Lisa

I have had this book on my TBR since it came out. I purchased it at a bookstore September 2023. I now am I full believer that a book will be there for you when you need it. I was stressing about what to pick up the Sunday before the election in fear that I wouldn't be able to focus on anything. I took this off my shelf and just told myself to see if it was the right time - and it was 100% the best time. If you are looking for a strong female character who doesn't shy away from revenge, if you want to read passages that make you want to shout at the top of your lungs YES!!!!, then read this book now. These are quotes I pulled out of reviews when I originally put it on my list and they are 100% accurate.

“This book is so angry and so ready to crush the patriarchy...”
“a boot on the patriarchy's neck...“
“An angry, bloody, feminist fist straight through the glass of patriarchal bullshit...“

If that is the energy you are looking for, this is the book to read.

Received as ARC from Edelweiss. I wasn't quite sure how I felt about this book from the beginning but the concept is intriguing so I wanted to give it a try. Ultimately, there was a plot point about 35% of the way in that wasn't for me.

From the beginning, the characters are not likeable - you aren't rooting for anyone. I don't necessarily need to like my characters though and I was curious to dig into the underbelly of influencing. About 10% of the way in “" Julie lies to the police to assume Chloe's life - it's way to easy. I rolled my eyes and was almost out. I could believe that Julie could scam Chloe's "friends" because it's a superficial relationship and her sister just died but when she decides to call her Aunt? It was beyond stupid to me and I couldn't continue. I think the author could have dealt with the Aunt in the plot without the stupidity. It was added drama that wasn't necessary, in my opinion. "“

This was a me problem. Since the election I'm
Having a really hard time focusing on audio books so I need to be really selective with my genre. This has elements of fantasy/magical realism and you need to pay attention 100% of the time. I will probably revisit in print in the future because I really have enjoyed This authors other books and have heard great things about this one.

Great travel book if you are looking for stories behind the city and if you are looking for non touristy things to see / do. Also some recommendations for restaurants. Also provides practical travel information (getting there, packing, etc.)

Rounded up from 3.75

This book is three sections, each told from a different characters point of view. I enjoyed my time inside each section but found the transition jarring and a bit clunky. I did not enjoy that last 50 or so pages and was not here for the ending - it just ended. I don't need everything tied up in a bow but I like some semblance of a conclusion. I felt like this ending just dropped you off a cliff.

This book is about belonging, class, race, immigration and gender with a bit of generational trauma thrown in. Lily's point of view was probably my favorite but I enjoyed Nick's and May's as well. It was interesting to read a bit about life life in China under Mao.

Audio was done well.

abandoned book. Made it half way thru but really should be an action book and I'm not doing any of the things in the book. Will probably revisit at another time.

Good and brief summary of the GTD system.

“Something else is needed if the wisdom is going to make any real difference in our lives. The “Warrior” needs to rise up.”
I enjoyed this book. There really aren't new ideas in here but I like Lisa's voice. I also enjoyed the format - each chapter is a core essential and lists specific ideas on how to achieve that essential in your life. The end of the book emphasizes that i. Order to feel better you need to make small steps. Pick a core essential and work thru it one step at a time. I love the direction the book gives and the fact that you are given the freedom to implement it in a way that will fit your particular situation.

I thought this book would be bad. But it was really good☺.

This book is for someone who likes magic mixed with puzzle! This book is one of the best I have ever read.

I listened to this on audio and had no issues following the change in place because it was clearly delineated by chapter. This is a character driven book and I really enjoyed Pasqual and Dee. It takes place in 1960's Italy and present day California. I ended up having to read the last chapter (Scribd membership issue that I won't rant about here) and it was everything. I'm so glad I had to read it - so beautiful and I loved how the author wrapped the book up.

I laughed my ass off.

Rounded down from 4.25; I wanted to pick this up as soon as I read this line: “I haven't killed anyone for three years and I thought that when it happened again I'd feel bad. Like an alcoholic taking a sip of whisky. But no. Nothing. I had a blissful night's sleep.” I love female revenge stories, especially when they have good reason. This is definitely dark satire. the crimes were gruesome and I was laughing through out the book. Most of the time I felt Rhiannon was justified and most of her inner thoughts are very relatable but she is a very unhinged character and readers need to know that going in. Not every murder is justifiable. I enjoyed the ending but didn't realize it was the first in the series. When the other are available in the US I will cautiously dip my toes back into Rhiannon's head.

I was really surprised with how moving this story was. I was prepared for a Christmas horror, which this is, but not for the sympathy/empathy I had for Krampus. It really paints a different portrait of other media I've consumed of what Krampus represents.

The middle was a bit mushy for me - started and ended with a good amount of action and the middle slowed way down.

Loves the afterward - kinda wish I had read that first.

“For I clearly see that mankind has not yet forgotten who they are. That deep down thier wild spirit still burns. That they need only a little nudge to be set free.

Fantastic book! I listen to Brooke's podcast and find her very motivating. Whether you need to lose weight or not this book is great for embracing your feelings (instead of avoiding them) and realizing how your thoughts shape your reality.

4 stars for pure entertainment - I read this is two days - extremely propulsive and got me through a book rut. This is not a life changing, well written book. Just fun. And it has issues - go in knowing what it is and have fun. Also, know yourself and if you don't enjoy these types of books don't read it.

I abandoned this book. I liked the beginning a lot but book tended to keep repeating itself - explaining what margin is and why we need it. after making it almost half way thru I decided to go on to something else.

I have been having trouble with most audio books since the 11/24 election. This was a planned read for December since it takes place at Christmastime and Alexis Hall managed to keep me entertained. I knew that if I couldn't focus on one of his books then I need to take an audio break for awhile. For me, Alexis Hall and Emily Henry are the romance writers to beat. They mix banter and heartfelt stories so well. I give an edge to Alexis Hall for the way he always makes me laugh in his books and then a few pages later I'm crying. The found family in this book (all his books to be honest) is top notch. I have yet to read one of his books that is a miss. The first 50% felt like a solid contemporary book and I wasn't really feeling the romance but then a switch flips and I totally buy them as a couple. It didn't feel like an awkward transition or anything, it just happened. They may be one of my favorite couples of any romance I read this year.

I ended up DNF'ing this book around page 100 because of a plot point that is firmly in my doghouse.

Reason for DNF:
The whole kidnapping is a hoax thought up by the father, I believe the daughter was involved but DNF'd before I could confirm that. Not only is it a hoax the teenage daughter ends up dead. No thank you.

I loved this book so much and it makes me want to pick up everything else he has written.

This is a horror book about apples - it gives new meaning to the apple being the symbol of sin and the common phrase “an apple a day will keep the doctor away”.

I love the storytelling in this one and it gave me some Stephen King vibes. It is told slowly so we really get to know the characters, with interludes that provide history of the town and the apple. You can feel the dread building and it is done so well. I will not be apple picking anytime soon - especially in the state of PA.

It is a chonker, over 600 pages, but every page is worth it and didn't feel it needed any editing. The audio is full cast and was fantastic (though the voice narrator of the interlude sections was not my favorite).

Also, as soon as I finished I said, “I will I could reread this again for the first time.” Perfect for fall.

I picked this book up because I wanted to read a Christmas book and didn't want it to be a romance. This book is wacky and I love it. Several laugh out loud moments. the whole time I was reading it I thought about Twin Peaks (although this book isn't near as dark as the show). The cast of characters is just fantastic. I'm looking forward to reading more Christopher Moore.

Solid cozy horror. Listened on audio and enjoyed in that format.

Started a little slow and wasn't sure I even wanted to continue reading it but it ended up being entertaining and I enjoyed it.

I really wanted to like this book because I like the author but it was choppy, I had trouble relating to the characters and the ending is horrible.

Typical Gillian Flynn - dark and disturbing but unable to put it down. I have a feeling of dread when reading her books but I can't put them down. If I didn't have to sleep or work I would have finished earlier than I did. I do love her books and have now read all of them. Eagerly awaiting the next.

Rounded up from 4.5; Alix E Harrow did it again. Right away I loved the voice of Opal - strong, snarky, defiant, hard edged. I love the atmosphere created - you never really know if the house is scary and comforting and I found that lovely. I thought the pacing was perfect through out most of the book - the ending felt a bit rushed for me - but that didn't stop me from loving this book. This was a great read for October/November