If you are a fan of both the book and the movie adaptation of The Exorcist, then choosing to read this book is somethingRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Nonfiction
If you are a fan of both the book and the movie adaptation of The Exorcist, then choosing to read this book is something you should absolutely do. "The Exorcist Legacy" is an engrossing and well-researched book that explores the far-reaching effects of one of the most famous horror films of all time. By delving into the film's background, making-of, and cultural impact, Nat Segaloff gives readers a thorough comprehension of why "The Exorcist" lingers in the minds of viewers long after it was first released.
The book does an excellent job of analyzing the film's lasting impact. Nat Segaloff expertly covers the impact of "The Exorcist" on the horror genre and its numerous influences. Readers will gain a deeper appreciation for the film as a whole after delving into its themes, such as the conflict between religion and science.
The main film and its production are not the only topics covered in this book; it also discusses the book itself, all of the sequel films that have been produced, and the television series. Additionally, it sheds some light on the new trilogy (I believe the first movie has already been released, but I have not yet watched it).
In sum, "The Exorcist Legacy" is an enthralling and illuminating tribute to a masterwork of cinema. This book is well worth reading at least once, whether you are a horror movie buff or just interested in the franchise's history. ...more
This is a mystery thriller with gothic horror elements. The story revolves around Kit McDeere, a caregiver with a Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Mystery Thriller
This is a mystery thriller with gothic horror elements. The story revolves around Kit McDeere, a caregiver with a not-so-good past. In the past, Kit got suspended due to the death of a patient she was taking care of. As a consequence of this, she has had a difficult time finding work.
As soon as she is presented with a job opportunity, she gladly accepts it; however, she is obligated to take care of Lenora Hope. Lenora is an elderly woman who, in the past, was put under suspicion of being responsible for the deaths of her entire family. Hope's End is the name of the secluded mansion that she calls home. It is situated on the edge of the cliff. When Kit moves there, she gradually uncovers the mysteries and secrets that no one has been able to solve in the past.
At last, a Riley Sager book that I found to be extremely enjoyable! In the past, I have read The Last Time I Lied, which I found to be extremely unpleasant, as well as Final Girls, which I found to be somehow entertaining. Considering how invested I was in the story, this one was a complete surprise to me. I believe that the author did an excellent job with the atmosphere and the setting, which were both gothic and creepy. All this suited the story very well.
Some readers may be tempted to think that the story places a significant emphasis on the development of the world and setting compared to the author's other works. However, this had a positive impact on me because Sager was exceptional in that particular area. This was a page-turner, and I’m glad I picked it up and gave the author another chance! ...more
I have heard many compliments about Jodi Picoult, and despite having a few of her books in my collection, I neveRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Historical Fiction
I have heard many compliments about Jodi Picoult, and despite having a few of her books in my collection, I never had the chance to pick one for one reason or another. When I got the opportunity to grab her new historical fiction, I didn’t hesitate. It was about time.
By Any Other Name tells the story of two talented women in different eras. The similarity between the two is that they both need to hide their names behind someone else’s in order for their work to be recognized.
The story is set in two different timelines. Melina Green is in the present, while Emilia Bassano was in Elizabethan England in the past. The fascinating thing is that Melina is a descendant of Emilia. While I’m not a fan of dual timelines, I didn’t mind it in this book because the author kept the events and characters very distinct and because the POVs were in the third person style, which made things very clear and more interesting.
The author has certainly done a lot of research to write this book, which I admire. The story and message she is telling are both very empowering. Although the book will initially place a greater emphasis on women's empowerment, I see it more as the story of people who are determined to pursue their passions and defy society's norms.
After reading this book, you can't help but question William Shakespeare's work, whether the man was really the original author or if he just put his name on Emilia’s work. History is always fascinating and questionable.
The author's writing was fantastic in both timelines. Nevertheless, I believe that Emilia's story would have been more effective if it had been the entirety of the book. This is not to say that Melina's story was any less interesting; however, the inclusion of two timelines made the book longer and the pace of the story slower at times.
Overall, I really liked this book and the historical information it provided. I’m definitely going to read the author’s other books because this one worked for me.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book....more
Boy Parts is a fictional novel written by Eliza Clark. The book revolves around the life of Irina, a young woman whRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Literary Fiction
Boy Parts is a fictional novel written by Eliza Clark. The book revolves around the life of Irina, a young woman who is struggling to find her place in the world. After dropping out of college, Irina moves to Newcastle, where she starts working as a photographer. She also takes part in an online art project, through which she meets a wealthy and peculiar man.
This man becomes Irina's patron and starts paying her to take provocative photographs of men that can sometimes be described as disturbing. She becomes obsessed with capturing their vulnerability and agony in her photographs. All this will open for Irina the door to a world of sex, drugs, and depravity that she never imagined existed. Soon she begins to wonder if her art is taking her too far and if she is really ready to deal with the consequences of her actions.
Irina, a lady who is both intriguing and strong, was unaware of the extent to which she had influence over the male subjects of her photographs until much later. Eddie was yet another fascinating and fragile character that appeared in this story. On the other hand, I liked the mother the most. Simply put, I enjoyed reading the scenes in which she interacted with her daughter very much and would have liked to see more of those scenes in this book.
Boy Parts is an exciting and thought-provoking book that examines issues of power, sex, and art. Readers will be left wondering about their own boundaries and ambitions since it paints a rough and unvarnished portrayal of modern life. The book has many trigger warnings, so be sure to be aware of them before picking it up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book....more
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Mystery Thriller + Short Story
Carrie and Andy are attending a grand New Year’s Eve party. This has been their habit for a couple ofRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Mystery Thriller + Short Story
Carrie and Andy are attending a grand New Year’s Eve party. This has been their habit for a couple of years, even though they are not financially capable of affording such parties. Regardless, the champagne and the fireworks are among the things that they would not want to miss. However, this New Year’s party is different because they meet a couple that will make them a shocking offer after they tell each other about their New Year’s resolution.
You should go into this book with very little prior knowledge. I did that, and I believe that the story earned its reward. Due to the fact that this short story is told from a variety of points of view, it is more effective because the reader is able to understand how each of the characters is feeling and what they are deciding.
Although it is a short story, there will be several unexpected turns that will take you by surprise and make you appreciate what the author attempted to accomplish. I have never read anything by Daniel Hurst, and this short story made me want to pick up one of his novels. This is a tale that reminds you that you should never divulge your New Year's resolution to anyone else!...more
Iris and Gabriel are a couple living a happy life until an unexpected guest arrives one day. Laure decides to moveRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Mystery Thriller
Iris and Gabriel are a couple living a happy life until an unexpected guest arrives one day. Laure decides to move in with the happy couple after discovering the infidelity of her husband, Pierre. The two couples have known each other for a long time, but things take a totally different turn when Laure decides to stay with Iris and Gabriel. Her behavior irritates Iris, who wants things to go back to just the way they were before she arrived at their doorstep.
The trope of an uninvited or unexpected guest who shows up in a mystery thriller is one of my favorites. I had the impression that this story would primarily focus on that trope. At the very least, it was the first fifty percent, but after that, it goes in a different direction in the second half. It is ironic that the part I expected to love due to this trope was the slowest, and that the story started to get more interesting and have a faster pace once that trope went away!
The second half of the book is where things really pick up and get wild. This is where the thriller aspect of the story really shines, and if you make it through the first half without giving up, you'll be rewarded with some intense action. I wouldn't say that the characters are particularly well-developed, but in a story like this, I think the plot is more important anyway. If you're a fan of the author's writing style, you'll probably enjoy this book because you know what to expect.
I remember reading B.A. Paris' debut book, Behind Closed Doors. I found it to be an enjoyable read. Although "The Guest" was entertaining too, it did, at times, venture into the realm of the implausible. I cannot say that I enjoyed it more than her first domestic thriller, but it provided a comparable level of entertainment value. As for my rating, I was vacillating between a 3.5 and a 4-star rating. However, I ultimately found the conclusion to be sufficiently redeeming, so a 4-star rating appears warranted.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book....more
Lisa Jewell's "None of This Is True" hooked me from the very first encounter between Alix, a successful podcaster, Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Mystery Thriller
Lisa Jewell's "None of This Is True" hooked me from the very first encounter between Alix, a successful podcaster, and Josie, a seemingly ordinary woman. Their chance meeting, on their shared 45th birthday, unfolds into a captivating and disturbing dance of secrets, lies, and manipulation. Jewell masterfully weaves a narrative that seamlessly blends psychological suspense with podcast transcripts and interview snippets, mirroring the novel's central investigation.
This book was a true page-turner. I found myself constantly switching between the gripping ebook chapters and the fantastic audiobook narration. The full-cast performance truly brought the story to life, especially considering the book's unique format that alternates between podcast recordings and a "true crime" TV show-like narrative. While I enjoyed both formats, the audio version took the cake, adding another layer of depth with distinct voices for each character.
However, be warned: "None of This Is True" is not for the faint of heart. It delves into dark and disturbing themes, including manipulation, domestic violence, psychological trauma, and many other dark themes. If you're sensitive to such content, proceed with caution.
Despite the dark nature of the story, I couldn't help but admire Jewell's skillful writing and ability to keep me guessing until the very end. This was my first foray into her work, and it won't be my last. I'm eager to explore more of her chilling and thought-provoking novels in the future.
If you're looking for a dark, fast-paced psychological thriller with a unique and interesting format, "None of This Is True" is definitely worth checking out. It’s a crazy story, so be ready for it....more
In the book, the protagonists are three sisters who are brought back together for the occasion of one of theirRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Contemporary Fiction
In the book, the protagonists are three sisters who are brought back together for the occasion of one of their sisters' wedding, which takes place in an English castle. As a librarian and a widow, Sylvie, whose name is derived from Sylvia Plath, is about to tie the knot with Simon Rampling, a man who is extremely wealthy.
Even though her sister Cleo, who is named after Cleopatra, is a criminal defense attorney and has relationship issues, she will take on the responsibility of investigating Simon's history in order to ensure that her sister is making the right choice by marrying that man.
On the other hand, Emma's life is falling apart because she has made a number of decisions that are problematic from a financial standpoint, and she has been attempting to conceal the entire situation from her husband.
Add to the above mix a toxic mother who used to care about nothing but herself! Will she change this time, though? You need to read to find out.
The book is narrated from the POVs of the three sisters, and thankfully, all are in third-person narration style. I think the author has done a great job with the family dynamics. I enjoyed reading about the three sisters, their stories, and how they bonded. Themes of unity and forgiveness were really impactful here.
There were times when the story seemed predictable, but that did not detract from its endearing qualities or positive atmosphere. Some of the themes in this story include love, forgiveness, healing, and unity. It was an entertaining read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book....more
"Yellowface" by Rebecca Kuang is a contemporary thriller that will captivate you and grab your full attention uRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Contemporary Fiction
"Yellowface" by Rebecca Kuang is a contemporary thriller that will captivate you and grab your full attention until the last page. The story is told from the perspective of June Hayward, a struggling white author who steals her Asian friend's manuscript after her friend passes away. With that manuscript, June hits the jackpot and gets a new chance to make a name for herself in the literary world. June's career takes off once she begins writing under the pen name Juniper Song; however, this success comes at a steep price, as the truth threatens to destroy everything that she has worked so hard to create.
You will be on the edge of your seat throughout the entire story because the plot is like a rollercoaster ride, that is constantly shifting gears. As June works her way through a complex web of lies, betrayals, and near misses, the tension will continue to steadily increase. Nevertheless, the conclusion appears to be a little hurried and exaggerated, as it leaves some knots untied while others are tied, but with a little too much convenience.
To be more specific, according to my preferences, the story starts to get cheesy somewhere in the final quarter of the book. June's acceptance of the trick that was played on her was an unrealistic expectation. It made her appear as a dumb protagonist. Having said that, I do not wish to be overly critical of the main character because I have witnessed real-life authors who have done things that were even more stupid and have resulted in the destruction of their careers.
There was a recent instance in which a single author created multiple Goodreads accounts and assigned one-star ratings to books written by authors of color whose books were to be released on the same date as her debut book. When she was discovered, she attempted to act innocent, but it was already too late. Therefore, it is true that there are people in the world who would engage in behaviors that are even more heinous and foolish. This was an entertaining story that had all the necessary elements about the book publishing world and what can go wrong for an author. It was a very good ride....more
"Wandering Stars" is a book that examines the complicated history and traumatic experiences ofRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Historical Fiction + Literary Fiction
"Wandering Stars" is a book that examines the complicated history and traumatic experiences of Native American families in the United States of America. It is a multi-generational work that spans centuries and is rich in content. The novel begins with the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864 and continues up to the present day, weaving together the stories of many different characters who struggle with the repercussions of colonialism, forced assimilation, and intergenerational trauma.
At the beginning of the book, there is a terrifying event called the Sand Creek Massacre. Star, a Cheyenne warrior, is present during this event and witnesses the brutal slaughter of his people. He escapes and is imprisoned at Fort Marion, where he encounters Richard Henry Pratt, an evangelical prison guard obsessed with "civilizing" Native American people.
From that point on, we follow all of the various characters and the difficulties, challenges, and obstacles that they encounter throughout the various eras. Until now, I was completely unaware that this was a part of a series. Since I have not read "There, There," I am unsure how my evaluation of this book would have been affected if I had read that book. This writing is so lyrical and has such a beautiful quality. No matter how much I praise the author’s prose, I don't think it would do him justice.
I could tell I was going to adore this book the moment I started it. The historical portions in the first half, though, are the most interesting and impactful, in my opinion. I simply would have preferred it if the story had narrowed its focus to that period and introduced fewer characters so that I could relate to them better. I think that would have made it a five-star book for me.
There is more to Wandering Stars than just a story about adversity. Additionally, it is a demonstration of the unwavering fortitude, resiliency, and love that serve as the glue that holds the Bear Shield-Red Feather family together. The author begins this book by delving deeply into the dark history of the United States of America, specifically, the genocide that was committed against the Indians, or what we now refer to as Native Americans, and how this genocide continues to have an impact on the generations that have survived it. Not only does this matter greatly from a historical perspective, but it is also relevant to the present day because genocide is occurring elsewhere under the guise of "war" and everyone is obliviously watching as if it were a fascinating circus.
The fact that this book explores topics that some people may find unsettling and problematic makes it an extremely important piece of literature. It is necessary, however, to tell stories such as that, and we must continue to remind people of the past for them to comprehend how they should behave in the present and the future. It is imperative that everyone is aware of topics such as the legacy of colonialism and the ongoing impact it has had on Indigenous communities. Moreover, the book delves deeply into the significance of cultural identity and the difficulties of recovering it following centuries of suppression.
This is not a book to be read for entertainment purposes, but rather to understand history and empathize with the people who have endured and continue to endure great hardship and suffering.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book....more
Viv is a swordswoman who is of the orc race. She has spent most of her life battling and exploring a fantasy world filled wiRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Fantasy
Viv is a swordswoman who is of the orc race. She has spent most of her life battling and exploring a fantasy world filled with monsters and creatures. She is weary of the risk and the violence, and she wants to find a better life for herself to pursue her passion for coffee, which is a new substance in this world and many are not familiar with it. Her savings have allowed her to purchase an old structure in the city of Thune, which she intends to use as the location for establishing the very first coffee shop in the town's history.
With each obstacle, Viv meets someone who will be there to help her achieve her dream. This is a cozy story, and I would’ve liked it even if all the characters were human. You will not read anything about magic or anything like that. The races of the characters and a few tidbits here and there have fantasy elements. So don’t expect much in terms of fantasy.
For me, this felt more like a game that was converted into a story (albeit a good one). Have you ever played one of those simulation games where you start a restaurant or a coffee shop and, with each level up, you get to upgrade or add something new to your shop? Well, this is the same too. I will be honest, for the first 20% of the book, I felt underwhelmed, especially since nothing major was happening, but then the pace began to get faster, and the more characters came into the story, the more fun it got.
I think the author did a pretty good job with the characters and the setting of the story. This is why the story turned out to be cute and loved by many readers. Just don’t get into this book thinking it will be a regular fantasy or a romance story, because it is neither one of them....more
This is a follow-up to Empire of the Vampire, a vampire dark fantasy story that I really enjoyed. The Silversaint, Gabriel,Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Fantasy
This is a follow-up to Empire of the Vampire, a vampire dark fantasy story that I really enjoyed. The Silversaint, Gabriel, continues to tell his story to the historian vampire, except in this book, we also have a new narrator, Gabe’s sister Celene. They both narrate the story to the historian about the events that preceded their arrest and what happened to the Grail.
In this sequel, many new, important characters affect the direction of the story. Like book one, this one, too, has excellent world-building and interesting characters with complex dynamics. The author ensured that the tale was filled with crucial events and action scenes.
For the most part, the journey is just as exciting and dark as it was in the first book, but I believe that I still prefer the first book to this one. It is possible that Celene's narration was not as entertaining as Gabe's. I am not trying to imply that hers was poor; however, I believe Gabe's had a more significant impact.
The relationship between the brother and sister, as well as their interaction with Dior, is, in my opinion, the biggest highlight of this installment. It would be an understatement to say that the ending is iconic. It satisfies, but at the same time, it makes you want to read book three as soon as possible.
Note: I received a sampler copy from NetGalley but ended up purchasing the book myself when it was released....more
The Positive Thinking Bible is a self-help book that assists readers in overcoming negative thought patterns and developiRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Nonfiction
The Positive Thinking Bible is a self-help book that assists readers in overcoming negative thought patterns and developing a more optimistic perspective on life. The book is divided into three sections. The first is understanding what positive thinking is. The second section is about how to apply positive thinking practically in your life. The last section is about mastering positive thinking. Each section has a few short chapters that will go into more detail.
I believe that reading this book could be beneficial for people who are really interested in experiencing the benefits of positive thinking but are unsure of where or how to begin exploring these benefits. Negative thinking is a significant barrier to both happiness and achievement, according to the author of the book.
You are going to be provided with methods for recognizing and overcoming limiting beliefs, which include all the negative thoughts we have about ourselves and our abilities. There is also an important part that talks about gratitude, along with visualization, affirmations, and meditation. I like that the author offers several exercises and techniques that will aid any reader in all those areas.
Sometimes I felt some subjects were oversimplified and kept repeating themselves in the three sections, but that didn’t take away the benefits one gets from them. My only main complaint about this book is its title. I mean, “The Positive Thinking Bible” was enough of a title. The title did not need to take three or four lines! ...more
In Agatha Christie's book Sparkling Cyanide, a socialite named Rosemary Barton collapses to the ground afRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Mystery Thriller + Classic
In Agatha Christie's book Sparkling Cyanide, a socialite named Rosemary Barton collapses to the ground after cyanide poisoning. This causes the dinner to turn into a tragic event. Colin Race, the Inspector, is confronted with a table full of suspects, each of whom is hiding secrets and reasons behind their carefully crafted veneers. Which of Rosemary's family members—her envious sister or her suspicious husband—was the culprit?
The lavish restaurant in Luxembourg, with its glimmering lights and whispered conversations, comes to serve as a setting for a mystery that has been expertly intricately stitched. When you believe that you have a firm hold on the truth, Christie surprises you with yet another intriguing clue, which causes you to turn the pages of the book with a bated breath. The plot twists like a serpent, the witty language, and the psychological complexity all work together to keep you captivated until the startlingly satisfying surprise makes its appearance.
The author, Agatha Christie, created a superb mystery thriller with this book. One of those that does not include Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple in its cast. Characters were distinct and interesting in their own right. The author came up with the appropriate motivation for each and every one of them. The mystery, as well as the manner in which the murder was initiated, sounded illogical but plausible. In general, I thought that this one was fantastic. ...more
The Egide family flees to a New Hampshire estate in search of solace after the death of a member of their family. WhileRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Contemporary
The Egide family flees to a New Hampshire estate in search of solace after the death of a member of their family. While there, they face a mysterious "river witch" and discover some shocking secrets.
The river witch, Davina, has an eerie affinity for the natural world and says Marie's grandpa gave her the cabin as a gift. The situation escalates into a tense standoff. Evicting Davina is something that Marie is motivated to do because she wants to sell the estate and move on with her life. Hannah and Pen, her two teenage daughters, have different perspectives on the matter.
Pen is wary of Davina's peculiar behavior, while Hannah sees a kindred spirit in the woman who is shunned by society. Secrets start to come to light as tensions grow. The standoff intensifies between the two parties until the whole thing comes to a satisfying resolution. Both parties will find themselves facing their own insecurities, pain, and disturbing pasts.
The narrative is thought-provoking, and the premise as a whole does not have complete black-and-white areas. There are no bad guys in this story, only those individuals who view things from their unique points of view. As a reader, this will make you judge the characters’ certain actions without being overly critical of their bigger motive.
The story is beautifully written, and the characters are fleshed out. The only drawback for me is that the narration is in “own voice” and from six characters’ perspectives. When a story needs to be told from multiple points of view, I prefer the narration to be in a third-person style. This is something that pertains to my individual preferences, and if you are okay with such a structure, it should not have any impact on the enjoyment you get out of everything. The chapters are relatively brief, which means that you can read them in a concise amount of time.
“Only when you lose the desire for the things that don’t matter do you start to have fun”
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an advanced reader copy of this book....more
This is my first book by Fiona Williams. The story revolves around a family of four members over the course of a yRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Literary Fiction
This is my first book by Fiona Williams. The story revolves around a family of four members over the course of a year during all four seasons. Tessa, the London-born daughter of Jamaican parents, is a person of color who is married to Richard, a white farmer. The two have twins, Sonny and Max. The two twins are not identical. One is colored, and the other one is white.
The family moves to live in the countryside, but Tess, being the city girl she is, finds it difficult to adapt to living in this small Somerset village, especially since she is the only person of color there. The twins also find it too difficult to convince people there that they are twins.
The book is divided into four parts, each representing one of the seasons. The story is narrated from the perspective of the four characters. However, the author has used two types of narration styles for the characters, with Richard using a third-person narration style, while the other three are narrated in the first-person style.
This is mainly a character-driven story, as the tale delves into the lives of the members of this family. As a reader, you will be able to connect to what they go through, be it their struggles, grief, or all the other emotions. Themes like race, acceptance, healing, and family dynamics are the focus of the story.
The writing is lyrical and beautiful, and the author’s setting descriptions are vivid and breathtaking. There is an unexpected twist in the book that shakes things up for you as a reader. At least, it was adequate for me and clarified the characters' perspectives. I’m not a fan of multiple points of view, but this book was an exception, as the author organized everything very well.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book....more
Rebecca Makkai's book "The Great Believers" is based on the devastating AIDS pandemic that occurred in ChiRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Literary Fiction + LGBTQ+
Rebecca Makkai's book "The Great Believers" is based on the devastating AIDS pandemic that occurred in Chicago in the 1980s. The novel weaves together two storylines that span decades and are interconnected. This book was awarded the Pulitzer Prize.
Yale Tishman, a young and ambitious art dealer, is on the verge of achieving a major coup in the year 1985. He is looking to secure a significant donation of paintings from the 20th century for his gallery. His existence is brimming with the vibrancy and energy of the art world; however, the specter of AIDS casts a shadow over his community, taking the lives of his close friends and acquaintances.
In 2015, thirty years after the epidemic occurred, a generation has passed, and the survivors' lives continue to bear the scars of the epidemic. Fiona Marcus, an old friend of Yale's, sets out on a journey to Paris in the hope of finding her daughter Claire, who has been estranged from her for a long time. Fiona discovers the profound connection that exists between their lives and the enduring legacy of the AIDS crisis as she progresses through her search for understanding the past.
The book is a profound and moving examination of love, loss, and the ability to persevere in the face of a devastating pandemic. Through the deft integration of personal narratives and historical context, Makkai crafts a weave of stories that evoke a combination of hope, pain, and grief.
I typically favor one time frame over the other when there are two-time frames available. The 1980s are the time period that is at the center of the narrative in this book, and to tell you the truth, I could have done without the 2015 one because it seemed to me to be a distraction from the events that are taking place. In my opinion, the entire 2015 segment would have been more satisfying if it had been rewritten as an epilogue that was set many years after the main story. That would have made the book more focused. Regardless of that, this is an excellent story; however, it contains a number of trigger warnings, so before you read it, you should make sure to check them out. ...more
I have to admit that most of the books I've read on positive thinking have failed to leave much of an impression on me. IRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Nonfiction
I have to admit that most of the books I've read on positive thinking have failed to leave much of an impression on me. I've read rather a few of them. On the other hand, this one is quite different. I couldn't help but feel as though the author was directing some of the concepts toward me. The book is written in a style that will provoke thought, and by the time you reach the conclusion, you will have the impression that everything the author has been implying truly makes sense.
Do not be fooled by the fact that the book is not very long because it provides a significant amount of information without including any superfluous filler. To be able to become the best version of yourself, you need to rid yourself of negative thoughts and break harmful habits in order to replace them with positive thoughts and behaviors. so that you can be content with who you are and the achievements you've accomplished.
The majority of the time, we are our own harshest critics, but there are techniques to either tune that critic out or silence it entirely. It is not necessary for any of us to be unduly critical of ourselves, nor is it necessary for any of us to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. This book will aim to convince you in a smooth and practical way by teaching you many of these principles, and it will do so in a straightforward manner. It was quite enjoyable to me and informative as well. ...more
An ambitious writer is the protagonist of "No Two Persons,” . Alice has invested her whole being into writing her fRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Literary Fiction
An ambitious writer is the protagonist of "No Two Persons,” . Alice has invested her whole being into writing her first novel, and the result is a story that will speak to readers from every sphere of life. The lives of nine people, each of whom is struggling with their own particular challenges, are profoundly influenced in ways that are unexpected as a result of Alice's story reaching them.
The book is organized very well, with each chapter functioning as a brief story about a different person who has been impacted in some way or another by Alice's book "Theo." One of the things that I liked very much about the book was that the stories were told from the points of view of the characters, but the narration was done in the third person so that the readers would not be confused.
However, one of the most significant problems of such a format is that readers will favor some stories more than others, and due to the length of each character's story, it will not be particularly easy to connect with every one of the characters in the book.
The novel dives into the transforming nature of narrative, revealing how books might motivate, heal, and bring comfort and escapism for those who seek a haven in its pages. I believe that this is a particularly good piece of literary fiction because of the novel's focus on this topic. One of the primary reasons why we as individuals read works of fiction from a wide variety of genres is because of this. ...more
Viola Davis is without a doubt one of the most talented actors working in Hollywood right now, and she is also one of my Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Nonfiction
Viola Davis is without a doubt one of the most talented actors working in Hollywood right now, and she is also one of my personal favorites. I had a strong desire to learn more about her, and so I chose to read her memoir. I have been dividing my time between reading the book and listening to the audiobook version, in which she is the narrator. I also need to comment on how incredible I find her narration to be. The woman is a skilled storyteller who can make even the most straightforward lines sound incredibly engaging.
Viola's book "Finding Me" is a highly personal story that recounts her early experiences, the hurdles she faced while growing up in Rhode Island, and the journey she took to achieve success in her career. She talks openly about her difficult childhood, the dynamics of her family, and the challenges she faced to become an actress, including the fact that she grew up in poverty. Viola Davis opens up about the highs and lows of her life, providing illuminating details about her professional and personal development as well as the pivotal experiences that transformed her into what she is today.
The memoir is a demonstration of tenacity, persistence, and the efficacy of the process of coming into one's own. The actress discusses her struggles with vulnerability and honesty, as well as the significance of accepting one's identity, in this revealing interview. The reader is given a glimpse into the life of a remarkable woman who triumphed against adversity to become an icon in the entertainment business through the telling of her narrative, which is both motivational and thought-provoking in nature.
Doubt, The Help, and Fences are three of her most notable roles in her acting career....more
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