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mhinnen's reviews
377 reviews
The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
3.5
I am part of a women's writing retreat group and we stay in beautiful (sometimes haunted?) mansions. That is where the similarity ends (I hope!) between my experience and what happens in this psychological thriller.
At the last minute, 2 frenemies are invited on an exclusive writing retreat with three other women led by a celebrity author in her home (with a creepy history) in the middle of nowhere. They are presented with the opportunity to each write a novel in a month and help one another with daily critiques and edits. Alex feels vulnerable in her former friend, Wren's presence and must come up with an idea and break through her writer's block to stay in the competition.
The host, Roza Vallo, enjoys playing games and keeps the authors on their toes. When things start to get a little crazy, is it part of the game or is something dangerous in the works?
This was a fun ride. I read it in a day mostly at the beach. It gets a little drawn out and over the top but I couldn't put it down.
At the last minute, 2 frenemies are invited on an exclusive writing retreat with three other women led by a celebrity author in her home (with a creepy history) in the middle of nowhere. They are presented with the opportunity to each write a novel in a month and help one another with daily critiques and edits. Alex feels vulnerable in her former friend, Wren's presence and must come up with an idea and break through her writer's block to stay in the competition.
The host, Roza Vallo, enjoys playing games and keeps the authors on their toes. When things start to get a little crazy, is it part of the game or is something dangerous in the works?
This was a fun ride. I read it in a day mostly at the beach. It gets a little drawn out and over the top but I couldn't put it down.
Lady in the Lake by Laura Lippman
medium-paced
3.75
I started watching the limited series but found it confusing (and super slow!). But it interested me enough to get the book and try to make sense of it.
It is not a typical murder mystery . . . it's more about Maddie, a 1960s Jewish housewife who is trying to find herself. She wants to be a reporter, often going on her own time to investigate potential stories.
"Lady in the Lake" explores Baltimore's gentrification, race/ethnicity, politics, and class realities at a pivotal time with Maddie seemingly crossing societal boundaries. The book is told from multiple points of view including very minor characters who don't really contribute to solving the mystery. Still, I liked how this style added depth and detail to the story by showing different perspectives.
One of the voices is Cleo, "The Lady in the Lake," who is irritated with Madeline's attempts to unearth details of her life and death. I also found myself irritated with Maddie. In her attempts to find and satisfy herself, she is limited in understanding or caring how her actions impact others including those who do not have the privilege that she embodies. (my 1989 college women's studies self would have defended Maddie because she had limited options, but the reality is that her choices and fetishism lead to other people being hurt and/or left behind).
The plot twists worked well, though again, this was not a straight-up murder mystery. The characters and storylines are significantly different than in the limited series. I've only watched three episodes, but not surprisingly, the book is much better.
It is not a typical murder mystery . . . it's more about Maddie, a 1960s Jewish housewife who is trying to find herself. She wants to be a reporter, often going on her own time to investigate potential stories.
"Lady in the Lake" explores Baltimore's gentrification, race/ethnicity, politics, and class realities at a pivotal time with Maddie seemingly crossing societal boundaries. The book is told from multiple points of view including very minor characters who don't really contribute to solving the mystery. Still, I liked how this style added depth and detail to the story by showing different perspectives.
One of the voices is Cleo, "The Lady in the Lake," who is irritated with Madeline's attempts to unearth details of her life and death. I also found myself irritated with Maddie. In her attempts to find and satisfy herself, she is limited in understanding or caring how her actions impact others including those who do not have the privilege that she embodies. (my 1989 college women's studies self would have defended Maddie because she had limited options, but the reality is that her choices and fetishism lead to other people being hurt and/or left behind).
The plot twists worked well, though again, this was not a straight-up murder mystery. The characters and storylines are significantly different than in the limited series. I've only watched three episodes, but not surprisingly, the book is much better.
The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott
slow-paced
2.75
I wanted to like this. I liked the idea of it. I kept putting it down and read multiple books in between before finally forcing myself to push through hoping it would get better.
Words have power. So much so that US spies work to get Dr Zhivago back into Soviet Russia to make the people question why it was banned. I thought the Cold War context was interesting as well as the politics of the time. I wanted it to be more about the mission and espionage but there were a lot of different angles at play which made it confusing. The process of getting the book published was the most interesting part for me. But I guess I don’t have enough basic knowledge about Zhivago or Russian history to really appreciate this novel. I also appreciated the inclusion of the Lavender Scare.
The book is told from numerous perspectives but I didn’t connect with any of the characters. The ending left me feeling flat.
Words have power. So much so that US spies work to get Dr Zhivago back into Soviet Russia to make the people question why it was banned. I thought the Cold War context was interesting as well as the politics of the time. I wanted it to be more about the mission and espionage but there were a lot of different angles at play which made it confusing. The process of getting the book published was the most interesting part for me. But I guess I don’t have enough basic knowledge about Zhivago or Russian history to really appreciate this novel. I also appreciated the inclusion of the Lavender Scare.
The book is told from numerous perspectives but I didn’t connect with any of the characters. The ending left me feeling flat.
Do What Godmother Says by L.S. Stratton
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
This was a chilling book with half of the story told in current day by Sharice, an unreliable narrator who suffers from paranoia. She inherits a painting that was given to her great grandmother. In researching the artist, begins down a deadly road of mystery, romance, and murder, wrapped up in superstition and the occult. What is real? What is imagined? Is the artist herself reliable?
The book explores the story of the artist, Essie, in a dual timeline. Her story takes place during the Harlem Renaissance, a black artist whose white patron, Maude, is known as “Godmother.” In the author’s note, we learn that “Godmother” is loosely based on a real person who tried to access and control “primitive spirituality” by supporting Black and Native American artists during the Harlem Renaissance.
“Do What Grandmother Says” is creepy and disturbing. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the determination of the protagonists. Stratton does a great job pulling together past and present, incorporating the role of the ancestors, and drawing parallels between evil legacies and generational trauma. Parts of the book were predictable if you pay attention to the clues but overall the twists and turns were quite a ride with a satisfying ending.
I appreciate the ARC from Netgalley.
The book explores the story of the artist, Essie, in a dual timeline. Her story takes place during the Harlem Renaissance, a black artist whose white patron, Maude, is known as “Godmother.” In the author’s note, we learn that “Godmother” is loosely based on a real person who tried to access and control “primitive spirituality” by supporting Black and Native American artists during the Harlem Renaissance.
“Do What Grandmother Says” is creepy and disturbing. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the determination of the protagonists. Stratton does a great job pulling together past and present, incorporating the role of the ancestors, and drawing parallels between evil legacies and generational trauma. Parts of the book were predictable if you pay attention to the clues but overall the twists and turns were quite a ride with a satisfying ending.
I appreciate the ARC from Netgalley.
The Goddess of Warsaw by Lisa Barr
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
4.5
The book starts out with a star for Hollywood's golden age being asked to share her story with an up-and-coming starlet. I loved "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" so I'm immediately riveted. But, Lena Browning quickly corrects that assumption, “This is not a ‘Liz Taylor and her seven husbands’ story.”
And we learn Browning is not her name, "It’s the make of the gun I used to kill the Nazi who pistol-whipped my father to death.”
The Goddess of Warsaw is about survival and retribution. It is brutal and intriguing. It explores the different ways that people can resist injustice (or be swayed to stay silent or collude with evil). I appreciated the historical information with details about the Warsaw Ghetto (and uprising) and the US complicity with Nazis after the war. As we face breakdowns of democracy in the US, what are we willing to risk to help save others? To what lengths will we go to survive? How do we ensure safety for Jewish people while we see increased anti-semitism?
This novel is an important reminder of the atrocities of the Nazi regime. It is a complex story told through the lens of a woman who is so much more than people could ever imagine. There were parts that horrified me, parts when I questioned her actions (reminding myself she is only in her early 20s), and parts when I cried and gasped because of the moments of grace that emerged from such ugliness.
And we learn Browning is not her name, "It’s the make of the gun I used to kill the Nazi who pistol-whipped my father to death.”
The Goddess of Warsaw is about survival and retribution. It is brutal and intriguing. It explores the different ways that people can resist injustice (or be swayed to stay silent or collude with evil). I appreciated the historical information with details about the Warsaw Ghetto (and uprising) and the US complicity with Nazis after the war. As we face breakdowns of democracy in the US, what are we willing to risk to help save others? To what lengths will we go to survive? How do we ensure safety for Jewish people while we see increased anti-semitism?
This novel is an important reminder of the atrocities of the Nazi regime. It is a complex story told through the lens of a woman who is so much more than people could ever imagine. There were parts that horrified me, parts when I questioned her actions (reminding myself she is only in her early 20s), and parts when I cried and gasped because of the moments of grace that emerged from such ugliness.
Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
I received a surprise email that I was selected for an ARC of Liane Moriarty's upcoming book and immediately put aside the several other books I am reading. It was a slow start for me trying to figure out who all the characters are and at first not really caring about them. But about 20% of the way in, I realized the story wasn't going in the direction I expected. I couldn't put it down.
"Here One Moment" follows the lives of people on a flight who have each received an unsolicited prediction from an unassuming lady about when and how they will die. Would they change how they lived? Would they forgo medical treatment because "it was fate?" I was drawn in and felt invested in the individuals' well-being.
We get to know Cherry, the elderly woman who made the predictions and tells her story in the first person. She is a bit quirky and at first, I felt put off by her before being absolutely enchanted by her. Her clever turns of phrase, observations of those around her, and honest insecurities shine a light on the bittersweet nature of a life well lived. As the story is woven together, we delve into the complexities of life and death, relationships, grief, and joy. I laughed, gasped, and cried as predictions, expectations, and coincidences(?) fell into place.
Liane Moriarty is skilled at character development and "Here One moment" is no exception. The story is unique and heartwarming and different from the domestic thrillers like Big Little Lies (which is my favorite). Make sure to add it to your fall reading list. I expect you will not be disappointed.
"Here One Moment" follows the lives of people on a flight who have each received an unsolicited prediction from an unassuming lady about when and how they will die. Would they change how they lived? Would they forgo medical treatment because "it was fate?" I was drawn in and felt invested in the individuals' well-being.
We get to know Cherry, the elderly woman who made the predictions and tells her story in the first person. She is a bit quirky and at first, I felt put off by her before being absolutely enchanted by her. Her clever turns of phrase, observations of those around her, and honest insecurities shine a light on the bittersweet nature of a life well lived. As the story is woven together, we delve into the complexities of life and death, relationships, grief, and joy. I laughed, gasped, and cried as predictions, expectations, and coincidences(?) fell into place.
Liane Moriarty is skilled at character development and "Here One moment" is no exception. The story is unique and heartwarming and different from the domestic thrillers like Big Little Lies (which is my favorite). Make sure to add it to your fall reading list. I expect you will not be disappointed.
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I’ve read Octavia Butler’s dystopian “Parable” books and was drawn in by Kindred. Instead of future evil, Butler revisits historical evil. What if you had to go back in time as a Black woman and save a white master so that he can become your ancestor? This was disturbing and nuanced as Dana tries to navigate two worlds, surviving slavery herself, while resisting and helping others who are enslaved. It is a brutal and unsettling look at how the institution of slavery continues to ripple into the present.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
adventurous
medium-paced
3.0
The writing is brilliant. It's been decades since I read an Agatha Christie book and I picked this up and read it in an afternoon after reading Ruth Ware's new book, "One Perfect Couple" which is based on "And then there were none." A group of unrelated people find themselves in a mansion on a deserted island and one by one they die along the lines of a nursery rhyme. Each of the people has a secret. The reveal at the end was clever though far-fetched (as was the whole story).
I noted that the book was originally named "Ten Little Indians" (presumably after the nursery rhyme which had been changed in the book to 10 Little Soldiers). I looked up to find out when the change had been made and was horrified to discover the UK original name was even worse - named after a British minstrel song. I also learned that one of the characters casually used antisemitic slurs that were removed in the version I read.
I noted that the book was originally named "Ten Little Indians" (presumably after the nursery rhyme which had been changed in the book to 10 Little Soldiers). I looked up to find out when the change had been made and was horrified to discover the UK original name was even worse - named after a British minstrel song. I also learned that one of the characters casually used antisemitic slurs that were removed in the version I read.
1000 Words: A Writer's Guide to Staying Creative, Focused, and Productive All Year Round by Jami Attenberg
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
Encouragement by writers for writers. Lots of good nuggets. Enjoyed it and passed it along to a writer friend.
One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
3.5
This was a stretch but fun. It loosely follows Agatha Christie's "And then there were none" but is updated as a Survival style reality show that gets too real. I kept expecting a surprise at the end but it kind of just wrapped up the main character’s story. I listened to the audio book and it entertained me for long car rides.