DNF @ 9% - The writing and ideas were really good, but I was having a hard time with the super short form nature of the essays. I was expecting more iDNF @ 9% - The writing and ideas were really good, but I was having a hard time with the super short form nature of the essays. I was expecting more in depth explorations. I may try picking up a physical copy rather than the audiobook as I think reading in that format would be a better fit for me....more
Vera Larios has been plucked from her town in Mexico and dropped into the coveted leading role in the new high-budget epic film, The Seventh Veil of SVera Larios has been plucked from her town in Mexico and dropped into the coveted leading role in the new high-budget epic film, The Seventh Veil of Salome. It's 1950s Hollywood and plenty of ambitious starlets are coveting what has been freely given to Vera. This is the story of one of those striving actresses, of Vera, and of the historical figure Salome who has been the inspiration for many pieces of art throughout the centuries.
Moreno-Garcia's writing usually works pretty well for me, regardless of the many genres in which she writes. I am not overly drawn to historical fiction, but I appreciate that this author usually focuses on time periods, locations, and people groups who are not often the focus of popular historical fiction novels. This book flipped between perspectives, including those from the story of the film itself, which mostly worked for me. While I never grew to be emotionally invested in Vera, I still found the story kept my interest and I wanted to see what fate awaited these rival stars....more
After applying to many positions with absolutely no success, Ember wonders if identifying herself as Native American on applications is part of the prAfter applying to many positions with absolutely no success, Ember wonders if identifying herself as Native American on applications is part of the problem. She decides to check the box for "White" on the next application, she is bi-racial after all, and also opts to exaggerate her experience and education a bit while she's at it. Wouldn't you know it, she scores an interview, which she aces.
Ember is determined to succeed at this fancy job which pays far more than she could have ever imagined. She is determined not to be sidetracked by the handsome IT guy she flirted with on her first day. Ember knows having a steady job with this kind of money is life changing for her and her family, and she is going to say and do whatever is needed to keep it.
There were lots of things I loved about this romance novel and some things I found incredibly irritating. I understood Ember's initial reasoning behind lying to get the job she wants, but I found it hard to stomach the way she continued to lie about even the most inconsequential things even after she realized the lying had become a problem. I wanted to yell at her. I like the love interest because he was written as an ideal boyfriend with zero flaws, which made him not quite fully believable. It was great to read from the perspective of a character who comes from a background with very little money and how different it is for her to be thrust into a corporate environment. Ember was a determined and smart woman, and I really wanted to root for her, but the constant lying made it challenging for me. Despite my issues with the book, I found the story compelling and wanted to see how things turned out for Ember. I would definitely pick up another title from this author....more
Harry's novel has become a best-seller, and she is recently engaged to Edward, the member of a very influential and uber-wealthy family. Edward has beHarry's novel has become a best-seller, and she is recently engaged to Edward, the member of a very influential and uber-wealthy family. Edward has been keeping her away from his old-money family, for fear of her being overwhelmed by them, and after her first encounter with the group turns downright terrifying, she can see why. Soon Emily is drawn into this family, the dangerous games they are playing and is trying to unearth some of the lies they are keeping buried, but will she survive?
I think if you can go into this one expecting a fun, suspenseful time and are willing to suspend your disbelief at the premise, which is more than a bit outlandish, you will likely have a good time. I appreciated that the start of the book builds up the main characters, the family dynamics, and the tension before jumping into the wildness of the games this family chooses to play with one another. It was a compelling read, and the audiobook was well narrated. I had a good time with it and would read more from this author....more
A literary horror novel which tells the story of two men who bond while fishing after both have experienced terrible losses in their lives. The FisherA literary horror novel which tells the story of two men who bond while fishing after both have experienced terrible losses in their lives. The Fisherman weaves together their story along with the dark history of the cursed creek one of the men is drawn to explore while seeking relief from his grief. There are mixes of psychological, cosmic and folk horror in this tale which is told in several parts.
I found the writing to be strong, and, while I was never scared while reading this, some of the imagery managed to give me shivers. It had a great sense of atmosphere, which is always a plus in my book. I thought this was a very well done mix of different horror sub-genres....more
A very interesting and informative piece of non-fiction which spans years at a Staten Island hospital where incurable tuberculosis patients are sent fA very interesting and informative piece of non-fiction which spans years at a Staten Island hospital where incurable tuberculosis patients are sent for care. The book spans the Great Depression era as well as WWII and focuses on such an interesting mix, including medical developments, racial and religious divides of the time, working conditions, and general history.
Despite having such a large focus, the book also felt very personal as the author zeroes in on a few specific Black nurses at Sea View hospital and what their lives looked like while day-in and day-out they put themselves at risk while treating the incurable TB patients who many white nurses did not want to work with.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration. All around, a book I would widely recommend as this is a piece of history which is deserving of more attention....more
I finished this book less than a week ago and honestly can remember almost nothing about it. It was fine to listen to but apparently not at all memoraI finished this book less than a week ago and honestly can remember almost nothing about it. It was fine to listen to but apparently not at all memorable. ...more
This was one of the Booker-nominated titles which I felt drawn to checkout despite the fact that the subject matter and style are not ones that call oThis was one of the Booker-nominated titles which I felt drawn to checkout despite the fact that the subject matter and style are not ones that call out to me at all. Headshot is told a bit like a collection of inter-related short stories in that it focuses on eight individual high school age girls who are competing in a national boxing tournament. We leap from the perspective of one fighter to the next as the matches are fought, learning about both the backstories and futures of these ladies. Headshot isn't so much about boxing as it is about girls at this age, their strengths, insecurities, identities, hopes, and family dynamics. While it did not have a deep impact on me, it did keep me engaged and interested throughout. ...more
As a fan of slow-paced, well-written, character-driven novels, I was expecting to love this Pulitzer Prize winner. It is a story told through the persAs a fan of slow-paced, well-written, character-driven novels, I was expecting to love this Pulitzer Prize winner. It is a story told through the perspective of an older man, a preacher, who is coming to the end of his days and is writing to his young son. He weaves in different timelines and people of his life who have had varying degrees of importance to him and ponders his faith, his role as father, husband, friend, and more.
Unfortunately, I never felt fully drawn in and was bored from the start. It was not an issue with the writing but more of a lack of emotional connection. I have loved similar stories of "unremarkable" men recounting their lives and relationships. Stoner by John Williams is a wonderful example. This one fell a bit flat for me....more
Eveen is a skilled assassin and member of a guild which dictates she must carryout any contracted kill she accepts, regardless of the mark. Eveen is aEveen is a skilled assassin and member of a guild which dictates she must carryout any contracted kill she accepts, regardless of the mark. Eveen is also undead and has no memory of her former life. Out on a job and about to execute her mark, she experiences a flash of memory from her past which begins to change everything.
Clark's writing works very well for me. He is able to establish a sense of atmosphere very quickly and his writing allows me to visualize the story much more readily than I normally do. I found this fantasy to be a fun and enjoyable read with a well-paced story....more
Combine a reluctant dragon catcher/exterminator who secretly hides small dragons away in his home, a prince in waiting who lacks confidence and couragCombine a reluctant dragon catcher/exterminator who secretly hides small dragons away in his home, a prince in waiting who lacks confidence and courage, a princess with a dragon infestation who has turned away every suitor and would rather be exploring the woods, with a dutiful valet who is determined to make the prince into the man his father expects and you have this whimsical book.
It is an adventurous, humorous, and heartwarming standalone fantasy from the author of The Last Unicorn. While I don't think this book will have the same staying power as that novel, I was entertained by it and appreciated the characters and their individual journeys....more
DNF @ 11% - This was very much giving me Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries, which I really enjoyed, but this one wasn’t quite clicking for me. I sDNF @ 11% - This was very much giving me Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries, which I really enjoyed, but this one wasn’t quite clicking for me. I suspect it may just have been my mood. ...more
4.5 Stars - A beautifully written story of love, loss, found-family, and hope set amidst a dystopian society run aground by climate change, greed, and4.5 Stars - A beautifully written story of love, loss, found-family, and hope set amidst a dystopian society run aground by climate change, greed, and a government and police force which are both corrupt. Rainy seeks refuge on a boat on Lake Superior and searches for a reunion with his book loving wife Lark. His journey brings him in contact with dangerous people who seek to hunt him down.
Enger's books have an epic quality to them. The writing is lovely, the themes are grand, and the characters are intriguing people who refuse to let go of hope even when surrounded by bleakness. I was carried along by this story and thoroughly engaged the whole way through. ...more
When a man and his family knock at the door of the old house Eve and her girlfriend have bought and are renovating, she agrees to let them in despite When a man and his family knock at the door of the old house Eve and her girlfriend have bought and are renovating, she agrees to let them in despite her desire to be left alone. The man says he grew up in that house and wants to show his family around. Before long, his young daughter disappears inside the house and things begin to turn sideways for Eve.
I get that what people find scary is extremely subjective, but I do not understand why people are finding this book to be scary at all. It was lacking in atmosphere for me, which meant I never felt the slightest bit afraid or on edge. The characters did not feel particularly well-developed or interesting. The plot felt a bit jumbled and lacking in direction. I should have trusted my initial impression and put this one down early, but I kept hoping it would turn itself around. I think it had some great ideas but really lacked in execution for me. ...more
DNF @ 32% - Two women meet when they share a hospital room after separate occurrences which make them both realize life is short. Kelsey is 30 and hasDNF @ 32% - Two women meet when they share a hospital room after separate occurrences which make them both realize life is short. Kelsey is 30 and has been living a life devoted to here career. The other woman is in her seventies and has been a trailblazer in her career which led to huge success with her cosmetic company. They both decide to teem for a summer of saying yes to new experiences.
This book really wasn’t doing anything wrong. The narration was good, the concept was interesting. It just all felt very bland. I wasn’t attached to either character and found myself losing interest. I know this has been working for other readers but it just wasn’t a match for me. ...more
3.5 ⭐️ - A quirky protagonist who likes everything just so is forced to reconcile with her past and her present when repressed memories begin to surfa3.5 ⭐️ - A quirky protagonist who likes everything just so is forced to reconcile with her past and her present when repressed memories begin to surface. This is a contemporary, emotional novel and not the cute mystery the cover implies, but one I found enjoyable enough to read. It has been a week or two since I finished it though and it really has not stayed with me at all. ...more
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