If you're a fan of coming of age novels, don't sleep on this one. Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau is such a charming, unforgettable story! Many have compared this book to Daisy Jones & The Six and Almost Famous, but it's definitely a novel that stands on its own merit. The only thing comparable is the time era in which the story takes place. Mary Jane is a story about a 14-year-old girl raised in a very conservative, narrow minded home. She's hired as a summer nanny by a very liberal, free-spirited family and is awakened to a whole new world...one that is the complete polar opposite of her own. I absolutely fell in love with the … [Read more...] about Mary Jane, by Jessica Anya Blau
Book Reviews
After I Do, by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I absolutely love Taylor Jenkins Reid. Daisy Jones & The Six is one of my favorite books (the audiobook is ELITE). I'm on a mission to read all the rest of her books this year, so I decided to start with this one. After I Do is beautifully written story about relationships & marriage and I'm so glad I picked it up! Lauren & Ryan have reached a breaking point in their marriage. They make a mutual decision to separate for a year. The only caveat is that they can't have ANY kind of communication for 365 days. Albeit an unconventional way to heal what's broken, the couple hopes that at the end of the year mark they'll find … [Read more...] about After I Do, by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Rock, Paper, Scissors by Alice Feeney
"The reason a person lies is often more interesting than the lie itself." - Rock, Paper, Scissors This was my first novel to read by Alice Feeney, but if this one is any indication of how her other books are written I can promise you this won't be my last. Rock, Paper, Scissors is the kind of psychological thriller that's easy to devour in one sitting. Page turning, unputdownable, fast paced, GOOD! A husband and wife travel to a remote area in Scotland in hopes of saving their marriage, but the ten years of lies and secrets within their relationship threaten to destroy their union. This book has a little bit of everything I love in a … [Read more...] about Rock, Paper, Scissors by Alice Feeney
The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig
If you're looking for a book that reminds you, "the only way to learn is to live", let The Midnight Library by Matt Haig be your next read. A dash of sci-fi, a sprinkle of fantasy, and a pinch of magical realism. For me, a combo of It's a Wonderful Life and The Butterfly Effect all rolled into one. Nora feels trapped inside of her life. She struggles with her mental health and feels like a failure with nothing to gain from or contribute to the world. Her attempt to end her life finds her in a different world...The Midnight Library...where the book selection is limitless, each story containing a different version of her current … [Read more...] about The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig
Early Morning Riser, by Katherine Heiny
While searching for my first book of April, I stumbled upon Early Morning Riser, by Katherine Heiny. One review compared this story to Seinfeld and said, "it's a story about nothing, but yet so much." I, being a Seinfeld fan, had to give this one a shot. Early Morning Riser is a story about normal, everyday life. Specifically about the life of Jane, a teacher in Boyne City, Michigan. The story follows Jane through two decades and those with whom she has relationships. Quirky characters. Ordinary happenings. No real arc. Just a simple story told in 7 parts. I think I might be in the minority when I say I didn't love this book. … [Read more...] about Early Morning Riser, by Katherine Heiny
French Braid, by Anne Tyler
If literary fiction is your cup of tea, French Braid by Anne Tyler is brimming to the rim full of detail and characterization. French Braid follows the disconnect between three generations of the Garrett family over a span of several decades. What starts as a chance encounter between two cousins (possibly???) in the present day, travels back in time to 1959 where we meet the patriarch & matriarch of the Garrett family and their three kids. We learn a lot about the family dynamics and how they shape and mold each of the characters through multiple POVs. I personally prefer a story with an arc which this book did not have. No real … [Read more...] about French Braid, by Anne Tyler
March 2022 Reading Wrap-Up
It's been a minute since I've consistently read a string of books one after the other. I've read many here and there, but I wanted to get back into the habit of consistent reading this year. I didn't exactly start "on time" at the beginning of the new year, but it's never to late to start a new habit, so I figured this month was as good a time as any. I was able to read six books in March and for the most part, they were all really enjoyable. Two psychological thrillers, one literary fiction, one contemporary fiction, a crime based fiction, and one fantasy/magical realism. I really nice mix and I'm excited to keep this habit going! … [Read more...] about March 2022 Reading Wrap-Up
The Family Across the Street, by Nicole Trope
Suspense fans take note! The Family Across the Street, by Nicole Trope is a fast-paced page turner that keeps you invested from start to finish. For me, an unputdownable book with an unexpected twist - exactly what I love in a good domestic psychological thriller. The story starts out in current time when shots ring out in a quiet neighborhood and they're coming from the home of a family of four (mom, dad, two 5-year-old twins). Then we go back 8 hours in time and learn about everything that precedes that moment from four different POVs...a nosey neighbor, a delivery man, Katherine West (the homeowner), and one more. I don't want to … [Read more...] about The Family Across the Street, by Nicole Trope
The Unsinkable Greta James, by Jennifer E. Smith
The Unsinkable Greta James, by Jennifer E. Smith was charming and poignant. An overall quick read where the story was easy to get into and the characters relatable. The Unsinkable Greta James explores the rocky relationship between Greta and her father and the feelings and emotions that supersede the presence of grief. Greta James is a thirty-something indie musician reeling the loss of her biggest fan, her mother. Greta is left with her disapproving father and their tumultuous relationship in the wake of her mother's unexpected death. In addition to the familial tragedy, Greta is also dealing with a professional blunder and struggling … [Read more...] about The Unsinkable Greta James, by Jennifer E. Smith
Baby Teeth, by Zoje Stage
Right out the gate I need to tell you that this won't be a book everyone will enjoy, but the psychological suspense fan in me absolutely loved it, albeit dark and complex. After reading The Push back in the fall, I knew Baby Teeth would be a great follow-up and I couldn't have been more right. Baby Teeth is an uncomfortable, horrifying account of a little girl who loves her Daddy and would love nothing more than to see her mommy dead. YIKES. Again, not for everyone!!!!! This story is told from two different perspectives: Hanna (7-year-old child) and her mom, Suzette. Hanna is manipulative and diabolical and wants her daddy all to … [Read more...] about Baby Teeth, by Zoje Stage
One Italian Summer, by Rebecca Serle
What can I say?! One Italian Summer, by Rebecca Serle sucked me in from the beginning and didn't spit me out until the very last page. This book wasn't at all what I was expecting, but a great read nonetheless. I'm a HUGE fan of stories full of magical realism and that's exactly what this book was to me. One Italian Summer finds our main character, Katy, lost and grieving. The love of her life & best friend (her mother) dies after her battle with cancer and Katy is left reeling in the wake of her passing. The two women planned a mother/daughter trip to the Amalfi Coast in Italy before her mom's untimely death and Katy decides to … [Read more...] about One Italian Summer, by Rebecca Serle
The Body in Question, by Jill Ciment
To kick off the month, I started with a quick read that can best be described as interesting. The Body in Question, by Jill Ciment, is cleverly written and easy to digest. If you enjoy a good legal drama, this one might be right up your alley. A teenage girl stands accused of killing her toddler brother and a jury is selected to deliberate her guilt or innocence. The actual trial takes a backseat in this fast paced story and the sequestered jury takes center stage. This story is more about what goes on behind courtroom doors moreso than the trial itself. The Body in Question explores the relationships amongst the members of the jury … [Read more...] about The Body in Question, by Jill Ciment
February 2020 Book Review
February found me coming & going and unable to read as much as I wanted. I was able to finish four books, one of them being a repeat I enjoyed last year. I think you might enjoy a few of these, too. Open Book, by Jessica Simpson This was the first pick of the month and it did NOT disappoint. I opted for the audiobook because Jessica Simpson herself was narrating her memoir. I would HIGHLY recommend listening to the audiobook if you have the chance. There are certain points throughout her narrative where her voice cracks and shakes, her vulnerability palpable. I didn’t have high hopes going into this one, … [Read more...] about February 2020 Book Review
Book Review – Open Book, by Jessica Simpson
“Right now, with this book, I want the freedom to say, “Well, there are no more secrets.” I have grown into myself and come to a place where I want to be honest about my flaws. If I can do that in front of the world, then I can remain honest with myself.” – Prologue, Open Book, Jessica Simpson Let me just start by saying that I absolutely LOVE getting lost in between the pages of a good celebrity memoir. I honestly had no plans of diving into this one as I don’t really keep up with celebrity gossip, but a few friends had already started reading and said what they’d read up to that point was pretty good so my curiosity was … [Read more...] about Book Review – Open Book, by Jessica Simpson
January 2020 Book Review
I always start a new year with lofty goals and about mid-week of the first week in January, I usually forfeit those big ideas with a quickness. I’m the kind of person who falls off the horse and finds it WAY too daunting of a task to get back up and keep going. Instead, I abandon said goals and resolve to just “do better”. This year I knew I wanted to do a better job of reading. I LOVE losing myself in between the pages of a good book and would sit down and read for hours a day if I could, but in all honesty?! I’m riddled with guilt when I do…especially when I know there are a million … [Read more...] about January 2020 Book Review
