Review: At the Wolf's Table

At the Wolf's Table by Rosella Postorino
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Intense, historical fiction about young women in WW2 Germany who are called to serve Hitler directly as his personal food-tasters to ensure that he was not given poisoned food. The women were called from the local area and expected to do it for Germany. The trade-off benefit for them was to be well fed throughout the war while most were starving. The risk was dying from poisoning or other violence. Most of the women were either wives, sisters, relatives or friends to a young man who was serving in Hitler's military so their service was expected. The author did a good job at capturing the fear that would have permeated the initial situation facing the tasters who did not know each other, being sent into the dining room to eat their meals and fearing that the meal before them would be their last. Then, the transition that naturally happens as people start to become comfortable with each other and let their guard down, making light of what is intrinsically a grave situation. There are many difficult and tragic relationships throughout this book that do well to capture the atmosphere of the time well.
This was a captivating story for history buffs.
#AttheWolfsTable #RosellaPostorino

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Review: You Are Not Alone

You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you have read anything else by this writing duo, then you are in for a treat. In my opinion, this is the best yet. This is a psychological thriller that is told from different points of view so you are never quite certain who the most reliable narrator is. The main protagonist is Shay Miller, a young woman who lives and works in NYC and is in an unsatisfying temp job currently who winds up in the wrong place at the wrong time. She witnesses a tragic death and has a difficult time dealing with the aftermath of her feelings about that. In the meantime, many of the other aspects of her life are changing and she is making some reckless decisions. Shay is then suddenly embraced into the world of friendship and caring from a group of friends that make her feel more at home in the city than she has to date. As strange things happen all around, the plot shifts and twists and turns occur to make for a compelling and eventful and even mostly believable story.
Highly recommended for the psychological thriller lovers out there.
#YouAreNotAlone #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #GreerHendricks #SarahPekkanen

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Review: Call Me by Your Name

Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I had trouble deciding what to rate this. The writing is wonderful, with some absolutely brilliant sections. The last 25% was gorgeous and made up for some of the gratuitousness of the earlier sections of the book. I am not a romance reader, per se, but whether it is a straight romance or other, other the top sex scenes are sort of more than I am interested in when I read a book. This overall story could have had similar impact without the graphic nature of these scenes. I do see that they were perhaps a tool to express the depth of desire and yearning of the teenage boy who was struggling with his feelings and sexuality, but that wasn't especially my favorite aspect of this book. The ending definitely redeemed some of these aspects. So it was okay for me.
#CallMeByYourName

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Review: Strange Planet

Strange Planet by Nathan W. Pyle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nathan W. Pyle has assembled an amazing collection of hysterical takes on life on Earth as though you were a "being" from somewhere else trying to understand the crazy things that we humans do. When you look and read these through that lens, it is just the best. My son and I have been sending these back and forth daily through Instagram and they bring a smile or a LOL moment to me everyday. Some of my favorites are those between parental beings and kids and I think my all time favorite has been the being who gets sunburned and says I CRAVE STAR DAMAGE.
These are just a lighthearted take on the human condition.
A definite buy and well worth the time. You will come back to these repeatedly.
#StrangePlanet #NathanPyle

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Review: The Sun and Her Flowers

The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a remarkably powerful collection of poetry covering topics such as feminism, relationships, rape/sexual assault, immigration, love and family ties. It is divided up into five sections: wilting, falling, rooting, rising and blooming.There are many powerful poems in this collection. I think those that spoke most poignantly to me were those dealing with rape and sexual assault, such as one entitled "home". Another jarring poem is the description of being taught that saying "no" as a child was not allowed and disrespectful to adults and how this affects one's future ability to consent.
I enjoyed several of the short poems regarding feminism and empowerment. However, I think my absolute favorite is "the art of growing". This is a powerful and beautifully written poem about young women as they mature out of childhood. It really touched home, as I watch this change occur in my daughter.
I adored this collection and highly recommend it, even if poetry isn’t your usual thing.
#TheSunandHerFlowers #RupiKaur #andrewsmcmeelpublishing

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Review: I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life

I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life by Anne Bogel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Being a MMD bookclub member and frequent listener of WWIRN, I am so glad that I finally read this collection by Anne Bogel. As a podcaster and bookclub hostess, she is fantastic in her knowledge and candor. But this collection is a wonderful insight into her personal reading life through the years. Naturally, for anyone who relates to her degree of "bookwormishness" will completely relate to each story and page. I love the way she discusses the changes in her reading life over different times in her life. And the things that are so similar between bibliophiles.
While I related to something in each section, the two that resonated the most were "Bookworm Problems" and "I'd Rather Be Reading". In "Bookworm Problems", I am pretty sure that I could relate to nearly every sentence as she describes the various grapplings of a voracious reader. Hysterically funny. In "I'd Rather Be Reading", she admits to loving the reading but not the follow-up process of documentation of that reading. I completely relate and frequently get behind on this as well, or even sometimes forget altogether. But her point of relating this documentation process to keeping a travelogue to return to as a memory prompt is spot on. Great ideas and great encouragement.
Terrific read for any bibliophile in your life.
#IdRatherBeReading #AnneBogel #BakerBooks

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Review: Book Love

Book Love by Debbie Tung
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This precious little book was written about me and my people. At least, that is how it feels when you read it and enjoy the artwork. If you love to read, as many of us on GR do, then this will be your take on this book as well. This is a delightful book that highlights so many of the quirky things that bookish people do. There are the obvious ones, like being a magnet to a bookstore or library and always having a book with us but the more unique are things like preferences of physical versus e-readers and one I have been guilty of myself, using my e-reader in a physical book as a bookmark.
This is a lovely book that is a pleasure to read through but would also make a sweet gift for a bookish friend. I highly recommend it.
#BookLove #DebbieTung #andrewsmcmeelpublishing

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Review: Red at the Bone

Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one powerful book that reads like a tome but is a short novel. It packs a tremendous punch in a small package. This is a tale of two families of different social standing who are forced together due to the romantic relationship between the teens who wind up with a baby before graduating high school. We, as the readers, get to observe the multigenerational dynamics of these families who are deeply affected by the social pressures present throughout their lives.
I think, for me, the most powerful part of the book was the chapter that dealt with 9/11. This was so well written and moving. Incredible.
Highly recommend this book.
#RedAtTheBone #JacuelineWoodson #PenguinRandomHouse

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Review: I Will Make You Pay

I Will Make You Pay by Teresa Driscoll
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Usually I am not a fan of anything involving stalker plots but this is a complete exception. I think the difference here compared to other stalker novels is this is suspenseful more than just graphic gory. I appreciate an author that brings that sophistication to the table.
This book was fabulous. From the beginning in developing the characters, where you start the shift back and forth between sets of characters right through to the ending where the twist is revealed, this is well written and thorough. For all the intricate details, one of my favorite character interactions, that is really only an aside interaction and not central to the plot is between Matthew and Ian. This is a very sweet and well done interaction between these two characters that shows the intelligence of Matthew as well as the empathy and humanity he displays. I just adored their relationship and how Matthew figured out the issue Ian was having and a solution.
This is a fast paced thriller so I don't want to spoil any major plot points, but just say that this is a well written and readable novel that is good from beginning to end.
Highly recommend for my fellow thriller readers.
#IWillMakeYouPay #NetGalley #AmazonPressUK #TeresaDriscoll

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Review: Nancy Drew: The Palace of Wisdom

Nancy Drew: The Palace of Wisdom by Kelly Thompson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an unexpected surprise. I grew up on Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys so naturally wanted my children to love them as well. The traditional books are fun as a reminiscence for me, but rather dated for them to appreciate. However, they thoroughly enjoyed this and therefore, so did I. We have played the Nancy Drew video games for many years now and this reminds me more of that, in that it is more modernized and changes with the times. My children especially appreciate this. Given that this is the target audience I would think that this is the key endorsement.
Keep them coming.
#NancyDrewThePalaceOfWisdom #NetGalley #DiamondBookDistributors

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Review: The Tanglewood Tea Shop

The Tanglewood Tea Shop by Lilac Mills
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sometimes you just need a light-hearted, quick-read romantic comedy that makes you smile and that you can't put down. This is that book. Good plot. Good characters. Good pacing. Really enjoyable reading experience.
Highly recommend when you need a lighter read.
#TheTanglewoodTeashop #Netgalley #Canelo

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Review: The Secret Child

The Secret Child by Caroline Mitchell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DI Amy Winter is at it again....a child has gone missing and she has to find her before it is too late. This is a terrific story, well-paced and well written. My only issue with this book is that I didn't read book one first, which I believe would have made it even more enjoyable. I love these English crime thrillers and this one does not disappoint.
#TheSecretChild #Netgalley ##AmazonPublishingUK

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Review: Degrees of Difficulty

Degrees of Difficulty by Julie E. Justicz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I chose this book specifically because of my proximity to the subject and it hit home for me. Spot on. This is a well written book about a 14-year-old boy with severe neurological and developmental disabilities and his family who must adapt to living with this reality. I work with people like Ben everyday through my work and see the difficulties families go through. I also have a special needs child, who is not nearly as ill as Ben but at times seems to have also needed all the oxygen in the room. It is a draining and difficult situation for an entire family. One that seems to either break you or make you stronger. I felt like this was a realistic look at the impact really any serious, chronic illness can have on a person and their family. Some of the family members handle it one way and some another. Realistically this ebbs and flows over time, with some siblings needing more attention at times than others. This book did a terrific job in showing a realistic, rather than glorified view of this life and the difficulties within it. There are rewards, that are glamorized on Hallmark specials, and many more hard times and challenges that are overlooked and simply unknown by the outside world. From the seriousness of the medical issues to the communication problems to the guilt and heartbreak with trying to place someone in a group home. The list is endless.
This is a much appreciated work that should be highly recommended for families with special needs individuals, to know that they are not alone.
#DegreeOfDifficulty #Netgalley ##Fomite #JulieEJusticz

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Review: Red at the Bone

Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one powerful book that reads like a tome but is a short novel. It packs a tremendous punch in a small package. This is a tale of two families of different social standing who are forced together due to the romantic relationship between the teens who wind up with a baby before graduating high school. We, as the readers, get to observe the multigenerational dynamics of these families who are deeply affected by the social pressures present throughout their lives.
I think, for me, the most powerful part of the book was the chapter that dealt with 9/11. This was so well written and moving. Incredible.
Highly recommend this book.
#RedAtTheBone #JacuelineWoodson #PenguinRandomHouse

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Review: I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life

I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life by Anne Bogel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Being a MMD bookclub member and frequent listener of WWIRN, I am so glad that I finally read this collection by Anne Bogel. As a podcaster and bookclub hostess, she is fantastic in her knowledge and candor. But this collection is a wonderful insight into her personal reading life through the years. Naturally, for anyone who relates to her degree of "bookwormishness" will completely relate to each story and page. I love the way she discusses the changes in her reading life over different times in her life. And the things that are so similar between bibliophiles.
While I related to something in each section, the two that resonated the most were "Bookworm Problems" and "I'd Rather Be Reading". In "Bookworm Problems", I am pretty sure that I could relate to nearly every sentence as she describes the various grapplings of a voracious reader. Hysterically funny. In "I'd Rather Be Reading", she admits to loving the reading but not the follow-up process of documentation of that reading. I completely relate and frequently get behind on this as well, or even sometimes forget altogether. But her point of relating this documentation process to keeping a travelogue to return to as a memory prompt is spot on. Great ideas and great encouragement.
Terrific read for any bibliophile in your life.
#IdRatherBeReading #AnneBogel #BakerBooks

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Review: The Sun and Her Flowers

The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a remarkably powerful collection of poetry covering topics such as feminism, relationships, rape/sexual assault, immigration, love and family ties. It is divided up into five sections: wilting, falling, rooting, rising and blooming.There are many powerful poems in this collection. I think those that spoke most poignantly to me were those dealing with rape and sexual assault, such as one entitled "home". Another jarring poem is the description of being taught that saying "no" as a child was not allowed and disrespectful to adults and how this affects one's future ability to consent.
I enjoyed several of the short poems regarding feminism and empowerment. However, I think my absolute favorite is "the art of growing". This is a powerful and beautifully written poem about young women as they mature out of childhood. It really touched home, as I watch this change occur in my daughter.
I adored this collection and highly recommend it, even if poetry isn’t your usual thing.
#TheSunandHerFlowers #RupiKaur #andrewsmcmeelpublishing

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