Magical and charming! Loved it from beginning to the very last page. Lovable characters, humorous dialogue, perfect NYC settings. The writing style isMagical and charming! Loved it from beginning to the very last page. Lovable characters, humorous dialogue, perfect NYC settings. The writing style is very similar to Abby Jimenez, but with some added time travel which is very well done. (Sometimes time travel books get complicated and messy, but this one has clearly defined limits.) Themes explored include loss, change, and letting go, but also personal growth, being honest with yourself, chasing happiness, and valuing the pleasures of life over societal/family expectations. Two thumbs up. Loved this book. Note to author - Ashley, look up "bombastic." I don't think it means what you think it means. ...more
Just as fun as 'Part of your World.' Jimenez follows Alexis's best friend, Bri, through her current situation (newly divorced and a sick brother to caJust as fun as 'Part of your World.' Jimenez follows Alexis's best friend, Bri, through her current situation (newly divorced and a sick brother to care for). This novel focuses on themes of trust, especially as it pertains to introverts, anxiety, depression, and getting through traumatic events (and starting over fresh on the other side without all the baggage). If you're like me, you'll be frustrated over misunderstandings (WHY won't they just TALK!) but you'll enjoy the humor and the dialogue. The escape catch phrases are the shining jewel of this book (Not on my watch!) This read is pure fun, a great vacation read, and about 5 gallons of glitter. It will stick with you and shine on long after you've finished....more
What a wonderful read from beginning to end. You have all the best elements of a good story: detestable antagonists, heartwarming sidekicks, thorny prWhat a wonderful read from beginning to end. You have all the best elements of a good story: detestable antagonists, heartwarming sidekicks, thorny problems, and hilarious dialogue. The big theme of this novel is putting your own happiness before other's expectations for you. If you're a people pleaser, THIS book will speak to you. It's about empowerment and being brave. Speaking up for what you want. It's also about socio-economic class and how different people have different knowledge bases. ...more
This poor woman, whew! The memoir reads a bit like "The Glass Castle" but I have to say that it was interesting to get a peek into the world of studioThis poor woman, whew! The memoir reads a bit like "The Glass Castle" but I have to say that it was interesting to get a peek into the world of studios and acting. Trigger warning for anyone struggling with eating disorders. Overall, I'd say the book was really about abusive relationships, attachment, codependence, narcissism, living through your children, and the value of therapy. And also, making peace with the fact that your life purpose and your true self might disappoint other people, and other people just have to suck it up because everyone has to make their own choices about their one wild and precious life. You really get a sense of McCurdy's struggle with pleasing her mother and being true to herself....more
Different authors do particular things well: Emily Henry makes me laugh with her witty dialogue, JK Rowling creates settings so real you feel like youDifferent authors do particular things well: Emily Henry makes me laugh with her witty dialogue, JK Rowling creates settings so real you feel like you're there, and Jojo Moyes's superpower is making you feel exactly what her characters are feeling. There is a point in this novel in which Lila, our protagonist, figures out that she has done something kind of shitty and feels terrible about it, and feels bad about herself, and I walked around all day feeling unsettled and upset. I don't know how Moyes accomplishes this, but I suspect it's all the internal dialogue and the bracing honesty that flows from the pages about very real scenarios. I know some people love the historical fiction that Moyes has written, but honestly, this type of novel is her forte. I feel like this is the book that "Sandwich" wanted to be, but this is raw and real, painful and messy but also uplifting and celebratory. At the book signing event I attended, Moyes said she wishes she could be more like Gene...the wild actor stepfather. I kind of get that. There are so many great themes in this book including forgiving yourself and others, doing the "pivot" when things are falling apart, reframing perspectives, bullying, grudges, finding joy, owning an air of confidence (even if you aren't feeling it) and being brave enough to try new things at any age. (From the book: Are you a Mercedes convertible top-down sort of person or a practical car driver?) You'll love all the characters--they are all brilliant. This is probably the perfect book club read....more
Christina and Lauren are the absolute best at turning up the volume on any story. The villains are deliciously hateable and always get what's coming tChristina and Lauren are the absolute best at turning up the volume on any story. The villains are deliciously hateable and always get what's coming to them. The main characters are hilarious and fun and loveable. The dialogue is entirely enjoyable. The Paradise Problem presents us with a perfect Cinderella story: He has money but lacks a loving family, she has the opposite in a way. But also it's a story that puts money in its place and shines a big old spotlight on toxic families and what it means to have someone's back. The perfect beach read, a page-turner, and entirely satisfying--what's not to love? ...more
Wow! Loved this. The prose is gorgeous. Set in colonial days, this "mystery" has a Little House on the Prairie feel to it but highlights strong feminiWow! Loved this. The prose is gorgeous. Set in colonial days, this "mystery" has a Little House on the Prairie feel to it but highlights strong feminist women, characters that you'll love, and non-stop action. Our protagonist is a midwife and much of the story is about the births she is called to. It doesn't feel like your classic mystery as the story really doesn't turn its spotlight on that plotline. It's more about how everyone relates to each other in the wake of this horrid man's death and who the true villains are. It blurs lines between the good guys and the bad guys. It leads you to make friends with the fact that reality doesn't always come with the splashy happy ending, but content endings that will sit well enough with you. ...more
Rachel's newest is every bit as inspiring as her other books. Every short chapter gives you so much to consider and discuss with your favorite thoughtRachel's newest is every bit as inspiring as her other books. Every short chapter gives you so much to consider and discuss with your favorite thoughtful people. In fact, I'd just read one chapter every couple of days. Fully give it time to marinate. Life is too short to live it without intention. Sometimes I think we get stuck on autopilot and forget to take stock of what we want and how to live vibrantly. I will be reading this one again and heartily recommend it to everyone who is lacking clarity on where they are sailing their ship. And because it's Rachel, she's got you laughing along the way. A thoroughly enjoyable read....more
Fun romance. Not as much of NYC in it as I had hoped, other than Katz's. This is one of those stories that is frustrating--if they would just OPENLY TFun romance. Not as much of NYC in it as I had hoped, other than Katz's. This is one of those stories that is frustrating--if they would just OPENLY TALK to each other! UGH! And I felt like Silver had to sell the plot problem a bit...is the protagonist really at fault? Would these characters really have an issue with her actions in trying to connect with her mother? Is the asshole ex really that big a deal? Can people really taste tiny differences in vanilla gelato? But it's a decent story with themes of family, grief & mourning, honesty, and tradition. Nice holiday read....more
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