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 book (What!) and am I ever glad she did! I felt all sorts of emotions while reading this graphic memoir; I laughed, smiled, felt anger, disappointment and, most importantly, hope.
  • The bad: I was sad when it ended — can this be a weekly publication, pretty please? Quarterly? I’ll even settle for annual.
  • Favourite aspect of the book: The open honesty in Jacob’s words and vulnerability in her story telling.
  • Recommendation: Yes, sometimes you need images to go with the words.
  • Overall rating: 5/5 knock knock jokes
  • Goodreads link

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 is not what it seems.
  • The bad: The Release gives me the creeps.
  • Favourite aspect of the book: Jonas’ realization about the dystopian community where he was born and raised.
  • Recommendation: Yes
  • Overall rating: 4/5 Gabriels
  • Goodreads link

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 feel too old to thoroughly enjoy these books. Mary and Alex’s dynamic made me smile and reminisce about my own high school days but I was ultimately bored and hoping for more.
  • Favourite character: Jasper, this younger brother for the win.
  • Recommendation: Sure, if you’re looking for a quick read with a young high school story line.
  • Overall rating: 2/5 literary classics for present me, if I was 15 years younger and in high school, probably would have been 3/5 literary classics
  • Goodreads link

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 of the book: In theory, it would have been a great idea to alternate the story between the two queens each chapter.
  • Recommendation: No
  • Overall rating : 1/5 queens
  • Goodreads link

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 on end while I could easily have been engaging in a high-value activity.
  • The bad: I found it difficult to focus and absorb the anecdotes.
  • Favourite aspect of the book: The book is structured in two parts with easy to follow chapter titles and headers for those looking to quickly read the practical tips and tricks.
  • Recommendation: Yes but full disclosure, I have not attempted the recommended 30-day digital declutter.
  • Overall rating: 3/5 focused lives
  • Goodreads link

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 reconcile what she knew about her dad and their relationship. It wasn’t all about falling in love with the “perfect” guy. Speaking of Gus, who let January break down his walls, misquotes Jamie’s infamous “You have to promise you won’t fall in love with me” line from A Walk to Remember — he’s my favourite.
  • The bad: I love Gus but he needed to be a little more forthcoming. There were a number of times when I wanted to shake him and say, “open up and tell her!” just as he asked January multiple times.
  • Favourite aspect of the book: It is not about the typical Happily Ever After endings, it’s the happy-for-now present moments.
  • Recommendation: Yes, be ready to feel all of January’s feelings.
  • Overall rating: 5/5 happy-for-now
  • Goodreads link

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) while being a respectable, per society’s standards, guardian for her 13-year old sister. Lakshmi’s character development is thoughtfully driven and beautifully comes full circle.
  • The bad: Slow start with Part 1 but glad that the book picked up around a third of the way in. I knew how the book was going to end, no surprise plot twists!
  • Favourite quote: “I healed, I soothed. I made whole.” — Chapter 22
  • Recommendation: Yes
  • Overall rating: 4/5 henna designs
  • Goodreads link

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 could defend myself” at the end.
  • The bad: Jake — I was not a fan of his attitude and actions throughout the series thus far. Grow up and either accept the situation or find your own way home.
  • Favourite aspect of the book: When I read A Curse So Dark and Lonely, it was obvious who Grey really is. I loved the unraveling dynamic of Rhen and Grey.
  • Recommendation: Yes, can’t wait for Book 3 — Rhen and Grey showdown with a surprise guest (but not really)!
  • Overall rating: 4/5 Lia Mara and Grey goodness
  • Goodreads link

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 inner strength, courage and reason to fight.
  • The bad: Cress — predictable Book 1 end to the “heart’s sister” relationship with the showdown on the way.
  • Favourite aspect of the book: I’m enjoy the fact that the love triangle is not yet clear cut. There are moments when I’m rooting for Blaise and others on Soren.
  • Recommendation: Yes, I’m interested enough to want to read the second book of the trilogy.
  • Overall rating: 3/5 fire gems
  • Goodreads link

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. Even though I didn’t follow Burton’s career as closely as a few of the other actors, I knew I had to read this book. Burton is a storyteller. The Rural Diaries narrates Burton’s journey with raw honest details of her life beyond Los Angeles, well-loved recipes and home improvement tips and tricks. I bet you didn’t see that coming in a book by an actor. You’ll learn, as I have, that Burton is a person full of life.
  • The bad: Can I wish the book was longer?
  • Favourite part of the book:
    • “I looked around in my life and thought, If I never work on another show or film, I’ll be okay. Mischief Farm was in the middle of its full autumn display, similar to the way it had looked when we’d seen it for the first time. This is real, I thought. This is who I am.” — Chapter 16
  • Recommendation: Yes, please read!
  • Overall rating: 5/5 farmhouses
  • Goodreads link