marywahlmeierbracciano's reviews
775 reviews

Hate to Fake It to You by Amanda Sellet

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adventurous funny medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The incomparably funny Amanda Sellet’s Hate to Fake It to You is so much fun to read!  It’s a door-half-open screwball comedy set in Hawaii and starring Libby, a pragmatic yet dreamy waitress and aspiring profile writer who runs a phony influencer account with her best friend from their roach-infested apartment.  When a calculating Gen-Z heiress slides into their DMs and wants to meet (and potentially collab), Libby and friends scramble to keep up the ridiculous charade.  But when opportunity comes knocking, so does the handsome wildlife photographer in (reluctant) cahoots with the media mogul, and Libby can’t help but be herself with him.  With a super unique plot and structure, this romance is a breath of fresh Oahu air! 
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The Undermining of Twyla and Frank by Megan Bannen

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adventurous emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

The Undermining of Twyla and Frank is the ultimate comfort read.  It’s quirky, funny, emotional, and romantic while also addressing meaningful social topics.  Twyla’s a burnt out, cage-free Midwestern mom on a self-worth journey.  Frank is a sturdy, salt and pepper, gruff yet sweet-talkin’ (but only with her), daddy *ovulates*.  Both single in their 50’s (he’s divorced, she’s widowed), they’re work besties who plan to retire together—falling in love would ruin their friendship, right?  Not if a certain pink, sparkly dragon has anything to do with it!  Megan Bannen masterfully weaves in tropes and foreshadowing yet still manages to be surprising in the best ways.  This seasoned romance is such a lovely counterpoint to the first book in this universe.  I’m obsessed with Mom and Dad!
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Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk

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dark funny slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

As the main character and narrator of this darkly funny novel, Mrs. Duszejko steals the show.  A fierce old woman who lives alone in a house on a remote Polish plateau, she has a big personality as an eccentric astrologer, vegetarian, non-Catholic, and translator of William Blake.  She patrols the area surrounding her home daily and has a few, select friends.  After her neighbor, “Bigfoot,” is found dead, a series of deaths unfolds, but no one will hear her theories about stags and stars.  Ultimately, this is a story of a woman in a significant amount of grief.  Beata Poźniak’s narration is exemplary—just perfect.
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The Robbery by Joaquín Camp

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funny lighthearted

4.5

Don’t worry, The Robbery will not turn readers toward a life of crime.  Funny and charming, this story follows three little thieves who, while digging for treasure, end up in all sorts of ridiculous situations and learn an important lesson.  Giggles will ensue!
Song of the Golden Hare by Jackie Morris

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inspiring reflective relaxing

5.0

To read a story by Jackie Morris is to be transported into a dream world, stitched with magic.  Her talent is unmatched, and her depictions of the beauty of nature’s ceremonies are spellbinding.  Such is true in Song of the Golden Hare, an awe-inspiring treasure for every reader.
A Horse Called Now by Ruth Doyle

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relaxing

4.5

If I was a kid, this would be my favorite book.  The horse on the cover takes my breath away and immediately brings to mind a book I cherished as a child.  Now, as she’s called, helps her animal friends calm anxiety, practice mindfulness, and remember that moments of discomfort will pass.  It’s impossible not to take a deep breath after reading this.
Two Together by Brendan Wenzel

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adventurous funny relaxing

4.75

I love the rhythm of this book!  It’s like a walking meditation.  The cat and dog are dynamically illustrated in contrasting art styles, and the book gets more colorful throughout their exciting journey home.  A warm and silly friendship story perfect for bedtime.
Not Perfect by Maya Myers

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  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

Perfect* for a budding perfectionist, Not Perfect features magnetizing, expressive art and an important lesson.  If your reader needlessly toils for hours and is reluctant to accept praise, this might help.
The Shadow and the Ghost by Cat Min

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lighthearted
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

A sweet, celestial tale of unlikely friends and wishes come true, The Shadow and the Ghost is a feel-good story with dreamy illustrations from a favorite publisher of mine.
Scorched Grace by Margot Douaihy

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challenging mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Over a sweltering New Orleans summer, a series of fires plagues the Sisters of the Sublime Blood and their associated school, St. Sebastian’s.  Determined to catch the culprit is Sister Holiday, a queer punk Maria von Trapp, who, between playing guitar and helping kids, has broken a commandment or two.  It’s actually not that uncommon for nuns to be radical, and the sisters in Holiday’s order are no strangers to run-ins with the law.  But whose law comes first—God’s or man’s?  This women-led story highlights struggles of incarceration, queerness, poverty, and addiction, with a few lovely Easter eggs for the Catholics among us.  Sister Holiday’s love for the divine feminine, despite everything, is inspiring.
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