Scan barcode
shelfcarebyken's reviews
361 reviews
The Twin by Natasha Preston
3.0
I borrowed this book from a friend after hearing her say, “This book was a 5 star read for me until the end, and I ended up giving it 2 stars.”
Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young
4.0
Since this book’s release, I’ve been excited to read this one! I’ve not read a book by this author before, but I was hooked from the magical realism that this book promised and the romance mixed with murder mystery in the description.
Liked:
• Subtle magical realism
• Small town setting
• Second chance romance
• Murder mystery + twisted secrets
Disliked:
• A side character’s weird decisions (no spoilers, but I need someone to discuss a certain character with lol)
I really didn’t have a lot of dislikes with this book, just one of the characters really irks me (but it also may be the point of that character, lol). This was extremely atmospheric, and I loved the author’s writing and descriptions of the little island this story takes place on. I definitely enjoyed this one and it’s magical elements!
Liked:
• Subtle magical realism
• Small town setting
• Second chance romance
• Murder mystery + twisted secrets
Disliked:
• A side character’s weird decisions (no spoilers, but I need someone to discuss a certain character with lol)
I really didn’t have a lot of dislikes with this book, just one of the characters really irks me (but it also may be the point of that character, lol). This was extremely atmospheric, and I loved the author’s writing and descriptions of the little island this story takes place on. I definitely enjoyed this one and it’s magical elements!
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
4.0
4.5 stars: This took me a while, but I am so glad to be a member of this fantastical world within The Bear and The Nightingale. Katherine Arden’s writing is just as magical as this story, and this is seriously the perfect wintry tale that literally feels like you’re sitting in front of the fire with a warm drink and learning about fairy tales (although this book is a little darker than that description).
Highlights
• Loveable main character
• Feminist
• Magical winter forest atmosphere
• A story about stories
Lowlights
• Slow pace
I said it took a while for me to get into this, and I think that’s both in part because I first tried to read this during the summer and because of the slow pace of this book. However, once I was invested, I couldn’t put it down until I was finished. I’m itching to read the sequel!
Highlights
• Loveable main character
• Feminist
• Magical winter forest atmosphere
• A story about stories
Lowlights
• Slow pace
I said it took a while for me to get into this, and I think that’s both in part because I first tried to read this during the summer and because of the slow pace of this book. However, once I was invested, I couldn’t put it down until I was finished. I’m itching to read the sequel!
Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman
5.0
Backman proves to write perfect stories again and again and again. There hasn’t been one of his books that I’ve picked up yet and disliked it. Like all of his stories, this one has a grumpy/somewhat unlikeable protagonist and a fantastic cast of chaotic side characters that help our protagonist find the beauty in life. This made me smile, cry, and feel all the things you would expect to feel in a comforting Backman read.
Highlights:
• Found family trope
• Lovable characters
• Witty writing that makes you laugh
• Feels like a big hug
Highlights:
• Found family trope
• Lovable characters
• Witty writing that makes you laugh
• Feels like a big hug
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
5.0
So happy to start my year of reading with this gorgeous book. Erin Morgenstern became a favorite of mine with The Night Circus, a book that easily became one of my all time favorites. So obviously I had the highest expectations for this book, and of course they were met.
This story has even more of Morgenstern’s beautiful writing, and book this and The Night Circus make me feel so many ways while reading. I connect with her characters so deeply and care about them and their stories as if they were real people. Not a lot of authors so easily make their stories as comforting as they are heartbreaking (in moments). Erin Morgenstern is a story teller like no other, and I will read anything and everything she writes.
This story has even more of Morgenstern’s beautiful writing, and book this and The Night Circus make me feel so many ways while reading. I connect with her characters so deeply and care about them and their stories as if they were real people. Not a lot of authors so easily make their stories as comforting as they are heartbreaking (in moments). Erin Morgenstern is a story teller like no other, and I will read anything and everything she writes.
Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers: Quiet the Critical Voice in Your Head, Heal Self-Doubt, and Live the Life You Deserve by Stephanie M. Kriesberg PsyD
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley + New Harbinger Publications for an early copy of this ebook!
This is a book I have so deeply needed, and I am glad that others struggling with their relationship with their mother will have access to this. The author does an excellent job of providing textual information as it relates to narcissism as well as intervention strategies and coping skills that the reader can use to manage their thoughts and feelings.
Because it is so heavy in the topic of narcissistic mothers and unhealthy maternal relationships, it may be difficult to read in large chunks. Taking it slowly and diving into the suggested journal entries and prompts can definitely help the reader better understand their own emotions and behaviors.
I definitely will be purchasing a physical copy of this book for my therapeutic library, and I already know I will have most of it highlighted and annotated to reference.
This is a book I have so deeply needed, and I am glad that others struggling with their relationship with their mother will have access to this. The author does an excellent job of providing textual information as it relates to narcissism as well as intervention strategies and coping skills that the reader can use to manage their thoughts and feelings.
Because it is so heavy in the topic of narcissistic mothers and unhealthy maternal relationships, it may be difficult to read in large chunks. Taking it slowly and diving into the suggested journal entries and prompts can definitely help the reader better understand their own emotions and behaviors.
I definitely will be purchasing a physical copy of this book for my therapeutic library, and I already know I will have most of it highlighted and annotated to reference.
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
4.0
I feel like I am the last person on earth to read this one, but I am so glad I finally did! This book definitely lives up to the hype it receives. I loved that while this is a fantasy book, it also tackles topics such as friendship, romance, grief, racism, and more. As a huge fan of Leigh Bardugo's Ninth House, I also really appreciate the inclusion of a university's secret society as a plot aspect in this book. Bree as the main character is wonderful, and I am so excited to dive into the second book!
My only dislike with this book is that the world building seemed a little confusing or too long-winded at moments in the beginning, but once I got into it, I could not put this book down!
My only dislike with this book is that the world building seemed a little confusing or too long-winded at moments in the beginning, but once I got into it, I could not put this book down!
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
4.0
After finally reading this, I can definitely see why this is a beloved Kristin Hannah novel. Like other novels I've read from Hannah, this one really hits you with gut-wrenching moments set in a historical narrative. This story was full of emotions and survival alongside discussions of religion and rebuilding familial relationships. I loved reading about two sisters of opposite personalities finding strength in each other, and I will definitely be thinking of this one for a long time.
My one problem with this novel is that there is (CONTENT WARNING) an SA occurrence (it does not give details), but I did not love the way it was handled in the story. It felt like it was really brushed over, and it just didn't sit right with me.
My one problem with this novel is that there is (CONTENT WARNING) an SA occurrence (it does not give details), but I did not love the way it was handled in the story. It felt like it was really brushed over, and it just didn't sit right with me.
The Deep by Rivers Solomon
4.0
What an incredibly unique and intriguing story! I enjoyed learning about the world and the people created by the authors, and I deeply appreciate the creativity behind writing such an interesting novel.
While small, this story covers so many different ideas such as finding your true self, coping with trauma, ancestral importance, and discussions on gender and sexuality.
This is definitely a book that I will think of for a long time to come.
While small, this story covers so many different ideas such as finding your true self, coping with trauma, ancestral importance, and discussions on gender and sexuality.
This is definitely a book that I will think of for a long time to come.
All the Living and the Dead by Hayley Campbell
4.0
After reading and loving Caitlin Doughty’s first book and seeing that she blurbed this one, I was incredibly intrigued to start this. Unlike Doughty, Campbell is not a death worker, but a journalist sharing her experiences interviewing and working alongside death workers for the sole purpose of this book.
I loved learning about all different kinds of death work from the perspective of someone being introduced to the field, but don’t get me wrong - Campbell may not be a death worker, but her knowledge and research is evident in this book.
I also particularly appreciated the afterword of this book focusing on the trauma death workers and Campbell herself gain from working so closely with the dead. The vulnerability and rawness of Campbell’s experience truly made this book for me.
I loved learning about all different kinds of death work from the perspective of someone being introduced to the field, but don’t get me wrong - Campbell may not be a death worker, but her knowledge and research is evident in this book.
I also particularly appreciated the afterword of this book focusing on the trauma death workers and Campbell herself gain from working so closely with the dead. The vulnerability and rawness of Campbell’s experience truly made this book for me.