Not my usual type of book, but the unique mystery setup kept me hooked! Right away, you can tell that something isn‘t quite right - either with Linda‘s situation, or possibly with Linda herself. Even as you “get to know” the main character through her own telling, you have to stop and wonder, how well can we really know another person at all?
4🌟

*Mentions of murder and a suicide, but nothing graphic at all

Knisley relates favorite recipes to memories from her life, which was a fun concept. Each chapter has an illustrated recipe, and they looked tasty. I decided to stop reading, however, after a story of Knisley and her friend buying porn magazines as kids during a trip to Mexico. She draws detailed covers, which surprised me and were off-putting. I‘m sure I‘ll read more of her work, just not this one. #graphicnovel #memoir

Another fun Enola Holmes adventure! My library considers these children‘s books, but I could see it doing well with 6th-8th graders. So far, each book has a case, but they are equally concerned with following Enola as she figures out who she is and finds her place in the world, and I love that aspect of them. #2023 #enolaholmes

Such a fun read! Reimaginings like this one tend to be poorly written, at least for me, but Springer writes the main character of Enola in such a way that she stands on her own. Her relation to Sherlock Holmes only adds an interesting element to a well-written story. I‘m looking forward to continuing in the series.
Also, the narrator for the audiobook is excellent. #2023 #middlegrades #enolaholmes #audio

While Knisley is writing from an obvious feminist viewpoint, the research and little-known information about pregnancy and birth is fascinating and, in terms of many women‘s lack of education on these topics, troubling. It gets into the details of the whole process, so be aware going in. But if you‘re looking for an accessible starting place to learn more about these topics, definitely check this one out. #2023 #memoir

Definite pick for me! As I told my husband about the story as it progressed, it led to some good conversations between us about marriage, forgiveness, and living our lives today in a way that will put us where we want to be in the future. I‘ll probably check out more of Moriarty‘s work in future! #2023

Working my way through Jory John‘s food picture books, and this is my favorite so far! The sour grape learns an important lesson about seeing things from the perspectives of others and showing kindness and forgiveness, instead of holding a grudge. #2023

About halfway through and really enjoying this one! It‘s not one I would have picked up on my own, but it was chosen for a work book club, and I‘m glad to give it a go. It makes me think about what would surprise me about my life if I woke up without 10 years of memories. And what about 10 years from now? Definitely thought-provoking #2023

I‘m a big fan of graphic novels, especially memoirs in that form, and this is one I would recommend. The author tells the story of her summers spent with her dad, stepmom, and eventually their children, in Egypt. She grapples with fitting into a different culture, a new family, and then growing up. I didn‘t agree with her take at the end, but really enjoyed the story. #2023 #graphicnovel

I loved this book! The author shared parts of her story as they related to her topic, which made for a great, relatable read. Each chapter had a couple of questions at the end, making it a great resource for reading with another person. Highly recommend for a woman in any stage of faith, whether new believer or seasoned Christian. #2023reads #audio

Found this on Christianity Today‘s 2023 Book Awards and am looking forward to reading it. The author apparently writes this novel from a place of experience, having been diagnosed with bipolar disorder more than a decade ago. One reviewer wrote that the writing is “raw, real, and beautiful,” and “guides readers into the reality that all of us are flawed, bruised, and broken. With that admission, there is hope and the chance for healing.”

My reading for February has slowed way down from January, but I‘m still making my way through the audio version of this. Zauner‘s writing keeps me interested in her story, and I love hearing the Korean words spoken out loud; I think it really adds to the experience. So far, this is a memoir is one I would definitely recommend. #2023reading

January Wrap-up!
6 books in total
- 2 graphic novels
- 2 audiobooks
- 4 physical/ebooks

Still reading Quiet by Naomi Vacaro and Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

An interesting story with cool artwork and lots of potential, but I‘ve read that the second (and final) volume doesn‘t deliver a satisfying continuation. Not sure if I will pick up the second volume. #2023 #thegoldenage

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was excellent! Hearing the Romanian words spoken helped put me in the story. I wasn‘t completely satisfied with the ending, but Cristian‘s story was compelling, and I learned a lot about life in Romania during this time. Would recommend, with the caveat that the last half contains some gore and violence that may be difficult for some. #2023 #aw80books

A heartbreaking, meditative look at memory, a daughter‘s relationship to her mother, and what makes up a life and a human being. The structure of this novel (novella?) is unique, and while some reviewers seem not to like it, I found it the perfect way to explain dementia and its effect on the person and their family. Also, I think the author may pull from her own experiences, which makes me recommend it that much more.

I love Jen! She is funny, relatable, and resilient. Apple Crush does have one or two bits that I would say makes this a recommendation for older readers (mature 5th grade, or 6th grade and above), but overall is a great addition to this series. I‘m planning to check out Lucy Knisley‘s work for adults next! #applecrush #graphicnovel #middlegrades #2023

My first Fredrick Backman book was great! I loved the characters and the way the story unfolded, even if the ending was a little unbelievable. I thought Backman handled several difficult topics with grace and humor, and I look forward to reading his other books. The miniseries on Netflix was worth watching as well! #anxiouspeople #2023 #booktomovie

I really enjoyed the experience of reading this book, but I don‘t know if I would recommend it to everyone. The writing is lyrical and beautiful, there is much symbolism and metaphor, and many passages that ring true. There are also complicated sentences that sometimes require multiple readings before they make sense, and at the end, I felt the worldview presented was bleak rather than hopeful. #audiobook #housekeeping #2023