Elizabeth
Marcie Rendon has become a go-to author for me when I want a good thriller. This novel did not surprise me with the whodunnit, but it did keep me guessing until the end whether or not Quill would figure it out without another bad thing happening. Love all the characters and the glimpse into life on a reservation, and absolutely applaud her efforts to bring more awareness to the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women. Will always recommend this author.
I found this to be a very compelling and well-executed work. The author does an admirable job of not singling out a."bad guy" but lets each participant's own words tell the story. She was given a lot of access to those impacted as well as those responsible, and that felt important. Lots of interesting conversations to have with MY kids.
Stunning read - part memoir, part letter to her son, the author tells the story of growing up in Afghanistan just before, and then during the takeover by the Taliban. Beautifully written account that feels even more important as my own country seems intent on stripping more and more rights from it's own women. Recommended.
This book was uncomfortable to read from start to finish in the very best sort of way. It's a revenge horror satire, with each of those descriptors playing a part. The humor is dark dark, the crime scenes graphic, and the unexpected cameo by a certain election winner felt....honestly perfect. This novel will hold up well to re-reading, because there is just so much here. Really a standout.
It has been a long time since I fell for a cast of characters as hard as I fell for the inhabitants of Beartown. This series has so much, and does so much, and yet at it's heart is so simple - Who do you love? And how far would you go to protect them?
This trilogy will be one of my all-time favorites.
Certainly didn't have “tearing up over a hockey novel” in my plans for today, but here we are.
Bachman writes regular people beautifully - we all know these people, they might be our relative, and they absolutely inhabit his novels. This is a book about sports but only barely - it's actually a book about what happens when the right thing isn't the popular thing; when the right thing has a cost; when knowing the right thing and doing the right thing are two very different choices. It's a book about choices and consequences, and all those two things entail. Powerful and hard to forget.
This novel really worked for me, conjuring the feelings of being a slightly weird teenager who feels outside of everyone, finding that one other weirdo who makes you feel less alone. The idea of having a secret that is so big it almost makes you want to burst. The desire to do something, anything, to make your mark. I always enjoy Kevin Wilson's writing and characters, and Frankie and Zeke felt extra special. I know I will return to this one again.
Very strong collection. Bilal does an excellent job of illuminating the regular people behind the Nation of Islam, which is a demographic I've never before seen addressed in fiction. She doesn't shy away from the hard parts of the faith, but doesn't paint it as all bad - this faith, and these people, are complicated and confused and hurting and loving and strong and very, very real. Enjoyed this and would recommend. (Aspen Words longlist 2024)
This lovely YA novel takes two topics the evangelical christian church is currently on the very wrong side of - sexual abuse and reproductive rights- and weaves them into a story about courage and heartbreak and forgiveness. It's a book that should be on youth library shelves, and that I'm sure will be banned as soon as Republicans find out about it.
I could imagine exactly this scenario from my own upbringing - and the reactions would have been largely the same. The author's note at the end, tying her narrative together with The Scarlet Letter, sheds light on how some things never seem to change - and yet her book manages to bring hope. Very well done - will happily read more by this author.
This was both the hardest and most beautiful book I've read all year. It's a painfully honest depiction of the first years of motherhood, and wow did it resonate with me. The overwhelming love and loss that goes along with becoming a mother is so clearly and eloquently laid bare - so many times I just found myself in chills.
I am sure this will not be for everyone - it is nearly all interior thought, with very little plot to speak of. I think some may find it too honest for their liking. I think it's brilliant, and I will definitely be reading this one again.
(Women's Prize for Fiction longlist 2024)
Seanan McGuire is the author of three active series, two of which are in my top 10 favorites, and the third which I also really enjoy. Does that make her my favorite fantasy author? A case could be made...
If you like this series, this book will be very satisfying. It expands the alchemical universe, bringing more new characters and reunions with old favorites. I am still not sure where we will ultimately end up, but I am absolutely loving the ride.
