Freida McFadden does it again with 鈥淣ever Lie鈥�, a story about a psychiatrist who went missing under suspicious circumstances. Her boyfriend was the maFreida McFadden does it again with 鈥淣ever Lie鈥�, a story about a psychiatrist who went missing under suspicious circumstances. Her boyfriend was the main suspect, although there was never enough evidence to prosecute him. Dr. Adrienne Hale opens the story with a prologue about a psychological experiment which proves that almost everyone lies. But she informs the reader that she is skilled and will always know when she is lied to. She ends the prologue 鈥淣ever lie to me鈥�.
The story is told in two POV鈥檚, Tricia and Adrienne. Tricia, the protagonist, narrates in the present. She sets the mood for the thriller. She and her husband, Ethan, are newly married, just six months. When the story opens, they are driving in a snowstorm in upstate New York to look at a house that they want to buy. Tricia is anxious, while Ethan is strident in his need to continue their journey to view the house. Tricia wants to turn back.
The house happens to be Dr. Adrienne Hale鈥檚 home, who went missing three years from present day. McFadden鈥檚 set up is thriller-made. Empty house in the middle of a snowstorm, no one knows they are there, other than their real estate agent. No cell service, no way to communicate with the outside world. The storm is to last a few days. The car gets stuck in the driveway.
Adrienne鈥檚 narration is 鈥渂efore鈥� or the past. Adrienne tells of her days prior to her disappearance. The reader learns of her patients and their issues. She鈥檚 also writing a novel, 鈥淔acing Fear鈥� which she used patient info as fodder. McFadden structures the story with the Tricia narrating in the present and Adrienne the past, with transcripts of recordings of Adrienne鈥檚 therapy sessions interspersed.
Tricia finds a secret room in the house which contains the recordings of all Adrienne鈥檚 sessions. She doesn鈥檛 inform Ethan, which adds tension to the story. Adrienne used initials of her patients, not their names. Only the tape recordings provide clues of what might have happened to Adrienne.
McFadden excels at pacing in this thriller. There were dizzying plot twist, along with abundant red herrings. The structure keeps tensions high, with the alternating POV鈥檚. I do enjoy being deceived鈥� ...more
Saou Ichikawa鈥檚 鈥淗unchback鈥� Wins the 2024 Akutagawa Prize
Saou Ichikawa's 鈥淗unchback,鈥� the 2024 winner of the prestigious Akutagawa Prize, is a bold, iSaou Ichikawa鈥檚 鈥淗unchback鈥� Wins the 2024 Akutagawa Prize
Saou Ichikawa's 鈥淗unchback,鈥� the 2024 winner of the prestigious Akutagawa Prize, is a bold, intimate novella centered on a woman living with myotubular myopathy鈥攁 rare and severe congenital muscular disorder. With this win, Ichikawa becomes the first disabled person to receive the honor, a milestone she marked with striking candor. At the award ceremony, she described Hunchback as 鈥渕y revenge.鈥�
Ichikawa shares the same debilitating condition as her protagonist and has spoken openly about how society tends to overlook the realities of life with a disability. About 30% of the novel, she says, is autobiographical. At just 112 pages, each one is filled with piercing insight into the often invisible, daily struggles disabled people endure just to survive. The book serves as a reminder of the many things able-bodied readers may take for granted.
The novel鈥檚 central character is a woman confined to a care home. She depends on others to bathe (just twice a week), eat, dress鈥攅ven to turn the pages of a book. 鈥淛apan,鈥� she says, 鈥渨orks on the understanding that disabled people don鈥檛 exist within society, so there are no such proactive considerations made. Able-bodied Japanese people have likely never even imagined a hunchback struggling to read a physical book.鈥�
Her world is mostly lived online. The novel opens with her writing erotica for a website鈥攁 sharp and surprising choice that immediately reveals her inner life. She's witty, blunt, and endearingly candid, and she doesn鈥檛 shy away from expressing her desires. She wants intimacy. She tweets about what she would do if she had a 鈥渘ormal鈥� body, laying bare the gap between her emotional needs and physical limitations.
Now longlisted for the 2025 International Booker Prize, 鈥淗unchback鈥� continues to make waves. Translated into English by Polly Barton, the book has earned high praise. The judges called it 鈥渁n unashamed, unflinching and subversive novel that defiantly dismantles assumptions about disability and desire.鈥�
Bravo to Saou Ichikawa and Polly Barton鈥攆or a story that is as groundbreaking as it is unforgettable. ...more
3.5 stars: It鈥檚 summer and it鈥檚 time for an Abby Jimenez summer romcom! I love her novels on audio, so I listened to narrators Christine Lakin and Matt3.5 stars: It鈥檚 summer and it鈥檚 time for an Abby Jimenez summer romcom! I love her novels on audio, so I listened to narrators Christine Lakin and Matt Lanter tell her story to me. I appreciate the upgrades that Publisher Forever has done with its audios. The chapters are character driven, yet the narrators always voice their character鈥檚 voice, even in the other character鈥檚 chapters. Thusly, Mr. Lanter, the voice of character Xavier, speaks in Samantha鈥檚 chapters and vise versa. I appreciate that detail.
This is a 鈥渕eet-cute鈥� romance of a curmudgeon Veterinarian, Xavier Rush, meeting forever optimistic Samantha when she brings in her rescue kitty to his clinic. Unfortunately, the kitty has a congenital deformity (no anus). He suggests that she put the kitty down because the repair would cost her around $10K. Eternally optimistic Samantha decides to go through the crowd funding platform 鈥淕oFundMe鈥� to get the money. Xavier has no such faith in humanity.
In Jimenez style, both Samantha and Xavier were instantly attracted to each other. They have a first date that goes on forever, mostly because they get 鈥渟tuck鈥� in an Escape Room. They even solved the puzzles to get out! They fall head over heels in love(infatuation?). And then Samantha is called home to LA to help care for her mother who is suffering from dementia. Xavier has just begun his Vet practice, and he is the sole doctor in his practice. He鈥檚 got loans and bills. Samantha works for a company that pushes mustard. Jimenez had great fun with Samantha and her online posts regarding mustard. Need a special gift for a loved one? Give them a Mustard Basket! She supplies the snarky brother, Tristan, to balance the scales of justice in Xavier鈥檚 life in the most beautiful ways. Jimenez knows how to keep her readers happy.
Jimenez does a brilliant job showing the emotional exhaustion of caring for a parent with dementia. She shows the family dynamics involved in keeping a beloved family member out of a facility.
How can Samantha and Xavier, whose relationship the reader is rooting for, get together? Financial hardships grow which makes the situation worse. Jimenez uses themes of love, family, resilience, and friendships in her tale. Yes, everything ends in an unrealistically happy way, as all her novels do. But isn鈥檛 that why we read her?
I wasn鈥檛 sure how she was going to end this story, as she kept adding hardships and problems. In her magical (fiction) way, she wrapped the story up in a nice feel-good summer way, beach-read way. ...more
鈥淲itchcraft For Wayward Girls鈥� by Grady Hendrix had me googling 鈥淗ow to be a Groovy Witch鈥�. I want to be a groovy witch!
Hendrix鈥檚 story isn鈥檛 a horro鈥淲itchcraft For Wayward Girls鈥� by Grady Hendrix had me googling 鈥淗ow to be a Groovy Witch鈥�. I want to be a groovy witch!
Hendrix鈥檚 story isn鈥檛 a horror story of witchcraft. No, it鈥檚 a horror story of how we treated unwed pregnant teenage girls prior to the Roe V Wade Supreme Court decision in 1973. In his Acknowledgements, he stated that it鈥檚 estimated that at least 2 million babies were 鈥渟urrendered鈥� for adoption in the US between 1945 and 1973. There were approximately 190 homes for unwed girls that existed in 46 states, run by the Salvation Army, the Catholic Church, the Florence Crittenton Mission to name a few. 鈥淲ayward鈥� girls were judged for behavior that was celebrated in boys. After learning that he had two, deeply loved, relatives who endured such incarceration, his curiosity was piqued: what must it have been like for these girls, so young, without any agency, shunned and ridiculed by society to be sent to such a place? How were they treated? In my heart of hearts, I hope not all homes for unwed mothers were like the Wellwood House.
The story takes place in 1969, in St. Augustine FL at a time when black people didn鈥檛 venture out at night. Wellwood House is ran by a cruel woman, Miss Wellwood, whose father established the house as a business. Upon arrival, Miss Wellwood gives her charges new names (never tell anyone your real name), all flower names. The protagonist, 15-year-old Neva aka 鈥淔ern鈥� arrives scared, driven by her father. This is at the time of our history when a certain amount of cruelty is necessary to make these girls into ladies. The workers at the House utilized religion to justify their cruelties.
Fern reminds the reader how many people lied to these girls. From the boyfriend who impregnated them (don鈥檛 worry, I鈥檒l take care of you if you get pregnant), to the doctor and nurse at the home (having a child doesn鈥檛 hurt, you鈥檒l be drugged). These are powerless teenaged girls. If they gained more than 16 pounds in pregnancy, they were put on calorie restrictions. They were told that their babies would go to good homes, and then they鈥檇 return to their home after delivering their baby like nothing happened. Remember when teen girls were sent to 鈥渉elp with an aged Aunt鈥� or went to study in Europe? The idea was that they鈥檇 return like nothing happened and go on with their life. Hendrix shows that it鈥檚 not that simple.
A bookmobile visits the House once every two weeks. The girls can check out books. Fern, a zealous reader has read almost all offered. The librarian, Miss Parcae, proffers a paperback 鈥淗ow To Be a Groovy Witch鈥�, a handbook of spells and hexes. Fern is no dummy, and she sees all her lack of agency. It starts simple, one of her friends experiences constant nausea. The doctor tells her it鈥檚 all in her head. Fern sees a way to make the doctor feel what it鈥檚 like when your body isn鈥檛 under your mind-control. The cruelties and lack of empathy are the driving forces of the girls鈥� wrath. It is frustrating to read how these girls were treated. Hence, there is joy is seeing some retribution. The girls though, see the darkness of witchcraft even considering their mistreatments. Fern and her friends remain conflicted throughout the story, about using the forces of darkness to mitigate their injustices.
I鈥檓 not a horror fan, but the subject matter interested me. We forget the atrocities that society leveled on children. This is an easily read book that showcases a terrible time in our history.
**spoiler alert** 3.5 stars: 鈥淭wist鈥� is a cleverly embedded story within a story鈥� well, sort of. Only Colum McCann can get away with messing with a rea**spoiler alert** 3.5 stars: 鈥淭wist鈥� is a cleverly embedded story within a story鈥� well, sort of. Only Colum McCann can get away with messing with a reader鈥檚 head like this. In classic McCann fashion, he explores broken relationships鈥攚hether human or digital鈥攚ith a quiet intensity.
We live in an age governed by 鈥渢he cloud,鈥� where nearly every detail of our lives is digitally stored. Our phones have replaced our brains for remembering things like phone numbers, and digital memory has largely replaced paper. But what happens when digital access breaks down? In 鈥淭wist鈥�, McCann's protagonist, Anthony Fennell鈥攁n alcoholic journalist鈥攊s assigned to write a piece for an online journal about the repair of undersea cables, the very cables that carry data in tiny fiber-optic wires buried deep in the ocean. Fennell notes that most people imagine data traveling via satellites, but in truth, over 6,200 kilometers of fiber-optic cables wrap around the continents (all but Antarctica), some no thicker than an eyelash.
McCann vividly illustrates how those fragile lines of connection are repaired. The process involves free diving, locating the fault, bringing the cable to the surface, making the repair, and then delicately reconnecting the fibers. The teams who perform these high-stakes underwater surgeries are well-compensated for good reason鈥攖he job is dangerous. McCann doesn鈥檛 shy away from describing what happens to the human body while free diving (spoiler: it鈥檚 terrifying). The ship鈥檚 crew of technicians is a rough, wild bunch, adding suspense and grit to the story.
That鈥檚 the framework. Beyond the protagonist, we meet John Conway, who leads the crew of engineers and divers. His partner, Zanele, is a South African actress whose fame is sparked by a shocking onstage incident in England. As her life takes off, Conway鈥攕tuck at sea, unable to help or reach her鈥攂ecomes distant. During a particularly perilous repair mission, Conway vanishes mid-dive. What happened? We never truly know. Instead, we get Fennell鈥檚 imagined version鈥攁 fictionalized account that blurs the line between narrative and reality.
The ending is strange, even unsettling, but true to McCann鈥檚 style. Loneliness lingers. The story pulses with themes of connection and disconnection, both in the digital and emotional sense. 鈥淭wis鈥漷 ultimately reminds us that while fiber-optic cables can be repaired with precision, human relationships aren鈥檛 so easily restored.
Because McCann narrates the audio, I chose the audio format. I enjoyed his narration of 鈥淎peirogon鈥� and wanted to hear his dramatization of this story. Perhaps it was the strange ending that left me wanting more and somewhat dissatisfied. This is good, but not 鈥淎peirogon鈥� or 鈥淟et the Great World Spin鈥� fabulous....more
Vi Keeland鈥檚 "The Unraveling" is a gripping psychological thriller that expertly chronicles the descent into obsession and the unraveling of sanity. AVi Keeland鈥檚 "The Unraveling" is a gripping psychological thriller that expertly chronicles the descent into obsession and the unraveling of sanity. As a fan of the thriller genre, I expect a fair share of twists and unrealistic moments, but Keeland orchestrates them masterfully鈥攕he played me like a piano, and I loved every second of it.
The novel explores powerful themes: obsession, fixation, ethics, grief, power, and manipulation. At the heart of the story is Dr. Meredith McCall, a psychiatrist whose life is upended when her husband, a professional hockey player, suffers a devastating injury. His dependence on pain medication spirals into full-blown addiction, transforming him into someone unrecognizable. Their marriage deteriorates, and after a tragic accident, he dies with a significant amount of opioids in his system. The aftermath is brutal鈥擬eredith not only loses the love of her life but also faces scrutiny for failing to recognize his addiction. Her professional reputation is suddenly on the line.
Guilt consumes her, and her life begins to spiral: she drinks too much, neglects herself, and clings to the past. Her fixation lands on a man whose life was also forever changed by the accident, and her increasing obsession leads her down a dark path. As she crosses ethical boundaries, her unresolved grief fuels her disturbing behavior, making the reader question just how far she will go.
For a debut thriller, The Unraveling is impressively executed. Keeland keeps the tension high, delivering a story that is both unsettling and compulsively readable. It鈥檚 the kind of book where you find yourself whispering, No! Don鈥檛 do it!鈥攁nd then she does. And it鈥檚 creepy. If you love thrillers that blur the line between psychological depth and suspenseful twists, this one is worth staying up late for.
鈥淲e All Live Here鈥� by Jo Jo Moyes does a great job showing how a well-meaning, post divorced mother of two sweet girls, needs to navigate the pitfalls鈥淲e All Live Here鈥� by Jo Jo Moyes does a great job showing how a well-meaning, post divorced mother of two sweet girls, needs to navigate the pitfalls of family life as a single. Lila Kennedy is a character that is someone to aspire to.
Lila is still reeling in humiliation after her self-help book about repairing a marriage was published when her husband left her. What鈥檚 worse (to me), is that he paired up with a mother that has a child in the same primary school as their youngest daughter鈥�.and she鈥檚 pregnant! Yes, Lila must witness the growing 鈥渂ump鈥� of her husband鈥檚 鈥渕istress鈥� twice a day, at drop off and pick up. Her stepfather, Bill, moved in with Lila and the girls to 鈥渉elp out鈥� since Lila is working. It鈥檚 a lovely arrangement, accept that Bill takes healthy eating to the next level. The girls are sick of fish and lentils. Their dog barks incessantly, and Lila is running out of wine to give to the neighbors as apologies. The house is chaotic.
In Moyes fashion, a hunky gardener shows up, unbeknownst to Lila. Her stepfather Bill hired him. She thinks he鈥檚 a creepy guy eying her yard and car. Before that is cleared up, Lilia鈥檚 long-lost father, Gene shows up. He鈥檚 an actor, a philandering and irresponsible one. He needs a place to stay. Ugliness ensues, there is an 鈥渙ld man鈥� fight involving flicking napkins. Lila allows him to stay. Moyes uses the old men and their antics for pure enjoyment. The girls POV鈥檚 of the silliness is fun to read. The story is told mostly from Lila鈥檚 POV, but Celie, the teen daughter, gets her shot as well. We get a glimpse into how divorce affects children, how children try to make sense of their new lives.
Mostly, the narrative is from Lilia. Moyes shows the challenges and rewards of parenthood, along with the challenges of being with bickering men who were married to her mother. Mostly, Moyes shows how with effort and grace, Lila navigates her family in a positive way.
Moyes incorporates healing in her narrative (this is Moyes, of course there will be healing). Lila needs to forgive her ex-husband as well as her absent father. Lila makes mistakes herself and is in need of forgiveness.
Everything I expected from Moyes was in here. The romance was cliched, but it didn鈥檛 put me off. I finished it happy and hoping to achieve Lila鈥檚 abilities of forgiveness. ...more
鈥淪tone Yard Devotional鈥� was Shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize. This is one of those beautifully written, contemplative novels that packs4.5 Stars:
鈥淪tone Yard Devotional鈥� was Shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize. This is one of those beautifully written, contemplative novels that packs a punch.
Author Charlotte Wood opens her story with an unnamed narrator visiting her parents鈥� graves before entering an abbey outside her hometown on the Monaro Plains of Australia. The reader has the feeling that she鈥檚 either punishing herself, or she鈥檚 taking a time-out from her life. Eventually we learn that she鈥檚 has some marriage problems. She thinks often of her mother and has unresolved issues with her childhood.
She works for the Threatened Species Rescue Centre, which causes her to contemplate whether this work will redeem her of the environmental harm she鈥檚 already done.
Part II opens, and she鈥檚 been there for four years, puzzling her friends and husband, especially since she鈥檚 an atheist. To add a bit of levity to the narrative, Wood adds a mouse plague. The narrator is in charge of the gardening and tending the chickens. She thinks often of her mother who loved to garden, helped people in need, and was an early environmentalist (composting a big thing which was odd at the time).
The mice plague becomes funny and horrifying in equal measure. There鈥檚 a scene involving her car that could cause nightmares for some. The mice playing the piano is a fun touch. Finding mouse carcasses鈥ot so much. The nuns do not want to poison the mice, and when they do, there is distressing collateral damage.
The narrator is forced to visit her childhood, and not a proud part of her childhood. A girl that she bullied, Helen Parry, is now a nun and comes to the abbey. Helen is a famous nun and an activist. The protagonist has asked for forgiveness, and Helen withholds. The reader and the narrator learn more of Helen鈥檚 childhood, and the narrator is ashamed that her mother, the town, everyone let Helen down when she was a child.
This is a story of a personal journey confronting one鈥檚 past, asking for forgiveness. The narrator has so many regrets that she lives in the past. She struggles to acknowledge that those whom she has wronged will not always forgive her. The presence of Helen in her live allows the narrator to accept and forgive her past.
I highly recommend this for those who love literary writing and values introspective storytelling.
I listened to the audio, narrated by Alisa Piper. It鈥檚 6 陆 hours in length.
LONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE FINALIST FOR THE CENTER FOR FICTION FIRST NOVEL PRIZE Named a Best Book of 2024 by The New York Times Book Review, NPR, LONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE FINALIST FOR THE CENTER FOR FICTION FIRST NOVEL PRIZE Named a Best Book of 2024 by The New York Times Book Review, NPR, Time, Elle, Vulture, Lit Hub, and The Guardian
"Headshot" is a debut novel by Rita Bullwinkel that delves into the lives of eight teenage girl boxers competing in the Daughters of America Cup, a two-day championship tournament held in Reno, Nevada at Bob鈥檚 Boxing Palace. The story is structured as a series of face-offs, each fight a chapter. The novel explores the personal motivations, backgrounds, and inner thoughts of each girl competitor as they navigate the physical and emotional challenges of the sport.
Bullwinkel utilizes an omniscient narrator who provides the background of each contender. One girl is from a boxing dynasty of female winners. One girl鈥檚 mother told her 鈥渙nly vulgar girls become the best in the world at boxing.鈥� One girl is haunted by a death she feels responsible for while she was a lifeguard. One calms herself by reciting the digits of pi. These young women have driven a long way, some solo, some with their family, to Reno for the national 18-and-under championship.
Bullwinkel uses their full names throughout the book, and the names take on a lyrical form in the story: Artemis Victor; Ani Taylor; Kate Heffer; Rachel Doricko; Iggy Lang; Izzy Lang; Rose Mueller; Tanya Maw. There is no dialogue, this is a quiet, contemplative novel. The reader receives insights of their future aspirations, their struggles, desires, and personal lives. Because the narration is almost dream-like in its omnipresent narration format, the reader gets a glimpse at some of their futures.
The book鈥檚 structure and style create an immersive, almost hypnotic reading experience. It鈥檚 fragmented in its storytelling, yet somewhat fluid, akin to boxing: the chaos and precision hits/moves.
Although there is not one single line of dialogue, this is a character-driven story. As the competition proceeds, it becomes less about who wins, and more about the characters.
I chose the audio, narrated by one of my favorite narrators, Cassandra Campbell. Campbell is the perfect voice as an omniscient narrator. It鈥檚 a very interesting 5 陆 hour audio. ...more
I appreciate how literary authors are pushing readers to consider just how far technology鈥檚 reach extends into our privacy. Take Michael Connelly, forI appreciate how literary authors are pushing readers to consider just how far technology鈥檚 reach extends into our privacy. Take Michael Connelly, for example鈥攈e explored how genetic testing could be used against everyday, law-abiding citizens in "Fair Warning". More recently, authors have turned their focus to the potential privacy issues surrounding artificial intelligence. Laila Lalami takes this a step further, setting her novel in a future where AI isn鈥檛 just monitoring people鈥攊t鈥檚 controlling their personal freedoms.
In Lalami鈥檚 version of America, there鈥檚 a device designed to combat insomnia. Anyone who has ever battled sleeplessness knows the desperation that comes with it. Well, this implant doesn鈥檛 just help users fall asleep鈥攊t allows them to dream, remember their dreams, and, if they wake up in the middle of the night, seamlessly return to their dream state for a restful sleep. Millions swear by it. So, what does the company behind the implant do with all this highly personal data? Sell it to the government. An algorithm has been created to analyze dreams, identifying individuals who might be a 鈥渢hreat鈥� before they even commit a crime.
Enter Sara Hussein鈥攁n art historian, a new mom to twins, and someone just trying to get home from London to California. She鈥檚 not docile, despite her Moroccan father鈥檚 constant warnings that, as a woman of color, she needs to be deferential. But after a grueling, sleep-deprived journey, she鈥檚 frustrated, hungry, and impatient at passport control. That鈥檚 all it takes. The next thing she knows, she鈥檚 detained by the so-called Risk Assessment Administration (RAA)鈥攂ecause an algorithm predicts that she poses a slight risk to society. She鈥檚 taken to a Retention Center鈥攚hich, as they insist, is not a prison and not a jail.
Inside, Sara discovers she鈥檚 not alone. The center is filled with women, all detained based on their subconscious thoughts鈥攐n their dreams. Some have minor criminal records, but most, like Sara, have never committed a crime. Worse, they have no legal recourse. No lawyer. No trial. The situation instantly brings to mind The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan, where women are similarly stripped of agency, unable to prove their 鈥済oodness.鈥� Additionally, the rules of the center are fluid and the women find they are never able to prove their worthiness.
Lalami masterfully lays bare what happens when governments wield unchecked power鈥攈ow easily oppression can be justified under the guise of public safety. She forces readers to grapple with a chilling question: Can we judge a person based on predictions alone? In her future America, she writes, 鈥淓ntire generations have never known life without surveillance. Watched from the womb to the grave, they take corporate ownership of their personal data to be a fact of life, as natural as leaves growing on trees. Detaining someone because of their dreams doesn鈥檛 exactly trouble Americans; most of them think that the RAA鈥檚 methods are necessary.鈥�
This novel is a thought-provoking exploration of the ever-growing reach of big tech, government surveillance, and data exploitation鈥攐ne that urges us to stop and consider where we might be heading. It鈥檚 a scary dystopian read because it is a realistic look at where we could be headed.
I have read all the novels written by Charlette McConaghy. McConaghy's narratives are deeply rooted in her reverence for nature and her commitment to I have read all the novels written by Charlette McConaghy. McConaghy's narratives are deeply rooted in her reverence for nature and her commitment to exploring environmental themes. Her works intricately examine the fragile balance between humanity and the natural world, delving into the complexities of human relationships, the far-reaching consequences of climate change, and the resilience of both people and ecosystems. In an interview, she expressed her aspiration to not only illuminate these pressing issues but also to inspire hope and motivate readers toward meaningful action.
For me, she鈥檚 educated me on the importance of wolves for the environment, the extraordinary life of Arctic terns(and how environmental change impacts these amazing Aves), and in her newly released novel, 鈥淲ild Dark Shore鈥�, she educated me on the World heritage Site, Macquarie Island, seed vaults (specifically the Svalbard Global Seed Vault), oil exploitation, and the evils of Sealers who hunted the fur seal population to extinction and nearly wiped out the elephant seals and the royal and King penguins.
In 鈥淲ild Dark Shores鈥�, she sets her scene in the fictitious Shearwater Island, a remote subantarctic research station housing the world鈥檚 largest seed vault. She chose a suspense story to cleverly tell this story. If you鈥檝e read any of her novels, she does not preach environmental issues; instead, she writes a story that includes these issues as a backdrop. While the reader is involved in the suspense, they learn some interesting information. In this story, the rising sea levels are threatening Shearwater Island and the seeds must be evacuated. McConaghy shows how important plants are in preserving biodiversity (there鈥檚 a nod to the importance of wolves to biodiversity in this novel). I learned that plants need other plants to thrive, so if you save one of these symbiotic plants, you need to save its partner. Plus, there is amazing information about how seeds travel: wind, birds, animals, etc. A seed can end up implanting thousands of miles away from where it began.
The Salt family, Dominic and his children, teens Raffand Fen, and nine-year-old Orly, are the island鈥檚 caretakers. At the start of the novel a woman, Rowan, mysteriously washes ashore. We learn that she is there to find her husband, a researcher who was to lead in the selection of the chosen seeds to move. There is a ship scheduled to rescue them and the seeds in 6 weeks. Why is Rowan there? How did she get there?
The Salt family has been in residence for 8 years. They have a strict routine to which they adhere. Rowan鈥檚 arrival illuminate鈥檚 their dysfunction, grief, isolation, and questions their routine. Dom rules with an iron fist. From the start, the reader feels that the family has endured tragedy and trauma. The story slowly reveals why there are only the 4 Salt family members on the Island.
The setting is perfect for suspense and tension. The weather changes on a dime. Rain adds to the fear that the seeds will be destroyed. How will they be able to save the seeds? Once they leave, where will they live? What do the children want to do with their lives? Will Rowan find her husband? What happened to the other scientists? Why didn鈥檛 they radio-in their problems?
The final chapters are riveting! I stayed up late into the night reading. I highly recommend this for those who enjoy literary suspense. If you haven鈥檛 had a chance to read McConaghy, do it now!
3.5 Stars 鈥淐ount My Lies鈥� 鈥� A Twisty, Unputdownable Debut Sophie Stava delivers an impressive debut with Count My Lies, a character-driven thriller that3.5 Stars 鈥淐ount My Lies鈥� 鈥� A Twisty, Unputdownable Debut Sophie Stava delivers an impressive debut with Count My Lies, a character-driven thriller that keeps readers on edge, constantly questioning what is true and what is fabricated.
The story unfolds through the eyes of Sloane Caraway, who makes it clear from the start: the truth is dull, so she embellishes it. Lying isn鈥檛 just a habit鈥攊t鈥檚 her way of making life more interesting. Living on the outskirts of wealth and privilege, Sloane longs for a lifestyle she can鈥檛 quite reach, and her boundary issues become apparent early on. Her compulsive lying, layered with hints of a troubled past, immediately places her in the realm of the 鈥渦nreliable narrator,鈥� adding to the novel鈥檚 intrigue. At the start of the novel, Sloane is working at a nail salon while supporting her mother in Brooklyn. During a lunch break in the park, she notices a handsome man, Jay, with his young daughter. When the girl is stung by a bee and starts screaming, Sloane swoops in, claiming to be a nurse. From that moment on, her lies snowball. She simply cannot help herself. Some of her deceptions are unsettling; others are outright alarming. Stava forces the reader to consider the morality of lying鈥攚hen is it harmless, and when does it become dangerous?
Determined to become part of the Lockhart family鈥檚 world, Sloane orchestrates a meeting with the girl鈥檚 mother, Violet, and soon worms her way into a nannying job. Stava crafts Sloane鈥檚 character with precision, making her both fascinating and deeply flawed. The tension builds as the reader wonders: is she a harmless fabulist or a calculated manipulator? And then the twists begin. Deception is at the heart of this novel, making it an addictive page-turner where every character鈥檚 motives are suspect. Stava masterfully explores the gap between public personas and hidden realities. What we show the world isn鈥檛 always the truth鈥攕o what is?
Just as the reader starts to understand Sloane, the perspective shifts. Violet takes over as narrator, revealing her own reasons for crafting a carefully curated life. On the surface, she has everything Sloane wants鈥攚ealth, status, a seemingly perfect marriage. But as her story unfolds, it becomes clear that her privilege allows her to manipulate reality just as much as Sloane does, albeit in a more socially acceptable way.
At its core, Count My Lies is an exploration of trust鈥攚ho can you believe when everyone is lying? As Sloane receives conflicting information from Jay and Violet, the reader is forced to re-evaluate everything previously assumed to be true. The cracks in the Lockharts鈥� picture-perfect marriage widen, exposing a tangled web of deceit.
Jay eventually gets his turn as narrator, adding even more complexity to the story. But in the end, it is Sloane who closes the book, cementing her place as one of the most compelling unreliable narrators in recent thrillers.
This debut is filled with so many twists that it becomes a compulsive read. Is it entirely believable? Probably not. Did I care? Not one bit鈥擨 was completely entertained.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Emily Tremaine, Devon Sorvari, and Andrew Eiden. Their performances added depth to the characters, making the nearly 11-hour experience even more immersive.
Count My Lies is an electrifying debut that will leave readers questioning the nature of truth itself.
3.5 stars: "Famous Last Words" by Gillian McAllister is a gripping domestic thriller that cements McAllister as an author to watch. Following the succe3.5 stars: "Famous Last Words" by Gillian McAllister is a gripping domestic thriller that cements McAllister as an author to watch. Following the success of her first thriller, she delivers another compelling narrative filled with suspense, emotional depth, and moral complexity.
New mother Camilla (Cam) is returning to work after a long maternity leave, a transition already fraught with anxiety. But when her husband, Luke, inexplicably disappears on this important day鈥攎issing their daughter Polly鈥檚 first day at daycare鈥擟am鈥檚 unease escalates. Luke is a devoted, hands-on father. His absence is not just unusual; it鈥檚 alarming.
Then, Cam鈥檚 world shatters. Authorities inform her that Luke is at the center of a hostage crisis in a run-down London warehouse. Three hostages. A stand-off. And an outcome that no one鈥攍east of all Cam鈥攃ould have predicted.
The narrative alternates between Cam鈥檚 unraveling reality and the perspective of Niall, the hostage negotiator determined to resolve the situation peacefully. Through his viewpoint, McAllister provides a fascinating look at the intricate strategies of hostage negotiation and the inner workings of law enforcement. But despite Niall鈥檚 efforts, the situation spirals. One hostage escapes unharmed. The other two are shot dead. And Luke鈥攙anishes.
Seven years later, Cam remains haunted. She still lives in the house she once shared with Luke, unable to move on, both emotionally and legally鈥攕he needs him declared dead to sell the property. Meanwhile, Niall has walked away from his career, his personal life in ruins, still grappling with the weight of his failed negotiation. He had insisted that Luke wasn鈥檛 a threat. He was wrong.
As the story unfolds, McAllister skillfully peels back the layers of Cam and Luke鈥檚 marriage, forcing Cam to confront a chilling question: Was her entire life a lie? With her sister battling fertility struggles and Polly now old enough to ask about her father, Cam is desperate to protect her daughter from the painful truth. But is the truth even what it seems?
McAllister masterfully explores how a single moment can shatter everything, leaving behind only impossible choices. Famous Last Words is a thought-provoking thriller that keeps readers questioning until the very last page....more
鈥淐lose Your Eyes and Count to 10鈥� delves into themes of survival, deception, and the dark side of social media. Lisa Unger sets her gripping thriller 鈥淐lose Your Eyes and Count to 10鈥� delves into themes of survival, deception, and the dark side of social media. Lisa Unger sets her gripping thriller on a remote island, where a crumbling hotel and a cryptic old woman named Petra serve as ominous backdrops. Petra warns the contestants to leave鈥攐r face dire consequences. But with a paramilitary backup team enforcing the rules, escape isn鈥檛 an option. The island hosts an 鈥淓xtreme Hide and Seek鈥� contest, attracting desperate players and social media influencers eager for fame and fortune. The goal? Evade the relentless Extreme Team. The last contestant found wins $1 million. But as the game unfolds, an unsettling question looms: is it rigged? At the heart of the story is Adele Crane, a mother of two teens, who joins the competition out of sheer necessity. Her husband, Miller, vanished after embezzling millions from a tech company, leaving her family broke and disgraced. To cope with the trauma, Adele reinvented herself as a health influencer, using marathon training as an escape. Her son urges her to compete鈥攖hey need the money. Meanwhile, Miller鈥檚 mysterious disappearance casts a shadow over the game, adding another layer of suspense. The contest鈥檚 mastermind, Maverick Dillan, is a man with a dubious past. One of his previous contestants, Chloe Miranda, vanished under suspicious circumstances, and her fate remains a chilling mystery. As the competition intensifies, doubts arise about whether Maverick even has the funds to pay the winner. And with a storm brewing, the stakes shift from winning to sheer survival. Told through multiple POVs, the novel鈥檚 character-driven chapters keep the tension high. Adele鈥檚 children reveal crucial details that the players remain unaware of, adding depth to the mystery. The fast pacing and shifting perspectives make this a true page-turner. I experienced the story through the audiobook, narrated by Vivienne Leheny, which runs for 11.5 hours. Her delivery adds another layer of intensity to this gripping thriller.
Rufi Thorpe鈥檚 "Margo鈥檚 Got Money Troubles" is slated for adaptation into an Apple TV+ series, and the star-studded cast鈥擡lle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, MRufi Thorpe鈥檚 "Margo鈥檚 Got Money Troubles" is slated for adaptation into an Apple TV+ series, and the star-studded cast鈥擡lle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, Michelle Pfeiffer, Nick Offerman, Thaddea Graham, and Marsha Gay Harden鈥攑romises an unmissable event. It鈥檚 no surprise Elle Fanning will reprise her role on screen, given her brilliant narration of the audiobook.
I chose the audio format specifically because of Fanning, and she delivers a pitch-perfect performance as Margo. Despite Margo鈥檚 many defeats, Thorpe gives her a lively, determined voice鈥攐ne that Fanning captures with nuance and warmth. In fact, I often pictured Fanning as Margo while listening.
The Plot and Margo鈥檚 Predicament Margo, a college student working as a waitress, finds herself unexpectedly pregnant by her 37-year-old, married professor. Set during the #MeToo movement, the book avoids overt politics and focuses instead on Margo鈥檚 personal struggles. When her boyfriend/professor dumps her to hide the affair from his wife, Margo makes the risky choice to keep the baby. However, she quickly runs into financial trouble and loses what little support she had鈥攈er college roommates bail, her parents have their own issues, and her mother鈥檚 new partner refuses to help.
After giving birth, Margo accepts a paltry settlement from her ex鈥檚 wealthy family: a $30K fund for her child, accessible at age 18. Although it鈥檚 an obvious short sell, Margo is 22, desperate, and clinging to her integrity鈥攓ualities that make her both sympathetic and painfully naive.
A Struggling Heroine and Her Unlikely Allies Margo鈥檚 resolve to be a good person despite daunting circumstances drives the story. She doesn鈥檛 do drugs or party; she just needs to make ends meet and be a decent mother. Enter her father, Jinx, a down-on-his-luck former pro wrestler who moves in to help with childcare, and Suzy, a friend who provides some much-needed comic relief. Their presence offers Margo emotional grounding, even if their finances are as shaky as hers.
The OnlyFans Hustle By chance, Margo stumbles upon OnlyFans鈥攕omething I've never heard of鈥攁nd decides to post risqu茅 photos and videos. Initially, it鈥檚 just a way to keep the lights on and buy diapers, but Thorpe delves into the moral and emotional complexities of sex work. Margo grapples with ingrained shame, yet her main priority remains her child鈥檚 well-being. She questions herself, second-guesses her choices, and wrestles with her conscience, but her hustle is fueled by fierce maternal love. It鈥檚 this combination of desperation and devotion that makes her such a compelling protagonist.
Vulnerability, Power, and the Antagonists The antagonists鈥攈er former professor and his family鈥攚ield their privilege subtly but effectively. Offering Margo a mere $30K hush fund highlights the stark power imbalance and underscores her vulnerability. Yet, the novel avoids painting them as cartoonish villains; rather, they serve as a reminder of how easily someone鈥檚 life can be derailed by those with money and influence.
Elle Fanning鈥檚 Spot-On Narration In the audiobook, Fanning embodies Margo鈥檚 anxiety, optimism, and grit. Her youthful tone fits Margo鈥檚 age, but there鈥檚 also a steely edge that hints at deeper strength. This duality makes the listening experience captivating鈥攁nd it explains why Apple TV+ cast Fanning to reprise the role on screen.
Final Thoughts If you鈥檙e looking for a story about a young woman navigating impossible choices, Margo鈥檚 Got Money Troubles delivers. It鈥檚 a raw examination of modern motherhood, the fallout of an unethical relationship, and the precarious power dynamics that can upend a woman鈥檚 life. Yet, there鈥檚 undeniable warmth in Margo鈥檚 friendships and the glimmers of hope she clings to. Thorpe鈥檚 sharp writing, combined with Fanning鈥檚 superb narration, makes this an audiobook worth savoring鈥攁nd soon, a must-watch series. It鈥檚 by turns heartbreaking and uplifting, reminding us that integrity can persist even in dire circumstances and that sometimes, creativity is the only way to stay afloat. I, for one, will be tuning in the moment it hits Apple TV+.
May, Lauren, and Kelsey first met as teenagers at Wildwood, a summer camp for musicians and artists. Lauren, the oldest, became a teacher, while May aMay, Lauren, and Kelsey first met as teenagers at Wildwood, a summer camp for musicians and artists. Lauren, the oldest, became a teacher, while May and Kelsey transitioned from campers to counselors. When the novel opens, the three women are well into their careers, each burdened by a past scandal that has been magnified by social media. Personal and professional embarrassments loom over them, making them wary of unwanted attention. Their long-awaited girls鈥� weekend in the Hamptons takes an unexpected turn when a prank goes awry. Frustrated after losing a parking spot to a rude driver, they leave a sarcastic note on the offender鈥檚 car鈥攐nly to find themselves entangled in a police investigation. Given their pasts, all three have every reason to avoid public scrutiny, let alone involvement in a criminal inquiry. Alafair Burke (daughter of acclaimed novelist James Lee Burke) crafts a suspenseful narrative exploring themes of racism, xenophobia, cancel culture, and the misuse of power鈥攑articularly in the context of sexual misconduct. The novel unfolds through multiple POVs and flashbacks, gradually revealing the women鈥檚 shared history at Wildwood and the pivotal event that bound them together. This is the third Alafair Burke novel I鈥檝e read, and she continues to impress with her signature red herrings, intricate plot twists, morally complex characters, and layered mysteries. Just when I thought I had figured everything out, another twist emerged. Though some sections moved a bit slowly, the story ultimately became a gripping page-turner, culminating in a satisfying and well-executed ending.
Fans of language, linguistics, and thrillers will find Lexicon a perfect read. This novel by Max Barry explores the dark power of words鈥攈ow they can bFans of language, linguistics, and thrillers will find Lexicon a perfect read. This novel by Max Barry explores the dark power of words鈥攈ow they can be used as weapons through subtle persuasion and manipulation. It also raises intriguing questions about the nature of language and its hold over individuals. While some of the thriller elements might feel like Hollywood sci-fi, they help keep the pace gripping from start to finish.
From the very first pages, Lexicon hooks you with a startling scene: two men inserting a needle into another man鈥檚 eye while asking odd questions, like 鈥淲hat is your favorite color?鈥� This unfortunate man is called an 鈥渙utlier,鈥� and he鈥檚 crucial to something bigger. Barry leaves you wondering exactly what that is, making it impossible to put the book down. The story soon shifts focus to Emily, a street-smart busker hustling for money. After her hand inexplicably betrays her during a con, she loses a bet. This moment leads her to someone who enrolls her in a mysterious school outside Arlington, Virginia鈥攁 place where students learn to manipulate minds using words. The school鈥檚 unorthodox methods provide some of the novel鈥檚 most fascinating twists.
Barry鈥檚 premise鈥攖hat everyone can be swayed by language鈥攆eels especially timely in a world saturated by news and media. Whether we鈥檙e reading headlines or listening to broadcasts, the inflection and choice of words can shape our beliefs. Lexicon will make you reflect on where you鈥檝e been influenced鈥攐r have done the influencing鈥攁nd how easily these skills can be abused in the wrong hands.
The novel also shows how our digital footprints (internet searches, purchase histories, and more) can be harvested for personal data. Barry demonstrates how such information might be used against us, adding another layer of cautionary depth to the story.
As the plot unfolds, the school鈥檚 leaders will stop at nothing to find Emily and Wil, the so-called 鈥渙utlier.鈥� Emily鈥檚 journey traces her meteoric rise and dramatic fall within the school鈥檚 ranks, while Wil fights for survival, unaware why he鈥檚 being chased or who the stranger protecting him really is. Their paths collide in a remarkable way that underscores the book鈥檚 central theme: If you know the 鈥渓exicon鈥� of a person鈥檚 soul, you can manipulate them.
鈥淪ticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me鈥� proves laughably untrue in Lexicon. While some of the thriller elements might be over the top, they make for a fast-paced, engaging read. The school scenes, in particular, are compelling for their deep dive into the art of manipulation.
If you鈥檙e looking for a cerebral thriller that combines linguistic insight with page-turning suspense, look no further. Lexicon will have you rethinking the power of words鈥攁nd how easily they can be turned against us.
Author Nickolas Butler got his inspiration for 鈥淎 Forty-Year Kiss鈥� at a bar in Wisconsin. He was eavesdropping while bellied up to the bar. An old manAuthor Nickolas Butler got his inspiration for 鈥淎 Forty-Year Kiss鈥� at a bar in Wisconsin. He was eavesdropping while bellied up to the bar. An old man (his father鈥檚 age) who sat next to him told a woman that he still dreams of her and loves her and asks to kiss her. When they kissed, it was one of those Hollywood dramatic kisses, so passionate that he was embarrassed witnessing it. This event stuck with him enough that he was motivated to write a story. Plus, few authors write about 鈥渙ld love鈥�. Our culture is obsessed with young, attractive people in love.
In Butler鈥檚 story, Charlie, now in his sixties, never got over his first wife, Vivian. Charlie states, 鈥淵ou live long enough, you understand the value of a second chance. A new beginning鈥�. What Butler does well, is having his character, Charlie, recognize his past mistakes. What did he do to lose Vivian? Well, this is no plot spoiler, Charlie was an alcoholic.
Butler brilliantly writes about the ramifications of being an alcoholic. He shows the pain it causes, the collateral damages. This is one of the best books I鈥檝e read about an alcoholic admitting his issues and working on them. Charlie struggles, and we feel his struggles. We feel Vivian鈥檚 frustrations, her fear of giving Charlie a second chance.
Vivian has a family. She鈥檚 the main caretaker of her grandchildren. She has the normal struggles of a woman of her age, who lives paycheck to paycheck. In her heart, she is a kind, compassionate woman. Butler wanted to write a story about redemption, second chances, a hope. Both Vivian and Charlie are good people, trying to get by and be upstanding citizens.
In an interview, Butler did admit that writing about happiness is extremely difficult to do because of the risk of stepping into the melodramatic. I listened to this one, narrated by Richard Poe. I felt there were too many melodramatic parts in the story, but I attributed that to Poe鈥檚 performance choices. I鈥檓 not a fan of the melodramatic. I wonder if I read it, my own interpretation would have been different. In that interview, Butler questioned, 鈥渨hy, as writers, we only deem the sort of darker stories as being critically or culturally valuable?鈥� That caused me pause, wondering about my own beliefs. It caused me to re-evaluate the book. He had dark themes, alcoholism just one. But the main energy of the story is redemption and forgiveness.
My biggest criticism is that Charlie was just 鈥渢oo鈥� happy and excepting of Vivian and her choices. Vivian seemed to forgive too easily. But I think that鈥檚 my jaded thoughts. Butler also gave Charlie some, to me, unreasonable lucky breaks with regard to finances, especially given he has a drinking problem.
After reading a couple of author interviews that he gave, I found a better appreciation of what Butler was trying to accomplish in this book. Plus, he provided me fodder to contemplate my jaded mind鈥�.
It鈥檚 a great story, although flawed. But this is fiction. It鈥檚 not real. We all need a little Disney in our lives! ...more
I think author Mischa Berlinski channeled the great Cate Blanchett when writing 鈥淢ona Acts Out鈥�. Well, in my mind I starred Ms. Blanchett as I read.
ThI think author Mischa Berlinski channeled the great Cate Blanchett when writing 鈥淢ona Acts Out鈥�. Well, in my mind I starred Ms. Blanchett as I read.
The story begins in dramatic fashion, Mona Zahid absconds from her hosting duties on Thanksgiving Day. One of the many reasons for her escape is her father-in-law鈥檚 persistent discussion of whether William Shakespeare authored all those plays. Mona is set to play Cleopatra which is also causing angst. Everything 鈥淪hakespeare鈥� is part of this novel, from construction which is structured in 5 acts and an interlude, to tragedies and comedies, and the obvious ridiculousness of manners. There are many Shakespearian references and quotes, along with references to his plays and the character parts.
Mona鈥檚 beloved sister died of cancer less than a year earlier, leaving Mona with a load of opiates that she鈥檚 been using to 鈥渢ake the edge off鈥�. Well, on this Thanksgiving she decided to pair her opioids with some, what turns out to be, very potent cannabis. What is a self-absorbed dramatic actress to do? Why, take her beagle, Barney, out for some much-needed parsley. She invented that need on the fly. The rest of the story is the 24 hours that Mona is gone鈥o get parsley.
Berlinski has a #MeToo theme that loosely follows the story. Berlinski got the #MeToo idea after reading a 2017 article in the New York Times about playwright and artistic director Israel Horovitz being accused of sexual misconduct. In 鈥淢ona Acts Out鈥�, Mona鈥檚 mentor, Milton Katz, has been accused of sexual misconduct by a multitude of young women. Mona had the attitude that it was a price to pay for having the privilege to make great art. She just put up with it. Berlinski shows how the different age groups of women have different tolerance levels for icky behavior. Because of the accusations, Milton has been exiled. As Mona leaves her apartment, with Barney in tow, she finds a postcard from Milton in her mailbox. In her hazy, stoned state, she decides she must see Milton. After getting the parsley. Or maybe before. It is Mona鈥檚 journey that is the heart of the story.
Being inside Mona鈥檚 head for 300 pages is fun and exhausting. To see the world through Mona鈥檚 eyes is, well, eye-opening. Are stage actors that self-involved? Berlinski writes Mona with humor. Mona is over-the-top in an interesting eccentric way. Mona also shows the reader how relevant Shakespearian plays are to current life.
I enjoyed Berlinski鈥檚 鈥淢ona鈥�. She is a hoot!...more
I count on Anne Tyler to write about the mundane, with clever observations about the fragile nature of relationships. The reason to read Tyler is her I count on Anne Tyler to write about the mundane, with clever observations about the fragile nature of relationships. The reason to read Tyler is her witty observations that are unremarkable yet at the same time poignant. I swear, Ann is in my head!
Narrator Gail Baines is 61 years-old and finding herself out of her job at the private school where she works. It鈥檚 because her boss, the headmistress, is retiring, and the new hire is bringing in her own assistant. Gail feels abandoned and rudderless. What a way to open a story! Not only is she passed up for the promotion, but she is also dismissed as unworthy, even with her total dedication to her job. So what if she鈥檚 a bit cranky and has minimal people skills? She showed up, didn鈥檛 she?
Gail鈥檚 only daughter is getting married. This is the 鈥淭he Day of Beauty鈥� day, the day before the wedding. Gail鈥檚 husband shows up at her home (with a cat) for the wedding. He was supposed to stay at their daughter鈥檚 place, but her groom-to-be is allegedly allergic to cat dander, so Max assumed that Gail would welcome him and the cat with open arms. What鈥檚 funny is that Gail isn鈥檛 the warm and fuzzy type. The reader gets to hear what鈥檚 on her mind, which is at times hysterical. 鈥淪omeday I鈥檇 like to get credit for not saying all the things I could have said鈥�. Or she contemplates why she has so many irritating people in her life. I chuckled because I have those feelings, not necessarily expressed in that way, but still..so relatable.
The wedding day, or 鈥淒-Day鈥� is chapter two, or the second day in June. What fun to be inside Gail鈥檚 snarky head. The groom鈥檚 family paid for much of the wedding, which leaves Gail feeling a bit unmoored. Also, Gail isn鈥檛 too sure about Debbie鈥檚 beloved鈥檚 integrity. Her inner musing are snarky and amusing.
Chapter three, 鈥淭he Day After鈥� is one in which the reader wonders about Max and Gail鈥檚 relationship. Max is good for Gail, even if she doesn鈥檛 see it. The cat that Max brought is not his, he works with a rescue group in Delaware, where he lives. He wants Gail to adopt the cat, as he thinks it will be a great presence for Gail. Of course, Gail thinks of Debbie and her marriage and hopes that it will work. She fears that Debbie will like her in-laws more than her. It's all the insecure things that momentarily pass our minds, especially if we are worriers.
I chose to listen to the audio, narrated magnificently by J. Smith-Cameron. In this case, I felt that the narrator did justice to Anne鈥檚 prose. It鈥檚 4 陆 hours of relatable listening. Highly recommend to Tyler fans and fans of domestic literary fiction.
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