Review: The Sentence

The Sentence
The Sentence by Louise Erdrich
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

excellent. Erdich writes in a way no one can. There’s so much packed into this story. So much of what we’ve been living through told in eloquent, funny and thoughtful ways. She is so very talented.

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Review: The Younger Wife

The Younger Wife
The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book is complicated. On the one side, it’s a super fast read. The three women in the story are interesting and layered and three-dimensional. They make the book a fast-read and they have distinct voices and they are well-done.

The men, however, are too perfect. There’s nothing wrong with them. They are not complex or interesting.

And there are some major issues in this book that are glossed over. Some are dealt with in some detail (the one Tully has) and some are absolutely not given enough room (Rachel’s) and space to be dealt with the respect they deserve. It makes them feel like token issues.

And then there’s the ending. I don’t mind a twist. I don’t mind unexpected or even unclear endings. I do mind endings that (maybe) unintentionally play into stereotypes that are really not helpful. Let’s not do that.

so fast read, complex/interesting women. but then so much not great, too. Love Hepworth and will keep reading her. Just didn’t love this one.

with gratitude to St. Martin’s Press and netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

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Review: Ever After Always

Ever After Always
Ever After Always by Chloe Liese
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was in the mood for stories that will wrap around me like a blanket and comfort me. Liese does not disappoint.

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Review: Always Only You

Always Only You
Always Only You by Chloe Liese
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Liese’s characters are memorable and three dimensional and enjoyable to read. You will fall in love with them.

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Review: The Night She Disappeared

The Night She Disappeared
The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story was okay, I liked the way it was structured and read it in a blur. But now it’s been a week and I don’t remember much of it. So it’s enjoyable but won’t stick with you.

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Review: Off Season

Off Season
Off Season by Jennifer Weiner
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

too predictable and not my favorite.

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Review: Yerba Buena

Yerba Buena
Yerba Buena by Nina LaCour
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“She existed outside of her life and she knew it. When faced with danger, she couldn’t even shout. She barely heard a word people said, too busy making her face appear eager, nodding her head, and saying, “How interesting.””

I read and loved LaCour’s previous books and was very excited to see an adult novel. It did not disappoint.

I loved the story of Sara and Emilie, each of them struggling in their own way, trying to feel whole and trying to make their lives “work.” Trying to survive in a world that hasn’t been kind to them. I loved how each of them have an art (flowers/renovating and making cocktails) that allows them to bring forth their creativity and add their unique beauty to the world. I loved how real and flawed they are.

This story is about love. It’s about trying again, being willing to be vulnerable and be seen and finding your way in a world that hasn’t always been good to you. LaCour is an excellent story teller and this story will stay with you for a long, long time.

with gratitude to Flatiron Books and netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

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Review: The Atlas Six

The Atlas Six
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this book in one swallow. Yes it wasn’t the best writing, yes some of the characters should have been developed more, yes it might have had flaws but i still really enjoyed my time with it and i can’t wait for the next one. Though it looks like I will have to wait quite some while.

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Review: The Lincoln Highway

The Lincoln Highway
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love Towles and this was no exception. This story the journey to California was engaging and I loved the characters. It was not as funny as his previous story but I still loved it. Towles’ writing is excellent and never disappoints. A great adventure of a story.

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Review: Cackle

Cackle
Cackle by Rachel Harrison
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Meh. This story had so much potential. I read it despite the mediocre reviews and they were right. It wasn’t a bad story but it also won’t stay with me.

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Review: A Line To Kill

A Line To Kill
A Line To Kill by Anthony Horowitz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can’t help it, I love all of Horowitz’ books in this series. They are clever and funny and so self-referential. Just my kind of stories.

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Review: French Braid

French Braid
French Braid by Anne Tyler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“There were advantages to being a girl and having nothing much expected of you.”

Anne Tyler is one of a kind, for me. I love her characters and I love the way they burrow into your life and you never want to let them go. This was no exception.

This is the story of a family over multiple generations. You see them grow away and towards each other. You see them struggle and you see them be there for each other. Tyler is so good at portraying “ordinary” people and the struggles we go through.

“Still, though,” David said, “you can never take it for granted that family members will like each other.” “Oh, David. Families love each other!” “ ‘Love,’ well, sure. I’m talking about ‘like,’ ” he said.

A lovely story around what it means to be family.

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

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