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A compelling debut exploring life as an immigrant and the complicated relationship between an immigrant mother and her American born daughter with a mystery twist which I really enjoyed.
This book broke my heart in more ways than one. I loved how it was told in 2 POVs, painting a picture of Mina’s life from past to present. She was a complex character that endured much, in stoic silence from her daughter. It’s only after she is gone that her daughter, Margot, truly gets to know more about her mother from others who knew her.
I was fascinated by Mina’s story and saddened by the maltreatment immigrants face from people who who cruelly take advantage of them. It was beautiful though how these immigrants band together, looking out for each other and becoming family, despite not even speaking the same language.
We had the pleasure of speaking with author Nancy Jooyoun Kim as part of our Diverse Buddy Reads book chat on IG. She graciously met with us via Zoom as she was preparing for maternity leave and offered wonderful insight into the immigrant experience and the choices she made in the writing of the book. So grateful to have been able to chat with her and look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
This book broke my heart in more ways than one. I loved how it was told in 2 POVs, painting a picture of Mina’s life from past to present. She was a complex character that endured much, in stoic silence from her daughter. It’s only after she is gone that her daughter, Margot, truly gets to know more about her mother from others who knew her.
I was fascinated by Mina’s story and saddened by the maltreatment immigrants face from people who who cruelly take advantage of them. It was beautiful though how these immigrants band together, looking out for each other and becoming family, despite not even speaking the same language.
We had the pleasure of speaking with author Nancy Jooyoun Kim as part of our Diverse Buddy Reads book chat on IG. She graciously met with us via Zoom as she was preparing for maternity leave and offered wonderful insight into the immigrant experience and the choices she made in the writing of the book. So grateful to have been able to chat with her and look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
An insightful look into India’s political and religious tensions
This was a quick read that I devoured in a few hours but one that packed a punch as it focuses on corruption, injustice, poverty, ambition, prejudice and religion in India.
The story is told from the perspective of 3 very different characters POV and this really highlights the class distinctions in India. We see how much each character desires more for themselves and get a glimpse at what they will do to obtain it.
Jivan’s story touched me - a young girl from the slums accused of an act of terrorism based on a Facebook post. Her strength and determination moved me. Her existence was filled with hardships, yet she endured and persevered - always fueled by that desire for more.
It’s always so interesting to read a story like this, coming from a place where our freedoms to speak out and question are not only guaranteed but largely taken for granted. I’m glad I read this one.
This was a quick read that I devoured in a few hours but one that packed a punch as it focuses on corruption, injustice, poverty, ambition, prejudice and religion in India.
The story is told from the perspective of 3 very different characters POV and this really highlights the class distinctions in India. We see how much each character desires more for themselves and get a glimpse at what they will do to obtain it.
Jivan’s story touched me - a young girl from the slums accused of an act of terrorism based on a Facebook post. Her strength and determination moved me. Her existence was filled with hardships, yet she endured and persevered - always fueled by that desire for more.
It’s always so interesting to read a story like this, coming from a place where our freedoms to speak out and question are not only guaranteed but largely taken for granted. I’m glad I read this one.
A mix of culture & tradition in a sweet enemies to lovers slow burn romance.
In short, this was a fun, sweet romance. I really liked the main characters, Liya and Jay and felt they were strong characters. There was fun banter and I enjoyed watching their relationship evolve as they learned more about each other.
There was an important look at abuse and victimization as well as male dominance in Indian culture. I found it both insightful and powerful. The infusion of Indian traditions and food in contrast to modern ideals was interesting and I felt like I wanted even more of that.
In short, this was a fun, sweet romance. I really liked the main characters, Liya and Jay and felt they were strong characters. There was fun banter and I enjoyed watching their relationship evolve as they learned more about each other.
There was an important look at abuse and victimization as well as male dominance in Indian culture. I found it both insightful and powerful. The infusion of Indian traditions and food in contrast to modern ideals was interesting and I felt like I wanted even more of that.
The disturbing, apocalyptic sequel you didn’t know you needed but will be so grateful for!
This book starts off with a bang right from page 1! I listened to the audio and I highly recommend it. The opening scene was powerful and I was instantly transported back into the dangerous Bird Box world. We are literally dropped into utter chaos and instantly feel the frenzy and horror Malorie is facing.
In this sequel, Malorie is faced with a changing world that she must either continue hiding away from or adapt to. Faced with the possibility of finding other survivors Malorie, Tom and Olympia (now teenagers) embark on another blindfolded, dangerous quest.
Reading this book during quarantine felt strangely fitting. I could easily identify with how trapped the characters felt by the life they were forced to live in order to survive.
I won’t give things away here but I sped through this audio, unable to tear myself away. Listening to it, I felt just as in the dark as Malorie - fraught with tension and holding my breath as I waited for something bad to happen at every turn. The only thing I’m still missing/craving is more insight into the creatures. We got some here but I’m greedy for the whole story. Hopefully we have another book in our future that explores them in even greater detail.
In short, Josh Malerman does not disappoint with this sequel! It was a solid supernatural horror that will keep you feeling unsettled until you turn the last page. It was a nerve-wrecking read and I thoroughly enjoyed every tense second spent listening to
This book starts off with a bang right from page 1! I listened to the audio and I highly recommend it. The opening scene was powerful and I was instantly transported back into the dangerous Bird Box world. We are literally dropped into utter chaos and instantly feel the frenzy and horror Malorie is facing.
In this sequel, Malorie is faced with a changing world that she must either continue hiding away from or adapt to. Faced with the possibility of finding other survivors Malorie, Tom and Olympia (now teenagers) embark on another blindfolded, dangerous quest.
Reading this book during quarantine felt strangely fitting. I could easily identify with how trapped the characters felt by the life they were forced to live in order to survive.
I won’t give things away here but I sped through this audio, unable to tear myself away. Listening to it, I felt just as in the dark as Malorie - fraught with tension and holding my breath as I waited for something bad to happen at every turn. The only thing I’m still missing/craving is more insight into the creatures. We got some here but I’m greedy for the whole story. Hopefully we have another book in our future that explores them in even greater detail.
In short, Josh Malerman does not disappoint with this sequel! It was a solid supernatural horror that will keep you feeling unsettled until you turn the last page. It was a nerve-wrecking read and I thoroughly enjoyed every tense second spent listening to
A powerful love story that also tackles issues like family, religion, gender equality and racial disparity.
This was my first Kennedy Ryan book and let me just say I’m hooked! I immediately downloaded a bunch of her books onto my kindle. This is contemporary romance with heart, steam and an unapologetic look at the issues plaguing our society.
I loved Kimba and Ezra’s story. It was flawed, emotional and a whole lotta messy. In other words, it was real! This is not your typical fairytale love story and I so appreciate that the love and happily ever after is hard won and earned.
Another thing I loved is how strong and bold her heroines are. Kimba was comfortable in her skin, embraced her sexuality and was unapologetically herself.
I had the pleasure of chatting with Kennedy Ryan via a buddy read chat and she was so full of insight and just a pleasure to engage with. It’s evident how much time and research go into her books to make them diverse, authentic and impactful. I can’t wait to start her
This was my first Kennedy Ryan book and let me just say I’m hooked! I immediately downloaded a bunch of her books onto my kindle. This is contemporary romance with heart, steam and an unapologetic look at the issues plaguing our society.
I loved Kimba and Ezra’s story. It was flawed, emotional and a whole lotta messy. In other words, it was real! This is not your typical fairytale love story and I so appreciate that the love and happily ever after is hard won and earned.
Another thing I loved is how strong and bold her heroines are. Kimba was comfortable in her skin, embraced her sexuality and was unapologetically herself.
I had the pleasure of chatting with Kennedy Ryan via a buddy read chat and she was so full of insight and just a pleasure to engage with. It’s evident how much time and research go into her books to make them diverse, authentic and impactful. I can’t wait to start her
I love that this book focused on young people using their voice to make a change! I don’t think I had Marva’s fervor for my own civic duty at the young age of 18 but I loved her enthusiasm, her sense of empowerment and her belief that every person’s vote counts. This is the kind of idealism we need today.
The romance here was definitely second place and I loved that because it seemed fitting and more natural, especially since the plot unfolds over the course of one day. The book was well paced and the audiobook was short and dually narrated which I loved. The narrators were excellent in my opinion and it made for an enjoyable listening experience.
The romance here was definitely second place and I loved that because it seemed fitting and more natural, especially since the plot unfolds over the course of one day. The book was well paced and the audiobook was short and dually narrated which I loved. The narrators were excellent in my opinion and it made for an enjoyable listening experience.
4 Cute holiday read stars!
This was predictable, happy and exactly what I love about holiday reads. I admit I knew exactly where this was headed from the start but I enjoyed the ride with its British humor, the holiday themed dates that pretty much always ended up badly and of course all the attractive but totally wrong for her men. Was it unrealistic? If hard pressed I'd have to admit it is because, hello - every man was both attractive and successful! But that's exactly what I loved about the book - romcoms are the stuff of dreams. Who needs reality? I read romance novels to escape everyday reality. I loved the humor, small town feel, holiday vibes, friendships & family and the HEA just in time for the holidays! This would make such a cute holiday movie - come on Hallmark!
This was predictable, happy and exactly what I love about holiday reads. I admit I knew exactly where this was headed from the start but I enjoyed the ride with its British humor, the holiday themed dates that pretty much always ended up badly and of course all the attractive but totally wrong for her men. Was it unrealistic? If hard pressed I'd have to admit it is because, hello - every man was both attractive and successful! But that's exactly what I loved about the book - romcoms are the stuff of dreams. Who needs reality? I read romance novels to escape everyday reality. I loved the humor, small town feel, holiday vibes, friendships & family and the HEA just in time for the holidays! This would make such a cute holiday movie - come on Hallmark!