This is my first book I’ve read by Bailey, but it certainly won’t be my last. What a phenomenal read! The first chapter had me hooked, her descriptionThis is my first book I’ve read by Bailey, but it certainly won’t be my last. What a phenomenal read! The first chapter had me hooked, her descriptions of the backwater country lagoons and bayous instantly transported me to another world. I could hear the boat engines, smell the salt water and feel the mud beneath my fingernails with such vivid writing. And the descriptions of the gators! So so cool.
Also, the characters were crafted with so much care and dedication. Loyal was my favourite but I also had a sweet spot for Beau and Dewall, I could have read an entire book on their journey and characteristics. There were layers to every interaction and conversation, I really felt that not a single scene or description was wasted. By the end I felt at home in the sweltering atmosphere of Jacknife, I didn’t want to leave these characters. Claustrophobic and dangerous, but full of real human heart and emotion.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #OurLastWildDays #NetGalley. All opinions are my own....more
I initially found Ruth’s life interesting to read about however as the book carried on, it became very bleak. I felt disconnected to Ruth and her lifeI initially found Ruth’s life interesting to read about however as the book carried on, it became very bleak. I felt disconnected to Ruth and her life, the writing felt very stand off-ish and there was no real connection between the snapshots of her life that we saw. I have so many questions about certain aspects and finished the book feeling underwhelmed.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #Ruth #NetGalley. All opinions are my own....more
4.5 stars A timely book, perhaps now more than ever. I finished this in one sitting because I needed to know what was going to happen to Samim. My hear4.5 stars A timely book, perhaps now more than ever. I finished this in one sitting because I needed to know what was going to happen to Samim. My heart broke as he recounted his story, and then broke again when I remembered that this is life for so many refugees. Samim represents so many children who are orphaned and forgotten, and turned away at every door. This book shines a light on such an important topic and does so with no hidden meanings or agendas. While it might be aimed at younger audiences, I think some adults could do with reading a book that forces you to have humanity. Beautiful and heartbreaking.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #MyNameIsSamim #Edelweiss. All opinions are my own....more
A short but interesting and well written story, with commentary on class, labour and gender. While nothing actually happened, I really enjoyed the focA short but interesting and well written story, with commentary on class, labour and gender. While nothing actually happened, I really enjoyed the focus on the women (the Susans), their work life and relationships with each other. This was like being a fly on the wall with dedicated insight into Ning’s life. A great character study of a book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #PickAColor #NetGalley. All opinions are my own....more
A fun, fast paced and addictive story. I knew nothing about this book going in and that made it all the more enjoyable. Julie was terrible, but such aA fun, fast paced and addictive story. I knew nothing about this book going in and that made it all the more enjoyable. Julie was terrible, but such an entertaining character to root for. She was flawed, egotistical and annoying but I loved reading about her. I really enjoyed the plot too, it was clearly barrelling towards something big and the ending did not disappoint. The back up characters were also immensely entertaining, this entire story was so much fun to read. A great commentary on social media and influencers, with the added bonus of being funny too.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #JulieChanIsDead #NetGalley. All opinions are my own....more
Beautiful and heartbreaking all at once, this book showcases the remarkable truths of being a girl, a woman, a mother. The writing was beyond gorgeousBeautiful and heartbreaking all at once, this book showcases the remarkable truths of being a girl, a woman, a mother. The writing was beyond gorgeous and full of gut punching lines and prose that had me tearing up. I loved all the girls, but Simone especially carved her way into my heart. Her love and determination for her twins was awe inspiring, I was rooting for her and my heart was in my throat at certain points during this book.
If you’re looking for a book that feels like Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car, with the tenderness of sweet honey, and characters that ache and bleed and make you feel alive, I highly recommend this one. Moving and deeply emotional. I will be reading everything Mottley writes from now on.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #TheGirlsWhoGrewBig #NetGalley. All opinions are my own....more
From the blurb I was under the impression that this was going to be more thriller esque, but maybe that’s my fault. This was an okay book, but I thinkFrom the blurb I was under the impression that this was going to be more thriller esque, but maybe that’s my fault. This was an okay book, but I think my main issue with it was the writing. Everything felt overwritten and over explained and I found myself skimming things, surprised that the same event/action/thought was repeated so many times. It was a simple, slice of life book where nothing really happens. I’m sure this is someone’s perfect book, but it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #JustLikeHerMother #NetGalley. All opinions are my own....more
This was unsettling and at times claustrophobic to read. The man and the woman featured in this book are both carrying guilt with them for previous miThis was unsettling and at times claustrophobic to read. The man and the woman featured in this book are both carrying guilt with them for previous mistakes in life, and as a result are drawn to each other. I enjoyed the writing and its easy, simple style. While the plot wasn’t massively interesting, it still kept me motivated to finish the story. The ambitious ending was a little bit of a let down, but overall a different and unusual read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #SomeoneToWatchOverYou #NetGalley. All opinions are my own....more
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #TheBombshell #NetGalley. All opinions are my own....more