katietotallybooked's Reviews (785)

Here’s a book club read that I would likely have passed by otherwise. But I’m glad I didn’t, because it was wonderful! I was engaged in the writing and the story completely. While some of it was predictable, other parts were surprising and I was in tears by the end. I enjoyed that there was a active book club in the storyline, and I think it might be a great idea to spend a year reading everyone’s books that matter the most in my own club. I will definitely pick up an Ann Hood book again. It’s mainstream fiction, with writing that is light and which flows well from beginning to end. However, it still covers themes of loss, grief, relationships, and moving forward which can make it relatable to a reader.

I was seeing Jill Santopolo’s latest book all over Instagram recently, and a lot of readers I follow were raving about how much they enjoyed The Light We Lost (the buzz was major!). So, I decided it was time to check it out. It was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick back in Feb ‘18 so I am definitely behind the 8 ball reading it now. But better late then never, I say!
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I was a bit skeptical because I don’t read many contemporary romance novels (basically just Nicholas Sparks and then any that I hear are really really good and worth it). However, this book blew me away. The writing was so engaging. It’s written completely in past tense, which I think is uncommon but that worked for this story (although you don’t really realize why until you finish). I found I was rooting for Lucy throughout her journey. I could identify with her wanting to maintain a career that she worked so hard for and was passionate about, while she was facing the pull of motherhood and a husband’s expectations to be at home. I could relate to her feelings of various forms of love and relationships. I really liked the “fire” analogies. 🔥 The characters were all well-developed and relatable in my opinion. .
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Since I am familiar with New York City, I felt I could vividly picture the settings while reading. But mostly I just really enjoyed the writing. It had an excellent flow and rhythm to it. .
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I will most certainly read More than Words (her latest release) and any books to come.

What’s the last book that you surprisingly loved?

This is a book that in the last few months I kept seeing in posts and alerts from publishers and Goodreads as the best YA book for 2017. It was nominated for Goodreads Best Books of 2017 awards and it was fan voted as a top YA pick and the top Goodreads Debut Author pick. So after seeing the book image in my social media numerous times and reading positive reviews, I wanted to check it out.

This book deals with contemporary themes and a significant incident that is all too real for many individuals in society today. Starr is 16 and black. She witnesses the shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil by a white police officer. Khalil was unarmed. His death becomes a national headline, as many are quick to judge - saying Khalil was a drug dealer and a thug. Starr and her family feel intimidation from the cops and Starr is caught up between standing up for what she saw and fighting for justice for Khalil, and also keeping herself safe, processing her grief (again, another book with a grief theme - really not intentional here I swear!) and dealing with the harsh realities of life in her neighbourhood.

This book was compelling and enjoyable. It was very well written. It made me think about how this story is reality for many people in North America, especially in the southern United States and in communities where racism, prejudice, and the lines between black and white are sometimes clearly drawn. I think that Thomas did an excellent job at portraying a sensitive scenario that we see play out in the media through her writing. There are many themes included in the book ncluding biracial relationships, gang life, rich vs. poor, police vs. civilians, and blended families. She encapsulated these themes and showed many sides to the story and presented multiple perspectives with her many major and minor characters.

I realize that being Canadian and growing up in a predominately white community that the realities of families like Starr’s are often seen most in movies, on tv, and in the news in cities far from my own. These types of incidents are not ones that I encounter as part of my every day life and I am very thankful for that. I also know that as white person I have a different perspective and different privileges than those of other races. However, The Hate U Give has opened my eyes. I feel that the next time I do hear about the injustice that black people face (or any race for that matter), I think I will have a deeper level of empathy for those involved and I might find myself asking more questions and paying closer attention about what is going on. “A hairbrush is not a gun.” You can’t just kill someone because they look threatening. You can’t just end someone’s life because you think the value on your own is more. All lives matter.

Life is made up of all the ugly and wonderful things. There couldn’t be a truerstatement that reflects the state of many of our communities right now. This book is also ugly and wonderful.

I knew it would be a 5 ⭐️ read from the first few chapters. It is a beautiful and tragic story of a relationship that is controversial and unconventional. Wavy is a young girl. Kellen is a man in his twenties. But does that mean what they have can’t be love even if it’s mutual?

Inspired by pieces of the author’s own life, Wavy and her younger brother Dolan are growing up on a meth lab country farm. Their parents are abusive and the effects are obvious. Wavy doesn’t let anyone touch her - except Kellen. She only eats when he’s around. He’s her home. He’s her safety net.
Tragically, their relationship faces many many obstacles. But I was rooting for them. As a reader you can embrace this story and relationship, or you can shake your head at it, call it inappropriate and be appalled. It’s your choice. But what I love about fiction is how it can open your eyes to new possibilities. It can question your beliefs and morals. It can make you believe in love. This book was that for me. Even though this story is raw, tragic, and heartbreaking, it’s a wonderfully written character-driven narrative and I will be reading more by this author. You can count on that.

This is one of the first books I've read as I start to dive into the psychological suspense / thriller genre. I found Barton's story about a middle-aged widow of an alleged murderer/rapist and how she comes to terms with the crime both eery and unnerving, yet captivating. The novel is highly readable and fast-paced but slightly twisted. As a first novel for Barton, I think reading this book will only leave you anticipating her second novel to be released in May 2017. On that note, I would suggest this book to those who enjoy thrillers, but also to those who can stomach a rather distasteful subject matter.

An excellent #ownvoices read about life on the autism spectrum. Tally is twelve years old and is one of the most endearing fictional characters that I have met recently. Can You See Me? is about how Tally navigates the every-day realistic challenges of school and family life as an early teenager. Because she is different, she is ostracized and picked-on by her fears. Even her close friend group start to question their friendship with Tally. But this story focuses on Tally coming into her own, as she learns to accept herself and embrace her individuality!

I loved this book and the message that it provides. Similar to Wonder, it teaches readers that we can all be seen and should all be appreciated for what makes us, us!

Plus it's co-written by Libby Scott, an eleven year old girl who has autism herself. And there's a sequel coming in the Winter of 2021. Can't wait to read more about Tally!

The premise of this book was so unique and I really enjoyed the adventure that the story took me on! I could help but imagine what it would be like to live my own life in this way. The writing was wonderful!

All I could ask for is more! More of Oona's lived years and more getting to know Oona as a character.

I appreciate the message the author was sending with this story - live in the moment and focus on the present year. You never know what is to come and you can't change the past.

I liked this type of time travel book and will certainly look for more in the future!