Genevieve
I hated the main character… and honestly, everyone else too, and that’s why this book was so good. My husband recommended this book to me and Im seriously glad he did! This book is unlike anything I read before.
We follow Juniper, an unsuccessful author who steals her semi friend/enemy Athena’s manuscript after Athena dies in a tragic accident. She makes a few changes and sends it to her agent and into publishing like it’s her own.
This was fast paced, and although Juniper was a horrible character, I also believe Athena wasn’t that great either. Every character was kind of horrible in their own way. We even see her whole publishing team, who seem to not question her legitimacy at all, which was wild to me.
This was my first R.F. Kuang book, and although The Poppy War still scares me, after this I feel like I might finally be ready.
This book was messy, problematic, and so entertaining. It deals with racism, privilege, and a behind the scenes look at what may happen in the publishing industry.
I hated the main character… and honestly, everyone else too, and that’s why this book was so good. My husband recommended this book to me and Im seriously glad he did! This book is unlike anything I read before.
We follow Juniper, an unsuccessful author who steals her semi friend/enemy Athena’s manuscript after Athena dies in a tragic accident. She makes a few changes and sends it to her agent and into publishing like it’s her own.
This was fast paced, and although Juniper was a horrible character, I also believe Athena wasn’t that great either. Every character was kind of horrible in their own way. We even see her whole publishing team, who seem to not question her legitimacy at all, which was wild to me.
This was my first R.F. Kuang book, and although The Poppy War still scares me, after this I feel like I might finally be ready.
This book was messy, problematic, and so entertaining. It deals with racism, privilege, and a behind the scenes look at what may happen in the publishing industry.
Man, where do I even begin.
Last Summer on State Street follows 12 year old Fe Fe and her three friends, Stacia, Precious, and the newest member of their group, Tonya, in 1999 Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. They’re growing up in the Robert Taylor Homes just as the city is preparing to tear the buildings down, and this story follows them as they navigate friendship, family, and the realities of their environment.
Each of these girls goes through experiences that make the story feel painfully real and relatable. Growing up in Chicago myself, about 8 miles from the Robert Taylor Homes, made this book resonate on a whole different level. It felt personal.
My husband read this last year and recommended it to me, and when I say he did an excellent job, I mean it. This is the first and only book that genuinely made me tear up. I don’t know if it’s because I grew up around little girls just like these, or because I come from a neighborhood where many faced similar obstacles, and only a few of us made it out.
This was such a powerful, thought-provoking read, and I highly recommend it.
Man, where do I even begin.
Last Summer on State Street follows 12 year old Fe Fe and her three friends, Stacia, Precious, and the newest member of their group, Tonya, in 1999 Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. They’re growing up in the Robert Taylor Homes just as the city is preparing to tear the buildings down, and this story follows them as they navigate friendship, family, and the realities of their environment.
Each of these girls goes through experiences that make the story feel painfully real and relatable. Growing up in Chicago myself, about 8 miles from the Robert Taylor Homes, made this book resonate on a whole different level. It felt personal.
My husband read this last year and recommended it to me, and when I say he did an excellent job, I mean it. This is the first and only book that genuinely made me tear up. I don’t know if it’s because I grew up around little girls just like these, or because I come from a neighborhood where many faced similar obstacles, and only a few of us made it out.
This was such a powerful, thought-provoking read, and I highly recommend it.
OMG!!! Octavia Grant, ma’am! Are you okay!
This book follows Andrew, a grocery store bag boy who’s very unhappy with his life, and a friendly customer, Victoria, is nice to him one day, and he completely goes crazy thinking they’re basically in a relationship. But she has no idea, and his obsession starts getting scary.
You are pulled straight into Andrew’s delusional mind, and it’s honestly very disturbing. It’s a fast paced 70 page novella that had me fully engaged. It’s scary to think there are people in this world who actually think this way.
It’s basically a thriller about how delusion and loneliness can turn dangerous. Creepy, tense, and definitely one of those “be careful who you’re nice to” reads.
OMG!!! Octavia Grant, ma’am! Are you okay!
This book follows Andrew, a grocery store bag boy who’s very unhappy with his life, and a friendly customer, Victoria, is nice to him one day, and he completely goes crazy thinking they’re basically in a relationship. But she has no idea, and his obsession starts getting scary.
You are pulled straight into Andrew’s delusional mind, and it’s honestly very disturbing. It’s a fast paced 70 page novella that had me fully engaged. It’s scary to think there are people in this world who actually think this way.
It’s basically a thriller about how delusion and loneliness can turn dangerous. Creepy, tense, and definitely one of those “be careful who you’re nice to” reads.
Six of Crows follows six individuals as they come together for a high stakes heist, and I really appreciated how much backstory we got for each character. The world building and the setup was solid, but it was definitely a slow build for me, things didn’t really pick up until the ending, which was action packed.
That said, I didn’t fully connect with the characters, and I wasn’t as emotionally invested as I hoped to be by the end. I can totally see why so many people love this book, the concept and execution are strong, it just might not have been the right time or mood for me.
Overall, a good read, I’m interested enough to read book two.
Six of Crows follows six individuals as they come together for a high stakes heist, and I really appreciated how much backstory we got for each character. The world building and the setup was solid, but it was definitely a slow build for me, things didn’t really pick up until the ending, which was action packed.
That said, I didn’t fully connect with the characters, and I wasn’t as emotionally invested as I hoped to be by the end. I can totally see why so many people love this book, the concept and execution are strong, it just might not have been the right time or mood for me.
Overall, a good read, I’m interested enough to read book two.
Honey & Spice is such a cute, feel good romance. Malakai and Kiki’s fake dating situation slowly turning into something real was done so well, and the banter, perfection. I was smiling the whole time.
I read Sweet Heat first, so it was really fun already having an idea of where their story eventually ends up,it made this feel even sweeter.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator absolutely did an excellent job. Every character felt distinct and full of personality, which made the story even more immersive.
This was charming, funny, and full of heart. Bolu Babalola really doesn’t miss.
Honey & Spice is such a cute, feel good romance. Malakai and Kiki’s fake dating situation slowly turning into something real was done so well, and the banter, perfection. I was smiling the whole time.
I read Sweet Heat first, so it was really fun already having an idea of where their story eventually ends up,it made this feel even sweeter.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator absolutely did an excellent job. Every character felt distinct and full of personality, which made the story even more immersive.
This was charming, funny, and full of heart. Bolu Babalola really doesn’t miss.
Burn Down Master’s House by Clay Cane is a prime example of why historical fiction is one of my favorite genres.
This book is powerful, heartbreaking, and truly eye opening. I’ve read a few stories centered on slavery and racism, and some tend to follow familiar plot lines. But the way Clay Cane approaches revenge and resistance, and enslaved people standing up for themselves, feels fresh, intentional, and honestly genius.
Inspired by true stories of men and women who were unafraid to rebel and fight back, this book honors the bravery of those who refused to be broken.
After every chapter, I found myself sitting with so many emotions, constantly wondering what would happen to the characters next. By the end, every question I had was answered, and the way their stories connected was beautifully done.
I couple read this with my husband, and the fact that the introduction pulled us both in immediately says a lot. This is absolutely a must read.
Clay Cane did an amazing job with the research for this book, and giving that these characters the kind of endings they deserved. This story honors the lives and courage of real people who fought for their freedom, and their stories will stay with me for a long time.
Burn Down Master’s House by Clay Cane is a prime example of why historical fiction is one of my favorite genres.
This book is powerful, heartbreaking, and truly eye opening. I’ve read a few stories centered on slavery and racism, and some tend to follow familiar plot lines. But the way Clay Cane approaches revenge and resistance, and enslaved people standing up for themselves, feels fresh, intentional, and honestly genius.
Inspired by true stories of men and women who were unafraid to rebel and fight back, this book honors the bravery of those who refused to be broken.
After every chapter, I found myself sitting with so many emotions, constantly wondering what would happen to the characters next. By the end, every question I had was answered, and the way their stories connected was beautifully done.
I couple read this with my husband, and the fact that the introduction pulled us both in immediately says a lot. This is absolutely a must read.
Clay Cane did an amazing job with the research for this book, and giving that these characters the kind of endings they deserved. This story honors the lives and courage of real people who fought for their freedom, and their stories will stay with me for a long time.