Here are my goodreads reviews. If you’re on goodreads, add me as a friend so I can see your books too! I also have an instagram account where I join my love of reading with my love of art.
A Good Marriage (3.5 stars): If you’re in the mood for a mystery, you will enjoy this one. For me, it was a good mix of fast pace, character development, plot twists, and an overall good story. I really enjoyed it. For me, it had the right mix of fast and slow, plot twisty and character-driven.
The Knockout Queen (4 stars): This was an unexpected novel. It’s not sweet and fluffy the way the cover or title might imply. This is about two teenagers growing up though difficult family and personal situations and being bullied at school. The writing is honest and brutal. I felt the gamut of feelings reading this, laughing out loud, crying, cringing, angry and everything in between. Life is so complicated and tough and people can be so cruel and this book doesn’t spare us much. It’s a controversial book and some loved it and some hated it. I was completely surprised by it and find myself still thinking about it two days (and two books) later.
Something to Talk About (3 stars): I really enjoyed this sweet story. The whole story is about the build up so not the one for steamy scenes but i really enjoyed all my time with it.
The Vanishing Half (4 stars): “There were many ways to be alienated from someone, few to actually belong.” I was really looking forward to this story and it did not disappoint. Brit Bennett is such a fantastic writer, she has an excellent way with words. This story about roots, racism, family, identity and motherhood was really layered. I really enjoyed not just Desiree and Stella and how we got to know so much more about them but I found myself more fascinated with Jude and Kennedy and how their sense of identity and belonging changed because of the choices their parents made. Britt Bennett is a fantastic writer and after two great books, I cannot wait to read more from her.
Learn to Paint in Acrylics (4 stars): One of the best ways to learn to do something is to do it regularly. To create a routine around it. This book is a fantastic way to do that. It has all that you need to know to get started. It explains paint, brushes, surfaces, basic color theory and design principles. And then there are 50 paintings. You could do one a day, one a week, or even one a month. They are each simple and yet look great. I especially loved the chess piece, the wrapped candy, and the pretzel. These are simple and fun and great way to start your journey into acrylic.
with gratitude to netgalley and Quarry Books for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Colorful Fun Embroidery (3 stars): This book has really cute and lovely projects and there is a full range from quick ones to more complicated ones. The best part of these is that you don’t have to go and learn different stitches, you can jump in and do many of these with just the basic stitch. The projects are all colorful and very fun. I did wish there was a bit more variety in the projects, almost all of them are script-focused so if that’s not your thing, there aren’t many for you. My very favorite one was a simple rainbow pendant. If you’ve wanted to embroider but weren’t sure where to start, this is an excellent book to grab.
with gratitude to netgalley and Pen & Sword for an early copy in return for an honest review
And there we go, grateful to be reading.
Books I Read this Week 2020 is a year-long project for 2019. You can read more about my projects for 2020 here. I am also tracking my books in real time on Good Reads here. If you’re on Good Reads add me so I can follow you, too! I’ve also started an instagram account where I join my love of reading with my love of art.
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