03 Jun

Posted at 22:48h in Reviews by

Splinters by Jamison: A Complex Dive into Motherhood and Self When I first encountered Jamison's newest memoir, Splinters, I felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. I had enjoyed her previous works—her addiction narrative and essay collections resonated deeply with me—so I was curious to see how she would navigate the murky waters of motherhood and divorce. Yet, I couldn't shake the feeling that this time she might be treading too lightly on some heavy truths. At the heart of Splinters lies an examination of motherhood in its rawest and...

03 Jun

Posted at 12:48h in Reviews by

Review of The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien I first picked up The Mythmakers with a sense of nostalgia and curiosity—two authors who have woven myth and magic into the fabric of literature I love. As a lifelong admirer of C.S. Lewis and someone who has recently fallen in love with the expansive world of J.R.R. Tolkien, the concept of exploring their friendship through a graphic novel felt like uncovering a rare treasure. I received an advance digital copy from ABRAMS Kids via NetGalley...

03 Jun

Posted at 11:15h in Reviews by

No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding: A Delightful Mystery on Catalina Island As an avid fan of Catherine Mack (the pseudonym for the talented Catherine McKenzie), I couldn’t have been more excited to receive the ARC of No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding. It feels like a reunion with an old friend—as Eleanor Dash, the eccentric, brilliant author, is back for another escapade, and I was all in for a weekend of suspense and laughter on Catalina Island. In this second installment of the...

03 Jun

Posted at 02:47h in Reviews by

Book Review: Escape into Meaning: Essays on Superman, Public Benches… by Evan Puschak When I first stumbled upon Evan Puschak’s YouTube channel, the Nerdwriter, his analysis of The Prisoner of Azkaban captivated me in much the same way a favorite piece of art does. It was during my college days when the channel was rapidly gaining traction, resonating with countless others eager for deeper insights into the media we consume. Fast forward to now, and I find myself picking up Escape into Meaning, hoping for a continuation of that...

02 Jun

Posted at 16:45h in Reviews by

Making Numbers Count: A Reflection on the Art and Science of Communicating Data As a self-proclaimed math nerd and accountant, I’ve always found solace in the structure and clarity that numbers provide. Manipulating them is a joy; the rules are clear, the patterns are visible. This makes me more empathetic to the challenges many face when grappling with data and statistics. Enter "Making Numbers Count: The Art and Science of Communicating Data" by Chip Heath and Karla Starr—a book that struck a chord with me the moment I picked...

02 Jun

Posted at 11:08h in Reviews by

A Deeper Dive into Family Ties: A Review of “Maine Characters” by Hannah Orenstein I’ve always been captivated by stories that explore the complexity of family dynamics, and when I stumbled upon "Maine Characters" by Hannah Orenstein, I was instantly intrigued. The promise of a summer setting in the serene landscape of Maine drew me in, transporting me back to my own awe-inspiring vacation there. The quaint cabins nestled by the lake, lush green trees, and salty breezes felt like the perfect backdrop for a story of discovery and...

02 Jun

Posted at 06:45h in Reviews by

Review of The Untold Story of Books: A Writer's History of Publishing by Michael Castleman As a book lover and reviewer, I often find myself pondering the complex interplay between authors, publishers, and readers. When I stumbled upon Michael Castleman’s The Untold Story of Books, it felt like the universe was nudging me to delve deeper into this tangled web. With Castleman's extensive experience in both writing and publishing, I was eager to unravel the realities behind the seemingly glamorous world of books. Castleman's exploration of the publishing industry reveals...

01 Jun

Posted at 20:37h in Reviews by

Book Review: Origins of The Wheel of Time: The Legends and Mythologies From the moment I pressed play on the audiobook of Origins of The Wheel of Time: The Legends and Mythologies, I was transported into a world I thought I knew intimately. Authored by Michael Livingston, this exploration of Robert Jordan’s groundbreaking series was a treat for any fan, every bit as spellbinding as the original novels. I found myself hanging on every word, so much so that before I finished, I was already Googling where to buy...

01 Jun

Posted at 10:59h in Reviews by

A Journey through Time and Resilience: A Review of The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club When I first spotted The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Mary Alice Monroe, I was immediately drawn in by the whimsical cover and the promise of a beautiful escape to a charming setting. As someone who appreciates well-crafted stories with depth and relatability, the concept of blending WWII historical fiction with an engaging dual timeline ignited my curiosity. Little did I know I was in for an emotionally rich journey filled...

01 Jun

Posted at 10:33h in Reviews by

Personal Reflections on Flung Out of Space: Inspired by the Indecent Adventures When I first laid eyes on Flung Out of Space: Inspired by the Indecent Adventures…, I was immediately drawn in by its tantalizing premise—exploring the life of Patricia Highsmith, the brilliant yet polarizing author of The Price of Salt. Having always been intrigued by writers whose personal lives cast shadows as deep as their literary impacts, I felt compelled to dive into this graphic novel. The notion of grappling with Highsmith’s legacy while balancing her complexities as...