Take a photo of a barcode or cover
jussygillis's Reviews (761)
It's amazing what you can learn about people when you're more or less invisible. It's the things they don't want you to see that tell you the most.
The Whispers by Ashley Audrain
Release Date - 06/06/23
Quick Summary
In this dual timeline that brings you to the lead up of a tense three days. A neighbourhood of people and their secrets start coming to light.
Final Thoughts
At first, I didn't jump on the Ashley train when her first book was released. I can't really explain why, but something made me keep putting it off. However, when the opportunity came to receive this eARC in exchange for my honest review, I figured why not. The setting of the story isn't something I would initially pick up right away, but I am so glad I gave it a chance. Ashley's storytelling is so gripping that it kept me tense throughout the entire read. It's like I was living in the neighborhood with these characters, sharing their secrets as if they were my own. This experience has definitely convinced me to go back and read her first novel.
Some screen plays I can make my way through. Other one like this one. Just no.
Each story I read so far felt like I was taking years off my life. I tried to power through for the BINGO prompt but I couldn’t.
"Flattering is trash."
The (Other) F Word
Various contributors & narrators
Quick Summary
Fat people tell their own stories, this book combines personal essays, prose, poetry, fashion tops and art for an amazing guide. This crossover is meant for everyone.
Final Thoughts
This book left me so speechless in the best way. It took me a long time to love my body and what it is capable of. In a world who is still so behind on the times to determine what is "healthy" this book is a refreshing look at people who talk about body positivity and image.
The (Other) F Word
Various contributors & narrators
Quick Summary
Fat people tell their own stories, this book combines personal essays, prose, poetry, fashion tops and art for an amazing guide. This crossover is meant for everyone.
Final Thoughts
This book left me so speechless in the best way. It took me a long time to love my body and what it is capable of. In a world who is still so behind on the times to determine what is "healthy" this book is a refreshing look at people who talk about body positivity and image.
"Some people guzzle the koolaid when they should take sips."
This Might Hurt
Written by Stephanie Wrobel
Narrated by Laurel Lekfow
Quick Summary
Natalie Collins hasn't heard from her sister in over six months, the last time Kit was unhappy but sure something more was out there.... That's how she found Wisewood.
Final Thoughts
Friends, I did not love this. The narrator was one toned, I found myself so confused when POVs were changed. No change in voice... nothing. Also didn't help there was no name divisions in chapters either. A narrator can make or break a book, and this is a perfect example of it breaking it for me.
Also the ending.... I saw it coming within the first half. Just a whomp whomp, which is disappointing because I LOVED Darling Rose Gold.
This Might Hurt
Written by Stephanie Wrobel
Narrated by Laurel Lekfow
Quick Summary
Natalie Collins hasn't heard from her sister in over six months, the last time Kit was unhappy but sure something more was out there.... That's how she found Wisewood.
Final Thoughts
Friends, I did not love this. The narrator was one toned, I found myself so confused when POVs were changed. No change in voice... nothing. Also didn't help there was no name divisions in chapters either. A narrator can make or break a book, and this is a perfect example of it breaking it for me.
Also the ending.... I saw it coming within the first half. Just a whomp whomp, which is disappointing because I LOVED Darling Rose Gold.
"I love hearing conservative Christians talk about how they aren’t going to let something invisible control their lives."
The Fear
Written by Spencer Hamilton
Quick Summary
A virus takes over everything, cities and countries shut down overnight. The Fear puts its sights on a married couple, Ash and Jack. Holed up in one small apartment that seems to be getting smaller by the day. As the days go by Jacks mental state slowly starts unraveling, shutting herself away and in fear of everything.
Final Thoughts
This is one claustrophobic fever dream.
Coming out of a pandemic, where my own mental health was not great this book hit hard. Spencer created a story you could see perfectly in your mind, maybe a little TOO MUCH for my imagination. Spencer... you know what I'm talking about. Hands down such a great pandemic book.
The Fear
Written by Spencer Hamilton
Quick Summary
A virus takes over everything, cities and countries shut down overnight. The Fear puts its sights on a married couple, Ash and Jack. Holed up in one small apartment that seems to be getting smaller by the day. As the days go by Jacks mental state slowly starts unraveling, shutting herself away and in fear of everything.
Final Thoughts
This is one claustrophobic fever dream.
Coming out of a pandemic, where my own mental health was not great this book hit hard. Spencer created a story you could see perfectly in your mind, maybe a little TOO MUCH for my imagination. Spencer... you know what I'm talking about. Hands down such a great pandemic book.
These interconnected stories are beautiful. For the authors to be able to work together and have them so connected. It really gives you a feeling of community.
“Losing is only permanent if you stop trying.”
Written by Marieke Nijkamp
Illustrated by Manuel Preitano
Quick Summary
Barbara was left paralyzed after being shot, she enters the Arkham Center for Independence where she can receive physical and mental rehabilitation.
Trying desperately to adapt to what is her new normal, she cannot help but feeling something isn't right here.
Final Thoughts
I can appreciate this graphic novel and the story, but I didn't love it. It just wasn't for me. Which is fine.
Written by Marieke Nijkamp
Illustrated by Manuel Preitano
Quick Summary
Barbara was left paralyzed after being shot, she enters the Arkham Center for Independence where she can receive physical and mental rehabilitation.
Trying desperately to adapt to what is her new normal, she cannot help but feeling something isn't right here.
Final Thoughts
I can appreciate this graphic novel and the story, but I didn't love it. It just wasn't for me. Which is fine.
Although I find poetry challenging to read, this story formed with these poems was nothing short of beautiful and heartbreaking. I don't always understand the vulnerability of poets but this is so evident it slaps you in the face.
“I hate seeing someone unsatisfied with their food. It means they’re going unnurtured. Unfed.”
Arsenic and Adobo (Book 1 of Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery)
Written by Mia P. Manansala
Narrated by Danica Cabanela
Quick Summary
Lila has come back home after a breakup from a toxic relationship. She's home to help her family run her family's failing restaurant.
On top of that she has to deal with a rude local food critic, who happens to be another ex, after a confrontation between Lila and him, she mysteriously drops dead.
Lila is adamant she is innocent, but the cops don't see it as such so she needs to prove it herself.
Final Thoughts
I only picked this one up to cover a reading challenge prompt, and I was so surprised how much I enjoyed it. I love when this happens, and this is why I love reading challenges so much.
We have murder, food, mysteries, chonky puppers. Literally all the food talked about in the book had me drooling. I will absolutely read the rest of this series.
Arsenic and Adobo (Book 1 of Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery)
Written by Mia P. Manansala
Narrated by Danica Cabanela
Quick Summary
Lila has come back home after a breakup from a toxic relationship. She's home to help her family run her family's failing restaurant.
On top of that she has to deal with a rude local food critic, who happens to be another ex, after a confrontation between Lila and him, she mysteriously drops dead.
Lila is adamant she is innocent, but the cops don't see it as such so she needs to prove it herself.
Final Thoughts
I only picked this one up to cover a reading challenge prompt, and I was so surprised how much I enjoyed it. I love when this happens, and this is why I love reading challenges so much.
We have murder, food, mysteries, chonky puppers. Literally all the food talked about in the book had me drooling. I will absolutely read the rest of this series.