The Sassy Bookworm
Updated a reading goal:
Read 200 books in 2025
Progress so far: 75 / 200 38%
Book Review: Old School Indian by Aaron John Curtis 📚
Rating: 5 Stars
I just finished Old School Indian by Aaron John Curtis, and wow—just wow. This debut novel grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go. The story follows Abe Jacobs, a 43-year-old man who’s been given a grim prognosis by his doctors: he’s dying, and quickly. After trying everything modern medicine has to offer, Abe makes the reluctant decision to return home to the Ahkwesáhsne reservation where he was raised, seeking healing from his great uncle Budge Billings—someone Abe never thought he’d turn to. 🏥🌾
Budge is no sentimental healer; he’s a tough, straightforward man who’s battled his own demons as a recovered alcoholic. Abe’s hope for a cure is fragile, tangled with years of distance and unresolved feelings about leaving the reservation at eighteen. But as he reconnects with Budge and confronts his past, Abe embarks on a deeper journey of self-discovery, grappling with family, culture, love, and history. 🔥🛤️
What really sets this book apart is the voice—Abe’s sharp-witted alter-ego, Dominick Deer Woods, brings an inventive and often hilarious perspective that adds layers of humor and insight to some heavy themes. Curtis’s writing reminded me of the emotional depth and cultural resonance found in Tommy Orange’s There There and Louise Erdrich’s The Sentence, while also channeling the unforgettable character-driven storytelling of Ocean Vuong and Barbara Kingsolver. 🎭📖
And can we talk about that cover? Seriously, it’s stunning—one of the most eye-catching I’ve seen all year. To think this is Curtis’s debut novel is just incredible. The writing is phenomenal, weaving heartbreak and humor in a way that feels raw and authentic. This book is heavy but also full of wit and moments that made me laugh out loud. 🎨🤣
In short: Old School Indian is one of the best books I’ve read this year, hands down. If you want a story that’s powerful, funny, and deeply moving, do yourself a favor and pick this one up. I can’t recommend it enough! 🙌❤️
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Book Review: Old School Indian by Aaron John Curtis 📚
Rating: 5 Stars
I just finished Old School Indian by Aaron John Curtis, and wow—just wow. This debut novel grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go. The story follows Abe Jacobs, a 43-year-old man who’s been given a grim prognosis by his doctors: he’s dying, and quickly. After trying everything modern medicine has to offer, Abe makes the reluctant decision to return home to the Ahkwesáhsne reservation where he was raised, seeking healing from his great uncle Budge Billings—someone Abe never thought he’d turn to. 🏥🌾
Budge is no sentimental healer; he’s a tough, straightforward man who’s battled his own demons as a recovered alcoholic. Abe’s hope for a cure is fragile, tangled with years of distance and unresolved feelings about leaving the reservation at eighteen. But as he reconnects with Budge and confronts his past, Abe embarks on a deeper journey of self-discovery, grappling with family, culture, love, and history. 🔥🛤️
What really sets this book apart is the voice—Abe’s sharp-witted alter-ego, Dominick Deer Woods, brings an inventive and often hilarious perspective that adds layers of humor and insight to some heavy themes. Curtis’s writing reminded me of the emotional depth and cultural resonance found in Tommy Orange’s There There and Louise Erdrich’s The Sentence, while also channeling the unforgettable character-driven storytelling of Ocean Vuong and Barbara Kingsolver. 🎭📖
And can we talk about that cover? Seriously, it’s stunning—one of the most eye-catching I’ve seen all year. To think this is Curtis’s debut novel is just incredible. The writing is phenomenal, weaving heartbreak and humor in a way that feels raw and authentic. This book is heavy but also full of wit and moments that made me laugh out loud. 🎨🤣
In short: Old School Indian is one of the best books I’ve read this year, hands down. If you want a story that’s powerful, funny, and deeply moving, do yourself a favor and pick this one up. I can’t recommend it enough! 🙌❤️
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Book Review: Casting Flowers by Rachel Dein 🌸📚
Rating: 4 Stars
I recently picked up Casting Flowers by Rachel Dein, and I have to say, it’s a wonderfully fresh and inspiring take on botanical art. The book introduces readers to an innovative technique called botanical bas-relief, which Rachel developed herself. Essentially, it’s a creative process where you press flowers and foliage into clay, create a plaster cast from the impression, and end up with a beautiful, detailed botanical relief. Whether you’re a seasoned artist, a weekend crafter, or someone who just loves plants, this method is surprisingly accessible and can be done at any time of the year. 🌿🎨
The book walks you through everything step-by-step—from rolling out the clay to arranging the plants, pouring plaster, and finally revealing your cast. I really appreciated how clear and encouraging the instructions are; they make the process feel manageable even for beginners. Plus, the stunning photography sprinkled throughout gives a real sense of the texture and delicacy you can capture with this technique. Rachel also shares tips on choosing the best plants to work with and offers creative ideas for compositions, whether you want to immortalize a single bloom or create a whole garden scene. 📖✨
One of the things I loved most about Casting Flowers is how meditative and rewarding the activity is. It’s more than just making art—it’s about connecting with nature’s fleeting beauty and preserving those special moments in time, like the first daffodils of spring or a perfect magnolia blossom. The book encourages you to explore your own garden or local green spaces, turning everyday plants into lasting keepsakes. 🌼🍃
And can we just talk about that cover? It’s absolutely gorgeous and immediately drew me in. I’m always on the lookout for new creative outlets, and this book felt like the perfect fit. The combination of clear guidance and inspiring design ideas had me daydreaming about all the different layouts I could try. I’d definitely recommend Casting Flowers to anyone looking to stretch their artistic muscles while celebrating the natural world. 📚💡
Overall, I’m giving this book four stars. It’s beautifully presented and full of inspiration, though I would have loved a few more advanced techniques or variations to experiment with once you’ve mastered the basics. Still, it’s a fantastic starting point for anyone interested in botanical art or simply wanting to try something new and calming. If you enjoy crafts that blend creativity with nature, this book is definitely worth checking out! ⭐🌸
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Book Review: Casting Flowers by Rachel Dein 🌸📚
Rating: 4 Stars
I recently picked up Casting Flowers by Rachel Dein, and I have to say, it’s a wonderfully fresh and inspiring take on botanical art. The book introduces readers to an innovative technique called botanical bas-relief, which Rachel developed herself. Essentially, it’s a creative process where you press flowers and foliage into clay, create a plaster cast from the impression, and end up with a beautiful, detailed botanical relief. Whether you’re a seasoned artist, a weekend crafter, or someone who just loves plants, this method is surprisingly accessible and can be done at any time of the year. 🌿🎨
The book walks you through everything step-by-step—from rolling out the clay to arranging the plants, pouring plaster, and finally revealing your cast. I really appreciated how clear and encouraging the instructions are; they make the process feel manageable even for beginners. Plus, the stunning photography sprinkled throughout gives a real sense of the texture and delicacy you can capture with this technique. Rachel also shares tips on choosing the best plants to work with and offers creative ideas for compositions, whether you want to immortalize a single bloom or create a whole garden scene. 📖✨
One of the things I loved most about Casting Flowers is how meditative and rewarding the activity is. It’s more than just making art—it’s about connecting with nature’s fleeting beauty and preserving those special moments in time, like the first daffodils of spring or a perfect magnolia blossom. The book encourages you to explore your own garden or local green spaces, turning everyday plants into lasting keepsakes. 🌼🍃
And can we just talk about that cover? It’s absolutely gorgeous and immediately drew me in. I’m always on the lookout for new creative outlets, and this book felt like the perfect fit. The combination of clear guidance and inspiring design ideas had me daydreaming about all the different layouts I could try. I’d definitely recommend Casting Flowers to anyone looking to stretch their artistic muscles while celebrating the natural world. 📚💡
Overall, I’m giving this book four stars. It’s beautifully presented and full of inspiration, though I would have loved a few more advanced techniques or variations to experiment with once you’ve mastered the basics. Still, it’s a fantastic starting point for anyone interested in botanical art or simply wanting to try something new and calming. If you enjoy crafts that blend creativity with nature, this book is definitely worth checking out! ⭐🌸
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Book Review: Nature’s Medicine Cabinet by Meagan Visser 🌱📚
Rating: 4 Stars
I recently picked up Nature’s Medicine Cabinet: Seasonal Recipes and Remedies for a Year of Botanical Wellness by Meagan Visser, and it’s a refreshing dive into the world of herbal medicine. As someone interested in natural wellness, this book quickly became a handy guide to understanding how to harness the healing power of plants throughout the year. 🌿📚
Visser, who brings her expertise as both an herbalist and a registered nurse, breaks down the basics of herbalism in a way that’s approachable for beginners but still valuable for those more experienced. The book is organized into seasonal chapters, which I loved because it aligns perfectly with how herbs grow and can be used in real life. Each section guides you through common health concerns you might face during that time of year, offering practical recipes that you can make yourself—everything from teas and tinctures to herbal oils. 🍵🌸
One of the aspects I found particularly useful was the emphasis on sourcing local herbs and understanding the seasonal availability of plants. I appreciated the historical tidbits sprinkled throughout, along with foundational concepts that help you feel confident about preparing your own remedies at home. There are 60 recipes in total, each accompanied by beautiful illustrations that make it easy to identify the key herbs involved. 🏡🌱
The cover is stunning and inviting, and the layout inside is clean and easy to follow. It feels like a perfect gift for anyone who loves gardening or is curious about herbal medicine. 🎁🌷
If I had to give one critique, it would be that sometimes the depth of information could feel a bit overwhelming for absolute beginners, but with some patience, it’s totally manageable. ⏳🤓
Overall, Nature’s Medicine Cabinet offers a wonderful seasonal approach to building a natural medicine cabinet right from the plants growing outside your door. It encourages ditching synthetic chemicals in favor of nature’s remedies—a message I wholeheartedly support. Four stars from me for being informative, beautifully done, and genuinely inspiring for anyone interested in botanical wellness. 🌟🌿✨
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Book Review: Nature’s Medicine Cabinet by Meagan Visser 🌱📚
Rating: 4 Stars
I recently picked up Nature’s Medicine Cabinet: Seasonal Recipes and Remedies for a Year of Botanical Wellness by Meagan Visser, and it’s a refreshing dive into the world of herbal medicine. As someone interested in natural wellness, this book quickly became a handy guide to understanding how to harness the healing power of plants throughout the year. 🌿📚
Visser, who brings her expertise as both an herbalist and a registered nurse, breaks down the basics of herbalism in a way that’s approachable for beginners but still valuable for those more experienced. The book is organized into seasonal chapters, which I loved because it aligns perfectly with how herbs grow and can be used in real life. Each section guides you through common health concerns you might face during that time of year, offering practical recipes that you can make yourself—everything from teas and tinctures to herbal oils. 🍵🌸
One of the aspects I found particularly useful was the emphasis on sourcing local herbs and understanding the seasonal availability of plants. I appreciated the historical tidbits sprinkled throughout, along with foundational concepts that help you feel confident about preparing your own remedies at home. There are 60 recipes in total, each accompanied by beautiful illustrations that make it easy to identify the key herbs involved. 🏡🌱
The cover is stunning and inviting, and the layout inside is clean and easy to follow. It feels like a perfect gift for anyone who loves gardening or is curious about herbal medicine. 🎁🌷
If I had to give one critique, it would be that sometimes the depth of information could feel a bit overwhelming for absolute beginners, but with some patience, it’s totally manageable. ⏳🤓
Overall, Nature’s Medicine Cabinet offers a wonderful seasonal approach to building a natural medicine cabinet right from the plants growing outside your door. It encourages ditching synthetic chemicals in favor of nature’s remedies—a message I wholeheartedly support. Four stars from me for being informative, beautifully done, and genuinely inspiring for anyone interested in botanical wellness. 🌟🌿✨
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Added to listHistoricalwith 531 books.
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Book Review: Murder at the Osborne Outlet by Peter Jay Black 🔎📚
Rating: 4 Stars
I just finished Murder at the Osborne Outlet, and I have to say, it’s a pretty solid read—definitely earns a hearty four stars from me! The story kicks off when Ruth Morgan shows up at the Osborne Outlet, expecting a straightforward consulting gig about cakes. But instead, she stumbles onto a crime scene that’s anything but sweet: a shop owner has been murdered—and bizarrely posed like a mannequin. Talk about a shocking start! 🕵️♀️🍰
The police have their prime suspect lined up—the victim’s rival—but Ruth, tapping into her old ex-cop instincts (and with some help from her slightly reluctant grandson), isn’t convinced. As she digs deeper, she uncovers a tangled web of secrets hidden beneath the outlet’s quaint Tudor-style storefronts and flashy designer discounts. There’s more than just rivalry going on here—deadly feuds and even a sneaky counterfeiting ring add layers to the mystery. It’s a clever setup that kept me guessing until the end. 🔍🕵️♂️💥
What really stands out in this installment is the fun setting. Plus, I have to give props to the writing. It is engaging and keeps you hooked. The characters are fantastic, especially Ruth, who’s charming in that no-nonsense, witty way only an amateur sleuth with a past in law enforcement can be. 📚✨👵
Oh, and can we talk about that cover? Seriously, it caught my eye immediately—delightful and perfectly fitting for the tone of the book. This series continues to be a real joy to follow, and Murder at the Osborne Outlet adds another fun, twisty chapter to Ruth’s adventures. If you’re into modern British mysteries with cozy vibes and strong female leads, this one’s definitely worth picking up! 🎨📖🇬🇧
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Book Review: Murder at the Osborne Outlet by Peter Jay Black 🔎📚
Rating: 4 Stars
I just finished Murder at the Osborne Outlet, and I have to say, it’s a pretty solid read—definitely earns a hearty four stars from me! The story kicks off when Ruth Morgan shows up at the Osborne Outlet, expecting a straightforward consulting gig about cakes. But instead, she stumbles onto a crime scene that’s anything but sweet: a shop owner has been murdered—and bizarrely posed like a mannequin. Talk about a shocking start! 🕵️♀️🍰
The police have their prime suspect lined up—the victim’s rival—but Ruth, tapping into her old ex-cop instincts (and with some help from her slightly reluctant grandson), isn’t convinced. As she digs deeper, she uncovers a tangled web of secrets hidden beneath the outlet’s quaint Tudor-style storefronts and flashy designer discounts. There’s more than just rivalry going on here—deadly feuds and even a sneaky counterfeiting ring add layers to the mystery. It’s a clever setup that kept me guessing until the end. 🔍🕵️♂️💥
What really stands out in this installment is the fun setting. Plus, I have to give props to the writing. It is engaging and keeps you hooked. The characters are fantastic, especially Ruth, who’s charming in that no-nonsense, witty way only an amateur sleuth with a past in law enforcement can be. 📚✨👵
Oh, and can we talk about that cover? Seriously, it caught my eye immediately—delightful and perfectly fitting for the tone of the book. This series continues to be a real joy to follow, and Murder at the Osborne Outlet adds another fun, twisty chapter to Ruth’s adventures. If you’re into modern British mysteries with cozy vibes and strong female leads, this one’s definitely worth picking up! 🎨📖🇬🇧
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Book Review: Helle’s Hound by Oskar Jensen 🔎📚
Rating: 4 stars
I recently finished Helle’s Hound by Oskar Jensen, and I have to say, it was a refreshing and enjoyable read. This witty murder mystery follows Danish art historian Torben Helle as he stumbles into a puzzling case involving the death of his mentor, Dame Charlotte Lazerton. Dame Charlotte, an eminent figure in the art world with a shadowy Cold War past, is found dead — partially eaten by her own Irish wolfhound, Mortimer. While the police chalk her death up to natural causes, Torben suspects foul play and embarks on an investigation that quickly spirals into a tangled web of academic rivalries and old espionage grudges. 🕵️♂️🐕
What I really appreciated about this book was how it cleverly blends the classic elements of a Golden Age whodunit with a modern twist — all set against a Scandinavian backdrop that fans of Nordic Noir will recognize (and enjoy). Torben, despite being completely out of his depth as an amateur detective, is a charming and relatable protagonist. His partnership with Leyla, an old friend, adds a nice dynamic that keeps the story engaging. 🇩🇰📚
The plot is well-crafted and intelligent, with plenty of twists that kept me guessing without feeling contrived. Plus, the cast of characters is memorable and well-drawn, making the mystery not just about whodunnit but also about the complex relationships and motivations behind the crime. 🔍✨
Also, I can’t help but mention the book’s cover — it’s absolutely delightful and really caught my eye right away. All in all, Helle’s Hound is a thoroughly entertaining mystery that I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys a smart, character-driven whodunnit with a bit of Scandinavian flair. I’m definitely looking forward to more adventures with Torben Helle. 🎨📖
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Book Review: Helle’s Hound by Oskar Jensen 🔎📚
Rating: 4 stars
I recently finished Helle’s Hound by Oskar Jensen, and I have to say, it was a refreshing and enjoyable read. This witty murder mystery follows Danish art historian Torben Helle as he stumbles into a puzzling case involving the death of his mentor, Dame Charlotte Lazerton. Dame Charlotte, an eminent figure in the art world with a shadowy Cold War past, is found dead — partially eaten by her own Irish wolfhound, Mortimer. While the police chalk her death up to natural causes, Torben suspects foul play and embarks on an investigation that quickly spirals into a tangled web of academic rivalries and old espionage grudges. 🕵️♂️🐕
What I really appreciated about this book was how it cleverly blends the classic elements of a Golden Age whodunit with a modern twist — all set against a Scandinavian backdrop that fans of Nordic Noir will recognize (and enjoy). Torben, despite being completely out of his depth as an amateur detective, is a charming and relatable protagonist. His partnership with Leyla, an old friend, adds a nice dynamic that keeps the story engaging. 🇩🇰📚
The plot is well-crafted and intelligent, with plenty of twists that kept me guessing without feeling contrived. Plus, the cast of characters is memorable and well-drawn, making the mystery not just about whodunnit but also about the complex relationships and motivations behind the crime. 🔍✨
Also, I can’t help but mention the book’s cover — it’s absolutely delightful and really caught my eye right away. All in all, Helle’s Hound is a thoroughly entertaining mystery that I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys a smart, character-driven whodunnit with a bit of Scandinavian flair. I’m definitely looking forward to more adventures with Torben Helle. 🎨📖
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Added to listTr Halloweenwith 8 books.
