**spoiler alert** This wasn't the next book on my TBR, but something about the cover pulled me in, and I dropped everything else to read it. Isola by **spoiler alert** This wasn't the next book on my TBR, but something about the cover pulled me in, and I dropped everything else to read it. Isola by Allegra Goodman was only published in January, and I put a hold on it on a whim, knowing nothing about the author’s other bestsellers. To my surprise, this has become my absolute favorite book of the year—an easy five-star read.
Are there a couple of loose ends? Sure. But I loved this book so much I don’t even care that Marguerite never managed to track down the navigator. Or that no one ever returned Claire’s dowry when she decided the nun life wasn’t for her. If you love historical fiction, this book is for you. The setting—the 1500s—is meticulously researched, and the details about exploration and navigation are woven in seamlessly.
The novel tells the story of Marguerite de la Roque, whose uncle robbed her of her money, estate, and trust before abandoning her on an island in New France (now Canada) with her lover and maid. It’s Robinson Crusoe if Crusoe wasn’t an annoying tool and had to survive polar bears and brutal Canadian winters. And the best part? Marguerite de la Roque was real. She was actually marooned on an island for two years and survived to tell the tale. There are multiple historical accounts of how she managed it, and I was especially impressed with the level of detail Goodman provided about what little she was able to take with her to the island.
But where there’s a survival story, there’s also hardship and tragedy. I cried reading this book, and I can’t remember the last time a novel made me cry like that. I admire Marguerite—raised to be a lady, never a perfect one (she made plenty of mistakes along the way), but she survived against all odds. Meanwhile, I have no doubt I’d have been dead on the first day. Some random bird would have taken me out immediately.
A few other things I loved: the pacing and chapter length—just right, which feels like a rare feat these days. And I found Marguerite’s faith journey compelling, especially how she provided comfort to her nurse, Damienne. At times, she reminded me of Jane Eyre—both orphans, both trying to survive. Those parallels made the book even richer for me.
If you're into historical fiction, survival stories, or just love a novel that will break your heart in the best way, Isola is a must-read....more
I was excited to dive into this book because it’s a modern Muslim romance inspired by Persuasion, and even though I don’t usually go for contemporary I was excited to dive into this book because it’s a modern Muslim romance inspired by Persuasion, and even though I don’t usually go for contemporary romance, anything with a Jane Austen connection is usually a draw for me. I’ve also been trying to be more mindful about the modern literature I read, and I think this is the first Muslim romance I’ve picked up (well, listened to—the audiobook was great).
What I loved most about Jalaluddin’s Much Ado About Nada was how naturally it pulled me into Muslim culture through the lens of a second-generation Canadian. Through Nada, I got such a strong sense of what it’s like to navigate life as a modern woman in Canada while still being deeply connected to family and community. Her friends are getting married in their twenties, her family has expectations, and she’s figuring out where she fits.
I don’t remember much about Persuasion (probably time for a reread—it’s not my favorite Austen, maybe because it was published after her death, but that’s beside the point), but Much Ado About Nada follows a familiar enemies-to-lovers trope. Nada bullied Baz in school, and honestly, she bullied him so badly that if I were him, I don’t think I could have forgiven her. The book frames it as a sign of their connection from the start, but I wasn’t fully convinced. That’s actually why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.
Where the book really won me over was in its unpredictability. The dual timelines, the secrets, the way the love story unfolds—I wasn’t expecting some of the twists, and that’s what hooked me. The relationships, especially within Nada’s family, felt so real, like I could have known these people in real life. By the end, it felt less like listening to a book and more like listening to a friend tell me a story about people they know.
Also, I really enjoyed all the local references! When Nada visited Baz's family in Mississauga I thought to myself, "represent!" LOL....more
**spoiler alert** I went into The Frozen River with mixed feelings because of the trigger warnings for rape, and ultimately, I had to give it 4 stars **spoiler alert** I went into The Frozen River with mixed feelings because of the trigger warnings for rape, and ultimately, I had to give it 4 stars instead of 5 because there was just too much sexual assault in the story. That said, it wasn’t gratuitous in the way I feared. Â
This historical novel is based on the real-life midwife, healer, and diarist Martha Ballard, whose decades of diary entries have given historians invaluable insight into women’s lives on the colonial frontier in Massachusetts. One of the things I loved about the book is how it jumps right into the plot and keeps a purposeful pace throughout. The only times the pacing lagged a bit were during the flashback scenes. Â
What made this novel stand out to me was that, because it’s based on a real person, there was no need to start with Martha’s childhood or early life. By the time we meet her, she’s already married with many children, and I appreciated how the author had her reflect on the children she had lost. That detail really reinforces the novel’s core themes of motherhood, womanhood, and family. The way Martha still remembers and mourns a child she lost 20 years earlier will resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced loss. Â
What makes The Frozen River even more compelling is that, despite what you might expect, it’s not just about midwifery and settler life—it’s a murder mystery. The biggest challenge for me while listening to the audiobook was keeping track of all the names in town. But rest assured, even though there’s no justice in the legal sense, there is justice in the sense of what is humane and right. In other words, *spoiler alert!!!!*—the rapists get what they deserve, so the novel ends on a satisfying note. Â
I only wish some of the loose ends had been tied up better. An epilogue would have helped, but the author's notes at the end were excellent. I highly recommend them if you want to learn more about the real Martha Ballard. Â
What really stuck with me, though, is how little things have changed. We didn’t listen to sexual assault victims 300 years ago, and we still don’t listen to them now. They were asked for evidence, proof, and witnesses then, just as they are today. And even when they provided it, they were still questioned on its validity. It’s frustrating—and infuriating—to see how little progress we’ve made....more
This was a really slow read, but I’m glad I stuck with it because it introduced me to a fascinating and underrepresented piece of Canadian history. I This was a really slow read, but I’m glad I stuck with it because it introduced me to a fascinating and underrepresented piece of Canadian history. I had no idea the train porter jobs on trans-Canada rail trips were mostly filled by Black men, who were paid pennies and depended on tips just to scrape by. It’s such a niche part of history, and I’m not sure many people know about it.
When I first picked up this book last year, my husband tried to read it too. He gave up after 100 pages because, well, nothing really happens. So, this one’s definitely not for the faint of heart—or for those who like a fast-paced plot.
That said, I was blown away by the amount of research packed into its 220 pages. There are over 20 citations! Suzette Mayr clearly put in a ton of effort to ground the story in historical fact, and she deserves a lot of credit for that. Details like the porter ad at the beginning and the train cart map really added to the immersion and kept me reading, even when the pace dragged.
The story itself is heartbreaking, with an almost happy ending. Baxter, the porter, isn’t just treated poorly because he’s Black; he also has to hide the fact that he’s queer, which adds another layer of sadness to the narrative.
One thing that did bother me was the dialogue formatting. It gave the book a script-like feel rather than the flow of traditional prose, which was a bit jarring. Still, the cast of characters felt so vivid that I could easily see this becoming a really solid indie film someday.
Overall, this is a slow but meaningful read that left me with a deeper appreciation for a part of history I hadn’t encountered before....more
I don't often rate or review children's books because I read so many, but this one triggered me so I must. This might be the worst children’s book I’vI don't often rate or review children's books because I read so many, but this one triggered me so I must. This might be the worst children’s book I’ve read all year. It talks down to kids and doesn’t teach anything meaningful. My daughter couldn’t figure out why the word “please� was awkwardly crammed onto every page, often where it made no sense. For example:
"Trick or treat?" "Please?"
Or:
"I can do that too!" "Please?"
The authors even suggest life was better when they were kids because everyone supposedly had better manners. Honestly, here's my take: Please, don’t read this book—just toss it in the trash. Thank you!...more
**spoiler alert** I started The Female Persuasion thinking it was nonfiction, so I kept waiting for the central thesis to emerge. It wasn’t until abou**spoiler alert** I started The Female Persuasion thinking it was nonfiction, so I kept waiting for the central thesis to emerge. It wasn’t until about 50 pages in, when I checked the About section on Spotify, that I realized it was a novel. (The title literally says "A NOVEL"—guess I missed that part when I started listening.)
Once I adjusted my expectations, the book turned into a fairly standard coming-of-age story. Greer Kadetsky finds her voice, becomes a feminist, and marries her high school sweetheart. There's tragedy—Cory’s little brother’s death felt especially cruel—and betrayal, like Greer stabbing her best friend Zee in the back. But at its core, the novel explores how Greer transforms from a shy young woman to someone who confronts her mentor, Faith Frank, and ultimately uses her voice for good. I guess? The ending felt rushed.
That said, for a book called The Female Persuasion, the feminist theory feels... clunky. Faith Frank, the supposed feminist icon, is deeply flawed (which I’m sure is intentional). Still, she’s so disappointing—a “feminist� who ignores intersectionality. She’s clearly meant to be a Gloria Steinem stand-in, but I didn’t buy it. And don’t get me started on Greer (a vegetarian) eating meat just to impress Faith Frank. That scene made me cringe.
One aspect I found striking was how accurately the book portrayed the inner workings of a nonprofit organization. I’ve worked in a similar organization, where everyone drinks the Kool-Aid and believes they’re saving the world with celebrity speakers and donations. That to me felt real. Where donations roll in and they just sit there and aren't used to help anyone.
The one quote that stuck with me was about parenting. Something like, “You never know when the last time you hug your child will be the last time.� As a mom, that hit me hard. I also appreciated the role reversal with Cory stepping into the caregiver role, coming home to take care of his mom and cleaning houses for money. I was taken aback by Greer's expectations and comments about Cory's selfless act. I don't think she ever truly understands what feminism is about, even when her mom points it out for her.
In the end, The Female Persuasion is a cute coming-of-age story with moments of insight, but a lot of missed opportunities....more
"Uncertain Kin" has been on my TBR since last February, and I’m glad I finally picked it up. It’s now one of three books I’ve read from my library’s ""Uncertain Kin" has been on my TBR since last February, and I’m glad I finally picked it up. It’s now one of three books I’ve read from my library’s "Fiction & Memoir for Black History Month" list from last year. What initially drew me to this book was its cover—it’s so unique, unlike anything I’ve seen before.
This is Janice Lynn Mather’s adult debut, and her storytelling is vivid and poetic. It feels like the kind of book you’d read in an undergrad literature course, where the full depth of the stories only becomes clear after analyzing them in class.
The collection includes 18 coming-of-age short stories, each exploring trauma or emotional heaviness, all set in The Bahamas. When you think of The Bahamas, you probably picture sun and beaches, but Mather focuses on a side of the islands tourists rarely see.
I wanted to give this book 5 stars, but I found the first few stories dragged a little. That said, the later stories were gripping—Mather definitely saved the best for last. I’d love to read more from her in the future....more
I made a couple of mistakes when I started The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez. First, I assumed Alvarez had written the book in Spanish, I made a couple of mistakes when I started The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez. First, I assumed Alvarez had written the book in Spanish, so I began listening to it in Spanish. But after a bit of digging, I realized that the book was originally written in English, albeit sprinkled with Spanglish throughout. I switched to the English audiobook, ready to dive into the story in its intended language—except Spotify didn’t have it on Premium, and I had to pay $20 for it. Like the sap I am, I went ahead and bought it. My “girl math� rationale? “If I never buy books, then $20 for an audiobook isn’t too bad, right?� Can audiobooks be loaned out? I wonder.
The irony is that The Cemetery of Untold Stories does not make for an ideal audiobook. This is a narrative about storytelling and hidden tales—a format that deserves a book. Alvarez’s writing is so sophisticated and beautiful, and it’s easy to see why she’s considered a literary icon. Yet, despite her prowess, the story felt flat for me. It pains me to admit that, given her talent, but I didn’t connect with the stories as much as I wanted to. I did enjoy the magical realism—a highlight, though definitely something to skip if that’s not your thing.
Another hurdle? The audiobook’s narrator was the same voice from The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, which threw me off from the start. It made it hard to settle into this new world Alvarez had built. Perhaps one day I’ll revisit this book in print, where I can give it the attention it deserves. And I’d love to explore more of Alvarez’s works when the time comes....more
**spoiler alert** I borrowed The Only One Left from the library, but had to switch to the audiobook a few days ago so I could finish in time for my ne**spoiler alert** I borrowed The Only One Left from the library, but had to switch to the audiobook a few days ago so I could finish in time for my next book club meeting. This is the second "murder house family" mystery I’ve read in the past 30 days, and it’s been too much for me. Both books followed a similar formula, making me wonder: are all contemporary murder mysteries like this? I’m not too familiar with the genre.
As an audiobook, this story worked better than reading the physical copy, but the voice performances had their own issues. The men’s voices were inconsistent, even distracting at times. Why did Archie sometimes sound like a woman? And none of the characters actually sounded like they were from Maine, which added to the weirdness.
Plot-wise, I really struggled with some elements. Carter assuming that Lenora (aka Virginia) could be his grandmother was a huge leap of logic, and it made it hard to take the story seriously. He ended up being such a pointless character. And then there’s Kit’s dad—how could he be okay with his daughter taking the blame for her mother’s death? I can't get over that he did that to her.
The biggest issue for me was the twist at the end. Am I really supposed to believe that Virginia faked being disabled for decades as part of a revenge plot? Kit even questions this in the book, and for good reason. Who would willingly reduce themselves to needing help with dressing, bathing, and diaper changes if they could walk and talk the whole time? It’s such a reach.
Jess’s disappearance also didn’t sit right with me. I had a feeling the cassettes were significant, but why did she vanish and make it seem like Kit was unstable or attention-seeking? And why the focus on Jess leaning against the bookshelf with her hands behind her back? That felt like it was meant to be a clue but led nowhere.
Finally, the coincidence of Kit’s father being Ricky and somehow tied to Virginia was a bit much. Is Ricky even a common nickname for Patrick? That was news to me.
Overall, this book felt like the kind of thriller a tween might pick out when sneaking into the adult section for the first time. It’s longer than it needs to be, with plenty of flaws and mostly unlikeable characters, but it does keep you guessing....more
I’ve borrowed Untamed from the library at least a dozen times this year but never got around to reading it. I don’t know why—it just sat on my shelf, I’ve borrowed Untamed from the library at least a dozen times this year but never got around to reading it. I don’t know why—it just sat on my shelf, quietly waiting. It kept showing up on must-read lists, so I kept putting holds on it. Then I thought, maybe this book works better as an audiobook. And for once, I was right!
Listening to Glennon Doyle narrate her own words made the whole thing come alive. I’m a little sad I couldn’t highlight all the quotable moments, but the trade-off was worth it. Doyle has a way of turning trauma and hardship into a kind of power, reminding us that even when life is tough, we come out stronger.
At first, I thought her tone was a bit preachy. But when she started talking about how important it is to let ourselves feel everything—even the hard feelings—I knew I had to keep listening. That’s something I’ve always believed in. Then she hit me with this: “We weren’t born distrusting and fearing ourselves. That was part of our taming. We were taught to believe that who we are in our natural state is bad and dangerous. They convinced us to be afraid of ourselves. So we do not honor our own bodies, curiosity, hunger, judgment, experience, or ambition. Instead, we lock away our true selves. Women who are best at this disappearing act earn the highest praise: She is so selfless. Can you imagine? The epitome of womanhood is to lose one’s self completely. That is the end goal of every patriarchal culture. Because a very effective way to control women is to convince women to control themselves.�
It was one of those moments that stopped me in my tracks. That quote speaks to the core of Doyle’s message—how we’re taught to disappear, to be selfless, and how that’s a way to control us. After hearing that, I totally understood why this book has resonated with so many people.
Untamed is packed with these kinds of insights, and honestly, it’s so quotable. I’m ready to check out her other books now!...more
It's been a while since I finished this book, but I felt compelled to add a mini review to express how much I loved it. This is a fun, satirical, comiIt's been a while since I finished this book, but I felt compelled to add a mini review to express how much I loved it. This is a fun, satirical, coming-of-age story that also offers sharp commentary on US politics during Trump's first election and presidency. I listened to the audiobook version of these essays and found myself laughing throughout. While I was never quite sure if the narrator was the actual author, his muppet-like voice made the experience even more enjoyable. This is definitely a book I would have loved to earmark and highlight quotes from—one that balances humor with insight brilliantly....more
Coming off a reading slump, I found it hard to get into Circe. What kept me engaged was my love for classical literature and Greek mythology. Having rComing off a reading slump, I found it hard to get into Circe. What kept me engaged was my love for classical literature and Greek mythology. Having read The Iliad, The Odyssey, Metamorphoses, and more, I was intrigued by Miller’s interpretation of the goddess Circe, one of mythology’s more enigmatic figures.Â
What struck me about Miller’s approach was how she reimagined Circe’s so-called "weaknesses," transforming them into the very qualities that make her more human and, ultimately, more relatable. Circe’s yearning for connection, her loneliness, and her vulnerability felt authentic, making her journey more than just a retelling of a myth—it was an exploration of what it means to be different, even among gods.
That said, the first 100 pages were a slow burn. I found myself impatiently waiting for Odysseus to appear. But looking back, I realize Miller was deliberately using this time to differentiate Circe from other Titans, showcasing her distinctiveness and isolation. Side note: I really appreciated how Miller explained the differences between Titans and Olympians. Even though these two groups must coexist, they still despise each other, and Miller makes this animosity palpable. Helios and Zeus, for instance, are deeply unlikeable characters—a far cry from the Disney-fied version of Zeus in Hercules.
As for the ending, it was deeply satisfying, leaving me wondering about Circe’s true self and the life she ultimately chose. I like to think, like Arwen in The Lord of the Rings, Circe may have become mortal to live one full life with Telemachus. Their relationship was a bit jarring at first—Circe with the son of Odysseus—but, then again, this is a world where Pasiphaë mated with a bull and birthed the Minotaur, so it quickly felt pretty tame in comparison.
In the end, I was left feeling an overwhelming sense of sympathy, sadness, and admiration for Circe. She is the ultimate underdog—despised by her family, overlooked by the gods, and yet she forges her own destiny. Circe may be considered one of the weakest gods, but in Miller’s hands, she emerges as a symbol of quiet, persevering strength....more
**spoiler alert** This book should never have been written. It’s bad, and no one can convince me otherwise. What was Yarros thinking when she wrote th**spoiler alert** This book should never have been written. It’s bad, and no one can convince me otherwise. What was Yarros thinking when she wrote this? So much wasted potential here.
After the near-perfection of the first two books, I guess lightning doesn’t strike three times. Onyx Storm loses all the momentum the series had built and gets bogged down in unfulfilling quests and backstories. You’d think it would be exciting to finally explore beyond the Continent, but instead we’re given the laziest, most uninspired vision of the surrounding islands. The hunt for the irids is dull, and when they’re finally found, they don’t even care-so why were we supposed to?
Every island visit follows the same repetitive pattern. The story drags. And don’t even get me started on Xaden. I still can’t stand the way he treats Violet—obsessive and controlling. I thought he’d learned some emotional regulation in book two, but nope. Full psychotic boyfriend mode returns in book three. And the way Violet and Xaden act around other people? Absolutely no one behaves like that with friends literally standing next to them. Is it love, or just a total lack of boundaries and self-awareness?
There were moments I was literally shaking my head-like every time Violet “lifted her chin� (again?) or someone muttered “well fucking aware.� The repetition bordered on parody. Omg I nearly died when Violet tells Garrick that Xaden is slowly turning venin because of his eye flecks. Their amber now not gold! Flecks? Can anyone identify "flecks" in people's eyes to this degree of precision?
Honestly, this book felt like Hogwarts on acid. What still makes this series (barely) worth it are the dragons-their dialogue, their presence, and the way they’re woven into the plot. Yarros had something special there. It’s a shame she didn’t dig deeper into the irids� history-what a wasted opportunity.
And the ending? It’s a cliffhanger, sure, but an infuriating one. With 500 pages to work with, we couldn’t get even a little more context? A little more closure? I doubt I’ll read the fourth book. Hopefully someone gives me a quick recap when it drops. Orrrr maybe I'll give the audiobook a try to switch it up....more
**spoiler alert** "The New Neighbor" is your typical easy-read spy thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat with its mix of predictable an**spoiler alert** "The New Neighbor" is your typical easy-read spy thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat with its mix of predictable and unpredictable moments. However, once you finish it, you'll realize the story is rather basic. Honestly, this book would make a fantastic drinking game—take a shot every time you read or hear the word "neighbor," and you'd be drunk by page five.
I listened to this as an audiobook and felt like another hundred pages were missing. It didn't feel resolved, as if there was more to the story that the author didn't get around to writing. It makes me wonder if there will be a sequel. For example, why did the author emphasize Tyler's distance from his mom? Why don't we see Beth witness Mike going to jail? That would have been the perfect closing scene. Instead, we get significant reveals presented as minor truths in the Epilogue.
I wish the author had done more to conclude the characters' arcs and avoided the frustrating trope of making women look crazy when they know the truth about something. In the end, "The New Neighbor" was a fun, but flawed read....more
The hypocrisy in makeup marketing is something I find especially irritating and something that Daphne B breaks down in her book. Celebrities endorse their brands, making us believe that a lip liner is the secret to their transformation. This isn't a critique of cosmetic surgery, Botox, or fillers—everyone should do what makes them happy—but rather a comment on the inherent falseness in these claims.
I really enjoyed this book, which I listened to as an audiobook on Spotify. Unfortunately, it was categorized as an "album," making it tricky to keep my place since it would often restart from the beginning. I discovered "Made Up" on my library's staff list last year, amusingly titled "Barbie's Bookshelf of Existential Thoughts." I've read four books from the list so far and am slowly working my way through the rest....more
This was a difficult novel to finish, but I'm happy I stuck with it. Difficult because of its narrative structure of stories within stories. The AuthoThis was a difficult novel to finish, but I'm happy I stuck with it. Difficult because of its narrative structure of stories within stories. The Author's Note at the end really crystallizes the importance of this book for me. I knew next to nothing about Canada's part in the Underground Railroad before reading this book, and now I feel compelled to dive into some history books.
I'm always amazed when authors use fiction to educate readers on forgotten stories from our history, and Kai Thomas does this exceptionally well in "In the Upper Country." Although I was a little lost at times, trying to follow the various narratives, I now feel more knowledgeable about this piece of history.
No argument that this is definitely an eye-opening tale by a gifted storyteller, but I do wish the chapters were shorter and the narrators were more clearly identified....more
**spoiler alert** The Women by Kristin Hannah was my book club's first pick for 2025, and it reminded me of The Secret Book of Flora Lea in how it une**spoiler alert** The Women by Kristin Hannah was my book club's first pick for 2025, and it reminded me of The Secret Book of Flora Lea in how it unearthed a part of history I knew nothing about. If you love historical fiction with strong feminist themes and a commitment to historical accuracy, this book is for you.
Before reading, I knew very little about the Vietnam War and was shocked to learn about the hate and hostility faced by returning soldiers. The trauma endured by those who survived—especially the women, who weren’t even recognized as survivors—is unimaginable. While I expected the story to spend more time in Vietnam, it’s really about Frankie’s survival after she returns home. She hits rock bottom repeatedly but always has a home to go back to, even though she resents it. I do wish the privilege of having that safety net had been acknowledged in the narrative, as it felt like a missed opportunity.
I rated the book 4/5 stars (maybe 3.5 if that was an option here) for a few reasons. First, there were some inconsistent and confusing shifts in perspective that pulled me out of the story. Second, the romantic subplots were fairly predictable. From the moment Frankie saw Jamie airlifted in a helicopter and presumed dead, I knew he’d show up again at the end. I also wasn’t surprised when Rye turned out to be lying—or when he ran straight to his wife and daughter after returning home. Even the affair felt predictable. And as much as I was rooting for Henry (#TeamHenry forever), I wasn’t surprised she didn’t get a happy ending with him either.
That said, I was hooked from the very first page. Kristin Hannah excels at creating immersive, emotional stories. I would have loved an epilogue where Frankie sees her photo on the Heroes Wall in her dad’s office, tying up that family arc. Still, I appreciated that by the end, her parents finally acknowledged and validated her.
Despite my critiques, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!...more
This was my first experience with a Taylor Jenkins Reid novel—I haven’t read or watched “Daisy Jones and the Six�, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. AtThis was my first experience with a Taylor Jenkins Reid novel—I haven’t read or watched “Daisy Jones and the Six�, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. At first glance, the book’s cover suggested it might be stereotypical 'chick lit,' but I was pleasantly surprised by the depth, heart, and humanity in the storytelling.
I listened to the novel as an audiobook, but I think I would have preferred reading it. The multiple narrators were a bit distracting; for example, I struggled with the voice used for young Evelyn, which made it hard for me to engage with the first 100 pages. I’m generally not a fan of linear storytelling—it often feels too straightforward. I could easily imagine a film adaptation using a more unconventional narrative structure, perhaps starting with Evelyn’s final scene or an interview with Monique.
Another aspect that didn’t sit well with me was the plot’s convenient resolutions. The idea of multiple marriages of convenience for appearances, suitability and stardom seemed a bit far-fetched. While I understand that such arrangements can be real, their frequency in the novel felt excessive. The big reveal with Monique also felt a little too convenient, but there’s a certain sense of interconnectivity among all the relationships in the book, as if everyone was fated to intersect with Evelyn in some way.
I also had mixed feelings about the frequent focus on Evelyn's physical appearance and how it shaped her fame. It raised questions about whether someone could truly be celebrated solely for their beauty. Reflecting on real-life figures like Pamela Anderson and Emily Ratajkowski—having read their biographies and essays this past year—I saw similarities in how beauty has shaped their public personas. Brooke Shields' documentary "Pretty Baby" also came to mind while reading about Evelyn’s life.
What truly surprised me were the strong LGBTQ+ themes and love stories woven throughout the book. These elements set the story apart and added a depth I hadn’t anticipated. I found myself wishing for spin-offs exploring the lives of Evelyn, Celia, Harry, and John in New York, or Evelyn, Celia, and Robert in Spain—those moments in the story were both beautiful and heartbreaking.
The book's exploration of tragedy and the fleeting nature of life can be overwhelming. I had to pause the final moments of tragedy in the story because they were too much for me to handle. Although stories that look back on a life lived often serve as poignant reminders of life's brevity. I find books like this especially hard for me to read because it forces me to reflect on life, aging, and death. Nonetheless, this novel ultimately serves as a powerful reminder to live fully and without regrets. Lately, I’ve found most book endings rushed and unresolved, but not this one. It has a perfect ending....more
Finishing this book was a relief. It was a terrible read for me. I feel bad because by aiming to blend archaeology with a rom-com the author wanted toFinishing this book was a relief. It was a terrible read for me. I feel bad because by aiming to blend archaeology with a rom-com the author wanted to do something different, but it ended up as pure smut. And not the good kind. If there is a good kind. I was hoping for more archaeology. Lesson learned: no more cartoony covers, no matter how cool they look. I'll never get over how cringey some parts of this book were, but at least I got a few laughs from the cringe.
I'll admit, the cover drew me in, and I didn't look beyond that (which is pretty much my usual method for choosing books). I expected "Romancing the Stone" vibes, but instead, I got cringey porn dialogue.
One thing I found particularly annoying was how the author set up the ending to imply a sequel with the same characters. But after checking, I found out the sequel features different characters, although it's set in the same world. She made it sound like these two were going on another adventure, with motives and everything. I wonder why she changed her mind. I'm not even sure why I care because I had and have no intentions of reading or listening to the sequel, but the lack of continuity still bothers me.Â
One of the main things I found distracting was how unrealistic the conversations were. Two men talking about their feelings at a dig site seems not typical. And then other friends commenting on how sexy their friends are is also extremely weird, especially since they're all supposed to be working. HR would have had a field day at the dig sites in this book....more
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