I could not connect to this story. 

I am so glad I grabbed this book for my Book of the Month December read - WOW. I loved Stacy's storytelling in "A Flicker in the Dark", but "All the Dangerous Things" reigns supreme.

What I loved:

This book also talks about grief and post partum depression in a very realistic way. Stacy's note at the end of the book stated that she did extensive research on PPD and her ability to convey very real emotions during the early stages of motherhood was very well done. I found myself underlining several paragraphs that felt so relatable. 

Highly recommend this book if you're looking for a thriller unlike something you've ever read before!

I have never read a book quite like BROTHER. What the actual F&^%?! Ania does a brilliant job of painting a truly horrific scenario from the word go. Serial killers, remote homesteads, and messed up family relationships. 

Honestly, I kind of want to get in her brain for a few minutes to see what else is in there. I probably wouldn't want to be invited to her house for Thanksgiving though (haha).

BROTHER is one of the most disturbing books that I've ever read, but I really found the story to be so well done. I would recommend this if you like true horror and aren't easily skeeved by well, really anything.

Welcome to the world of female serial killers - aka the world of Daphne. 

I LOVED that DAPHNE incorporated women's basketball as the main event. Often times we're in a remote cabin in the woods, a summer camp, or a neighborhood with generic kids, but these students actually had talent (which makes this even more sad). 

I was definitely surprised by the ending of DAPHNE, and Malerman kept me guessing the whole time. Overall, this is a slower read but I enjoyed it because I like slow burns.

REVIEW: The Unsinkable Greta James

“We set out to be wrecked.” ➡️ This was how the book opened, and I knew it would be a good one. 

This book was a bit of a slow start for me because I started reading it on an airplane amidst a work trip, but once I was able to step away from work, I became more invested in the story, and then I couldn’t put it down. 

I did find so much of the story relatable - Greta lost her mom and is attempting to rekindle a relationship with her dad on an Alaskan cruise (the cruise was supposed to be an anniversary cruise for her parents). My grief journey isn’t this, but there were parallels to the overall story.

I thought that this was a heartwarming book, even though it doesn’t have a typical happy ending. And to be honest, I loved how the story ended. Life isn’t always “happy” - we need to embrace the moments we have and make the best with the cards we’re dealt.

There are several “lessons” at play, but I loved the themes of making the most of every moment, because not every “thing” will be around forever, and everyone has baggage - all shapes, sizes, but they’re all heavy. If you’ve experienced loss, I would definitely recommend giving this book a read - I think you’ll find it relatable and hopeful.

Lastly, I thought the Jack London was a serendipitous tie in and reminded me so much of my brother.

❔How are you ending your year, reading wise? A holiday book? A light book? A challenging book? Let me know!

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REVIEW: The Lincoln Highway by @amortowles 
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Another book to add to my top book list of all time! This is first of Amor’s books I’ve read, and after reading for my work book club, I’m definitely adding A Gentleman from Moscow and Rules of Civility to my reading list.

The Lincoln Highway is so brilliantly written. I loved the nods to the Fourth of July celebrations, especially Woolly’s family tradition of reciting the Gettysburg address. (Note to start practicing with Wright).

I thought the concept of the “debt bank” in relation to karma was so well done. Ultimately, people see situations for how they want to see then, regardless of what’s right and wrong. One of society’s most obvious flaws.

Which brings me to the ending - I don’t think this story could have ended any other way. It was beautifully perfect - it was supposed to be a happy ending…

This book is a great read over the holiday season - you’ll make your way across the USA with Emmett, Billy, Duchess, and Woolly in just 10 days.