This was an interesting first read of 2024, to say the least. I picked this up through Libby because I am a casual fan of Eli's content on TikTok, howThis was an interesting first read of 2024, to say the least. I picked this up through Libby because I am a casual fan of Eli's content on TikTok, however, I quickly came to realize that I was not the right audience for this book. Having been with my boyfriend for over 6 years now, I don't need any dating advice. That was my bad, I didn't look into the topic of the book before picking this up and assumed it was more of a memoir-type read. Regardless, the dating advice was sub-par, and I wouldn't recommend this book or advice to help any of my single friends looking for a book on dating advice.
The format and organization of the book were frustrating for me. Each chapter focuses on a different topic, and Eli lists 10+ rules to start off the chapter. I found the rules to be vague and repetitive, she should have focused on 3-5 per topic instead of listing off 10+ that ultimately went in one ear and out the other. She then shares stories, experiences, and advice that have to do with the topic and rules, but I found these sections hard to follow because she doesn't share these stories in any kind of chronological order, and often jumps to different men she dated and years of her life with little rhyme or reason. She did have chapters focused on friend love and self love, which I enjoyed more than the rest of the topics since it was more relatable to me, however, the advice was still very surface-level. I can appreciate what Eli was trying to do with this book, but overall I think the execution was poor. I truly think the only people who will have a good experience with this book are die-hard Eli Rallo fans, so I wouldn't recommend checking this one out unless you're a part of that niche group....more
Carley Forune never fails at delivering the perfect summer read, right in time for warm weather, and This Summer Will Be Different was no exception! SCarley Forune never fails at delivering the perfect summer read, right in time for warm weather, and This Summer Will Be Different was no exception! Set in Prince Edward Island, Canada, this book was everything I could dream of as a Canadian girl. I've only visited PEI once, and it was the most quaint, and dreamy island, she captured the true essence perfectly! From the Anne of Greengables quotes woven throughout the book, to the mention of potato fudge, Teacup Rock, and Covered Bridge potato chips, this book was a taste of a wonderful part of Canada.
Although it was a bit insta-lovey, I loved Lucy and Fleix's romance. The prologue instantly hooked me, and I always love a book with flashback chapters. The tension between these two... holy. I could feel it through the pages and I was obsessed! I really liked the ending as well, I feel like we got to see Lucy's character development and self-confidence bloom (not just because of the flower farm lol) all the way and nothing was rushed. It felt natural and real. I also adored Lucy and Bridget's friendship, this is the first female friendship we've read from Carley and I think she nailed it. Add this to your summer to-be-read pile ladies!
Wash Day Diaries by Jamila Rowser is a beautiful graphic novel that highlights a friend group of 4 women living in New York City. Told through five, iWash Day Diaries by Jamila Rowser is a beautiful graphic novel that highlights a friend group of 4 women living in New York City. Told through five, interconnected short story comics, each section uses the character's wash day routines to highlight their everyday lives, how they support one another, and the shared experiences of Black women. It was a really sweet graphic novel that emphasized Black joy, girlhood, and good friendship in such a positive way, I would highly recommend adding Wash Day Diaries to your to-read list!...more
"It makes me wish you could film a whole entire moment. Not just the visuals and vocals. I want to hold every piece of this. I want to save the detail
"It makes me wish you could film a whole entire moment. Not just the visuals and vocals. I want to hold every piece of this. I want to save the details for later: the breeze ruffling my hair through the open car windows, the soft warmth of my flannel. The feeling of being sixteen on a Friday night in September." pg. 238
Kate in Waiting is a YA romance following Kate and her best friend Andy who are notorious for pining over the same guy, which they call their ‘communal crushes’, but it is always from a far. That is until their summer crush from theatre camp, Matt Olssen, shows up at their school on the first day of Junior year. Both of them end up developing real feelings for Matt, but neither of them don’t want to hurt one another or lose their friendship.
Becky Albertalli is one of my favourite YA authors, but Kate in Waiting was my least favourite of the books of hers so far. One of my favourite things is her ability to write friend groups that feel really authentic and who you can’t help falling in love with. There was a lot of focus on platonic friendships, and diverse representation across the cast of characters, which was great! I loved all of the scenes where they were rehearsing for the musical, this was honestly the ultimate theatre kid book! Within her internal dialogue, Kate did give slight pick-me energy but didn’t we all at 15? I really enjoyed how both Kate and Andy’s romances played out, they felt really sweet and giddy, which in my experience is exactly how it feels to fall in love for the first time/in high school.
My issue with this book ultimately came down to a mediocre concept and the fact that it felt really repetitive. Kate and Andy kept having conversations about not wanting to hurt one another by having a crush on the same guy, but then one of them would get annoyed about something the other one did, and then they would apologize to one another and be best friends again. It was very cyclical, and a few of the “problems” that took place were unrealistic and juvenile (even for a YA book). As an older sister, Kate and her brother Ryan’s relationship really tugged at my heartstrings, I just wish Kate would have given him more credit as the novel progressed when it came to him moving to college and wanting to spend more time with her.
I did read this in one evening, which has become a theme for me and Albertalli’s books, which I love. I would recommend Kate in Waiting to anyone who was/is a theatre kid in high school, and to fans of the show High School Musical: The Musical: The Series!
one of the most heartwarming romances i've ever read. if you take anything from my goodreads its that you need to read this book - review to come! one of the most heartwarming romances i've ever read. if you take anything from my goodreads its that you need to read this book - review to come! ...more
sheets is a beautiful graphic novel that follows marjorie, a middle school girl, who is running her family's laundromat as her dad suffers from depressheets is a beautiful graphic novel that follows marjorie, a middle school girl, who is running her family's laundromat as her dad suffers from depression the year after her mother's passing. it was a simple yet touching story! marjorie is dealing with grief from her mother's passing, trying to help take care of her younger brother, has some mean girls at school, and there is a resort developer trying to get his hands on the property their laundromat is on. but with the help of a little ghost friend, the story plays out in a very sweet way.
the colour palate of the art was beautiful! i am very excited to see where this story goes in the second and third books! ...more
Good Material by Dolly Alderton was a witty novel following amateur comedian Andy as he reenters the dating world mid-thirties after splitting with hiGood Material by Dolly Alderton was a witty novel following amateur comedian Andy as he reenters the dating world mid-thirties after splitting with his long-term girlfriend Jen. I didn't know how much I would enjoy this book since I have never read a literary fiction/rom-com with a male main character but I really enjoyed it! Andy was funny, a little weird (in a good way), and although I have never been in his specific situation, insanely relatable. I was laughing out loud throughout the entire book and enjoyed how everything wrapped up in the end, especially with being able to read from Jen's perspective a bit. I think this book also did a great job of including realistic adult relationships and showing how they change as people get older, which is definintely one of Alderton's specialties when it comes to writing. I loved seeing Avi and Jane's relationship with both Andy and Jen after they broke up, and how supportive they were of both friends. I found Jen's perspective on her break-up with Andy to be something a lot of women struggle with, it really reminded me of Sylvia Plath's fig tree analogy. Overall, it was another win from Dolly Aldterton, I can't wait to see what she comes out with next!
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Randomhouse Canada for the advanced reader copy of Good Material by Dolly Alderton in exchange for an honest review!...more
Unfortunately, I can officially say that Jesse Q. Sutanto's books are not for me. I honestly don't know what I was thinking picking this up, I gave boUnfortunately, I can officially say that Jesse Q. Sutanto's books are not for me. I honestly don't know what I was thinking picking this up, I gave both Dial A for Aunties and Four Aunties and a Wedding 2 stars... but this cover was so cute, I had to give her one last chance.
This is a very character-driven story. Vera, the main character, who is a 60-year-old widow and tea shop owner, turned amateur detective, was very witty, however, her "I'm just an old lady I can do whatever I want" pushiness got old fast. The supporting characters were interesting enough, however, the plot was so weak that the characters didn't make up for it. I was waiting the entire time to figure out who had murdered Marshall in Vera's tea shop and it was underwhelming to say the least. It was "solved" in the last 2 chapters, and they briefly mentioned a trial but gave no real closure. There was way too many pop culture references, especially TikTok, which really wrecks the longevity of the book in my opinion.
I think one of the fundamental problems with Sutanto's books is that they are marketed wrong. For example, the blurb about Jesse at the back of this book described Dial a for Aunties as "women's fiction" and that is (in my opinion) entirely wrong. all 3 of her books have also been described as thrillers which couldn't be further from the truth. I really think they should all be labeled as young adult/humour. It is safe to say I will not be picking up her next book, however, I do think there is an audience out there for Sutanto's books, it is just not me.
add good girl, bad blood to the list of actually good sequels!! this was such a good follow up to a good girl's guide to murder, and it was perfect t add good girl, bad blood to the list of actually good sequels!! this was such a good follow up to a good girl's guide to murder, and it was perfect to read soon after the novella kill joy, which introduced jamie in a bigger capacity. the plot was fast-paced and i enjoyed the setting of fairview for another book!
i really enjoyed reading about all of the characters in this series again too! pippa and ravi are so cute, and i love how they balance each other out. i really liked seeing more of pippa and cara's friendship, but oh my gosh ant and lauren were so annoying! i liked seeing where tons of the characters from the first book were after pippa kind of turned the town upside down, and i especially appreciated how holly jackson tied up loose ends, like following max hastings trial.
overall, it was a really strong sequel, and i've heard even better things about the third book. i am very excited to see how the series wraps up!...more
i honestly don't have enough good things to say about mile high! i had never read a sports romance before so i didn't really know what to expect goingi honestly don't have enough good things to say about mile high! i had never read a sports romance before so i didn't really know what to expect going into this but oh my gosh it was so good!
i loved both stevie and zanders especially because it was duo pov! her being one of the teams flight attendants for the season was just too good, and i loved chicago as the main setting. i adored all of the side characters - i couldn't choose my favourite out of indy, logan, maddison, ryan, ella and rosie (lol) if i had to. there was also actual character growth and the growth wasn't just surface quick changes, you saw it develop throughout the book, which made the romance and book as a whole even better. stevie and zanders individual struggles with their parents were super relatable and i thought they dealt with it very well and maturely! the scenes toward the end with stevie and her dad, when he visited her, and zanders with his dad at the hometown bar, were both so sweet i was tearing up.
It's 600 pages, but it actually went by really quickly. the alternating pov chapters and their banter makes it so addicting to read, i was tearing through 200 pages at a time. i am so so so excited to read the right move - i was already loving her and ryan in this one! i also saw the third one comes out in october, has she said who's pov it is yet? let me know!...more
Yellowface by RF Kuang was fast-paced, satirical, intriguing, and unique! I've never heard of or read a book with a similar concept, which I found so Yellowface by RF Kuang was fast-paced, satirical, intriguing, and unique! I've never heard of or read a book with a similar concept, which I found so refreshing. June's internal monologue was absolutely insane, especially in the first half. I didn't even know how she could dig herself deeper into the hole, but she never failed to dig herself deeper and deeper. I was left with my jaw dropped at the end of multiple chapters.
I really enjoyed the insight into the publishing industry that Yellowface gave as well. One of the sentences that struck me the most was "Bestsellers are chosen. Nothing you do matters". I assumed this was often the case, however, it opened my eyes to how much ads and promotions for certain books impact the chance of me reading them.
Overall I had such a fun time buddy reading Yellowface with Sue! I've heard incredible things about RF Kuang for years, so I am very happy to finally have picked up one of her books. needless to say, I'll be reading her entire backlist! ...more
i just love how much tom felton loves harry potter... because same. i read this via audiobook the past few days at work and it was SO good! i really ei just love how much tom felton loves harry potter... because same. i read this via audiobook the past few days at work and it was SO good! i really enjoyed tom felton's narration, it made it really personal. i also really enjoyed hearing more about his childhood and what it was like to be on the harry potter set! you could really tell how much he appreciated the opportunity to have been in harry potter, and how much the relationships be made with everyone impacted his life positively. it was so cute how he had a chapter talking about emma, rupert and daniel individually, and i don't care what he claims, him and emma watson are in love!!!
one thing i really appreciated was that i actually learned quite a few things. growing up i was the kid who had seen every single extra scene, behind the scenes video, etc, for harry potter, but there were actually things that surprised me in tom's memoir! *minor spoilers* i had no clue he had been to rehab multiple times, or that he had dated jade for so long!!
overall, my only complaint is the god awful cover. otherwise, this is a great read for all wizards, witches, and muggles ...more
this is probably one of the most interesting books i've ever read! the lost daughter follows leda, a mother and professor while sheread via audiobook!
this is probably one of the most interesting books i've ever read! the lost daughter follows leda, a mother and professor while she's on a solo vacation. she becomes intrigued, almost obsessed with a young mother named nina, her daughter elena, and elena's doll. throughout the book the chapters alternate between her present life observing and interacting with nina, elana and their extended family, and memories of her time as a young mother, her relationship with her own daughters, and ultimately herself.
leda was at first, in my opinion, a likable enough character, especially as she shared some hardships she faced with motherhood, like losing her sense of self. this perspective on motherhood has always intrigued me, but as the story continues it reveals a lot about her past words and actions toward her daughters and husband, revealing, again, in my opinion, some narcissistic tendencies that made her an even more intriguing, but no longer likable main character.
lastly, i love the fact that the title 'the lost daughter' could be applied synonymously to every woman in the story, from leda, to nina, to rosaria, to elena and even to elana's literal doll. ferrante really impressed me with this one, i'm extremely excited to continue reading her work!...more
this is by far one of the best celebrity memoirs i’ve read! i really enjoyed jennette’s writing style, when the book was talking about her childhood ithis is by far one of the best celebrity memoirs i’ve read! i really enjoyed jennette’s writing style, when the book was talking about her childhood it almost felt like 11 year old jennette was telling me about it and then as she got older in the book it was like adult jennette was telling me about it which i thought was really cool.
i highly suggest checking the content warnings before reading this though! there is very sensitive and upsetting topics like child abuse and eating disorders (!!!), but if you’re okay reading about that definitely pick this one up! ...more
This was such a beautiful story of friendship, love, and empathy <3 I can't wait to talk to my book club friends about it this weekend! I am a huge faThis was such a beautiful story of friendship, love, and empathy <3 I can't wait to talk to my book club friends about it this weekend! I am a huge fan of translated fiction, and Almond was such a good second book of the year. I wouldn't be surprised if it makes my top books of 2023 list in December....more
may 9th, 2023: i am so so so happy to report that i was not disappointed by happy place! as some of you probably know, beach read is one of my favourimay 9th, 2023: i am so so so happy to report that i was not disappointed by happy place! as some of you probably know, beach read is one of my favourite romances, and i liked pwmov but was SO disappointed by book lovers, so i was not sure what to expect going into happy place.
harriet and wyn were adorable! i liked the chapters that showed different parts of their relationship, like when harry met wyns family, who reminded me a lot of my boyfriends wonderful family <3 the slow burn did KILL me though... omg i am not used to slow burns and i see now why i avoid them, i don't even know how many times i texted my friend alessia THEY NEED TO KISS... but it was a lot. although, with all the lead up of wyn texting so much on the trip and harry not knowing his reason for leaving, i was a bit underwhelmed with the situation when it was revealed. it was a very realistic reason and made sense, but i was expecting more.
i loved and related to a lot of the side characters, they each had very distinct personalities which made it easier to get to know and fall in love with them. i also really liked the variety of family/friend issues that each character or side character faced! i (unfortunately lol) really related to both harry and sabrina's situations with their families and also sabrina's struggle with wanting everything with the friend group to stay the same, and i thought they wrapped it up well in the end, definitely a vv good message to be hearing as someone in my 20s!
toward the end of the book when they were talking about knowing the next day was the last day but not talking about it because it's sad... that hit SO close to home with graduating a week and a half ago. thats REALLY what it felt like with my friends for the last few days so it had me tearing up!
overall i really enjoyed happy place! it is taking the number 2 spot in my emily henry book ranking (which is at the bottom of this review) and i have all hope restored for future eh books. im am still pissed that this one came out in hardcover though, like what was up with that??? im not paying $37 for a book AND having it not match the rest of the eh books i own... whoever made that decision JAIL FOR YOU!
random note (minor spoilers): i was convinced the whole time that it wasn't actually going to be sabrina and parth's wedding in the end and that the reason why wyn was texting so much was that it was going to be a surprise wedding for him and harriet and all their family was coming... lol. also i loved harrys pottery and stuff but i really wasn't expecting her to just quit her residency, i thought she was going to transfer to a montana hospital and finish her residency and then just not practice but whatever! i found it a bit redundant to have her and wyn do a career swap but i guess that goes along with the theme of finding your 'happy place', and clearly they both weren't happy with their original jobs.
april 29th, 2023: the real question is… will this live up to beach read because the other two didn’t for me ...more
Emma Griffioen
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