Take a photo of a barcode or cover
1.16k reviews by:
anabel_unker
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
Abby Hartmann, known as a cheerful, vivacious, tour-de-force, disappeared from the streets of the University of Iowa. Two weeks later, Jon Allen Blue brutally murdered two sorority girls as they slept and disfigured another before launching into a killing spree spreading from Iowa to Kentucky. With no body ever found, and, to the horror of her two closest friends, Abby fades into the background of Blue's other atrocities.
Bree and Chelsea, the girls left behind, are still struggling to find their footing twelve years after tragedy struck. Bree, a photography professor at a small college, still finds herself seeking out bad relationships in an ill-guided attempt for validation. Chelsea, a vicor at an Episcopal church, feels tethered despite her loving husband and devoted congregation. Neither can move past losing Abby, and with the execution of Blue looming closer-- so does the end of any chance of closure.
DON'T FORGET THE GIRL is marketed as a thriller, but I would argue it's a dark literary fiction that focuses on intense character development. Bree and Chelsea, are painfully flawed and scarred-- the entire book focused on exploring their raw grief and trauma. This book is not an intricate mystery, but it is a gripping examination of two humans at their brokest, and what lengths they will go to recover.
Abby Hartmann, known as a cheerful, vivacious, tour-de-force, disappeared from the streets of the University of Iowa. Two weeks later, Jon Allen Blue brutally murdered two sorority girls as they slept and disfigured another before launching into a killing spree spreading from Iowa to Kentucky. With no body ever found, and, to the horror of her two closest friends, Abby fades into the background of Blue's other atrocities.
Bree and Chelsea, the girls left behind, are still struggling to find their footing twelve years after tragedy struck. Bree, a photography professor at a small college, still finds herself seeking out bad relationships in an ill-guided attempt for validation. Chelsea, a vicor at an Episcopal church, feels tethered despite her loving husband and devoted congregation. Neither can move past losing Abby, and with the execution of Blue looming closer-- so does the end of any chance of closure.
DON'T FORGET THE GIRL is marketed as a thriller, but I would argue it's a dark literary fiction that focuses on intense character development. Bree and Chelsea, are painfully flawed and scarred-- the entire book focused on exploring their raw grief and trauma. This book is not an intricate mystery, but it is a gripping examination of two humans at their brokest, and what lengths they will go to recover.
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
Claire Sommers is making her way through the world on her own despite everyone's doubts she could. After making a massive mistake that left her disowned and shamed out of the Dallas high society, Claire has worked hard to carve a place for herself in the city of Nashville and find moderate success at her new job at Piece of Cake, a long-standing Southern bridal magazine. However, when her idea to save the print magazine is practically given to a stranger from New York-- Claire can't help but feel personally attacked. 'The Bride's Man', or Dominic Gravino, is a smooth talking, native New Yorker who's found success in the bridal industry offering insight and advice as an influencer. Claire doesn't trust him one bit, but reluctantly realizes it's better to go with the flow rather than fighting it. What follows is a fun journey through over-the-top Southern weddings, and some emotional ups and downs.
This book was truly a mixed bag for me. Claire, while she goes through some astounding character growth throughout the book, is hard to like. Similar to Piper Bellinger from It Happened One Summer (by Tessa Bailey), Claire exudes this indefinable 'rich-white-girl' attitude that can be difficult to relate to or sympathize with. Claire continually complains about how much she's struggling, while living in a charming apartment in Nashville (with no roommate!), a four-figure bank account, and products people on a budget typically won't even let themselves hope for (i.e. a Le Labo $80 candle and owning a Range Rover in a city???). There's a disconnect between what being poor actually is, and what living moderately comfortable is-- and for Claire, there seems to be no difference.
However, there were some genuinely sweet and funny moments throughout the book, and the (rather short) ending is tooth-achingly perfect. And the audiobook narrator did a wonderful job-- her accents and characterization make what is probably a slow moving book something enjoyable and entertaining from start to finish.
PIECE OF CAKE is a great choice for a summer rom-com read, or for fans of southern drama and weddings!
Claire Sommers is making her way through the world on her own despite everyone's doubts she could. After making a massive mistake that left her disowned and shamed out of the Dallas high society, Claire has worked hard to carve a place for herself in the city of Nashville and find moderate success at her new job at Piece of Cake, a long-standing Southern bridal magazine. However, when her idea to save the print magazine is practically given to a stranger from New York-- Claire can't help but feel personally attacked. 'The Bride's Man', or Dominic Gravino, is a smooth talking, native New Yorker who's found success in the bridal industry offering insight and advice as an influencer. Claire doesn't trust him one bit, but reluctantly realizes it's better to go with the flow rather than fighting it. What follows is a fun journey through over-the-top Southern weddings, and some emotional ups and downs.
This book was truly a mixed bag for me. Claire, while she goes through some astounding character growth throughout the book, is hard to like. Similar to Piper Bellinger from It Happened One Summer (by Tessa Bailey), Claire exudes this indefinable 'rich-white-girl' attitude that can be difficult to relate to or sympathize with. Claire continually complains about how much she's struggling, while living in a charming apartment in Nashville (with no roommate!), a four-figure bank account, and products people on a budget typically won't even let themselves hope for (i.e. a Le Labo $80 candle and owning a Range Rover in a city???). There's a disconnect between what being poor actually is, and what living moderately comfortable is-- and for Claire, there seems to be no difference.
However, there were some genuinely sweet and funny moments throughout the book, and the (rather short) ending is tooth-achingly perfect. And the audiobook narrator did a wonderful job-- her accents and characterization make what is probably a slow moving book something enjoyable and entertaining from start to finish.
PIECE OF CAKE is a great choice for a summer rom-com read, or for fans of southern drama and weddings!
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT is exactly what it was meant to be– it’s sweet, it’s romantic, and it’s even a little witty. It was a fun, quick read that gave me the tiny butterflies you get when reading a love story.
I didn’t love Annie’s tendency to curse like an eight year old, but the communication between her and Will was stellar (as was the chemistry).
The perfect addition to any beach bag, PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT will be sure to delight anybody on their summer break.
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
This book contains potentially sensitive topics including cancer, death, and cheating.
Influencer Bree Boyd never imagined she would die from leukemia– she had done too many amazing things, had too many amazing things left to do, to die at twenty six. But, in the last six months of her young life, once the reality of her mortality set in, she signed a contract that would change her family’s lives long after she was gone.
Jodie, Bree’s admittedly less outgoing sister, is stuck. She’s stuck at a dead-end job at a car rental stand in the local airport. She’s stuck living at her parent’s house so every penny can go towards her sister’s medical debt. She’s stuck watching her life pass her by– unable to move because of grief and fear. Until Bree, in a posthumous video announcement to her million Instagram followers, reveals Jodie will be completing the six remaining items on her bucket list with Iris Air in exchange for debt freedom. Suddenly, Jodie is swept along on a circus uploaded for the whole world to follow along.
This book is everything that’s right, and wrong, with the world. SOMEONE ELSE’S BUCKET LIST is a moving exploration of familial bonds, the different types of love, and grieving. However, in America’s late-stage capitalism, it isn’t far fetched (as harrowing as the thought is) that a corporation would capitalize on a beloved influencer’s death, dangling freedom from crushing medical debt in front of the family as motivation.
Of course, this book wasn’t meant to act as commentary on social media– but the shoe fits too perfectly to not point out.
BUCKET LIST was emotional and thought provoking. Jodie grapples to work through her overwhelming grief while finding a way to honor her sister’s final wishes amidst a publicity storm. It was a pleasure to listen as Jodie began to grow into herself and learn from her experiences. This story is heart wrenching, but also so full of hope and joy, and I can’t recommend it enough!
This book contains potentially sensitive topics including cancer, death, and cheating.
Influencer Bree Boyd never imagined she would die from leukemia– she had done too many amazing things, had too many amazing things left to do, to die at twenty six. But, in the last six months of her young life, once the reality of her mortality set in, she signed a contract that would change her family’s lives long after she was gone.
Jodie, Bree’s admittedly less outgoing sister, is stuck. She’s stuck at a dead-end job at a car rental stand in the local airport. She’s stuck living at her parent’s house so every penny can go towards her sister’s medical debt. She’s stuck watching her life pass her by– unable to move because of grief and fear. Until Bree, in a posthumous video announcement to her million Instagram followers, reveals Jodie will be completing the six remaining items on her bucket list with Iris Air in exchange for debt freedom. Suddenly, Jodie is swept along on a circus uploaded for the whole world to follow along.
This book is everything that’s right, and wrong, with the world. SOMEONE ELSE’S BUCKET LIST is a moving exploration of familial bonds, the different types of love, and grieving. However, in America’s late-stage capitalism, it isn’t far fetched (as harrowing as the thought is) that a corporation would capitalize on a beloved influencer’s death, dangling freedom from crushing medical debt in front of the family as motivation.
Of course, this book wasn’t meant to act as commentary on social media– but the shoe fits too perfectly to not point out.
BUCKET LIST was emotional and thought provoking. Jodie grapples to work through her overwhelming grief while finding a way to honor her sister’s final wishes amidst a publicity storm. It was a pleasure to listen as Jodie began to grow into herself and learn from her experiences. This story is heart wrenching, but also so full of hope and joy, and I can’t recommend it enough!
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity.*
Clover Brooks, a death doula located in New York City, has dedicated her life to helping people in their last days. She keeps mostly to herself, excluding her neighbor Leo and her local bookstore owner Bessie, and is content with how things are. She contents herself with daily dog walks, fills her three notebooks with her clients last words-- Advice, Regrets, and Confessions, and lives in the apartment her and her grandfather once shared.
However, with the introduction of a new neighbor to the building and a memorable new client, Clover begins to realize that may be she has been missing out on the best life has to offer.
This book was stunning and so touching. Clover was a woman stuck, unable to grow and mature after the death of her deeply beloved grandfather. At 36-years old, she's missed out on a lot of 'normal' human relationships-- friendships and romances-- and suddenly has the opportunity to foster new connections and work through her unprocessed grief.
The first part of this story is slow moving, but things begin to pick up after the 60% mark. This book has the poignancy and depth of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and The Midnight Library. It does touch on heavy topics (mostly, unsurprisingly, death), but is a true gem if you decide to read it!
Clover Brooks, a death doula located in New York City, has dedicated her life to helping people in their last days. She keeps mostly to herself, excluding her neighbor Leo and her local bookstore owner Bessie, and is content with how things are. She contents herself with daily dog walks, fills her three notebooks with her clients last words-- Advice, Regrets, and Confessions, and lives in the apartment her and her grandfather once shared.
However, with the introduction of a new neighbor to the building and a memorable new client, Clover begins to realize that may be she has been missing out on the best life has to offer.
This book was stunning and so touching. Clover was a woman stuck, unable to grow and mature after the death of her deeply beloved grandfather. At 36-years old, she's missed out on a lot of 'normal' human relationships-- friendships and romances-- and suddenly has the opportunity to foster new connections and work through her unprocessed grief.
The first part of this story is slow moving, but things begin to pick up after the 60% mark. This book has the poignancy and depth of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and The Midnight Library. It does touch on heavy topics (mostly, unsurprisingly, death), but is a true gem if you decide to read it!
