True Biz

Well, I did not know this was one of Reese Witherspoon's book club picks til I got the notice my hold at the library was ready and saw the stamp on the cover. (A word. I, like many other readers, hate that shit. Get your name/brand sticker off the cover - the cover art deserves its…

If This Gets Out

Ahhhh the dangers of working in a library. I was checking in books a few weeks ago and this was one of them...and instead of carting it to get it back on the shelves, I ended up taking it home with me. Whoops. If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich “At the…

D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding

If this cover doesn’t catch your eye, I really don’t know what to tell you. Haha. But in all seriousness, I was feeling in the mood for a romance and this one was both on my TBR and available on the “new books” shelf at the library. D'Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia…

The Arsonists’ City

At long last, my final Aspen Words 2022 longlist read is done. I'm feeling very accomplished and enjoying that satisfied feeling of crossing the last thing off a "to-read" list. Go me! Plus, I ended on a high note, since this was also one of the five shortlist picks. And goodness I can see why.…

Portrait of a Thief

I, like many (I am sure), do love a heist movie. There is something so satisfyingly escapist about them and I revisit classics like Ocean's 11 and The Italian Job any time I'm looking for a comfort watch. Plus, I am a *huge* fan of the entire Fast and Furious franchise, #sorrynotsorry. (Which, after reading the Acknowledgements, it seems I have that…

The Reckless Oath We Made

My very first ever book that I posted a review of on this blog was Greenwood's novel All the Ugly and Wonderful Things. It was (is) a pretty controversial read, but it emotionally devastated me. And, as my first review, I really did not have the frame of reference or general practice in critically thinking about what…

Swimming Back to Trout River

My second to last of the 2022 Aspen Words longlist books! I brought this one on a trip with me and almost finished it on a single flight from Denver to Raleigh; once I started it, I just couldn't stop. Also, if we're keeping track, this is another one (which at this point is at…

The Grief Keeper

In my (mostly failing but ever effortful) attempt to read the backlist books on my shelves at home between the myriad newer releases and library holds that just keep coming, I present this success! This was part of a used bookstore haul a while ago; the concept (which I feel like I have also read about…

Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors

One of my comfort genres is Jane Austen retellings (and movie rewatchings), especially Pride and Prejudice. I had seen mixed reviews for this one, so it wasn't at the very top of my TBR list, but I was recently feeling ready for a revisit to this story and decided to give it a try. Pride, Prejudice, and…

Abundance

Another Aspen Words 2022 longlist read down (my 14th, I believe). And this is one I have seen nowhere and heard basically nothing about until it showed up on this list. So, I went into it basically blind and with no bookstagram reviews to rely on for vibes about it. Which is a position I very…