alltheradreads's Reviews (1.9k)

I wanted to love this one since I’ve enjoyed other books by Buxbaum but this one wasn’t my jam. I was about ready to throw the book across the room if i read one more “Baby Hope” reference (a fictional famous 9/11 photo of a baby who grows up to be the main character). It just felt trite and forced to me, and didn’t have the YA sparkle I adore. It got better and a little more interesting toward the end, but overall? Not a favorite!

I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my review! // I first heard Kate speak at an IF Gathering a few years ago, and have since read both of her books, and in the nicest way possible I’ve learned she just isn’t for me. Her story of losing her daughter is heartbreaking, but I find that her books focus on that a lot even when the theme and content seem like they should be broader. I just don’t resonate with her writing style, and have found both books to be suuuuuper similar to each other, and after hearing her talk, I haven’t learned anything new. Anyway— not for me.

A modern retelling of Wuthering Heights (which I haven’t read so can’t expound on!) with a love triangle, beautiful writing and a strong sense of place, enough suspense to keep me hooked, and a predictable ending. The first half was honestly hard to read because of an abusive older brother character, but I was able to stick it out and move past that to a less intense storyline. I’m torn on my thoughts on this one— it both felt slow and rushed, unique and predictable all at the same time... but I did enjoy it!

I looooved this one. I abandoned a Obama-era memoir this month that wasn’t doing it for me and this one not only made up for it but totally exceeded my hopes. It was lively and spunky and fun and not at all the political memoir I expected (more love/dating/hookups! less actual political talk! more behind the scenes peeks!) — big fan. Glad @girlsnightinclub chose this as their monthly book club pick to prompt me to grab it!

Big fan of this one— already added it to my Amazon cart so I can have a copy on hand whenever I need a creative boost! It’s chock full of exercises (from easy to more advanced) to help you really keep your eyes open, fuel your creative fire, and stay inspired, and I looooved it. I already put a few into action (and felt super validated by some I already do!) and found them so helpful and motivating.

This book baffled me. It’s a thriller that goes back in time and maybe I just wasn’t reading it when I was focused enough, but I could not track with the plot and all the characters. I skimmed most of it after the first 100 or so pages, trying to get the gist of how it all played out, and I was unimpressed. I do think the concept is intriguing, and feel like it might have just not been the book for me in this season of needing easier reads...

Grabbed this one to read by the pool last weekend, and although it felt pretty slow and unnecessarily long for the overall plot, I liked it in the end! It definitely got better as it went on and it didn’t have a really compelling grab in any way, but it was an easy read and held my attention. Some definite Parent Trap vibes here (twins got separated to each go with a parent after their divorce and they have a falling out, but later end up switching lives due to drama, etc)

A book hasn’t made me cry in a while. This one definitely did. Female friendships + parallel storylines + West Point and military service = suuuuuch a solid read. Big fan.

SO GOOD SO GOOD SO GOOD. Not at all what I expected (the cover threw me off for some reason?) but as soon as I picked this one off my shelf and read the first few pages to see if I should return it or keep it, I was hooked! Literally read it all in one sitting that night! If that isn’t a rave review, I don’t know what is.