so-so⭐️⭐️⭐️
This novel has some great quotable passages and timely commentary on the weight of silence and forgetting as well as the power in remembrance and knowledge. I wished certain things had been developed differently - a wider lens with more diversity, more nuance, more dragoning. I do love the luscious cover! 🎧
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This memorable coming-of-age novel completely stole my heart (and some of my sleep). June‘s voice felt original, tender, and perceptive - her relationships with the other characters were complex and emotionally resonant. I couldn‘t stop highlighting paragraphs on my Kindle. Beautiful writing, fantastic storytelling, really just a gorgeous book!
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I LOVED this. The kind of absorbing read where I couldn‘t wait to get back to it. I adored the way it was written - how she wrote to “you”, the imagined sections of different suspects committing the crime, the motif scrutinizing violence against women. There are many layers, like the reliability of memory, #MeToo, cancel culture, and wrongful incarceration. Makkai has some questions for all of us, and there are no easy answers. #BOTM
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This clever, playful murder mystery lives up to its intriguing title! I was hooked right away by the conversational narration and fresh take on a locked-room mystery. I‘ll admit that at first it was a little difficult for me to keep the characters straight through the audio format, and some parts of the mystery were a bit confusing, but overall it was satisfying and a lot of fun! 🎧
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Big Swiss is a distinctive, indelible reading experience that might not be for everyone, but I loved it! Beagin‘s writing is witty and visceral; her characters are weird and captivating. Come for the voyeuristic thrill of glimpsing transcripts from Om‘s sex therapy sessions, stay for the darkly funny and absurd exploration of trauma, sex, and the human psyche.
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
“This is the gift great souls leave us when we die. They enlarge our hearts. They leave us a greater capacity for love.”
Montgomery‘s deep love for animals and the lessons they teach us emanates from her words. I related to her devotion to her dogs and I particularly liked the section on the Great Pacific Octopus. (I was reminded of Marcellus from Remarkably Bright Creatures!) It was just very short; I wish it were more expansive. 🎧
so-so⭐️⭐️⭐️
It was fun to follow the narrative of the “villain” in this book. Bea had an intriguing voice and the flashbacks provided insights that rounded out her character. I was ultimately underwhelmed, though - some things were predictable, there wasn‘t as much suspense as I had hoped for, and the ending fell a bit flat for me. 🎧
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With the most lovable characters and a ton of heart, this romance is completely swoon-worthy! It‘s comforting like a strawberry milkshake, hopeful like a notebook full of dreams, radiant like a moonbeam.
For some reason, my brain immediately pictured Zoey Deutch as Georgie, but I‘m open to casting suggestions for who would play Levi in the movie! 😂 #BOTM
Really looking forward to these March #BOTM picks! I‘ve had my eye on the add-on!
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Maddie is a vivid, sympathetic character that readers will be compelled to root for and fall in love with in this moving coming-of-age story. The audiobook is also narrated beautifully! 🎧
so-so⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is an emotional, poignant love story of both romantic love and love between a mother and daughter. It moved me in the end - I teared up multiple times - but it also felt really slow and overly wordy for the majority of the book.
It feels great to finally check this off my TBR! This was my oldest unread #BOTM purchase. Now I only have to catch up on my 2023 picks! 😊
#botmbacklist #botmbacklog
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Excellently skewers the ways mainstream, white-centered feminism focuses on those whose needs are already mostly met and how the mistreatment of marginalized women ultimately fails ALL women. Kendall illuminates the ways hunger, gun violence, education, and housing are all feminist issues. Definitely recommend! 🎧
so-so⭐️⭐️⭐️
I appreciated that this book was different - I don‘t think I‘ve ever read about the swinging lifestyle before - and I liked Georgina‘s journey of self-discovery. I didn‘t feel very emotionally invested, though. The characters seemed underdeveloped, immature, and irrational.
so-so⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was disappointed with this! It‘s my least favorite of the series. I still enjoyed the characters, but there wasn‘t enough of a new storyline - it felt like things out from the first two books were being drawn out. 🎧
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was recommended to me by my husband, which is extra special because he isn‘t a big reader. Rinella‘s reverence and passion for nature shine on every page. It nudged me to reflect on fond memories from my own childhood and inspired me to be more intentional about engaging my toddler with the planet around her. ⬇️
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I haven‘t read many romance books about a married couple, so I was really intrigued by this #AuthenticBooks choice! It was fun to escape into their vacation and role playing adventures, and it also made me think about the value in making a conscious effort to continually rediscover your partner (and yourself) as your relationship evolves. I also thought the friend they met at the resort was endearing. Sweet, romantic, hopeful!
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Quiet, but insidious. This slow-burning, character-driven, emotional mystery snuck up on me. I was mesmerized for the last couple of hours of listening. I wanted to make sure I was really paying attention to the details, so I may have preferred reading a physical copy over the audiobook. It‘s a bit sad to say goodbye to the Aaron Falk series, but I will absolutely read whatever Jane Harper writes next! 🎧
Next up is my newest book from #AuthenticBooks! The candle smells sooo good and I can‘t wait to do the face mask! They also sent a facial cleansing bar, coffee, and a tote bag (along with the usual customized playlist and food and drink recipes). The box is extra pretty this month, too!
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“There is a wilderness in little girls.”
Overall, I thought this was a compelling and enjoyable mystery with interesting characters, although it‘s maybe not super original. The dark web of secrets and lies was fun to try to untangle while reading - some twists were more predictable, but there were definitely still surprises! #BOTM
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Quirky, poignant, transporting. A unique gem of interconnected stories that left me pondering the human experience and craving coffee.
I haven‘t read a ton of translated fiction, but I appreciate the way it helps us expand our understanding and appreciation of the world. Does anyone have any other favorites to recommend?
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This had more of an urban fantasy feel than the first book. I loved diving deeper with these characters - into their backstories and literally into the depths of hell! I especially relished the development of the indomitable Alex and the… ahem… glowing Darlington. It was equally dark and fun, and I was captivated for the entire twisty, demonic ride! #BOTM
After three dark books in my January #BOTM box (and I still have to read two of them), I thought I would go with something light for February! 💛🥰
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This was light and sweet! I loved learning about Chinese astrology and was inspired to read more about it. (I‘m a Metal Horse!) I also enjoyed the incorporation of food. Olivia‘s actions were a little cringey sometimes, but it was a cute romance! 🎧
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enchanting and creative, but with a hint of melancholy, this book whisks readers away on a magical journey with memorable stops and vivid characters along the way. I really loved Zadie and Finn and found myself re-reading beautiful sentences. I‘m still pondering the the ending and potential metaphors/symbolism. I think this read would inspire great book club conversations and a sense of wonder and adventure. #BOTM
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A dark rattler of a novel that sinks its fangs in and doesn't let go. The commentary on power and privilege is fierce, the characters are unrelenting and real, and the magic seems just out of reach...
This was my second read of this book, but the first time via audio! My #BOTM box finally came this week, and now I‘m ready to dive right into Hell Bent! 🎧
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I picked up Obama‘s first memoir from an Audible sale a couple of years ago, where it has been patiently waiting in my library until just the right time. I‘m disappointed to realize that it was abridged - it looks like the unabridged audio was only released in 2021. I‘ll have to read the full book someday; I could listen to his gifted storytelling for hours. It abounds with beautiful writing, great insights, and refreshing candor. 🎧
so-so⭐️⭐️
This is a fast read, but it just wasn‘t really for me. I thought the characters were flat, there was a lot of filler, and it was overall a little bland.
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh, my heart! I didn‘t know anything about these books before starting, and I wasn‘t prepared to feel so emotional! I can see why this series is a comfort winter read for many - it‘s easy to get attached to the Quinn family, and the short, fast-paced books are perfect for the busy holiday season. It seems I prefer Hilderbrand‘s series over her standalone books. I‘m really surprised they haven‘t been turned into a TV show yet!
so-so⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heavy and melancholy in tone, but ultimately healing and hopeful. While I was invested in the story, it was pretty straightforward and kept me at an emotional distance. 🎧
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you‘re looking for a psychological thriller that‘s a bit different and will keep you turning the pages to see WTF is going on, try this one, but don‘t read much about it beforehand! I thought the conclusion was satisfying and creepy. Unreliable narrators due to drug/alcohol issues can feel overdone, but I read that the author drew from her own experience of benzodiazepine withdrawal, so I appreciate that authenticity. #reesesbookclub
so-so⭐️⭐️💫
With elements from other popular books, it feels like I‘ve read versions of this story before. I couldn‘t get into the 70‘s storyline for some reason. I had hoped for a stronger sense of place, but this seemed like it could have been any house, anywhere. I did enjoy some of the twists at the end and that some things were left open to interpretation. 🎧
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It‘s hard to be immune from the siren song of social media and comparing ourselves to ever-changing, unrealistic beauty standards. What is empowering, and what is only an illusion of power? I do wish some aspects had been developed more, but Aesthetica raises thought-provoking questions, explores important themes, and really leaves a lasting, unsettling impression.
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The third book of this series was still enjoyable, but felt tamer and more somber than the first two. Many story arcs were mostly wrapped up well, if conveniently. It‘s interesting that this was supposed to be a trilogy, but then she added a fourth installment. I didn‘t expect one plot line to go in such a sad direction - I don‘t know if I‘m emotionally prepared for the last book!
Here are some of my favorite reads of 2022! I have to give the top spot to Thistlefoot! 🏚🍗🍗🖤
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This series is addictive! It‘s a story you want to zip through and has characters you want to root for. It‘s a great winter vacation read. My last book of 2022!
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I thought this scientific romantic comedy was cute and fun! Don is a lovable, genuine, admirable character. I loved the focus on the gifts his differences bring and the celebration of diverse perspectives. 🎧
It was hard for me to only pick three this month! I think I should probably re-read Ninth House before picking up Hell Bent, so I don‘t mind that the box will ship a little later! #BOTM
so-so⭐️⭐️💫
I thought I would like this more than I did. It was slow to start and I didn‘t think the protagonist was very likable. I didn‘t love the ending. It was semi-interesting to have on in the background while preparing for and cleaning up from holiday festivities, though. 🎧
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wonderfully binge-worthy holiday entertainment! I‘m invested in the Quinn family and their drama. On to the second one while I‘m still in the Christmas bubble!🎄🎅🏻
pick5⭐️s! This book is incredible. Sugar shares hard truths directly with empathy, candor, wisdom, & wit. I worked my way through the letters slowly, leaving plenty of time to reflect & let Sugar‘s beautiful words really sink in. This tenth-anniversary edition even features some new columns. I think this would be an amazing book to give as a gift to anyone trying to make sense of & survive this magnificent, terrible, interesting life (so, everyone).
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a sweet and fun friends-to-lovers holiday romance! For ten years, Molly and Andrew have sat next to each other on their flight home to Ireland from Chicago for Christmas. This year, all flights are cancelled due to a huge snowstorm, so they set off on an adventure to get back to their families by Christmas, and of course, chaos (and romance) ensue! 🎧
pick
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved the Welsh setting and characters of this police procedural, although I do admit there was a lot to keep track of and it was a bit long. There was an extra twist at the end that really surprised me! The murder takes place at a New Year‘s Eve party, so it‘s a great time of the year to read this. I‘ll definitely give the next book in the series a try! 🎧
so-so⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a feel-good multigenerational story of three Indian American women, their respective journeys to find themselves, and their love and support of each other. Bindu, the grandmother, particularly shines! I liked it, but thought it was a bit over the top and all over the place at times.
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I distinctly remember reading, loving, and sobbing through “It Ends With Us” years ago. Did we really need a sequel? Not necessarily. Did it still make me feel all the feelings? Yes, yes it did. This is a beautiful, well-deserved happy ending. 🎧
so-so⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a well-researched and thought-provoking love letter to language. If affluent white men determine which words are “real” and “worthy”, what words and stories are lost? I am glad I read this, but I also admit that it wasn‘t a super exciting story to me personally. 🎧 #reesesbookclub
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This was an enjoyable and cute cozy mystery with endearing characters, a fun setting, and an Agatha Christie flair! 🎧
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I liked this unsettling, surprising, bingeable thriller even more than her debut! I was a little nervous that the storyline would be triggering for me since I have a toddler, and although parts were genuinely creepy, I was able to just enjoy the psychological ride. Willingham writes smart, fresh takes on common genre tropes, but I would love to see her tackle something super original someday. #BOTM
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I‘m ready for an extended vacation in Willow Bay, where I can grab a coffee and treat from Saltwater Nook, join their feisty book club, and participate in all the fun holiday festivities! This is a rom-com that‘s actually funny, overflowing with coziness and charm. It was a lovely listen for the fall/winter season! 🎧
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
With a great setting and exquisite vibes, this slow burner (but maybe a little too slow?) assesses ambition, privilege, and fate vs. free will. It definitely has intriguing elements, but it‘s not a “new” story - I wasn‘t really surprised by the direction it took. I also wish some aspects had been developed more. #BOTM
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