Book Review - Catfishing on CatNet by Naomi Kritzer + Giveaway

 

 Steph and her mom are always on the move. They never lived anywhere for longer than six months. Her only friends are the ones from the online community called CatNet. CatNet is a social media website that allows users to share cat photos and connect with other people like her. Steph doesn't know that the site's admin, CheshireCat is a sentient A.I. When Steph's past catches up to her, she will need to rely on people she can trust even if it means endangering them.

I thought the book was an interesting read with a few surprises. I liked how Steph's friends rallied behind her and tried to help. I enjoyed reading the portions that were narrated by the A.I. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series as there were a few unresolved threads left.

 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

Hardcover : 304 pages
ISBN-10 : 1250165083
ISBN-13 : 978-1250165084
Item Weight : 13 ounces
Publisher : Tor Teen (November 19, 2019)
Language: : English

Praise for CATFISHING ON CATNET

“The characters offer positive, realistic LGBTQIA+ representation―especially nonbinary identities and characters still exploring their identities. Refreshingly, the characters also feel like generally-woke-but-still-imperfect humans. Wickedly funny and thrilling in turns; perfect for readers coming-of-age online.” ―Kirkus, starred review

“Kritzer’s take on a benevolent AI is both whimsical and poignant. An entertaining, heart-filled exploration of today’s online existence and privacy concerns.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Smart, sly, scary, and irrepressibly good fun, this novel has everything I’ve ever wanted from a story: it is a cerebral, funny, tender, big-idea delight. I can’t wait for you to read it.”―Kelly Barnhill, Newbery Award-winning author of The Girl Who Drank the Moon

"An absolutely charming and incredibly gripping, superbly plotted YA thriller." ―Cory Doctorow, New York Times bestselling author of Little Brother

“Kritzer’s flawless collection taps deep wells of emotion and wonder…. Her work is indisputably speculative, but it’s a perfect entry point to the genre for readers who prefer fantastical and futuristic elements to stay more in the background, with human (and robotic) feelings always at the fore. This splendid treat is not to be missed.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review, on Cat Pictures Please and Other Stories 

How much does the internet know about YOU?

Because her mom is always on the move, Steph hasn’t lived anyplace longer than six months. Her only constant is an online community called CatNet—a social media site where users upload cat pictures—a place she knows she is welcome. What Steph doesn’t know is that the admin of the site, CheshireCat, is a sentient A.I.

When a threat from Steph’s past catches up to her and ChesireCat’s existence is discovered by outsiders, it’s up to Steph and her friends, both online and IRL, to save her.

You can purchase Catfishing on CatNet at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Credit: Sean M. Murphy/SMM Photography

NAOMI KRITZER has been making friends online since her teens, when she had to use a modem to dial up at 2400 baud. She is a writer and blogger who has published a number of short stories and novels for adults, including the Eliana's Song duology and the Dead Rivers Trilogy. Her 2015 short story “Cat Pictures Please” won the Hugo Award and Locus Award and was a finalist for the Nebula. Naomi lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her family and four cats. The number of cats is subject to change without notice.

Edgar Allan Poe Award Winner

        

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Book Review - Rodin's Lover by Heather Webb

Photo Credit - Amazon

Camille Claudel is a young aspiring sculptor. However, because she is a woman, she has plenty of critics including her own overly traditional mother. When renowned sculptor, Auguste Rodin makes Camille his apprentice and muse, their passion ignites their creativity to create breathtaking pieces of work. Even though, Camille is a talented sculptor her success his overshadowed by Rodin's gaining popularity and her gender. Her obsession with creating art and her relationship with Rodin is slowly driving her down the path of madness.

I thought that the novel was an interesting read. It was heartbreaking to read Camille's struggle with mental illness and being treated as an inferior sculptor because of her gender. I didn't like that Camille and Rodin's love affair was considered to be "passionate" but, there was a lot of childish "he loves but, I don't like him...even if I do" scenes.  At times, I found it hard to understand and feel for Camille as she was very sharp and cruel to many of the people who were close to her. I believe the author did this to show Camille's mental state but, I felt it made it hard to root for her. I did like that author included names of Camille's artwork and I thought many of them were beautiful when I did look them up. It was heartbreaking that she didn't receive the same acclaim as her Rodin however, I am glad that a few of her pieces survived.

**Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Talented Miss Farwell by Emily Gray Tedrowe

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In the late 1990s, Miss Rebecca Farwell made a killing at Christie's in New York City, right when the art market finally recovered. Reba is dressed to impressed with couture YSL and drinking only the finest champagne at trendy restaurants. She is a model of a wealthy art collector. Reba has many different personas, to some she is a ruthless businesswoman and to others, she is only interested in art because of how much money she can make.

In the small town of Pierson, Illinois, Miss Farwell is known as someone totally different. She is known as Becky, a single woman who works tirelessly for her town as the town's comptroller.  She still lives at her childhood home and wears sensible clothing and shoes. Becky is the only one in the town who understands all the ins and outs of Pierson's accounts. She is the last one in the office and the first one in the office crunching the numbers. The town is always in awe at her ability to find money when they need it most. However, no one knows that she "borrows" funds from the town's account to fund her art habit. She tries to repay the money when she can but, the art business is very cutthroat and unpredictable.

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**Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The High Season by by Judy Blundell

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Ruthie Beamish has the house of her dreams. Even if she can't afford it. No matter what happens, she knows she will always have her house. To be able to afford the home that she shares with her daughter, they rent out the house during the peak season: the summer.  As Ruthie and Jem begin packing up their belongings for their annual exodus, the ritzy Hamptons crowd arrive. The beautiful socialite, Adeline Clay arrives with her gorgeous step-son and manages to turn Ruthie's life upside down. Little by little, Adeline starts to infiltrate all aspects of Ruthie's life including her family and her friends. When her job as a museum curator is threatened, Ruthie feels her entire life is crumbling around her. Will Ruthie be able to fight back? Will Ruthie be able to regain her old life?

I originally picked this novel because I read a few reviews calling it a "must read". I thought it was going to be the perfect beach reach for the coming Summer.  However, I felt disappointed as the book was underwhelming. Ruthie's great revenge plot seemed to be laughable at best and in the end, she ended up hurting the ones who cared about her the most. There was a lot going on in the story  but it didn't add much to the plot. The book was a bit over 400 pages and I felt that it was longer than it needed to be. I was drawn to the first few pages but felt my interest waning towards the middle of the book. I can see this being an enjoyable cozy beach read for some but it wasn't for me.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

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Photo Credit - Amazon

When Lady Daniels' marriage is on the rocks, she decided to take a break from her husband. However, she needs someone to watch over her youngest son, Devin while she is working on her memoir about her relationship with her older son, Seth. Lady decides to take an ad out for assistance, when S arrives to help out. S is works like Mary Poppins for the Devin and becoming a confidante and trusted friend for Lady. However, everything is not what it looks like and the friendship becomes sour when secrets unfold. What secrets is "S" keeping? What is S's relationship with Seth? Will Lady be able to figure out her life?

An interesting read that kept me in suspense the entire time even though the secrets ended up being very predictable. The story is more of a cozy read as nothing exciting or titillating every happens.  I would be open to read other works by the author.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**