asnowynight

Good Talk by Mira Jacob

Twitter summary: Mira Jacob’s graphic memoir in conversations as a first-generation American and a parent to a mix-raced . The good: I picked up the book because of Celeste Ng (read about Little Fires Everywhere here) who recommended it during an Instagram live with Indigo. Apparently, Jacob learned how to draw to write this bookContinue reading “Good Talk by Mira Jacob”

The Giver by Lois Lawry

Twitter summary: Jonas, an Eleven, is now a Twelve and receives his assignment in this seemingly Utopian but dystopian community. The good: Lawry’s writing style intrigued me — I did not know where the book was going for the first couple of chapters but as I continued to read, I knew this ideal community isContinue reading “The Giver by Lois Lawry”

By the Book by Amanda Sellet

Twitter summary: Mary Porter-Malcolm, an avid reader, has learned everything from the classics except understanding real life friendships and romance. The good: Loved all of the literary references — it reminded me that I have so many more books to read! Wish I was that well read at Mary’s age! The bad: Unfortunately, I feelContinue reading “By the Book by Amanda Sellet”

Furyborn by Claire Legrand

Twitter summary: Two queens, one evil and one good… The good: Remy. The bad: Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book at all and struggled to finish it. Rielle and Eliana’s stories are set 1,000 years apart and it was torture to try to figure out what was happening in each timeline. Favourite aspect ofContinue reading “Furyborn by Claire Legrand”

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport

Twitter summary: A how-to on carefully curating the digital tools with maximum value to use in our lives. The good: Newport incorporates real-life examples, numerous studies and historical anecdotes to convince readers why choosing a focused life in a noisy world is essential. I don’t disagree. I have found myself randomly scrolling for hours onContinue reading “Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport”

Beach Read by Emily Henry

Twitter summary: A disillusioned romance writer and a guarded literary fiction writer make a deal to swap genres for the summer. Did I mention they were next door neighbours and college rivals? The good: Although I love January and Gus’ relationship and undeniable chemistry, I appreciated the book more because January was trying to reconcileContinue reading “Beach Read by Emily Henry”

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

Twitter summary: Lakshmi’s hard-earned life as a henna artist is jeopardized by her estranged husband delivering a sister she didn’t know she had. The good: Joshi wonderfully creates a world for Lakshmi. I understood Lakshmi’s struggle to earn a living and her independence (she was trying to pay off her house — you go, girl)Continue reading “The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi”

A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer

Twitter summary: The curse is broken (Book 1) but with the true heir of Emberfall now known, enemy lines are being drawn. The good: I love Grey. That’s all. I have always been more intrigued by Grey’s story than Rhen’s. I was loudly cheering for Lia Mara when she says “I told you I couldContinue reading “A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer”

Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian

Twitter summary: Theo lost her mother and kingdom, forced to be Kaiser’s prisoner and finally decides to take back what’s hers. The good: Theo’s acceptance of her title builds momentously throughout the book. Her Shadows — family and loyal subjects (TBD, of course, this is only Book 1) — allow her to find her innerContinue reading “Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian”

The Rural Diaries by Hilarie Burton Morgan

Twitter summary: You may think you know Hilarie Burton, the actor, but The Rural Diaries represents the real Hilarie Burton, just as she is. The good: I grew up watching One Tree Hill, the show and characters resonated with me. The actors became people I admired but, obviously, I didn’t truly know anything about them.Continue reading “The Rural Diaries by Hilarie Burton Morgan”