read in 2020
91 books.
read
The Disappearances
by: Emily Bain Murphy
"This story had all the elements to be something I'd really like. And I did enjoy a good bit of it. For me, the "YA-ness" kind of ruined it. It took me out of the setting (the dialog felt too modern) and broke the atmosphere.
Overall though, it's an enjoyable, interesting mystery with some good character relationships."
- katelynn
01/22/2020
Overall though, it's an enjoyable, interesting mystery with some good character relationships."
- katelynn
01/22/2020
read
Mockingbird
by: Kathryn Erskine
"3.5"
- katelynn
09/24/2020
- katelynn
09/24/2020
read
On the Wrong Track (Holmes on the Range, #2)
by: Steve Hockensmith
"3.5
This was a lot of fun, just like the first. It's a classic western with all of the best elements. I felt like I was watching a movie."
- katelynn
07/29/2020
This was a lot of fun, just like the first. It's a classic western with all of the best elements. I felt like I was watching a movie."
- katelynn
07/29/2020
read
The Westing Game
by: Ellen Raskin
"3.5 - I struggled to follow this on audio, but otherwise it was really fun!"
- katelynn
07/16/2020
- katelynn
07/16/2020
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read
A Game of Thrones: Graphic Novel, Volume Four
by: Daniel Abraham
read
The House in the Cerulean Sea
by: T.J. Klune
"The SWEETEST. Magical and full of lovely scenery, heart and humor."
- katelynn
09/08/2020
- katelynn
09/08/2020
read
Recursion
by: Blake Crouch
"Good grief. Just like with Dark Matter, this wrinkled my brain and warmed my heart. Also like Dark Matter, it is a perfect movie concept."
- katelynn
06/07/2020
- katelynn
06/07/2020
read
Black: The Birth of Evil (The Circle, #1)
by: Ted Dekker
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Good Girls Lie
by: J.T. Ellison
"This story absorbed me completely. I was baffled by the mystery and drawn in by the sympathetic protagonist. Great all around!"
- katelynn
01/25/2020
- katelynn
01/25/2020
read
Ghosts of Greenglass House (Greenglass House #2)
by: Kate Milford
"3.5
This book had all of the good things about the first book: warm family life, great setting, and a quirky cast of characters. Where this fell behind is that it was just TOO complicated. Too many characters, too many side stories. It was all just too much.
My complaints may be a result of listening to the audio rather than reading it."
- katelynn
05/20/2020
This book had all of the good things about the first book: warm family life, great setting, and a quirky cast of characters. Where this fell behind is that it was just TOO complicated. Too many characters, too many side stories. It was all just too much.
My complaints may be a result of listening to the audio rather than reading it."
- katelynn
05/20/2020
read
The Lions of Fifth Avenue
by: Fiona Davis
"4.5
Great and slightly heartbreaking ending brought it up that last half-star. I loved the subject-matter so much it helped smooth over slightly clunky/awkward writing. The setting helped me immerse and the plot kept me turning the pages."
- katelynn
10/10/2020
Great and slightly heartbreaking ending brought it up that last half-star. I loved the subject-matter so much it helped smooth over slightly clunky/awkward writing. The setting helped me immerse and the plot kept me turning the pages."
- katelynn
10/10/2020
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Love & Gelato (Love & Gelato, #1)
by: Jenna Evans Welch
"3.5 - Sweet and simple. The protagonist was a BELIEVABLE teenager - something rare to find these days in YA. This is the sort of novel I can't wait to share with my preteen/teen children."
- katelynn
11/24/2020
- katelynn
11/24/2020
read
Frankenstein
by: Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
read
The Bodies Left Behind
by: Jeffery Deaver
read
The Vanishing Half
by: Brit Bennett
"This was a good book, but not an enjoyable one. I wouldn't say it was hard to read, but it's hard to sit with.
It's certainly written masterfully. The themes of identity and personhood are woven incredibly through the three generations. But I need someone to talk to about it. Let's debrief."
- katelynn
07/14/2020
It's certainly written masterfully. The themes of identity and personhood are woven incredibly through the three generations. But I need someone to talk to about it. Let's debrief."
- katelynn
07/14/2020
read
Where the Crawdads Sing
by: Delia Owens
"For most of the novel, this book was just okay. It was so much hardship, sadness, uncomfortable relationships... but what saves it is the setting. I felt fully immersed in the marsh life. I was definitely swept away by the romance of it. Between this and The Peanut Butter Falcon, it’s been a real Carolina coast love fest over here!
The ending was great. I felt satisfied."
- katelynn
04/09/2020
The ending was great. I felt satisfied."
- katelynn
04/09/2020
read
Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch
by: Terry Pratchett
"This was the funniest book I have read since The Princess Bride.
I'm not sure I need to add any more to this review...
But just in case: It's essential British-ness was delightful. I was laughing out loud regularly. It's so deeply clever.
One thing that was hard: listing to the audio, it was hard to keep track of the perspective changes. There are so so many perspectives, which would have been fine in print, but in audio I struggled. The reader did a great job doing different accents which made the dialogue scenes (sometime with like a dozen characters) manageable."
- katelynn
02/24/2020
I'm not sure I need to add any more to this review...
But just in case: It's essential British-ness was delightful. I was laughing out loud regularly. It's so deeply clever.
One thing that was hard: listing to the audio, it was hard to keep track of the perspective changes. There are so so many perspectives, which would have been fine in print, but in audio I struggled. The reader did a great job doing different accents which made the dialogue scenes (sometime with like a dozen characters) manageable."
- katelynn
02/24/2020
read
The Brutal Telling (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #5)
by: Louise Penny
"This was a shocker for me - I can't believe she did what she did! Wow.
But another cozy, wonderful Gamache story. I loved every minute. Certain parts were so moving I had to pause, take a moment to get it together. All from a mystery novel! What Penny does with these books is really special."
- katelynn
09/26/2020
But another cozy, wonderful Gamache story. I loved every minute. Certain parts were so moving I had to pause, take a moment to get it together. All from a mystery novel! What Penny does with these books is really special."
- katelynn
09/26/2020
read
A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel, Volume Two
by: Daniel Abraham
no image available
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Force of Nature (Aaron Falk, #2)
by: Jane Harper
"This story has everything that makes a high-quality thriller: fantastic setting, a twisty plot that keeps you guessing, ATMOSPHERE out my ears, and complicated relationships that explore tough and relatable issues. Just as in The Dry, the location was a character itself. Fantastic!"
- katelynn
11/18/2020
- katelynn
11/18/2020
read
Love Lettering
by: Kate Clayborn
"4.5
This book was a delight to read. I loved all of the lettering talk - it was so fun and creative!
This would have been a homerun 5 star if not for the graphic open-door stuff. It just felt ... unnecessary."
- katelynn
05/30/2020
This book was a delight to read. I loved all of the lettering talk - it was so fun and creative!
This would have been a homerun 5 star if not for the graphic open-door stuff. It just felt ... unnecessary."
- katelynn
05/30/2020
read
Meditations of John Muir
by: Chris Highland
read
Men at Arms (Discworld, #15; City Watch #2)
by: Terry Pratchett
"Another fun and hilarious Pratchett novel! This had me laughing out loud and pausing to think the whole way through. He really uses comedy to draw attention to issues in our society.
This book was particularly relevant for this period of history. And sometimes hard to swallow as a result. "
- katelynn
07/19/2020
This book was particularly relevant for this period of history. And sometimes hard to swallow as a result. "
- katelynn
07/19/2020
read
Displacement: A Travelogue
by: Lucy Knisley
"Read this in one hour. So sweet and reflective. I’m interested to read her book about baby care because the emotions she went through seem so similar to what happens when caring for children."
- katelynn
04/02/2020
- katelynn
04/02/2020
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The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (Harold Fry, #1)
by: Rachel Joyce
"I just can’t. This books makes me want to kiss my husband and hold my children, call my friends and take a walk. Completely overwhelmed.
It’s a beautiful book."
- katelynn
06/13/2020
It’s a beautiful book."
- katelynn
06/13/2020
read
Clap When You Land
by: Elizabeth Acevedo
"4.5
What incredibly lovely writing! The audio experience was incredible - I don't think it would've been as good just reading it (I'm not experienced reading poetry - I think I would've butchered it).
I felt deeply connected to both sisters and their coming together is so great. Bonus: the acknowledgments brought me to tears. Never skip those!"
- katelynn
07/21/2020
What incredibly lovely writing! The audio experience was incredible - I don't think it would've been as good just reading it (I'm not experienced reading poetry - I think I would've butchered it).
I felt deeply connected to both sisters and their coming together is so great. Bonus: the acknowledgments brought me to tears. Never skip those!"
- katelynn
07/21/2020
read
A Bride Most Begrudging
by: Deeanne Gist
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Once Upon a River
by: Diane Setterfield
"This book was wonderful.
Just enough gothic, just enough fairy tale, just enough adult/complex relationships and struggle - this will be a favorite. I love the language, sense of place, and story-telling themes.
Now we need a movie, please and thank you."
- katelynn
03/05/2020
Just enough gothic, just enough fairy tale, just enough adult/complex relationships and struggle - this will be a favorite. I love the language, sense of place, and story-telling themes.
Now we need a movie, please and thank you."
- katelynn
03/05/2020
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The Flatshare
by: Beth O'Leary
"4.5
This was wonderful. A few notches above normal chick-lit. It wasn't your typical rom-com that only lightly touches on some difficult issues. The difficult issues were central, they were important. The characters were charming but also struggling. And there was enough humor to grease the wheels."
- katelynn
09/14/2020
This was wonderful. A few notches above normal chick-lit. It wasn't your typical rom-com that only lightly touches on some difficult issues. The difficult issues were central, they were important. The characters were charming but also struggling. And there was enough humor to grease the wheels."
- katelynn
09/14/2020
read
Far from the Tree
by: Robin Benway
"4.5
Wow, this one punched me hard in the feels. There were points that were too much for me - I had to detach emotionally to be able to cope, especially as a mother.
But man! They dealt with family - fosters, adoptive, biological. What it means, who you are to each other. This was truly fantastic."
- katelynn
08/13/2020
Wow, this one punched me hard in the feels. There were points that were too much for me - I had to detach emotionally to be able to cope, especially as a mother.
But man! They dealt with family - fosters, adoptive, biological. What it means, who you are to each other. This was truly fantastic."
- katelynn
08/13/2020
read
Leviathan Wakes (The Expanse, #1)
by: James S.A. Corey
"This was everything I had hoped it would be. It was completely immersive with great characters (at least the main two characters were pretty well developed). Getting back on the Roci was like reuniting with old friends!
I definitely think the book is easier to follow if you've seen the show. Especially if you're doing audio."
- katelynn
09/20/2020
I definitely think the book is easier to follow if you've seen the show. Especially if you're doing audio."
- katelynn
09/20/2020
read
A Rule Against Murder (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #4)
by: Louise Penny
read
One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are
by: Ann Voskamp
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The Poet X
by: Elizabeth Acevedo
"3.5
A simple story, but a good one.
Like her other novels, this has deepened my appreciation of poetry."
- katelynn
08/31/2020
A simple story, but a good one.
Like her other novels, this has deepened my appreciation of poetry."
- katelynn
08/31/2020
read
The Empire of Gold (The Daevabad Trilogy, #3)
by: S.A. Chakraborty
"Such a rich and exciting ending to a fantastic trilogy. I wholeheartedly recommend this to those who like books about fantasy or politics or history or race and religion issues.
The setting and the magic was so vivid. I felt completely immersed. The villains were complex and the heroes were flawed. This story is honest and the ending is satisfying."
- katelynn
10/27/2020
The setting and the magic was so vivid. I felt completely immersed. The villains were complex and the heroes were flawed. This story is honest and the ending is satisfying."
- katelynn
10/27/2020
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read
A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel, Volume Three
by: Daniel Abraham
read
Circle of Friends
by: Maeve Binchy
"4.5
This was just the medicine I needed for a hard time. It was full of wonderful characters, a strong sense of place and a great story. It was cozy through and through. Over 700 pages read like 200.
Towards the end it took a sadder turn than I was expecting, but still great!"
- katelynn
03/24/2020
This was just the medicine I needed for a hard time. It was full of wonderful characters, a strong sense of place and a great story. It was cozy through and through. Over 700 pages read like 200.
Towards the end it took a sadder turn than I was expecting, but still great!"
- katelynn
03/24/2020
no image available
read
The Last Romantics
by: Tara Conklin
"2.5
The writing here was very good, and the plot kept me interested to the end. I just did not like the characters or what happened. I don't mind having unlikable characters or a sad ending, but this was just a whole lot of both and not a lot of point. She kind of wrapped it up with some thoughts... I just didn't think it was enough for the terrible ride I just went on."
- katelynn
02/20/2020
The writing here was very good, and the plot kept me interested to the end. I just did not like the characters or what happened. I don't mind having unlikable characters or a sad ending, but this was just a whole lot of both and not a lot of point. She kind of wrapped it up with some thoughts... I just didn't think it was enough for the terrible ride I just went on."
- katelynn
02/20/2020
read
Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works
by: Evelyn Tribole
read
Moloka'i (Moloka'i, #1)
by: Alan Brennert
read
The Space Between Us
by: Thrity Umrigar
"Good. Grief. Talk about compulsively readable literary fiction! I couldn't put this down. I was so invested in each of the characters. They were all flawed - which made for a more complicated read.
The writing was so reflective. The atmosphere and setting were so rich. I felt fully immersed, which I love.
This was a hard, but mostly satisfying read. It felt very real."
- katelynn
03/29/2020
The writing was so reflective. The atmosphere and setting were so rich. I felt fully immersed, which I love.
This was a hard, but mostly satisfying read. It felt very real."
- katelynn
03/29/2020
read
The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World
by: Melinda French Gates
"I forced myself to read this (using my random book-picking method I use for audio), but I am so glad I did! I read it in two days and really devoured the content.
I was amazed by Melinda Gates' humility and wisdom. I feel so inspired! There's so much in here to chew on and process."
- katelynn
04/23/2020
I was amazed by Melinda Gates' humility and wisdom. I feel so inspired! There's so much in here to chew on and process."
- katelynn
04/23/2020
read
The Keeper of Lost Things
by: Ruth Hogan
"I LOVE this. Heart and humor, whimsy and magic. This put me in mind of Sarah Addison Allen - with a British twist. It was charming, but not superficial, from beginning to end."
- katelynn
10/19/2020
- katelynn
10/19/2020
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The Orphan of Salt Winds
by: Elizabeth Brooks
"What I was hoping for was gothic, not child-molester creepy. Those two things are not the same. I had the heeby-jeebies for most of this book.
There were certain things I liked, so it wasn't a total loss."
- katelynn
06/29/2020
There were certain things I liked, so it wasn't a total loss."
- katelynn
06/29/2020
read
The Giver (The Giver, #1)
by: Lois Lowry
"What the heck just happened? I'm completely reeling from the ending.
This whole book was completely absorbing and wonderful."
- katelynn
10/08/2020
This whole book was completely absorbing and wonderful."
- katelynn
10/08/2020
read
To Night Owl from Dogfish
by: Holly Goldberg Sloan
read
The Dutch House
by: Ann Patchett
"I found this book.... overhyped. What was not overhyped was the Tom Hanks narration! A++
It was riding along at a 3 stars but the ending brought it up for sure. I get it - it’s interesting for discussion, themes, symbolism and the like. But I didn’t enjoy the story really. It was just “eh” through till like 75%, then it got better. There was some meaning and heartfelt moments brought in to save the day."
- katelynn
04/02/2020
It was riding along at a 3 stars but the ending brought it up for sure. I get it - it’s interesting for discussion, themes, symbolism and the like. But I didn’t enjoy the story really. It was just “eh” through till like 75%, then it got better. There was some meaning and heartfelt moments brought in to save the day."
- katelynn
04/02/2020
read
The Friend Zone (The Friend Zone, #1)
by: Abby Jimenez
"Sweet. Felt fairly genuine (for the genre). I did cry at the end, which hasn't happened in a while.
Definitely requires a content warning though - language and open door scenes."
- katelynn
06/11/2020
Definitely requires a content warning though - language and open door scenes."
- katelynn
06/11/2020
read
The Ten Thousand Doors of January
by: Alix E. Harrow
"The book was SO GOOD. I love historical fiction fantasy - it's so fun to get both! This was definitely "fantasy lite". The emphasis was on the characters and themes and not the world-building. Which is what I prefer in fantasy.
The two heroines of the story were so inspiring! I loved them like I love Anne of Green Gables, Hermione and Christy."
- katelynn
02/01/2020
The two heroines of the story were so inspiring! I loved them like I love Anne of Green Gables, Hermione and Christy."
- katelynn
02/01/2020
read
In Five Years
by: Rebecca Serle
"4.5- This book is shockingly great! It has the dressing of a typical romantic dime-a-dozen chick-lit novel - which I have nothing against. But boy, the ending is so surprising in the best way!
It starts out a lot like One Day in December, which I abandoned. What kept me going in this one, (even though the overarching plot was slightly predictable), was the great writing. And then in end it takes a complete left turn, which I LOVE. There is a lot of depth to this novel."
- katelynn
04/18/2020
It starts out a lot like One Day in December, which I abandoned. What kept me going in this one, (even though the overarching plot was slightly predictable), was the great writing. And then in end it takes a complete left turn, which I LOVE. There is a lot of depth to this novel."
- katelynn
04/18/2020
read
Winter Solstice
by: Rosamunde Pilcher
"This is a cozy story with lots of Scottish Christmas atmosphere and it has moments of sweetness. But overall it drags. "
- katelynn
12/17/2020
- katelynn
12/17/2020
read
Kid Gloves: Nine Months of Careful Chaos
by: Lucy Knisley
"I expected this to be good, but wow. I devoured this - I could NOT put it down. Lucy is so honest in all of her books, but this one is especially tender and vulnerable. It's mostly a memoir but it also has a good bit of research about fertility and pregnancy and the history around the treatment of women's bodies. I learned a lot - and it wasn't all great. The personal side of it is what sets this book apart as great.
I cried through the end. Of a comic book. Yup.
This art form is so amazing. I can't believe it's taken me so long to discover them. More graphic novels, please!"
- katelynn
02/22/2020
I cried through the end. Of a comic book. Yup.
This art form is so amazing. I can't believe it's taken me so long to discover them. More graphic novels, please!"
- katelynn
02/22/2020
no image available
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The Saturday Night Supper Club (The Supper Club, #1)
by: Carla Laureano
no image available
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A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel, Volume One
by: Daniel Abraham
read
East of Eden
by: John Steinbeck
"4.5"
- katelynn
11/07/2020
- katelynn
11/07/2020
read
The Cruelest Month (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #3)
by: Louise Penny
"4.5
I came the realization about halfway through this book that this is a series I will read again. Which gave me immense relief because at times I find the writing confusing which is the ONLY criticism I have of this series.
I will read these books again, along with Anne of Green Gables and Narnia and Harry Potter.
Just like in Avonlea, Penny has created a place you want to move to. You want to sit around the fire with these people, eat their food and laugh with them. The magic of these stories is that the mystery is almost secondary to the relationships. The breakthrough with Armand and Beauvoir had me in tears."
- katelynn
05/06/2020
I came the realization about halfway through this book that this is a series I will read again. Which gave me immense relief because at times I find the writing confusing which is the ONLY criticism I have of this series.
I will read these books again, along with Anne of Green Gables and Narnia and Harry Potter.
Just like in Avonlea, Penny has created a place you want to move to. You want to sit around the fire with these people, eat their food and laugh with them. The magic of these stories is that the mystery is almost secondary to the relationships. The breakthrough with Armand and Beauvoir had me in tears."
- katelynn
05/06/2020
read
Cane River
by: Lalita Tademy
"A fascinating and engrossing story based on the author’s research into her own lineage. The book is filled with pictures and other primary sources documents that completely transported me. I studied each picture, so interested in these real people and their similarities and their dreams and their loves.
This book is a novel but is clearly formed around a framework of real events. The women in this family!! Goodness. Flawed, but so strong.
One note: it is very interesting to read this book so soon after reading The Vanishing Half. Both deal with colorism and make complimentary reads. TVH kind of picks up where this book left off time-wise. I found the town in TVH hard to believe- but after reading this real story, it’s easier to understand."
- katelynn
07/30/2020
This book is a novel but is clearly formed around a framework of real events. The women in this family!! Goodness. Flawed, but so strong.
One note: it is very interesting to read this book so soon after reading The Vanishing Half. Both deal with colorism and make complimentary reads. TVH kind of picks up where this book left off time-wise. I found the town in TVH hard to believe- but after reading this real story, it’s easier to understand."
- katelynn
07/30/2020
read
Set the Stars Alight
by: Amanda Dykes
"This story had everything I look for: historical fiction about a time period I don’t know much about, mystery, good twists, charming/immersive setting. It also had wisdom about faith delivered in a way that wasn’t overt or preachy. It was perfectly done! This is Christian fiction at its best."
- katelynn
12/18/2020
- katelynn
12/18/2020
read
The Stationery Shop
by: Marjan Kamali
"I was swept away by the picture of this culture - one I’ve never had close contact with before. It was rich and vivid. I learned so much history, but I still feel like there’s so much I don’t understand.
At first I found myself rolling my eyes at the dramatic and all-consuming nature of the love story - it felt just very YA to me. But then, isn’t that just being young and in love? Once I let go of my cynicism and suspend reality a bit, I could appreciate the ROMANCE of this life-long love story. Especially the ending - I listened to beautiful Persian music and got all melty!
[mild spoilers - next paragraph]
I was even more fascinated with the adult characters - the Stationery store owner and Bahman’s mother. Their story was fully of so much human brokenness and tragedy. It was paralleled by the beautiful and pure love story of our main characters. The tragedy of the first story lead to the tragedy of the second. Mr. Fakhri - his sins, loves, heartbreak, and attempts at redemption - are worthy of a very long book club discussion.
[end spoilers]
The ending was just lovely. I went up to five stars because of that ending. And don’t miss the acknowledgements!!! They left me crying in a Starbucks."
- katelynn
01/18/2020
At first I found myself rolling my eyes at the dramatic and all-consuming nature of the love story - it felt just very YA to me. But then, isn’t that just being young and in love? Once I let go of my cynicism and suspend reality a bit, I could appreciate the ROMANCE of this life-long love story. Especially the ending - I listened to beautiful Persian music and got all melty!
[mild spoilers - next paragraph]
I was even more fascinated with the adult characters - the Stationery store owner and Bahman’s mother. Their story was fully of so much human brokenness and tragedy. It was paralleled by the beautiful and pure love story of our main characters. The tragedy of the first story lead to the tragedy of the second. Mr. Fakhri - his sins, loves, heartbreak, and attempts at redemption - are worthy of a very long book club discussion.
[end spoilers]
The ending was just lovely. I went up to five stars because of that ending. And don’t miss the acknowledgements!!! They left me crying in a Starbucks."
- katelynn
01/18/2020
read
Mexican Gothic
by: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
"4.5 - Wow, great setting, great heroine, great concept. Not too scary, not too tame. Sweet romance. Loved it!"
- katelynn
12/27/2020
- katelynn
12/27/2020
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Solutions and Other Problems
by: Allie Brosh
"Just like with her last book, I laughed and cried and ended with a feeling that I should go find Allie and give her a hug and sit with her. The vulnerability she puts into her work! She is truly an incredible human being."
- katelynn
12/12/2020
- katelynn
12/12/2020
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All This I Will Give to You
by: Dolores Redondo
"This is a long, complicated mystery with fantastic characters. The setting was so different than any other I've read which was fun. Definitely makes me want to visit a Spanish vineyard on a river!
And the mystery.. I just had NO idea what was going on. There were layers on layers. Phew.
It would've been 5 stars if not for (1) it got pretty dark towards the end and (2) it dragged a bit. It's also almost 500 pages so goodness, it's a commitment. I'd say it's a worthwhile commitment but there are content/trigger warnings a'pleanty!"
- katelynn
05/18/2020
And the mystery.. I just had NO idea what was going on. There were layers on layers. Phew.
It would've been 5 stars if not for (1) it got pretty dark towards the end and (2) it dragged a bit. It's also almost 500 pages so goodness, it's a commitment. I'd say it's a worthwhile commitment but there are content/trigger warnings a'pleanty!"
- katelynn
05/18/2020
read
Never Let Me Go
by: Kazuo Ishiguro
"It's hard to write a review of this book without comparing it to Remains of the Day. As in RotD, so much of the depth of emotion and connection is left unsaid, not just literally unsaid by the characters but also unexplained by the author. It's not bad - just interesting. Somehow it makes the pathos of both books so much sadder. This is another deeply sad book - there are no cathartic moments or revelations. It is quietly reflective on a society we are not that far from. I did appreciate that although the setting was somewhat distopic, the story focused on the characters and their relationships. The distopia was a seldom-mentioned backdrop. "
- katelynn
01/03/2016
- katelynn
01/03/2016
read
Homegoing
by: Yaa Gyasi
"My reaction to this book is summed up in a jaw drop. That's how I felt pretty much the last third of the book, like my jaw was on the floor. This story is beautiful and sweeping and heartbreaking and so much to process! It will leave you changed. This book reminds me of The Invention of Wings - not in content, but in the way I know I will be thinking about it for years to come.
I highly recommend the audio version."
- katelynn
04/21/2020
I highly recommend the audio version."
- katelynn
04/21/2020
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Big Summer
by: Jennifer Weiner
"3.5
I immediately connected with the protagonist on this one. The story ended quite sad, surprisingly. Some of the plot points were a bit far-fetched, but overall it was a sweet message."
- katelynn
08/19/2020
I immediately connected with the protagonist on this one. The story ended quite sad, surprisingly. Some of the plot points were a bit far-fetched, but overall it was a sweet message."
- katelynn
08/19/2020
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The Peach Keeper
by: Sarah Addison Allen
"As with every other Allen book I've read, this was a delight from start to finish. It's thoroughly southern and magical. She writes romance so well!
The story was simple, but that didn't bother me. For this author, it's all about the setting and atmosphere and magic - with some great character growth thrown in for good measure. "
- katelynn
02/12/2020
The story was simple, but that didn't bother me. For this author, it's all about the setting and atmosphere and magic - with some great character growth thrown in for good measure. "
- katelynn
02/12/2020
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If Beale Street Could Talk
by: James Baldwin
"I can tell this book is good literature, but I didn’t love it. I get frustrated when I feel like there’s something I am supposed to understand that is just beyond my reach. I wish I could discuss this in a book club!
The incredible writing probably would’ve boosted it to a 4 star for me if not for the grittiness and rawness. The level of crassness kind of took me out of the story... but I could see it maybe accomplishing another purpose of the author."
- katelynn
01/01/2020
The incredible writing probably would’ve boosted it to a 4 star for me if not for the grittiness and rawness. The level of crassness kind of took me out of the story... but I could see it maybe accomplishing another purpose of the author."
- katelynn
01/01/2020
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The Satapur Moonstone (Perveen Mistry, #2)
by: Sujata Massey
"I liked this one even more than the first! The setting was EVERYTHING. I felt completely transported and obsessed with scenery, food and clothing descriptions. And as with the first book, the heroine is fantastic!"
- katelynn
05/05/2020
- katelynn
05/05/2020
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Secrets of a Charmed Life
by: Susan Meissner
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Stepping Stones
by: Lucy Knisley
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A Woman Is No Man
by: Etaf Rum
"Oof. This was rough. A lot of the writing felt pretty basic, in terms of women’s rights discussions. (Just lots of overused phrases). “You’re just as good as a man, follow your dreams, don’t let anyone hold you down, etc.” But the story was anything but basic - it was complex and real and hard.
A great followup to this would be Melinda Gates’ book: The Moment of Lift."
- katelynn
12/31/2020
A great followup to this would be Melinda Gates’ book: The Moment of Lift."
- katelynn
12/31/2020
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My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry
by: Fredrik Backman
"Although I definitely didn't like this as much as Backman's other books, it was still full of his signature humor and found-family themes. I enjoyed watching the relationships develop, but I got a little tired of the fairy-tale metaphor. It felt overworked."
- katelynn
10/17/2020
- katelynn
10/17/2020
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The Widows of Malabar Hill (Perveen Mistry, #1)
by: Sujata Massey
"This was such an interesting read. It definitely immerses you in the culture and delivers a fun, twisty mystery. The heroine was plucky and intelligent and easy to root for!"
- katelynn
03/17/2020
- katelynn
03/17/2020
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Ayesha at Last
by: Uzma Jalaluddin
"This was everything that a retelling (in this case, Pride and Prejudice) should be. It was loosely in the same structure and had some nice dialog moments that specifically called back to the original. It was similar enough to recognize the retelling but not too similar to feel unnecessary.
The characters had depth, and I enjoyed being immersed in a culture I don't know a lot about. I learned a lot.
It wasn't a slam dunk for me, but it was close!"
- katelynn
02/10/2020
The characters had depth, and I enjoyed being immersed in a culture I don't know a lot about. I learned a lot.
It wasn't a slam dunk for me, but it was close!"
- katelynn
02/10/2020
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The Jane Austen Society
by: Natalie Jenner
"4.5
This was a surprise hit for me! I did not have high hopes - reading it only because of book club. I love Jane Austen books but I am by no means a super-fan and I generally avoid any "fan fiction". I could go without excessive talking about her too, but this book!
It has such a rich cast of characters. They had such complex issues, I was rushing to the end to see them grow and find some peace. I loved watching them make connections with each other and the way books provided a bridge across such huge social, economical and age divides."
- katelynn
08/05/2020
This was a surprise hit for me! I did not have high hopes - reading it only because of book club. I love Jane Austen books but I am by no means a super-fan and I generally avoid any "fan fiction". I could go without excessive talking about her too, but this book!
It has such a rich cast of characters. They had such complex issues, I was rushing to the end to see them grow and find some peace. I loved watching them make connections with each other and the way books provided a bridge across such huge social, economical and age divides."
- katelynn
08/05/2020
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Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World
by: Bob Goff
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The Nesting Place: It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful
by: Myquillyn Smith
"Although I certainly don't love the author's personal design aesthetic, this book gave lots of helpful tips and important reminders for the overall philosophy of designing your home. I was inspired over and over again. Lots of the tips I've already been doing and this book just gave me affirmation - especially for things I just have no idea if it's "okay" to do.
I'm excited to read the next book - Cozy Minimalist!"
- katelynn
01/19/2020
I'm excited to read the next book - Cozy Minimalist!"
- katelynn
01/19/2020
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The Turn of the Key
by: Ruth Ware
"As with most thrillers, this kept me completely riveted. The build up was so intense. The writing was decent, the topics were close to home (childcare and the challenges that go with it) so that was hard at points.
The ending fell a little flat for me. But overall it was a fun ride."
- katelynn
04/12/2020
The ending fell a little flat for me. But overall it was a fun ride."
- katelynn
04/12/2020
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Americanah
by: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
"So disappointing. The writing was lovely and there were a lot of important conversations had. But the plot - the actual story was just... not good.
This is my second Adichie novel and I don't think there will be a third. She writes with a realism that I can appreciate, but it's just unpleasant to read."
- katelynn
09/15/2020
This is my second Adichie novel and I don't think there will be a third. She writes with a realism that I can appreciate, but it's just unpleasant to read."
- katelynn
09/15/2020
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Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
by: Gail Honeyman
"4.5
This book was a combination of heavy and sweet. Eleanor was such a great protagonist.
And I loved the ending! I don't think I would've 10 years ago, but for me, right now, it was perfect."
- katelynn
06/26/2020
This book was a combination of heavy and sweet. Eleanor was such a great protagonist.
And I loved the ending! I don't think I would've 10 years ago, but for me, right now, it was perfect."
- katelynn
06/26/2020
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A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor (The Carls, #2)
by: Hank Green
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Practical Magic
by: Alice Hoffman
"3.5
I wish I read this book before I read Garden Spells because it’s clearly the inspiration. This book is just Garden Spells with less charm and more darkness, set in the Northeast instead of the Southeast.
That being said, I will always love this genre and the writing was lovely at times."
- katelynn
11/14/2020
I wish I read this book before I read Garden Spells because it’s clearly the inspiration. This book is just Garden Spells with less charm and more darkness, set in the Northeast instead of the Southeast.
That being said, I will always love this genre and the writing was lovely at times."
- katelynn
11/14/2020
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Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between)
by: Lauren Graham
"Just okay. I thought it was sweet and the reflections on her Gilmore Girls / Parenthood experiences were interesting... I just wanted MORE. I found myself bored a lot.
But I like her, so it's a three."
- katelynn
02/03/2020
But I like her, so it's a three."
- katelynn
02/03/2020
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The Hazel Wood (The Hazel Wood, #1)
by: Melissa Albert
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The Kingdom of Copper (The Daevabad Trilogy, #2)
by: S.A. Chakraborty
"I am SO into this. This one takes everything to the next level. I was definitely getting some Game of Thrones vibes. I feel completely absorbed by the world and the characters. And it's keeping me guessing. LOVING it!"
- katelynn
08/29/2020
- katelynn
08/29/2020
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My Family and Other Animals (Corfu Trilogy, #1)
by: Gerald Durrell
"This was just wonderful. I was completely in love with the setting and people by the end. From beginning to end, the book is filled with humor and beauty and the wonder of childhood exploration."
- katelynn
07/23/2020
- katelynn
07/23/2020
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A Light on the Hill (Cities of Refuge, #1)
by: Connilyn Cossette
"I've swung and missed so often the last few years with Christian fiction that I've come to have really low expectations. But not here! This was well-written and absorbing. I felt fully immersed in the ancient time period and wrapped up in the trials of the heroine. I felt edified and challenged by the faith elements of the story - it's been so long since I've gotten that from fiction!
There were definitely some corn-ball moments. I could've done with less of the romance. Oh how the times have changed!"
- katelynn
11/13/2020
There were definitely some corn-ball moments. I could've done with less of the romance. Oh how the times have changed!"
- katelynn
11/13/2020
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Lovely War
by: Julie Berry
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Anxious People
by: Fredrik Backman
"Backman does it again: writes incredible characters who form beautiful relationships and give us amazing insights into what it means to be human. It’s a story that unfolds in one day but delivers so much hope! I cried a lot. "
- katelynn
12/31/2020
- katelynn
12/31/2020
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The Orphan's Tale
by: Pam Jenoff
"I loved the circus setting and growth of the relationship between the two lead women. It definitely felt over-dramatic at moments, but who am I to judge? It was a dramatic time.
Also, why "The Orphan's Tale"? Is the orphan Theo? It's not his story at all. "
- katelynn
10/05/2020
Also, why "The Orphan's Tale"? Is the orphan Theo? It's not his story at all. "
- katelynn
10/05/2020
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Red at the Bone
by: Jacqueline Woodson
"This was, as expected, gorgeous, poetic writing. The narrative structure reminded me of A Constellation of Vital Phenomena - the story is told from the center outward in spirals, moving forward and backward in time with different characters. I didn't find it too confusing, and as with Vital Phenomena, it was a beautiful way to paint a picture. In this case, the picture is of a family - and all of the expectations and support and responsibilities and love that go with it. It was definitely deeply sad, but worth it."
- katelynn
02/07/2020
- katelynn
02/07/2020