April vacation backyard shenanigans. I don‘t even know if I‘ll be able to finish this book this week as I have to keep putting it down and walking away. To either process or just throw up my hands. So this is how it‘s gonna be: so much happening at once already?? Scared for final 150 pages already. 😱
#sjm

I don‘t get the hype; almost end at 40%. Political intrigue did strike good around 65%. This is a story of betrayal and survival in a world where a human is seen as beneath dirt. Jude is tough with her sass and desire to do something to make her powerful enough to not be bullied. I do not like Carden. Just because a bully is justified in their why, doesn‘t mean he‘s forgiven. He seems too far into manipulation- like Jude became in her own rite.

This historical fiction discusses a very real time in history, where history was swept under the rug. After Vietnam, we turned around and thanked the men who fought. Those Vets were not treated well. This included the women nurses who were there and left to their own PTSD, forgotten. My heart broke multiple times. Liked how it encompassed Frankie going into, staying, then coming out of her Army service. Felt rushed, one tragic romance to another.

Didn‘t really sit well for me, as in I didn‘t get it. I didn‘t understand what the story was about. I wanted to know more about this fungal thing slowly taking place giver the world. Neat the book was written prior to COVID. instead we follow Cadence through a sort of cult through her work. Was intrigued enough to complete it, just not much more. More adult than previously assumed. Millennial darts constant.

Somebody felt neglected 🙄🐈
I don‘t know how I feel finishing this monster of a book. In terms of size and being a sort of memoir. Children born into a drug family and how that influenced his every decision in life. How that kept building up on everything going on in his life. Made me feel angry at the foster program, as it failed this kid over and over again. Book to make you think about a system that is said to be amazing, but actually fails.

Whew, time to get back on these book club boxes so I don‘t get piled in them.
This is a historical book about women nurses who were in the Vietnam war. What I understand is their experiences getting through that. What I know of the author is that she writes a lot of historical themed stories. Which is a genre I am working on exploring more of. I hear many good things of her, mixed on recent books. So we‘ll see.
#ouabc

Maybe it‘s due to being an audiobook, but it kinda fell flat to me. I had a difficult time keeping up with all these names being said and how they connected. Love the mythos of the Chinese yin and yang prospects, of the schools. The magical realm sounded like it could be expanded upon, with things were left. These two main just weren‘t engaged to me, I didn‘t get how they ended by the end.

Holy. FRICK. That was addicting to read. Couldn't put it down - besides quick breaks to laugh or go "omg, wait what". Silly “monster” romance. Lowe is freaking amazing. I can't get over his everything. That speech he gives Misery on that trip? Hell, that hit every pore. Misery herself, well, I felt so bad for her going through all that abuse. Still, she never backed down. Spice was hot due to the amazing emotional connection they created.

Snowstorm reading!! I love these two, Adraa and Jatin, for their lovely banter. They make me so happy. This book shows the repercussions of the first, and brings in the underlying motives for war clearer. The prison gave intriguing new insights, though I kinda wish there was more on facing such trauma. It was nice to see how these characters matured, especially when they mentioned it to each other. Ended satisfying, but I do hope for a third.

Not sure how I felt on audio. Felt I barely kept with all the twists in the second half. So much going on between so many characters. Who was the real main character?? Same with the current correlation of the poor Chinese mother trying to get back her baby back from being adopted. I didn‘t know where I stood by the end. Does she who left baby at the fire station get back her baby from adoption or the rich family? Wish that was more fleshed out.

This was so much fun to read. Indiana has trouble in the tech field, until she gets reassigned and misgendered. Then she‘s the best worker the team ever had. What prevails is a hilarious game of Indiana the man being too perfect to be true, while the real Indiana (woman) works to get seen. She wants to be know as her, not the fake man. Which I really appreciated reading. She didn‘t want to continue being a “man”, but saw treatment improvement.

I review off vibes so this is a solid 4 for me. Then again, the haunting feel felt intentional in showing the survival through domestic abuse. With someone you love and think about leaving, but can‘t. Audiobook was read by the author (always nice) though I wasn‘t a fan of the far between breathes. The wording was odd enough to fit perfectly. Couldn‘t stop listening and wish better of her. Leave the dream house that is not a dream house anymore.

I don‘t know why I left this on my tbr for so long. It‘s fantastic!! Adraa and Jatin start as betrothed royals, whose competitive natures make them rivals. Through partnering up - under secret hero names - they like these parts of themselves. It was so funny to watch them fall for each other in this way. The tension and banter was so well written. The deception by the end a good addition to this action romance.

I really did enjoy it, but I wanted to enjoy this more. There‘s a LOT going on in under 275 pages. Most needs fleshing out and being drawn out. Reads like high school fanfic - which is not bad, I enjoy those too. I adored the characters in the first half, then they got desperate and sloppy.

It came to in the end, tho the earlier 2/3 was all rough. Between the trials blurring by (couldn‘t tell you what they were now), action too quick, and just the weird feeling I got. Praga was well written in her rage. Raihn is so complex. New to vampires, so that may have done it. Could‘ve easily forgot there were even vampires. Felt glossed over for it being. Spice chapter caught me off guard. I‘m pretty invested politically. That END.

Now this one was getting really emotional. Between Greta trying to help Ginseng get through their dragon depression, Minnet feeling like she lost herself, and even the blacksmith saying they lost the drive to do good work. There‘s a lot to unpack. Yet done beautifully for such a quiet slow vibe book.

Same pretense - short, no stress - beautiful art story in the same world but different characters. This one felt more emotional in meaning. How the little things we do, that we don‘t realize we take for granted, is what makes us unique. Liked the Drahon shifter finding what it means to fit into a new place, a new home.

Not kidding when said it can be read in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. Tea din under 10min.
This is absolutely gorgeous graphic novel. The colors both pop and don‘t overwhelm. Extremely short, no stress, just little details towards friendship and traditions. Things just flow slowly, like a cup of tea.
Adore how the end shows care of tea dragons and then what the different types are like

I can see why this was a highly desired story, but it didn‘t sit right for me. The mystery of Freyas heritage was compelling, and was kept just out of reach. Enough that it was a good surprise at the end. End twist was a good touch, kinda made sense. My biggest complaint was how fast stuff went; too fast to absorb. The romance was unexpected spicy, and didn‘t feel authentic to me. Knew I couldn‘t trust any of these men.

Not as engaging as the first, but the spice was good. Almost would say too much, but their chemistry just FITS. End 100 pages upended so much. Tharion and Ithan really stood out. Bryce and Hunts power needing each other is interesting and I want to know why. The emotional impact of Ruhn by the end. Now I like him. Overall, felt like a flesh out of other characters as the mains were uncovering a major mystery. What a twist!! Whole focus change #sjm

LOVE world building. Maybe that‘s why I liked it over ACOTAR (not over ToG). This series has way more adult topics. Drugs and overdose being main themes within this murder mystery. Also loads of swears and trauma. Made it feel more relatable, more impactful. I cannot get over Bryce and Hunt‘s chemistry. Bryce takes nothing from anybody. Hunt is like Stitch; with trauma. cried 3 times in final 150 pgs; not expected in book 1. The Sunball Cap! #sjm

This book absolutely GUTTED me. So much generational trauma. Isra is forced to marry -gets her out a Palestine camps- in Brooklyn. Causes her to loose her love of reading, keeping house and stress for a son. Also follows her daughter, Deya, as she searches to find what happened to her mother in the past. The difference between perspectives was so well written to understand Palestinian culture. The pain Isra, Deya and Fareeda in each gen felt
TW DA

Very quick thriller, or at least it felt like one having read it in one afternoon. Picked up for library book club. Karen crashes her car and finds herself with amnesia while charged for murder. Starts crazy, but gets more twisted as it goes along. I‘m new to this genre, so I‘m getting a feel. I enjoyed it, whereas I do see others comments on it being repetitive and flat at many points. Multiple unreliable narrators.

I‘ve made it pretty much halfway, and it feels like such a chore. Picked up because it was for the library book club.
While author is funny at points, it‘s not my sense of humor. I loved learning about Australia through the side comments, but the back and forth between now travels and hundred of years ago tid bit just did not work. Just drags on where I‘m not interested, and blows by what I want to know.
Maybe another day 🇦🇺

Was 50 outside!
The book was slow with mystery abound between the 5 characters. wasn‘t blown away, thou did enjoy it. Love how Faizal writes her women. Nice vampire culture. Arthie is an orphan immigrant who finds a way to fight against the system through a heist. The heist didn‘t feel much like one, and while I love revelations, they didn‘t fit in the big picture. Until the ending where I threw up hands. Final 50 pages is where it all came to 🫖

Tough audiobook. TW Rape and suggestive sex. Discussed sensitively
Sara was raped at 18 by a rich boy, whom got convicted and sent to jail. She left to raise the baby. 8 years later she‘s home and runs into the guys twin. This book takes forgiveness to a new level, though not sure I‘d forgive him, even as he‘s realized his mistake and worked on himself to make a change. So much heartache affecting how both sides cannot move on without letting go

Reading buddy last night. Like Ixa to Deka, they don‘t leave alone their person. This trilogy ender comes slower than the previous. Endgame reasoning builds up good, a little too quick for things to feel settled with all the emotional damage to come of Deka. Could get really gory, which I am VERY upset over some… things happening. The ending tried to be bittersweet, though felt almost trying too hard. Yet was satisfying.

A lot going on that leads up to a big finale that felt less than such. Creative, yes, though it felt very anticlimactic. I enjoyed the book, read it quickly, though I didn‘t feel as connected with them as before. What I did enjoy was the character growth for them all. They grew older and more into themselves

I wanted to like and enjoy these short stories. Only a few of the 10 did I enjoy; Little Mermaid being one. Sleeping Beauty was a hard pass. These were darker, yes, and got creative. Just wasn‘t long enough for me to feel invested in. If you‘re looking for a quick read to satisfy your craving, it may be more for you. I enjoy longer stories.

Gifted by my bff as their favorite childhood book.
Reminded me of Narnia and Oz, with the mystery and imagination needed. The professor gave me stranger danger at first, but grew on me. I love the many examples of how you can use your imagination to get through anything. I.e. bullies, hard times. The writing style is not a favorite, but it works well and simple for children. Challenge them to look up more, observe more.

I have no words, just so many tears. 8 books, 2 months later; I don‘t know what to do with my book life. I care for these characters so much. I think I agree saying I prefer Aelin over Feyre. Aelin is so human, with her faults and need for dramatics. She would do anything to protect those she loves. And she loves a lot. #sjm
“Live Manon, live.” 😭 “Take it off.”🥺

This is a beautiful book about grief and loss. About a kid trying to make sense of the world without a family member who, now, appears to be haunting their family house. Manifesting ghosts through said grief allows Bug to figure what the Uncle needed to say as he prepares to pass. The result makes sense through the subtle hints.
Picked up because it‘s cause controversy as my library‘s new book clubs first choice.
#lgbtq

Historical fiction of a deaf woman who lived with a male dolphin during a research project on the brains of such animals. Also is a sexist time period. No SA, but close calls. Very emotional times through how the scientist works inhumanely on the 4 dolphins. I loved how human language was portrayed to a non-hearer. Very is well explained, with faded letters missed and lip reading.
Glad I read it before the author visits in a few weeks.

I was so confused like 75% of the time, yet I couldn‘t stop listening. The ways the words flowed together was poetic. Bradbury has an incredible way with words, in a way that feels deep. Deeper than a usual way, though sometimes too deep to understand. This story was about a boy going through an intense summer. Between the happiness machine, an old love waxing and waning for the next life, and something about grief.

First off, this book is tiny small. Only disappointment is in length 22pages not giving time to really feel it. Picked up because it‘s challenged in my library.
So, it is a beautifully colored book about a boy, Julian, who lives mermaids. He aspires it so much he strips and uses his abuelas decorations to turn himself into one. No direct mention of trans, but a boy trying to be someone whom society generally says he can‘t be. Let boys be creative

Mixed review. I liked Lady Hester some of the time, because she was headstrong and cased her heart. Even as it wounded her. Multiple times. Through multiple men, which was kinda refreshing she didn‘t get stuck with one man. Then she turned around and fought to be who the men in her life saw in her. She tried so hard not to let adversity drag her down. That‘s what made the final bit so powerful. The last hurt more due to it. Was worthwhile.
#ouabc

I don‘t understand how people said they didn‘t like this book. Tandem read. It‘s about Chaol healing from what has happened to him. But not just physical, but mental and spiritually. A lot to unpack, yet still had time for fleshing out. 95% new characters in totally new place. I love this place. I like how it was shown as “perfect society” as it slowly unraveled. Slow romance was amazing. I cried and laughed out loud. Do tandem read it. #sjm

Wowza. Tandem Read. Been a long time since I‘ve spoken aloud a wow while reading, or even having to pause while in the middle of a chapter. This was more all over the place as the ships moved. Hard to keep with locations, though the influx of characters was well done. Now I like Manon.
How does Maas do it?? End hundred pages was a new revelation. Tandem was intimidating, but the paper print made it easier. #sjm

Honestly, I think this is the book club choice I‘ve found myself most intrigued by. The story of Lady Hester sounds incredible. Maybe just because it‘s historial fiction, if a woman who refuses to be tied down by society. She‘s from a family of adventurers, so why shouldn‘t she be one? I am really intrigued. These are my favorite characters; who refuse society‘s hold.
338 pages #ouabc

TW: sexual abuse. Death.
Beyond impressed. With how sexual assault was explained; delicately yet with raging emotions. Manisha went from trying to find her voice to such an incredible woman fighting back the monsterous men. Pratyush is a walking green flag. The way the story is told, that mixed timeline, worked surprisingly good. I just can‘t with how this book made me feel. Looking eagerly for more on this Indian Medusa lore.
#RiordanPresents

Manisha wiped her tears as they fell faster. “I don‘t know what to do. I don't have answers. But my mother used to say that life is like a ripple: cause and effect. Sometimes you have to be the drop in the water that causes a ripple that makes a change. She'd say: 'Beta, be a boulder, not a pebble, when you hit the water."
"Don't drop into the issue but splash so that the shores might feel it."
#RiordanPresents

Very short book with many twists and turns. Evident of Foxes. Yet this final book fell a little flat. It was too short and quick for putting together these characters and tossing in a new world. I wish there was more understanding between Min and the Pearl working with the government. Had hoped the book would have explored more. Who controls the gem that can terraform a planet in minutes? The “not to be trusted fox” or government?
#RiordanPresents

Not up to the hype, just above worth my time. The main integral part of the story, following Mrs. Chona, was what kept me going. How American puts the immigrant Jews in town against those blacks in the outskirts. The rest to of it? Hard to follow dialogue and characters. There‘s so much going on, not really connected after halfway. I‘m lost as to where the story went with the ever changing plot lines all over.

Go through all these novellas that made up the Assassins Blade. I can see where it said to read this prequel after the third book. Yet - YET - these would have been such a better introduction to Celeana‘s story in the Keep. This explained her plight more than “book 1”.
Underground novella was not a favorite of them, but it still showed quite a detail in who Celeana is as a person.

This was a sweet story about an author looking to find her voice in writing. The love triangle wasn‘t fun, but I like how it was fleshed out who Dee ends with. I adore these such lovable characters, all showing their Scarecrow, TinMan and Lion(ess) characteristics. Adored the Tinman and Lion(ess) most. They were very well versed out. Was nice to see Dee grow, especially finally standing up to that awful ex.
#ouabc

Audiobook was very well done with each separate character personality. Otherwise, this is an incredibly heart wrenching mystery story of a girl looking for her mother. Though the ending twist came out of nowhere, with the hints only coming half way to me. The connection between elephants and human grieving processes was very well received. I also didn‘t know you could study grief.

Holy frick. I‘m at a loss of words. So much happened and I soaked it all up. The last books were incredible world building for this one to go full blast the whole time without any real confusion or hiccup. Usual Maas manner, built up to final 100 pages. Though here, it was earlier. I adore Rowan and am glad Chaol is over himself. Did not expect this glorious book to be so GOOD. Still not sure on Manon. I love Lysandra. #sjm
THAT ENDING TWIST 😱

I think this is an important read. It delves into the horrors of enslaved people in a new way. Yet, still didn‘t sit well with me. Maybe that was the point. No happy needing, just horrors switching. Annis comes from a warrior family, grandmother stolen to America, and raped. Which is why I hoped more of her mom‘s teaching, of fighting, would be utilized. Disappointed in that regard. The spirit through me a loop every time she spoke with Annis.

My library has almost all the short stories separate. Or at least, with less time as the whole book of all has a 24 week wait. So no issue reading these #sjm
Desert: I liked this one. The idea of the silent assassins and the Mute Master… incredible mystery at the end. Also, HORSES!!
Empire: wasn‘t too into this, as I already knew where it was going. Yes, it ached to know that. But it also didn‘t let it really sink in. Until the end. Just damn