11 Oct

Posted at 14:27h in Reviews by

Plain Truth: A Novel by Jodi Picoult – A Journey Through Faith and Justice When I first picked up Plain Truth, I was drawn in by Jodi Picoult’s reputation for weaving complex narratives that challenge our perceptions of morality and humanity. A murder in a tranquil Amish community? That’s a premise promising depth and unexpected contrasts. Throughout my reading journey, I found myself grappling with questions of faith, familial loyalty, and the nuances of cultural disparity. The story revolves around Katie Fisher, an 18-year-old Amish woman accused of infanticide...

10 Oct

Posted at 20:23h in Reviews by

A Taste of Tuscany: Review of Murder in Chianti by Camilla Trinchieri When I first stumbled upon Murder in Chianti, it felt as though the universe had conspired to drop a piece of Italy into my lap—a country I've longed to explore through the pages of a book. The allure of Tuscan wine country coupled with the promise of a gripping murder mystery drew me in, and I am so glad I took the plunge. Camilla Trinchieri's debut in her Tuscan Mysteries series is a delightful blend of charm,...

10 Oct

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Review of The Letter: An Emotional Journey of Family and Second Chances When I stumbled across The Letter: An Emotional and Uplifting Story About Family and Unexpected Second Chances by Michelle Vernal, I was immediately drawn in by the promise of a tale that intertwines nostalgia and new beginnings on the beautiful Isle of Wight. The blend of life’s challenges—divorce, aging parents, and secrets—coupled with themes of second chances, tugged at my heartstrings. As someone who appreciates stories that reflect the messy, intricate layers of family life, I knew...

05 Oct

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Exploring the Art of Fiction: A Personal Journey with On Teaching and Writing Fiction When I picked up On Teaching and Writing Fiction by Wallace Stegner, I was drawn not just by the author’s impressive literary credentials but by a profound desire to understand the inner workings of creative fiction. I often find myself captivated by essays on writing—not necessarily for how-to guidance, but for the philosophical exploration of what it means to create and teach the craft. Stegner, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist who founded the Stanford Writing Program,...

04 Oct

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Discovering the Craft: A Journey Through Creating Short Fiction by Damon Knight There's something inherently magical about the short story genre—the ability to encapsulate an entire universe within just a few pages. When I stumbled upon Creating Short Fiction by Damon Knight, I felt an undeniable pull; after all, a Grand Master of science fiction and an influential writing instructor was at the helm of this guide. Knowing his legacy in the writing world, I couldn't resist. Would this book provide the key insights I was missing in my...

30 Sep

Posted at 16:36h in Reviews by

Discovering Friendship in “My Friends: A Novel” by Fredrik Backman As an avid reader and lifelong admirer of Fredrik Backman’s storytelling, I couldn’t resist the allure of "My Friends: A Novel." The whimsical blend of humor and heartbreak that characterizes Backman’s writing has always drawn me in, and this latest work promised an exploration of friendship—the lifeblood of so many profound connections in our lives. At its heart, "My Friends" is the story of Louisa, an eighteen-year-old aspiring artist who becomes intrigued by three tiny figures on an iconic...

27 Sep

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Book Review: We Don't Talk About Carol: A Novel by Kristin Berry From the moment I stumbled upon We Don't Talk About Carol, I knew I was in for a journey that was equal parts haunting and enlightening. Kristin Berry's debut novel explores the depths of family secrets and the complexities of grief, and I found myself completely captivated. The themes surrounding missing Black girls in the 1960s resonated with me deeply, drawing me into a narrative that feels both personal and universal. At the heart of the story is...

25 Sep

Posted at 19:17h in Reviews by

Book Review: Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson From the moment I stumbled upon the intriguing title of Benjamin Stevenson’s Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, I felt an irresistible pull—a mix of curiosity and trepidation. Who could resist a darkly humorous mystery that causes you to ponder your own family's skeletons? Here we find a clever blend of classic and modern murder mystery that keeps you guessing while eliciting hearty chuckles. Spoiler: it didn’t disappoint! At its heart, we meet Ern Cunningham, a lovable,...

22 Sep

Posted at 19:09h in Reviews by

Close to Death: A Novel - A Whimsical Whodunit in a Gated Community From the moment I picked up Close to Death: A Novel, the latest in Anthony Horowitz's Hawthorne and Horowitz series, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and intrigue. A story revolving around a murder in a seemingly perfect gated community? Count me in! Horowitz has a knack for crafting intricate mysteries that keep you guessing, and this one was no exception. With his signature wit and clever narrative play, he managed to deliver...

20 Sep

Posted at 17:28h in Reviews by

Review of The End of the World As We Know It: New Tales of Stephen King When I first heard about The End of the World As We Know It: New Tales of Stephen King, I couldn’t contain my excitement. What a fantastic idea! Stephen King’s universe is like a rich tapestry, and with so many threads to pull on, the potential for new stories was mouthwatering. I had visions of imaginative spins on classic plots, exploring lives we knew only in passing. But, as I dove into this...