I never thought I would make it through a book about chess, and what was even more surprising to me...it was riveting! This book is so well written, and I loved cheering for an unconventional lead. That being said, Beth Harmon is an example of how female characters should more often be written - brainy, flawed, and fiercely ambitious - nothing about this character is reduced or softened. Highly recommend!

I was really excited for this book - written by FOLD founder Jael Richardson - but feel underwhelmed upon finishing. It provides excellent social commentary, but the writing felt a bit weak, slow, and repetitive. Had this been marketed as a young adult novel (the main characters are teenagers, and the writing and pace is a bit basic and slow,) I might not feel as disappointed.

This is Bridget Jones Diary-style (and era) romcom fiction, but 50% less interesting. It‘s long, slow, and most characters are too bland to invest in. If I hadn‘t been listening as an audio book, I never would have committed and made it to the end. A lot of slow building, mediocre drama, with minimal payoff. Don‘t recommend but I have read (listened to) worse.

“I am the croissant that felt its own heat and curves and wished to become a woman, and I am that woman from the wish. Let me be your morning treat with your coffee. Disregard the fear that I am too rich to be an ordinary meal. Allow my antique decadence into your morning into your mouth. Pair me with jam. Treasure me for my layers and layers of fragility and richness. Name me after a shape that the moon makes.” This book is zany and open hearted.