jenniferrandphd's reviews
146 reviews
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
4.0
"The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry" by Gabrielle Zevin, narrated by Scott Brick, is a heartwarming tale. A.J. Fikry, the cantankerous owner of Island Books, faces a series of misfortunes, including the loss of his wife and the theft of his cherished rare book. But everything changes when a toddler with a poignant note from her mother appears in his bookstore.
This book delves into A.J.'s life, the transformation of his bookstore, and the unexpected joys that unfold. Amelia Loman, the Knightley Press sales rep, adds a delightful twist to the story, making it even more charming.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, finding it much more engaging than TTT by the same author. Gabrielle Zevin's storytelling is captivating, and the characters are endearing. "The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry" is a heartwarming tale of love, books, and the transformative power of both.
No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister
5.0
Erica Bauermeister's "No Two Persons" is a literary gem that defies categorization. It's a celebration of fiction, an exploration of interconnected lives, and a reminder of the profound impact books can have on us.
This beautifully crafted work weaves the stories of nine diverse individuals, each touched by Alice's debut novel. From a homeless teenager to a grief-stricken widower, Bauermeister skillfully portrays the transformative power of literature. The characters' journeys are a testament to the idea that books can take us to places we never knew we needed to go.
"No Two Persons" is a solid 5 stars for me. This book sat with me for weeks, challenging my perception of narratives and the interconnectedness of our lives. Whether you consider it a novel or a collection of short stories, it will undoubtedly make you reevaluate your own story in the grand tapestry of existence. After all, we can never fully know the depth of other people's stories, and it's not our place to judge.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.
There are no stars to give. After 30% of trying to listen to the audio version, I gave up. I might pick up the book and see if it holds my interest.
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
3.0
"Starling House" by Alix E. Harrow is a captivating blend of fantasy, horror, gothic fiction, and mystery that takes you on a journey to the eerie town of Eden, Kentucky. Known for the legend of the reclusive nineteenth-century author E. Starling and his enigmatic creation, The Underland, the town harbors an uncanny secret - Starling House.
Opal unwillingly steps into the realm of haunted houses and brooding men when she receives a job offer in Eden. As she delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding Starling House, it transforms from a place of dread into something she's longed for – a home. Harrow masterfully weaves sinister forces, buried secrets, and personal fears into the narrative, creating a gripping atmosphere.
Despite its intriguing premise, "Starling House" may not appeal to everyone. With a rating of 3 stars, this book leans more toward the YA genre. Some readers might find it falls short of the author's previous work, "The 1000 Doors of January." While it may not reach the same heights, it offers an engaging experience for those who enjoy YA fiction with elements of the supernatural and the gothic.
Code Red by Vince Flynn, Kyle Mills
The plot was intriguing, involving Mitch Rapp taking on a mission that could change the course of history, with the Syrian government, Russia, and the world's most powerful crime lord in the mix. However, the execution of the story left something to be desired.
3.0
"Code Red" had all the elements of a classic Mitch Rapp thriller, but it fell short of the high expectations set by the previous books. Kyle Mills' installment lacked the finesse and depth that fans have come to expect. The storyline felt rushed, with too many abrupt turns, leaving little room for the suspense to build gradually.
One significant disappointment was the change in narrator, as Steven Weber's voice didn't quite fit the character of Mitch Rapp as well as previous narrators. This unexpected shift detracted from the overall experience for fans of the series.
The plot was intriguing, involving Mitch Rapp taking on a mission that could change the course of history, with the Syrian government, Russia, and the world's most powerful crime lord in the mix. However, the execution of the story left something to be desired.
Despite these drawbacks, "Code Red" still offered moments of action and intrigue that fans of the Mitch Rapp series may appreciate. While it may not be the strongest entry in the series, it's worth a read for those who have followed Mitch Rapp's adventures from the beginning.
Gone Tonight by Sarah Pekkanen
4.0
In "Gone Tonight" by Sarah Pekkanen, we enter a chilling dance of deception between a mother and daughter. Catherine Sterling's desire for independence collides with her mother Ruth's desperate attempts to keep her close. Pekkanen crafts a slow-burning psychological thriller that almost lost me, but Kate Mara's exceptional narration kept me hooked.
The story explores the complex dynamics between the two women, shattering the facade of a seemingly perfect mother-daughter relationship. As Ruth's world unravels, secrets emerge, and the suspense intensifies. Pekkanen's storytelling, while initially sluggish, delivers a satisfying twist in the end.
Ultimately, I awarded "Gone Tonight" 4 stars, largely thanks to Kate Mara's gripping performance. Her narration brought depth and tension to the story, making it a worthwhile listen for fans of psychological thrillers.
The story explores the complex dynamics between the two women, shattering the facade of a seemingly perfect mother-daughter relationship. As Ruth's world unravels, secrets emerge, and the suspense intensifies. Pekkanen's storytelling, while initially sluggish, delivers a satisfying twist in the end.
Ultimately, I awarded "Gone Tonight" 4 stars, largely thanks to Kate Mara's gripping performance. Her narration brought depth and tension to the story, making it a worthwhile listen for fans of psychological thrillers.
Even When You Lie by Michelle Cruz
3.0
"Even When You Lie" by Michelle Cruz offers a unique blend of mystery and romance. The story revolves around Reagan Reyes, a former intelligence officer turned in-house investigator for attorney Cade McCarrick. Their love and a promise never to lie are the only constants in a world of deceit and secrets.
The plot takes an intriguing turn when a mysterious woman's death connects to a brutal nightclub crime. Reagan's relentless pursuit of the truth leads her into Dallas's grim underbelly, where danger lurks at every corner.
Although the book promises a thrilling ride through the city's crime-ridden streets, I found it forgettable. The story had potential, but it failed to leave a lasting impression. I had to revisit the book's description to recall most of the plot.
Payback in Death by J.D. Robb
4.0
Payback in Death by J.D. Robb is a gripping Mystery Thriller set in a futuristic crime-ridden world. Lt. Eve Dallas is at it once more, delving into the death of a retired police officer, Martin Greenleaf. Although it appears to be suicide, Eve suspects a carefully concealed truth. With 47 years in Internal Affairs, did Captain Greenleaf's past catch up with him? Or is this a sinister case of payback in death? This 57th installment showcases Eve's growth and a plot not weighed down by backstory retelling.
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
As I read "The Seven Year Slip," two songs, "You're Gonna Miss This" and "Don't Blink," continually played in my mind, underscoring the book's message about cherishing life's small moments. With engaging characters and a unique premise, this book reminds us that timing is everything in matters of the heart. Poston's storytelling is compelling, making this a must-read for fans of contemporary romance with a touch of magic.
4.0
Ashley Poston weaves an enchanting tale of love, time, and the little moments that matter in "The Seven Year Slip." Clementine, an overworked book publicist, encounters an unexpected twist in her life when she falls for her temporary roommate, who happens to live seven years in the past. Poston's witty and wise storytelling creates a unique blend of contemporary romance and magical realism.
Clementine's character is relatable, and her determination to protect her heart is both endearing and understandable. The Southern-drawled stranger who enters her life adds a touch of charm and intrigue. The author beautifully explores the idea that love is not about time but timing, and the concept of a time-blending apartment adds a fascinating layer to the story.
As I read "The Seven Year Slip," two songs, "You're Gonna Miss This" and "Don't Blink," continually played in my mind, underscoring the book's message about cherishing life's small moments. With engaging characters and a unique premise, this book reminds us that timing is everything in matters of the heart. Poston's storytelling is compelling, making this a must-read for fans of contemporary romance with a touch of magic.
Pete and Alice in Maine by Caitlin Shetterly
2.0
" Pete and Alice in Maine " by Caitlin Shetterly is a raw and unflinching look at a family in crisis during the tumultuous early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alice and Pete, the central characters, grapple with the strains of a fractured marriage against the backdrop of a world in chaos. Shetterly's writing is poignant and beautifully crafted, delving into the depths of human emotions.
However, I found it challenging to connect with any of the characters, and perhaps that was the author's intention. The story paints a stark picture of a family on the brink, but the lack of likable characters made it difficult for me to engage with the narrative fully. The isolation imposed by hostile neighbors in their Maine retreat adds to the overall sense of confinement and despair, mirroring the uncertainties of the pandemic itself.
While the book explores the intricacies of modern parenthood and the strains on marriage, it may be too soon for some readers to revisit the early days of the pandemic. Additionally, if family drama is not your preferred genre, this novel may not resonate with you. Ultimately, " Pete and Alice in Maine " is a thought-provoking read, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me.