Somewhere between a pick and a so so. This was a bit more violent and gritty than what I usually look for in a cozy, but sidestepped tackling any issues of institutional racism even though they were alluded to. What really sells this one is the diversity of characters and celebration of Filipino food and families.

It‘s heeeeeeeere #creepychristmas @teebe @ImperfectCJ

It‘s heeeeeeeeere #jolabokaflodswap @StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego

So many good things here: two memorable and quirky friends, an adventure, fab (but maybe too few?) illustrations, and a dinosaur. Great writing too. I love Skunk and Badger (maybe Badger is my favourite though because Very Important Rock Work sounds like my kind of hobby.)

Wow! What a difference between this and Twins! This novel was so raw and wonderful: 10 year old Ant wants to impress (and save) his father who struggles with addiction.

Finished my reread of TMT. It was just as good the second time + now I feel ready to tackle the sequel.

And they are off! @LeahBergen and @LA_Mead there are swaps heading your way! Leah, I got you for @bookish_wookish Little Christmas swap and @teebe #creepychristmasswap @StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego my #poutinepenpals #stockingswap has been sent!

Lofty plans for the week.

Another round of storms in BC. Nothing for the day but to stay as cozy as possible. This delightful series starter helps.

My #jolabokaflodswap package is on the go @bookish_wookish as is my #LMPBC book. Let me know when they arrive @ShelleyBooksie and @StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego

This was a heck of a lot of fun. I‘m not a Bachelor fan, but I‘d watch this.

This book was a heck of a lot of fun. Just a beautiful love letter to fantasy fandoms.

This is such an incredible book on grieving while trying to avoid grieving.

I found this office romance / sci fi told through a company‘s Slack channels surprisingly moving. The ending between Gerald and Pradeep even made me tear up a little.

Join me on Tuesday for a conversation with Canadian icon Raffi https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MB_ctd-AZRQ 6pm PST #poutinepenpals

Join me on Tuesday for a conversation with big hearted middle grade author Kelly Yang. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=spNoqupbcmg

Heading your way soon Danielle! #lmpbc #groupx

Lovely reread for a rainy evening #audiowalk

A lovely reread for a rainy evening #audiowwalk

I enjoyed this P&P deep dive into Lydia‘s character much much more than May enjoys being dressed up as a Dino.

Dave Grohl is creative, humble, and grateful. That‘s what I knew going in; that‘s what I know now.

#EarlGrey does@not get daylight savings and so woke me up at 4:30 for a hug. Fortunately he went right back to sleep after a quick cuddle. I‘m still up, but having loads of fun with this Jurassic Park meets nerd fandoms read.

While it took me months to finish this behemoth I mostly enjoyed the experience. I liked the ragtag found family banding together to oppose Taristan, and the world building was strong. Not sure I‘ll read the next one… well have to see.

I wasn‘t expecting a murder mystery when I picked this book up, but I enjoyed it. The author clearly loves and is in awe of the natural world - in that way it reminded me of Crawdads.

New day, new book

It was good but I was expecting great because of the hype. #audiostitching

A creepy idea. A fast-paced read. A highly motivated and single minded MC. Recommended.

My brain is complete mush this week and this cosy was just what I needed. More cats or dogs in the sequel, please

I did not enjoy this book. Theo was super pretentious / precious and I couldn‘t decide if Powers was being darkly comic or too earnest. One more description of their meals and I‘d have bailed. On the other hand Eduardo Ballerini‘s narration was excellent. #audiostitching

Anyone else get excited when a book mentions pangolins?

Please oh please let it be Dominic Toretto

If you‘re like me and looking for your next You fix you could do worse than this sometimes predictable thriller about a murderous teacher. Think You-lite. It‘s not as good as Downing‘s other thrillers (My Lovely Wife is fantastic) so it felt like a bit of a letdown to me.

Many years ago I worked in a Library and possibly glued a photo of Kal Penn to my office cupboard. Legend has it, nobody has been able to remove it despite multiple attempts. I love Kal Penn; I loved this book. You should definitely read it - he‘s had a more interesting life than most.

A quick but often disjointed read about one white single mother‘s struggles and resilience. She has a fierce love for her child that really shines through.

This book is the highlight of my week

Thinking about spending a lazy Sunday afternoon with this one

If you ask me to describe Sally Rooney‘s novels, I‘d say they are Jane Austen for the modern age. The central plot is will they won‘t they (this time with two couples) and it‘s supported by challenging characters, and deft, insightful writing. I‘m here for it.

My bedside table is officially out of control!

Sorry it took me so long to pick! I may have a few too many choices. Here are five possible reads for #lmpbc #round13 #groupx

Sheltering under this gorgeous tree, watching a soccer practice in the rain, and thoroughly into this middle grade read.

Up next #coverlove

A hired assassin takes one last job. It doesn‘t go as planned. This one was as much a love letter to becoming a writer as it was a tale about an outlaw.

A young group of researchers move into a crumbling estate with Webster - aka Smithy - a young chimp they‘re planning to teach ASL. Is Smithy getting more aggressive as he gets older or is the estate haunted? Told through diary entries, letters and transcriptions of found footage, this character driven novel is a wonderful slow burner.

What a delightful way to start the day @StayCurious Thank you so much for going the extra mile for me! #vinforthewin #poutinepenpals Very keen to curl up with some coffee and chocolate and one of these books - both of which I‘m very very keen to read.

Happily reading in a sunbeam listening to the new Kedr Livanskiy album #bliss

While Earl Grey lays claim to my cross stitch pattern, I *guess* I‘ll have to read this fun haunted house thriller. It‘s like Paranormal Activity meets Koko - but with a group of researchers and a chimp.

Today brought the drama #audiowalk

It‘s heeeeeeeeeeere #poutinepenpals @StayCurious

Now that is timing! #libby

This mystery really tugged on my heartstrings. I felt so much compassion for Irene, Carla, Angela, and especially Laura and Miriam.