It feels like just yesterday that I was writing the book reviews of 2023. And yet, we’ve somehow already made it to the 2024 Book Reviews! While the number of books I get through in a year isn’t a priority (personally speaking), I was interested in seeing if I would read more than the 13 books I had read last year and I definitely surpassed my goal (46 books this year!). If you’d like real-time updates on what I’m reading, add me as a friend on Goodreads! I’d love to see what you’re reading too!
As I look over some of the books I’ve read this year, I notice that many are longer than most books I read in 2023. I’m unsure if this is simply due to working my way up to reading longer books (thank you, 2023 reading) or if it was “just the way the cookie crumbled”. In any case, I feel great about how much I read this year. More importantly, I feel closer to my “old” bookish self. Which, is priceless in itself.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
“Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice at any point in your life. While we all wonder how our lives might have been, what if you had the chance to go to the library and see for yourself? Would any of these other lives truly be better?” – Amazon
Science Fiction ● 289 Pages
Rating: ★★★★★
Enjoyment:★★★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
After hearing so many rave reviews of this book, I was afraid of being let down. I wasn’t. It is beautiful, inspiring and heartfelt. Not only is it relatable in many ways, but it is also well-written and it evoked many tears (grab a tissue while reading!). While it may not live up to everyone’s expectations, it moved me and I loved reading it.
Those who live/struggle/persist with mental health issues may relate even more in certain ways. However, I think there is a lesson to be learned by anyone who gives this book a chance.
Memorable Quotes:
There are so many great quotes in this book- I can’t write them all. For this reason, in my notes under memorable quotes, I wrote, “All of page 248….. and pages 179, 194, 212”. However, the following are some shorter quotes that stood out to me.
“She had a fire inside of her. […] The power was hers”.
“Nora wanted to live in a world where no cruelty existed, but the only worlds she had available to her were worlds with humans in them”. – Pg. 197
“She hadn’t earned this […] but all of this was meaningless without love”. – Pg. 248
“Never underestimate the importance of small things […] You must remember that.” – Pg. 254
Fumes by William Dozier
“Charlie Whitler–sober for the first time in his adult life–returns to Durham County, North Carolina. Only his maternal grandfather knows why he’s home. The Hammonds, a once-wealthy family in decline, regroup in the Outer Banks as the story rushes toward its blunt and eerie conclusion.” – Amazon
Psychological Fiction● 72 Pages
Rating: ★
Enjoyment:★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
When it comes to books that I don’t enjoy, it’s hard for me to write reviews. I know authors put a bit of themselves into everything they write and I truly do appreciate how hard it is to do so. Unfortunately, for the reader, this makes the reading experience completely different. Fumes is even a shorter read than M Butterfly but it felt longer. I basically forgot everything I read as soon as I finished it because there was no point in my brain retaining any of it. (Sorry!) This also explains why there are no memorable quotes for me to list. (Sorry again!)
Six Days in August: The Story of Stockholm Syndrome by David King
“On the morning of August 23, 1973, a man wearing a wig, makeup, and a pair of sunglasses walked into the main branch of Sveriges Kreditbank, a prominent bank in central Stockholm. He ripped out a submachine gun, fired it into the ceiling, and shouted, “The party starts!” This was the beginning of a six-day hostage crisis—and media circus—that would mesmerize the world, drawing into its grip everyone from Sweden’s most notorious outlaw to the prime minister himself.” – Goodreads
Non-Fiction ● Pages 269
Rating: ★★★★
Enjoyment:★★★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
For six days, hostages are held in a bank in Stockholm. From being terrified to forming relationships with their captors (some of which continued after the ordeal was over), this interesting case received attention worldwide.
For some, I’m sure it’s difficult to imagine how anyone could form a relationship with someone who has committed life-altering/psychologically damaging actions to them. While this book doesn’t shove it down your throat, you subtly begin to understand how Stockholm Syndrome exists.
Memorable Quotes:
“Why are we mean to each other? We live such a short life.” – Sven Thorander
“Gladly let films, paperbacks, and television series depict crime dramas in black-and-white terms. Play along and pretend the world is divided into good and evil… But do not confuse that with the lawbreakers and victims of reality.” – Rune Moberg
- Note: I looked up David King afterward and he wrote a book called “Why Trump Deserves Trust, Respect, and Admiration”…. it’s a book of blank pages.
The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone by Olivia Laing
“A dazzling work of biography, memoir, and cultural criticism on the subject of loneliness, told through the lives of iconic artists, by the acclaimed author of The Trip to Echo Spring.“ – Amazon
Non Fiction ● Pages 281
Rating: ★★★
Enjoyment:★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★
I would be intimidated by the thought of writing such a book so I commend Laing for doing so. At times, it felt like it jumped around; almost as though I couldn’t see the “flow” of it- the link and theme were there but it still felt disjointed.
What I took from it, is that we should be less afraid of being alone. However, it’s not hard to see why it’s easier said than done. It was also neat to learn more about Andy Warhol. While I enjoyed it as a whole, some parts were a bit slow.
With this being said, there were many good quotes and it was an insightful read but I wouldn’t read it more than once.
Memorable Quotes:
“Sometimes, all you need is permission to feel.” – All of page 179
“People don’t want 15 minutes of fame in their lifetime, they want it every night. The audience want to be the show.” – Page (?)
“The poet enjoys the incomparable privilege of being able to be himself or someone else, as he chooses…” – Page 222
Stop Overthinking 23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present by Nick Trenton
“Stop Overthinking is a book that understands what you’ve been through, the exhausting situation you’ve put yourself into, and how you lose your mind in the trap of anxiety and stress. Acclaimed author Nick Trenton will walk you through the obstacles with detailed and proven techniques to help you rewire your brain, control your thoughts, and change your mental habits.
What’s more, the book will provide you scientific approaches to completely change the way you think and feel about yourself by ending the vicious thought patterns.” – Barnes and Noble
Self-Help ● Pages 200
Rating: ★★★★
Enjoyment:★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
I went into reading this by thinking “It can’t hurt”. It consists of 23 techniques to relieve the feelings and thoughts you feel and go through while stressed/anxious. By the end, I thought that it was an interesting read! I find many of the concepts interesting, however, it’s a completely different matter to put into practice. Some parts of this book made me feel less alone and like things aren’t always a real catastrophe. *Update: it’s the end of the year and I have not put anything I read into practice… it was worth a shot and I’m still glad I read it!
Memorable Quotes
There were many ideas that I thought were worth noting. Due to the nature of the book, most of them are full pages, so I will not write them here. The fact that I wanted to keep track of so many pages says a lot, though.
Killing Season by Faye Kellerman
“New York Times bestselling author Faye Kellerman delivers an electrifying novel of suspense as a young man’s investigation into his sister’s death draws him into the path of a sadistic serial killer.” – SiFaye Kellermon & Schuster
Suspense/Horror ● Pages 695
Rating: ★★
Enjoyment:★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
A family member gave me this book quite some time ago and I finally got around to reading it. Am I a fan of Faye Kellerman’s work now? Not exactly. I love mysteries/thrillers but this one felt like so much of it was geared towards high school girls looking to fall in love rather than solve a crime.
Describing characters so you begin to form a connection with them is one thing, but focusing on their attractive physical qualities throughout the entire book got to be a bit… bland. Several parts revolve around “steamy” encounters and while I don’t usually mind such things, it felt incredibly overdone in this book. (“We get it- she’s hot and he’s more of a weird/odd yet still attractive ‘nerd’- like that is all we care about… living out that form of fantasy).
It merely felt like there was a lot of unnecessary “filler”. Out of its 695 pages, it feels as though more than half revolve around their looks, high school romantic relationships, and a love triangle. You’re left wondering why you’re supposed to care when a serial killer is on the loose. All the while, the characters are in their last year of high school and focusing on prom and graduation… it just made for quite a few “eye-roll” reactions.
There are a few instances when the content picks up. You want to know what happens but I find the entire ending was anticlimactic, especially, after leading up to it for 600 pages.
It’s not the worst book I’ve ever read, but I hope her other books have a bit more substance to them.
Memorable Quotes:
“Numbness wears off quickly. Pain lasts a long, long, time.” – Page 649
The Death of Ivan Ilych by Leo Tolstoy
“A high court judge faces his own mortality”. –Hachette Book Group
● Pages 86 (I looked into the # of pages because I thought I had a misprint and it can vary depending on the publisher).
Rating: ★★
Enjoyment:★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
I didn’t even know what to write for this review so I left it blank in my reading journal. Maybe one day, I will go back to it and think of something to say. It’s not awful but it just… is what it is.
How To Be Eaten by Maria Adelman
“This darkly funny and provocative novel reimagines classic fairy tale characters as modern women in a support group for trauma.” – Hachette Book Group
Fantasy Retelling ● Pages 286
Rating: ★★★
Enjoyment:★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★
I like the concept of loosely using fairytale characters we grew up with to help tell the story- it was almost like a dark “Shrek” film. It makes you think about how you can hear about a person and their story a billion times but unless you speak and listen to them personally, you’ll never fully know what they went through. Even then, can you trust everything that they say? Are you getting the full story? Is their version a coping mechanism?
It wasn’t my favorite book but I can appreciate the creativity used to discuss important topics like depression and assault. I also laughed out loud a few times which caught me off guard. There are so many “heavy” topics so you almost stop mid-laugh. You question whether they were giving us a comedic break or if you’re the only one who found it slightly amusing. Either way, I’m not complaining- the breaks were nice.
I also wrote down five specific quotes and noted four other full pages I enjoyed. This is quite a good sign that I got SOMETHING by reading it. It just may not be the book for everyone.
Memorable Quotes:
“Nothing is anything anymore.” – Page 73
“Were there really men all around who destroyed me, saved me?” – Page 102
“Trauma, in and of itself, bestows nothing.” – Page 200
“My life isn’t defined by what happened to me.” – Page 201
” ‘This is nice,’ I said, trying to fill the silence, though only managing to highlight it.” – Page 214
Pages 48, 102, 143, 200
The Sanctuary by Emma Haughton
“When she discovers she’s been admitted to The Sanctuary, a discreet, mysterious, isolated refuge from normal life, to avoid jail, she is stunned. She knows she has secrets, troubles, but she thought she had everything under control. But as she spends more time with other residents, she begins to open up about what she’s running from. Until she realizes that not everyone in The Sanctuary has her best interests at heart, and someone might even be a killer . . .” – Goodreads
Suspense ● Pages 372
Rating: ★★★
Enjoyment:★★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
Although you know it is in the “suspense” genre, you don’t know what to expect. There isn’t too much to take away from this book but it’s perfect for a fun read.
I think you’re let in on the qualities of characters and their secrets at the perfect times throughout the book. There is a good “build-up” to the end but it’s a tad anti-climactic. It’s not bad but it’s not shocking, either.
I enjoyed reading this one. You like the character enough to want to know more about her and to root for her. However, this is done without making any real attachments to her simultaneously. It isn’t a deep or philosophical read, even though it does touch on some difficult topics. It’s merely a “fun” thriller.
I will continue to read Emma Haughton’s books, but I think I enjoyed “The Dark” more than this one.
Memorable Quotes:
“I’m still struggling to believe anybody would dump me in the back of beyond* without so much as a heads up”. – Page 24 *I really liked the wording- I had never seen “back of beyond” used in a book before.
“The opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety, Zoey, it’s an authentic connection with ourselves and others, with our own lives.”- Page 31
“Thinking is our core addiction. I don’t mean just us, here, but everyone- or at least most people on the planet […] we’re addicted to our thoughts.” – Page 181
“”[…] love is all there is; everything else is just a distraction”. – Page 191
More on pages 209 and 316
Negative Space by B.R. Yeager
“Four teens in a New Hampshire mill town abuse a bizarre hallucinogen called WHORL in order to cope with a devastating suicide epidemic.” – Simon & Schuster
Surreal Fiction ● Pages 364
Rating: ★
Enjoyment:★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
Okay… so… I enjoyed the first chapter or two but from there it was drivel except for a few good lines. I truly believe that I (unfortunately) won’t be taking anything away from this book. You have zero reason to care about the characters and a connection to them isn’t really made throughout the book.
You barely understand why everything is happening and then after 400 pages, it’s over. I voiced my opinion once on Goodreads (you know, where you’re meant to write your opinion) and someone accused me of simply not understanding the book. This is not the case. It’s just not the book for me and that’s OKAY. It has some good lines, but it’s… not my cup of tea, I suppose.
Memorable Quotes:
“No matter what happens to you, everyone eventually makes you pretend like everything’s back to normal.” – Page 271
“Time compresses the older you get. Days turn to weeks turn to months turn to seasons turn to years, until your life resides in just one moment expanding forever, where each step and breath folds wrinkles into your face […]” – Page 282
Sidenote: The mention of Dorian Grey on page 286 made me smile.
The Vow by Kim Carpenter
“An inspiring, heartbreaking, powerful story of recovery follows the Carpenters as they recover from the physical and psychological wounds of a near-fatal car crash.” – GoodReads
Non-Fiction ● Pages 240
Rating: ★★
Enjoyment:★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
This is a very fast read, which I am happy about. It was filled with faith-based writing and as someone who isn’t religious, I wanted it over quickly. I am open-minded and respect people’s views and beliefs, however, it was hard to get through. It felt repetitive (“Trust God” was written in the book thousands of times. And, yes, I am aware of my extreme exaggeration).
Memorable Quotes:
I didn’t find any quotes that stuck out to me, but the way she described their love was quite endearing.
Blue Notes by John Faithful Hamer
“There is a kind of savage beauty to the literary culture of Social Media Land that charms me to no end. If Blue Notes has a goal, it’s to convey something of that savage beauty.” – Goodreads
Philosophical, Life Observations ● Pages 182
Rating: ★★★★
Enjoyment:★★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
Since I had the author as a teacher quite a few years ago in CÉGEP, I really wanted to read this unbiasedly (as much as possible). I remember connecting to how he taught his lessons and I was afraid of my perception of him changing (even if that’s not the focus of WHY I was reading it). I’m relieved to say that nothing has changed.
Reading this book made me feel like I was back in his class, just conversing with him among classmates. I hadn’t even finished the book before I told my partner that I would like for him to read it; it makes you want to have conversations and exchange thoughts and ideas. It made me miss the author’s class.
There are several great quotes, and unsurprisingly to me, a few Nietzsche references. We had read The Gay Science in his class and it stuck with me so this was very much welcomed.
While it’s difficult for me to pinpoint exactly what I took away from this read, it doesn’t mean that nothing made its mark. When it comes to more philosophical literature, I usually have to sit with it for a while. I tend to connect more with the thoughts and emotions it provokes rather than the content itself but that doesn’t diminish the writing either! Overall, it’s a great and relatively fast read that I believe is worth your time.
Memorable Quotes:
“Anger cannot be moderated by reason precisely because anger actively impairs our capacity for reason.” – Page 22
“If we have to act everywhere before we can act somewhere, then we probably won’t act anywhere.” – Page 35
“Balrog Quebecois”
Pages: 22, 35, 40, 52, 57, 61, 64-65, 79, 85, 117, 136, 178-181
Heart of Darkness and the Congo Diary by Joseph Conrad
“[Heart of Darkness] is a story within a story following a character named Charlie Marlow, who recounts his adventure to a group of men onboard an anchored ship.” – Goodreads
Symbolic Narrative ● Pages 97 (There are over 136 pages if you choose to read all of the notes)
Rating: ★★
Enjoyment:★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
There were a few good lines/paragraphs but let’s say it wasn’t a “smooth” read. I felt myself wanting to skim over parts to get to the end quicker. Perhaps I wasn’t in the right mindset for it at the time but after three different instances of thinking, “Okay, that was a bit interesting; maybe now it will pick up” and having it not pick up, I just… don’t even know what to say about this one. However, while the writing IS good, I couldn’t connect with it.
Animal Farm by George Orwell
“‘Animal Farm’ by George Orwell, an allegorical novel, tells the story of a group of farm animals who rebel against their human masters to create a society of equality and freedom.” – Book Analysis
Beast Fable ● Pages 96
Rating: ★★★★
Enjoyment:★★★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
Every time I hear about Animal Farm, I think of school projects and it either being a hit or miss to the reader. I think it can be read with the message (very easily) going right over a person’s head. “Why do I care about animals on a farm?”, is usually what you hear from those who don’t quite understand the significance of the book.
As a whole, Animal Farm is a political allegory that contains themes of inequality, power, and corruption. I tried to go into reading it without knowing the meaning behind it to see what I thought. In the end, it’s a bit hard to read it without knowing the author was trying to get a message across. (The animals coming together, protecting their views, democracy etc). It’s a fast read that unexpectedly made me a tad emotional but that feeling was fleeting. It’s good to read at least once!
The Reader by Bernhard Schlink
“When he falls ill on his way home from school, fifteen-year-old Michael Berg is rescued by Hanna, a woman twice his age. In time she becomes his lover—then she inexplicably disappears. When Michael next sees her, he is a young law student, and she is on trial for a hideous crime. As he watches her refuse to defend her innocence, Michael gradually realizes that Hanna may be guarding a secret she considers more shameful than murder.” – Goodreads
Historical Fiction ● Pages 218
Rating: ★★★★★
Enjoyment:★★★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
I had seen the movie but it was so long ago, I was able to go into reading it with quite “fresh” eyes. It is heartfelt, emotional, and an overall enjoyable read that leaves you with one last “BOOM” to the heart, and then the tears fall.
The Reader is one of my favorite reads of this year so far. While reading it, I didn’t know how I was feeling about it, and then by the end, you’re almost surprised by your own emotions and reactions. It creeps up with you, on you, and you’re left heartbroken and healed all at once.
Perhaps, I’ll watch the movie again to see how my opinions may differ now that I have read the book.
Memorable Quotes:
“I was learning in school. I told her about Homer, Cicero, and Hemingway’s story about the old man and his battle with the fish and the sea.” – Page 42
“Does everyone feel this way?” (And all of page 67)
“[…] but she was not willing to earn victory at the price of exposure as an illiterate.”- Page 138
All of page 148
“I wanted simultaneously to understand Hanna’s crime and condemn it.” – Page 157
Holly by Stephen King
“One of Stephen King’s most compelling and ingeniously resourceful characters returns in this thrilling novel to solve the gruesome truth behind multiple disappearances in a midwestern town.” –Goodreads
Horror, Suspense, Fiction ● Pages 450
Rating:★★★★
Enjoyment:★★★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★
I had been eager to read this ever since watching Mr Mercedes. Even though I had been warned about it consisting of A LOT of COVID-related issues, it was manageable. (I can understand why it would be unbearable for some, though). It still manages to captivate you and keep you excited about what will happen by the end.
I had to put it down once, I teared up a couple of times, I laughed here and there and overall, I was pleasantly surprised. After hearing so many conflicting reviews, I didn’t know how I would react to it but it was a lot better than I thought. The author’s note was a great addition at the end but I almost wish I had been able to read it before reading the book. (I was afraid that I would have the story ruined so I avoided it).
I’m very glad that I read it and I’m happy to have it as part of my collection. It’s not like we can pretend that COVID didn’t happen, right? If you’re able to get over how much it is discussed and can focus on the story at hand, you should be able to enjoy it for what it is.
*Side note: As I put it down after reading in bed before falling asleep, I noticed parts of the cover glow in the dark! How cool is that?!*
Memorable Quotes:
“A world of words dies with her”. – Page 347 I would have this on my tombstone, I love it that much.
“‘And if pigs could fly, poop would rain all around us’, Holly mutters.” – Page 350
“What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?” reference on page 369 was also smile-inducing.
Tolstoy Selected Stories by Leo Tolstoy
“One of the most accomplished authors in history, Tolstoy has inspired and influenced generations of readers. While celebrated for his masterpieces Anna Karenina and War and Peace, his short stories are just as compelling. This collection includes ‘The Story of Ivan the Fool’, ‘Ilys’, and many more of Tolstoy’s finest tales, and it demonstrates the raw power and emotion of his narrative genius.” – Goodreads
Realistic Fiction ● Pages 301
Rating: ★★★
Enjoyment:★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
I can see why Tolstoy was (is) so popular; there is much to be learned in these stories. If nothing else, it would be hard to not spend some time self-reflecting as you read through them. Since it is a collection of stories, it’s hard to pinpoint a “main take”. There are simply many lessons that can be learned from each story if you keep your eyes and mind open.
Some of these stories felt like they were over too soon (the downside of short stories, I suppose), while others I had a harder time connecting with. However, there is a message in each one and this seems like quite a good way to ease yourself into Tolstoy’s work. (I HAVE to start Anna Karenina and actually finish it this time).
Memorable Quotes:
“It’s you that don’t see; malice blinds you. Others’ sins are before your eyes, but your own are behind your back.” Page 178 (I love this!)
“Fortune turns like a wheel. One man it lifts, another it sets down.” – Page 163
“Sirs, it seems to me that it is chiefly pride that prevents men agreeing with one another on matters of faith”. – Page 275
The Peace by Roméo Dallaire
“International humanitarian icon and bestselling author General Roméo Dallaire guides readers on a crucial and inspiring journey from past wars through post-modern conflict toward a vision of lasting peace. In The Peace, Roméo Dallaire shows us the past, present and future of war through the prism of his own life. Trained in classic warfare during the Cold War era of mutual deterrence, Dallaire in good faith commanded the UN’s peacekeeping mission for Rwanda in 1994, only to see the country abandoned and descend into the hell of genocide.” – Goodreads
Non-Fiction, War ● Pages 234
Rating: ★★★★★
Enjoyment:★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★
I knew going into reading this that it wouldn’t be a “fun” experience. It was interesting to learn and experience the conflict and surrounding issues from his experience and firsthand knowledge; a perspective that comes from being a part of it, witnessing it, living it.
As someone who wielded so much power, he hopes to guide us to a better place by looking at his experiences. As stated on Goodreads, “[…] shows us a path to what he calls “the peace”, a state where humanity values the ties that bind us and the planet together- and acts accordingly”.
This isn’t my “typical” genre but I wanted to try it and learn about it before the book was passed on to a family member. It can be so much easier to bury your head in the sand but the topics, issues, and events are important to know about.
It’s a tough read emotionally but that’s partially the point; this isn’t a work of fiction and such conditions shouldn’t be “easy” to swallow. It’s real life; it’s not pretty, and things need to constantly change and evolve.
Memorable Quotes:
There are so many good quotes in this book. The foreword alone intrigues you and the entire book is full of hard-hitters. As seen on pages 1, 2, 15, 37, 53, 57, 75, 86, 87, 98, 101, 104, 118, 121, 127, 131, 134, 138-140, 144, 154 to the final page.
“I had raged that if Rwanda’s 350 mountain gorillas had been at risk, I would have received more support from the international community than I had with a million human lives on the line”. (I love Dian Fossey and her work but this line sends a message!)
“Genocide would matter. We should mind.” – Page 44
“Hate is our most dangerous emotional by-product.” – Page 83
“I have to believe that women will soon succeed in loosening the hold men have had over humanity, that iron grip nurtured by religious, social and economic structures designed and built by men.” – Page 144
Spider’s Web by Agatha Christie (Adapted by Charles Osborne)
“Clarissa, wife of a diplomat, is adept at spinning tales of adventure but when a murder takes place in her drawing room she finds live drama much harder to cope with. Desperate to dispose of the body before her husband arrives with an important politician, she enlists the help of her guests. Hilarity ensues when they are interrupted by the arrival of wry detective, Inspector Lord.” – The Home of Agatha Christie
Mystery ● Pages 270
Rating: ★★★★★
Enjoyment:★★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
Reading an adaptation of a play adds a bit of a fun element to it; you usually visualize as you read but imagining it being played out on stage was even more enjoyable. It’s a simple “whodunnit” that keeps you guessing and at one point, you’re hoping that there’s just one big misunderstanding because it doesn’t make sense. Overall, it’s a fun ride.
I also learned that Christie was challenged by her sister, Madge, who didn’t believe she could write a good detective story. Look at what ensued!
Memorable Quotes:
“When you get to my age, you’ll realize how very often people are simply not what they seem”. – Page 138
“Of course I know that”, Clarissa retorted. “It says so in all the detective stories. But, you see, this is real life”. – Page 191
“Do go and make that coffee, darling,” Henry replied. “You can tell me all your lovely rigmarole tomorrow”. – Page 261
“How extraordinary it is,” she observed. “All my life nothing has really happened to me, and tonight I’ve had a lot.” – Page 261
If I Knew Then: Finding Wisdom in Failure and Power in Aging by Jann Arden
Memoir ● Pages 203
Rating: ★★★★★
Enjoyment:★★★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
I’m never surprised when songwriters become authors- their way with words is beautiful. I love reading their work and getting to know a different version of them. It’s an intimate experience and this book is no different. It is enjoyable!
I didn’t want to have a biased opinion due to my family’s love of her as an artist; it’s not hard to go into this with fresh eyes, though. I appreciate her writing; she creates a good balance of deep lessons and humorous moments.
Memorable Quotes:
As with Romeo Dallaire’s book, there are several good quotes throughout this book. Some of my favorites can be found on pages 6, 17, 22, 24-25, 36, 45, 48, 50-51, 56, 58, 60, 62, 84-87, 106, 117, 124, 130
“Having a purposeful life at any age is what “prime” is. Creating things, discovering things, and helping other people do the same will change you.” – Page 121
“You mustn’t give up on your future self.” – Page 134
“The little things have a huge impact on how you make your way through the world.” – Page 135
“You have to find time to be by yourself. You’ll never hear what’s going on inside you otherwise.” – Page 145
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
“The Silent Patient is a shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband—and of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive.” – Macmillan Publishers
Psychiatry, Crime ● Pages 323
Rating: ★★★★★
Enjoyment:★★★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
This was a fun thriller to read. You hope to get some sort of resolution and not be left with a cliffhanger ending. I unknowingly figured it out about halfway through but I thought I was wrong so I pushed it out of my mind.
Will the silent patient STAY silent?!
With thrillers and mysteries being my favorite genres, I always go into reading them hoping for the best. This one kept my attention throughout. I can’t say too much (no spoilers!) but it’s a fun journey.
The writing style was up my alley and I am always intrigued by psychological-based storylines. I read the majority of it in one day but had to pause to read books that were loaned to me in between. If that hadn’t been the case, it would have been read within a day or two. (The person who let me borrow it read it in one night). It was also enjoyable enough to make me wonder what else Michaelides has written so that’s always a good sign.
Memorable Quotes:
“I mustn’t put strangeness where there’s nothing. I think that is the danger of keeping a diary: you exaggerate everything, you are on the lookout, and you continually stretch the truth.” – Page 205
“The aim of therapy is not to correct the past, but to enable the patient to confront his own history, and to grieve over it.” – Page 225
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
“Slaughterhouse-Five is an account of Billy Pilgrim’s capture and incarceration by the Germans during the last years of World War II, and scattered throughout the narrative are episodes from Billy’s life both before and after the war, and from his travels to the planet Tralfamadore (Trawl-fahm-uh-door).” – Cliffsnotes
Postmodern, Sci-Fi, Historical Fiction ● Pages 215
Rating: ★★★
Enjoyment:★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
Revolving around the bombing of Dresden and its aftereffects, it shows how needless war is, how destructive it is, and how there are everlasting consequences. I went in and out of understanding why this book is talked about so much. I do get it and there is a good mixture of sadness and comic relief.
As seen below in the memorable quotes portion, I highly enjoyed some of the lines and ideas. It did seem to jump around a lot and it made me question what the point/message was. Apparently, that was the point.
Also, “So it goes” being featured a million times (okay, 106 times to be exact) really stood out. Overall, it’s a good mixture of war and sci-fi themes.
Memorable Quotes:
“I asked myself about the present: how wide it was, how deep it was, how much was mine to keep”. – Page 18
My favorite lines are on Page 88, as seen here:
“And on and on it went- that duet between the dumb, praying lady and the big, hollow man was so full of loving echoes”. – Page 103
“Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt”. – Page 122
“If you stop taking pride in your appearance, you will very soon die”. – Page 145
“Schlachthof meant slaughterhouse”. – Page 153
The Bittlemores by Jann Arden
“A heartfelt, comic, and deeply satisfying debut novel from the #1 bestselling author, singer-songwriter, member of Canada’s Music Hall of Fame and star of her own hit TV sitcom. A little bit All Creatures Great and Small, a little bit Fargo and all Jann Arden!” – Amazon
Rural Fairytale ● Pages 375
Rating: ★★★★
Enjoyment:★★★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
After really enjoying If I Knew Then, I was excited to read a work of fiction by Jann Arden. It didn’t disappoint! I laughed out loud numerous times and really enjoyed the book. It kept my attention throughout the whole thing.
Revolving around family secrets, lies, wanting to know the truth about who you are, abuse… a lot of themes are covered and it’s quite the ride! (I also love the little sketches at the start of each chapter. They’re small but they’re cute!)
I enjoyed this book and find it funny how many of the books I am reading lately are similar/related to themes from Animal Farm. (I read it for the first time not too long ago and now it seems to be everywhere. Ain’t that the way the story goes?)
I would continue to read anything Arden publishes- I think her stories are great.
Memorable Quotes:
“We think we’re punishing the people who deserve it, but we’re really only punishing ourselves”. – Page 20
“Margaret loved school more than anything in the world, except maybe cows […]” – Page 24
“It made the back of Harp’s eye sockets ache”. – Page 43
“Everyone has their own stuff to deal with in life, that’s for sure”. – Page 118
“[…] Never underestimate the small things.” – Page 363
Pages: 45, 50, Nancy Drew on pg. 106, “According to Science…” on pg. 202, “Swallowed a rainbow” on pg. 218, Edmund Fitzgerald on pg. 255
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
“Remarkably Bright Creatures is a novel that explores the unlikely bond between a woman named Tova and an intelligent octopus named Marcellus at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Tova, a widow, finds solace in her night shift at the aquarium after the loss of her husband and the mysterious disappearance of her son. As secrets unfold, their connection deepens, and Marcellus provides a unique perspective12345.” – Bing Synopsis Search
General Adult Fiction ● Pages 360
Rating: ★★★★
Enjoyment:★★★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
This is a book that I kept hearing about non-stop so I was worried I wouldn’t end up liking it. However, I was hopeful and it’s a good thing I was; I loved it! I believe that it deserves the hype.
Will an octopus help a woman with her life’s darkest, saddest moment? Can he use the strength he has left to do one last act of kindness before his time comes? Love, friendship, aging and new stages of life, loss- this story has everything.
Throughout the story, you very easily hope all the characters get as happy ending as possible. This includes a happy ending for the octopus. It may sound odd to have an octopus’ fate be so meaningful but like many other books I’ve read this year, you root for all of them (animals and humans alike). I love animals so it really shouldn’t be surprising how close to them I feel throughout these books, yet it is.
It was a pleasant book and the writing, not the content itself, made me cry. It’s a beautifully descriptive story that leaves your heart full. I will keep my eyes open for future novels by Shelby Van Pelt- this was her first book!
Memorable Quotes:
“Sometimes she still feels as if she’s a mistaken jigsaw piece who found her way into the wrong puzzle.”
– Page 19
“Humans have few redeeming qualities, but their fingerprints are miniature works of art.” – Page 59
“Is this part of being in your thirties? Out of touch with the music kids like?” – Page 133
“Conscience does make cowards of us all, huh?” – Page 177
“No, the deal is never anyone’s fault. But you control the way you play.” – Page 257
“Humans. For the most part, you are full and blundering. But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures.” – Page 350
Other pages: 29-30, 236, 305, *330*
The House At The End Of The World by Dean Koontz
“In retreat from a devastating loss and crushing injustice, Katie lives alone in a fortresslike stone house on Jacob’s Ladder island. The neighboring island of Ringrock houses a secret: a government research facility. And now two agents have arrived on Jacob’s Ladder in search of someone―or something―they refuse to identify.
Katie soon finds herself in an epic and terrifying battle with a mysterious enemy. But Katie’s not alone after all: a brave young girl appears out of the violent squall. As Katie and her companion struggle across a dark and eerie landscape, against them is an omnipresent terror that could bring about the end of the world.” – Amazon
General Adult Fiction ● Pages 360
Rating: ★★★
Enjoyment:★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
I’ll start this off by saying that this is not my favorite Dean Koontz book. It felt long with barely anything happening and then it’s over without the reader feeling too connected to the characters. There was one point that made me think, “This is really great writing” but the rest was… mediocre.
I will always read any Dean Koontz book- he’s been a favorite of mine ever since my older Sister introduced me to his books. However, I am relieved that this wasn’t my first experience with his work. It felt like he was trying to incorporate today’s world events with things that have been done 100 times before in an attempt to stay relevant. (It hurts me to write all of this).
In summary, there is a woman who has tried her best to live a life away from everything and everyone after a few awful life events occur. Strange things begin to happen, she meets a girl who joins her and her fox (the best part of the story) on a journey to safety. All the while, it’s a tad unclear as to what is actually happening. While this adds a sense of mystery to the whole thing, it isn’t written in ways that leave you on the edge of your seat too often.
There is a part where she cooks a meal and as a foodie, I really enjoyed that segment. There were also a few instances where the vocabulary used was interesting and it made me look up a couple of definitions. (I love learning while reading so this gave the book brownie points).
Overall, I’m glad I have it in my collection since it’s one of his newest books but it’s not a book that I would rush to recommend to anyone.
Memorable Quotes:
The entire first page of the “Turning Down The Bed” chapter.
“She always reads with dinner […]” – Page 26
On page 37, I really like the change in font that is used for such a long amount of text.
“There is something sacred about great suffering, and it is the sacredness that makes the pain endurable”. – Page 67
“Whole societies go mad”. – Page 135
“People are books of a kind, each one a story”. – Page ?
Pages 68, 86, 116, 134, 144, 375-376, 380
X by Sue Grafton
“X is the twenty-fourth novel in the “Alphabet” series of mystery novels by Sue Grafton. It features Kinsey Millhone, a private detective based in Santa Teresa, California” – Wikipedia
Mystery ● Pages 403
Rating: ★★
Enjoyment: ★★★
Ease of Reading: ★★★★
Perhaps I should have read all of these books (The Alphabet series) in order but I heard that it wasn’t necessary. Does this book make me want to read the rest of the series? Not urgently. I didn’t love this book but it was… okay.
It feels like until the final chapter, nothing really happens. A lot of groundwork is laid but it builds up to an immensely forgettable interaction. It’s very anti-climactic and it feels like the story is more about her neighbors than any crime. I kept forgetting what she was trying to uncover/accomplish and now that I’m done reading the book, I couldn’t even really tell you what WAS accomplished.
Again, maybe if I cared more about the character from reading the other books in the series, I would feel differently. However, there isn’t anything dramatic or suspenseful happening except for one part and it was very… “Rated G”. It feels more like an episode of Desperate Housewives or something for some reason. I can’t explain it.
Memorable Quotes:
“I brushed my teeth, washed my face, and slid under the covers. Once I found my place, I read until midnight, thinking life was swell.” – Page 27
“I play word games.” – Page 75
No, these aren’t groundbreaking quotes but they resemble my life quite well so they made me smile.
Tender Is The Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica
“Tender is the Flesh portrays a society in which a virus has contaminated all animal meat. Because of the lack of animal flesh, cannibalism becomes legal. Marcos, a human meat supplier, is conflicted by this new society, and tortured by his own personal losses.” – Wikipedia
Psychological Fiction, Dystopian ● Pages 209
Rating: ★★
Enjoyment: ★★
Ease of Reading: ★★★★★ (The writing is easy to read; the content… not so much).
This is another, “What am I reading?” kind of book. It’s a hard-to-swallow book and I don’t recommend it for anyone with a weak stomach. (Ba dum dum tsss- you’ll get it if you read it). It’s not pleasant, there’s gore, there’s baby loss and basically, the entire thing is a content warning sign. I appreciate that the person who let me borrow this “trending” book had warned me about some of the content. They double-checked to make sure that I would be okay reading it due to some of my personal life experiences. It’s not an easy read in this sense and I can’t stress enough to be careful as you go.
As I was reading this, I just wanted it to be over. At the same time, I needed to know how it ended. I’m unsure if it’s because I cared about the events of the book. Or, if I had read so much of it already, I couldn’t stop reading it. It’s almost like when there’s a tragic accident that you don’t want to see but you also can’t look away.
It may make some readers queasy, and I’ll need a book palate cleanser before diving into another “serious” novel. (Hello, Rupi Kaur’s The Sun and Her Flowers). With all of this being said, there were more memorable quotes than I thought there would be.
Will I recommend this book to anyone? No. Would I stop you from reading it if you’re curious? I can’t. Just be careful.
Memorable Quotes:
“The words are there, encapsulated. They’re rotting behind the madness.” – Page 49
“How many hearts need to be stored in boxes for the pain to be transformed into something else? But the pain, he intuits, is the only thing that keeps him breathing.” – Page 72
“Because hatred gives one strength to go on; it maintains the fragile structure, it weaves the threads together so that emptiness doesn’t take over everything.” – Page 75
“He knows that Cecilia will never get better. He knows she’s broker, that the pieces of her have no way of mending”. – Page 79
“[…] there’s been a silence that nobody hears”. – Page 92
“She had a human look of a domesticated animal”. – Page 209
Most of Page 141.
The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur
“The Sun and Her Flowers addresses the subjects of loss (of a loved one and of the self), grief, pain, self-discovery, self-love, and other complexities of the human experience. It is a book that grows as one flips through the pages.” – Medium
Fiction, Poetry ● Pages 252
Rating: ★★★
Enjoyment: ★★★★
Ease of Reading: ★★★★★
I’ll start by saying that I don’t read a lot of poetry. I respect it but it isn’t something I think about reading often. I enjoyed the experience of reading this. Some parts were hard and a tad “triggering” but they are also necessary. (They are good conversation starters for hard topics).
Overall, the works cover women, their experiences (both good and bad), what they learn from them, and how everything shapes them. It touches on relationships with men, women, family, the world, and our place in it.
It makes me curious about her other work. At times I felt like she knew me and my thoughts. Other times, it is very clear that we are different (and that’s okay!).
For a book that can be read in a day, it was worth at least trying it out and I’m glad that I did. Overall, I enjoyed it and the illustrations are definitely a bonus. Perhaps, I’ll read Milk and Honey eventually.
Memorable Quotes:
There are many, many, quotes that I connected with.
“I spend days debilitated by loss, I attempt to cry you back”. – Page 18
“Never feel guilty for starting again”. – Page 160
“You do not just wake up and become the butterfly- growth is a process”. – Page 87
Others on pages: 18, 27, the photo on page 29, 32, 46, 54, 55, 60, 67, 89, 95, 109, 110, 114-115, 123, 130, 134, 138, 142, 156
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
“From the legendary music producer, a master at helping people connect with the wellsprings of their creativity, comes a beautifully crafted book many years in the making that offers that same deep wisdom to all of us.” – Indigo
Self-Improvement, Creativity, Intention ● Pages 405
Rating: ★★★★
Enjoyment: ★★★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
After hearing such rave reviews, I was really excited to (finally) read this. I had it for months before getting around to it, but I wanted to ensure I was in the right mindset. It’s an insightful read that offers interesting ideas on how to hone any creative spark you may have. It’s not exactly “life-altering”, but it’s good. I found it especially interesting as a writer (and hopefully an author one day) and I look forward to implementing some of what I learned into my own life.
I have a difficult time summarizing this book, but it does offer a lot to reflect on. It will resonate differently with everyone who reads it. The lesson(s) you take from it will differ depending on who you are, your passions, your experiences, etc. It makes you want to try new things and perhaps even perfect aspects of what you already enjoy doing.
Memorable Quotes:
“We are dealing in a magic realm. Nobody knows why or how it works”.
“Many people may seem walled off. But sometimes walls can provide different ways of seeing over and around obstacles”.
“The universe never explains why”.
More on pages: 7, 33, 38, 45, 50-51, 75, 80, 98, 100, 110, 114, 116, 133, 135, 139, 173-174, 178, 181, 190, 193, 196, 270-271, 286, 289, 296, 315, 318, 332
The Last Time They Met by Anita Shreve
“Anita Shreve, the bestselling author of The Pilot’s Wife, returns with a dazzling new novel about love, forgiveness, and paths not followed.” – Book Browse
Contemporary Fiction ● Pages 313
Rating: ★★★★
Enjoyment:★★★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
The story of Linda and Thomas- their love affairs, years apart, and heartbreak.
This isn’t my typical genre but it wasn’t bad! The end alone made the rest of it worth it while also intriguing you, and making you want more. Overall, I went back and forth with liking it but I did enjoy it! It’s hard to explain really.
I cried my eyes out unexpectedly towards the end. (The discussion with the priest was heavy). It feels like a lightbulb moment of understanding who Linda is. And then…
THE END- WHAT?!
I went from being super confused to gasping. I was not expecting the end. It makes you want to read The Weight of Water to find out more.
Memorable Quotes
“There was comfort in thinking the worst had happened.” – Page 37
“I don’t remember as much as I used to. I don’t even remember what I don’t remember.” – Page 52
“She felt with the shiver the rare sensation that she was exactly where she should be.” – Page 99
“Dissidence is only words” – This entire paragraph on Page 145
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
” […] vividly and poetically recounts the downfall of a family while exploring issues regarding politics, race, religion, and class.” – Book Analysis
Fictional Drama ● Pages 321
Rating: ★★
Enjoyment:★★
Ease of Reading:★★★
This was a long one; not because of the number of pages but the content itself. It made me nauseous a couple of times, one time being much worse than the other. Then, it felt like even though timeline-wise, it was in order there was still no order. In the end, I was left wondering what the point of it all was.
I am not ignorant of cultural differences/similarities but I still couldn’t wrap my head around whether perhaps you had to be in a certain group of people to truly connect with the book. This is not to say that I haven’t had my fair share of hard times, but this felt… different.
Even while being empathetic, I didn’t take anything away from this book. Life, trauma, loyalty… it’s life! It read like poetry at some points and these were really beautiful moments. However, this isn’t a book that I would be able to recommend to anyone. I wanted to like it but except for a few good lines, I don’t believe I see anyone I know enjoying it. It was difficult to get through and it just felt like trauma dumping (which I am completely fine with) but with no healing, lessons, or growth attached to it.
Once I was done, I read a deeper explanation of what happened to make sure I got the storyline and characters straight. After a lightbulb moment, one crucial moment was made to be a billion times worse.
Overall, I would not read it again and I didn’t enjoy it all that much. I would usually give it a lower rating but the lines I liked were beautiful and I respect the writing style as a whole. The story itself simply isn’t for me, and that’s okay.
Memorable Quotes:
“She’s living her life backwards” – Page 23
“Things can change in a day” – Page 156
“(a) Anything can happen to Anyone.
and
(b) It’s best to be prepared.” – Page 186
“Ammu flew through her dreams on heavy, shuddering wings, and stopped to rest, just under the skin of it”. – Page 207
Other quotes: Pages 52-53, 61, 162, 181, 197, 210
A Short Stay in Hell by Steven L. Peck
Fantasy Fiction ● Pages 110
Rating: ★★★
Enjoyment: ★★★
Ease of Reading: ★★★★★
Memorable Quotes:
“I finished the cup, but I felt like I had betrayed something deep within me. Only a little over a week in Hell and I had abandoned a lifelong belief. What if this was just some trial God had arranged to test my backbone? What if this Hell was really all a ruse concocted by God to see what I was made of? But no, there was something real and final about this Hell. I can’t describe it, but there was a deep sense that this was more real than anything I had experienced on earth.” – Page 40
“Where do all the things you believed go, when all the supporting structure is found to be a myth? How do you know how or on what to take a moral stand, how do you behave when it turns out there are no cosmic rules, no categorical imperatives?” – Page 52
All of Page 65
“But somehow I feared the defining point of this Hell was its unrelenting uniformity, its lack of variation from type. If there was a heaven at the end of this, it must be filled with great variety, perhaps a multiplicity of intelligent species spread across universes. Yes, heaven would be as full of difference as Hell was of sameness.” – Page 87
Pages 3, 15, 24
Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
“In this exhilarating novel, two friends—often in love, but never lovers—come together as creative partners in the world of video game design, where success brings them fame, joy, tragedy, duplicity, and, ultimately, a kind of immortality.” – Goodreads
Fiction ● Pages 401
Rating: ★★★
Enjoyment:★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★
I had seen this book everywhere for the longest time. After seeing so many people talking about it and having a videogame theme, I didn’t know how I would feel about it. In the end, it wasn’t what I was expecting and I would classify reading this as “interesting”.
It made me think about how every human has different life experiences. And, how so many different things shape us. Finding people to connect with, even while being so different is rare; it’s also special and important.
Throughout reading it, right when I went back to thinking I wasn’t connecting to it as well as die hard gamers would, something else would happen that would pull me back in. It really is about so much more than “just” creating a video game. The love, friendship, trauma, and growth… there are so many heavy topics discussed that you can connect to.
While it isn’t my favorite book of the year, it was a lot better than I initially thought it would be.
Memorable Quotes:
“Demurely” was written on page 180 and because of the times we’re in, this made me laugh.
All of page 192 but especially: “She did not regret having dated Abe, or that it had ended. […] Long relationships might be richer, but relatively brief, relatively uncomplicated encounters with interesting people could be lovely as well. Every person you knew, every person you loved even, did not have to consume you for the time to have been worthwhile.”
Pages: 200, 219, 226, 228, 257, 311**, 331, 369, 381 (for the AI bit), 383*, 394*
Feeding My Mother by Jann Arden
“Based on her hugely popular Facebook posts and Instagram photos, Feeding My Mother is a frank, funny, inspirational and piercingly honest account of the transformation in Jann Arden’s life that has turned her into the primary “parent” to her mom, who is in the grip of Alzheimer’s.” – Amazon
Autobiography ● Pages 224
Rating: ★★★★
Enjoyment:★★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
Since I read If I Knew Then and The Bittlemores previously this year, I knew more of what to expect from a Jann Arden book. This book didn’t stray from her humor and insight. It’s deep, funny, and moving- it’s another great read.
It made me more appreciative of the time I have with family, which I already value immensely. You feel connected to her and her Mom; you can’t imagine the emotions attached unless it were you and your family experiencing it. Take one day at a time.
I said the same thing after reading Jann Arden’s other book- I would read anything she writes. I really enjoyed this book and I cried quite hard about four times. (This may seem like a theme- that my crying is just a usual reaction but I promise, it really does tug on certain heartstrings).
Memorable Quotes:
There were so many good quotes that I just took photos of every sentence, paragraph, and page I loved. (I have an album of book quotes). Many of my favorite quotes from this book were lengthy, so I won’t be writing pages and pages here.
From Here To The Great Unknown: A Memoir by Lisa Marie Presley
“Born to an American myth and raised in the wilds of Graceland, Lisa Marie Presley tells her whole story for the first time in this raw, riveting, one-of-a-kind memoir faithfully completed by her daughter, Riley Keough.” – Goodreads
Memoir ● Pages 304
Rating: ★★★★
Enjoyment:★★★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
I wasn’t alive for the height of the Elvis “frenzy” but I did hear about his children here and there as I was growing up. While I wasn’t necessarily a fan of his, this book was interesting nonetheless. It’s easy to read and I was emotional a couple of times which I wasn’t expecting at all.
It’s neat to get a glimpse of Presley life (and not just the razzle-dazzle aspects of it either). I think it helps to take the “idolization” and fame out of the equation in terms of who they are. They were just human beings who were dealt with some hard times- who hasn’t, right?
It is over 300 pages long and I read it in less than a day- that’s how easy it is to read it. It’s quite emotional at some points and I really enjoyed it. I cried quite hard at one point when she discussed wanting to stay in Elvis’ bed- I think we’ve all had that feeling of wanting to hold tight and not move from a spot that provides comfort.
The insight of life in the public eye was neat but it didn’t feel overdone either. Yes, they experienced a lot of things (perks) that most people wouldn’t due to his fame but it didn’t feel like there was even an ounce of gloating about it. It’s just the way her life was.
Overall, I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it if you’re even remotely interested in the Presley family.
Memorable Quotes:
Preface – Page xii
“[…] The physical connection we have to the voices of our loved ones is profound”. – Page xii
“Um, can I get off?” – Page 40
“You must have something bigger than the rush drugs give you, bigger than that feeling […]” Page 106
Titanic reference- Page 165, The Hobbit reference- Page 179, Jaws reference- Page 188, Maggie May reference- Page 191
Pages 256, 263, 266
Mr Mercedes by Stephen King
“In a high-suspense race against time, three of the most unlikely heroes Stephen King has ever created try to stop a lone killer from murdering thousands.” – Simon & Schuster
Mystery/Thriller ● Pages 436
Rating: ★★★★
Enjoyment:★★★★★
Ease of Reading:★★★★★
Even though I had watched (and loved) the show, quite a bit of time has passed between then and now reading the book. I never know how much the show may stray from the story so I was extremely excited to read this. I love the book as much (if not more) than the show. Watching the show first didn’t take away from reading the book, which, is quite rare.
It’s another great Stephen King tale. The relationships between the characters play such a big role in this, even if they aren’t shoved down your throat. It all happens so organically that you don’t even truly realize how much you care for the characters until you turn the final pages.
I am so glad that I own this book now because it really takes you on a fun journey. It pulled on my heartstrings unexpectedly and overall, it’s a great book.
Memorable Quotes:
“Who is going to be the fish in this relationship, and who is going to be the fisherman?” – Page 148
Dexter Morgan reference – Page 191
“Any system created by the mind of man can be hacked by the mind of man.” – Page 207
“[…] but to the young, tragedies that don’t happen are only dreams. The memories: they’re reality.” – Page 420
Other Books
There were some books that I knew I wouldn’t want to write a full review for; these are shown in the image below. I need to make it clear that not writing a full review for these is not an indication of what I thought of the books. They were either more of a graphic novel genre or mostly photographs. The graphic novels had a lot more writing than I had expected and I enjoyed reading them for a change in genre. It’s fun to try new things!
Hello, 2025!
2024 was a very kind year to me in terms of reading and even if I had solely read ONE book, I would’ve been pleased. Although, it does feel wonderful to set a reading goal and to not only reach it but add to my goal as the year went on.
With this being said, if you are starting your reading journey and feel overwhelmed by everyone else’s goals or book count, please ignore them! Go at your own pace and enjoy the experience.
If you’d like to follow me on Goodreads and Instagram (@athomewithjoanna), please do so! I love finding other bookworm accounts so please, say hello! I’m starting to read James by Percival Everett so that is what I will be going into the New Year reading.
I have also been going to new (well, new to ME) bookstores and secondhand/thrift shops during some of my adventures and I have been finding some amazing deals on books. I’ll keep updating everyone on these adventures and the finds I make, so there is a lot more coming in 2025! Stay tuned!
Happy Reading, Everyone!
Related:
2023 Book Reviews
Things I Want My Daughters To Know Book Review
The Cradle by Patrick Somerville Book Review
