A must read for a parent or child considering medicine at a young age.

A fantastic debut novel that spins the timeless girlhood coming-of-age on its head. Mermaids: just add water! (and blood, acidic pool water, and horrific longing!)

 My first mind was to DNF but the brash, abrasive, get-what-you-came-for Aunty kept me going. The abbreviated nature of Ferrante's characters is somehow refreshing. But, the whole bracelet debacle and the main characters whiny, insular (typical of teens) attitude was off putting. Worth the read. Loved the ending! 

Although a bit boring, this expose reminds us of the dark infiltration tactics employed by the CIA during days of African independence.

I thought, maybe, because of the recent publication that Williams would provide new, contemporary cases of CIA maneuvers on the continent. But, it turns out Williams focuses on mid-1900s post colonial era. I did learn new things, but for those who aren't as keen on African history as I am; this may bore you to pieces. Still, this book offers great info and a ready warning of US global motives

This is one of those books that I never really planned to read but (my goodness) you see all over the place. I've heard good things about Backman and although I probably would not read any of his other works, 'A Man Called Ove' came together quite nicely. It was a smooth read like warm soup on a cold night. The characters worked well together and you felt just enough empathy to possibly shed a tear in the end. The one bit that almost castrated me was the embodiment of 'the cat'. As a serious cat mama and lover, it was so hard to believe (disrespectful, even) to illustrate a cat carrying on like that. Even so, this book was surprisingly delightful.

Gosh, I wish I was about to rave about this book of poetry. Seriously, I would love to proselytize its beauty and depth. But, this is the world of poetry and sometimes a poets' mark is over-reached....to me.

I read this book of poetry twice (which should be done in any case). And I thought, if I just let it sit and soak in for a few weeks, a nugget of nostalgia will rise up and I'd grow to love it...it happens. But, nothing. Maybe, it's the pop-culture references that went over my head or, maybe, I'm just not a big enough fan of Beyonce to appreciate the anecdotes.

There are quite a a few great lines to take note of, but as a whole this book of poetry did not grip me as much as that stunning cover did! 

Visited Puerto Rico and quickly realized that I had never read a book based in PR and/or written by a native. Admittedly, this was not a book I would pick up. But, I feel rather bad if I visit a place having not read any of its literature. So, here we are.

I rather enjoyed this one! The characters were finely sliced and situated just so. A coming of age story with a bit of magic. Was quite satisfying when a place/site mentioned in San Juan conjured my own memories of its beauty. It's very clear that the author adores her home country and she did well portraying its beauty.

Would recommend!

Beautifully written. Both disturbing and endearing.

I have been meaning to read this book! It has actually been haunting me. And, of course, like most other readers, the New Years resolution is bound to be a reason to catch up on our TBR piles. So, I got my hands on a library copy and dove in.
...
For some reason, I was anticipating an otherworldly, metaphysical element. Not sure why, maybe based on Emezi's other works and/or my personal preference of (even just a bit of) magical realism. This is an important story, relatable and one that should be re-told ad infinitum, but it just fell flat for me. Maybe I'm a victim of my literary miscalculations or somehow my capacity to empathize with characters have been jaded. I hope not. But, from the character building to the climax, it was underwhelming. Good read, though, just not as great as I thought it would be.

Never mind that my chosen career is Librarian AND that I am an African American Librarian. This book would appeal to all who venture to open its pages. Kudos to Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray for a work very well written. Once finished, I re-read Chapter 1 for the promise of more. I will be booking my tour of the Morgan Library and Museum this year.

GOD OF MERCY! Yes! Yes! Yes! I need so much more of Okezie. This author split me in two's...yes many many halves (lol) with this one. My absolute favorite read of the year!
First off, this book came along with me on my travels to Puerto Rico and Botswana, Africa! I couldn't ask for any other read to take these journeys with me. Hmm...maybe I should have done a travel log. It's hard for me to excise myself from life's moments to document. I shall do better.
Anyway! God Of Mercy is set in pre-colonial (read:untouched) Nigeria and follows the family of Ijeoma, a mute girl with inate psychic powers and the ability to fly at will. During her flights she sees visions of (unspecified) people. Of course, her family is chided due to her abilities and her father seeks her 'healing'. Ijeoma healed a barren woman and rescues a boy born with a full set of teeth. Yes, this story is everywhere! I love it so much!
The majority of the story follows Ijeoma imprisoned in a Christian church with other children thought to be witches and devils. The church was led by a down-right evil pastor who eventually wished to use her gifts for his own gain.
God Of Mercy will set your constitution afire as you witness this beautiful, gifted girl being abused and beguiled by church and society.
I may have included Ijeoma in my prayers a time or two while reading. No major character attachments. :)

Griffin & Sabine is a wonderful epistolary surprise of romance, adventure, and longing -- the best of what comes with a love letter. 

An absolute must-read for anyone who has struggled with eating disorders, overbearing mothers, obsessive-compulsive disorders, teen angst, body dysphoria... it's a really good book. Definitely recommend the audiobook version as Jennette really nails her delivery and tone throughout to help the listener feel like they are experiencing the stories right along with her. On the cover, Jerrod Carmichael is quoted as saying "deceptively funny" but do not expect a laugh-out-loud pageturner from this book. Overall, it's kind of a bummer - but it's supposed to be. It's thought-provoking, emotional, and raw. It's a scathing critique of the pressure put on children in showbusiness and a portrait of harmful family enmeshment patterns wrapped up into a vulnerable and beautiful memoir.

An absolute must-read for anyone who has struggled with eating disorders, overbearing mothers, obsessive-compulsive disorders, teen angst, body dysphoria... it's a really good book. Definitely recommend the audiobook version as Jennette really nails her delivery and tone throughout to help the listener feel like they are experiencing the stories right along with her. On the cover, Jerrod Carmichael is quoted as saying "deceptively funny" but do not expect a laugh-out-loud pageturner from this book. Overall, it's kind of a bummer - but it's supposed to be. It's thought-provoking, emotional, and raw. It's a scathing critique of the pressure put on children in showbusiness and a portrait of harmful family enmeshment patterns wrapped up into a vulnerable and beautiful memoir.

Spoiler-free review:
This book almost immediately became my favorite book of all time. I already loved The Night Circus so much, so when a friend recommended this one to me I was like "wait, she's got a new book out? I can't wait! But how will it ever stack up to The Night Circus?" Well I didn't think it was possible but The Starless Sea is even better!
This book is a love letter to libraries and to stories. The way the author is able to weave short stories throughout the broader narrative in both books is just... *chef's kiss*, and it's done to perfection in The Starless Sea. Every character is unique and lovable and intriguing, and they're written in a way that makes you feel like you know them deeply. Truly a master class in storytelling. Additionally, the audiobook version (my preferred format) is narrated beautifully with multiple voice actors who nail their sections with precision. I could really feel the characters and stories come alive with these narrators, and the level of care they had for the stories show.
I recommend going into this book knowing nothing about it - that's how I went into it and I felt it lent to the magic and intrigue throughout. It's so fun.

Spoiler-free review:
This book almost immediately became my favorite book of all time. I already loved The Night Circus so much, so when a friend recommended this one to me I was like "wait, she's got a new book out? I can't wait! But how will it ever stack up to The Night Circus?" Well I didn't think it was possible but The Starless Sea is even better! The way the author is able to weave short stories throughout the broader narrative in both books is just... *chef's kiss*, and it's done to perfection in The Starless Sea. Every character is unique and lovable and intriguing, and they're written in a way that makes you feel like you know them deeply. Truly a master class in storytelling. Additionally, the audiobook version (my preferred format) is narrated beautifully with multiple voice actors who nail their sections with precision. I could really feel the characters and stories come alive with these narrators, and the level of care they had for the stories show.
I recommend going into this book knowing nothing about it - that's how I went into it and I felt it lent to the magic and intrigue throughout. It's so fun.

If you thought things couldn't get stranger than Season One buckle up for the ride as adults fight the war against the upside-down, while Will is home he is infected and not the same. Eleven is alive but goes rogue trying to nail down and re-trace her past. Together will they be able to close the Gateway to this strange underworld? Or will humanity continue to be threatened?

In this hilarious comedy three groomsmen, and the groom have a failed bachelor party experience that forces them to retrace their steps all over Vegas. Will they make it to the wedding ontime?

Delve into the paranormal with Stranger Things. This is Season 1. No spoilers!

Read about the early history of Twitter and SpaceX and practice your French at the same time by reading this 300 page Biography by Nate Whitman.