This was an extremely powerful book and I'm kind of scratching my head at how brilliant it was. It's a debut no less! With that 5 stars - no question.
This was an extremely powerful book and I'm kind of scratching my head at how brilliant it was. It's a debut no less! With that said, I want to make my book friends know that while I enjoyed this book immensely, it is very dark at times and there are a lot of trigger warnings. (Please feel free to reach out to me if you're concerned and would like to know a little more before you read.)
At first, I thought this was a literary mystery, but now that I've finished I wouldn't consider it one and would put it solidly in the literary fiction genre. I finished this book almost two weeks ago, but I've wanted to sit with my thoughts for a little while before I wrote my review. As you're reading it, you have such a sense of increasing foreboding as you go and there were times when I almost needed to take an emotional break before I pressed on. I cringed a lot too because there are things the characters do and say that made me uncomfortable. (Which is okay.)
I don't want to give away anything with the plot, but I will say that despite the slower pacing (which didn't bother me), the payoff was huge at the end. I'm very down right now on what I see happening to our country as a whole. We're divided, turning against one another and lack an overall sense of looking out for others like we do ourselves. I think this book is an extension of all of these themes. Good people who are struggling with demons and for one reason or another turn on their neighbor. I think the author did a fantastic job balancing this fact with that of how we come out on the other side.
I can't wait for her next book and I am so thrilled BOTM chose this to feature. Thanks to Netgalley, Riverhead books and the author for an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review. Another home run for Riverhead Books.
I'm one of the few people left on the planet who hasn't read Beach Read yet, (it's something I own and will read), but this was one I wanted4.5 stars!
I'm one of the few people left on the planet who hasn't read Beach Read yet, (it's something I own and will read), but this was one I wanted to make sure I took the time to get to. I'm so glad I did, because I absolutely adored it. This was a super fun read, with very flawed, yet likeable characters and I enjoyed their every move. Some book friends didn't care for the past narrative that much, but I found both narratives (past & present) wonderful. Once I got the pattern of how the book was laid out down, I couldn't wait to pick it up each time I was forced to put it down (unfortunately, we all need to sleep!).
I felt Poppy was extremely relatable, charming, funny and honest. I thought Alex was a great compliment to all the craziness that was Poppy and enjoyed reading about their friendship. Their time together kind of reminded me of my college days and that also helped me enjoy the book immensely. Ultimately, this is a summer read with heart and substance and I could not recommend it enough.
Thanks to Berkley Books, Emily Henry and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review.
This was a cute and fun read! Great palate cleanser and also a romcom where I was actually invested in the characters.
I think what I liked best was tThis was a cute and fun read! Great palate cleanser and also a romcom where I was actually invested in the characters.
I think what I liked best was the diversity and cultural backgrounds provided on both families. This aspect made it stand out for me. I was also happy to have another lead female in the STEM field (similar to The Boyfriend Project). I appreciated how Daisy also didn't NEED a man in her life to survive and she was independent and capable on her own. Her love of The Marvel Universe made me laugh and was a nice touch as well.
This was my first Sara Desai book and I can't wait to read another! Many thanks to Berkley Books, Netgalley and the author for the widget in exchange for an honest review.
I just finished this on audio - it has been sitting (unread) on my shelves for over a year. I've been4.5 - what a creative and twisty legal thriller!!
I just finished this on audio - it has been sitting (unread) on my shelves for over a year. I've been trying to make my way through my BOTM backlist and audio is the way I have been accomplishing this task!
So I've skimmed reviews because I'm honestly a little puzzled at how low the overall rating is on Goodreads? However, after reading some of those lower reviews, I do understand where some of the lower ratings are coming from. I don't know if it's because I listened to this, am just in the right mood or that I've read a few 'just meh' books lately, but this really worked for me. Courtroom dramas are among my favorite, but this also turned into a murder mystery, which I really liked. With so many characters, there were a lot of possible motives and the book kept me guessing all the way through. I also thought this was a well timed book with its discussion of racial justice and the identity of race.
The author is also a screenwriter, so I'm really looking forward to this being translated to TV or Film. I can't wait to see who is cast in each of the roles! I will definitely look for the next book by this author. Highly recommend!
Liz Moore continues her literary genius with her latest novel and it is such a relief to have my high expectations confirmed and exceeded. I think oneLiz Moore continues her literary genius with her latest novel and it is such a relief to have my high expectations confirmed and exceeded. I think one of the things I love most about Liz Moore is that her stories are multi-layered and written in such a way that you become that character so fully. You live the holistic experience of her main characters - you see through their eyes, feel their emotions and learn with their minds - everything that transpires in her books. I come away a different person after having read her work because I learn so much from her and the role of that particular character.
This book covers so many things so well: family relationships, the opioid crisis, life as a female police officer, socioeconomic disparity, etc. etc. Every theme is seamlessly woven through this story from the perspective of Michaela Fitzgerald that my eyes devoured each page as quickly as they would go. This book takes a patient reader and I'm glad that I'm more mature in my reading now that I can be content with waiting for what will unfold. Years ago, I would have been bored with following Mickey in her day to day life. (No disrespect to anyone who might have been bored - reading a book is an individual experience to us all.) The point I'm trying to make is that it makes me sad to think about all the books I missed out on, but in order to get better at something you have to practice. I'm glad I've put in the practice to appreciate this kind of book now.
One last point I would like to make - Even though both books are very different, I found myself thinking about Saint X (review here) at times. I thought the way the history of Philadelphia was sprinkled throughout the story was intensely interesting and helped flesh out this story even more. It was so atmospheric and wonderfully described that I felt like I knew those streets as well as Mickey did while she patrolled. I didn't feel that way with Claire in Saint X as she narrated her journey through the streets of NYC. Maybe this point is unfair of me, but it just highlighted to me again how well done this book really was.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Riverhead Books, and Liz Moore for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
Overall, I have positive feelings. However, my relationship status with this book would be classified as "it's complicated".
I was really looking forwOverall, I have positive feelings. However, my relationship status with this book would be classified as "it's complicated".
I was really looking forward to this and even though I had an egalley from Edelweiss, I waited until my BOTM pick to read it so I had the book! I love reading stories that scare me and if there is a ghost or two...even better! I love True Crime too so this book seemed like it was destined to be a great read. I had planned to read the author's first book, The Broken Girls and I absolutely still plan to. I will also read the next book by this author because I liked this one.
Okay, so let's get to what I liked: 1) I usually struggle with dual perspectives, but I liked both characters so I wasn't upset or dreading anything when the perspective switched. 2) Sometimes while reading this at night, I was getting really creeped out. My husband accidentally hit a hanger hanging on our closet door and it swung, but then wouldn't stop swinging long after I thought it should have. (I scare easily, haha). I thought the atmosphere described at the motel was AWESOME. I was definitely there and I think this would make an excellent TV series. 3) I did not figure out who caused all these murders so I thought that was done in a clever way and I enjoyed the journey in figuring out who the perpetrator was.
The things that I had trouble with: 1) Even though I liked both perspectives, I had a lot of whiplash when switching either forward or back in time. I was starting to get events that took place confused with what time period they happened so that was kind of annoying. Maybe it was just me, but I found myself sitting and thinking about things and where they belonged a little too often than I would have liked. I think part of this is because both Viv and Carly were so similar that it was hard to tell their experiences apart sometimes. 2) I also got kind of annoyed with how things kind of fell in Carly's lap in figuring out things from the past. Also, I screamed at Viv a LOT. WHY are you doing this?!? WHY are you going there?!? WHY are you following X?!? Pretty much everything you shouldn't do, she did. 3) A part of the ending was very cheesy to me. Even some of the dialogue. (Being purposely vague so as not to ruin the end.) Did this really ruin the book for me overall? No, but it just didn't work as well as it could have for me. 4) The beginning was kind of cheesy too. It took me about 100 pages before I really got into it.
Overall, a good story and a strong 3 stars. I'm clearly in the minority and I encourage everyone to give this a try!
Thanks to Edelweiss, Berkley Publishing and Simone St. James for the opportunity to provide an honest review of this book.
What's really interesting about this book is that my feelings were all over the map at any given point while reading it. I was Wow. Just wow. 5 stars.
What's really interesting about this book is that my feelings were all over the map at any given point while reading it. I was fortunate enough to buddy read this with my friend, Nicole, and if you have a friend (or two), or a book club and you are looking for a good book to discuss - this is it.
The book is broken up into three parts, which was great because they were very clear stopping points to absorb what you just read and think about what might be coming. I would also recommend that you know as little about the book as possible. Going in with as clean of a slate as possible was immensely helpful and satisfying as far as the reading experience goes. As each page went by, another layer was peeled away revealing what lied beneath. For this alone, it was MARVELOUSLY paced, timed, planned - whatever you want to say. The payoff for all the waiting was HUGE and immensely "satisfying". I don't think I can think of one thing that was left open, which is a rarity these days. When do you ever get the chance at complete closure?
With Part I, I thought this is...different and intriguing. Clearly we are building a foundation for something. I liked the narrator as the voice of the "neighborhood at large". I thought this was a clever plot device. It kind of let you absorb the story, but then you had a little birdy on your shoulder whispering things that would help you gain further perspective.
With Part II, the story started to reveal itself a little more and by the end of the section I could feel my posture becoming more erect and my brain synapses firing much more rapidly. Again, pacing here was perfect. The narration was starting to irritate me a little and seemed almost controlling at times. I felt I was losing my ability to decide on my own what was going to happen because the book kept leading you right where it wanted you to go. My ability to think freely about the characters and what I thought was going to happen felt manipulated.
Part III was magnificent. Beyond brilliant. That's all I'm going to say so I don't ruin anything for anyone who might not have read it. I just sat there and looked out the window for a few minutes after it was over to absorb everything and let the tears fall. I was so grateful to the author for writing an author's note and placing it in the beginning of the book.
I could not be more thankful for the reading experience that was this book. It was such a moving experience and does all the things a true, 5 star read should. It made me mad as hell, uncomfortable, think introspectively and encouraged discussion. It was...the total package.
Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and Therese Ann Fowler for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review. I am forever changed because of this reading experience and I intend on putting this book in front of as many people as I can. I only wish I would have read it sooner.
I received an ARC for Katherine Center's new book, Things You Save in a Fire (due out in August 2019) and while I will not be re4.5 stars rounded up.
I received an ARC for Katherine Center's new book, Things You Save in a Fire (due out in August 2019) and while I will not be reading it right away I wanted to take the opportunity and finally get to How to Walk Away, which was so hugely popular over the summer.
Normally, I think I would have skipped this book. It's just not something I would have put over other books (no real reason why), but I borrowed it from the library and said I'd give it a try and if I didn't like it I could pick up something else. I'm really glad I did try it because I was instantly hooked. It was so relatable and not at all whiny or sappy. There were funny parts and lots and lots of times I found myself tearing up. (I even had to walk away at one point and go do laundry for a minute so I wouldn't start full on sobbing and get a weird look from my husband.)
Yes, some elements to it were kind of predictable, but I liked how Center got us from point A to B without it being a complete eye roll. This will definitely be something I recommend to others in the future and I can't wait to read that ARC now!...more
02/05/2019 - 1 star review - After having read the article in the New Yorker I am going to downgrade my review as well as advise that I will not be pa02/05/2019 - 1 star review - After having read the article in the New Yorker I am going to downgrade my review as well as advise that I will not be paying for any book that is published by this author. He will not be getting anymore money from me.
02/01/2018 - 3 star review - Finished this book and gave it 3 stars. I must have forgotten to write a review, but here is what I can remember. I thought the writing was fabulous and I really liked his writing style. I thought it started off strong and then the ending was just 'meh'. I wasn't as impressed as everyone else was. ...more
Unfortunately, I forgot that I didn't ever sit down to write a review so I'm writing it almost a year after reading it.
This story was immense in thatUnfortunately, I forgot that I didn't ever sit down to write a review so I'm writing it almost a year after reading it.
This story was immense in that it captured the full life of Cyril Avery. Cyril's mother was young and unwed and subsequently kicked out in shame by her family and small rural village after it was discovered she was with child. Cyril was adopted by a couple that gave him a home and took care of him, but always let him know he wasn't a real Avery. When he is young, he befriends Julian, who is everything Cyril is not (confident, assertive and charming) and from there a life long friendship develops. Cyril is constantly in search of his identity and because of that is never quite comfortable in his own skin. It doesn't help that during his lifetime, Ireland is extremely conservative and unforgiving of anyone who doesn't fit the traditional mold.
What was such a pleasant surprise was how many emotions I felt while reading this. There was some of the funniest dialogue I have ever read and also some of the saddest. It is one of those books that you will never, ever forget and find yourself recommending to everyone you know. I am forever changed because of this book in that it only proves that although we are all different, we are all human and taking care of one another is what is most important. ...more
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