09 May Book Review of Refuse to Be Done: How to Write and Rewrite a Novel in …
Refuse to Be Done: How to Write and Rewrite a Novel in...
09 May Book Review of The Queens of Crime
Book Review: The Queens of Crime by Cat Sebastian As a lover of historical mysteries, the premise behind The Queens of Crime had me intrigued from the moment I learned about it. Storytelling intertwines with real-life figures thriving in a male-dominated world, and having Dorothy L. Sayers herself narrate the journey was a delightful hook. So, when I received an ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, I couldn't wait to dive in. Unfortunately, like many of us, I’ve encountered the disappointment when a promising premise fails to meet...
08 May Book Review of How This Book Got Red
Embracing the Color of Kindness: A Review of How This Book Got Red As a lover of children's literature, I often find myself on the lookout for stories that not only entertain but also teach valuable life lessons. This curiosity led me to How This Book Got Red by Margaret Chiu Greanias, a delightful picture book that captivated me from the moment I opened its pages. With its charming illustrations and heartwarming narrative, it strikes a beautiful balance between fun and meaningful storytelling. At the heart of How This Book...
08 May Book Review of Ode to a Nobody
Book Review: Ode to a Nobody by Caroline Brooks DuBois Have you ever come across a book that feels like a gentle embrace during turbulent times? That’s exactly how I felt when I picked up Ode to a Nobody by Caroline Brooks DuBois. Thank you to NetGalley and Holiday House for granting me the chance to read this poignant novel in verse. It’s a beautiful exploration of adolescence, wrapped in the simplicity of poetic phrases that resonate long after the final page. At the heart of this novel is Quinn,...
08 May Book Review of The Lamplighter’s Bookshop
A Reflection on The Lamplighter’s Bookshop: A Missed Opportunity in Historical Romance When I first stumbled upon The Lamplighter’s Bookshop by the debut author whose name now escapes me, I was instantly drawn in by its alluring cover and the promise of a gripping historical romance set against the backdrop of a quaint bookshop. As a lover of stories, especially those steeped in historical charm, I found myself eagerly anticipating a journey through an enchanting world filled with romance and intrigue. Alas, what unfolded was a chaotic, convoluted experience...
08 May Book Review of The Hero of This Book
Discovering the Layers of Love: A Review of The Hero of This Book by Emily McCracken When I first picked up The Hero of This Book by Emily McCracken, I was drawn in by the title. It sparked memories of my daughter’s favorite childhood tale, The Monster at the End of This Book. I approached it with curiosity, knowing from prior reviews that McCracken’s work takes the reader on an unconventional journey. I had never read her before, but I was eager to explore a story rumored to defy...
07 May Book Review of The Double Life of Benson Yu
The Double Life of Benson Yu: A Thought-Provoking Journey Through Trauma and Healing When I first caught wind of The Double Life of Benson Yu, the latest novel by Canadian author Liang Qiao, I was immediately intrigued. The concept of a graphic novelist creating a narrative that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality? Yes, please! However, I must admit, delving into this book was like stepping into a beautiful, yet tumultuous, landscape of emotions and thoughts. It's been a few days since I finished it, and I'm still...
07 May Book Review of Not Quite by the Book
Not Quite by the Book: A Literary Escape There’s something magical about bookstores and the stories they cradle, which is likely why "Not Quite by the Book" by Annie England Noblin caught my eye. As a book blogger, I often find myself yearning for stories that intertwine not just good writing, but relatable character journeys and rich settings. With the promise of family drama, a historical twist, and a seemingly idyllic setting at an old manor once frequented by Emily Dickinson, I dove into this narrative with enthusiasm. However,...
07 May Book Review of Any Person Is the Only Self
Reflections on Any Person Is the Only Self: A Journey of Divergent Perspectives When I first stumbled upon Elisa Gabbert’s Any Person Is the Only Self, I was immediately drawn in by her poetic approach to life’s minutiae. She writes, “Sometimes I think of the seed of the essay, whatever idea first made me want to write it, as a tree that I'm building a house around—I have wanted a house with a tree inside.” This imagery struck a chord with me; it felt like an invitation to explore...
06 May Book Review of The Diaries of Franz Kafka (The Schocken Kafka Library)
Review: The Diaries of Franz Kafka (The Schocken Kafka Library) As a lifelong admirer of Franz Kafka, delving into The Diaries of Franz Kafka felt like embarking on a deeply personal pilgrimage. With the centenary of his death approaching on June 3rd, 1924, I found myself eager to spend time with his thoughts, exploring the mind of a writer whose work has profoundly shaped my understanding of literature. This collection, deftly translated by Ross Benjamin, is a treasure trove for Kafka enthusiasts, rich with the author’s reflections, desires, and...