I am so glad I finally read Stephen King's "On Writing." This book has been on my list for what feels like ages, and now it's in my "read" column.

Part memoir, part toolkit, part craft - this book delves into all the things that make King, well King. Coincidentally, this was the best book in which I could have started my new reading journal. I am grateful for King's vulnerability and I finished the book feeling inspired.

Reading about King's writing journey was humbling. I didn't realize the hardships he faced as a child nor in the early days of his marriage. And that he was almost killed in '99? (I loved the humor that the driver was a King character in real life).

Regarding the "tool kit" and "craft" sections of the book, I learned more about my reading preferences than I expected. I realized how much I truly enjoy well-crafted dialogue and when a writer allows me to imagine vs. telling me exactly how a character is showing up. I've read countless books over the last few years (most of my life, really), and I haven't always been able to articulate why I didn't like something, but now I feel confident in understanding the technicalities of writing that I do enjoy. 

After reading this, I can't wait to read more of King's books and perhaps write a bit on my own. 

Here’s my review of “First Lie Wins” by @ashleyelston 🤥

👏🏻This book is tops when it comes to twisty-turny. I was shocked at the ending (bravo!). At one point, @ashleyelston shared a clip of her plotting this thriller, which was wild! I loved the behind-the-scenes look at how she kept everything straight

👏🏻I also loved the writing style incorporating flashbacks, and adding depth to the story.

👏🏻The character of Evie was phenomenal! She was witty, smart, real, top of her game, and it didn’t end with her! It was great timing reading this during Women’s History Month because I felt the magic of strong women!

As you can see, I loved this book and I’d recommend it if you’re looking for a fun and fast thriller. Happy reading!

Best book of 2024 so far and I believe this one will stay with me all year long. Family secrets and forgiveness are two strong themes in "The Museum of Failures" by Thrity Umrigar. Remy Wadia confronts his past while visiting Bombay in hopes of adopting an Indian baby to bring back to the USA. After discovering a mysterious photograph, Remy demands answers from his frail and ill mother. Will he be saved by forgiveness or live of life of bitterness?

Oh, Thrity, "The Museum of Failures" is incredible. I am going to be recommending this book everywhere I go. The description of Bombay was fantastic and the comparisons to life in the US vs India were thought-provoking. (This is kind of where the phrase "first world problems" comes in...). 

Remy's personal growth and finding his voice are remarkable. I can't imagine being in his shoes in this novel, and perhaps that's the difference between growing up in the 1990s-2000s in the USA vs India. I simply can't imagine it. 

Overall, "The Museum of Failures" was unputdownable, despite the tough topics explored. It's truly a gem of a book. Some of my favorite parts included:

Not only do I highly recommend this read, but I'll leave with this piece of sage advice "Give people the chance to rise to their own limitations."

I love Shari's signature twisty thrillers and "Everyone Here is Lying" upholds her reputation. 

Quick Synopsis: Prestigious doctor, William Wooler, is a family man but the book opens with him having an affair with a coworker. She breaks it off, and William finds himself home early to his daughter, Avery, being home from school, unexpectedly. After an argument, Avery is reported missing...

The title of this book is SPOT ON - everyone is lying and it gets worse chapter by chapter. Sadly, the deceit affects innocent neighbors as the plot thickens in this character-driven novel. Once you find out what really happened to Avery, let's say I was not expecting that.

This may be one of my favorite Shari Lapena books yet! Even the cover adds a little bit of mystique...

Thank you NetGalley, Heather Gudenkauf, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an advanced galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Five seemingly unconnected strangers arrive to a secluded estate to compete for a $10 million dollar prize on “One Lucky Winner.” Secrets begin to come out and the game turns deadly. It appears someone is out for revenge…

This felt very “Squid Games” but more vengeful and personal. The premise of the game had potential to engage the reader and keep us wondering more, but there were too many holes to do so. I appreciated the timeline shifting but it wasn’t “even” enough to my preference.

Overall, not my favorite from Heather, but entertaining enough

"People call me eccentric, but then I call them boring so it's all relative."

Quick Synopsis: A mysterious and secret bookshop is hidden on the streets of Dublin, waiting to be found. We have three main characters: Opaline, Martha, and Henry. Opaline's story transports us back to the 1920s and Martha and Henry keep us grounded in the present day. All three of them are connected, but only in due time, will the magic bookshop reveal a new world they could have never imagined. 

3 Things I Loved: