ieemee's Reviews (360)

I personally have mixed feelings about this book. 

I came to read this book because it was a festive read that is listed on the Rory Gilmore reading list, so I wasn’t aware that the author is a comedian. 

I really enjoyed the Santaland diaries and the observations made in  this story. That individual story is a 5 star.

However, knowing this I still only enjoyed the first story - the others were very dark. The absurd characterisations do border on offensive. I personally think the humour has dated in alot of the stories.

If you’re looking for a not too gushy Christmas romance this book is for you. 
This books is about mid-life romances & the friends that see you through it all. 
I enjoyed reading about an older heroine who despite our age difference- she was still chasing her dreams , figuring out love and hanging with friends. These ladies are juggling this all , starting business that they care about  and being mothers to college aged children.

This Christmas read is quick and easy to listen to. This novella is narrated by Maria Marquis and I thought her pacing and narration effectively told the story. 

While this book is the 2nd book in a series it can be read as a standalone.

Tropes: Small-Town romance; grumpy x grumpy , forced proximity due to injury, learning to love again, second-chance at a forever love.

Excellent descriptions of pain in this book.

This Fantasy novel looks so deeply at the human condition & it’s relationship to power & order.

This book is for anyone whose every been the understudy… your story matters too.

This memoir starts with Janine Kovac like other children  confronted by ballet through the Nutcracker. This set off a life long love between Kovac and ballet.  Kovac examines what drives us to continue to make art when we are not the ones winning the awards or getting the principal roles. Kovac also ends with one of her least acclaimed but deeply for-filling role of mother. I found this book inspiring in the way it tells us we are enough as we are.

Noteworthy moments: 
The book contains some beautiful poignant moments about drive like this one:
“”Are you okay?”
“Are you hurt?”
“Do you want a doctor?”
“Do you need anything?”
“Do you think you can dance tonight?”
I answered, “Yes,” to all the questions.”

The book also like the inclusion of what’s in the makeup bag and sewing kit in the between acts section.

Ideal Reader: 
A memoir reader looking for a feel-good inspiring journey. 
A reader who wants to know about behind the scenes of the ballet.
A reader who is interested journeys to motherhood.

Thanks to the Author, Net Galley & the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair & honest review. This book really speaks to the contradictions of survival in the 21st century. How we are so connected & yet siloed in the loneliness of our individual experiences. 

The story follows a young Brazilian woman going to school in America. While her mother stays behind in Brazil & is left facing poor physical & mental health in wake of her daughter’s absence. Mother & daughter stay connected using technology but this novel will have you asking what does “connected” even mean. The writing is lyrical and beautifully crafted. 

Ideal Reader: 
Readers who like reflective stories about mothers  & daughters. Readers who enjoyed Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. Readers who want to ugly cry.

Keywords: Literary, Mothers & Daughters, Brazilian Fiction, Slice-of-life,
International Students in America

Thanks to Author for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Fawn is about a female fae girl called faunella, nicknamed Fawn going through puberty on earth & coming into her personal power. I read this 500 page book in a day - it’s an easy read.

Fawn our fmc  is a pure creature who resides in the forest - healing and befriending animals and a girl with chronic/ terminal illness Lucy. But honestly it was Derrick who stole the show. Derrick born into gang life. Derrick uses kiwisms & swears and is essentially the opposite to Fawns purity. Derricks life is filled with corruption and selfishness.

The writing is descriptive but fast paced. You jump three years into the future multiple times to capture Fawns entire road to adulthood. Book also contains some beautiful illustrations at the start of each chapter and disbursed through the novel. 

Illness Representation:
A deeper dive  on the story- I think the side  character of Lucy could be further developed.   We’re never actually given the name of her illness. The illness  representation  varies from good to stereotypical. 
Good representation of illness is the description of pain being constant. However the lack of Lucy’s specific illness makes accountability difficult among other aspects.

BIPOC Representation :
Lucy is also described as a person of colour & I would love to hear a BIPOC reviewer's perspective on this representation. 

I can personally see a younger reader enjoying this far more. I can see that a younger audience 9-14 facing puberty may rate it 4 + stars and as I want to match the book with the correct reader I have rated it in that spirit rather than as my personal preference.
Fawn is released 5 December 2024 & will be available on Kindle Unlimited.