From the author of All the Light We Cannot See comes an ambitious work of literary fiction. Doerr's novel toggles between three timelines - the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, present-day Idaho, and interstellar ship far in the future. Each piece explores the power of stories as a fictional ancient Greek comedy weaves throughout the entire book.

I predict that Cloud Cuckoo Land will be hit or miss with people since the plot doesn't converge as powerfully as it should. Yet, the awe-inspiring power of the written word that Doerr evokes in every sentence will be appreciated by literary fiction lovers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Scribner through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

In 1938, the single biggest newsmaker was not Hitler or Mussolini, but the crooked-legged racehorse Seabiscuit, an unlikely hero who became an American icon. When Charles Howard wanted to own racehorses, he teamed up with Tom Smith, a mysterious mustang breaker from Colorado, and Red Pollard, a half-blind former boxer turned jockey, in a partnership that would transform bad luck and injury into an inspirational success story. With long shot odds and dramatic twists and turns, Seabiscuit has all the hallmarks of a great sports story and Hillenbrand's brilliant narration will thrill any reader, no matter your interest in horseracing.

Why do some ideas stick - no matter how true - while others go in one ear and out the other? Brother Chip and Dan Heath break down the elements that made ideas memorable and teach you how to create stickier messaging. Similar to Malcolm Gladwell or Charles Duhigg, the Heath brothers use interesting anecdotes to illustrate the concepts of stickiness. Made to Stick is informative and entertaining at the same time, but I'm not sure how useful it will be in practical application.

Inti Flynn arrives in Scotland with one purpose - to reintroduce gray wolves into the highlands despite the fierce resistance from the local population. When a farmer is mauled to death, Inti buries the evidence, terrified the locals will accuse her beloved wolves. But if the wolves aren't to blame, who caused his death? And will it happen again?

McConaghy's August 2021 book release is a hauntingly beautiful novel about healing from trauma - in people and in nature. McConaghy masterfully navigates communicating her message of conservation while still giving an enthralling fictional story that hooks you from the beginning.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Flatiron Books. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The night after having Easter dinner with their three grown children, a wealthy couple is murdered. Of course, the Merton children are devastated. Or are they? They stand to inherit millions and Daddy dearest wasn't exactly the nicest guy. Was it a random act of violence or was the perpetrator someone much closer to home? But if one of your siblings was a murderer, you would know ... wouldn't you? Despite its less than original premise, Lapena's latest domestic thriller is a fast-paced fun thriller to read that will keep you guessing whodunit.

One night in 2017, a teen mom has her mother watch her baby boy so she can attend a party in the nearby woods, only to disappear without a trace. Two years later, mystery novelist Sophie is wandering the woods near her new house when she finds a note attached to a tree saying, "Dig Here." Lisa Jewell's dark thrillers are always my favorites, displaying the harrowing lengths to which humans can descend. The Night She Disappeared is a slow-burn mystery that is intriguing enough to grab your attention but not an edge-of-your-seat read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Atria through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

After being happily married for twenty years, Flora is shocked when she stumbles across evidence that her husband Julian had an affair a decade ago. With their daughter about to leave for college, Flora begins to question everything about their marriage. Meanwhile, Flora's best friend Margot, a famous actress, begins to question her life decisions as well.

I couldn't stand Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney's previous novel, The Nest, so I wouldn't have touched this one except it was the Read with Jenna book club pick in April. Good Company hits on all the middle-life crisis issues: marriage, parenthood, adultery, success, and the what-ifs of life, without giving any of the topics proper depth. I thought the story found its groove when discussing the backstories, but, in general, it all felt so unsatisfactory, especially the ending.

Hitting the upper end of the new adult genre, Sally Rooney's latest novel follows the lives of four single 30ish Irish protagonists as they try to find their way in life. On a whim, Alice, a novelist, invites Felix, a warehouse worker she just met, to travel to Rome with her. Meanwhile, while recovering from a breakup, Alice's best friend Eileen begins flirting with Simon, a childhood friend. 

Beautiful World, Where Are You alternates between chapters that push the plot forward and letters between Alice and Eileen full of existential musings on life, love, climate change, and sex. If you love Rooney's distinctive style then you'll love this book. If you don't enjoy reading about millennial angst, then I'd pass on this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Are you tired of being a "hot mess" mom, spending your days drowning in overwhelm? Forget the stark white empty walls, Casazza teaches a family-oriented approach to minimalism that shows you how to reclaim the joy in motherhood and make your home work for you. Declutter like a Mother does a great job conveying the why of decluttering for families, explaining the benefits to both mothers and children. The actual decluttering techniques are similar to basically every decluttering book. Also, be aware that she gets a little annoying with the self-promotion of her online courses.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Ever since she was a baby, eight-year-old Finch and her father Cooper have lived in isolation in the remote Appalachian mountains. Cooper is in hiding from his past, and other than a mysterious neighbor, their only visitor is Jacob, who brings them supplies once a year. When Jacob fails to show, Cooper must break their isolation, with disastrous results.

Almost nothing actually happens in the glacially slow plot of These Silent Woods. Although the mystery has a bit of suspense, it takes over half of the book for the action to even begin. With a religious spin and endless descriptions of nature, the book is definitely more contemporary fiction than thriller.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.