This is a low pick for me, it really dragged on some places, but it had some really good descriptions of food.
A journalist for a men‘s magazine gets into a complicated relationship with a woman on trial for being a serial killer. Much discussion about gender relations in Japan
3/5 read for lots of complicated relationships and a plot that goes fast and then slow and then fast

This is not a bad book, just not a very good book. Skims over a lot that that I think needed to be addressed, and there not as much agony about changing history as expected.
Isla falls through a torii gate into the start of the Satsuma rebellion and must decide if she will follow her heart to a tragic end or return after completing her task.
2.75 stars - read for a fast trip through the Satsuma Rebellion and an even more fast tracked love story

This biography was a beautiful tribute to a mother who worked two jobs to support her children after she left a not great husband in Japan and who supported Mazie through her long political career. Mazie has an amazing backstory and this book is well written and impressive. The later half of the book is mostly modern politics, so it was not necessarily something I loved reading given our current political spaces but it was still good.
3/5 stars

I enjoyed this book, but the author definitely had some biases that came out strong.
This book covers the history of propaganda and lols at how and why Americans in particular are more susceptible to propaganda. I do appreciate that the author ends books on the positive note about libraries and their possible role in giving people the space they need to escape propaganda.
3/5 read but remember to check the sources yourself

Asks crushing questions about right and wrong in horrible circumstances & ends with the personal changing the fate of two worlds.
When she‘s given the choice to die or to work for her people‘s conquerors to save her family, Ruying becomes an assassin for the Prince of Rome. Upon learning more about the horrors of Rome, will she make the same choice?
3.5/5 read to reconsider colonial history in a different way with many first book issues

This was a tiny book club pick and while I thought it was a little too personal in some areas, it had a good amount of science in it as well and I was able to add to my knowledge base which I always appreciate.
This book looks at many different kinds of awe and its affect on human psychology and life. I wish there was more hard science in it.
3/5 stars read for a good starter on how awe can shape and improve one‘s life

I can not express how much I love this series. It is adorable and uplifting and everyone loves their familiars (pets) so much and I want to live in this world so bad!
Wanda and Wumble must work together to help their adopted city when an outbreak of what possessed household and city items attacks.
5/5 read read for a sweet and adorable cozy YA story about a girl and her dog who do their best and surprise everyone when their best is THE best

I enjoyed this audiobook, but I think it might be better experience to read it. I wasn‘t a fan of the duel narrators, and I was really worried for a while if the book would have a happy ending, but it did work out in an unexpected but pleasant way.
Mildred receives an unexpected inheritance which leads to new friends, finding a new path, and dragons! 🐉
3/5 read for a slow burn romance, a 40-something year old heroine and a baby dragon

A cozy Lego set to go with a cozy book. This one was a little heavy handed on the “flaw” of the main character without giving much nuance or background, but it was still a sweet read.
Doli finally opens her inheritance box and discovers a dragon egg. Her parents visit, she meets a gargoyle she wants a relationship with, and she has to figure out how to navigate her new life.
2.5/5 read for a less developed story but great atmosphere.

I am so sad this is the last book in the series!
Mycroft seeks revenge and builds up relationships that will serve him well as he moves in the world of power, but he is at his wits ends when it comes to his brother. Their two cases come to a surprising connection and Mycroft starts to accept Sherlock as he is with help from friends and life lessons.
4.5/5 read for a diverse and really interesting Sherlock tale focused on his first case

This is a dark take, wrapped in history with a little bit of magic.
As a rejected daughter, she travels to be a wife to an ambitious man with many dark secrets. As she struggles to navigate a violent, male dominated world, can she find herself again and reclaim her name and power?
3/5 read for a historical take on The Play that centers the brutality of women‘s lives. Extremely well written but not a happy read.

Low pick for me- the female MC was unnecessarily mean but I really liked that her best friend called her out and she got somewhat nicer.
A finance bro recovering from burn out starts a fancy dog store across the street from the small town pet supply store and ignites a stream of hatred from the college drop out who runs it with her grandfather. They decide to work together to train their dogs for the town dog show.
2.5/5 needs more dogs

I don‘t normally care for cozy mysteries, but this is so well written, it made me see why this genre is so popular!
When a popular children‘s author ends up dead and it‘s her best friend accused of the murder, new library director Lindsey decides to try to figure things out before the incompetent police chief can pin the event on her friend.
3.5/5 good story, good characters, very good writing. Read for a cozy mystery that makes sense

This was a good YA book, it combines a lot of comic book themes but also asks big questions.
Nova is raised by villains who think they are hero‘s. Adrian is raised by hero‘s who might be villains. Together they try to figure out where they will stand as their beliefs and worlds collide.
3/5 read for a YA book that asks big questions and doesn‘t give simple answers. A good read for classic comic book fans.

This book got way too bogged down in the main characters trying to match make and it felt really forced and if I was one of the poor people they were targeting it, I‘d be really irritated. When the story finally got going it was good.
Two childhood friends must discover what paths they want to take, if they want to be romantically involved and how they can help their community.
2/5 stars read for too much forced romance too little pirating

Between a so-so and a pick. It was very interesting in places but very long winded in others. I like the science parts best and was meh on the popular culture. It gave me a new respect for Disney and that was surprising.
3/5 read for a social, cultural, and scientific history of the Coyote in America. Expect more stories than science

This series is adorable and I really enjoy the narrator as well, I think she is the perfect voice for the main character.
Teams are sought, bonds are formed, and Wumble must decide if he wants to push himself past where Wanda is or wait for Wanda to grow.
5/5 I can‘t wait for the next book in the series and I will buy them all in multiple formats. My only complaint is that they are too short!

The female main character is selfish and horrible, but unlike in many other books, gets called out on it and grows!
Two high school almost sweet hearts reconnect through books while living in London trying to decide what to do with their lives.
4/5 read for a story that deals with a lot of- difficult family, grief, professional pressure, and personal growth are just some of what the characters address.
I tried to get the pretty edges 😆

The narration was excellent, but the way it was written was confusing for me as someone new to the study of 17th century England. I didn‘t understand why some aspects were heavily covered and some were barely touched on.
3/5 Read for a brief history of the British Civil War, a long history of the religious turmoil that led to it, & a smattering of history of thought, including an in depth but limited in scope discussion of The Blazing World

This book was predictable in a bad way, had really random “puzzles” and ignored the most interesting aspects of the story.
Two humans are stuck in a game played by immortals, but will they be able to end the game? (Sounds fun right? It would be if the book was actually focused on this 😤)
0/5 stars read for lots of heavy handed romance, meh sex scenes, and very little about the plot or the characters besides the horny humans

This was an intense and short read, hopeful and at times gentle in the discovery of different kinds of love.
Takako needs a reset in life and finds it at her family bookshop, run by her uncle. She meets new people, develops a love for reading, and learns a lot of family history.
3/5 read for a story about the importance of communication

Well written but the author had a lot of white privilege that was not acknowledged or addressed, but that tracks with the time period it was written.
After her divorce the author decides to travel, mostly to developing nations, where she joins in the local communities, gathers inspiration for her writing, and builds a global network of friends.
2/5 read for a well written travel story, but also know the age of the author and the time period

Another excellent book in a good series.
Mycroft receives a diagnosis that makes it hard to justify his hopes for a family, and he tries to help Sherlock develop empathy by tasking him with teaching the boys at Douglas‘s school which leads to Sherlock developing his sleuthing skills as one of the boys mysteriously dies.
4.5/5 read for a fun and historic story with background for Sherlock Holmes and his brother.

This is a lovely book, and brings some much needed attention to some very important social issues.
Vera can‘t help but try to solve people‘s problems and when someone needs help that intersects with a case her (hopefully soon to be) daughter in law has, Vera is on a new case.
5/5 read for an intergenerational found family mystery

I adore this Manga and as soon as I finished it, I ordered the next two in the series. I hope they all get transplanted to English!
A strong teacher and her shy and sweet Rottie slowly make friends with a firefighter and his bossy Pom.
4.5/5 read for loving dog owners and a story that explores expectations vs reality of size and strength

I was extremely disappointed in this book - I learned more on the topic from the author‘s interviews than I did reading. I appreciate that the author wanted to work through her trauma but I didn‘t want to read the trauma dump and not understand the WHY of this timely and impotent topic.
0/5 listen to the interviews about this book and you‘ll learn more about the rising danger of the manosphere and the deadly consequences of misogyny

This was really good, the only real weakness was how the female characters were written.
Mycroft journeys with his friend Douglas to Trinidad, trying to figure out the mystery of where his fiancé went and how to help Douglas protect his family and friends in Trinidad.
4/5 read for a different understanding of the Holmes brothers and to learn a lot of interesting historical information about Trinidad

This was a bit of a strange read, the writing wasn‘t bad just different and while I appreciated the immersion I think it went a bit too far and took away from the story.
Two sisters must find a place to live where their social rule breaking won‘t be held against them in dark aged England and where they can find the support and love they need.
2/5 read for a very atmospheric story of two sisters who live in a dark age that is well described

I enjoyed this book, I learned a lot about the history of Hawaii and it makes me more interested in returning to the islands.
This book focused on the missionary take over and interspersed modern and historical facts. The different voice actors were a nice touch as well. I do wish there had been more discussion about the modern Hawaii independence movement.
3/5 read for a history of Hawaii and listen to this for good voice actors.

Pretty edges! This book was SO long but well written enough that I was able to get through it and I do plan to finish the series.
5 people with different background and different reasons must try to kill the emperor.
4/5 read for complex a complex story with each chapter written from a different characters point of view

I didn‘t think I would like a YA romance, but I did. Good writing and I even didn‘t mind the fake dating troupe.
When a drama 🎭 obsessed teen is forced to work in her fathers gaming store as part of her punishment, she learns that D&D and games can be fun and fit in with her need to sing and be noticed. Fake dating, confused feelings, and development of father daughter relationship round out this book.
3/5 read for good relationship development

A fun and social/political commentary packed book. Also, the author is from the town next to mine, which is very cool.
Charles is more than surprised when his wealthy Uncle names him as heir, but a talking cat and dolphins looking to unionize are just the beginning of his adventures in villainy - aka the development of disruptive technologies for world order.
5/5 read for a fun look at the probably true nature of the rich and powerful

Another excellent book! Continues the tale with alchemist training and the introduction of some fascinating new characters. Highly recommend but wish these were longer.
4/5

I really liked the narrator, but the MC was awful and the story wasn‘t that good.
An aging actress inherits a bookshop from her aunt who inspired the MC‘d acting and broadway career with her own. From the moment MC returns to her small town, she‘s gets involved with arson and a murder and foolishly thinks she can solve them.
1/5 read for a self aggrandizing MC who makes foolish and short sighted decisions. The narrator is excellent

Different than I thought it would be, this book starts with knitting and ends with some surprising politics and micro economics. It cured me of wanting to escape to Scotland to raise sheep.
A knitter decides to raise sheep after learning that this rare wool might be lost without people passionate about the breed and becomes a strong advocate for her sheep and farm.
3/6 read for lots of sheep history and facts and government farm program critiques

Adorable, very short, mostly cozy fantasy novel about a girl with a dog who wants to make the world a better place.
When her dog finds and eats a mysterious ball, Wanda has no idea that her bond with her stubby legged companion will be super powered. Wanda dreams of becoming an alchemist to help people as she was helped and with her dear Wumble at her side, she is determined to gain admission to the guild.
4/5 read if you like dogs and magic

This is a fun and surprising book, and I enjoyed the narrator as well.
What starts as a cozy library murder mystery quickly becomes a tale of demons, justice, and rude cats.
I love how the author made her story so many different levels, and the characters were very interesting.
4/5 read if you like cozy mysteries, Buffy, and/or books that take literary troupe in a whole different way than expected.

I wanted to like this book, but it was way too much teen romance angst and not enough cool magic. It was interesting to read about the gaikokujin experience in Japan, but I will not continue the series.
Katie moves to Japan and gets involved with boys who have the magic to control ink and make ink drawings real. The romance and foreigner in Japan are the majority concepts of this book.
1.5/5 stars read for the beautiful illustrations

I love the beautiful edges on this book, and the book was also excellent! A gender swapped gothic novel set in a fantasy world with lots of room for world development.
When the fountain pen collecting Duke escapes his abusive father in law for the witch queen, a case of mistaken identity leads him to be the new Librarian for the dark queen.
5/5 read for slow-ish light spice romance in an interesting fantasy world

I wanted to like this book, I really did, but the writing was confusing. The mystery part was OK, but some of the character actions didn‘t make a lot of sense.
On their honeymoon, a talented engineer and a retired detective must rush to solve multiple murders before the murders are pinned on them.
2/5 read for a fun space close door mystery but expect a lot of gender politics and confusing writing.

The narrator of this edition has a very nice voice - relaxing but not sleep inducing. I don‘t want to hold this book to modern expectations- it‘s two hundred years old. I appreciated learning more about important female figures such as Xenobia, even if the writing was condescending. I think the author had the empire last longer in his history than it actually did.
2/5 stars listen rather than read this for a classic historical work

I wanted a book that described the various animals that were supposed to be highlighted, instead it‘s a lot of philosophical stuff and I‘m not into that. I love random facts, but not belly gazing.

The mystery was well done but the main character is SUCH a wet blanket.
A scholarship student faced racism and classism at a fancy elite boarding school and when someone starts killing people she and the other scholarship student have to solve it so they can keep their scholarships and for reasons.
1/5 I don‘t recommend it, I think there are better versions of this kind of story

Combines a lot of regency tropes with some interesting American focused issues and ideas and builds on the magical world Lackey originally set around WW1 England.
Amelia and her cousin come to England to help expand the family business and learn about Regency England customs while meeting eligible magicians.
4.5/5 read for a regency magical romance that‘s more focused on social issues than romance. Lackey packs a lots into this book, expertly.

A retired detective and his daughter run a successful food recreation restaurant and the new customers bring forward stories of loss, love, misunderstandings and valuing the gifts you have along with painfully good descriptions of food.
5/5 stars, read for a collection of short stories that will remind you of the power of food to shape one‘s life. I also really enjoy the traditional food ware described, it‘s fun to look each piece up for images.

I really wanted to enjoy this book, but there were too many plot holes and the main character was extremely irritating.
Jayne is recruited by the CIA‘s magic book division when her magic is activated during her work as a librarian. She‘s rushed to Ireland in hopes that she‘ll bound with an ancient book that holds an a powerful magician and prevent a terrorist organization from getting it first.
1/5 read for a poorly executed good idea.

This was a fun read, I was surprised by it in a good way.
Roger was killed and the list of suspects is long, but a H. Poirot is requested and delivers his unique brand of mystery solving in a timely and detailed manner with a pop at the end.
4/5 stars. Well written, good characters and a good story. I didn‘t get the twist until it popped in the book.
I am not a huge Disney fan; but this Lego villains set was super fun and 90s kid nostalgia won

This was good, but lacked some character development - expected with a more YA style of writing.
Mina must navigate being a stepmother to a girl whose father wants a copy of the dead wife he loves and Lynette must learn to be who she is while both must battle other‘s expectations and dark magic.
3/5 Read for a tale of family trauma and family you build with light amounts of magic

An interesting take on fairy tales and the power of the belief and magic. Interesting writing and ideas, not too dark but definitely a fairy tale.
The woodcutter must try to solve the mystery of where the magic is going and restore balance to the world.
3/5 read if you want a more abstract tale of the magic of belief and the power that secrets can hold.

I finished for a buddy read and I have to say I really didn‘t care for it. Anything that starts with a spoiled rich person who is bored with their life is going to be hard for me for to like and this is one of those books.
Spoiled lady with a rough family uncovers what may or may not be many secrets and plots with some ties to ecoterrorism and the end of the world-ish.
0/5 Read if you like spoiled rich people who are nihilistic.