Book Reviews
The Girl on the Train
Author: Paula Hawkins
Rating: 4 / 5
This novel takes the otherwise mundane train commute and brings it to life (or death?). Through Rachel's commute, we quickly see that things are not as they seem on the surface. I love that we get to experience the series of events unfolding from multiple points of view; each character has their flaws, and I really enjoyed being able to explore them. It comes together quickly, and yet slowly. It can be heavy at times, as each character has their traumas, but I couldn't put it down. Finished within a few days!
Verity
Author: Colleen Hoover
Rating: 3 / 5
Another thriller for my collection! Here, Lowen is a struggling writer tasked with ghost-writing for a famous author, Verity, who is alive but unable to finish her series. I read this one over the course of a flight - with each page you want to uncover the mystery of what happened to Verity's family. Uncovering the truth via Lowen is an interesting choice, though I do wish we could have heard more from Verity's standpoint. It gets dark very quickly - beware!
Yesteryear
Author: Caro Claire Burke
Rating: 5 / 5
In Yesteryear, our protagonist is a modern-day tradwife influencer who finds herself waking up in the 1800s. I found her hard to like, which is unusual for a first-person novel, but she hooks you right in anyway. Her internal dialogue is full of comments that are somehow relatable, which makes it all the more jarring. This book was an emotional rollercoaster for me. It was hard to put down, and I really enjoyed the twists and turns it made. It also left me thinking a lot about what we consume on products like Instagram, and about gender norms.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Rating: 3 / 5
A novel about two friends who design video games together. Admittedly, I do not play video games much, so perhaps I was not the target audience. Though the relationship and dynamic between the two friends is realistic and at times heartwarming, their relationship did not grow as much as I was hoping. The book had some interesting themes about love as well as thought-provoking discussion around pain and pain management. With all the gaming references however, the book felt a little long to me.
Lessons in Chemistry
Author: Bonnie Garmus
Rating: 5 / 5
The first 50-100 pages seemed a bit slow... and then suddenly I could not put down this book. Taking place in the 1950s and 60s, the protagonist, Elizabeth Zott, brazenly pushes back on the status quo and sexism around her as both a chemist and a rower. While many things have improved since then, some of the experiences are still relevant today, making this a poignant read. Despite that, there is an air of light-hearted humor too. I laughed and cried while reading this!
Carrie Soto Is Back
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Rating: 4 / 5
Having never really played tennis, I was not sure if I'd relate to this story about a tennis champion but I've always been a fan of TJR so I thought I'd pick it up. Despite that the book revolves around tennis, I could relate to the protagonist's desire for athleticism and her determination. Her conquest to triumph as she ages is inspiring and she is a strong heroine. If anything, now I feel inspired to learn more about tennis and give it a try. Was a fun read!
I'm Glad My Mom Died
Author: Jennette McCurdy
Rating: 4 / 5
I'm not one to pick up autobiographies or biographies very often, but McCurdy really lays it all out there in such a vulnerable and open way with this one that it's hard to walk away not feeling like you've learned something through her story. She does a fabulous job evolving the writing style as she ages throughout the book.
A Flicker in the Dark
Author: Stacy Willingham
Rating: 5 / 5
A captivating murder-mystery novel. Inadvertently devoured the book in five days! The characters are interesting and have a good amount of backstory to feel like you understand them. At certain thrilling moments, I could quite literally feel my heart beat rising. Overall, really enjoyed, and looking forward to reading more from this author!
The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre
Author: Natasha Lester
Rating: 3 / 5
Really interesting plot, though occasionally a bit confusing to keep up with. I really enjoyed that the author made a point to incorporate many historical details - obviously relating to WW2 but also relating to post-war Paris and the Maison de Dior. Was a fun read!
The Last Thing He Told Me
Author: Laura Dave
Rating: 4 / 5
Read this book in less than a week -- quite an easy read and the mystery element keeps you engaged. Being a Californian, I loved the California backdrop and could picture many of the scenes so well in my mind. The story is compelling and it was a fun read.
My Year of Rest and Relaxation
Author: Ottessa Moshfegh
Rating: 3 / 5
This book was certainly different. Has some interesting points around wealth, art, drugs, and what it means to rest. Disturbing and dark.
Nightbitch
Author: Rachel Yoder
Rating: 3 / 5
A strange yet enticing book. Thought provoking and enjoyable read, if at times a little disorienting and sad. Be warned, some scenes were incredibly intense and upsetting.
Detransition, Baby
Author: Torrey Peters
Rating: 5 / 5
I learned a lot from this book and found it to be a deeply emotional story about gender and parenthood. I was captivated till the very end. The characters were not always perfect, but it made the story feel all the more real.
Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
Author: Christopher McDougall
Rating: 2 / 5
As a runner, I thought I would love this book. It definitely inspired me to go run more, and I was convinced by the overarching argument that humans are indeed born to run. However, some of the facts presented are shaky and inconsistent with modern science. I thought it leaned more on story-telling than on facts. Once you can recognize this, it becomes a fun and inspiring read.
The Very Nice Box
Author: Laura Blackett
Rating: 5 / 5
Really fun, quirky book - couldn’t put it down. Kept me engaged from the beginning!
The Vanishing Half
Author: Brit Bennett
Rating: 5 / 5
Wow, such an incredibly moving story following the parallel, but completely different lives, of these two sisters who ultimately assume different racial identities. It completely captured my attention. I loved this book!
The Midnight Library
Author: Matt Haig
Rating: 5 / 5
Quirky, imaginative book about all the different life choices that we have as humans on this earth. Left me thinking about the ripple effects of small, sometimes seemingly innocuous, decisions.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Rating: 5 / 5
This was such a fun read! This book feels like a romance, with breakpoints established for each of Evelyn's seven husbands, but it has so much more life to it than just that. This is the life story of a woman, who, though fictional, feels very real. Thoroughly enjoyed this!
Normal People
Author: Sally Rooney
Rating: 4 / 5
Well written, sweet romance about two people navigating through life together (and apart). This one is a page turner, and you’ll find yourself having a hard time putting it down.
Anxious People
Author: Fredrik Backman
Rating: 5 / 5
Frederik Blackman did it again with another great book! I love this author. This story is not quite what you expect at the surface, but promises to provide witty insights on people in peculiar situations. It is a quick and delightful read.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
Author: Lori Gottlieb
Rating: 5 / 5
Loved this book. Refreshingly real, and with a sense of humor that you wouldn’t expect!