Tag Archives: book blog

October Wrap-Up

December 7, 2024 jaleenajo Leave a comment

Stats

Total books read: 7

Fall vibes books: 3

Holiday romances: 2

Reviews

Haunt Sweet Home by Sarah Pinsker Two Can Play Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton Nineteen Claws and a Black Bird by Agustina Bazterrica A Holly Jolly Ever After by Julie Murphy The Women Could Fly by Megan Giddings Make the Season Bright by Ashley Herring Blake

Nineteen Claws and a Black Bird by Agustina Bazterrica (5 stars) – I loved this short story collection that’s strange, dark, unsettling, and very feminist. Despite the fact that many stories could be classified as microfiction, I devoured it slowly, with space to digest each tale. A collection like this always reawakens my love for short stories, and it also made me want to pick up the author’s popular novel Tender is the Flesh in the near future.

Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood (4 stars) – I was so happy to get a new Ali Hazelwood novella this year, and I enjoyed the heck out of this forced-proximity romance that’s a great contemporary romance to pick up during the winter without being holiday-related. The characters are fully formed despite the short length, including lovable side characters, and the romance had great tension and buildup.

Make the Season Bright by Ashley Herring Blake (4 stars) – This second-chance, friendship group-inclusive, queer and trope-y and delightful holiday romance worked perfectly for me. I liked both main characters and was rooting for the central romance while also enjoying all of the side characters and holiday hijinks happening around them. Definitely recommend for a fun holiday read.

Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton (4 stars) – This was an interesting memoir and an incisive look at the author’s life navigating friendships and relationships throughout childhood and young adulthood with insight and humor. Certain parts worked for me better than others, but I think it was very well-written.

The Women Could Fly by Megan Giddings (4 stars) – I’ve been meaning to pick this book up for the past few fall reading seasons, since it involves witches, and it was a lot more emotionally difficult of a read than I was expecting. It talks a lot about misogyny in a society that’s only slightly different from ours but casts a stark light on the treatment of women who are perceived to be different or more powerful.

A Holly Jolly Ever After by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone (3.5 stars) – I really enjoyed the first half of this contemporary holiday romance, but I really don’t enjoy the (SPOILER ALERT) accidental pregnancy trope, and that, along with the characters’ reaction to it, didn’t work very well for me. It was a fun return to the Christmas movie set small town of Christmas notch and the former boy band turned main characters, and I liked the heroine’s emotional journey and growth. I’ll probably pick up the third book in this trilogy, and maybe a novella or two, as well, because they are a fun time.

Haunt Sweet Home by Sarah Pinsker (3 stars) – This horror novella seemed like the perfect thing to listen to during Halloween season, and although I was interested in the premise of the main character joining the crew for a TV show that investigates haunted houses (with maybe real hauntings?), the execution didn’t fully work for me.

Reading Recaps

August Wrap-Up (very belated)

October 21, 2024 jaleenajo Leave a comment

Stats

Books read: 8

BOTM: 3

Women in translation: 1

2024 releases: 7

Reviews

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo (4.5 stars) – If you’re looking for a great book with fall vibes, I’d definitely recommend this historical fantasy by Leigh Bardugo. It’s set during the Spanish Inquisition and the time period is meticulously detailed and crafted around the story of Luzia, who has to hide both her Jewish ancestry and ability to do magic while surviving a world impossible for a woman like her to survive, let alone thrive, in. When her magic is revealed, however, she finds herself in a magical competition organized by powerful men looking to gain even more power by finding someone capable of performing miracles. Luzia is a scrappy, smart heroine who’s easy to root for, and the plot, with a side of romance, kept me hooked.

How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz (4.5 stars) – Highly recommend this audio, as the production is really well done with sound effects, etc. I loved how the story was slowly revealed through multiple monologues and the documents that were interspersed with the narrative.

A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon (4 stars) – I love books that present thoughtful analysis and new takes on existing genres, without losing the love of that genre that prompted their writing in the first place. A Magical Girl Retires takes the trope of the magical girl but places it in a contemporary setting, dealing with real-world issues and moral complexities. Our main character is severely depressed and financially struggling when she’s told she’s the world’s equivalent of the chosen one, a magical girl who can stop the destruction of the planet–not by fighting a supervillain, but by tackling climate change. She quickly realizes, however, that her problems and insecurities won’t actually be resolved despite her new magical girl status, and that the magical girl union itself is about to be turned on its head. I really enjoyed this short, translated novel; it’s the first book in a long time I’ve been able to read in a single sitting.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez (4 stars) – I enjoyed this Abby Jimenez book more than Yours Truly; I thought it gave a thoughtful exploration of mental health issues and the importance of setting boundaries, accompanied by a strong central friendship and an enjoyable romance.

Stand Your Ground by Roxane Gay (4 stars) – This was a short-ish audiobook I listened to on Everand, featuring my favorite modern thinker’s musings on the 2nd amendment. I might have gotten more out of this if I hadn’t read Carol Anderson’s nonfiction book The Second earlier this year, but it was still a strong piece of writing and thinking.

Sanctuary by Ilona Andrews (3.5 stars) – Not my favorite Ilona Andrews by a long shot, but still a fun read. Dark wizard/priest Roman, a side character from the Kate Daniels series, is finally given his own story, aspects of which I enjoyed more than others.

The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey (3.5 stars) – This was a really fun read that was a very solid 4 stars through the first 80%, but I really wasn’t a fan of the post-third-act breakup reconciliation, where it honestly seemed like the main characters shouldn’t be together anymore. I did really enjoy the Boston setting and grumpy/sunshine dynamic, as well as glimpses at the couple from book 1 and many hints for the upcoming book 3 couple.

Hum by Helen Phillips (3 stars) – This BOTM pick was a disappointment for me. The premise (a near-future setting where a new procedure is developed to hide one’s face and identity from AI) was interesting, but the plot was much more centered around motherhood themes. This wouldn’t have been an issue if the main character’s two children weren’t possibly the most annoying child characters I’ve ever read about. They were far too centered in the story for how frustrating they were.

Reading Recaps

September Wrap-Up

October 20, 2024 jaleenajo Leave a comment

Stats

Total books read: 9

BOTM: 1

eARCs: 1

2024 releases: 6

Fall vibes reads: 6

Reviews

Elizabeth of East Hampton by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding (4.5 stars) – I absolutely love a Pride and Prejudice retelling; it’s one of the few stories that for me never gets old. After reading and loving Emma of East 83rd Street last year, I was so excited to see that Elizabeth was up next. The original story’s characters, plot, and themes are all translated into a modern Hamptons setting effortlessly and in a way that makes perfect sense and creates excellent fun; Mr. Wickham as a Fyre Festival-esque scammer was a particularly great touch. The central romance had all of the tension and banter that we’ve come to expect, but was still contemporary enough to feel fresh. I also enjoyed the appearance of Emma and Knightley from book 1, as well as hints that book 3 will be based on Persuasion.

I received an eARC of Elizabeth of East Hampton from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. However, I loved it enough that I also purchased myself a physical copy.

Bride by Ali Hazelwood (4 stars) – Ali Hazelwood does an excellent job with coming through with a great read. Although I didn’t love Bride as much as her contemporary romance novels (three of which I’ve rated in the 5-star️ range), this paranormal romance still delivered on the chemistry, tropes, and addictive writing style that makes me want to pick up anything she writes. The worldbuilding wasn’t as strong as I’d have liked, but I still enjoyed the heck out of it, and I do hope she comes out with a sequel romance starring the side characters that was hinted about at the end.

Graveyard Shift by M. L. Rio (4 stars) – Since If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio is solidly on my list of favorite books, I was always going to pick up whatever she wrote next. I wasn’t expecting a multiple perspective horror novella that takes place over a single night, but I thoroughly enjoyed Graveyard Shift nonetheless. The moments I was able to pick up this book during my brief Italy trip remain some of my favorites.

The Only Survivors by Megan Miranda (4 stars) – This YA contemporary mystery about two teens working on a podcast centered around their town’s darkest period was absorbing and an easy listen on audiobook, but didn’t necessarily blow me away.

The Pairing by Casey McQuiston (4 stars) – The Pairing was a great book to read right as I was leaving on a trip to Europe; it flows through France, Spain, and Italy on a food and wine tour that had me reminiscing about featured places I’ve been to and stoking excitement about places still on my travel goals list. It’s a very sweet second chance romance between two people who are very deeply in love with and obsessed with one another, and I thought the audio was performed very well with the many accents and frequent dialogue in other languages.

Dreadful by Caitlin Rozakis (4 stars) – Dreadful was a satirical and humorous take on fantasy featuring an amnesiac evil wizard who doesn’t actually want to be evil now that his memories are gone; a resourceful kidnapped princess; scarier, evil-er wizards that are also more than they appear; adaptable townsfolk figuring out how to eke out a living in the shadow of a malevolent castle; less than bright heroes; and a background cast of delightful goblins. I love fantasy that interrogates and questions the tropes and conventions of the genre while turning them on their heads, and therefore found this a very fun read.

Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree (4 stars) – I enjoyed returning to the adventures of Viv the orc in this cozy fantasy prequel; for me this as well as Legends & Lattes were definitely enjoyable reads but didn’t necessary strike as impactful a chord as they seem to with many readers.

A Long Stretch of Bad Days by Mindy McGinnis (3.5 stars) – This YA contemporary mystery about two teens working on a podcast centered around their town’s darkest period was absorbing and an easy listen on audiobook, but didn’t necessarily blow me away.

Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places by Claire Kann (3 stars) – This contemporary paranormal romance had a lot of potential, but unfortunately the writing, and therefore the characters and plot, fell flat for me. I liked the premise and early aspects of the mystery, but ultimately this didn’t work well for me.

Reading Recaps

July Reading Wrap-Up

August 26, 2024 jaleenajo Leave a comment

I found a lot of great reads in July, spanning multiple genres and coincidentally a rainbow of color covers. Let’s get into it!

Stats

#readmyowndamnbooks: 4

2024 releases: 5

Reviews

Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon (5 stars) – I was prompted to pick up this poetic memoir ASAP after it appeared on the New York Times Top 100 Books of the 21st Century list, and I’m so glad I did. The writing is incredible, and the story is difficult and heartbreaking while the personal themes are expanded to encompass themes of racial reckoning in America. Highly, highly recommend.

Old Enough by Haley Jakobson (4.25 stars) – I really loved this coming-of-age Sapphic contemporary college story. The voice felt fresh and authentic; the audiobook was extremely well-done; and the main character’s past trauma is revealed slowly but treated with care. There’s a lot of found family and complicated friendship dynamics, which I tend to enjoy reading about, and I’d highly recommend it. I’ll also definitely be looking for what this author comes out with next.

Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey (4 stars) – I enjoyed the heck out of this cute, silly rom-com centered around a washed-up golf atar and his biggest fan. I’m not really a golf person (I’m not at all a golf person) but I was watching a tournament with my dad on Father’s Day and was inspired to pick this one up. I really liked the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, the incorporation of the heroine’s Type 1 Diabetes, and the sweetness of the story. It also set up its sequel, The Au Pair Affair, well enough to make me pick it up immediately afterwards.

The Road to Roswell by Connie Willis (4 stars) – Not my favorite Connie Willis by a long shot, but I still enjoyed this humorous first-contact road trip story featuring a found family of quirky characters and unique alien universe-building.

Monsters We Have Made by Lindsay Starck (4 stars) – This was a creepy, surreal mystery centered on the mother of a daughter who committed a terrible crime as a child, supposedly inspired by an internet horror myth. Years after the crime, her daughter has been released from a detention center and has disappeared, meaning that her mother now is forced to get much more involved in her life and the mystery that still surrounds her crime. I was hooked and intrigued by the premise and the audiobook; I also really liked the ending.

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley (4 stars) – I’ve read very few mystery/thrillers so far in 2024, but I was attracted to this story’s premise of the opening of an upscale forest retreat for the upper crust in a small town that couldn’t want it there less. The seemingly Gwyneth/Goop-inspired protagonist is at the story’s center, and the multiple perspectives feature various characters with mysterious backstories and secrets that culminate in the resort’s doomed opening weekend. I enjoyed the twists, multiple perspectives, and creepy local mythology; I think it was a very well-crafted story that makes me want to pick up more from Lucy Foley.

I received a free copy of The Midnight Feast from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

What’s Eating Jackie Oh? by Patricia Park (4 stars) – This was a cute contemporary YA novel featuring a teen TV cooking competition; discussions of anti-Asian racism, particularly post-pandemic; and complicated family dynamics. I thought that the protagonist’s voice felt very authentically teenage, and I always enjoy a culinary-focused read. I did think the story was a bit young for me, but I can’t really complain since I knew it was YA when I picked it up; I just think a younger reader would enjoy it even more.

Stories Are Weapons by Annalee Newitz (3.25 stars) – I feel like this needed to be longer and more thorough, and the thesis wasn’t fully integrated, but I did learn some interesting things.

Reading Recaps

May Reading Wrap-Up

June 17, 2024 jaleenajo Leave a comment

I feel like I had a great reading month in May, even if I didn’t have any 5-star reads. I’m particularly proud that I managed to read 2 of my NetGalley eARCs and also 2 books towards my Book of the Month reading challenge.

Stats

Total books read: 8

eARCs: 2

BOTM: 2

Nonfiction: 2

2024 releases: 4

#readmyowndamnbooks: 5

Truly, Madly, Deeply by Alexandria Bellefleur (4.25 stars) – I’ve been a fan of Alexandria Bellefleur since the minute I picked up Written in the Stars. I love the sweetness and emotional resonance of her stories, and as a bi reader, I also love the frequency of her inclusion of bi main characters. Until now, Elle and Darcy’s story has been my favorite, with last year’s The Fiancee Farce as a close second, but Truly, Madly, Deeply has been making me question everything. Although the side characters in the story didn’t always work with me (particularly Truly’s parents, whose scenes were for me the weakest), I absolutely loved the adorable and spicy bi/bi romance at the book’s heart. It was such an enjoyable read that I’ll be recommending all over the place.
I received an eARC of Truly, Madly, Deeply from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, but I loved it so much I also purchased a physical copy for myself.

You, Again by Kate Goldbeck (4 stars) – Pitched as a milennial take on When Harry Met Sally, I happily enjoyed it a lot more than I did the movie (it’s just never worked for me personally). It’s sort of a chance meeting enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story that’s heavy on banter, quarter life crisis career issues, and emotional blockages on the part of both protagonists. Ari and Josh have a slow, complicated, messy love story that I nevertheless rooted for the entire time. Goldbeck’s writing is very solid, and I felt I got to know the characters extremely well over the course of the novel and the years in their lives that it covers; I also liked the glimpse into chef careers, since that’s a niche interest of mine in romances. It’s definitely more spicy than sweet, so as long as that’s what you’re in the mood for, I think you’ll enjoy.

I received an eARC of You, Again from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Butcher of the Forest by Premee Mohamed (4 stars) – This was a creepy dark fantasy novella that I really enjoyed; it involves a mysterious and deadly forest and a mission the main character can’t escape. Definitely recommend and a great pick for a quick read.

The Other Side of Disappearing by Kate Clayborn (4 stars) – When an audiobook involves podcast elements, it definitely makes me more likely to pick it up. The focus here was definitely more on the romance than the true crime aspect, but I enjoyed the relationship between the two main characters as well as the relationship between the heroine, her younger sister, and their history with their estranged mother. I thought it was well-developed and a great audio listen; I’ll be looking for more from this author.

The Gentleman’s Gambit by Evie Dunmore (3.5 stars) – This may have been my least favorite installment in the League of Extraordinary Women series, but I did like how it wrapped up the quartet as a whole.

Sociopath: A Memoir by Patric Gagne (3.5 stars) – This was an interesting look inside the mind of a woman with a PhD in psychology who is also a diagnosed sociopath. I was intrigued by how Gagne described her thought patterns and interpersonal relationships, but the book became a bit less interesting as it went on and focused more and more on her relationship with her eventual husband.

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer (3 stars) – This was my third book from Krakauer this year and definitively my least favorite; I spent the entire time too frustrated with the protagonist to sink into the book the way I wanted to. I felt like the author’s narrative skills were much less on display compared to the other two nonfiction works I’ve read from him, which makes me really wonder why this one is so widely read and taught in schools.

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston (3 stars) – I didn’t enjoy nearly as much as my previous read from Poston (The Dead Romantics); I felt like the characterization wasn’t very strong, and that’s very important to me when I read a romance.

Reading Recaps

April Wrap-Up

April 6, 2024 jaleenajo Leave a comment

I had an extremely busy month in April, which included volunteering at two weekend free clinics (I’m an optometrist) in other parts of my state. I was determined not to let my reading slide despite my weekends being much more packed than usual, and I ended up reading 3 short pieces (2 short stories and 1 essay) to be able to participate in Dewey’s 24-hour readathon during a busy clinic day. I did find a new 5-star standout, but also read many great 4-star picks.

Stats

Total books read: 9

#readmyowndamnbooks: 3

Short fiction/nonfiction: 3

2024 releases: 5

Reviews

All the Hidden Paths by Foz Meadows (5 stars) – Sometimes it takes me a really long time to finish a book I love, and All the Hidden Paths by Foz Meadows, which I started about a month ago, was no exception. Its predecessor A Strange & Stubborn Endurance was one of my favorite books of last year, and you never know how a sequel will live up, but this one was just as intricately written, heart-wrenching, and full of action as the first. It delves more into court politics, which I love in fantasy books, and the central arranged-marriage romance continued to develop in a way that makes sense for each character’s history of trauma. I also felt that the ending was potentially setting up a spinoff featuring several prominent side characters we met in book 2, which I wouldn’t be at all mad about

At First Spite by Olivia Dade (4 stars) -I’ve loved every Olivia Dade book I’ve read so far, and At First Spite was no exception. It’s a difficult premise for an author to make work–our heroine is engaged until her fiance’s brother talks him out of going through with the wedding, ostensibly because he doesn’t approve of her, but also because he finds himself extremely attracted to her. She begins to fall for him as well in the aftermath, but our protagonists also have to deal with depression, burnout, and the aftereffects of family tragedy on their way to an HEA. Despite these darker themes, At First Spite still has plenty of funny and sweet moments, and I loved the dynamic between the two main characters and how much they loved one another. I received an eARC of At First Spite from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Dominoes by Phoebe McIntosh (4 stars) – This contemporary fiction was kind of a random pick for me, and I ended up finding it really interesting. I listened to the audio and the narrator was GREAT, I’d definitely recommend consuming it that way, and I’ll definitely be looking for more from this debut author.

Here We Go Again by Alison Cochrun (4 stars) – This was my third contemporary romance from Cochrun, and definitely my favorite. It features a friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance between two English teachers who are taking their mentor on a road trip as his dying wish, and who learn about each other and themselves along the way. It has great discussion on the importance and impact that great teachers can have on our lives, so I was recommending it to my English teacher friend within the first few chapters. There is sadness but it’s well-balanced with humor and romance, along with mental health discussion.

Two Women Walk Into a Bar by Cheryl Strayed (4 stars) – This was the essay I listened to during Dewey’s; I previously really enjoyed both Wild and Dear Sugar by Strayed and found this essay about the author’s relationship with her mother-in-law to be very well-told.

Rosie and the Dreamboat by Sally Thorne (4 stars) – A very cute short story with Thorne’s signature addictive writing style that involves a rescue from a sensory deprivation chamber.

Graceful Burdens by Roxane Gay (4 stars) – My second short story for the month was from a past favorite author, and the thing is that I love Roxane Gay so much that anything less than a 5 star is almost a disappointment. I just think this concept needed more room to grow and develop, although I did enjoy the read.

Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date by Ashley Herring Blake (4 stars) – I would say that I enjoyed this Sapphic contemporary romance second-best in the Bright Falls trilogy; I liked the depiction of anxiety and also that prickly Iris finally got her own love story.

Billion Dollar Loser by Reeves Wiedeman (3.5 stars) – This is the second book I’ve read about the downfall of Adam Neumann and WeWork, and it helped with my reading mood for a nonfiction book that feels like a podcast but wasn’t necessarily a very strong read.

Reading Recaps

March Reading Wrap-Up

March 29, 2024 jaleenajo Leave a comment

I’m a bit late, but determined to still make my March wrap-up happen! I finished several books that were very high on my TBR stack and I’m happy with how the reading month went.

Stats

Total books read: 6

Nonfiction: 3

#readmyowndamnbooks: 3

The Climb by Anatoli Boukreev Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi Interesting Facts about Space by Emily R. Austin The Unbroken by C.L. Clark I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner (4.5 stars) – I found this memoir to be both powerful and beautifully written, as well as skillfully narrated by the author. I suggested it as this month’s pick for my in-person book club, however, and the other members didn’t seem to enjoy it nearly as much as I did.

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy (4 stars) – I’ve heard so much hype about this book, but due to the subject matter, it took me awhile to actually pick it up. It was a very difficult read emotionally, but very well-written, and I thought the audiobook was narrated very well by the author.

The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi (4 stars) – This fabulist novel about a mysterious language education center that purports to be able to make a person fluent in a new-to-them language after only a week sounded right up my alley. I liked the main character’s inner narration and the slowly-building mystery, and although it did feel in ways like a debut novel, I definitely would recommend it.

The Unbroken by C. L. Clark (4 stars) – There’s always a point in the year where I suddenly get a powerful urge to read epic fantasy, and I kicked off that reading mood in 2024 with The Unbroken. I enjoyed the dual perspective, fast pace, and mixture of action and politics, and look forward to picking up its sequel, The Faithless.

Interesting Facts About Space by Emily R. Austin (4 stars) – I’ve had Austin’s debut novel on my TBR for approximately 5,000 years, but I ended up picking up her sophomore title first since it was a BOTM pick. It definitely moved at a slower pace and was very character-driven, with a solid payoff at the end. I’m looking forward to picking up her debut soon too.

The Climb by Anatoli Boukreev and G. Weston DeWalt (3.5 stars) – My Mount Everest/Jon Krakauer continued with this read, which is somewhat of a refutation to several of Krakauer’s claims. It was an interesting read, but not nearly as well-written as Into Thin Air, and I found Krakauer’s essay in response to the book more credible than this book itself. I don’t regret the read, but I definitely don’t think it’s a necessary book to pick up after Into Thin Air.

Reading Recaps

Feb Reading Wrap-Up

February 27, 2024 jaleenajo Leave a comment

I really struggled with a reading slump throughout most of Feb; I’m not sure if it was because of my extremely productive reading month in January, winter malaise, or general stress, but I had a hard time focusing on most of the books I attempted to pick up. Nonfiction audiobooks were what worked for me the best (and continue to comprise a large portion of my 2024 reading in general), supplemented by next-in-series books from past favorite authors. I still enjoyed the books that I did manage to engross myself in, with one 5-star standout. Let’s get into it.

Stats

Total books read: 5

Nonfiction: 3

How the Word Is Passed by Clint Smith The Second by Carol Anderson Magic Claims by Ilona Andrews Dead Mountain by Donnie Eichar All the Dead Shall Weep by Charlaine Harris

How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning With the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith (5 stars) – I’ve been talking this book up and recommending it frequently ever since I started it. It has a really interesting premise where the author tours historical sites and then discusses the accuracy or inaccuracy of the information given regarding the history of racism; he does so in an extremely engaging and informative way. I also thought the audio narration was really well done.

The Second: Race and Guns in a Fatally Unequal America by Carol Anderson (4.25 stars) – This is my third nonfiction read from this author, and for some reason I haven’t heard nearly as much about this one as her previous two. It explores the second amendment from the perspective that it has never equally applied to Black Americans and how it has caused and allowed for a great deal of racist violence. I’ve read about gun violence and gun violence prevention previously, but this was from a very different viewpoint, and I found it very interesting, if a bit clinically written.

Magic Claims by Ilona Andrews (4 stars) – I love that we’re continuing to get bonus, post-series Kate Daniels books, and I enjoyed the heck out of this one. I never get tired of these characters and this world, and can only hope for still more installments in the future.

Dead Mountain: The Untold True Story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident by Donnie Eichar (3.75 stars) – I’ve previously listened to podcasts about this historical tragedy, but was interested in getting more information through a book. The writing wasn’t consistently engaging for me, nor was the narrative, but parts were quite interesting. I just wish that certain aspects and theories had been explored more thoroughly and that the quality of the writing had been a bit better.

All the Dead Shall Weep by Charlaine Harris (3 stars) – This isn’t my favorite series of Harris’s, but I enjoyed the dual narratives and sister team-up adventure in this one and will continue on to see how things go down in the next book, which sounds like it will feature a dramatic, deadly magical ball.

Reading Recaps

January Reading Wrap-Up

February 12, 2024 jaleenajo Leave a comment

I kicked off my 2024 reading year with a bang! Not only did I read 3 books in the 5-star range, but I also got a great start on several of my reading goals (picking up more nonfiction, romantasy, and Book of the Month titles). Let’s get into it!

Stats

Total books read: 11

#readmyowndamnbooks: 6

Nonfiction: 4

Romantasy: 2

Book of the Month: 1

How Far the Light Reaches by Sabrina Imbler (5 stars) – This was a gorgeously written nonfiction book that manages to combine memoir and science writing seamlessly through apt metaphor, and the audiobook was gorgeously narrated as well. I had a strong feeling I’d enjoy it, but I hadn’t predicted it to evoke so much emotion in me. If you enjoy learning about sea creatures and/or queer narratives, this is a must-read.

Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer (5 stars) – This book spawned an entire obsession for me, and after posting about it and hearing from other readers, I know I’m not alone. I not only became obsessed with this tragic expedition, but with Everest and Jon Krakauer as well. His writing is gripping, as is this story, to the point that I was yelling out loud in reaction to what I was hearing (I listened to the audiobook, which I do recommend). I instantly added Krakauer’s other books to my TBR, as well as Anatoli Boukreev’s The Climb, which provides a differing perspective on the expedition. I’m late to the party on this one, and if you are too, do yourself a favor and READ THIS IMMEDIATELY.

Check and Mate by Ali Hazelwood (4.5 stars) – I don’t know if I was expecting Ali Hazelwood’s YA debut to become one of my favorites of her books, but it absolutely did. It’s very Ali Hazelwood, with a Gen Z spin, and chess-centric while still romance-focused. I found both storylines equally interesting, and I loved the side characters just as much as the main couple. Finishing this made me extremely glad that there will be 2 new Ali Hazelwood releases in 2024, or I’d be quite bereft right now.

The Lord Sorcier by Olivia Atwater (4 stars) – This one is actually a prequel novella that was included at the end of Half a Soul and featuring its two male main characters during their meeting and developing friendship. I debating including this as part of Half a Soul or giving it its own review, but because it really has a different feel to Half a Soul (and its own entry on Goodreads), I felt it could stand on its own. It’s a really concise and interesting story about disillusionment with one’s ideals and discovering how to make a difference in a more practical way, as well as a fish-out-of-water story of a young man from Faerie adapting to Regency England during its war with the French.

Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater (4 stars) – This was a really delightful and easy-to-read romantasy set in Regency England and featuring a young woman whose soul was half-stolen by a faerie when she was young, and her unexpectedly befriending the intimidating Lord Sorcier leading to a mission and adventure. I really enjoyed the read and am looking forward to continuing in the Regency Faerie Tales series.

Tripping Arcadia by Kit Mayquist (4 stars) – It’s hard to classify this book in terms of genre; it’s sort of a Gothic eat-the-rich plot involving drugs, poison, nepo babies, and betrayal. I enjoyed it, although I could tell it was a debut, and I’m interested to see what this author comes out with next.

Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer (4 stars) – This nonfiction book focuses on the history of Mormonism and its fundamentalist sects using two horrific contemporary murders as a gateway. Its focus is much more on historical events rather than the police investigation, in contrast to the miniseries that shares its name, and it’s extremely informative and well-written. I started this soon after finishing Into Thin Air, my first Krakauer book, and although it didn’t quite live up to his monumental take on Everest exploration and tragedy, I felt I learned a lot and continue to be impressed with his writing.

A Novel Obsession by Caitlin Barasch (4 stars) – This was an absorbing debut novel featuring an “unlikable” main character that makes mistakes from minute one, but whose story is still completely addicting. I really enjoyed it.

All You Can Ever Know by Nicole Chung (4 stars) – This was a moving and emotional memoir about trans-racial adoption, a topic I knew very little about before reading it. I became very emotionally invested in the author’s journey to find her birth family and their subsequent meeting and relationship development.

Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh by Rachael Lippincott (3.5 stars) – This was a cute YA time-travel romance that I didn’t find quite as impactful as I was hoping. She Gets The Girl, which was co-authored by Rachael Lippincott, was one of my favorite YA reads a few years ago, so this may have been a case of my expectations being too high.

The High Mountain Court by A. K. Mulford (3.5 stars) – I’m trying to read more romantasy in 2024, and this first-in-series novel has been on my radar for awhile. I overall enjoyed the plot and characters, but wished the writing had been stronger; I’m undecided as to whether I’ll continue in this series, because I am interested in the main couple featured in book 2.

Reading Recaps

December Reading Wrap-Up

January 30, 2024 jaleenajo Leave a comment

I finished 2023 with a surprisingly excellent reading month, featuring 3 books in the 5-star range, several holiday-themed reads, and an unintentional theme of books involving Hollywood/moviemaking/TV shows. Let’s get into it!

Stats

Total books read: 9

2023 releases: 4

#readmyowndamnbooks: 4

Holiday romances: 3

Books featuringHollywood/moviemaking/TV shows: 5

And I Do Not Forgive You by Amber Sparks (5 stars) – An endlessly creative and at times goosebump-inducing short story collection that came in clutch for me in December and also reminded me why short stories are one of my favorite things to read.

Delphi by Clare Pollard (5 stars) – This was my last read of 2023, and a surprise five-star read. It’s a short novel told in brief vignettes about a classics professor navigating the pandemic with her husband and young asthmatic son while connecting the anxiety she’s facing about an uncertain future with ancient Greek methods of divining fate. It’s succinct and addictive to read, with precise and skillful prrose and a huge emotional wallop at the end.

Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey (4.5 stars) – I really wasn’t expecting Wreck the Halls to become one of my favorite romances of the year, but I was pleasantly surprised! This book is sweet, big-hearted, and involves reality TV shenanigans, rocker moms, long-term crushes, and a crap ton of chemistry. Even though I’m Jewish, I do enjoy a good Christmas romance, and this one perfectly hit the spot.

I was sent a free copy of Wreck the Halls from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

American Mermaid by Julia Langbein (4 stars) – My love of mermaids prompted me to buy this book, and the acerbic writing kept me hooked. I had an unintentional pattern of books featuring Hollywood this month, and this one features an author moving to L.A. to help adapt her book into a movie, while trying (and failing) to avoid losing the manuscript’s integrity along the way.

Notes From a Young Black Chef by Kwame Onwuachi (4 stars) – I heard of this author from his appearance on Top Chef (I’m obsessed) and found his memoir to be hard-hitting, well-written, and impressive.

How to Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow (4 stars) – This was a really enjoyable YA contemporary holiday romance audiobook that features two young Jewish women falling for each other over Christmas while one of them is in D.C. for a paleo-ichthyology internship.

Sizzle Reel by Carlyn Greenwald (4 stars) – This is sort of a new adult contemporary romance set in L.A. that focuses just as much as friendship as it does love. It’s a debut and wasn’t perfect, but I enjoyed many aspects of it and will be picking up more from this author. I think its Goodreads ratings are way too harsh.

The Lover by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (3 stars) – I was underwhelmed by this fairytale-inspired short story; I’ve read a lot of short stories in this vein, and while I had high hopes, it just didn’t stand out to me.

	Most Anticipated 202… on Most Anticipated Book Releases…
	LaRonda @FlyingPaper… on Dewey’s 24-Hour Readatho…
	Ethan Romero on 24 in 48 Reading Challenge
	Shawnerly on Feb Reading Wrap-Up
	jaleenajo on Most Anticipated Book Releases…

beachesandbooks

Tag Archives: book blog

October Wrap-Up

August Wrap-Up (very belated)

September Wrap-Up

July Reading Wrap-Up

May Reading Wrap-Up

April Wrap-Up

March Reading Wrap-Up

Feb Reading Wrap-Up

January Reading Wrap-Up

December Reading Wrap-Up

I write about nontraditional beach reads for nontraditional readers