Cassandra

This book started off interesting but then became quite boring. Not to mention the main character becomes a bit much after a while the story was preachy and cheesy throughout.I liked the worldbuilding and I can tell it was written by someone who loves books but it wasn't for me.

I really enjoyed this! As someone who reads a lot about MLMs, this was a refreshing perspective that focused more on pyramid schemes, the history behind direct selling and the people and legal actions that have allowed MLMs to flourish to what they are today.

A slow-burn thriller with an interesting backstory. I loved learning a little about psychopaths and wish that the book focused on that aspect a little more. I also wish the backstory was a little more atmospheric. Throwing in Nintendoes and a colorful Macs helped to dress the scene, but the flashbacks to the 90s did not feel immersive and the characters felt flat in that regard. Once the dinner party got into swing the book read like a movie with interesting enough twists that kept me engaged. All in all, this was a good locked-room thriller and I'm excited to read more from this author.

From a Studio in Oakland: 108 Notes on Existence is a collection of reflections and poems focused on self-reflection. Over the last month, this book has provided a slow and gentle starts to my mornings. 

This year has felt especially overwhelming, trying to juggle being informed with taking care of myself and own wellbeing. Reading this book has felt like taking a deep breath. The book is divided into sections including self, healing, relationships and life. Among the different sections, I really loved how self-reflection and exploration is woven throughout. There's so much that I cannot control right now. 108 Notes on Existence has been a gentle and powerful reminder that I control how I see myself, how I move through the world, how I plan my future and how I interact with others. 

I truly enjoyed working and highlighting my way through this one and I know that I will be gently pressing this book into friends' hands this holiday season. 

Thank you Book Publicity Services for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was excited to read a mystery centered around adult friendships and this was not it. This book was not at all a thriller and was barely a mystery and I didn't love either of the main characters. The audiobook production was fun though.