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kelsiandherbookshelf's reviews
280 reviews
The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis
5.0
Mindy McGinnis’ words are magic. Each word was perfectly strung together with the next, telling a brilliant beautiful heartbreaking story that had to be told. Each character and their voice brought different perspectives to the same story. I loved every minute reading this book and look forward to more books from this author!
When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O'Neal
5.0
An absolutely beautiful tale of life love and loss and everything in between. *Spoilers* I personally found myself becoming upset and irritated every time I initially read Mari’s chapter when it became clear that she was in fact Josie and was very much all alive because I couldn’t understand how she could be so selfish. However, I really enjoyed how the author revealed layers and little pieces at a time to show Mari/Josie’s complexity and the extent of her pain; it gave more clarity to her decision to start a new life. I was also proud of Kit’s growth at the end of the novel too: her ability to come to terms with wanting more, not only for her personal life but professionally as well and really acknowledging and forgiving her mother. I typically do not re-read books but I definitely look forward to returning to this story.
L.A. Weather by María Amparo Escandón
5.0
LA Weather tells the story of the Alavarado’s, an affluent Mexican American family that is at the mercy of Los Angeles’ unpredictable and violent weather. The Alavarado family drama is anything but few and far between; for this family, when it rains, it pours: LGBTQ, infidelity, mental illness, deportation, and sexual assault. Although these topics are quite heavy, Maria Amparo Escandón writes with an appropriate humor and sensitivity that does not overwhelm the reader.
The chapters are divided by the months of the year and within each chapter, there are dated sections, similar to a diary. This format allows the reader to truly delve into the life of each family member and experience the family’s growth over time.
The weather is a significant aspect of this story and serves not only as a major aspect of the plot but also creative symbolism.
I valued the author’s inclusion of facts about Los Angeles’ rich Spanish history that often goes untold, the damage gentrification causes, and the illustration of a family who blends and practices different religions.
The chapters are divided by the months of the year and within each chapter, there are dated sections, similar to a diary. This format allows the reader to truly delve into the life of each family member and experience the family’s growth over time.
The weather is a significant aspect of this story and serves not only as a major aspect of the plot but also creative symbolism.
I valued the author’s inclusion of facts about Los Angeles’ rich Spanish history that often goes untold, the damage gentrification causes, and the illustration of a family who blends and practices different religions.
The Beach Reads Book Club by Kathryn Freeman
5.0
The Beach Reads Bookclub
‘Books we’d want to take on holiday with us and books that take us on holiday’.
This book definitely fit the definition of a beach read and I truly enjoyed seeing references to other books I have previously read. While the romance took center stage, the growth in the friendships and family dynamic stole my heart the most. The cheeky British humor and banter between the characters was lighthearted and added just the right touch of comedy. The Beach Reads Bookclub is a layered romance novel that left me inspired for my own book clubs and I am looking forward to reading more from Kathryn Freeman.
‘Books we’d want to take on holiday with us and books that take us on holiday’.
This book definitely fit the definition of a beach read and I truly enjoyed seeing references to other books I have previously read. While the romance took center stage, the growth in the friendships and family dynamic stole my heart the most. The cheeky British humor and banter between the characters was lighthearted and added just the right touch of comedy. The Beach Reads Bookclub is a layered romance novel that left me inspired for my own book clubs and I am looking forward to reading more from Kathryn Freeman.
The Maid by Nita Prose
3.0
Quirky and endearing just how you would imagine a maid named Molly. While I cringed during some of Molly the Maid’s social awkwardness, I over all enjoyed her evolution throughout the story. I also questioned my own cleanliness and wondered if my room would ever achieve the coveted state of perfection.