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moonlightcupofcocoa's Reviews (243)
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A book from my 25 for 2025 list? Did this mood reader finally remember we had a list at the beginning of the year? It's a miracle!
Seriously though, I've had this book on my TBR for a couple years now. I don't remember how I first discovered it, seeing that I can't quite say it's the style I usually read despite it being in the literary fiction genre, but when I found out that the audiobook narrator is Meryl Streep, as well as the subject of the book, I was reminded of Mamma Mia. I had to give it a try.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett tells the story of Lara, who spends the pandemic summer on her family's cherry orchard in Michigan with her three daughters. The first time the entire family was together again in many years. While they tried to navigate the difficulties of that harvest season, her daughters convinced her to finally share a story from her past. A summer romance with their favourite actor, Peter Duke, during her short acting career in her early 20s. Throughout the book, we learn about Lara's past, Duke's life as well as get to know her daughters and husband in the present time.
In the first few chapters, I wondered if I might end up finding it too slow. But something about the gentleness of the pacing felt very comforting. Sure, we know the ending (I mean, we know where Lara ended up in present times, right?), but the lyrical writing, the vivid orchard setting and beautiful narration made the whole thing very nostalgic. Almost grounding. Perfect for an end of summer read (or in my case, listen).
Meryl Streep's narration was perfect making the audiobook the ultimate choice. She emotes ever single word that it feels like Lara is sitting there telling the story to us. I felt like I got to know her inside out.
If you're looking for a book with big plot twists and fast-action, where you don't know what happens next, this is probably not a book for you. But if you love the theatre, if you're looking for a story about personal growth, family, small towns and beautiful lakes, this is a wonderful audiobook to lose yourself to at the end of the summer.
Seriously though, I've had this book on my TBR for a couple years now. I don't remember how I first discovered it, seeing that I can't quite say it's the style I usually read despite it being in the literary fiction genre, but when I found out that the audiobook narrator is Meryl Streep, as well as the subject of the book, I was reminded of Mamma Mia. I had to give it a try.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett tells the story of Lara, who spends the pandemic summer on her family's cherry orchard in Michigan with her three daughters. The first time the entire family was together again in many years. While they tried to navigate the difficulties of that harvest season, her daughters convinced her to finally share a story from her past. A summer romance with their favourite actor, Peter Duke, during her short acting career in her early 20s. Throughout the book, we learn about Lara's past, Duke's life as well as get to know her daughters and husband in the present time.
In the first few chapters, I wondered if I might end up finding it too slow. But something about the gentleness of the pacing felt very comforting. Sure, we know the ending (I mean, we know where Lara ended up in present times, right?), but the lyrical writing, the vivid orchard setting and beautiful narration made the whole thing very nostalgic. Almost grounding. Perfect for an end of summer read (or in my case, listen).
Meryl Streep's narration was perfect making the audiobook the ultimate choice. She emotes ever single word that it feels like Lara is sitting there telling the story to us. I felt like I got to know her inside out.
If you're looking for a book with big plot twists and fast-action, where you don't know what happens next, this is probably not a book for you. But if you love the theatre, if you're looking for a story about personal growth, family, small towns and beautiful lakes, this is a wonderful audiobook to lose yourself to at the end of the summer.
You can also find me on: Instagram
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Sexual content, Grief, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Abortion
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
Thank you to Pen and Sword and Netgalley for the advance copy! As always everything I share below is 100% my opinion.
If you're looking for a true crime book that reads like a novel, look no further.
"Murder On The Train" by John J. Eddleston is an accessible non-fiction book about an Edwardian murder case I hadn't heard of before. In 1910, John Nisbett was murdered while delivering his employer's wages. What started as the search of two killers somehow turned into the accusation and arrest of one man, John Dickman.
But did Dickman actually do it? To his dying breath, he insisted he was innocent. So, did his wife and many that witnessed the case. Between solely circumstancial evidence, unreliable and questionable witnesses and stained evidence, Dickman had no chance. The author wishes with this book to shed the light on the unfairness of Dickman's trial and propose an alternative solve to the mystery.
The book starts with a detailed, and somewhat cinematic, introduction to the case. Over half of the book shares the case in its entirety, introduces us to all the parties involved as well as takes us through the trial and verdict.
And I will tell you I was baffled by the incompetence of everyone involved in the case. If I didn't know this had been a fiction, I would have called the whole thing unbelievable. But, unfortunately, it is true.
Afterwards, the author explains his theory and who he thinks actually committed the crime. I would rather avoid spoilers in my review so I won't go into the details, but I will say that the author's version of what happened certainly makes more sense than the prosecution ever did. While some of it might involve guesswork (how could it not after all that time?), it provides answers to many of the open questions that lingered after poor Dickman's execution.
I enjoyed this book and can safely say I found myself hooked.
You can also find me on: Instagram
If you're looking for a true crime book that reads like a novel, look no further.
"Murder On The Train" by John J. Eddleston is an accessible non-fiction book about an Edwardian murder case I hadn't heard of before. In 1910, John Nisbett was murdered while delivering his employer's wages. What started as the search of two killers somehow turned into the accusation and arrest of one man, John Dickman.
But did Dickman actually do it? To his dying breath, he insisted he was innocent. So, did his wife and many that witnessed the case. Between solely circumstancial evidence, unreliable and questionable witnesses and stained evidence, Dickman had no chance. The author wishes with this book to shed the light on the unfairness of Dickman's trial and propose an alternative solve to the mystery.
The book starts with a detailed, and somewhat cinematic, introduction to the case. Over half of the book shares the case in its entirety, introduces us to all the parties involved as well as takes us through the trial and verdict.
And I will tell you I was baffled by the incompetence of everyone involved in the case. If I didn't know this had been a fiction, I would have called the whole thing unbelievable. But, unfortunately, it is true.
Afterwards, the author explains his theory and who he thinks actually committed the crime. I would rather avoid spoilers in my review so I won't go into the details, but I will say that the author's version of what happened certainly makes more sense than the prosecution ever did. While some of it might involve guesswork (how could it not after all that time?), it provides answers to many of the open questions that lingered after poor Dickman's execution.
I enjoyed this book and can safely say I found myself hooked.
You can also find me on: Instagram
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
What do you get when you mix ancient Greek mythology with British humour and the best narrator of all time? You get Mythos.
Mythos by Stephen Fry (also narrated by him) is a modern retelling of many of the early Greek myths. Everything from the creation of the universe and the rise of humanity to some of the most iconic or important stories of each of the gods and goddesses as well as some of their progeny. They're all told in an accessible but, in my opinion, respectful tone that shows the author's adoration for the culture and the myths without shying away from the darker elements and acknowleding the uncomfortable.
I thought I might be deterred when I was told that there are some pop culture references in the text, but honestly, they weren't that many and they were tastefully done.
At the end of the book, Fry goes through some notes about greek mythology as a whole, why they're important and what they mean to him. He also discusses 'myth vs legend vs religion', the locations mentioned in the stories he shared, the sources he used as well as recommends. I honestly enjoyed his afterword notes almost as much as the stories themselves as, once again, you could discern his passion through them.
I think the only thing that confused me is why some stories were picked and not others. But, also, this is a series of four books so I'm sure any that weren't included in this one will be in the subsequent books.
All in all, this audiobook (and I do intend on getting a physical copy as well) was equally wholesome, funny and interesting. There were actually some stories I hadn't heard before or versions I wasn't aware of. It's definitely being added to my comfort audiobooks list.
There were entirely too many memorable quotes for me to pick a favourite, but let me share some to give you an idea of the style:
"It is enough to say that the Greeks thought it was Chaos who, with a massive heave, or a great shrug, or hiccup, vomit or cough, began the long chain of creation that has ended with pelicans and penicillin and toadstools and toads, sea-lions, lions, human beings and daffodils and murder and art and love and confusion and death and madness and biscuits."
"Painters, poets and philosophers have seen many things in the myth of Sisyphus. They have seen an image of the absurdity of human life, the futility of effort, the remorseless cruelty of fate, the unconquerable power of gravity. But they have seen too something of mankind’s courage, resilience, fortitude, endurance and self-belief. They see something heroic in our refusal to submit."
But, also, I was listening to Artemis's chapter in bed while trying to drift to sleep and I ended up chuckling several times through it:
"Zeus: 'Is that it?'
Artemis: 'I think so. Oh, and I’d like the power to make childbirth easier for women. I’ve seen how painful it is. In fact it is actually quite sincerely gross and I want to help make it better.'
Zeus: 'Goodness me. You don’t ask for the moon, do you?'
Artemis: 'Oh, what a good idea! The moon. Yes, I’d love the moon, please. That will be all. I’ll never ask for anything ever again ever.'"
Mythos by Stephen Fry (also narrated by him) is a modern retelling of many of the early Greek myths. Everything from the creation of the universe and the rise of humanity to some of the most iconic or important stories of each of the gods and goddesses as well as some of their progeny. They're all told in an accessible but, in my opinion, respectful tone that shows the author's adoration for the culture and the myths without shying away from the darker elements and acknowleding the uncomfortable.
I thought I might be deterred when I was told that there are some pop culture references in the text, but honestly, they weren't that many and they were tastefully done.
At the end of the book, Fry goes through some notes about greek mythology as a whole, why they're important and what they mean to him. He also discusses 'myth vs legend vs religion', the locations mentioned in the stories he shared, the sources he used as well as recommends. I honestly enjoyed his afterword notes almost as much as the stories themselves as, once again, you could discern his passion through them.
I think the only thing that confused me is why some stories were picked and not others. But, also, this is a series of four books so I'm sure any that weren't included in this one will be in the subsequent books.
All in all, this audiobook (and I do intend on getting a physical copy as well) was equally wholesome, funny and interesting. There were actually some stories I hadn't heard before or versions I wasn't aware of. It's definitely being added to my comfort audiobooks list.
There were entirely too many memorable quotes for me to pick a favourite, but let me share some to give you an idea of the style:
"It is enough to say that the Greeks thought it was Chaos who, with a massive heave, or a great shrug, or hiccup, vomit or cough, began the long chain of creation that has ended with pelicans and penicillin and toadstools and toads, sea-lions, lions, human beings and daffodils and murder and art and love and confusion and death and madness and biscuits."
"Painters, poets and philosophers have seen many things in the myth of Sisyphus. They have seen an image of the absurdity of human life, the futility of effort, the remorseless cruelty of fate, the unconquerable power of gravity. But they have seen too something of mankind’s courage, resilience, fortitude, endurance and self-belief. They see something heroic in our refusal to submit."
But, also, I was listening to Artemis's chapter in bed while trying to drift to sleep and I ended up chuckling several times through it:
"Zeus: 'Is that it?'
Artemis: 'I think so. Oh, and I’d like the power to make childbirth easier for women. I’ve seen how painful it is. In fact it is actually quite sincerely gross and I want to help make it better.'
Zeus: 'Goodness me. You don’t ask for the moon, do you?'
Artemis: 'Oh, what a good idea! The moon. Yes, I’d love the moon, please. That will be all. I’ll never ask for anything ever again ever.'"
informative
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Thank you so much to Quatro Group and Edelweiss for the advance copy! As always all opinions shared here are 100% my own.
This is a very beautiful, serene book that in my opinion would make for a great coffee table book for architecture and history lovers. A lovely tribute to churches, big and small, that are hiding all over England. The author takes the reader on virtual pilgrimages to each of the churches and shares a small snippet about their history, their architecture or a personal story with the church.
The only thing I found myself wishing for was more illustrations. While each church gets one gorgeous, gorgeous illustration, there are times when the author describes another view of the church or a particular element of its architecture that may not be present in the attached illustration. But, also, I fully understand that's not possible. The number of illustrations attached, and their quality, must have taken a long time and cost a lot!
If you're interested in beautiful historic buildings, architecture or history, this is a lovely book to own.
You can also find me on: Instagram
This is a very beautiful, serene book that in my opinion would make for a great coffee table book for architecture and history lovers. A lovely tribute to churches, big and small, that are hiding all over England. The author takes the reader on virtual pilgrimages to each of the churches and shares a small snippet about their history, their architecture or a personal story with the church.
The only thing I found myself wishing for was more illustrations. While each church gets one gorgeous, gorgeous illustration, there are times when the author describes another view of the church or a particular element of its architecture that may not be present in the attached illustration. But, also, I fully understand that's not possible. The number of illustrations attached, and their quality, must have taken a long time and cost a lot!
If you're interested in beautiful historic buildings, architecture or history, this is a lovely book to own.
You can also find me on: Instagram
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
After having this book on my TBR for so long, and lots of raving reviews from friends, I can finally say that I get it. I wholeheartedly do.
I honestly can't believe that this is Costanza Casati's debut novel. I knew the story before starting the book so it's not like I didn't know the major events. And yet, I found myself staying up longer and longer each night because I *needed* to know what happens next and how things will unfold.
And don't get me started on the pain. Casati's writing is so poignant, vivid and emotional that, despite knowing they were coming, I ended up sobbing for Clytemnestra's heartaches. No, seriously. I even reached out to friends so I could wallow in their company.
While the writing and the scenery are so detailed, the pacing was perfectly balanced. Casati did such a great job giving space for the characters' and the readers' emotions to evolve and morph but not at the expense of keeping the plot going. There wasn't a single moment when I felt bored or eager to see a chapter end. If anything, more over than not, I was clutching to the book hoping it never does. But, also, I think a part of me is grateful that it ended where it did. I wasn't ready to say goodbye.
The characters, even the despised villains that shall not be named, were written with great depth. The titular character herself is flawed, complex and, honestly, relatable a lot of the time. Her monumental grief, the feeling of loss but forcing one's self to keep going, the deep love she holds for her family (including especially her sisters) and, of course, her anger. I felt it all and I honestly think it changed something in me.
If you're a fan of mythology and Ancient Greek history, this book is a must add to your library.
You can also find me on: Instagram
I honestly can't believe that this is Costanza Casati's debut novel. I knew the story before starting the book so it's not like I didn't know the major events. And yet, I found myself staying up longer and longer each night because I *needed* to know what happens next and how things will unfold.
And don't get me started on the pain. Casati's writing is so poignant, vivid and emotional that, despite knowing they were coming, I ended up sobbing for Clytemnestra's heartaches. No, seriously. I even reached out to friends so I could wallow in their company.
While the writing and the scenery are so detailed, the pacing was perfectly balanced. Casati did such a great job giving space for the characters' and the readers' emotions to evolve and morph but not at the expense of keeping the plot going. There wasn't a single moment when I felt bored or eager to see a chapter end. If anything, more over than not, I was clutching to the book hoping it never does. But, also, I think a part of me is grateful that it ended where it did. I wasn't ready to say goodbye.
The characters, even the despised villains that shall not be named, were written with great depth. The titular character herself is flawed, complex and, honestly, relatable a lot of the time. Her monumental grief, the feeling of loss but forcing one's self to keep going, the deep love she holds for her family (including especially her sisters) and, of course, her anger. I felt it all and I honestly think it changed something in me.
If you're a fan of mythology and Ancient Greek history, this book is a must add to your library.
You can also find me on: Instagram
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, Murder
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Pregnancy, War
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Torture
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you so much to Literary Press Group of Canada and Netgalley for the Advance Copy. As always, everything I'm about to share is 100% my opinion.
Did I just read a 25-page story composed of one very long run-on sentence? Yes, yes, I did. Is this just one of the stories? Also, yes. Did it work?
Sentence by Mikhail Iossel is a collection of short stories and essays, all written in the form of one long run on sentence. The entries can be as short as one paragraph or a multi-page story. Still one long sentence using interjections, parantheses, em dashes, etc.
The author himself is an ex-Soviet Jew who's since then moved to the US, and then Canada, where he now works as a Professor of English. In one of the entries, he shares that the reason he sees challenging himself with writing these run-on sentences as a celebration of how far he's come from having to use shorter sentences when he first moved from Russia to where he is today.
As such, the stories and entries themselves are to a great extent autobiographical with the author revisiting shaping moments from his past in a chaotic stream of consciousness in the form of run-on sentences.
I must commend him for his creativity. This certainly works and is very successful, in my opinion, when it comes to communicating to the reader feelings of confusion, loss, frustration as well as the transience of memories and emotions.
I especially enjoyed the first story. It didn't actually take me that long to get used to the writing and I enjoyed how the story unfolded and the emotions it stirred.
Unfortunately, from there, it felt like all the following stories or essays became very repetitive. Mixing the style, which requires the writer to hop from statement to another and interrupt their own flow, with the autobiographical subject matter that often had the author repeating elements from his life, caused the whole thing to become more and more exhausting. I ended up having to give up in the last thirty pages or so.
I understand that one major theme of the story is identity. But I think it needed to be covered in a different format. If every story covered a different person, life and voice, I think it'd have been a lot more enjoyable.
But at it stands, it unfortunately became tedious and I couldn't keep going despite enjoying the first couple entries.
Did I just read a 25-page story composed of one very long run-on sentence? Yes, yes, I did. Is this just one of the stories? Also, yes. Did it work?
Sentence by Mikhail Iossel is a collection of short stories and essays, all written in the form of one long run on sentence. The entries can be as short as one paragraph or a multi-page story. Still one long sentence using interjections, parantheses, em dashes, etc.
The author himself is an ex-Soviet Jew who's since then moved to the US, and then Canada, where he now works as a Professor of English. In one of the entries, he shares that the reason he sees challenging himself with writing these run-on sentences as a celebration of how far he's come from having to use shorter sentences when he first moved from Russia to where he is today.
As such, the stories and entries themselves are to a great extent autobiographical with the author revisiting shaping moments from his past in a chaotic stream of consciousness in the form of run-on sentences.
I must commend him for his creativity. This certainly works and is very successful, in my opinion, when it comes to communicating to the reader feelings of confusion, loss, frustration as well as the transience of memories and emotions.
I especially enjoyed the first story. It didn't actually take me that long to get used to the writing and I enjoyed how the story unfolded and the emotions it stirred.
Unfortunately, from there, it felt like all the following stories or essays became very repetitive. Mixing the style, which requires the writer to hop from statement to another and interrupt their own flow, with the autobiographical subject matter that often had the author repeating elements from his life, caused the whole thing to become more and more exhausting. I ended up having to give up in the last thirty pages or so.
I understand that one major theme of the story is identity. But I think it needed to be covered in a different format. If every story covered a different person, life and voice, I think it'd have been a lot more enjoyable.
But at it stands, it unfortunately became tedious and I couldn't keep going despite enjoying the first couple entries.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism, Xenophobia, War
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
Thank you so much to Netgalley and W. W. Norton for the advance copy. As always, everything I share below is 100% my own.
'Tiger Slayer' by Ruby Lal is a nonfiction biography of the only woman to ever rule the Mughal Empire, Empress Nur Jahan. Defying societal and political expectations, after marrying her second husband, Mughal emperor Jahangir, she rose up in the ranks eventually taking the reins and practically running the empire behind the scenes. So much so that, as is always the case, she was resented by many in the emperor's court, including his son, the crowned prince Shah Jahan.
The book takes the readers through her story from birth as her Persian noble family relocated to India, with Nur being born on the journey, through her first marriage and eventually her second marriage. Her rise to the top is a fascinating story especially when one considers all the obstacles that she would face, not only as a woman, but the emperor's twentieth legal wife.
Unfortunately, while I learned a lot from the book and enjoyed it, I found the narrative style was too dry and clunky. Sentences at times felt a bit chopped or abrupt. And while I am usually a big fan of background information and tangents, as I find they help me see the bigger picture and understand the figures in question, in this case, I found myself often confused and a bit lost.
I can't help but wonder if the target audience, as this book is listed for middle-grade readers, might find the book overwhelming. While the book does introduce some of the less familiar terms and words, there were many that I felt weren't covered. I also wonder if perhaps some of the more nuanced cultural and religious details might be missed or lead to misunderstandings. For example, while Nur was a Muslim and we see her beliefs and influences throughout the text, there was at least one time when we know she (or her husband) prayed to Allah (the name of God among Muslims and Arab Christians), followed by conversation about the gods (who I assumed to be the Hindu Gods but I consider myself ignorant about the Mughal empire so please anyone feel free to correct me) but we didn't learn much more about this. I feel that to a young reader with no prior knowledge, they might find themselves potentially confusing the two religions. The interplay and coexistence of the beliefs is fascinating and worth the exploration and I wish this was explained more.
That being said, the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. Every time I came across one, I had to pause and take in all the details. I mean, you can even see it in the cover! They really brought a lot of the key scenes to life and were absolutely vivid and beautiful.
I appreciate the passion going into the book, and I personally learned a lot from it as an adult, but I do think that younger readers would benefit best from it by co-reading this with an adult that can help them understand the bigger picture and introduce them to the intricate details and rich culture.
'Tiger Slayer' by Ruby Lal is a nonfiction biography of the only woman to ever rule the Mughal Empire, Empress Nur Jahan. Defying societal and political expectations, after marrying her second husband, Mughal emperor Jahangir, she rose up in the ranks eventually taking the reins and practically running the empire behind the scenes. So much so that, as is always the case, she was resented by many in the emperor's court, including his son, the crowned prince Shah Jahan.
The book takes the readers through her story from birth as her Persian noble family relocated to India, with Nur being born on the journey, through her first marriage and eventually her second marriage. Her rise to the top is a fascinating story especially when one considers all the obstacles that she would face, not only as a woman, but the emperor's twentieth legal wife.
Unfortunately, while I learned a lot from the book and enjoyed it, I found the narrative style was too dry and clunky. Sentences at times felt a bit chopped or abrupt. And while I am usually a big fan of background information and tangents, as I find they help me see the bigger picture and understand the figures in question, in this case, I found myself often confused and a bit lost.
I can't help but wonder if the target audience, as this book is listed for middle-grade readers, might find the book overwhelming. While the book does introduce some of the less familiar terms and words, there were many that I felt weren't covered. I also wonder if perhaps some of the more nuanced cultural and religious details might be missed or lead to misunderstandings. For example, while Nur was a Muslim and we see her beliefs and influences throughout the text, there was at least one time when we know she (or her husband) prayed to Allah (the name of God among Muslims and Arab Christians), followed by conversation about the gods (who I assumed to be the Hindu Gods but I consider myself ignorant about the Mughal empire so please anyone feel free to correct me) but we didn't learn much more about this. I feel that to a young reader with no prior knowledge, they might find themselves potentially confusing the two religions. The interplay and coexistence of the beliefs is fascinating and worth the exploration and I wish this was explained more.
That being said, the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. Every time I came across one, I had to pause and take in all the details. I mean, you can even see it in the cover! They really brought a lot of the key scenes to life and were absolutely vivid and beautiful.
I appreciate the passion going into the book, and I personally learned a lot from it as an adult, but I do think that younger readers would benefit best from it by co-reading this with an adult that can help them understand the bigger picture and introduce them to the intricate details and rich culture.
Content Warnings
Minor: Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, War
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Thank you so much to Netgalley and W. W. Norton for the advance copy. As always, everything I share below is 100% my own.
'Clodia of Rome' by Douglas Boin is an excellent exploration of the late Roman Republic. While Clodia Metelli is the primary focus, with few historical records of her surviving to modern day, at times we must turn our attention to understanding Rome as a whole to better understand or guess at her motivations or actions. There are times when she lurks in the background, but I personally didn't mind because every detail the author introduced helped me understand this strong and brave woman more.
The book does a fantastic job taking the reader through the dramatic daily life of Clodia's contemporaries. We're exposed to the harsh political landscape plaguing the final days of the Roman Republic. It was eye-opening to compare politics then and now and meditate over the similarities and differences.
While watching Clodia grow up, we are introduced to the political and societal influences that helped shape her upbringing and education, as well as that of her brothers especially Clodius. The book helps us understand the reasons the two of them challenged the status quo, be it when it comes to their personal lives or attempting to rectify and stand up for marginalized voices. Not just that, but the author does a great job sharing many daily life details, small ones that I personally hadn't known, that made me feel as if I lived there. Cicero, Clodia's eventual cross-examiner, is also introduced to the readers painting the full picture of his biases and motives that, by the time the trial is explored, one is fully aware of the driving forces behind his words.
By the end of the book, and after reading through Cicero's speech that for years unjustly framed Clodia's reputation, Clodia herself seems to vanish into the shadows. The ending felt abrupt because unfortunately there is simply no way for us to know what happened next to her. It was painful to say goodbye to this vivid woman. But I am thankful that I got the chance to learn more about her, her world as well as her progressive views and attempts at shaping a better Rome.
While I can't say I read much political history, this is one I made an exception for. I am glad I did and I think you should read it, too.
You can also find me on: Instagram
'Clodia of Rome' by Douglas Boin is an excellent exploration of the late Roman Republic. While Clodia Metelli is the primary focus, with few historical records of her surviving to modern day, at times we must turn our attention to understanding Rome as a whole to better understand or guess at her motivations or actions. There are times when she lurks in the background, but I personally didn't mind because every detail the author introduced helped me understand this strong and brave woman more.
The book does a fantastic job taking the reader through the dramatic daily life of Clodia's contemporaries. We're exposed to the harsh political landscape plaguing the final days of the Roman Republic. It was eye-opening to compare politics then and now and meditate over the similarities and differences.
While watching Clodia grow up, we are introduced to the political and societal influences that helped shape her upbringing and education, as well as that of her brothers especially Clodius. The book helps us understand the reasons the two of them challenged the status quo, be it when it comes to their personal lives or attempting to rectify and stand up for marginalized voices. Not just that, but the author does a great job sharing many daily life details, small ones that I personally hadn't known, that made me feel as if I lived there. Cicero, Clodia's eventual cross-examiner, is also introduced to the readers painting the full picture of his biases and motives that, by the time the trial is explored, one is fully aware of the driving forces behind his words.
By the end of the book, and after reading through Cicero's speech that for years unjustly framed Clodia's reputation, Clodia herself seems to vanish into the shadows. The ending felt abrupt because unfortunately there is simply no way for us to know what happened next to her. It was painful to say goodbye to this vivid woman. But I am thankful that I got the chance to learn more about her, her world as well as her progressive views and attempts at shaping a better Rome.
While I can't say I read much political history, this is one I made an exception for. I am glad I did and I think you should read it, too.
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Content Warnings
Minor: Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Xenophobia, Murder, War
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
Thank you to Feiwel & Friends and Netgalley for the advance copy. All opinions shared are 100% my own!
I admit that I got interested in this YA graphic novel because of the cover. Don't judge me. Look at it! And the artstyle was equally gorgeous inside.
Evil-ish features non-binary teen Hawthorne Vandercast who has long decided that their life goal would be to become a villain and join the Brigade of Shade. But is it really a wise decision? Is it really everything they hoped for? If so, why are they being outshined by the least-evil-looking person possible?
The story is sweet and simple. Good vs Evil. We get to see Hawthorne face with the consequences of their actions, grow and learn. I especially liked their relationship with their family, seeing that the mother *did* influence their actions versus simply staying on the sidelines.
I can't help but wonder if the story would have benefited from either more pages or perhaps being split over two books to allow the pacing to slow down a bit. The ending felt a bit abrupt and I wish we saw Hawthorne (and another character) have more time for their emotions to gradually change. I would *love* for more books to explore the characters more, in general, as they really are fun and unique.
All I know is I'm hoping for more books in this series and I am so curious how this universe will evolve. Absolutely recommending this!
You can also find me on: Instagram
I admit that I got interested in this YA graphic novel because of the cover. Don't judge me. Look at it! And the artstyle was equally gorgeous inside.
Evil-ish features non-binary teen Hawthorne Vandercast who has long decided that their life goal would be to become a villain and join the Brigade of Shade. But is it really a wise decision? Is it really everything they hoped for? If so, why are they being outshined by the least-evil-looking person possible?
The story is sweet and simple. Good vs Evil. We get to see Hawthorne face with the consequences of their actions, grow and learn. I especially liked their relationship with their family, seeing that the mother *did* influence their actions versus simply staying on the sidelines.
I can't help but wonder if the story would have benefited from either more pages or perhaps being split over two books to allow the pacing to slow down a bit. The ending felt a bit abrupt and I wish we saw Hawthorne (and another character) have more time for their emotions to gradually change. I would *love* for more books to explore the characters more, in general, as they really are fun and unique.
All I know is I'm hoping for more books in this series and I am so curious how this universe will evolve. Absolutely recommending this!
You can also find me on: Instagram
funny
lighthearted
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
Thank you to Netgalley and First Second Books for the advance copy! As always, all opinions shared below are 100% my own.
I originally came across the Cryptid Kids series while searching for a fun comic series to share with my nephews and nieces. The first book in the series, Bawk-ness Monster, was absolutely adorable so I was looking forward to this new entry.
It absolutely delivered the same charm and fun from the first book. The gang is back together along with some new faces. Just like the first book, the kids are surprisingly relateable. The adults are far from side chararacters or useless. While the story is action-packed, it still gives emotions and valuable lessons to take their time without sacrificing pacing.
The art is still just as beautiful as the first book. And while I feel we didn't get as much bonding with the Moby Duck (Bessie is still the best Cryptid), the villain arc makes up for it. I adored their rival/villain here.
All in all, this is an excellent sequel. As an adult, I enjoyed it a lot and I know kids will, too.
You can also find me on: Instagram
I originally came across the Cryptid Kids series while searching for a fun comic series to share with my nephews and nieces. The first book in the series, Bawk-ness Monster, was absolutely adorable so I was looking forward to this new entry.
It absolutely delivered the same charm and fun from the first book. The gang is back together along with some new faces. Just like the first book, the kids are surprisingly relateable. The adults are far from side chararacters or useless. While the story is action-packed, it still gives emotions and valuable lessons to take their time without sacrificing pacing.
The art is still just as beautiful as the first book. And while I feel we didn't get as much bonding with the Moby Duck (Bessie is still the best Cryptid), the villain arc makes up for it. I adored their rival/villain here.
All in all, this is an excellent sequel. As an adult, I enjoyed it a lot and I know kids will, too.
You can also find me on: Instagram