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chaptersofmay's Reviews (319)
A charmingly cosy and surprisingly hilarious murder mystery with the coolest group of seniors I have ever met.
Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron of Coopers Chase Retirement Village make up The Thursday Murder Club. They get together every Thursday to discuss and review cold case murder files. Elizabeth was a spy, Joyce was a nurse, Ibrahim was a psychiatrist, and Ron (aka. Red Ron) was a union leader. So their backgrounds, intelligence, and experience aid them in solving crimes. But their skills and expertise are truly put to the test when a real murder occurs and they catch a live case.
Osman has an easy writing style that perfectly suits a cosy mystery like this one. Within the third person narrative, there are personal diary entries from Joyce laced within, which give an alternate perspective to the investigation’s twists and turns. I wouldn’t say this book has much thrill, but it does have an air of mystery that maintains intrigue.
The main storyline is layered with red herrings and revelations, but I did occasionally find some parts to be slow and long-winded. A lot of the time, I was reminded of an episode of Midsomer Murders – cosy with plenty of mayhem. The murder mystery aspect plays out well, but the real win for this book is its characters. I love the charisma and wit Osman uses to build each character. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron drive the story, they really are a delight to spend time with. I’d happily read a second book just knowing they’re in there.
British humour is out in full force in The Thursday Murder Club, and many of the one-liners left me laughing out loud. The long-buried secrets mixed with exciting revelations and unexpected twists makes this read well worth it.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron of Coopers Chase Retirement Village make up The Thursday Murder Club. They get together every Thursday to discuss and review cold case murder files. Elizabeth was a spy, Joyce was a nurse, Ibrahim was a psychiatrist, and Ron (aka. Red Ron) was a union leader. So their backgrounds, intelligence, and experience aid them in solving crimes. But their skills and expertise are truly put to the test when a real murder occurs and they catch a live case.
Osman has an easy writing style that perfectly suits a cosy mystery like this one. Within the third person narrative, there are personal diary entries from Joyce laced within, which give an alternate perspective to the investigation’s twists and turns. I wouldn’t say this book has much thrill, but it does have an air of mystery that maintains intrigue.
The main storyline is layered with red herrings and revelations, but I did occasionally find some parts to be slow and long-winded. A lot of the time, I was reminded of an episode of Midsomer Murders – cosy with plenty of mayhem. The murder mystery aspect plays out well, but the real win for this book is its characters. I love the charisma and wit Osman uses to build each character. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron drive the story, they really are a delight to spend time with. I’d happily read a second book just knowing they’re in there.
British humour is out in full force in The Thursday Murder Club, and many of the one-liners left me laughing out loud. The long-buried secrets mixed with exciting revelations and unexpected twists makes this read well worth it.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
I was drawn to this book because of how much I enjoyed its prequel, Always Only You, and the "marriage in crisis" trope in The Bromance Book Club. There's something about that kind of happily ever after that is especially heart-warming to read.
Freya and Aiden are married, but falling apart. Their love runs deep, but stress and insecurity has put distance between them. A Bergman Family vacation takes them to Hawaii, where they must figure out if their “ever after always” is worth fighting for.
Chloe Liese writes with an honestly that’s both touching and uplifting. Even though the characters are on the brink of collapse, there’s a warm and hopeful tone to the narrative that I really appreciated. It encourages you, as a reader, to route for Freya and Aiden’s marriage.
The characters are diversely complex. Aiden's anxiety was a really interesting layer to his character and I love the way Liese portrayed his mindset. Like many people who were raised by struggling single parents, he has a constant fear of financial uncertainty. His mental state wasn't wrapped in an extensive paragraph of psychology jargon, but represented in a realistic and relatable manner. The same goes for Freya’s insecurities around her image. And alongside that, the author breaks down toxic masculinity and its effect on men today. But every depth is explored with sensitivity that makes it enjoyable to read.
Marriage and commitment is a major theme in this novel, and it's broken down really well. Imperfect people will always clash at some point, but the author does a great job at balancing the voices in this novel. Both Freya and Aiden have strengths and flaws, and I could see both sides without leaning one way or the other.
While I did find the pace to be a little slow in the beginning, the trip to Hawaii and the charm of the characters ended up making Ever After Always an endearing and engaging read.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
Freya and Aiden are married, but falling apart. Their love runs deep, but stress and insecurity has put distance between them. A Bergman Family vacation takes them to Hawaii, where they must figure out if their “ever after always” is worth fighting for.
Chloe Liese writes with an honestly that’s both touching and uplifting. Even though the characters are on the brink of collapse, there’s a warm and hopeful tone to the narrative that I really appreciated. It encourages you, as a reader, to route for Freya and Aiden’s marriage.
The characters are diversely complex. Aiden's anxiety was a really interesting layer to his character and I love the way Liese portrayed his mindset. Like many people who were raised by struggling single parents, he has a constant fear of financial uncertainty. His mental state wasn't wrapped in an extensive paragraph of psychology jargon, but represented in a realistic and relatable manner. The same goes for Freya’s insecurities around her image. And alongside that, the author breaks down toxic masculinity and its effect on men today. But every depth is explored with sensitivity that makes it enjoyable to read.
Marriage and commitment is a major theme in this novel, and it's broken down really well. Imperfect people will always clash at some point, but the author does a great job at balancing the voices in this novel. Both Freya and Aiden have strengths and flaws, and I could see both sides without leaning one way or the other.
While I did find the pace to be a little slow in the beginning, the trip to Hawaii and the charm of the characters ended up making Ever After Always an endearing and engaging read.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
I was excited to read The Wedding Date as it is the first modern chic lit novel with a black female lead. The storyline was a great read, I loved every minute of the book. It's a simple, romantic and adorable love story with plenty of twists and turns to keep the pages turning. I don't know if I'll be reading it again just yet, but it will definitely be a book I will remember for a long time.
The Midnight Library is a captivating, inspiring and uplifting book that is a delightfully heartfelt reminder to do more than exist. It’s a reminder that we must truly live.
In this library that sits between life and death, there are infinite shelves of books that provide a chance to try another life. A chance to discover what could have happened if just once choice was made differently. And after Nora’s life comes to an end, she finds herself at the Library’s doors. Although her initial plan was to cease existing, Nora finds a way to exist in any version of the world. I was drawn to this book because of its unique and inventive premise. I expected a fun time travel adventure, maybe a parallel universe thrown in here and there, but The Midnight Library is so much more. While it reads like fiction, its underlying message is full and true.
This novel truly is an immersive reading experience. When my eyes are on the pages of The Midnight Library, I’m fully committed to the book. It’s as if I fall into a whole of enchantment and curiosity. The Starless Sea has a very similar effect (just as I predicted). This is exactly the kind of book you should pick up for an escape into another world. Distractions don’t exist when it comes to Matt Haig’s writing. I’m frustrated by the fact that this is the first of his books I have read, and I’m so late to the party.
The Midnight Library is essentially an elegantly mapped out set of messages beneath an entertaining plot. There’s something safe and cosy about this book, despite the Library sitting in the void between life and death. This is my new favourite book, I’m kind of obsessed with it now. But it makes me so happy, just as books should! As soon as I reached the last page I was ready to start the story all over again. It’s the kind of narrative I’ll never get tired of reading, because it’s a soothing but powerful push to keep going. It’s just the book I needed.
Read the full review here! For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
In this library that sits between life and death, there are infinite shelves of books that provide a chance to try another life. A chance to discover what could have happened if just once choice was made differently. And after Nora’s life comes to an end, she finds herself at the Library’s doors. Although her initial plan was to cease existing, Nora finds a way to exist in any version of the world. I was drawn to this book because of its unique and inventive premise. I expected a fun time travel adventure, maybe a parallel universe thrown in here and there, but The Midnight Library is so much more. While it reads like fiction, its underlying message is full and true.
This novel truly is an immersive reading experience. When my eyes are on the pages of The Midnight Library, I’m fully committed to the book. It’s as if I fall into a whole of enchantment and curiosity. The Starless Sea has a very similar effect (just as I predicted). This is exactly the kind of book you should pick up for an escape into another world. Distractions don’t exist when it comes to Matt Haig’s writing. I’m frustrated by the fact that this is the first of his books I have read, and I’m so late to the party.
The Midnight Library is essentially an elegantly mapped out set of messages beneath an entertaining plot. There’s something safe and cosy about this book, despite the Library sitting in the void between life and death. This is my new favourite book, I’m kind of obsessed with it now. But it makes me so happy, just as books should! As soon as I reached the last page I was ready to start the story all over again. It’s the kind of narrative I’ll never get tired of reading, because it’s a soothing but powerful push to keep going. It’s just the book I needed.
Read the full review here! For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
One Thursday night, Tallie spots Emmett, who is minutes away from jumping into the Ohio River. She puts her therapy training to practise, and talks him down to the ledge, before eventually convincing him to take shelter from the rain in her home. This unique story then explores the new and untainted relationship between two strangers, and the secrets that may just stain it.
Leesa Cross-Smith has a winsome writing style that I found to be the most engaging component of this book. There were moments where the plot dipped, but her way of describing deep human anxiety, estrangement, and heartache is captivatingly moving.
It’s interesting to me how this book is so unbelievably unrealistic, but still quite enjoyable. The chances of a woman stumbling across a troubled man about to jump, talking him down, and hiding that she’s a therapist before bringing him home are implausibly slim. But the way they talk, loosen, learn, and bond is where this book shines.
Despite being trained to understand how the mind works, Tallie has a human nervousness to her that makes her appealing. She's a bit of an over-thinker, and still finding her feet after her divorce. Emmett is quite the mystery in the beginning, but Tallie slowly begins to pull him out of his shell. I love that both the characters have a weightless to them through their new and budding friendship, but are heavy with insecurity, grief, longing and depression.
As interesting as the lives of the characters are, there are moments where I struggled to connect. Their trials and their secrets seemed real, but didn't come together to make a personality that seemed real. A lot of the decisions and admissions they made seemed unexpected, and at times just bizarre. However, the dialogue is a big win. Because the characters begin as strangers, their conversations reminded me of The 36 Questions That Lead to Love series. They're bold, straight-forward, and provocative. That element is absorbing to read, and I like the way it played out between two people in desperate need of healing.
Although the plot isn’t the strongest in this book, Cross-Smith’s writing is therapeutic and uplifting. The journey the characters go on in just a few days is refreshingly cathartic. And despite its substantially heavy themes, This Close to Okay is an emotionally liberating read.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
Leesa Cross-Smith has a winsome writing style that I found to be the most engaging component of this book. There were moments where the plot dipped, but her way of describing deep human anxiety, estrangement, and heartache is captivatingly moving.
It’s interesting to me how this book is so unbelievably unrealistic, but still quite enjoyable. The chances of a woman stumbling across a troubled man about to jump, talking him down, and hiding that she’s a therapist before bringing him home are implausibly slim. But the way they talk, loosen, learn, and bond is where this book shines.
Despite being trained to understand how the mind works, Tallie has a human nervousness to her that makes her appealing. She's a bit of an over-thinker, and still finding her feet after her divorce. Emmett is quite the mystery in the beginning, but Tallie slowly begins to pull him out of his shell. I love that both the characters have a weightless to them through their new and budding friendship, but are heavy with insecurity, grief, longing and depression.
As interesting as the lives of the characters are, there are moments where I struggled to connect. Their trials and their secrets seemed real, but didn't come together to make a personality that seemed real. A lot of the decisions and admissions they made seemed unexpected, and at times just bizarre. However, the dialogue is a big win. Because the characters begin as strangers, their conversations reminded me of The 36 Questions That Lead to Love series. They're bold, straight-forward, and provocative. That element is absorbing to read, and I like the way it played out between two people in desperate need of healing.
Although the plot isn’t the strongest in this book, Cross-Smith’s writing is therapeutic and uplifting. The journey the characters go on in just a few days is refreshingly cathartic. And despite its substantially heavy themes, This Close to Okay is an emotionally liberating read.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
Nick, the narrator of The Great Gatsby, finally gets his own prequel thanks to Michael Farris Smith’s bold imagination. The book recounts the protagonist’s life, covering childhood memories, the turbulent years of war, and his days before moving next door to meeting Gatsby.
Michael Farris Smith has vivid writing style that pairs perfectly with the book’s themes of love, loss, friendship and heartbreak. The diversely evocative descriptions, especially during Nick’s time in the war, made for a really exciting few chapters amongst the entertaining plot.
I really like how the author uses Nick’s traumatic experiences to highlight how history can continue to affect us in the present. The glimpses of his childhood and unfiltered emotion added a nuanced layer to this beloved narrator. After reading this book, I feel like I know Nick Carraway much better.
The Great Gatsby is one of my all-time favourite novels. And it’s the sole reason I chose to pick up this book. Nick certainly has dazzle, but it doesn’t shine nearly as bright as The Great Gatsby. I think part of this lies with the third-person narrative, and part with the slower pace. Fitzgerald expertly mixes melancholy with exuberance in The Great Gatsby, and while Nick has both its jazz and gloom, it’s not quite the same. Of course, I don’t expect the two books to be identical, but this difference was noticeable for me.
Still, Nick is a compelling book I’m glad I took the time to read. However, I think it would be better suited to a standalone read, as the iconic shadow of The Great Gatsby had an immense impact on my high expectations.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
Michael Farris Smith has vivid writing style that pairs perfectly with the book’s themes of love, loss, friendship and heartbreak. The diversely evocative descriptions, especially during Nick’s time in the war, made for a really exciting few chapters amongst the entertaining plot.
I really like how the author uses Nick’s traumatic experiences to highlight how history can continue to affect us in the present. The glimpses of his childhood and unfiltered emotion added a nuanced layer to this beloved narrator. After reading this book, I feel like I know Nick Carraway much better.
The Great Gatsby is one of my all-time favourite novels. And it’s the sole reason I chose to pick up this book. Nick certainly has dazzle, but it doesn’t shine nearly as bright as The Great Gatsby. I think part of this lies with the third-person narrative, and part with the slower pace. Fitzgerald expertly mixes melancholy with exuberance in The Great Gatsby, and while Nick has both its jazz and gloom, it’s not quite the same. Of course, I don’t expect the two books to be identical, but this difference was noticeable for me.
Still, Nick is a compelling book I’m glad I took the time to read. However, I think it would be better suited to a standalone read, as the iconic shadow of The Great Gatsby had an immense impact on my high expectations.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
After only two books, Justin A. Reynolds has become one of my favourite young adult authors. His novels are exceptionally compelling, emotionally memorable, and always worth the adventure.
Like Opposite of Always, Forever Ends on a Friday is contemporary but has sci-fi elements that add excitement to a wholesome foundation. In the book, Jamal’s best friend Quincy dies in a freak accident. Their friendship was in ruins after Jamal blamed Quincy for his parents' death, and now Jamal is heartbroken over the loss of his best friend. But when an extraordinary opportunity means Quincy gets a second chance at life, Jamal is determined to repair their friendship and finally say goodbye.
I love the care and tenderness in which Reynolds examines grief, depression and redemption, especially in teenagers. Jamal and Quincy’s friendship is a true bond, which becomes evident in their difficult pasts and depth of their heartfelt conversations. After reading Opposite of Always this doesn’t surprise me, but I adore the levity Reynolds uses to create a hard-hitting and an entertaining read. The balance is perfect recipe for a profound contemporary story.
There’s a strikingly relatable pain in this novel that I think almost every reader can relate to. The believability of the emotion despite the fictitious narrative is both beautiful and heart-breaking. It’s a story that certainly leaves the reader with a lot to think about, but the importance of living every moment to its fullest is abundantly clear.
One of my favourite elements of the book is its structure. The chapters are numbered, and descend from 100, with some of them only being a page long. This, along with the connections between the characters, their tangible trauma, and the discovery of healing while losing, makes Forever Ends on a Friday a stunningly poignant read.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
Like Opposite of Always, Forever Ends on a Friday is contemporary but has sci-fi elements that add excitement to a wholesome foundation. In the book, Jamal’s best friend Quincy dies in a freak accident. Their friendship was in ruins after Jamal blamed Quincy for his parents' death, and now Jamal is heartbroken over the loss of his best friend. But when an extraordinary opportunity means Quincy gets a second chance at life, Jamal is determined to repair their friendship and finally say goodbye.
I love the care and tenderness in which Reynolds examines grief, depression and redemption, especially in teenagers. Jamal and Quincy’s friendship is a true bond, which becomes evident in their difficult pasts and depth of their heartfelt conversations. After reading Opposite of Always this doesn’t surprise me, but I adore the levity Reynolds uses to create a hard-hitting and an entertaining read. The balance is perfect recipe for a profound contemporary story.
There’s a strikingly relatable pain in this novel that I think almost every reader can relate to. The believability of the emotion despite the fictitious narrative is both beautiful and heart-breaking. It’s a story that certainly leaves the reader with a lot to think about, but the importance of living every moment to its fullest is abundantly clear.
One of my favourite elements of the book is its structure. The chapters are numbered, and descend from 100, with some of them only being a page long. This, along with the connections between the characters, their tangible trauma, and the discovery of healing while losing, makes Forever Ends on a Friday a stunningly poignant read.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
Concrete Rose, the prequel to The Hate U Give, is the story of seventeen-year-old Maverick Carter. Following in his father’s footsteps, he earns extra cash slinging drugs, wearing gang stripes, and making a name for himself in Garden Heights. But when Mav unexpectedly becomes a father, he realises what it really means to step up.
Maverick was a fascinating character in The Hate U Give, so I was excited to explore his story in Concrete Rose. As Starr’s father, he often acted like the grounded voice of reason, but subtle hints to his upbringing suggested he wasn’t always so level-headed. And in Concrete Rose, the reader gets a chance to learn about the trials, challenges, and lessons Mav faced as a young man. It’s also interesting to see appearances from other characters featured in The Hate U Give, including King and Carlos. Seeing where bonds and tensions began, only increases the nostalgia for the first book.
Angie Thomas’ remarkable voice is in full form in Concrete Rose. Like The Hate U Give and On the Come Up, this book is written in the first person narrative. But it never falls flat, never loses heart, and never waivers. Mav’s voice feels defined and independent, stirring up the same inspirational determination Starr and Bri’s did. Additionally, the dialogue flows beautifully, and the personalities feel authentically full.
I love the way emotion is explored in relation to Black boyhood. Mav has this nagging insecurity around appearing weak, especially as the son of a King Lord. It’s a very relevant and familiar stereotype, and the protagonist’s inner emotional outbursts and raw expressions give the book a strong sense of heart in the face of expectation. The concept of ‘manliness’ is written with sensitivity, as are the books other themes: racism, teen pregnancy, and grief.
Naturally, I’m comparing this book with The Hate U Give. Concrete Rose is not quite as eventful and the pace is slower, but it’s just as moving. Maverick’s story is well worth telling. And I’ll always be captivated by Angie Thomas’ tales of Garden Heights.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
Maverick was a fascinating character in The Hate U Give, so I was excited to explore his story in Concrete Rose. As Starr’s father, he often acted like the grounded voice of reason, but subtle hints to his upbringing suggested he wasn’t always so level-headed. And in Concrete Rose, the reader gets a chance to learn about the trials, challenges, and lessons Mav faced as a young man. It’s also interesting to see appearances from other characters featured in The Hate U Give, including King and Carlos. Seeing where bonds and tensions began, only increases the nostalgia for the first book.
Angie Thomas’ remarkable voice is in full form in Concrete Rose. Like The Hate U Give and On the Come Up, this book is written in the first person narrative. But it never falls flat, never loses heart, and never waivers. Mav’s voice feels defined and independent, stirring up the same inspirational determination Starr and Bri’s did. Additionally, the dialogue flows beautifully, and the personalities feel authentically full.
I love the way emotion is explored in relation to Black boyhood. Mav has this nagging insecurity around appearing weak, especially as the son of a King Lord. It’s a very relevant and familiar stereotype, and the protagonist’s inner emotional outbursts and raw expressions give the book a strong sense of heart in the face of expectation. The concept of ‘manliness’ is written with sensitivity, as are the books other themes: racism, teen pregnancy, and grief.
Naturally, I’m comparing this book with The Hate U Give. Concrete Rose is not quite as eventful and the pace is slower, but it’s just as moving. Maverick’s story is well worth telling. And I’ll always be captivated by Angie Thomas’ tales of Garden Heights.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
