Washington Black

I got this book a few months ago in a Books that Matter subscription box. I had seen it around, but it hadn’t necessarily been towards the top of my list. And honestly, I’m glad I didn’t jump on it and buy it here, because the UK version of the cover is freaking GORGEOUS. Though that’s…

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The Night Tiger

Years ago, like back before I started publishing my reviews on a blog (in 2014), I read Choo’s first novel, The Ghost Bride. I left a short review on Goodreads when finishing (you can check it out here). It was generally positive and I feel like past me would not be surprised that current me…

The Island of Sea Women

Wow, was it hard to get my hands on this book! This was the book chosen as the April read for my remote (Google Hangout) book club. And even though we’ve read some new releases in the past, this is the first time I was afraid I wouldn't actually get the book in time (and,…

The Essex Serpent

I saw this book around a lot when it was first published and the topic, the possible existence of a mythical serpent in Essex, is definitely one that struck my fancy. Plus, the detail in the cover is lovely in its delicacy. Which is, in fact, what prompted me to buy it. I saw it…

The Queen of the Night

I saw this book on a used book shelf years ago and was totally pulled towards the cover but, for some reason that I cannot remember, I didn’t buy it. Recently Alexander Chee’s name has been everywhere. And a wonderful book friend of my, Hunter (@shelfbyshelf), started a #bookstagram book club this year and this…

The Air You Breathe

Confession: I received a copy of this book back in July 2018, before it was even published (through First to Read), and JUST NOW read it. Embarrassing. I mean, I realize you can’t always keep up with what you plan. But I really have no excuse for it other than just not picking it up…

Next Year in Havana

For December, my long-distance book club chose, as our theme, to read one of the books nominated for (not necessarily a winner of) a 2018 Goodreads Choice Award. We waited until the finalists were announced and then each made our suggestions. This one was mine! Though I have to be fair about how it won.…

She Would Be King

I love reading because it opens up so much of the world that is unknown. Like, there is just so much out there to learn about. I am drawn to books that will give me insight into something I didn’t previously know about. And even if, like in this case, the story itself is told…

Once Upon a River

Years ago, long before I started writing reviews and even longer before I started officially publishing them on my blog, I read The Thirteenth Tale. And I loved it. I actually don’t remember too many of the details, but the mystery and atmosphere have stuck with me to this day. So, as I was browsing…

A Constellation of Vital Phenomena

This is a backlist book that has been on my TBR for years. And every once in awhile I see it pop up on bookstagram as an old/undersold favorite of some of my fellow readers. So, when I made my Beat the Backlist choices for this past year, I figured it was time to get…