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evergreensandbookishthings
Project Hail Mary was definitely the most fun reading experience I’ve had so far this year! Like most of the readers who loved it and convinced me to pick this up, I was VERY hesitant despite loving The Martian, because I did not like Artemis. I even ended up buying a copy because I didn’t put Hail Mary on hold at the library (convinced I wouldn’t read it) and when I finally caved, the list was just too long to wait! Now I’m so glad I have my own copy to put on the ol’ favorites shelf.
Because of my ignorance around this novel, I went in pretty blind and I definitely suggest this approach. I was surprised at several turns, especially a few whoppers near the end. There’s so much I’d love to tell y’all about why I adored this story, but I’d be giving a lot of plot away. Generally speaking, it has that sense of urgency (much late night reading) mixed with humor that worked so well in The Martian and, dare I say, even better in this novel. The heartwarming feels, too, are off the charts. Like The Martian, it’s an absolutely universally appealing book, not just geared towards sci-fi fans. Amaze! (IYKYK) Please read it and gush about it with me!
Because of my ignorance around this novel, I went in pretty blind and I definitely suggest this approach. I was surprised at several turns, especially a few whoppers near the end. There’s so much I’d love to tell y’all about why I adored this story, but I’d be giving a lot of plot away. Generally speaking, it has that sense of urgency (much late night reading) mixed with humor that worked so well in The Martian and, dare I say, even better in this novel. The heartwarming feels, too, are off the charts. Like The Martian, it’s an absolutely universally appealing book, not just geared towards sci-fi fans. Amaze! (IYKYK) Please read it and gush about it with me!
(Many thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the complimentary advance review copy!) Despite some good reviews from folks I trust, this novel of a small town girl taking a job as a bunny at the Playboy resort just didn’t work for me. I was going into it with a lot of high hopes, as I have actually stayed at the resort at the center of the story (now The Grand Geneva), and my mom worked for Playboy’s Chicago offices back in the 70s (first in data entry, then in purchasing, ahem!) and, yes, she met Hef on occasion. I was hoping to love it and recommend it to her. Alas.
It was just one of those books that felt as if someone were describing a story, rather than putting me into the story - a lot of tell, and no show. Even foreshadowing was announced, rather than implied with the writing, which is a peeve of mine: Little did she know! This is a pivotal moment! Make note! Then big swaths of time go by in the second half of the book in order to come to an ending that was a big slap in the face for the main character that just left me kinda sad.
I also found it weird that it was set in the 80s. There weren’t many markings of the time, except for a concert at Alpine Valley (which I have also frequented!), and I felt as if this was a missed opportunity. Maybe it is because I recently finished an excellent and immersive book set in the 80s where the author wrote multifaceted characters while supplying me with every scent, sound, taste and feel of the time and place. (Malibu Rising, obvi.)
Again, this one just did not work for me, but I believe that there’s an audience for every book! The fun tidbits and all of the idiosyncratic rules about working as a playboy bunny ALONE made this book worthwhile. So, definitely pick this up if that sounds entertaining and you want to read a book that does not demand too much of you as a reader this summer.
It was just one of those books that felt as if someone were describing a story, rather than putting me into the story - a lot of tell, and no show. Even foreshadowing was announced, rather than implied with the writing, which is a peeve of mine: Little did she know! This is a pivotal moment! Make note! Then big swaths of time go by in the second half of the book in order to come to an ending that was a big slap in the face for the main character that just left me kinda sad.
I also found it weird that it was set in the 80s. There weren’t many markings of the time, except for a concert at Alpine Valley (which I have also frequented!), and I felt as if this was a missed opportunity. Maybe it is because I recently finished an excellent and immersive book set in the 80s where the author wrote multifaceted characters while supplying me with every scent, sound, taste and feel of the time and place. (Malibu Rising, obvi.)
Again, this one just did not work for me, but I believe that there’s an audience for every book! The fun tidbits and all of the idiosyncratic rules about working as a playboy bunny ALONE made this book worthwhile. So, definitely pick this up if that sounds entertaining and you want to read a book that does not demand too much of you as a reader this summer.
Oh my GAWD, this book was such a hilarious ride and I didn’t want it to end!!
I’m definitely a fan of Seth Rogan's films and his Twitter account. So, when I heard about his new book, and that so many people read their own parts in the audiobook (from his family members to Billy Idol), I snatched it up from libro.fm ASAP.
Obviously, his delivery is fantastic and I was laughing to the point of tears at least a dozen times. But, I also loved the poignancy that breaks through the hilarity of his childhood stories, and the love he has for his friends and family radiates through his words. He’s just a really lovely human, unabashedly himself.
Personal favorite bits that I can’t wait to rehash with my husband after he reads it: Seth’s dad’s sock organization, the Mohel, meeting George Lucas, Kanye, Steve Wozniak, Barack Obama’s press conference, and his flawless hot take on Twitter / anti Semitism.
This is totally going on the all time favorite audiobooks list. I hope he writes more volumes!
I’m definitely a fan of Seth Rogan's films and his Twitter account. So, when I heard about his new book, and that so many people read their own parts in the audiobook (from his family members to Billy Idol), I snatched it up from libro.fm ASAP.
Obviously, his delivery is fantastic and I was laughing to the point of tears at least a dozen times. But, I also loved the poignancy that breaks through the hilarity of his childhood stories, and the love he has for his friends and family radiates through his words. He’s just a really lovely human, unabashedly himself.
Personal favorite bits that I can’t wait to rehash with my husband after he reads it: Seth’s dad’s sock organization, the Mohel, meeting George Lucas, Kanye, Steve Wozniak, Barack Obama’s press conference, and his flawless hot take on Twitter / anti Semitism.
This is totally going on the all time favorite audiobooks list. I hope he writes more volumes!
Recently I was striking out with audiobooks... Well, that is certainly no longer the case! I’d compare the experience of listening to Zauner as a mashup of Kelly Corrigan and Ruth Reichl. YEP - total GOATs. I received Crying in H Mart as part of my first editions subscription from Third Place Books - but since I cannot resist memoirs read by the author on audiobook, I also got a copy from libro.fm. This is the first time that I’ve had both mediums of a book and it was perfectly serendipitous.
Listening to Michelle tell her story was so real and raw, I teared up multiple times. I think most women can relate to the complexities of the mother daughter relationship, which is usually fraught at one time or another, and I empathized so much throughout the evolution of their relationship.
I also learned so many new things about traditions and food! It is a feast for the senses, and listening to Michelle talk about food was transcendent. If I was only taking in the print version, I might have glazed over the many, new to me, words involving her Korean heritage. I am so glad to have the print copy to look back at and see on paper. The way that food is so intertwined with family, traditions, memory and love is powerfully illustrated in her prose.
“There was no one in the world that was ever as critical or could make me feel as hideous as my mother, but there was no one, not even Peter, who ever made me feel as beautiful.”
I cannot recommend this book enough, especially the audiobook. And thank you so much to Third Place Books for putting this on my shelves with my other favorite books.
Listening to Michelle tell her story was so real and raw, I teared up multiple times. I think most women can relate to the complexities of the mother daughter relationship, which is usually fraught at one time or another, and I empathized so much throughout the evolution of their relationship.
I also learned so many new things about traditions and food! It is a feast for the senses, and listening to Michelle talk about food was transcendent. If I was only taking in the print version, I might have glazed over the many, new to me, words involving her Korean heritage. I am so glad to have the print copy to look back at and see on paper. The way that food is so intertwined with family, traditions, memory and love is powerfully illustrated in her prose.
“There was no one in the world that was ever as critical or could make me feel as hideous as my mother, but there was no one, not even Peter, who ever made me feel as beautiful.”
I cannot recommend this book enough, especially the audiobook. And thank you so much to Third Place Books for putting this on my shelves with my other favorite books.
House of Salt and Sorrows was a pick for my #evergreenreaders book group, and I had mixed feelings about this gothic YA fantasy, inspired by Grimm’s 12 Dancing Princesses.
What worked for me: the world building and spooky prose. Craig creates a lush and sinister atmosphere that was transportive. I am also a sucker for a slowly building sense of foreboding, and was definitely creeped out by many of the scenes that bordered on horror.
What didn’t work for me: the reveal of the villain and their machinations was intriguing, but it comes so late in the text that everything felt rushed and confusing as I turned the final pages. It became hard to suspend my disbelief and the explanation seemed highly convoluted, unearthing more questions than answers. It would be interesting to go back and re-read knowing the ending, but I don’t think I am that invested.
What worked for me: the world building and spooky prose. Craig creates a lush and sinister atmosphere that was transportive. I am also a sucker for a slowly building sense of foreboding, and was definitely creeped out by many of the scenes that bordered on horror.
What didn’t work for me: the reveal of the villain and their machinations was intriguing, but it comes so late in the text that everything felt rushed and confusing as I turned the final pages. It became hard to suspend my disbelief and the explanation seemed highly convoluted, unearthing more questions than answers. It would be interesting to go back and re-read knowing the ending, but I don’t think I am that invested.
OK y’all, I think I am going to call it: I do not like true crime books about murder. Not that I I am squeamish or have the heebie-jeebies about it - I mean, The Silence of the Lambs is one of my favorite books of all time!
For me, these books seem to either drag on with red herrings, too much detail, or the author’s personal story. And in some cases I can see why that is a draw, and why many people enjoyed I’ll be Gone in the Dark. But... I didn’t like that one either.
We Keep the Dead Close was only interesting to me when the author expounded upon the idiosyncrasies of Harvard (women had different diplomas until 1999!) and the rampant misogyny. I could read a book that focused on those type of things, fascinating stuff I can’t understand with a quick Google search. It’s also morally conflicting, consuming someone’s death as entertainment.
So, yeah, the thing about murder investigations is that you can easily Google how things went down, but you can’t tell me a whole story about the inner workings of Harvard, or THERANOS, or a guy faking an orchestra from a quick internet search. (The last two referring to two of the crime-y types of books I actually enjoyed: Bad Blood and Sounds Like Titanic.)
For me, these books seem to either drag on with red herrings, too much detail, or the author’s personal story. And in some cases I can see why that is a draw, and why many people enjoyed I’ll be Gone in the Dark. But... I didn’t like that one either.
We Keep the Dead Close was only interesting to me when the author expounded upon the idiosyncrasies of Harvard (women had different diplomas until 1999!) and the rampant misogyny. I could read a book that focused on those type of things, fascinating stuff I can’t understand with a quick Google search. It’s also morally conflicting, consuming someone’s death as entertainment.
So, yeah, the thing about murder investigations is that you can easily Google how things went down, but you can’t tell me a whole story about the inner workings of Harvard, or THERANOS, or a guy faking an orchestra from a quick internet search. (The last two referring to two of the crime-y types of books I actually enjoyed: Bad Blood and Sounds Like Titanic.)
I recently saw a tweet that referenced book lovers feeling like they have failed when an unread hardcover on their shelf comes out in paperback - hilarious because it’s TRUE. The paperback release of The Book of Longings spurred me to read my Book of the Month from last May.
Even though I have loved every book I have read by Sue Monk Kidd, I was hesitant to grab this one because of the religious material - a story about Jesus’ wife, which he could very well have had, and the author’s note definitely gives evidence it was highly likely. Let’s just say I have a lot of side eye for religion and I am an agnostic. But, it might be better going into it that way than as someone who has deeply held beliefs.
It reads beautifully as the historical fiction it is, and gave me similar vibes to reading Circe, which I loved. Ana is just as indelible and her story is a beautiful tribute to strong women invisibly shaping history, working against the patriarchy - an unexpected surprise for a book about the beginnings of Christianity.
“All shall be well… I don’t mean that life won’t bring your tragedy. I only mean that you will be well in spite of it. There’s a place in you that is inviolate. You’ll find your way there when you need to. And you’ll know then what I speak of.”
Even though I have loved every book I have read by Sue Monk Kidd, I was hesitant to grab this one because of the religious material - a story about Jesus’ wife, which he could very well have had, and the author’s note definitely gives evidence it was highly likely. Let’s just say I have a lot of side eye for religion and I am an agnostic. But, it might be better going into it that way than as someone who has deeply held beliefs.
It reads beautifully as the historical fiction it is, and gave me similar vibes to reading Circe, which I loved. Ana is just as indelible and her story is a beautiful tribute to strong women invisibly shaping history, working against the patriarchy - an unexpected surprise for a book about the beginnings of Christianity.
“All shall be well… I don’t mean that life won’t bring your tragedy. I only mean that you will be well in spite of it. There’s a place in you that is inviolate. You’ll find your way there when you need to. And you’ll know then what I speak of.”
Many thanks to Random House for the advance digital copy of Malibu Rising. The latest from Taylor Jenkins Reid is THE summer novel to read.
How does TJR do it? With every one of her books I just fall so easily into the story and when I look up, hundreds of pages have flown by. This novel harkens back to her older books, with romantic and family drama taking center stage, and no narrative devices employed like Evelyn or Daisy. A great multiple POV of characters that quickly wormed their way into my heart. I felt so much anger and sadness, hope and happiness, on their behalf. There is a lot to unpack about the repercussions that echo from our family dynamics, and there are several passages about motherhood that were so clearly written from the author’s heart.
The crazy 80s vibe was a trip, and I felt such a strong sense of time and place: miniskirts, aquanet, coconut suntan lotion, Heather Lockear, surfer culture, fried clam sammies and sand stuck everywhere. I just loved it. I also love how she wove Mick Riva into her last three books. The 60s with Evelyn Hugo, 70s with Daisy Jones and 80s with the Rivas - are the 90s next?! Whatever the time frame or place, California or not, I am here for it and will snatch it up ASAP.
“June knew that her children had found a previously undiscovered part of themselves that day. She knew that childhood is made up of days magnificent and mundane. And this had been a magnificent day for all of them.”
How does TJR do it? With every one of her books I just fall so easily into the story and when I look up, hundreds of pages have flown by. This novel harkens back to her older books, with romantic and family drama taking center stage, and no narrative devices employed like Evelyn or Daisy. A great multiple POV of characters that quickly wormed their way into my heart. I felt so much anger and sadness, hope and happiness, on their behalf. There is a lot to unpack about the repercussions that echo from our family dynamics, and there are several passages about motherhood that were so clearly written from the author’s heart.
The crazy 80s vibe was a trip, and I felt such a strong sense of time and place: miniskirts, aquanet, coconut suntan lotion, Heather Lockear, surfer culture, fried clam sammies and sand stuck everywhere. I just loved it. I also love how she wove Mick Riva into her last three books. The 60s with Evelyn Hugo, 70s with Daisy Jones and 80s with the Rivas - are the 90s next?! Whatever the time frame or place, California or not, I am here for it and will snatch it up ASAP.
“June knew that her children had found a previously undiscovered part of themselves that day. She knew that childhood is made up of days magnificent and mundane. And this had been a magnificent day for all of them.”
"And it was weird, she thought, feeling adult and aware, how a thing so terrible as losing someone could yield goodness in the ones who were left.“
The synopsis of this book was uniquely appealing to me: multigenerational family drama, spanning decades, set in Chicagoland! I am glad I finally read it, as I enjoyed becoming completely immersed in the Sorensen clan.
Peppered with poignant and familiar scenes of life, Lombardo’s writing is sharp with characters that leap off the page. To that end, I’m not sure I would recommend this novel to folks who have a hard time with really flawed/unlikable characters. I usually don’t have a problem with it, especially when the writer can illustrate why they are flawed. But it took a long time to come to the realizations about why some of the characters were kind of awful in this book. This story requires some patience and probably could have been edited down from it’s 600+ pages.
If you like a slow burn, character driven, and intricate family saga, I highly recommend this novel. Also recommend if you loved Ask Again, Yes or A Place for Us - they’re very similar in scope and tone.
The synopsis of this book was uniquely appealing to me: multigenerational family drama, spanning decades, set in Chicagoland! I am glad I finally read it, as I enjoyed becoming completely immersed in the Sorensen clan.
Peppered with poignant and familiar scenes of life, Lombardo’s writing is sharp with characters that leap off the page. To that end, I’m not sure I would recommend this novel to folks who have a hard time with really flawed/unlikable characters. I usually don’t have a problem with it, especially when the writer can illustrate why they are flawed. But it took a long time to come to the realizations about why some of the characters were kind of awful in this book. This story requires some patience and probably could have been edited down from it’s 600+ pages.
If you like a slow burn, character driven, and intricate family saga, I highly recommend this novel. Also recommend if you loved Ask Again, Yes or A Place for Us - they’re very similar in scope and tone.
I remember a while back explaining to my kids who Dolly Parton is - beyond a famous country music singer. I read an article to them about her charitable giving and philanthropic efforts in literacy and putting books in the hands of children all over the world. She is responsible for donating over 130 MILLION books for children. I teared up talking about her, and I teared up a few times listening to She Come by it Natural.
I wouldn’t say that this was a very in-depth biography of Parton, but a really well done journalistic look at how she has affected and represented women from her small town Tennessee roots, to women worldwide. Learning more about her business choices, how she faced a lot of intimidation, and followed her gut to great success was fascinating stuff.
It’s inspiring and infuriating and equal measure how far we have come and how far we have to go in treating everyone with the dignity and respect we deserve. Dolly deserves it in spades, and it is very cool to see this happening for her in her lifetime.
I wouldn’t say that this was a very in-depth biography of Parton, but a really well done journalistic look at how she has affected and represented women from her small town Tennessee roots, to women worldwide. Learning more about her business choices, how she faced a lot of intimidation, and followed her gut to great success was fascinating stuff.
It’s inspiring and infuriating and equal measure how far we have come and how far we have to go in treating everyone with the dignity and respect we deserve. Dolly deserves it in spades, and it is very cool to see this happening for her in her lifetime.