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jenniferlewyauthor's reviews
9 reviews
Amazon Decoded: A Marketing Guide to the Kindle Store by David Gaughran
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
5.0
A highly understandable guide to amazon's algorithm written in a punchy style that made me smile. The best part are the step-by-step marketing plans for different stages of a self-publishing career. Highly recommend for any self-published author, especially for the online resources that accompany the book.
Many Worlds: Or, the Simulacra by Cadwell Turnbull, Josh Eure
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
✨Reality-bending sci-fi stories? Yes please! ✨
Before we get into these stories, let’s talk about the Mandela Effect. You know, the theory that the reality we live in is just one of many copies, and people shift in between these versions without realizing it. Imagine one day you wake up and your favorite childhood show never existed or a famous quote from a movie is suddenly different.
(Remember Jiffy peanut butter? The Berenstein Bears? “Luke, I am your father”? Evidently, those never existed. It was always Jif, Berenstain Bears, and “No, I am your father.” There are dozens of examples like this. I KNOW.)
"Many Worlds" takes this concept and runs with it. The collection explores the idea of alternate realities and the possibility of our existence being a sophisticated illusion. Definitely my cup of tea. I was intrigued enough to pick this up even though I don’t usually gravitate to short stories.
Each story in this collection explores the Mandela Effect (or as the editors call it, the Simulacrum) in its own way, some more explicitly than others. We're talking about humans turning into sentient algae, and worlds where continents are misplaced.
I found myself savoring the collection like a fine meal—each one unique and thought-provoking. Some were fun to read, some were cerebral and cool, and many of the stories made me look up and go “wow” after finishing.
I especially loved the experimental flourishes: the little symbol that’s used as an ornamental break but also appears in a story; the way one author creates a moment so vivid it only requires a page or so of narrative; the mysterious Appendix F at the beginning of the collection.
Reading "Many Worlds" felt like diving into a pool of mind-bending ideas and emerging with new perspectives on reality. The collection asks, "Are we living in a simulation? How would we even know?"
And… “What would you DO about it if we were?”
Love that the collection is published by Radix Media, a NY-based, worker-owned organization that prioritizes marginalized communities.
If you're into sci-fi and love exploring alternate realities, I recommend diving into "Many Worlds" and letting it whisk you away on a journey through the multiverse. ✌️⚡️😵💫
Do you remember Jiffy??
Before we get into these stories, let’s talk about the Mandela Effect. You know, the theory that the reality we live in is just one of many copies, and people shift in between these versions without realizing it. Imagine one day you wake up and your favorite childhood show never existed or a famous quote from a movie is suddenly different.
(Remember Jiffy peanut butter? The Berenstein Bears? “Luke, I am your father”? Evidently, those never existed. It was always Jif, Berenstain Bears, and “No, I am your father.” There are dozens of examples like this. I KNOW.)
"Many Worlds" takes this concept and runs with it. The collection explores the idea of alternate realities and the possibility of our existence being a sophisticated illusion. Definitely my cup of tea. I was intrigued enough to pick this up even though I don’t usually gravitate to short stories.
Each story in this collection explores the Mandela Effect (or as the editors call it, the Simulacrum) in its own way, some more explicitly than others. We're talking about humans turning into sentient algae, and worlds where continents are misplaced.
I found myself savoring the collection like a fine meal—each one unique and thought-provoking. Some were fun to read, some were cerebral and cool, and many of the stories made me look up and go “wow” after finishing.
I especially loved the experimental flourishes: the little symbol that’s used as an ornamental break but also appears in a story; the way one author creates a moment so vivid it only requires a page or so of narrative; the mysterious Appendix F at the beginning of the collection.
Reading "Many Worlds" felt like diving into a pool of mind-bending ideas and emerging with new perspectives on reality. The collection asks, "Are we living in a simulation? How would we even know?"
And… “What would you DO about it if we were?”
Love that the collection is published by Radix Media, a NY-based, worker-owned organization that prioritizes marginalized communities.
If you're into sci-fi and love exploring alternate realities, I recommend diving into "Many Worlds" and letting it whisk you away on a journey through the multiverse. ✌️⚡️😵💫
Do you remember Jiffy??
Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
"Our Missing Hearts" by Celeste Ng is beautifully written and quietly sad… with a healthy dose of terror for what the U.S. could become.
.
The story takes place in a near future where, after a prolonged Crisis, allegiance to the U.S. is paramount. Libraries are gutted, books banned, and Asian Americans are openly shamed and attacked. Worst of all, children are unceremoniously taken from parents who are deemed “unsuitable.”
.
Twelve-year-old Bird searches for his mother, a poet who is somehow linked to a small but growing resistance movement. Bird, and the other main characters in the novel, grapple with what it means to love someone who lets you down.
.
At its core, the novel asks: what does resistance look like when you’re a parent—an heiress—a librarian—a young friend—a child—in a country that terrorizes its citizens in the name of power and peace?
.
Ng does not shy away from exploring many answers to this question. As she notes, the belief that we are protecting children while doing them great harm is a theme that has haunted us in real life, from the separations of enslaved families to the government residential schools for Indigenous children, to the more recent family separations at borders.
.
"Our Missing Hearts" isn’t a thriller, but it is a profound and moving story that will make you reflect on the state of the world and what you’d do for freedom and family. If you're a fan of Ng's previous works, or if you enjoy thought-provoking, character-driven stories, this is an excellent pick for book club.
.
The story takes place in a near future where, after a prolonged Crisis, allegiance to the U.S. is paramount. Libraries are gutted, books banned, and Asian Americans are openly shamed and attacked. Worst of all, children are unceremoniously taken from parents who are deemed “unsuitable.”
.
Twelve-year-old Bird searches for his mother, a poet who is somehow linked to a small but growing resistance movement. Bird, and the other main characters in the novel, grapple with what it means to love someone who lets you down.
.
At its core, the novel asks: what does resistance look like when you’re a parent—an heiress—a librarian—a young friend—a child—in a country that terrorizes its citizens in the name of power and peace?
.
Ng does not shy away from exploring many answers to this question. As she notes, the belief that we are protecting children while doing them great harm is a theme that has haunted us in real life, from the separations of enslaved families to the government residential schools for Indigenous children, to the more recent family separations at borders.
.
"Our Missing Hearts" isn’t a thriller, but it is a profound and moving story that will make you reflect on the state of the world and what you’d do for freedom and family. If you're a fan of Ng's previous works, or if you enjoy thought-provoking, character-driven stories, this is an excellent pick for book club.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I almost DNF’d this book but I’m (kinda) glad I didn’t.
The story follows Sam and Sadie, two college friends who become creative partners in the world of video game design. Their unique bond and shared passion for storytelling lead them to create their first blockbuster game, Ichigo, before they even graduate college.
I’m all for friends-to-business-partners-to-maybe-something-else stories, and this book initially drew me in with tender depictions of the main characters, their fears and limitations, and how they work (and sometimes don’t work) together.
BUT. I found myself holding my breath and waiting for… more. It’s a beautiful story about these two people and the video games they create. Perhaps I’m more impatient and distractable in my old(er) age, but I kept looking for—I don’t know, some action? A conflict? A twist?
It felt like something was missing with the momentum. It was slow and I didn’t see the point of continuing until a THING happened about two-thirds through (no spoilers). And that thing? Let’s just say it’s been an overused incident in fiction lately, but to be fair, that’s because it’s happening so frequently in real life.
I usually prefer faster-moving sci-fi that keeps me on the edge of my seat. This novel is well done, but it’s not an engrossing, high-stakes kind of story.
Okay, maybe those are small bones to pick with a literary novel, but I guess I expected more after hearing all the hype about this title.
The story follows Sam and Sadie, two college friends who become creative partners in the world of video game design. Their unique bond and shared passion for storytelling lead them to create their first blockbuster game, Ichigo, before they even graduate college.
I’m all for friends-to-business-partners-to-maybe-something-else stories, and this book initially drew me in with tender depictions of the main characters, their fears and limitations, and how they work (and sometimes don’t work) together.
BUT. I found myself holding my breath and waiting for… more. It’s a beautiful story about these two people and the video games they create. Perhaps I’m more impatient and distractable in my old(er) age, but I kept looking for—I don’t know, some action? A conflict? A twist?
It felt like something was missing with the momentum. It was slow and I didn’t see the point of continuing until a THING happened about two-thirds through (no spoilers). And that thing? Let’s just say it’s been an overused incident in fiction lately, but to be fair, that’s because it’s happening so frequently in real life.
I usually prefer faster-moving sci-fi that keeps me on the edge of my seat. This novel is well done, but it’s not an engrossing, high-stakes kind of story.
Okay, maybe those are small bones to pick with a literary novel, but I guess I expected more after hearing all the hype about this title.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence
The Deluge by Stephen Markley
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I nearly left this door-stopper at home when I went on vacation. But I’m so glad I took this beautiful creation with me. "The Deluge" by @stephen.markley is a dense, ambitious sci fi epic that imagines a near-future America that (no surprise here) is falling apart due to environmental disaster and political turmoil.
.
One of the many things that kept me glued to this story is its structure. The author spun up future news articles, social media posts, and included asides to capture extra thoughts of some of the characters. I imagine the author gleefully adding to each character’s backstory in his head until some of it spilled onto the page, sometimes not even fitting into the narrative, so it burst through in juicy side notes. (That’s how real the characters felt to me.)
.
I admit that some of the political back-and-forth around legislative options for carbon taxes and the like was lost on me, but I got the gist: the realistic-seeming cast of characters here represent the many facets of climate change action (and inaction). He's capture the many opinions about what's right, most effective, and quickest way to save humanity’s last chance at a future. It stirred a bit of my climate anxiety, but I’m seeing the novel through to the promising-to-be-thrilling end.
.
So, is this a “once-in-a-generation” book as its blurb states? Based on the amount of research and imagination that went into writing it, I’m inclined to believe that the author might need to rest for a generation. (Though I hope not!) In any case, it’s a masterful piece of work, and a thought-provoking, gripping read.
.
One of the many things that kept me glued to this story is its structure. The author spun up future news articles, social media posts, and included asides to capture extra thoughts of some of the characters. I imagine the author gleefully adding to each character’s backstory in his head until some of it spilled onto the page, sometimes not even fitting into the narrative, so it burst through in juicy side notes. (That’s how real the characters felt to me.)
.
I admit that some of the political back-and-forth around legislative options for carbon taxes and the like was lost on me, but I got the gist: the realistic-seeming cast of characters here represent the many facets of climate change action (and inaction). He's capture the many opinions about what's right, most effective, and quickest way to save humanity’s last chance at a future. It stirred a bit of my climate anxiety, but I’m seeing the novel through to the promising-to-be-thrilling end.
.
So, is this a “once-in-a-generation” book as its blurb states? Based on the amount of research and imagination that went into writing it, I’m inclined to believe that the author might need to rest for a generation. (Though I hope not!) In any case, it’s a masterful piece of work, and a thought-provoking, gripping read.
Walk the Vanished Earth by Erin Swan
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
The future. Climate change. Difficult choices. Survival. A family lineage. We follow different timelines and points of view centering on girls' and women’s perspectives. Perfect pacing and just the right amount of how-in-the-world-is-this-all-going-to-end tension.
I’m totally enthralled with the storylines and characters and this book’s unique take on the climate crisis.
If you’re looking for a solid “sci-fi that’s not really sci-fi” read, I definitely recommend this one.
I’m totally enthralled with the storylines and characters and this book’s unique take on the climate crisis.
If you’re looking for a solid “sci-fi that’s not really sci-fi” read, I definitely recommend this one.
Feed by M.T. Anderson
adventurous
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
Feed by MT Anderson is a spare and brilliant glimpse into a dystopian future where the U.S. has become a playground for corporate profit—and one teen who dares to question the utility of “the feed." People get hooked into the “feednet” through neural implants to receive constant ads and chat with one another. The theme: You can have the feed, or you can have yourself.
Anderson creates a world in which it's easy to see the dangers of capitalist consumerism, and he does it with vivid writing in the teen voices of his characters. (Anderson says he hung out in malls to listen to the way teens speak.) Published almost 20 years ago, the novel has correctly anticipated many of the concerns raised by AI and corporate interests today. The ending is chef’s-kiss perfect.
Anderson creates a world in which it's easy to see the dangers of capitalist consumerism, and he does it with vivid writing in the teen voices of his characters. (Anderson says he hung out in malls to listen to the way teens speak.) Published almost 20 years ago, the novel has correctly anticipated many of the concerns raised by AI and corporate interests today. The ending is chef’s-kiss perfect.
Dear Writer, Are You Intuitive? by Becca Syme, Susan Bischoff
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
5.0
FINALLY! A book about improving all aspects of my writing and publishing that isn’t “Here are the steps to success,” but rather serves as a permission slip to play, explore, experiment, and discover my own writing awesomeness.
In a nutshell, this uplifting book is a practical guide for writers who want to explore their intuitive connection to their writing and author business.
There were many times while reading this book that I had to put it down to absorb the wisdom. Example: I’ve been dutifully following Author A only to find that their approach isn’t working for me. But I don’t allow myself the grace to stop listening to them because they are so successful and profitable. So I tell myself that *I* am the one who is doing it wrong. Or not fast enough. Or I haven’t outlined. Or… fill in the blank. This book completely turned around that premise to show me that my intuition IS CORRECT AND TRYING TO HELP ME but I’m just not trusting it enough.
This book has also shown me it’s time to get CURIOUS about where my intuition is leading me, and to let go of the self-judgment, blame, and regret around “why I’m not doing it right.”
The authors share their personal stories and experiences as well as tools and exercises to help readers find their own paths as intuitive writers. The lessons included as well as the stories and wisdom of their peers and coaching clients serve as a great resource for writers who want to bring their intuition to the forefront of their craft.
At its core, this insightful book is about being intentional with your writing practice and growing in confidence as an intuitive writer.
I highly recommend "Dear Writer, Are You Intuitive?" to any writer who wants to taps into the power of their intuition and to further their writing and publishing career.
In a nutshell, this uplifting book is a practical guide for writers who want to explore their intuitive connection to their writing and author business.
There were many times while reading this book that I had to put it down to absorb the wisdom. Example: I’ve been dutifully following Author A only to find that their approach isn’t working for me. But I don’t allow myself the grace to stop listening to them because they are so successful and profitable. So I tell myself that *I* am the one who is doing it wrong. Or not fast enough. Or I haven’t outlined. Or… fill in the blank. This book completely turned around that premise to show me that my intuition IS CORRECT AND TRYING TO HELP ME but I’m just not trusting it enough.
This book has also shown me it’s time to get CURIOUS about where my intuition is leading me, and to let go of the self-judgment, blame, and regret around “why I’m not doing it right.”
The authors share their personal stories and experiences as well as tools and exercises to help readers find their own paths as intuitive writers. The lessons included as well as the stories and wisdom of their peers and coaching clients serve as a great resource for writers who want to bring their intuition to the forefront of their craft.
At its core, this insightful book is about being intentional with your writing practice and growing in confidence as an intuitive writer.
I highly recommend "Dear Writer, Are You Intuitive?" to any writer who wants to taps into the power of their intuition and to further their writing and publishing career.
The Candy House by Jennifer Egan
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
For me, this book didn't live up to its (exceedingly high) hype. Yes, Egan's writing is beautiful, even brilliant at times, especially the chapter written as a list of instructions. The premise of Own Your Unconscious_TM is intriguing. The characters felt complex and real. But the book's style of linked vignettes prevented it coming together as a cohesive whole.
The number of characters felt overwhelming to me and I quickly lost track of who was related to whom. Some key moments in the action probably went right over my head because I couldn't keep everyone straight. And the book's intriguing premise fell flat for me. I didn't get a clear picture of how this imagined future where you can upload consciousness played out beyond some basic descriptors—i.e., some people try to avoid joining the collective unconscious ("eluders"), some people use it regularly with family and friends to share immersive memories, and others profit from it.
I kept reading because the vignettes were enjoyable to read, and I was curious about whether they would wrap up together at the end. When I finished the book, however, I felt like I missed something, maybe quite a few things, likely due to my limited ability to remember how all the characters linked together.
The number of characters felt overwhelming to me and I quickly lost track of who was related to whom. Some key moments in the action probably went right over my head because I couldn't keep everyone straight. And the book's intriguing premise fell flat for me. I didn't get a clear picture of how this imagined future where you can upload consciousness played out beyond some basic descriptors—i.e., some people try to avoid joining the collective unconscious ("eluders"), some people use it regularly with family and friends to share immersive memories, and others profit from it.
I kept reading because the vignettes were enjoyable to read, and I was curious about whether they would wrap up together at the end. When I finished the book, however, I felt like I missed something, maybe quite a few things, likely due to my limited ability to remember how all the characters linked together.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
More...