karenika

Review: The Strange Case of Jane O.

The Strange Case of Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don’t even know how to write a review for this book. It’s strange 🙂

This is the story of Jane O. who walks into the office of her therapist, which she only met once many years before (even though he doesn’t remember) and then doesn’t come back. Until he gets a call that she woke up in the park and is now at the hospital and can’t remember the last day.

The story goes back and forth between Jane’s diary entries and the therapist. And the more we find out, the more confused we get. It becomes hard to understand what’s real and what’s not. And you have to be willing to suspend your disbelief and just go with it.

I loved Walker’s writing from the very first page. Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down and wanted to see what happened to Jane O. If you’re open to reading unusual books, you will love this one.

with gratitude NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to preview this title in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Review: Famous Last Words

Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read and loved this author’s previous two books so I was excited to read this one. And while this one is also a mystery, it’s a much slower burn than the other two. And yet I still loved it.

Cam’s husband takes three people hostage, kills two of them and disappears. Then, seven years pass. And you’re like WHAT? Seven years. Hostages are never identified. Her husband is never caught. Cam and the hostage negotiator both cannot move on and this book alternates between the two.

I loved McAllister’s writing. I loved the intrigue of the story. Can’t wait to read more of McAllister.

with gratitude NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to preview this title in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Review: When We Grow Up

When We Grow Up by Angelica Baker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This audiobook took a while for me to get into. The story starts with a bang when six adults who have been friends since college are on vacation in Hawaii and a terrifying news alerts indicates that their lives are about to be over.

The whole book is basically a conversation amongst these friends, revisiting their college years, talking about who they have become and how they have (or have not) changed. Resentments get aired, people behave poorly and they drink and they rant.

Even though there were bits I liked, overall I didn’t enjoy this book. The characters are all dislikable. The dialogue seems a bit too on the nose. They cover privilege, friendships – especially ones you make during the formative years, racism and more.

with gratitude NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to preview this title in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Review: The Dollhouse Academy: A Novel

The Dollhouse Academy: A Novel by Margarita Montimore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the story of Ivy Gordon and Ramona&Grace. Ivy is the most famous actress to have ever come out of the Dollhouse Academy. She’s glamorous and rich and famous. But there’s more going on. She’s also trapped and sad and unable to get out.

Ramona and Grace are best friends. They have dreamt of going to The Dollhouse Academy for as long as they can remember. But once they make it in, things don’t go as planned. Friendships fracture, things seem off, there are weird rumors, and even weirder things happening.

The story goes back and forth between Ivy’s journal and Ramona until they all intertwine of course. The atmospheric writing coupled with the mysterious plot in this dark academia novel keeps you deeply engaged until the very end.

with gratitude NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the opportunity to preview this title in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Review: Open When…: From the Bestselling Author of Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?

Open When…: From the Bestselling Author of Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Julie Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read and loved Julie Smith’s first book so I was really looking forward to the follow up and she absolutely did not disappoint! This book is broken up to many, many different tough life moments. It’s intended to be read when you’re experiencing (or re-living, or struggling with…) one of these moments.

Each chapter starts with a kind, generous and compassionate letter from Julie with both emotional and practical advice. Helping you feel less alone, more equipped and held. The rest of the chapter is the practical take aways and actions you can take.

Like her other book, it’s a treasure trove of kindness, advice, and tools. It’s a book I will come back to again and again.

with gratitude NetGalley and HarperOne for the opportunity to preview this title in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Review: The Internal Family Systems Workbook: A Guide to Discover Your Self and Heal Your Parts

The Internal Family Systems Workbook: A Guide to Discover Your Self and Heal Your Parts by Richard C. Schwartz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an excellent step-by-step guide to Internal Family Systems and how to apply it in your own life. I learned about IFS about a year ago and since then I’ve been trying to read everything I can about it. As the inventor of IFS, Dick Schwartz is the best person to guide us through the journey. The book is fully of simple explanations, exercises, journaling, charts, meditations. This is an experiential book and not something to be read in one sitting. I’ve been working my way through it and learning and growing so much in the process. Cannot recommend enough.

with gratitude NetGalley and Sounds True Publishing for the opportunity to preview this title in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Review: The City and Its Uncertain Walls

The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5

i love Murakami. His stories are always unlike anything else I’ve read. Even though others might disagree, this is actually one of my favorites. Maybe because of all the literary references or the library. But I loved the time I spent with it as I always do when I get lost in one of Murakami’s worlds.

with gratitude to netgalley and Knopf for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Lies He Told Me

Lies He Told Me by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On a total mystery kick lately. I am reading everything David Ellis wrote with or without Patterson. Loved this one.

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Review: Don’t Believe Her

Don’t Believe Her by Nicola Sanders
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 kept my interest. twisty and i’ll be honest i did not guess it!

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Review: Fayne: A Novel

Fayne: A Novel by Ann-Marie MacDonald
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Really really enjoyed this very long but also very interesting novel. Had some really interesting and unexpected twists. I had never heard of this book, not sure how i found it but it’s excellent!

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