Book Review - Guardians of Dawn: Zhara (Guardians of Dawn, 1) by S. Jae-Jones

 

Guardians of Dawn: Zhara (Guardians of Dawn, 1)  by S. Jae-Jones is about a young woman, Jin Zhara, who is trying to come to terms with her magical powers in a world where magic is banned. Magic is forbidden in the world of Morning Realms. Magicians are called abominations and put to death when they are discovered. This was because the ruler blames magicians for transforming into monsters that had destroyed and dominated the land twenty years earlier.

Zhara lives with a cruel stepmother and her blind younger sister. Zhara has to keep her stepmother happy otherwise, her stepmother might turn Zhara in to the Kestrels. The Kestrels keep the Morning Realms free of magicians and kill anyone who is against them. The last thing Zhara needs is anyone finding out that she has magical powers.

On a chance encounter, Zhara crosses paths with a young man, Han, who brings her into contact with a secret magical group called the Guardians of Dawn. Zhara heard rumors of the Guardians and thought they were just rumors. Together with Han, Zhara investigates more into the Guardians and realizes that there is more to these rumors than she thought.  As if Zhara doesn’t have enough on her plate, a mysterious plague is corrupting the magicians of Morning Realms and turning them into monsters. The Guardians believe that it is a demon that is responsible for the destruction. Will Zhara and Han be able to figure out who is behind the corruption before all is lost forever?

I thought the book was an okay read. I did like some aspects of the world-building, but I found some parts confusing. For example, they mention that there is a ruler in the city where Zhara and Han live but then there is another leader in another land that had put martial law against magicians into effect. That allowed one of the ruler’s wives to be killed against her husband’s wishes.  I wish the hierarchy of the rulers and some parts of the worldbuilding were either fleshed out more or included in an index.

The book was engaging at times, but it felt that it moved very slowly. There were pages where nothing happened, and it felt boring. There were a lot of characters and past storylines that were hard to keep track of. Like the worldbuilding aspect, I wish there was an index, or that it was fleshed out more. I did think some parts were a bit juvenile in how young the characters acted. It felt like every “main” character had the “good looks giggles” at some point. I thought the book was an okay read. I would be open to reading more books from the series, but I wouldn’t go out of my way for them.

Book Review - Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

 

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera is about a woman, Lucy Chase, who returns to her hometown, where everyone thought she murdered her best friend, Savvy. Lucy and Savvy were best friends in their small Texas hometown, Plumpton. They were smart, pretty, and was the envy of many people. Lucy was married to a wealthy attractive man, who had bought her a huge ring and a sizable home in Plumpton. Her husband was popular and well-liked by their neighbors. Savvy was a social butterfly and was beloved. She was known to be kind and well-liked, and if the rumors are true, very popular with the men in town. However, when Lucy is found wandering the streets in a daze covered with Savvy’s blood, everyone believes that she murdered her best friend.

Years have passed since that fateful night, but Lucy still can’t remember anything. After that day, she picked up and moved to LA to start a new under-the-radar life. The police didn’t have enough evidence to charge Lucy with anything. That all changed when a huge hit true-crime podcast, “Listen for the Lie”, and its host, Ben Owens, began to dig into Lucy and the murder of Savvy.  Lucy finds her life turned upside down and she is forced to return to her hometown again. She had promised that she would never return but, after meeting Ben, she feels that maybe she owes it to Savvy to figure out what happened that night.

The book was a quick and funny read. I found Lucy’s narration to be funny and well-written. The book kept me guessing until the very end as there weren’t many clues to lead us to the suspect. Many of the twists and surprises were revealed through the podcast format of the book. I did like reading the podcast interviews but at times, I lost track of the different characters and how they were related to the murder. There were a few parts of the book that I didn’t like such as the ending and a confrontation Lucy had with her ex-husband and her parents. I found those scenes to be a bit weird and far-fetched, especially on how trusting some characters were of others.  I found the book to be an enjoyable read. I would read more books by the author.

Book Review - The Sherlock Society by James Ponti

 

The Sherlock Society by James Ponti is about a pair of siblings, Alex and Zoe Sherlock, who decide to open a detective agency during their summer break. Zoe wants to attend a cheerleading camp with her best friends, but her parents refuse to let her go. Now, Zoe is now stuck spending the summer with Alex and his two lame friends: Lina, an avid reader and new to the area, and Yadi, an aspiring cinematographer and rabid conspiracy theorist.

Alex, Lina, and Yadi are members of the Sherlock Society at school. They focus on solving puzzles and all things Sherlock. One day, Zoe reluctantly participates in a locked room puzzle with the Sherlock Society members, and she unexpectedly has fun and enjoys herself. Zoe has so much fun that she proposes to the group that they spend their summer solving mysteries and getting paid for it as detectives.

As the quartet tries to devise ways to get business, the siblings’ retired grandfather, a reporter, decides to show the kids his storage unit filled with his cold case files. He allows them to pick which case they want to try and solve first. They decided to find Al Capone’s hidden treasure which is supposedly located in their hometown of Miami. Their investigation leads them to the Everglades where they discover that someone has been illegally dumping waste in Native and protected areas.  

I have read the author’s other middle school series, City Spies, and liked it. I was really excited to start reading this series as I love Sherlock and mysteries in general. The book is an entertaining read and filled with humor.  I like that the author sprinkled in facts about journalism and Al Capone, however, I would have liked to see an appendix letting readers know which facts are true and which are made up about Al Capone or even ways on how children can get involved in volunteering or helping to clean up the environment.  I feel like that would add an extra layer to the book for kids to connect to the characters. The book does leave off on a cliffhanger and I am interested in seeing what new adventures the Sherlock Society will have next.

 

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

Book Review - Beyond Real: The Complete Series by Zack Kaplan

 

Beyond Real: The Complete Series by Zack Kaplan is a graphic novel about a woman, June, whose boyfriend is left in a coma after a car accident. After the car accident, June starts to experience strange visual phenomena. She tries to figure out what is causing the images to appear. She discovers that her world which she considers “reality”, is a computer simulation.  June will have to journey through the simulation to find the world’s creator and save her true love from death.

The graphic novel was beautifully drawn and very colorful. The story was easy to follow but it was predictable. I thought it was an okay read but a bit boring at times. That said, I wouldn’t go out of my way to read more graphic novels by the author.

Book Review - Beneath the Bending Skies by Jane Kirkpatrick

 

Beneath the Bending Skies by Jane Kirkpatrick is about a woman, Mollie Sheehan, who wants to obey her father’s wishes even though it means having one heartbreak after another. In 1860s Montana, Mollie has spent her entire life following and listening to what her father wants. She tries to be a dutiful daughter even if this goes against her heart.

Mollie finds herself attracted to Peter Ronan, her father’s friend. Their young romance blooms and Mollie hopes that they can spend their future together. However, her hopes are dashed when Mollie’s father disapproves of the match and feels that Peter betrayed him by courting his daughter. Her daughter moves the entire family to California to discourage the match and to help Mollie move on from Peter. Mollie tries to move on but she still feels attracted to Peter and she fears that she can no longer follow her father’s desires while ignoring her own.

I found this book to be dull. There would be page after page where nothing would happen. It feels like I am reading a textbook or a daily journal of boring life events. There was nothing that held my interest and the story was filled with tedious details. The author introduced a lot of characters that didn’t have an impact on the story, and it was confusing to keep track of them all. I found the whole Honor Thy Father storyline to be a bit creepy and unsettling. I wasn’t a fan of the book, I don’t think I would go out of my way to read more books by the author.

Book Review -Artifice by Sharon Cameron

Artifice by Sharon Cameron is about a young woman, Isa de Smit, who sells forged artwork to the Nazis in order to help evacuate Jewish children out of Amsterdam.  Isa has been raised in her parents’ small art gallery. She was surrounded by art, beauty, and creativity until the Nazi occupation deemed art to be degenerate.  It caused artists to go into hiding or risk being deported. Isa’s friend, Truus, joined the Dutch resistance against the Nazis to help protect the most vulnerable.

When unpaid taxes threaten her beloved art gallery, Isa decides to make the Nazis pay. All of the art her family kept was taken by the Nazis either by stealing or buying from illegitimate sources. She decides to sell them a fake Rembrandt that was drawn by her talented father.  After selling the fake, Isa wants to sell more to get more money for the resistance groups that are evacuating children.

Isa feels that one more forgery, a copy of a Vermeer piece, that her father was working on will help generate enough to get more children out of harm’s way. However, she needs help from a master forger to make her new painting look like it was painted in the proper time period. Isa is desperate to find help before the children get deported to Nazi camps or that Isa becomes outed as a collaborator.  The only thing the Dutch people hate more than the Nazis are the people who help them. Isa discovers that she has an unlikely ally from an unexpected person. Will Isa be able to help Truus rescue the children?

The novel is based on true events, and I found it to be an okay read. I wasn’t familiar with the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam. The book started interestingly, but it was a slow and boring read for me. I felt like nothing happened for a while and then towards the end, it picked up again. I also had a hard time connecting with Isa. I didn’t feel anything toward Isa and her journey. I would be open to reading more books by the author.

Book Review - American Royals by Katharine McGee

 

American Royals by Katharine McGee is about Princess Beatrice learning to become the first queen regnant and learning all the processes and protocols about being a royal.  When America won the Revolutionary War, the people crowned General George Washington as their new leader. Two and half centuries later, his kin still sit on the throne. Like many of the royal families of America, each family has an heir and a spare. Every child of the royal family knows what is expected of them and how they should behave.

Princess Beatrice has been prepping to become America’s first queen regnant since the day she was born. She welcomes the duty except lately, her entire life and the strict rules feel stifling. She feels that her sister, Samantha, and her twin, Jefferson, can do whatever they want without getting in trouble or criticism. When Princess Beatrice crosses paths with a commoner, she feels herself drawn to him. However, royals are prohibited from dating and marrying commoners. Princess Beatrice feels torn between fulfilling her duty to her country and following her heart.

The novel was an okay read. I felt that the book should have focused solely on Princess Beatrice instead of her siblings and their love interests. It felt like there were too many characters to keep track of. I also didn’t like that the book ended on a cliffhanger.  I felt like the story was dragging and at times, very predictable. I don’t think I would continue reading the rest of the series as the first book barely held my interest.

Book Review - America Redux: Visual Stories from Our Dynamic History by Ariel Aberg-Riger

America Redux: Visual Stories from Our Dynamic History by Ariel Aberg-Riger is a visual storybook. The author uses the scrapbook method to visualize key events from US history. I thought the book was an interesting read. It was my first time reading a “history” book that was very engaging and colorful. However, some of the topics were a bit short and I felt like I wanted to know more. Some topics had a few pages dedicated to it while others didn’t have much. The book focuses on BIPOC stories and other marginalized communities.

Book Review - All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely

 

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely is about a sixteen-year-old boy, Rashad, who is falsely accused of stealing.  Rashad wanted to stop by the corner store to grab a snack. While in the convenience store, he is accused of stealing from the store. Rashad tries to explain that it is a simple mistake and tries to explain the situation to the cop, Paul Galluzzo. However, Paul takes Rashad explanations as resistance and belligerence and tries to subdue Rashad through excessive physical force.

Some witnesses see what is happening. Quinn Collins is a varsity basketball player and one of Rashad’s classmates who was raised by Paul when Quinn’s father died in Afghanistan. Someone also made a video recording of the altercation and shared it all over the internet. The news has picked up the footage and it sparks public outrage.  

Paul is being threatened and is accused of prejudice and racial brutality. Quinn is having a hard time coming to terms with things being said of Paul. Paul had helped mentor and be a father figure to Quinn and he doesn’t want to believe the bad things that are being said. However, Quinn is having a hard time when Rashad is hospitalized and misses school for several days. The basketball team and the school are all taking sides, and Quinn will need to decide which side he is going to be on.

The novel is told from alternating perspectives of Rashad and Quinn. I thought the book was a raw and emotional read. I liked the alternating perspective as both Rashad and Quinn, as a bystander, come to terms with the act of brutality. I think this was an important book for young readers to read as it shows that sometimes, things are not as black and white as it may seem.

Book Review - The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

 

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang is about a young dressmaker, Frances, who wants to become a famous dressmaker. Prince Sebastian is being forced by his parents to find someone to marry. Sebastian, rather, spends his time putting on beautiful and daring dresses and taking Paris by storm as Lady Crystallia. He keeps his life secret from everyone, which becomes harder when he becomes the hottest fashion icon in the fashion capital of the world. 

Sebastian’s best friend, Frances, helps dress him in fashionable and noteworthy dresses. She is only one of two people who know the truth about Sebastian. However, Frances dreams of being a famous dressmaker, but her being Sebastian’s secret weapon means her identity will always be kept a secret.  Frances struggles when she feels she must constantly defer her dreams to protect Sebastian’s secret.

The graphic novel was a fun and cute read. I liked that the drawings were colorful and fun. Some of the characters had prominent features that added a bit of fun. The story was a heartwarming read, It was predictable but enjoyable. I would be open to reading more graphic novels by this author.

Book Review - The Dearly Beloved: A Novel by Cara Wall

 

The Dearly Beloved: A Novel by Cara Wall is about two married couples whose lives are intertwined with each other. In 1963, in Greenwich Village, NYC, Charles and James met for the first time.  They are both hired as co-pastors for the historic Third Presbyterian Church. The pair seem to get along well but they have different personal ideas and goals about the church and their lives.

Charles was expected to follow in his father’s footsteps. His father is a respected history professor at Harvard. However, a popular professor had invited Charles to a lecture in the school’s basement, and his life’s trajectory changed. He learns about faith and realizes that he wants to have a career in ministry. His family is horrified by his decision and to make matters worse, he falls for a woman, Lily, who doesn’t believe in God.

James is the youngest son from a low-income Chicago family. He spent most of his youth angry and avoiding his alcoholic war veteran father and escaping from the rest of his family. James receives an unexpected windfall from his uncle that allows him to attend college. While in school, he comes across Nan, who he falls in love with. Nan grew up in Mississippi and is the devout and devoted daughter of a minister. James uses Nan and her faith as a guiding compass when he feels his faith wavering.

The book was an okay read. I didn’t realize it was going to be heavily focused on religion and faith. Personally, this isn’t the type of fiction I like reading. I found the book to be very boring and slow. I felt like nothing happened for long periods. The storyline was predictable, and I found myself yawning throughout the book.  At times, I felt like the pacing of the novel was off.  The beginning was slow, the middle picked up, and the ending was a rushed chaotic mess.  I also didn’t like how they referred to Will, who is autistic. The author commented on how he was a gargoyle but with “proper training and education”, he became a child. I feel like that is implying children with special needs are not seen as human. Readers who like reading about people finding or struggling to find their faith might enjoy this novel more than me.

Book Review - Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week by Sarah L. Thomson

 

Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week by Sarah L. Thomson is about two young girls, Rani and Emily, who become unlikely friends. Emily and Rani are complete opposites. Emily is a rule follower, predictable, and rarely colors outside of the lines. Rani wears mismatching and colorful shoes and follows her own flow in life.

When Rani, her silver sequined sneakers, and her dog, Otto, move into Emily’s apartment, Emily’s life turns upside down. Emily is surprised that Rani and Otto are allowed to live alone in the attic. Rani’s mother is a research scientist in Patagonia for work.  Emily is surprised when Rani constantly breaks rules and at times, doesn’t seem to understand that rules exist for a reason. With Rani, Emily feels her life is being tossed out of order.

The children’s book is a quick and easy read. It had a few fun moments, and I found it enjoyable to read about Rani and Emily’s fun shenanigans.  However, some of their encounters were a bit over the top and I found myself questioning the moral of the story. Should kids always follow the rules or should they be allowed to have fun? I am not quite sure of the morals being portrayed for young kids. Young readers will find the book a fun and cute read.

Book Review - Leaving Lucy Pear by Anna Solomon

 

Leaving Lucy Pear by Anna Solomon is about Beatrice (Bea) Haven, who leaves her daughter, Lucy Pear, under a pear tree and the woman who raised Lucy. Bea is sent to live with her uncle at Cape Ann, Massachusetts after she becomes pregnant out of wedlock. She is the unwed daughter of wealthy Jewish industrialists and a gifted pianist. Bea was headed to Radcliffe college before her pregnancy, and she yearned for a fresh start.

One night, Bea sees a group of people looting the pear trees in her uncle’s garden. She wraps her daughter and leaves her under one of the trees. Bea waits until another woman picks up the infant and takes her away.

Ten years later, Bea returns to her uncle’s farm. Prohibition is in effect, and racism is prominent. Bea feels unsettled that her dreams for the future remained unfulfilled and she feels stuck. She hopes that spending time with her sick uncle will help cure some of her unhappiness as she feels unhappy that her life is unfulfilled..   Bea hires a caretaker to help with caring for her sick uncle. She soon realizes that not only is the caretaker a rum runner but has also been raising Bea’s daughter.

The novel is a cozy read with some intimate moments. I thought it was an okay read but nothing noteworthy. Nothing  was keeping me hooked to the novel. I felt the plot was boring and the characters ordinary enough that I didn’t care what they had going on. The book had a lot of characters, and it was confusing to keep track of how they related to each other. The book was an okay read, but it wasn’t for me.

Book Review -The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney

 

The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney is about four siblings fighting over their inheritance.  Every family has their share of problems. The Plumb family is no different. It is composed of four dysfunctional siblings: Melody, Beatrice, Jack, and Leo. The family gathered one cold afternoon in New York City to discuss their inheritance.

The money left to them by their deceased father was supposed to be a supplement to their other own sources of income. However, the siblings had watched as the value of their joint trust fund, nicknamed “The Nest”, soared in value with the stock market. They each have been counting on getting their inheritance money to solve their respective current financial problems.

Leo, their older and charismatic brother, was just recently released from rehab. He was ordered to attend after getting into a car accident with a nineteen-year-old waitress as his passenger.  Melody is a mother and wife living in the suburbs, who has a huge mortgage and upcoming college tuition for her twin teenage daughters. Jack is an antiques dealer, whose store is struggling to make a profit. He has secretly borrowed against the beach cottage that he shares with his husband, Walker.  Bea once had a promising career as a short story author but struggles to write her next novel. She flits aimlessly through life. The siblings hope that Leo or “The Nest” can help alleviate their issues and protect their loved ones from knowing their secret financial woes.

I thought the book was an okay read. It was hard to keep track of the different characters and how they were related. At times, the book kept rambling and was so long-winded that it was easy to lose sight of the plot. The story was predictable and didn’t have any twists. If you are looking for a cozy family drama read, then you might like this novel more than I did.

December 2024 Empties!

 

 

 I can't believe it is already the end of the year! This is literally my last empties post for 2024, oh what a year. I can't believe how quickly the year has blown by but it has been an interesting one.

I didn't really finish much stuff this month, mostly moisturizers since it's been getting a bit cold. A few things I did like but only a handful of things I would consider getting again. 

I got the Bee Naturals Oil Free Moisturizer Facial Serum. I wasn't sure if this was supposed to be a lightweight moisturizer or a serum but either way, it barely did anything. It was very disappointing and I had to top it off with something. I would apply it to my skin and it would be feel like water on it. 

I am finally finished my Marc Jacobs lip gloss. I still have a few more in reserves but kind of sadden that they don't make them anymore. They are full of glitter and feel so comfortable on lips. I had liked the entire Marc Jacobs makeup line and thought they performed well. It was kind of sucky that they casually just stopped it without letting fans know.

I bought a new Hempz Cherry Blossom body lotion. I love the scent but I wish I got more bottles and it was limited edition. I do hope they have it again next year.  I got the Skinceuticals P-TIOX peptide serum. I usually love this brand but this serum was three dollar signs expensive and I didn't even see WOW results. I was a bit disappointed on how little it did.

Is there anything you finished this year that was very memorable?

Book Review - Five Survive by Holly Jackson

 

Five Survive by Holly Jackson is about six friends who decide to take a road trip together for spring break. Red Kenny and five of her friends decided to rent an RV and drive to meet the rest of their classmates for spring break. However, their plans go awry when their RV breaks down in the middle of nowhere. They try to call for help but realize that they have no cell service.

As the hours pass, they start to realize that this was no accident. They are trapped by someone who is outside of the RV and that someone wants one of them dead. With only a few hours until dawn, they will either need to figure out who is the target or find a way to escape.

I read this book after reading the “Good Girls Guide to Murder” trilogy by the author. I was excited to read this book, but I found Red Kenny to be so off-putting and annoying. She kept playing the victim and was very “woe is me”. It made her seem pathetic and annoying. And then, the number of times the author said Red’s mother died on her knees, can be made into a drinking game with most people being black-out drunk before reaching the end. There were a lot of elements that were repetitive and took away from the story. The plot dragged and felt dull at times. Some of the twists were predictable, and I just lost interest because none of the characters were likable. I finished the book and the only thing enjoyable was that it was done.

Book Review - As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson

 

As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson is the third book and last book of the series. We find Pip has finished her capstone project about the murder of Andie Bell. She even helped put away a few people, but the one person she was desperate (justifiably) to see behind bars was acquitted during their trial.  Pip is also still haunted by the way her last investigation ended. She felt that she could have done more to help.

Pip has been receiving a lot more death threats after her viral true crime podcast has skyrocketed in popularity. She has gotten used to ignoring it, but one anonymous person keeps sending one message that has her a bit worried. The person asks, “Who will look for you when you’re the one who disappears”.

The threats start to escalate in terms of frequency and how scary they are becoming. She feels that someone is watching and following her. Pip decides to go to the police to report her suspicions, but no one believes her. She decides to investigate the issue and notices that there are some similarities between her stalker and a local serial killer who was supposedly caught six years ago. Pip wonders if the wrong person might be behind bars.

This novel was the exciting conclusion of the series. I was surprised at how it turned out. The novel took an unexpected twist for me, and I could understand how it got there. In this novel, we can see Pip suffering from PSTD and not sleeping well.  However, I was surprised when she missed a few clues, such as when her brother said that some shadowy person was watching the house. I am very surprised that she wasn’t worried especially when she got the death threats. She didn’t even think about his comments. Then Pip wears noise-canceling headphones while someone is actively trying to hurt her. Previously, she had an incident in which she was almost killed, and she realizes that a serial killer might be out to get her, yet she wears headphones while she is by herself to block out any noise while in public. I didn’t think those were wise decisions and I felt like the earlier versions of Pip wouldn’t have made such choices. Granted, she was under a lot of stress and not sleeping well.

I thought there would have been a bit more of a mystery aspect to the book. The serial killer was easy to guess. I liked the creepy aspect of the clues that the serial killer was leaving Pip. I didn’t like that the book spent so many pages talking about Pip taking drugs for her trauma and it moved so slowly. I felt like the final book was a huge disconnect from the other books in the series. I would still be open to reading more books by the author.

Book Review - Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon

 

Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon is about two friends, Lampo and Gelon, who want to put on a play. After the Peloponnesian War in ancient Sicily, the Syracusans had an abundant number of surviving Athenians left in their city. They kept them as slaves in a rock quarry as prisoners of war and left them to rot.

Lampo and Gelon are two unemployed potters who love listening to poetry and drinking. They head to the quarry to find people who can recite lines from the great playwright Euripides in exchange for some food and drink. Originally, the two headed down to the quarry to pass the time but they decided to put on a full-blown production of Medea.

While most of the Syracusans are no fans of the remaining Athenians, they do enjoy watching plays by them. Lampo and Gelon work to secure funding and props for their production before opening night. They come across a mysterious man who seems to have a big interest in the play.

The novel was an entertaining read. Just a mild warning— It does have a lot of violence, abuse, and coarse language in the book.  The book had some funny moments, putting aside human suffering for one's own entertainment. It did make me wonder what people during that period did for entertainment. There were times that the book dragged and felt pointless.  The ending did leave more to be desired as a reader. However, I do like that the book had a different and unique premise and I would be open to reading more books from the author but, probably not with this storyline.

Book Review - Walkin' the Dog by Chris Lynch

Walkin' the Dog by Chris Lynch is about a young boy, Louis, who runs a dog-walking business. Louis has been homeschooled for most of his life. However, in the fall, he will be attending a public high school with other students. He hopes that he can stay under the radar. His entire family knows that he would rather blend into the background than stand out.

Louis started walking his neighbor’s dog as a favor but then he ended up getting tons of new clients. His clients even include a rambunctious girl, Agatha, who is the same age as Louis. She likes telling a few lies mixed in with a few truths. He got tons of new furry companions to walk, which was exactly the opposite of what Louis wanted because it was too much to handle.

I didn’t like this book. I tried reading it, but it was boring and confusing. More specifically, the writing style and slang the author used were confusing. The author hinted that something might have happened to Louis’s mother, but it wasn’t very clear to me nor was I interested in finding out. I stopped reading the novel after a few pages.  I figured life is too short to waste on books that have no appeal.

Book Review - The Tryout: A Graphic Novel by Christina Soontornvat

 

 

The Tryout: A Graphic Novel by Christina Soontornvat is about a young girl, Christina, who is trying to fit in at her middle school. Christina and her best friend, Megan, are two of the only kids of color in their school. They struggle to find a place to belong and fit in. So, when cheerleading tryouts are announced, they decide to try out together. They hope that if they make the squad, they will be accepted by everyone.

The graphic novel was a quick and cute read. The drawings were bright and colorful. The story was mostly easy to follow but there were a few times that I wasn’t sure what was going on. The book does contain some racist comments and bullying, so some adults might want to be wary when sharing with young readers. This is the first book of the series; I would be open to reading the other book but wouldn’t go out of my way to read it. In the next book in the series, Christina and Megan are again trying out to be cheerleaders in the eighth grade. It seems like it’s more of the same.

 

Book Review - The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee

 

 

The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee is about a young woman, Jo Kuan, trying to make a living in Atlanta. Seventeen-year-old Jo worked with an industrious hatmaker before she was fired for being Asian. Desperate for a way to earn a living, she takes a position as a lady’s maid for an abusive daughter of one of the wealthiest men in the city.  By night, she moonlights as an anonymous author of the “Miss Sweetie” newspaper advice column for the genteel Southern lady.

Jo is surprised when her column gains traction but she is also afraid that people would be up in arms if they found out the true author behind the column. She decides to use her column to pass on her ideas about race and gender. While some people appreciate her candor, Jo has made some powerful enemies that will stop at nothing to find out her identity.

While Jo is trying to keep her day job while keeping her identity secret, she discovers a letter that changes her entire life. The letter hints at the identity of her parents whom she has never known. They had abandoned her as a baby. Will Jo risk everything to find out the truth behind her birth?

I picked up this novel because I thought the cover looked interesting. The book started off a bit slow and it took a while before it picked up. I didn’t like the way the author wrote and it took some getting used to. I did like reading the Miss Sweetie parts of the book. I thought they were clever and well done. I thought the book was an okay read and I would be open to reading more books by the author.

 

Book Review - Tilt by Emma Pattee

 

 

Tilt by Emma Pattee is about a woman, Annie, who survives a massive earthquake in Portland, Oregon.  

Annie is nine months pregnant. She decides that she has procrastinated long enough about getting a crib. On the spur of the moment, she decides to go to IKEA to get it. As she is shopping, a devastating earthquake hits and leaves the city in ruins. Annie barely made it out of IKEA alive. Unfortunately, she lost her car keys, phone, and money in the rubble. She has no way of reaching her husband who is across town. The entire city is left in chaos and Annie decides there is nothing else she can do but walk.

As Annie makes her way to her husband through the wreckage and destruction of her beloved city, she comes across all different types of human behaviors. She sees strangers helping others, riots at a grocery store, and people who are trying to make sense of everything that has happened. She also befriends a young mother that she met in IKEA; it was an unlikely friendship that Annie comes to appreciate. As Annie walks, she contemplates and reflects on her struggling marriage and career and her anxiety about having a baby with no money. She feels that if she can make it home, she can change her life for the better.

The novel’s story takes place in a day. Surprisingly, I found the book to be an entertaining read. I thought it was going to be a boring read, but I found myself being curious to read more of what becomes of Annie. I was curious to see if she was able to find her husband but also I liked reading about her past life. I liked reading about her desires, dreams, and disappointments. The ending was a bit disappointing, but I would still be up to reading more books by the author.

 

Book Review - Sainted Love Vol. 1: A Time to Fight by Steve Orlando

 

 

 

 

Sainted Love Vol. 1: A Time to Fight by Steve Orlando is about a gay couple who time travels to fight an evil force that is against their union.  Malcolm “Mac” Irina is one of the greatest inventors of his time. Unfortunately, no one has ever heard of him. His partner, John Wolf, is the toughest bare-knuckle boxer in the city. Mac is almost finished with his greatest invention, the Chronocorridor. He wants to travel to a time where he and John can live and love together freely.  Before he can complete his invention, a detective named Felt raids Mac’s lab, and the couple dives through the power-up portal to escape capture by Detective Felt.  The pair end up in a different timeline but find they are being hunted by an organization that is determined to end gay love. Will Mac and John be able to find a place where they can be themselves?

I didn’t like this graphic novel. I did finish it, but I found that the animation style and story were a bit too graphic for my reading preferences. I didn’t like the artwork and it seemed every few pages, there was an orgy.  I found the story and the characters to be one-dimensional and boring. They just seemed to be bickering about random things that didn’t add anything to the storyline. I don’t think I would continue reading the rest of the series.

 

Book Review - The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden

 

 

 

The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden is about a woman, Isabel, who is forced to share her house with her brother’s girlfriend. In 1961 in the rural Dutch province of Overijssel, the war was over. Life has begun to move on and settle into a new pace. Isabel is living alone in her late mother’s country home by herself. She is disciplined and spends her day following the same routine. Everything is kept in its place and there is no disorder.

That all changes when her brother, Louis, requests to have his girlfriend, Eva, to stay with Isabel for the season. Isabel is annoyed by Eva and her looming presence. Isabel considers Eva to be loud and brash and the opposite of her.

Isabel becomes convinced that someone is stealing things from the house. She starts noticing little things are disappearing. First, it was a spoon, then a knife, and a bowl. Isabel tries to voice her suspicions to her family, but everyone thinks she is overreacting. As Isabel and Eva start to spend more time together, Isabel makes a startling discovery that will change everything she has ever known.

The novel was a cozy read. I was able to guess where the novel was heading and the reason behind Eva’s visit early on. It was an entertaining read but, I did find both Isabel and Eva to be annoying some of the time. They both had hidden motives but their attraction to each other came out of nowhere. I thought the book was an okay read but, I would be open to reading more books by the author.

 

Book Review - Jana Goes Wild by Farah Heron

Jana Goes Wild by Farah Heron is about a woman, Jana, who goes on vacation unexpectedly with her ex, Anil.  Jana Suleiman is known for being perfect, strict, and rule-following. She rarely has fun. She feels that she never quite fits in and rather spends time by herself. The one time Jana let herself go, she ended up with a broken heart and a baby born out of wedlock.

Jana has learned her lesson and has kept her heart (and having fun) under lock and key. She was recently invited to be a bridesmaid for a close friend. The wedding is a destination wedding that takes place in the Serengeti National Park. Jana was looking forward to the break until she realized that practically everyone she knows will be there, including a potential new boss. Surprisingly, her lying ex-boyfriend will also be there.

While Jana doesn’t trust Anil romantically, she knows he is a great dad. She still hasn’t forgiven or trusted him after lying to her. Jana is determined not to let him get to her and prove to him that she is over him. Jana’s friends want her to let loose and have a fun time, so they create a plan of fun out-of-the-box things for Jana to do. While crossing everything off her list, Jana finds herself letting go and enjoying herself. However, while she is having fun, she finds herself getting attracted to Anil again. 

The romance novel is a fun and easy read. It did have a few funny moments and some raunchy humor.  I did like the novel but at times, found the characters to be annoying. Jana was upset and betrayed by Anil’s lies but instead of talking to him, she would address the issue with someone else. Anil seems to want to have a better relationship with Jana even if it’s platonic, but he could have also communicated better. I did find it weird that Jana was so concerned about how sociable and what she does outside of work, would affect her job. This is the third romance I've read that was written by an Asian novelist where the protagonist is highly encouraged to be more social in their personal time for work. Previously, I never read a book with this storyline and I found it weird to have it so prominent in a novel. Overall, I did enjoy the book and would be open to reading more books by the author.

Book Review - Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle

 

 Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle is about a young woman, Rose, who notices these weird demonic creatures following people around. In Neverton, Montana, the people are God-fearing and it’s also home to Camp Damascus. The camp claims to be very successful with gay conversion and is one of the most effective ones in the country. They promise that attendees will be able to live free of their “sinful past”. Rose has no memory of attending Camp Damascus, but she has been seeing weird creatures and flashbacks from the camp. Will she be able to figure out what is causing the creature to follow her?

The novel is marketed as an adult horror novel, but I thought this would have been more appropriate for young adults. The gore and some scenes might be too graphic but, the protagonist acted more like a teenager than an adult at times. The writing felt stilted and awkward at times. And some of the behaviors of some characters were confusing. I thought the camp would have a heavier focus in the novel but, it was mostly the after-effects of attending the camp. The novel was an interesting read, and I would be open to reading more books by the author.

 

Book Review - Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen

 Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen is about two opposite people who fall in love.  Rooney Gao believes in signs, especially when it comes to love and art. She is an adamant believer in the Chinese legend that everyone is tied to their true love by the red string of fate. She believes that if two people are meant to be, they will find a way to be together even if their string gets tangled along the way.

The legend has not only influenced her love life but also, her art. She is also known as the anonymous Red String Girl. She creates large-scale art installations using red string. Rooney is sent tumbling into artist’s block when one of her latest installations doesn’t work out as she expected it to. She feels unmoored and begins to question everything. When she least expected it, she crossed paths with the perfect guy.

Jack Liu is the perfect person for Rooney. He is smart, successful, driven, and handsome. After running into him twice on the same day, the pair decided to spend some time together before Jack heads back to California. They spent a wonderful evening together and they just didn’t want to part ways. Rooney finds herself drawn to Jack and believes fate brought them together. However, Jack is skeptical and believes that it was random luck. After their magical evening, they lose contact with each other until they are given one more chance to reconnect. Rooney is desperate to prove to Jack that they belong together. Will she be able to change his mind?

The book was an okay read. I didn’t notice a spark between the characters when we were first introduced to them. Their interactions and jokes seemed a bit weird. However, as the book progressed, I could see a better bond building. I didn’t understand why Jack was so hesitant, at times, to date Rooney when it seemed that they got along so well. I felt like it was his hang-up with his parents that was introduced later but it seemed more like an excuse than a reason, especially since he admits that he likes Rooney and finds himself changing around her. Overall, it was a cute slow-moving rom-com, and I would be open to reading more books by the author.