My Life as a Villainess: A Journey Through a Remarkable Life When I first picked up My Life as a Villainess by Laura Lippman, I didn’t just expect to encounter insightful essays from an award-winning author; I was also eager to dive into the mind of someone I once nearly rambled over in a book signing. Yes, I had a moment of panic while trying to chat with her—a mix of excitement and nerves led me to accidentally mansplain the complexity of a character she created. Yet, instead of...

Book Review: The Wildest Sun by Asha Lemmie The allure of The Wildest Sun captured me right from the start, primarily because of its unique premise and the powerful shadow of Ernest Hemingway that looms over it. Asha Lemmie's exploration of a young girl's quest to find her father, set against the vibrant and tumultuous backdrop of 1945 post-war Paris and New York, spoke to my own curiosities about family, identity, and the weight of legacy. As I delved into the novel, I found myself both enchanted and challenged...

The Keeper of Stories by Caroline Kusin Pritchard: A Journey Through Resilience and Community In a world where stories are often lost to flames, Caroline Kusin Pritchard's The Keeper of Stories resonates deeply with anyone who cherishes the written word. I was first drawn to this gem after hearing about the remarkable true story it tells, centered around a devastating fire that engulfed the Theological Seminary Library in 1966. The layering of history with the theme of community resilience captivated me, inviting me to dive deeper into the pages. At...

Review of Wooing the Witch Queen (Queens of Villainy, #1) There’s something undeniably enchanting about diving into a new adventure penned by Stephanie Burgis, a beloved author I've followed since 2016. With each turn of the page, Burgis consistently surprises me with her ability to blend humor, heart, and whimsy. When I first picked up Wooing the Witch Queen, I was drawn in by its premise—a romantasy exploring the complexities of characters and world-building rather than just the romance. I’m thrilled to say it surpassed my expectations, earning a...

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...

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...