Someone Else’s Bucket List by Amy Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“You never really have someone,” the speaking pixels said, “not forever. You just get them for a little while, if you’re lucky. And you never know how long you have them for.”

I loved this little gem of a book.

This is the story of Jodie who loses her beloved sister to leukemia way too young. Her sister is a major instagram influencer and has lived life to the fullest. She’s loved by everyone and is sweet and kind. After she dies, she sends a video to her sister asking her to finish the remaining items left in her life list. Varying from “fly over Antarctica” to “be an extra in a broadway musical.” Jodie, unlike her sister, is shy and does not like to be in the center of attention.

But if she completes the list, a corporate sponsor will pay off all of the debts her family accrued. The debts are breaking her family and Jodie can’t in good conscience, refuse.

So begins Jodie’s journey filled with several other charming side characters. It’s hard not to fall in love with all of them. This is a sweet novel that will wrap around your heart like a hug.

with gratitude to Kensington and edelweiss for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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The Every by Dave Eggers
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

I tried and tried but couldn’t get myself to finish this book. Yes there are funny bits and yes I love Eggers’ writing but honestly, I just can’t get myself to read another 700 pages about big tech and how evil it is, even with all the jokes. So little character development means my attention wavers and I have no attachment to the story. Since I DNF’ed this even though I was 65% through, I am not rating it.

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Tiny Buddha’s Inner Strength Journal: Creative Prompts and Challenges to Help You Get Through Anything by Lori Deschene
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you’re a fan of Tiny Buddha, this journal will be a lovely addition to your collection. This journal explores how to build your inner strength through different methods, here’s an example of one set of subsections:

– Assessing your strengths and weaknesses
– Developing a growth mindset
– Changing your interpretations
– Keeping things in perspective
– Changing your perception of change
– Releasing disempowering beliefs
– Focusing on solutions

Each of them gets their own section. Each section starts with a resonant quote and a drawing that could be colored and then continues with thoughtful prompts and exercises. There are also many other sections including compassion, empathy, fostering optimism, etc.

I really loved the variety of prompts and the insights they bring forth. A wonderful way to encourage both inner strength and self awareness.

with gratitude to edelweiss and NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

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