russellreitsema's reviews
109 reviews

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

2.75

Overdone in spots, I still thoroughly enjoyed this magical mother daughter romp through the Italian experience and the human one as well. A love letter to the relationship daughters have with their moms and the relationship mothers have with themselves. Check out this short, emotional keg of gunpowder. 

The Burning God by R.F. Kuang

3.25

What a way to end the series! I'll admit, I haven't been the biggest fan of the protagonist for most of this journey, but I'm fairly certain that's how it is meant to be written so I'm all for it. This book had plenty of violence, story arc completion, revenge, and of course cool shamanic powers. So happy to say I've read all of Kuangs work now. Definitely check this one out! worth the 3 book investment. 

Tales from the Café by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

3.5

Another fantastic addition to the series, I actually found this one to be more emotionally touching than the first. Rife with cute moments and realistic individuals facing their own personal crises, This book will fill that void. 

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

3.0

A lovely cozy piece that touches our bustling world with tidbits of true human connection. will be taking a look at the whole series. 

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

4.5

what an incredible journey! This novel had me laughing, tearing up, and biting my nails to the quick. Hannah has done it again with a heart-rending narrative built on familial bonds, desperation, love, longing, survival, and above all, Hope. So glad this was our Club pick for December, I couldn't imagine a better story to end the year on. 

The Hummingbirds' Gift: Wonder, Beauty, and Renewal on Wings by Sy Montgomery

3.25

A short, passionate punch of heartfelt information and anecdotes. I've always been a Montgomery fan and learning about the ins and outs of hummingbird life has not detracted from that at all. 

Sea of Rust by C. Robert Cargill

3.5

Incredible, fast paced, introspective novel which has zero human characters yet touched my humanity in ways I hadn't felt in ages. Loved the fictional history surrounding the robot wars and how the world was brought down, this feels like it will be a movie in no time at all. 

What Feasts at Night by T. Kingfisher

2.75

A solid sequel to Kingfishers first in the series, and I am definitely hoping for more. This story didn't quite captivate me like it's predecessor, but still hits that sweet spot with enjoyable characters, intrigue, and a touch of supernatural thrill. If you've read it you know that ending was not what anyone was hoping for but I accept it nonetheless. Let's go for 3! 

So, Anyway... by John Cleese

3.0

*Read this book on audio, you won't be disappointed* 
After having this book on my nightstand for over a year and only getting halfway through, I finally caved and finished it on audio. Loved hearing Cleese's voice telling his story of his past before and during the Python years. I am a big fan of his and the genre found this book compelling and, more importantly, funny! 

Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

3.5

Talk about a magical, fantastical punch to the gut! I haven't felt for characters like this in a long time! highly recomend for any fantasy reader, this book gave off serious Babel(Kuang) vibes and had me angry throughout the novel which was clearly the objective! An actively immersive magic system and scintillating character development, this one will stick with me longer than the high mages 😉