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christinam's reviews
95 reviews
The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw
4.0
The stories in this collection explore the lives of black women and girls who yearn to express their individuality and remain true to themselves while trying to navigate the influence of their religious doctrine and community. While church and religion may provide structure and reassurance for some, they may also produce conflict and double standards for others.
I couldn't put this down and finished all nine stories in one day. Deesha's writing is precise and her prose is rich and filled with emotion. She does an effective job of capturing the nuances of Christianity and its community in the lives of black women and girls. These stories don't feel confrontational as they present these topics. They are simple presented to the reader as is for them to think about and reach their own decision.
Thank you Netgalley for this advance reader's copy.
I couldn't put this down and finished all nine stories in one day. Deesha's writing is precise and her prose is rich and filled with emotion. She does an effective job of capturing the nuances of Christianity and its community in the lives of black women and girls. These stories don't feel confrontational as they present these topics. They are simple presented to the reader as is for them to think about and reach their own decision.
Thank you Netgalley for this advance reader's copy.
The Mystery of Henri Pick by David Foenkinos
4.0
In the small town of Crozon, Brittany the discovery of a rejected manuscript by a Parisian editor prompts curiosity about the author. Could a simple pizzeria owner write something so enchanting?
I was drawn to this based on the synopsis alone. This novel was originally published in French then translated to English. While the story flowed well, I think a few things ended up being lost in translation. I found a few sentences awkward but that could also be a result of not understanding French culture.
This is one of the few books I wasn't able to rate as soon as I finished it simply because I didn't like the ending. I had to sit with it for a while to decide how I felt about it. I try to stay away from reviewing books, and lean more towards recommending books I find interesting and which provoke thought and discussion.
That said, here are some of my takeaways:
Hype over substance. This is a book about book. Mostly the publishing and promotion side. How often do we get so caught up with the fanfare surrounding the book such that the actual content and substance of the book takes a back seat?
This book asked us to think about the consequences of our actions. Before you make a decision, do you consider how far reaching the repercussions of that decision/action might be? Or do you solely focus on what parts of your own life will be altered?
Although I didn't love the ending, I appreciated how much it made me think and that alone makes it worth reading.
I was drawn to this based on the synopsis alone. This novel was originally published in French then translated to English. While the story flowed well, I think a few things ended up being lost in translation. I found a few sentences awkward but that could also be a result of not understanding French culture.
This is one of the few books I wasn't able to rate as soon as I finished it simply because I didn't like the ending. I had to sit with it for a while to decide how I felt about it. I try to stay away from reviewing books, and lean more towards recommending books I find interesting and which provoke thought and discussion.
That said, here are some of my takeaways:
Hype over substance. This is a book about book. Mostly the publishing and promotion side. How often do we get so caught up with the fanfare surrounding the book such that the actual content and substance of the book takes a back seat?
This book asked us to think about the consequences of our actions. Before you make a decision, do you consider how far reaching the repercussions of that decision/action might be? Or do you solely focus on what parts of your own life will be altered?
Although I didn't love the ending, I appreciated how much it made me think and that alone makes it worth reading.
The Way Home by Julian Barr
3.0
The Way Home follows Aeneas as he leads his people from the fallen city of Troy in search for a new home across the sea.
Going into this story I was a little apprehensive. I don't usually read mythological fantasy and I'm not well versed in Greek mythology. Once I started all my fears fell away. Although this YA novel is based on the classic Aeneid by Virgil, Barr's retelling of the story is an easy read, even for those unacquainted with Greek Mythology.
The Way Home is a great first installment of the Ashes of Olympus trilogy. It's actions packed and keeps the reader engaged as they cheer on Aeneas in his quest to lead his people home.
Thank you @OdysseyBooks for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Going into this story I was a little apprehensive. I don't usually read mythological fantasy and I'm not well versed in Greek mythology. Once I started all my fears fell away. Although this YA novel is based on the classic Aeneid by Virgil, Barr's retelling of the story is an easy read, even for those unacquainted with Greek Mythology.
The Way Home is a great first installment of the Ashes of Olympus trilogy. It's actions packed and keeps the reader engaged as they cheer on Aeneas in his quest to lead his people home.
Thank you @OdysseyBooks for the opportunity to read and review this book.
For Whom the Book Tolls by Laura Gail Black
3.0
With nothing left her her in Charlotte, Jenna accepts her uncle's invitation to stay with him for a while in Hokes Folly. Before she can even get settled, she finds him unresponsive at the base of the stairs that connects his bookstore to his apartment.
Before Jenna has time to grieve, she learns she is her uncle's beneficiary. He left her the bookstore, apartment and a large sum of money. But when a second man ends up dead, Jenna becomes the prime suspect in both murders. As Jenna gets acquainted with Hokes Folly, she realises she needs to find her uncle's murderer or her time in Hokes Folly will be a repeat of the last few months in Charlotte.
For Whom the Book Tolls was a decent whodunnit mystery but also a little predictable. The characters were pleasant but development was lacking and they were not as complex as I would have liked. My favourite thing about this book was the use of setting. Every building and even the town itself played a role in the story.
My main issue with this book is a line about "druggies" while it doesn't affect the overall story I was bothered with the lazy generalization and depiction of drug users. There are better ways to mention and include potential negatives about drug use without speaking negatively about the users.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Before Jenna has time to grieve, she learns she is her uncle's beneficiary. He left her the bookstore, apartment and a large sum of money. But when a second man ends up dead, Jenna becomes the prime suspect in both murders. As Jenna gets acquainted with Hokes Folly, she realises she needs to find her uncle's murderer or her time in Hokes Folly will be a repeat of the last few months in Charlotte.
For Whom the Book Tolls was a decent whodunnit mystery but also a little predictable. The characters were pleasant but development was lacking and they were not as complex as I would have liked. My favourite thing about this book was the use of setting. Every building and even the town itself played a role in the story.
My main issue with this book is a line about "druggies" while it doesn't affect the overall story I was bothered with the lazy generalization and depiction of drug users. There are better ways to mention and include potential negatives about drug use without speaking negatively about the users.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Glory Bishop by Deborah L. King
4.0
In Chicago, 17-year-old Glory Bishop is trying to juggle school, boys and friends. But her God-fearing mother makes life even more difficult. When JT leaves for the Navy the pastors son, Malcolm, takes an interest in Glory and her mother insists she accept his advances.
When a stranger attacks Glory on the street, Malcolm jumps in to rescue her and her interest in him grow. But over time he becomes more controlling. Now more than ever Glory must learn how to be the hero of her own story.
TW Abuse
This book is both challenging and remarkable. It's challenging because abuse in any form is hard to read. After you've fallen in love with a character, it's can be a struggle to keep reading as pain is inflicted upon them. But what King is able to do with this subject matter is truly remarkable. The use of church/religion coupled with indoctrination and psychological control gives the reader a unique lense for viewing this topic.
For me, the best part of the book is Glory's boss Herschel. All of the characters are interesting and dynamic, but Herschel is fantastic. The commentary that comes though his character alone is exceptional.
I'm hoping this is the start of a series because I would like to know what happens next for Glory Bishop.
*I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
When a stranger attacks Glory on the street, Malcolm jumps in to rescue her and her interest in him grow. But over time he becomes more controlling. Now more than ever Glory must learn how to be the hero of her own story.
TW Abuse
This book is both challenging and remarkable. It's challenging because abuse in any form is hard to read. After you've fallen in love with a character, it's can be a struggle to keep reading as pain is inflicted upon them. But what King is able to do with this subject matter is truly remarkable. The use of church/religion coupled with indoctrination and psychological control gives the reader a unique lense for viewing this topic.
For me, the best part of the book is Glory's boss Herschel. All of the characters are interesting and dynamic, but Herschel is fantastic. The commentary that comes though his character alone is exceptional.
I'm hoping this is the start of a series because I would like to know what happens next for Glory Bishop.
*I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily