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sarahthegaymer's Reviews (305)
Over all, this book was so-so for me.
I loved the idea behind the book because it’s about a library whose future is in peril. And because, a select group of the community comes together to try and save it. I feel that library’s are often under-utilized and especially during a pandemic (or whatever the heck it is we’re still experiencing) they’ve really struggled. The closing of library is something that’s pretty realistic and a threat that a lot of them do face. It touches on the importance of them and how for some while it’s a place to get some great books, for others it’s a job, it’s their ONLY way of having access to books, and really could be a potential safe haven for them.
I also loved that while it was focusing on a topic that could seem rather grim, or uninteresting to some, the author still found a way to work some humor into the situation. There was always a fun one-liner or one something wild and crazy happening! I mean, they literally call their group, FOCL (pronounced FUC-OL..I’m sure you get it.) for Friends of Chalcot Library.
One thing that I wasn’t particularly fond of in this storyline was the romance. It was pretty cliche and I saw it coming from the start, but it just lacked any sort of spark. But, we know how I feel about romances…
And finally, there is a TRIGGER WARNING in this storyline for death of a minor/major character depending on how you look at him. However, the grief in this story helps produce a beautiful outcome, so it’s good. Even if I did cry.
I listened to the book via audio, so it was a pleasant and easy listen, not sure I would have felt the same if I was actually reading it. So, three stars because I’m not knocking down people’s doors to tell them to read it, but it’ll definitely stay with me for a bit, too.
I loved the idea behind the book because it’s about a library whose future is in peril. And because, a select group of the community comes together to try and save it. I feel that library’s are often under-utilized and especially during a pandemic (or whatever the heck it is we’re still experiencing) they’ve really struggled. The closing of library is something that’s pretty realistic and a threat that a lot of them do face. It touches on the importance of them and how for some while it’s a place to get some great books, for others it’s a job, it’s their ONLY way of having access to books, and really could be a potential safe haven for them.
I also loved that while it was focusing on a topic that could seem rather grim, or uninteresting to some, the author still found a way to work some humor into the situation. There was always a fun one-liner or one something wild and crazy happening! I mean, they literally call their group, FOCL (pronounced FUC-OL..I’m sure you get it.) for Friends of Chalcot Library.
One thing that I wasn’t particularly fond of in this storyline was the romance. It was pretty cliche and I saw it coming from the start, but it just lacked any sort of spark. But, we know how I feel about romances…
And finally, there is a TRIGGER WARNING in this storyline for death of a minor/major character depending on how you look at him. However, the grief in this story helps produce a beautiful outcome, so it’s good. Even if I did cry.
I listened to the book via audio, so it was a pleasant and easy listen, not sure I would have felt the same if I was actually reading it. So, three stars because I’m not knocking down people’s doors to tell them to read it, but it’ll definitely stay with me for a bit, too.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
..where do I even start with this book?! For one of the first times in a long time a book stood up to the hype I was seeing about it everywhere!
This is a story about none other than Evelyn Hugo, a famous movie star who is now elderly and decides she’d like the world to know her story - mostly the one of her seven husbands. It takes place in the present time as she tells the story, then goes into flashbacks as you learn about her life. The flashbacks, however; are written so you’re reading them while they’re happening.
While this is a beautifully written love story, there are also a few twists that I didn’t see coming! Clearly, I couldn’t put this book down as I finished it in two days - probably less as I stayed up very late to read a large chunk in the middle.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in old-time Hollywood and is interested in the life of celebrities. I would also recommend this for anyone that is interested in a good love story that stands through time. (Ugh, my heart!!)
If you’ve read Malibu Rising by TJR, you’ll also see a cross over of some characters - this is what I’ve heard from word of mouth as I have not read it yet!
I promise you will not be disappointed! I’ve recommended it to many friends who have all loved it and even my Grandma, who said it was one of the best books she’s read in sometime!
..where do I even start with this book?! For one of the first times in a long time a book stood up to the hype I was seeing about it everywhere!
This is a story about none other than Evelyn Hugo, a famous movie star who is now elderly and decides she’d like the world to know her story - mostly the one of her seven husbands. It takes place in the present time as she tells the story, then goes into flashbacks as you learn about her life. The flashbacks, however; are written so you’re reading them while they’re happening.
While this is a beautifully written love story, there are also a few twists that I didn’t see coming! Clearly, I couldn’t put this book down as I finished it in two days - probably less as I stayed up very late to read a large chunk in the middle.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in old-time Hollywood and is interested in the life of celebrities. I would also recommend this for anyone that is interested in a good love story that stands through time. (Ugh, my heart!!)
If you’ve read Malibu Rising by TJR, you’ll also see a cross over of some characters - this is what I’ve heard from word of mouth as I have not read it yet!
I promise you will not be disappointed! I’ve recommended it to many friends who have all loved it and even my Grandma, who said it was one of the best books she’s read in sometime!
Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn
⭐️ ⭐️
I knew nothing about this book going into it - it appeared on my radar by a YouTube Book Reviewer that I stumbled across. It was a five-star read for her and she mentioned that it was a “Barack Obama Book of the Year” so I decided to give it shot as I’d been trying expand my horizons and shake my genres up a bit. 🦈
Let’s just say I finished the story and I still don’t know anything about it. 🤷🏻♀️
What I can tell you:
Set in Hawaii, this story follows a family who is given a rare gift when their son, Nainoa falls off a cruise ship into the ocean and instead of being eaten alive by sharks, he’s delivered back to his Mother by the sharks. From there, he’s given a gift and the story then follows his life and gift — even when the gift stops giving.
It also follows the lives of his two siblings; Dean, his brother who is trying to make it in the world of collegiate sports and Kaui, his sister who just wants to find a place anywhere in the world.
Ultimately, something ends up happening which creates panic and devastation, and then it just sort of spirals out of control until the ending. 🌪
Again, I’m gonna be honest here…Maybe I’m just not intellectual enough to understand/appreciate the book or maybe because I listened via audiobook versus physically reading it? Or maybe I just really hated it and it’s really a bad story..but this is a two star review for me. No doubts about it. 🤔
I’d give it a 1 star, however; I did finish it and I did like some of the storyline in the beginning and the relationships between the siblings - their unrelenting love and rivalry.
So, yeah..if you’re in for a wild ride where you’re not really sure what’s happening..this book is for you!
⭐️ ⭐️
I knew nothing about this book going into it - it appeared on my radar by a YouTube Book Reviewer that I stumbled across. It was a five-star read for her and she mentioned that it was a “Barack Obama Book of the Year” so I decided to give it shot as I’d been trying expand my horizons and shake my genres up a bit. 🦈
Let’s just say I finished the story and I still don’t know anything about it. 🤷🏻♀️
What I can tell you:
Set in Hawaii, this story follows a family who is given a rare gift when their son, Nainoa falls off a cruise ship into the ocean and instead of being eaten alive by sharks, he’s delivered back to his Mother by the sharks. From there, he’s given a gift and the story then follows his life and gift — even when the gift stops giving.
It also follows the lives of his two siblings; Dean, his brother who is trying to make it in the world of collegiate sports and Kaui, his sister who just wants to find a place anywhere in the world.
Ultimately, something ends up happening which creates panic and devastation, and then it just sort of spirals out of control until the ending. 🌪
Again, I’m gonna be honest here…Maybe I’m just not intellectual enough to understand/appreciate the book or maybe because I listened via audiobook versus physically reading it? Or maybe I just really hated it and it’s really a bad story..but this is a two star review for me. No doubts about it. 🤔
I’d give it a 1 star, however; I did finish it and I did like some of the storyline in the beginning and the relationships between the siblings - their unrelenting love and rivalry.
So, yeah..if you’re in for a wild ride where you’re not really sure what’s happening..this book is for you!
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
If you’re a fan of historical fiction, I highly suggest this book and really anything by Marie Benedict! Written as fiction, there is still accurate historical information woven into the story.
This is a story of Belle da Costa Greene, a female who during the early 1900s was hired to be the personal librarian of J.P Morgan. You’ll follow along as she blossoms into a powerful woman working in a time where woman weren’t allowed to possess much power. And, she was passing as white. There’s business, pleasure, a little bit of love, and some surprises along the way.
To me, there is just something really special when it comes to reading stories about powerful women who push the limits and break barriers. This story is one of them!
If you’re a fan of historical fiction, I highly suggest this book and really anything by Marie Benedict! Written as fiction, there is still accurate historical information woven into the story.
This is a story of Belle da Costa Greene, a female who during the early 1900s was hired to be the personal librarian of J.P Morgan. You’ll follow along as she blossoms into a powerful woman working in a time where woman weren’t allowed to possess much power. And, she was passing as white. There’s business, pleasure, a little bit of love, and some surprises along the way.
To me, there is just something really special when it comes to reading stories about powerful women who push the limits and break barriers. This story is one of them!
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty ⭐️ ⭐️
Truthfully, I’m not really even sure where to start with this review. This book was just so many things and in my opinion, it’s probably the second worst book I’ve read this year.
Here is what I can tell you:
This book wasn’t really on my radar until I came across the series on Hulu and decided to watch the first episode. (I had seen it around at bookstores and such, but knew nothing about it and it never seemed to ‘grab my eye’.) To my surprise, it really hooked me and because I am the person I am, I decided to read the book before continuing with the series. I didn’t want to go out and buy it but I was excited to see it was available as an Audio on my Libby app! (This app has saved me so many times, I swear!) It started very, VERY slow, but I was trying to take it all in and enjoy the descriptiveness, knowing that it was hopefully crucial in the building of the storyline and the adventure we were about to go on- obviously, this is about nine strangers who meet at a Health Retreat/Spa where the leader/owner tells them that they are about to experience a renewal of mind, body, and soul.
*Shakes head*. No..it was not. I feel like ultimately this was a story with no plot, no point, and just random bits and pieces about an event given from the perspective of each person in attendance. I usually LOVE books that are written in multiple POV’s, but this is one that I can definitely say did NOT work like that. Each of the characters has a history, which we learn about, but some characters get highlighted so much and others you just enough about to hardly remember them when they come around again..
As everyone at the retreat tries to make it work; there are a few different events that take place and eventually it all leads up to one major event…but then it sort of spirals from there and truthfully at one point I said to myself: “WTF is actually even going on?” The book finished and I just felt this sense of confusion and incompleteness. Not a fan. At all. (And the show on Hulu wasn’t much better, just sayin’…)
Overall, I would encourage you to stay away from this book, but if you’re into things that are a little wild and crazy then maybe give it a go and see how it pans out for you!
Truthfully, I’m not really even sure where to start with this review. This book was just so many things and in my opinion, it’s probably the second worst book I’ve read this year.
Here is what I can tell you:
This book wasn’t really on my radar until I came across the series on Hulu and decided to watch the first episode. (I had seen it around at bookstores and such, but knew nothing about it and it never seemed to ‘grab my eye’.) To my surprise, it really hooked me and because I am the person I am, I decided to read the book before continuing with the series. I didn’t want to go out and buy it but I was excited to see it was available as an Audio on my Libby app! (This app has saved me so many times, I swear!) It started very, VERY slow, but I was trying to take it all in and enjoy the descriptiveness, knowing that it was hopefully crucial in the building of the storyline and the adventure we were about to go on- obviously, this is about nine strangers who meet at a Health Retreat/Spa where the leader/owner tells them that they are about to experience a renewal of mind, body, and soul.
*Shakes head*. No..it was not. I feel like ultimately this was a story with no plot, no point, and just random bits and pieces about an event given from the perspective of each person in attendance. I usually LOVE books that are written in multiple POV’s, but this is one that I can definitely say did NOT work like that. Each of the characters has a history, which we learn about, but some characters get highlighted so much and others you just enough about to hardly remember them when they come around again..
As everyone at the retreat tries to make it work; there are a few different events that take place and eventually it all leads up to one major event…but then it sort of spirals from there and truthfully at one point I said to myself: “WTF is actually even going on?” The book finished and I just felt this sense of confusion and incompleteness. Not a fan. At all. (And the show on Hulu wasn’t much better, just sayin’…)
Overall, I would encourage you to stay away from this book, but if you’re into things that are a little wild and crazy then maybe give it a go and see how it pans out for you!
Apples Never Fall – Liane Moriarty ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I think after this book, it’s safe to say that I am not going to venture into reading any more of this authors books. This is my third, and while this was MUCH better than the last one, I was still not overly impressed & actually was quite pissed at the ending.
This story follows along a seemingly normal family, a mother and father with their four adult children, all living their own complicated lives. One night, there is a unexpected visitor. Then someone goes missing. And the story goes on in the perspective of each character, in the current time and past, as they try to come to terms with what is happening and what the future is going to look like.
I love books written from different POV and I will say this book did a good job at that – I was able to feel the character’s emotions, understand their thought process, etc…but it was overall just like a blurb. No real climax or storyline. I’m just..I’m disappointed.
So, again; I’m not saying don’t read this one..I’m just saying not to look for any real shock value or “wow” moment.
I think after this book, it’s safe to say that I am not going to venture into reading any more of this authors books. This is my third, and while this was MUCH better than the last one, I was still not overly impressed & actually was quite pissed at the ending.
This story follows along a seemingly normal family, a mother and father with their four adult children, all living their own complicated lives. One night, there is a unexpected visitor. Then someone goes missing. And the story goes on in the perspective of each character, in the current time and past, as they try to come to terms with what is happening and what the future is going to look like.
I love books written from different POV and I will say this book did a good job at that – I was able to feel the character’s emotions, understand their thought process, etc…but it was overall just like a blurb. No real climax or storyline. I’m just..I’m disappointed.
So, again; I’m not saying don’t read this one..I’m just saying not to look for any real shock value or “wow” moment.
Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
One of the first things that drew me to Marie Benedict was the fact that she is a local author of Pittsburgh. I read her book the Personal Librarian and was positively in love with it. (I have a review for it, too!) When I found out that one of my favorite local bookstores was going to be doing a meet the author event featuring her while she talked about her new book, Her Hidden Genius, I couldn’t wait! I picked up a copy that evening and read it just a few days later, in two days!
Her Hidden Genius follows the life of Rosalind Franklin, a scientist who played a crucial role in discovering the double-helix structure of DNA, though she hardly gets the credit that is due. She is also largely responsible for her work with rNA, which has helped us develop and create vaccines. You’ll follow her life from the time she arrives in the lab until her time on this Earth is cut short.
One of the many incredible things about Marie Benedict is while although she writes “historical fiction” most of the important facts and details of the story are 100% nonfiction. Then, she adds lib with conversations or how she thinks the individual may have been feeling, which makes it a work of fiction. It’s an incredible way to read a story as you’re learning while you’re reading what is just a really good book!
I was so fascinated to be learning about Rosalind Franklin and was angered that she didn’t get the credit she was due until many years later. It’s just another reminder of how even just 40 years ago, women were not credited for the work they so rightly earned,
If you’re a history buff, I think you’ll enjoy this story. If you’re a science buff, I think you’ll also enjoy this story! Over the last few months I’ve acquired a few more Marie Benedict books that I can’t wait to dive into and I can’t wait to see what she releases in the future!
One of the first things that drew me to Marie Benedict was the fact that she is a local author of Pittsburgh. I read her book the Personal Librarian and was positively in love with it. (I have a review for it, too!) When I found out that one of my favorite local bookstores was going to be doing a meet the author event featuring her while she talked about her new book, Her Hidden Genius, I couldn’t wait! I picked up a copy that evening and read it just a few days later, in two days!
Her Hidden Genius follows the life of Rosalind Franklin, a scientist who played a crucial role in discovering the double-helix structure of DNA, though she hardly gets the credit that is due. She is also largely responsible for her work with rNA, which has helped us develop and create vaccines. You’ll follow her life from the time she arrives in the lab until her time on this Earth is cut short.
One of the many incredible things about Marie Benedict is while although she writes “historical fiction” most of the important facts and details of the story are 100% nonfiction. Then, she adds lib with conversations or how she thinks the individual may have been feeling, which makes it a work of fiction. It’s an incredible way to read a story as you’re learning while you’re reading what is just a really good book!
I was so fascinated to be learning about Rosalind Franklin and was angered that she didn’t get the credit she was due until many years later. It’s just another reminder of how even just 40 years ago, women were not credited for the work they so rightly earned,
If you’re a history buff, I think you’ll enjoy this story. If you’re a science buff, I think you’ll also enjoy this story! Over the last few months I’ve acquired a few more Marie Benedict books that I can’t wait to dive into and I can’t wait to see what she releases in the future!
The Dirty Book Club by Lisi Harrison ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This was a book that we picked up at random one day because the title and cover of the book intrigued us. It sat on the shelf for a few months before I decided to dive in.
It starts in the 70s (I think?) with a group of four friends who have decided to start a book club with, you guessed it, dirty books! They make a pact that one day, they’ll all move to another country together. Then, it skips ahead to current times to another character who has arrived in town to live with a boyfriend she’d currently been having a long distant relationship with.
While in town, she’s invited to join three other people to carry on the the tradition of the Dirty Book Club.
There’s a lot that happens in this book and a lot of characters which can sometimes make it a little difficult to follow. And overall, I’m not really sure this is a point to the story other than to show what friendship can be.
Overall, I think it would be a great book to read on the beach or a weekend giveaway when you just need something quick to breeze through!
This was a book that we picked up at random one day because the title and cover of the book intrigued us. It sat on the shelf for a few months before I decided to dive in.
It starts in the 70s (I think?) with a group of four friends who have decided to start a book club with, you guessed it, dirty books! They make a pact that one day, they’ll all move to another country together. Then, it skips ahead to current times to another character who has arrived in town to live with a boyfriend she’d currently been having a long distant relationship with.
While in town, she’s invited to join three other people to carry on the the tradition of the Dirty Book Club.
There’s a lot that happens in this book and a lot of characters which can sometimes make it a little difficult to follow. And overall, I’m not really sure this is a point to the story other than to show what friendship can be.
Overall, I think it would be a great book to read on the beach or a weekend giveaway when you just need something quick to breeze through!
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
So, it saddens me to write this review because as a usual Lucy Foley advocate; this books was definitely disappointing to me. If you’re familiar with her work, this book is written just like her other thrillers.
You’ll follow the main character, Jess, as she takes off to Paris to connect with her brother. However, when she arrives; things are not what they seem. From there, you’ll meet other apartment tenants whose each have their own story that intertwine.
Starting out, this story was just slow for me. I had a hard time getting “into it” and the story just really wasn’t picking up or developing. Once I started to get into the meat and potatoes of the story, I just didn’t find it interesting and just really wanted it to end. I was surprised at a few elements of the story that I didn’t predict, which helped bumped the star rating.
I’m not sure if it’s because the style of writing was so familiar, but overall this read for me was just, ok. If you’re a Lucy Foley fan, I recommend giving it a try and seeing for yourself how it feels for you!
So, it saddens me to write this review because as a usual Lucy Foley advocate; this books was definitely disappointing to me. If you’re familiar with her work, this book is written just like her other thrillers.
You’ll follow the main character, Jess, as she takes off to Paris to connect with her brother. However, when she arrives; things are not what they seem. From there, you’ll meet other apartment tenants whose each have their own story that intertwine.
Starting out, this story was just slow for me. I had a hard time getting “into it” and the story just really wasn’t picking up or developing. Once I started to get into the meat and potatoes of the story, I just didn’t find it interesting and just really wanted it to end. I was surprised at a few elements of the story that I didn’t predict, which helped bumped the star rating.
I’m not sure if it’s because the style of writing was so familiar, but overall this read for me was just, ok. If you’re a Lucy Foley fan, I recommend giving it a try and seeing for yourself how it feels for you!
The Marriage Lie by Kimberly Belle ⭐️ ⭐️
…where to even begin here? First let me start by saying that I usually don’t give books less than three stars, almost ever. Even if it’s something I don’t particularly enjoy, it still usually makes it out as a three since I took the time to finish it. But this one..
The book started pretty quickly, with the big events taking place in the first few chapters which kept me intrigued and wanting to go on. As I continued to read, the storyline was still interesting, though it did jump around a bit quickly and could quickly become confusing.
By the end, truthfully; I just wanted it to be over and when it did end, I was EXTREMELY irritated at the ending.
If you’re looking for an easy, nonsensical, semi-thriller that’s quick, I definitely recommend this! But don’t have high expectations.
…where to even begin here? First let me start by saying that I usually don’t give books less than three stars, almost ever. Even if it’s something I don’t particularly enjoy, it still usually makes it out as a three since I took the time to finish it. But this one..
The book started pretty quickly, with the big events taking place in the first few chapters which kept me intrigued and wanting to go on. As I continued to read, the storyline was still interesting, though it did jump around a bit quickly and could quickly become confusing.
By the end, truthfully; I just wanted it to be over and when it did end, I was EXTREMELY irritated at the ending.
If you’re looking for an easy, nonsensical, semi-thriller that’s quick, I definitely recommend this! But don’t have high expectations.