifully written exploration of mid-life, family, and the past. Julia Ames, at fifty-seven, finally feels stable, but her peace is disrupted by surprising news from her son, her teenage daughter pulling away, and a blast from her past.
Lombardo's characters are incredibly real and relatable. Julia's journey through maternal struggles, friendship, and old patterns is both touching and authentic. The detailed descriptions enhance the story, though the book's length can make it feel slow at times. However, the depth and realism of the characters make it worthwhile.
Despite its size, the novel's deep dive into relationships and personal growth keeps you hooked. Lombardo's talent for capturing life's messiness and beauty shines through, making this a must-read for literary fiction fans. Julia's struggles and triumphs resonate deeply, capturing the reader's heart and mind. The narrative's exploration of the complex dynamics of family and the emotional rollercoaster of middle age is both thought-provoking and heartwarming.
Lombardo skillfully portrays the intricacies of human connections, making the reader reflect on their own relationships and life choices. Same As It Ever Was is a compelling, richly detailed story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page....more
just wow. if you like dark litfic that explores complex ethical questions, pick this one up. just so brutal. i'm going to be thinking about this for ajust wow. if you like dark litfic that explores complex ethical questions, pick this one up. just so brutal. i'm going to be thinking about this for a long, long time....more
Catherine Newman’s Sandwich is a heartfelt and engaging novel that beautifully captures the essence of family life, middle age, and the changes that cCatherine Newman’s Sandwich is a heartfelt and engaging novel that beautifully captures the essence of family life, middle age, and the changes that come with time. Set during a summer vacation in Cape Cod, the story delves into the complexities of being caught between aging parents and growing children, with plenty of humor and heart.
The protagonist, Rocky, always looks forward to the family’s annual beach retreat. This year, though, she’s dealing with menopause, her half-grown kids, and her aging parents. As she navigates these changes, memories from past summers resurface, filled with both joy and sadness. Rocky must face her family’s history and the future, learning to let go and embrace the present.
Newman’s writing shines in this charming slice-of-life novel. The characters are wonderfully flawed and deeply human, each dealing with their own issues while holding on to the love that binds them. Rocky’s journey, especially her hormonal ups and downs, is depicted with humor and empathy, making her a relatable and endearing character.
The Cape Cod setting adds a nostalgic element to the story. Newman’s descriptions of the beach, the cottage, and the family’s traditions create a vivid backdrop. The theme of food, particularly Rocky’s delicious sandwiches, symbolizes the nurturing and care she provides for her family, despite her own struggles.
Sandwich is more than just a family vacation story; it’s a deep exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time. The book balances humor and heartache, capturing the messy, beautiful reality of family life. It’s a novel that will resonate deeply with readers, especially those navigating similar life stages.
For those who enjoy character-driven stories about family dynamics, Sandwich is a must-read. It’s a gorgeous little book that offers wisdom, warmth, and a generous dose of reality. While it’s already a touching read, it’s likely to resonate even more as readers enter motherhood or middle age, making it a timeless addition to any bookshelf.
Thank you to Harper and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this lovely novel. Sandwich is set to be published on June 18, 2024, and is sure to be a favorite among fans of contemporary and literary fiction....more
"Service" by Sarah Gilmartin is an exceptional read that delves into complex themes with an engaging and thought-provoking narrative. The story revolv"Service" by Sarah Gilmartin is an exceptional read that delves into complex themes with an engaging and thought-provoking narrative. The story revolves around three main characters: Hannah, a former waitress at a high-end Dublin restaurant; Daniel Costello, the acclaimed chef facing serious accusations; and Julie, Daniel’s wife, grappling with the fallout from the allegations.
The novel begins with Hannah recalling her summer at Daniel's restaurant, a time filled with excitement and tension, which eventually turned darker as Daniel's attentions became inappropriate. Daniel, on the other hand, is in a state of disbelief as his career and life are threatened by accusations he can barely remember. Julie’s perspective offers a deep and often heart-wrenching look into the life of a supportive wife who is now questioning everything she believed in about her husband and their life together.
The character development is superb. Each character’s voice is distinct and compelling, revealing their struggles, fears, and the facades they maintain. Hannah’s recounting of her past experiences, Daniel’s denial and self-justification, and Julie’s internal battle and realization create a multifaceted view of the story, making it a rich and immersive read.
Gilmartin’s writing shines as she tackles themes of power, abuse, and complicity with nuance and sensitivity. The story is not just about the accusations but also about the impact on everyone involved. The alternating perspectives provide a well-rounded understanding of the characters’ motivations and emotions, making their experiences deeply relatable and real.
The setting of the high-end restaurant, with its intense atmosphere and behind-the-scenes look at the culinary world, adds an additional layer of interest. The detailed descriptions of the restaurant’s operations and the tension-filled environment enhance the overall narrative, making the reader feel immersed in the characters' world.
"Service" is a powerful exploration of truth, lies, and the courage it takes to confront painful realities. It's a book that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading, prompting reflection on the issues it raises. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a well-written, emotionally resonant novel that tackles difficult subjects with grace and insight.
Thanks to Catapult and NetGalley for the ARC of "A Good Happy Girl" in exchange for my honest review. What a fucked up and powerful debut!
"A Good HappThanks to Catapult and NetGalley for the ARC of "A Good Happy Girl" in exchange for my honest review. What a fucked up and powerful debut!
"A Good Happy Girl" is a journey into the life of Helen, a jittery attorney with a penchant for diving headfirst into emotionally charged and complex relationships. This time, it's with Catherine and Katrina, a married lesbian couple whose intimacy and intensity draw Helen into a whirlwind of desire, revelation, and self-exploration. But it's not just about the entanglement; it's about Helen wrestling with a past so tangled and dark, you need a moment to breathe after each revelation.
Marissa Higgins doesn’t just write; she grabs you by the collar and forces you to look into the abyss that is Helen's life. The trauma, the self-destruction, the chaotic dive into the unknown with Catherine and Katrina—it's all laid bare with a rawness that's as beautiful as it is disturbing. Every page feels like walking a tightrope over Helen's psyche, where one misstep could send you spiraling into the depths.
This book is messed up in the best way possible. It’s not just the storyline that hits hard; it’s the way Marissa explores queer domesticity, the shadows cast by incarceration on a family, and the relentless grip of intergenerational poverty. These themes weave through the narrative, painting a picture of life that's as real as it is unsettling. If you're looking for a tidy, feel-good story, this ain't it. "A Good Happy Girl" leaves you with more questions than answers, a testament to its brilliance and Marissa Higgins' courage as a writer.
4.5 stars from me for a book that is sure to be very divisive!...more
Thanks to NetGalley, Henry Holt and Co, and Laurie Frankel for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I love a family drama with lovable, precociousThanks to NetGalley, Henry Holt and Co, and Laurie Frankel for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I love a family drama with lovable, precocious kids. I also found the section about first love(s) to be particularly moving - Frankel is really wonderful at capturing complex interpersonal relationships. I will continue to read and recommend anything and everything she writes!...more
Thanks to NetGalley, Rufi Thorpe, and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my fair and honest review!
Margo is a nineteen year old community collThanks to NetGalley, Rufi Thorpe, and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my fair and honest review!
Margo is a nineteen year old community college student who gets roped into an affair with her teacher. She ends up pregnant, keeps the baby (despite the advice of those around her), and becomes an OnlyFans creator. What could go wrong?! Rufi Thorpe I love you. I want to live inside your brain. This is really wonderful! I loved Margo, and JB, and Jinx, and Suzie, and... ok well not Shyanne but you get the picture. The thing I love the most about Thorpe's work is the way that her writing really gets to the core of the human experience, like you can just feel so unbelievably seen by it, even if you're miles away from the characters and their lived experiences. I did feel like maybe this simplified sex work a little bit? So that might make it a 4.75 for me. But overall, I loved this, I shall read anything the author writes from now until forever. This is out 6/11!!!...more
"At least there’s divorce, but it’s pretty hard to get out of being a mother once you’re a mother. Not impossible, that much is clear—just trickier."
T"At least there’s divorce, but it’s pretty hard to get out of being a mother once you’re a mother. Not impossible, that much is clear—just trickier."
The Mother Act, Heidi Reimer's powerful debut, is a thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after the final page is turned. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the professional theater world, this story spans decades and details the relationship between Sadie, a fiercely independent actress with some controversial work, and her daughter, Jude (a talented actress in her own right). Sadie, who has a larger-than-life personality, prioritizes her ambitions for fame over motherhood, even writing and performing a one-woman show detailing her struggles with becoming a mother. Jude, who yearns for her mother's love and affection, grapples with the emotional fallout from Sadie's choices.
"But don’t mothers and daughters forgive words spoken in anger? Don’t they process and move on?"
Structured cleverly as a six-act play, the reader is presented with both Sadie and Jude's perspectives, which offers nuance to a story where one of the characters could easily be written off as irredeemable. Reimer's writing is both insightful and emotionally charged, and I found this book gripping all the way through. This book is not concerned with who deserves to be vindicated and how, but with truly understanding the complexity of a woman's experience.
"Does it never occur to you that people and relationships could in fact be the most precious thing there is?"
If you enjoy stories about complicated family dynamics, thought-provoking questions about motherhood and feminism, and books set against the backdrop of the theater world, pick this one up. I think this will be great for fans of Laurie Frankel's Family Family and Jenny Jackson's Pineapple Street.
Thanks to Dutton and Heidi Reimer for the review copy in exchange for my honest review. This book is out now! ...more
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