hermusings's reviews
291 reviews

When Among Crows by Veronica Roth

3.0

Very interesting story (I am unfamiliar with Norse lore).
Happy to see a sequel is planned as this one felt like half of a book

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

3.5

This was cozy with a very strong underlying plot of grief all wrapped up in this almost paranormal story. It was honest, quirky and unique. 

Love Sick by Deidra Duncan

3.0

The medical aspect of this story was so well throughout and felt authentic to what a residency track for OB-GYN would look like.

I enjoyed that it had a full cast of characters and explanations for terms that are not really used outside of the medical field.

Duncan also imparts how rumors can affect people’s lives — both mentally and how they’re treated by others. This was the most engaging plot line to me.

The first half of the story is very much a romcom and has its quirky moments to add a level of comedy. It did this in a slightly self aware manner. However, it personally took me out of the story when a throwaway comment was made about Gal Greenstein being a fantasy of the MMC. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade for an eArc in exchange for an honest review.

Recognising the Stranger: On Palestine and Narrative by Isabella Hammad

5.0

This was erudite, thoughtful and timely. 

The conversation of the oppression of Palestine will be a marker of this time and Hammad’s expression of coming to “a moment of recognition” cannot have been a more accurate representation of it. 

What in fiction is enjoyable and beautiful is often terrifying in real life

I’m going to reread this (with highlighter & pen) because there’s things I’m not retaining nor sitting with in this medium (audio) that I must revisit!! 

Set Piece by Lana Schwartz

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

3.0

This was a quick and endearing read. I loved the nods to filmmakers and to women that want to be known for their work!!
This honestly felt very grounded for a normal/famous person romance — I would even say it was more along the lines of colleagues. Cj & Jack are very compatible and you cannot help but root for them.
However, I think this would have benefited of having more time/being a full novel to truly relate with these characters. 

Thank you to NetGalley and 831 Stories for an eArc in exchange for an honest review.

Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas

3.5

A fun plot and group of characters.
However, the main characters lacked chemistry.

Bloody Mary: A Graphic Biography of Mary Tudor by Kristina Gehrmann

4.25

Henry VIII, they can never make me like you!!!

I love the history of the Tudors and this graphic novel places Mary front and center. A perspective that felt refreshing to the way we usually read these events — knowing the outcome.

Gehrmann assure we understood and empathized with Mary as she navigated a politically charged live. 

The animation was wonderful, and the story was accurate and rich in detail..

 

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an eArc in exchange for an honest review.

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

4.5

This was a hard read.

This book is an artful story centered around Pecola, a young black girl whose life is woeful and harsh. Morrison explores the generational impact on the racial self-loathing of Pecola. She does a thorough job by diving deep into Pecola’s family AND the generational effect that created her bullies and friends. Her attempt at grounding the people around Pecola and the town were wonderfully executed through the multiple POVs throughout the book. There are so many layers of this story that were personally confronting and stories that are far too real. 

However, I agree with Morrison that this book conveys pity for Pecola more than understanding of how she is the most vulnerable person in society to become a product of both her home and community. I think one too many awful things occur to Pecola. Although none of it is out of the realm of reality, the frequency and progression of these events in this story cause that divide between Morrison’s intention and execution. 

Enemies With Benefits by Roxie Noir

3.5

Savor It by Tarah DeWitt

4.0