4.5
“Sometimes the things we think are lost are only hidden, waiting to be rediscovered.”
Something about this book was so comforting. Every character is so well-developed and I feel so deeply for them. Zeno’s heart, Konstance’s curiosity, Seymour’s passion, Anna’s strength, and Omeir’s empathy are strung together by Doerr so effortlessly. To create a world as a love letter to literature and language, to encapsulate the way books simultaneously die too young and are immortal, and to depict the way stories are both unique and special to different people for different reasons and remain purposeful and constant no matter who or where you are, is a gift. This book is intense from the very first page and is full of twists and turns, both expected and unexpected— it’s not for the faint of heart. But, in every page, Doerr reminds me why I want to spend the rest of my life in a library—despite the risks—through “Cloud Cuckoo Land” and the people who believe in its magic.

ableist, the one compelling relationship didn’t even pull through, and i didnt like the title, also kinda poorly written but 2 stars because it was interesting enough that by page 50 i needed to know what happens so badly i stuck w it

I'm surprised by how much I ended up loving this book. Brinzeanu brings to life a medieval Moldovian story she grew up hearing. Two girls, one royalty, the other a peasant, fall in love against all odds. This story is about loss and growth and hope and fighting for your loved ones. It wasn't my favorite writing style, but it worked nonetheless. I loved many of the characters and Brinzeanu kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The ending pleasantly surprised me, too.

tw rape

“She sometimes thinks the world divides into two types of people, those who think books are for reading when there’s nothing else to do, and those who avoid other things to do in order to read books—and unsurprisingly she’s in the latter camp, but really, is that so awful?”

I had high hopes for Bookish people and am generously giving it 3 stars. I'm disappointed by this book. I'm not sure if this book is too close to home- a Washington DC indie bookstore's ins and outs- when I use books to escape, or if it was Coll's weird hyper fixation on details/storylines I didn't think were that funny (re: the vacuum and aga). Similarly, the Charlottesville stuff felt forced (like the author felt like she needed to mention race in order to avoid being labeled racist). Sophie was unlikeable, and not in a quirky, funny, badass bitch way nor a satirical way, but in a sad, unrelatable way.

I did love Clemi and the other bookstore employees. I also have an inherent soft stop for a book about books. I admire the characters love for literature and storytelling and the ethics of it all. The questions of separating the art and the artist both in consumption but also advertising is one I'm also confronted with. Same with the conversation of capitalism- are some things sort of exempt from capitalist guilt (like cool, indie bookstores that are relatively pure and in some ways fighting against capitalism). Some moments were funny and while the relatability was a turn off in some ways, it was also an aspect I liked about the book. Coll referencing niche experiences among those who work in bookstores made me feel like I was in on a joke or in an elite group.

Lastly, how do we have an entire book about indie booksellers without having multiple overtly queer characters?

Jennette McCurdy has out done herself with this insanely good, emotionally wrecking, and vivid memoir. I listened to I’m Glad My Mom Died and McCurdy’s delivery of her story, both as a writer and a narrator, was jarring, but amazing nonetheless. What could’ve been (and is often advertised as by click-bait sites) a click-bait story about her time as a child star, was instead a bar-raiser for celebrity memoirs. Her dark humor was effortless (you can’t beat this title), and it only elevated the reality of how devastating her story is. I love McCurdy. I loved her as a kid and my love and respect for her has only deepened.

Obsessed! Love the writing style- the poetic and non-linear way of storytelling is my favorite. Woodson tells an intergenerational Black family's story beautifully. More than a story about a young Black girl who gets pregnant, but a stunning story full of love and regret and trauma and connection. Also a quick read (took me about 3 hours) and it's sapphic.

Really cute and really fulfilling! I was familiar with Florence Given, but hadn’t read any of her stuff, but thoroughly enjoyed Girl Crush! I’ve never read a book with a nb character and seeing the use of they/them pronouns throughout the book really warmed me! I really loved Eartha! I thought she was so complex and she was very relatable- her bisexuality and the biphobia she experienced, her friendships/relationships, and her journey. Funny and lighthearted at times, serious and beautiful and intense at others. If you like Given already, you should definitely read her novel.

I wish all books were this length! But also I wish this book was longer! Robson wrote just about the cutest book! With lesbians, polyamory, and fairies. High Times in the Low Parliament is story about a scribe who is forced to work for the Parliament and while she shows up against her will, just in time for the entire city to be flooded by the fairies, she finds a family, and within her, courage. This book was so sweet and engaging and wonderful! I was so immersed in the story and the characters. Lana, Bugbite, and Eloquentia make an unexpected, yet beautiful trio as they bicker and fall in love with each other. I also loved the commentary on how our political system runs, climate change, and land ownership. I'm so excited about this book and can't wait to tell everyone at Little District Books to read it!.