thebookenddiner's reviews
839 reviews
The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young
The Unmaking of June Farrow is one of those books that is meant to be read unhurriedly, immersing yourself into the storyline one step at a time. I savored this book and read it over six days. June Farrow is undeniably Adrienne Young's best book yet, and I hope she continues writing these types of stories because she is so good at it.
But, what I loved most about this book is the stunning descriptions that Young used to illustrate the characters and setting. I felt like I could close my eyes and picture everything perfectly, feel the breeze on my face, and smell the flowers from the Adeline River Flower Farm. Young transported me directly into this book, and it's been a while since I've had that experience.
🏘️ Small town in NC
🥰 A little something for everyone
✨ Time travel
📝 Vivid descriptions
I highly recommend reading The Unmaking of June Farrow as there's a little something for every reader within the pages - mystery, romance, magic, family relationships, and self-discovery. It's one of those stories that will stick with you long after you've finished reading it.
_
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adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
✨ FIVE STARS ✨
Thank you, Delacorte Books, for the gifted copy of The Unmaking of June Farrow {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Trope: Magical Realism/Fantasy
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 10.17.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Thank you, Delacorte Books, for the gifted copy of The Unmaking of June Farrow {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Trope: Magical Realism/Fantasy
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 10.17.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
"Their conversation grew louder as the song drew on, and I couldn't stop thinking that where we stood was the center of something, a place that created the kind of gravity that made galaxies."
The Unmaking of June Farrow is one of those books that is meant to be read unhurriedly, immersing yourself into the storyline one step at a time. I savored this book and read it over six days. June Farrow is undeniably Adrienne Young's best book yet, and I hope she continues writing these types of stories because she is so good at it.
But, what I loved most about this book is the stunning descriptions that Young used to illustrate the characters and setting. I felt like I could close my eyes and picture everything perfectly, feel the breeze on my face, and smell the flowers from the Adeline River Flower Farm. Young transported me directly into this book, and it's been a while since I've had that experience.
🏘️ Small town in NC
🥰 A little something for everyone
✨ Time travel
📝 Vivid descriptions
I highly recommend reading The Unmaking of June Farrow as there's a little something for every reader within the pages - mystery, romance, magic, family relationships, and self-discovery. It's one of those stories that will stick with you long after you've finished reading it.
_
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Hemlock Island by Kelley Armstrong
I’m on a horror story kick. But, surprisingly, I enjoyed reading Hemlock Island (if you follow me, you know that horror is usually a miss for me). But this whole thing actually worked for me!
I loved how the author, Kelley Armstrong, ended each chapter with a big cliffhanger. It was the definition of “one more chapter”. I also rarely read physical books before bed because I’m notorious for falling asleep while reading (my bed is super comfortable). Still, I opted to keep the lights on with Hemlock Island and stay up past my bedtime. But then, what about those pesky chores that I have to do? Well, that’s where the audiobook came in. I’m telling you, I was fully invested in this book and needed to know what was happening.
There’s one point in the story that the horror element was introduced (and promptly took off running with), and the more that I think about it, the more I realize that Hemlock Island is my first read with this particular trope. Maybe that’s what I need: horror genre + x (I don’t want to give away the plot here).
I also thoroughly enjoyed the element of respecting nature. Several times throughout the book, we’re reminded that the world around us needs to be protected and cherished because, in its ways, nature can (and will fight back).
💨 Quick read ( finished in 2 days)
🤪 Surprise trope that I didn’t hate
💞 Romantic element
🌳 Power of Nature
❌ rape (but not detailed)
Hemlock Island is my first book from Kelley Armstrong, and I can promise you it won’t be my last!
_
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dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Look at me enjoying something from the horror genre!
Thank you, St Martins Press, for the gifted copy of Hemlock Island {partner}
Genre: Horror
Trope: Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆☆
Pub Date: 9.12.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Thank you, St Martins Press, for the gifted copy of Hemlock Island {partner}
Genre: Horror
Trope: Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆☆
Pub Date: 9.12.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
“Something as brief as our marriage should die like a Roman candle. One blaze of glory imprinted on the retina for a few moments and then fading. This wasn’t that. This was a flash fire, and I am scarred for life, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
I’m on a horror story kick. But, surprisingly, I enjoyed reading Hemlock Island (if you follow me, you know that horror is usually a miss for me). But this whole thing actually worked for me!
I loved how the author, Kelley Armstrong, ended each chapter with a big cliffhanger. It was the definition of “one more chapter”. I also rarely read physical books before bed because I’m notorious for falling asleep while reading (my bed is super comfortable). Still, I opted to keep the lights on with Hemlock Island and stay up past my bedtime. But then, what about those pesky chores that I have to do? Well, that’s where the audiobook came in. I’m telling you, I was fully invested in this book and needed to know what was happening.
There’s one point in the story that the horror element was introduced (and promptly took off running with), and the more that I think about it, the more I realize that Hemlock Island is my first read with this particular trope. Maybe that’s what I need: horror genre + x (I don’t want to give away the plot here).
I also thoroughly enjoyed the element of respecting nature. Several times throughout the book, we’re reminded that the world around us needs to be protected and cherished because, in its ways, nature can (and will fight back).
💨 Quick read ( finished in 2 days)
🤪 Surprise trope that I didn’t hate
💞 Romantic element
🌳 Power of Nature
❌ rape (but not detailed)
Hemlock Island is my first book from Kelley Armstrong, and I can promise you it won’t be my last!
_
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Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore
Minor: Rape
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
Unpopular Opinion Alert || Starling House
Genre: Fantasy
Trope: Horror
Format: 🎧📖
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆☆
Pub Date: 10.3.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆.5
"They averted their eyes from evil and, in doing so, became complicit in it."
If only I could review this book solely based on the gorgeous cover 🤩 But, unfortunately, I'm reviewing the story between.
For me, Starling House started so strong! I was hooked and loved the way the author was telling the story. Usually, footnotes are just not my thing - but these added to the book and gave it more of an air of mystery. I had no idea Starling House was set in Kentucky (in a very real town), so the bits about the area really stuck out.
It was interesting how the author took pieces of the state's history and twisted them just the tiniest of bits to make them fit her story. For example, a John Prine song is mentioned, but Harrow changed the lyrics just a fraction and then a few pages later mentioned the actual lyric in passing. It was unique; only someone familiar with the area would pick up on that change.
However, what lost me was that the author paid too much attention to detail, leaving me feeling like I needed to reread because I had missed something important. There was more of a focus on creating a complex story than a complex one that made sense. There were a lot of things that became lost in the weeds as I read. I opted to switch to audio about 65% of the way through, hoping it would pull me out of the funk. The audio did help, but I never found the connection to the story I had found at the beginning.
🫠 Too much detail
💙 Based in Kentucky
📝 Interesting footnotes
🐌 Slow
I'm definitely in the minority on this one, but The Starling House wasn't for me for some reason! I'm glad I gave it my all and switched up reading formats because I was happy with how the ending turned out. Overall, I need to avoid the horror genre because I always feel this way.
_
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Genre: Fantasy
Trope: Horror
Format: 🎧📖
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆☆
Pub Date: 10.3.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆.5
"They averted their eyes from evil and, in doing so, became complicit in it."
If only I could review this book solely based on the gorgeous cover 🤩 But, unfortunately, I'm reviewing the story between.
For me, Starling House started so strong! I was hooked and loved the way the author was telling the story. Usually, footnotes are just not my thing - but these added to the book and gave it more of an air of mystery. I had no idea Starling House was set in Kentucky (in a very real town), so the bits about the area really stuck out.
It was interesting how the author took pieces of the state's history and twisted them just the tiniest of bits to make them fit her story. For example, a John Prine song is mentioned, but Harrow changed the lyrics just a fraction and then a few pages later mentioned the actual lyric in passing. It was unique; only someone familiar with the area would pick up on that change.
However, what lost me was that the author paid too much attention to detail, leaving me feeling like I needed to reread because I had missed something important. There was more of a focus on creating a complex story than a complex one that made sense. There were a lot of things that became lost in the weeds as I read. I opted to switch to audio about 65% of the way through, hoping it would pull me out of the funk. The audio did help, but I never found the connection to the story I had found at the beginning.
🫠 Too much detail
💙 Based in Kentucky
📝 Interesting footnotes
🐌 Slow
I'm definitely in the minority on this one, but The Starling House wasn't for me for some reason! I'm glad I gave it my all and switched up reading formats because I was happy with how the ending turned out. Overall, I need to avoid the horror genre because I always feel this way.
_
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The Fury by Alex Michaelides
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Well, this was a surprise!
Thank you, Celadon Books, for the gifted copy of The Fury by Alex Michaelides {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 1.16.2024
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
The thriller/mystery genre is my favorite, so it takes a lot to get me excited and surprise me. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is one of those books I still talk about (even though I read it four years ago) because it truly surprised me. I can’t say I had that same shock in The Fury, but it was pretty dang close to it.
I LOVE a good unreliable narrator, and Elliot Chase provided just that throughout this book. I know some people won’t love the “storytelling” vibe that he offered (and his constant interruptions), but it did make for an entertaining read. Was he telling the truth, or was it a flair for the dramatics? I flew through reading The Fury and was so grateful to have read it with two friends because I immediately needed to discuss that ending!
It’s one of the reasons that I think The Fury will make for a perfect book club discussion. I saw the ending in one way: my friends picked up on something I had missed, and those compounded things made me bump this one up from a 4 to a 4.5 star. I can’t wait for more people to read The Fury so we can discuss!
😵💫 Complex characters
📖 Slow burn
🗣️ Unreliable narrator
📚 Book connections
👌🏼 Short chapters
☕️ Perfect for a book club
I recommend reading The Fury if you’re looking for the perfect mystery to get lost in on the weekend - I say weekend because once you start, you’re going to want to keep reading until the very end.
_
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Thank you, Celadon Books, for the gifted copy of The Fury by Alex Michaelides {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 1.16.2024
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
The thriller/mystery genre is my favorite, so it takes a lot to get me excited and surprise me. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is one of those books I still talk about (even though I read it four years ago) because it truly surprised me. I can’t say I had that same shock in The Fury, but it was pretty dang close to it.
I LOVE a good unreliable narrator, and Elliot Chase provided just that throughout this book. I know some people won’t love the “storytelling” vibe that he offered (and his constant interruptions), but it did make for an entertaining read. Was he telling the truth, or was it a flair for the dramatics? I flew through reading The Fury and was so grateful to have read it with two friends because I immediately needed to discuss that ending!
It’s one of the reasons that I think The Fury will make for a perfect book club discussion. I saw the ending in one way: my friends picked up on something I had missed, and those compounded things made me bump this one up from a 4 to a 4.5 star. I can’t wait for more people to read The Fury so we can discuss!
😵💫 Complex characters
📖 Slow burn
🗣️ Unreliable narrator
📚 Book connections
👌🏼 Short chapters
☕️ Perfect for a book club
I recommend reading The Fury if you’re looking for the perfect mystery to get lost in on the weekend - I say weekend because once you start, you’re going to want to keep reading until the very end.
_
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Midnight Is the Darkest Hour by Ashley Winstead
If you’re familiar with the author of this book, Ashley Winstead, you may be aware that she has dabbled a bit in every genre. She is not afraid to tackle complex (and uncomfortable) subjects. I finished reading The Last Housewife earlier this year and was so disturbed by the book that I had to break it into sections as I couldn’t handle the graphic nature.
While reading Midnight is the Darkest Hour, I was prepared for the same experience, but this was way more tame than The Last Housewife. However, it was not for me. I found the story predictable, challenging to follow, and drawn out. The characters were one-dimensional, and the romance felt very young adult. The book had all of this build-up to some big moment, but when the moment finally arrived, it was rushed. I was completely let down.
🏘️ Small town secrets
🤫 Forbidden love
🙃 Rushed/Predictable ending
🙅🏽♀️ Avoid the audiobook
🐌 Slow
❌ substance abuse, family violence, sexual violence, child abuse
As always, I’m not trying to prevent anyone from reading Midnight is the Darkest Hour; I am solely sharing my opinion of the book. I plan to read Winstead’s future books as I think she has a lot of talent as a writer. This one just wasn’t my cup of tea.
_
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mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Midnight is the Darkest Hour || Sourcebooks {partner}
Genre: Mystery/Fiction
Format: 🎧📖
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆
Pub Date: 10.3.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆
Genre: Mystery/Fiction
Format: 🎧📖
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆
Pub Date: 10.3.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆
“My mother always told me night was when the world became the devil’s playground.”
If you’re familiar with the author of this book, Ashley Winstead, you may be aware that she has dabbled a bit in every genre. She is not afraid to tackle complex (and uncomfortable) subjects. I finished reading The Last Housewife earlier this year and was so disturbed by the book that I had to break it into sections as I couldn’t handle the graphic nature.
While reading Midnight is the Darkest Hour, I was prepared for the same experience, but this was way more tame than The Last Housewife. However, it was not for me. I found the story predictable, challenging to follow, and drawn out. The characters were one-dimensional, and the romance felt very young adult. The book had all of this build-up to some big moment, but when the moment finally arrived, it was rushed. I was completely let down.
🏘️ Small town secrets
🤫 Forbidden love
🙃 Rushed/Predictable ending
🙅🏽♀️ Avoid the audiobook
🐌 Slow
❌ substance abuse, family violence, sexual violence, child abuse
As always, I’m not trying to prevent anyone from reading Midnight is the Darkest Hour; I am solely sharing my opinion of the book. I plan to read Winstead’s future books as I think she has a lot of talent as a writer. This one just wasn’t my cup of tea.
_
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Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper
Paybacks a Witch was the perfect fall witchy romance read that provided just the right amount of romance and fantasy. I know there are other books in the series, and I’m genuinely looking forward to reading them this season!
I thoroughly enjoyed the moments between Emmy and Talia. It’s interesting because Talia originally came across as the “bad girl,” but in my opinion, Emmy is that, and Talia is the character most faithful to who she is. While their romance was more of a closed-door story, a few open-door moments were 🔥
The only aspect of Paybacks a Witch I didn’t love was the spell-casting tournament. It seemed to be a mix between Hunger Games and Goblet of Fire, but it was too cheesy and took away from the story.
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
3.0
Paybacks a Witch
Genre: Romance
Trope: Fantasy
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆☆
Pub Date: 10.5.2021
Star Rating: ☆☆☆
Genre: Romance
Trope: Fantasy
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆☆
Pub Date: 10.5.2021
Star Rating: ☆☆☆
“Places from the past are usually much smaller than you remember when you return to them years later.”
Paybacks a Witch was the perfect fall witchy romance read that provided just the right amount of romance and fantasy. I know there are other books in the series, and I’m genuinely looking forward to reading them this season!
I thoroughly enjoyed the moments between Emmy and Talia. It’s interesting because Talia originally came across as the “bad girl,” but in my opinion, Emmy is that, and Talia is the character most faithful to who she is. While their romance was more of a closed-door story, a few open-door moments were 🔥
The only aspect of Paybacks a Witch I didn’t love was the spell-casting tournament. It seemed to be a mix between Hunger Games and Goblet of Fire, but it was too cheesy and took away from the story.
The Lighthouse Witches by C.J. Cooke
If you’re looking for a spooky, witchy read to add to your reading list, I highly recommend adding The Lighthouse Witches. Several moments left me wholly uneasy and had me looking over my shoulder. It’s the first witchy read that gave me the creepy crawlies instead of the warm and fuzzies.
Several timelines are sprinkled throughout the book, which lead to me being confused occasionally, but that may be due to the audiobook format. If I can reread this, I will read the physical copy rather than the audio! But the narration was excellent - the time jumping didn’t translate as well.
🌧️ Remote Scottish island
✨ History of witchcraft
😳 Missing children
🫣 Truly tense moments
😱 Dark & atmospheric
The Lighthouse Witches makes for the perfect spooky read, as CJ Cooke is genuinely a master of eerie and unsettling!
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dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
The Lighthouse Witches
Thank you, Berkley Publishing, for the gifted copy of Lighthouse Witches {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Trope: Witches
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆☆
Pub Date: 9.30.2021
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Thank you, Berkley Publishing, for the gifted copy of Lighthouse Witches {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Trope: Witches
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆☆
Pub Date: 9.30.2021
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
“Life continues outrageously, in whatever form it can. An unstoppable circularity: the past always in the present.”
If you’re looking for a spooky, witchy read to add to your reading list, I highly recommend adding The Lighthouse Witches. Several moments left me wholly uneasy and had me looking over my shoulder. It’s the first witchy read that gave me the creepy crawlies instead of the warm and fuzzies.
Several timelines are sprinkled throughout the book, which lead to me being confused occasionally, but that may be due to the audiobook format. If I can reread this, I will read the physical copy rather than the audio! But the narration was excellent - the time jumping didn’t translate as well.
🌧️ Remote Scottish island
✨ History of witchcraft
😳 Missing children
🫣 Truly tense moments
😱 Dark & atmospheric
The Lighthouse Witches makes for the perfect spooky read, as CJ Cooke is genuinely a master of eerie and unsettling!
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The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
When I think I have exhausted my ability to read novels set during World War II, I discover something that reminds me of the importance of reading books set during this time. There are thousands of stories left to tell, and unfortunately, those who survived the war are few and few between now. We need these books to remember one of the darkest moments in recent history.
The Book of Lost Names was a beautifully written novel that captured my attention from the first page and kept me invested from beginning to end. I loved that the readers were given a chance to see Eva 60 years after the war, but her future self wasn't the book's sole focus. Eva's tenacity and courage are unmatched, and I can't imagine being brave enough to do what she did.
Kristen Harmel is an exquisite writer who always brings life to every page she writes. I can't wait to read more from her!
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
4.5
The Book of Lost Names
Thank you, Berkley Publishing, for the gifted copy of this book! {partner}
Genre: Historical Fiction
Setting WWII
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆☆☆
Pub Date:
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
Thank you, Berkley Publishing, for the gifted copy of this book! {partner}
Genre: Historical Fiction
Setting WWII
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆☆☆
Pub Date:
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
"We have to save those we can—because we couldn't save the people we loved."
When I think I have exhausted my ability to read novels set during World War II, I discover something that reminds me of the importance of reading books set during this time. There are thousands of stories left to tell, and unfortunately, those who survived the war are few and few between now. We need these books to remember one of the darkest moments in recent history.
The Book of Lost Names was a beautifully written novel that captured my attention from the first page and kept me invested from beginning to end. I loved that the readers were given a chance to see Eva 60 years after the war, but her future self wasn't the book's sole focus. Eva's tenacity and courage are unmatched, and I can't imagine being brave enough to do what she did.
Kristen Harmel is an exquisite writer who always brings life to every page she writes. I can't wait to read more from her!
Much Ado About You by Samantha Young
Much Ado About You
Thank you, Berkley Publishing, for the gifted copy of this book! {partner}
Genre: Romance
Format: 🎧
Pub Date: 2.2.2021
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
I loved Much Ado About You and could not understand why more people weren't raving about it. What wasn't to love about this feel-good romance featuring an incredibly charming farmer and his dog (who stole the show)? It was a delightful read, including themes of found family, female friendship, and finding your voice. Seriously, what is keeping people from loving this book?
Ah, yes… that third act break up//conflict stage of the book began, and I understood. It took such a strange and unexpected turn. I did not understand Evie's problem, and it took away from the magic of the story. Much Ado About You would have been a five-star read without the unnecessary conflict stage.
🏘️ Small town
📚 Bookstore setting
🥰 Swoon-worthy moments
👎🏼 Third act break-up
I recommended reading Much Ado About You if you're looking for a charming romance and don't mind a bit of unnecessary drama.
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
Much Ado About You
Thank you, Berkley Publishing, for the gifted copy of this book! {partner}
Genre: Romance
Format: 🎧
Pub Date: 2.2.2021
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
"I know, the way the trees know they're rooted to the ground, that I'm rooted to you. That no matter your answer here this evening, I am yours until I'm nothing but dust in the wind. Maybe even then."
I loved Much Ado About You and could not understand why more people weren't raving about it. What wasn't to love about this feel-good romance featuring an incredibly charming farmer and his dog (who stole the show)? It was a delightful read, including themes of found family, female friendship, and finding your voice. Seriously, what is keeping people from loving this book?
Ah, yes… that third act break up//conflict stage of the book began, and I understood. It took such a strange and unexpected turn. I did not understand Evie's problem, and it took away from the magic of the story. Much Ado About You would have been a five-star read without the unnecessary conflict stage.
🏘️ Small town
📚 Bookstore setting
🥰 Swoon-worthy moments
👎🏼 Third act break-up
I recommended reading Much Ado About You if you're looking for a charming romance and don't mind a bit of unnecessary drama.
Don't Forget to Write by Sara Goodman Confino
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Marvelous Mrs. Maisel meets The Guncle
Genre: Fiction/Family Drama
Setting: 1960, Jersey Shore
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date:
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
"We're a lot of scandalous women masquerading as house cats in our family."
What character/book have you recently read that's really stuck with you?
Trying to describe how much I loved Don't Forget to Write is nearly impossible. It's going to be on my top reads of 2023. It was an absolute delight to read and contained everything I look for in a book - strong female characters with a lot of sass and love to give.
I laughed out loud more times than I can count because the banter between Ada and Marilyn was genuinely perfect. Ada is someone that I not only love but would love to learn more from - I wasn't ready for the story to end because I felt like I still needed more time with her character. She has the wisdom of someone who has experienced some of life's cruelest moments and still remembers to keep moving forward.
🕎 Jewish representation
💪🏼 Strong female characters
😂Witty banter
🥹 That ending
Be prepared to laugh (a lot), make a note of Ada's wisdom, and maybe (most definitely) shed a tear or two. Don't Forget to Write will be something I'll be recommending for a long time, and will go back to visit again.
--
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookend.diner/
Follow me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/thebookenddiner
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Genre: Fiction/Family Drama
Setting: 1960, Jersey Shore
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date:
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
"We're a lot of scandalous women masquerading as house cats in our family."
What character/book have you recently read that's really stuck with you?
Trying to describe how much I loved Don't Forget to Write is nearly impossible. It's going to be on my top reads of 2023. It was an absolute delight to read and contained everything I look for in a book - strong female characters with a lot of sass and love to give.
I laughed out loud more times than I can count because the banter between Ada and Marilyn was genuinely perfect. Ada is someone that I not only love but would love to learn more from - I wasn't ready for the story to end because I felt like I still needed more time with her character. She has the wisdom of someone who has experienced some of life's cruelest moments and still remembers to keep moving forward.
🕎 Jewish representation
💪🏼 Strong female characters
😂Witty banter
🥹 That ending
Be prepared to laugh (a lot), make a note of Ada's wisdom, and maybe (most definitely) shed a tear or two. Don't Forget to Write will be something I'll be recommending for a long time, and will go back to visit again.
--
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookend.diner/
Follow me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/thebookenddiner
Follow me on StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/thebookenddiner