The Animators

 
“The Animators” by Kayla Rae Whitaker
Published by Random House
 
There were parts of this story I did enjoy but the majority of it wasn’t for me.  The relationship between the two main characters was so unhealthy.  There were many situations that I didn’t find very believable and/or would just make me angry.  Plus, I was expecting strong female characters, overcoming challenges.  These women weren’t just troubled, they were weak.  I’m actually disappointed that a female author wrote it.  I can’t recommend this one.
 
Finished 6/8/25 – 2.5/5 stars
 
#theanimators #kaylaraewhitaker #randomhouse #botm #2025reads #genxreads

Everything I Never Told You

 
“Everything I Never Told You” by Celeste Ng
Published by Penguin Books
 
This is a very heavy and depressing book, yet I really enjoyed it.  It’s a family drama with lots of dysfunction.  When the oldest daughter goes missing and then is found dead in the nearby lake, the family falls apart.  But truly, they had fallen apart years before.  Not one character is happy, although you will become attached to them all.  There are no feel-good moments, but you’ll keep turning the pages, hoping to find one.  It may be sad, but I still recommend it as long as you are in the right headspace for it.
 
Finished 6/5/25 - 4/5 stars
 
#everythinginevertoldyou #celesteng #penguinbooks #2025reads #genxreads

The Night Swim

 
“The Night Swim” by Megan Goldin
Published by St. Martin’s Press
 
I really enjoyed this one – it’s 2 mysteries in one.  The main story is that of a podcaster who travels to a small beach town to cover a rape trial.  On her way there, she stops at a rest stop where someone has left a note on her car, asking her to look into the death of her sister that happened in that same beach town 25 years prior.  So, while covering the rape trial for her podcast, she is also digging into the town’s past.  There are some aspects/concepts of the book that I had a hard time believing but overall, I thought it was really good. 
 
Fair warning – there aren’t any trigger warnings listed in the book, but I can’t imagine a rape or assault victim reading it because there are some intense scenes.
 
Finished 6/3/25 – 3.5/5 stars
 
#thenightswim #megangoldin #stmartinspress #botm #2025reads #genxreads

My Next Breath

 
“My Next Breath” by Jeremy Renner
Published by Flatiron Books
 
I tend to not review the audio books I listen to but when it’s a 5-star read, I make an exception.  Listening to Jeremy tell you his story and hearing the 911 call with his moaning in the background is intense.  The first half of the book is about the accident and its immediate aftermath, and I can’t tell you how many times I cried.  His will to live was nothing less than extraordinary.  The second half is about his recovery.  His determination is so inspiring.  Hawkeye may not have any superpowers, but Jeremy Renner sure does.
 
Finished 6/1/25 – 5/5 stars
 
#mynextbreath #jeremyrenner #flatironbooks #hawkeye #5starreads #2025reads #genxreads #booktok

The Murderer's Daughters

 

“The Murderer’s Daughters” by Randy Susan Meyers

Published by St. Martin’s Press

 

When I pick up a book to read, I just dive in without reading what it’s about.  Obviously, something intrigued me when I bought it or added it to my TBR list, so I just go in blind.  This book was not what I expected.  Based on the title, I thought I was diving into a thriller or mystery, but I was wrong.  This is a family drama about the lives of two sisters whose father kills their mother in a drunken fit of rage when they were just young girls.  One carries guilt because she’s the one who let her father into the apartment, ran for help, but couldn’t save her.  The other is left wondering why her father also tried to kill her before turning the knife on himself unsuccessfully.  The weight of the situation and their different reactions to the trauma greatly shape how they approach different situations, their sisterly bond, and the women they become.  I was hooked from page 1 and read it in 2 days.  It will break your heart a few times as they struggle through life, but you’ll keep hoping for the best, that they’ll be OK.  I definitely recommend it.

 

Finished 5/28/25 – 4/5 stars

 

#themurdersdaughters #randysusanmeyers #stmartinspress #2025reads #genxreads

Blonde Dust

 
“Blonde Dust” by Tatiana De Rosnay
Published by Grand Central Publishing
 
This is the story of Pauline, a young woman who becomes Marilyn Monroe’s housekeeper during her stay at a fancy hotel in Reno.  Through their daily interactions, they formed a bond that then changed her life in many ways, for the better.  Part of the storyline also involved the wild mustangs in Nevada and the fight to keep them free while taking care of the sick and wounded.  Pauline, like the mustangs, needs to be able to spread her wings and live the life she intended.  Overall, it’s a nice feel-good story with some insight into Marilyn Monroe’s last couple years of unhappiness.  It’s nothing close to the level of writing as her best seller, “Sarah’s Key”, but it was still a good story that I would recommend.
 
Thank you to Goodreads and Grand Central Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book I won in a giveaway.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 5/26/25 – 3/5 stars
 
#blondedust #tatianaderosnay #grandcentralpublishing #goodreads #2025reads #genxreads

The Ghostwriter

 
“The Ghostwriter” by Julie Clark
Published by Sourcebooks Landmark
 
Another roller coaster thriller from Julie Clark.  This is the 3^rd book of hers I’ve read, and all have been page turner mysteries.  This one changes directions so many times, you might get whiplash, especially at the end.
 
When 2 teenage siblings are found murdered in their home, the town all points their fingers at the surviving brother, but no one is charged.  Fifty years later, he wants to write a book, telling everyone what really happened that night but because his memory is failing, he hires a ghostwriter to assist – his estranged daughter.  Can she put all the pieces together to figure it out?  Wanting to know what really happened fifty years ago, will hook you quick.  I really enjoyed it.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 5/24/25 – 4/5 stars
 
#theghostwriter #julieclark #sourcebookslandmark #netgalley #genxreads #2025reads

All the Broken Places

 
“All the Broken Places” by John Boyne
Published by Penguin Books
 
I know my words won’t do this book justice, but I’ll try because I absolutely loved every page of it.  It truly made me feel all my feelings, although somehow, I didn’t cry.  This is Greta’s story, told in dual timelines – fleeing Germany at the end of WWII through the 1950s and then current day, when she is in her 90’s.  Throughout, she needs to hide her true identity, keep secret the fact that her father commanded a concentration camp, and bury the guilt she feels over the small part she played in her brother’s death. It is a lot for a person to carry, especially a young adult.  Afterall, she was only 12 at the time.  In the current day, as a widow living alone, she meets a young boy needing her help but she is so conflicted by her past, she doesn’t want to get involved, risking her world falling apart if the truth comes out.  But could saving this one child make up for all the people she didn’t save during the war, including her brother?
 
Please know that yes, this can be a stand-alone book, BUT I feel like you wouldn’t have the true emotional connection to Greta’s brother without first reading (or watching) “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas”.  If you are going to read Greta’s story, you should first read Bruno’s.  Both are absolutely fabulous books.
 
Finished 5/21/25 – 5/5 stars
 
#allthebrokenplaces #johnboyne #penguinbooks #5starreads #2025reads #genxreads

Summer of ''69

 

“Summer of ‘69” by Elin Hilderbrand

Published by Little, Brown and Company

 

This is one family’s story, taking place in the summer of 1969.  The only son is fighting in Vietnam, one daughter is adjusting to married life and pregnant, one daughter is spreading her wings to find her own identity, and the youngest daughter is starting puberty, dealing with everything that comes with it.  They each have a storyline, as well as the mother and grandmother, and they are all woven together with a little bit of politics thrown in for no real reason.  For me, it was just an OK read. Some would probably categorize it as a beach/vacation read.

 

Finished 5/17/25 – 3/5 stars

 

#summerof69 #elinhilderbrand #littlebrownandcompany #2025reads #genxreads

Speak to Me of Home

“Speak to Me of Home” by Jeanine Cummins
Published by Henry Holt and Co.
 
My book of the year for 2023 was “The Outside Boy” by Jeanine Cummins.  There is a high probability that my 2025 book of the year will be by the same author.  I absolutely loved every page of this book.  It is the story of 3 generations of women, spanning from the 1960s to current day, taking place in both Puerto Rico and the United States.  It bounces between each woman’s story, at different times of their lives, yet is easy to follow.  There is family drama, romance, parent/child relationships, sibling relationships, cultural issues, racism, and other “hot topics” all braided into one book. And it is just so beautifully written. I can’t think of one piece I didn’t enjoy.  I highly recommend it.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Holt for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 5/7/25 – 5/5 stars (publication day is 5/13/25)
 
#speaktomeofhome #jeaninecummins #henryholtandco #netgalley #5starreads #2025reads #genxreads

 

I Will Blossom Anyway

“I Will Blossom Anyway” by Disha Bose
Published by Ballantine Books
 
I love when I learn new things while reading for pleasure.  It’s one of the benefits of reading diversely.  With this book, I learned about the Indian culture and family traditions.  It’s a coming-of-age book in which a 20 something woman has fled her family in India to start her own life in Ireland.  She wants the freedom to find her own true love rather than her family arranging a marriage for her.  What she really needs to find is her own true self and to determine which aspects of her family culture and traditions she wants to hold on to while still being an independent woman.  It’s a balance she’ll have to find for herself.  I felt it dragged occasionally but overall, it was a good book.  And the title is quite fitting.  I recommend it.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 5/2/25 – 3.5/5 stars  (release date is 5/6/25)
 
#iwillblossomanyway #dishabose #ballantinebooks #netgalley #2025reads #genxreads

 

The House on Beartown Road

 

“The House on Beartown Road: A Memoir of Learning and Forgetting” by Elizabeth Cohen
Published by Blackstone Audiobooks
 
I think the writing of this book was the author’s personal therapy.  Whether it was frustration with her sister, her mother, or her husband….it all came through loud and clear but those feelings were all valid.  I was frustrated with them as well.  The love she had for her daughter and father was constant though.  Did it bother me that she referred to him as Daddy the entire time?  Yes, I’ve never liked hearing an adult woman calling their father Daddy rather than Dad.  I also had issues with the way some situations were handled but those were also personal preferences.  There was plenty I did enjoy but overall, I don’t think I’d recommend this one.  The exception might be for someone who is also taking care of a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s and wants another person’s perspective and insight.  They’d probably be better off with an actual support group though.
 
Finished 4/28/25 – 2.5/5 stars
 
#thehouseonbeartownroad #elizabethcohen #blackstoneaudiobooks #2025reads #genxreads

Waltraud

“Waltraud: A True Story of Growing Up in Nazi Germany” by Tammy Borden
Independently published
 
I first heard about this book on TikTok and I’m glad I did.  It’s the story of young girl growing up in war torn Nazi Germany, but without the holocaust aspects.  There are hints of it, like some people just go missing, but that’s about it.  It’s more about the Hitler requirements that had to be followed, the lack of food, the air strikes, etc.  Because she was young and in a small town, I believe they probably were sheltered from the hatred and aggression towards the Jewish population that was very prominent in larger towns and cities.  It certainly wasn’t going to be in the German news but it was odd to read a book that takes place during WWII without it.
 
I definitely recommend it and if you do read it, make sure to read the author’s notes in the back.  This is her mother’s story so at the back you get pictures and an update on the rest of Waltraud’s life.
 
Finished 4/26/25 – 3.5/5 stars
 
#waltraud #tammyborden #indyauthor #2025reads #genxreads
 

The Dutch House

“The Dutch House” by Ann Patchett
Published by Harper Audio
 
I listened to Tom Hanks read this to me and really enjoyed it.  Ann Patchett has yet to let me down in the books I’ve read of hers so far.  This one is a family drama with a strong brother and sister bond.  It covers many years with multiple hurdles to overcome, holding my interest the entire time.  I definitely recommend it.
 
Finished 4/20/25 – 4/5 stars
 
#thedutchhouse #annpatchett #tomhanks #harperaudio #genxreads #2025reads

 

Magic Hour

 

“Magic Hour” by Kristin Hannah
Published by Ballantine Books
 
This book is heavier on the romance side than the mystery side of things, to the point that at times I got frustrated that they weren’t focused on finding out what happened. But I love a good mystery so that’s probably why I was wanting more in that aspect.  There is a lot more than just romantic love within this story though.  There is the love between sisters that grows to be much stronger as adults than they were as children as well as the love a care giver will have for a child.  If I were to rate it simply on the storyline it would probably be a 3 but the emotional attachment to a few of the characters brings it up to a solid 4.  I do recommend it.
 
Finished 4/19/25 – 4/5 stars
 
#magichour #kristinhannah #ballantinebooks #genxreads #2025reads

Unsheltered

 

“Unsheltered” by Barbara Kingsolver

Published by Harper Collins

 

This book is broken into 2 storylines – 1 in the late-1800s and 1 in the mid-2010s.  The story taking place in the 1880s is very science vs religion and completely boring.  The story taking place in the more current day is entertaining but also quite political.  Both come across a little preachy.  By the middle of the book, I found myself skimming the 1880 chapters and really only reading the current day story.  I’ve enjoyed other Kingsolver books, just not this one.

 

Finished 4/17/25 – 2/5 stars

 

#unsheltered #barbarakingsolver #harpercollins #2025reads #genxreads

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store

 

“The Heaven & Earth Grocery Stone” by James McBride
Published by Riverhead Books
 
Another hit for me from James McBride.  I really enjoyed reading this one.  There are multiple storylines and multiple characters, all blended into one main story with plenty of emotions to be felt.  I will admit, I was surprised at the “N word” being used freely within such a newer book, however, it was correct usage for the time it takes place and the author is a person of color so he is absolutely free to use it in his writing.  It just made me uncomfortable initially.
 
If you do read this book, please make sure to read the acknowledgement section in the back to find out what inspired the author to write this story.
 
Finished 4/14/25 – 4/5 stars
 
#theheavenandearthgrocerystore #jamesmcbride #riverheadbooks #2025reads #genxreads

Lock Every Door

 

“Lock Every Door” by Riley Sager

Published by Dutton

 

The first half of the book is pretty slow and at times it seems repetitive.  The second half definitely picks up the pace and it becomes more of a page turner.  Overall, the entire story is pretty far-fetched though, especially the revelation of just what is happening within the building.  Full disclaimer, I can’t read sci-fi or fantasy because I need books to be realistic.  Not that this book falls into either of those categories, it’s just a possibility as to why I didn’t enjoy it as much as others.  If you enjoy mysteries, suspense, and unrealistic fiction, you would probably enjoy this one.

 

Finished 4/6/25 – 3/5 stars

#lockeverydoor #rileysager #dutton #botm #2025reads #genxreads

Fun for the Whole Family

 

“Fun for the Whole Family” by Jennifer E Smith

Published by Ballantine Books (release date 4/8/25)

 

I highly recommend this one. It’s a family drama, but more so, it’s a family love story showing the bond between four siblings during their highs and lows of life. It tells how they depended on each other while growing up, how (and why) they became estranged for a number of years, and their ability and willingness to forgive and re-bond when given the opportunity. And they were all in need of the opportunity. It also shows that even when they were estranged, they never stopped loving each other. Are the sibling livelihoods as a whole realistic? Not really. Does that matter? No. It’s not about the individual lives they lead. It’s about the relationships between them.  And with the way the chapters are broken up between the past and present, with each character having a voice, you’re able to fully understand each sibling’s point of view and the dynamic between them. Yes, the foreshadowing within the book makes it fairly predictable, but that’s OK because it’s not a mystery.  Overall, I thought it was beautifully done and let me feel all the feelings.

 

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review and completely my own. 

 

Finished 3/27/25 – 4/5 stars

 

#funforthewholefamily #jenniferesmith #ballantinebooks #netgalley #2025reads #genxreads

The Death of Vivek Oji

“The Death of Vivek Oji” by Akwaeke Emezi
Published by Riverhead Books
 
The last 50 pages were the best part of this book – very emotional.  It’s an LGBTQ+ book with focus on closeting true identities and relationships due to lack of acceptance from family and the Nigerian culture.  Reading about LGBTQ+ relationships in general doesn’t bother me, but in this book one of the relationships is between first cousins and that is just icky.  Forbidden love is one thing but to me, this is incest, making it hard for me to enjoy it.  You want love and happiness for each of the characters, just not with each other.
 
Finished 3/23/25 – 2/5 stars
 
#thedeathofvivekoji #akwaekeemezi #lgbtqbook #2025reads #genxreads
 

Saltwater

 

“Saltwater” by Katy Hays
Published by Ballantine Books
 
Multiple mysteries, multiple twists, lots of family drama, and plenty of unlikable characters, all set in a beautiful Italian villa.  What it doesn’t have is suspense and deep character development, making it harder to relate to any of them.  Granted, it’s a rich egotistical family so it would be hard to relate anyway.  Overall, I enjoyed the story but truly didn’t like the ending.  I actually wish it had ended a couple chapters earlier.  I simply found the final twists unnecessary, but that’s just my opinion.  If you read it, I’d love to know yours.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 3/19/25 – 3/5 stars
 
#saltwater #katyhays #ballantinebooks #netgalley #2025reads #genxreads

Please Look After Mom

 

“Please Look After Mom” by Kyung-Sook Shin
Published by Vintage Contemporaries
 
I have mixed feelings about this book.  I enjoyed the stories within, however, the way it’s written, I found it confusing at times as to who was narrating the story.  I also found it slow and hard to connect with any of the characters.  Some of these issues could have simply been due to cultural differences or maybe something being lost in translation (originally published in Korean). If you enjoy books centered around family dynamics and relationships, I would say give it a try.  It’s an award-winning novel so obviously others enjoyed it more than I did.
 
Finished 3/12/25 – 3/5 stars
 
#pleaselookaftermom #kyungsookshin #vintagecontemporaries #2025reads #genxreads

I Must Say

 

“I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend” by Martin Short

Published by Harper Audio

 

This book should be listened to rather than read.  With the audio you get to hear his impersonations of others and the voices of his well-known characters.  I just don’t think it would read the same in the written format.  You also get to hear the absolute love he had for his wife through his voice. You can just tell what she meant to him.  I do wish he had waited another decade before writing his memoir though because I would have loved to have heard more about his tour with Steve Martin and his time on Only Murders in the Building. 

 

Finished 3/10/25 – 3/5 stars

 

#imustsay #martinshort #harperaudio #2025reads #genxreads

Peach Blossom Spring

 

“Peach Blossom Spring” by Melissa Fu

Published by Little, Brown and Company

 

I really like the premise of the story and parts of it are beautifully written, however, it dragged in places. It is a multi-generational story that begins when the Japanese invade a province in China in 1938 and ends in the United States in 2005. During that time, you see the strength a mother bears to protect her son, and later, due to the trauma of the past, the lengths a father will go to protect his daughter from it. There is obviously Chinese history and culture throughout it as well. You can even learn a handful of Mandarin words. Overall, I enjoyed the story that took place in China and Taiwan more than the American storyline. I do recommend it if you like historical fiction, cultural fiction, or just enjoy having diversity in your reading journey (which everyone should).

 

Finished 3/7/25 – 3/5 stars

 

#peachblossomspring #melissafu #littlebrownandcompany #botm #2025reads #genxreads

The Lost Passenger

“The Lost Passenger” by Frances Quinn
Published by Ballantine Books
 
This is the story of a woman stuck in a loveless marriage, living with her in-laws who completely loathe her.  When she and her son survive the sinking of the Titanic, she decides to take the opportunity to start a new life in New York under a different name rather than return to the miserable life waiting for her back in England.  What will she do with this new lease on life?  What if someone finds out?  It’s a risk, but one she feels she must take.
 
I thought it was a good read.  Unfortunately, during the first half of the book I had a hard time not picturing the movie Titanic and making comparisons to the storylines.  It didn’t help that one of the side characters was named Rose.  But putting that aside, I thought it flowed well and had good character development.  I did prefer the New York half of the book better than the 1^st half in England though.  It just seemed a little slower at the beginning.  I do recommend it though – I enjoyed it, and it definitely kept my interest.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 2/27/25 – 3.5/4 stars
 
#thelostpassenger #francesquinn #ballantinebooks #netgalley #2025reads #genxreads 

Honor

 

“Honor” by Thrity Umrigar
Published by Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill
 
This is beautifully written.  Even when there are scenes of violence and mistreatment, it is written with a tone of respect and honor.  Within this book, there is forbidden love, Indian culture (both city and rural), and religious conflicts between Hindus and Muslims.  There is faith, hope, and love but also betrayal, corruption, and persecution.  I highly recommend it, not just as a great book, but an educational insight into a culture so different from my own. 
 
If you do pick it up to read, please make sure to also read the author’s essay, “Reclaiming Honor” at the back to gain insight into what real life events inspired her to write it.
 
Finished 2/23/25 – 4/5 stars
 
#honor #thrityumrigar #algonquinbooks #2025reads #genxreads

The Quiet Librarian

 

“The Quiet Librarian” by Allen Eskens
Published by Mulholland Books
 
Don’t let the title fool you – this story is not about books, libraries, or librarians.  The main character may work in a library, living a quiet life in Minnesota, but that is not the story because whereas Hana may be a quiet librarian now, 30 years ago she was Nura, a Bosnian teenager fighting Serbians.  The book is told in dual timelines – “Bosnia - 1995” and “Minnesota - After Everything”.  While in Bosnia she is fighting for her life and revenge.  While in Minnesota, she has to come out of seclusion to try and find out who murdered her best friend.  And are they coming after her next?  There is history, suspense, action, mystery, and a little bit of a love story all thrown together into one great story.  I definitely recommend it.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Mulholland Books for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 2/15/25 – 4/5 stars (publication date 2/18/25)
 
#thequietlibrarian #alleneskens #mulhollandbooks #netgalley #2025reads #genxreads

Impossible Escape

 “Impossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi Europe” by Steve Sheinkin
Published by Roaring Brook Press
 
This is a YA, and I do hope our youth takes a moment to read it.  It’s very well done and reads more like a novel than a textbook, which is always nice.  I read/listen to a lot of historical fiction and non-fiction related to WWII and the Holocaust and yet I still learned something new from this book.  If you don’t know who Rudolf Vrba is, look him up (or just read this book).  It’s a name everyone should know, and I’m embarrassed to say, I didn’t.  He’s a true hero to many.
 
Finished 2/10/25 – 3.5/5 stars
 
#impossibleescape #stevesheinkin #roaringbrookpress #2025reads #genxreads

The Lincoln Highway

 “The Lincoln Highway” by Amor Towles

Published by Viking

 

I enjoyed this one much more than “A Gentleman in Moscow” by the same author.  Both are very well written with great character development, but I found this storyline to be more entertaining.  Sometimes a book this size will drag in parts, but I didn’t find that to be the case while reading it – I was fully invested the entire time.  And although there are multiple points of view throughout the story, you are still able to have solid connections with the main characters.  I did have to continually remind myself of just how young they were because some are pretty mature for their ages and they are continually thrown into difficult situations.  I definitely recommend it, however, if you have the same pet peeve as me, please know there are no quotation marks.  There are dashes in front of paragraphs with speaking parts that I found helpful though.

 

Finished 2/9/25 – 4/5 stars

 

#thelincolnhighway #amortowles #viking #2025reads #genxreads

Braiding Sweetgrass

 
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Published by Tantor Media
 
My daughter recommended this to me and I was skeptical initially, but I really enjoyed listening to it.  I learned new things about plants and animals but what I enjoyed the most was learning about Native American culture and the ways they show respect and give thanks for all living things, which includes plants.  I found it all very interesting.  It’s obviously not going to be a book for everyone, but if you enjoy nature even just a little bit, I think you’ll enjoy it too.
 
Finished 2/3/25 – 3/5 stars
 
#braidingsweetgrass #robinwallkimmerer #tantormedia #2025reads #genxreads
 

Junie

“Junie” by Erin Crosby Eckstine
Published by Ballantine Books
 
I greatly enjoyed this historical fiction.  It is a story of pre-Civil War slavery, focused on house and stable slaves rather than those working in the fields.   As with any story related to slavery, there is some violence but it’s not a regular occurrence throughout the book.  Instead, there is more focus of the family dynamics of both slaves and owners as well as the relationship between the main character, Junie, and her mistress. At times it reminded me of “The Kitchen House”, which I absolutely loved.  This wasn’t quite up to par with that book, so I had to give it a 4 instead of a 5 but I did enjoy it and definitely recommend it.
 
Please make sure to read the Author’s Note at the back of the book once you finish reading it for an insight into her inspiration for writing it.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.  The book will be released on 2/4/25.
 
Finished 1/25/25 – 4/5 stars
 
#junie #erincrosbyeckstine #ballantine #netgalley #2025reads #genxreads
 

Bits and Pieces

 

“Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me” by Whoopi Goldberg
Published by Blackstone Publishing
 
Best audio I’ve listened to in a while!  I don’t know how the written book comes across, but the audio is like sitting down and reminiscing with her.  Her personality just shines through.  She even giggles a little when telling some stories.  I have a feeling some of the audio might be slightly improvised vs reading straight from the book. Regardless, it’s a great listen that I highly recommend.
 
Finished 1/22/25 – 5/5 stars
 
#bitsandpieces #whoopigoldberg #blackstonepublishing #2025reads #5starreads #bookstagram

Good Dirt

 

“Good Dirt” by Charmaine Wilkerson
Published by Ballantine Books
 
I loved this book from start to finish.  This is much more than a family drama.  It is their history, their legacy, and the bond that holds them together.  It is multigenerational, starting with a woman stolen and sold into slavery, continuing with the story of her son and his brother-in-law.  Then the current generation’s story is told in dual timelines – right before a family member is murdered and 20 years after.  And in the middle of it all is a family heirloom with a story of its own.  I loved the settings, the characters, the storylines, and the writing itself.  I highly recommend it.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 1/19/25 – 5/5 stars
 
#gooddirt #charmainewilkerson #ballantinebooks #netgalley #5starreads #2025reads #genxreads #bookstagram

A Little Hope

 

“A Little Hope” by Ethan Joella
Published by Scribner
 
I’m surprised this book isn’t more well known.  The writing is truly beautiful.  Multiple times I would stop and reread a sentence because I enjoyed it so much.  It’s hard to believe that this is the author’s debut novel.  Granted, he’s a college English professor so he should know a thing or two about writing and it’s obvious he does.
 
This book has multiple storylines intertwined within a small town in Connecticut.  Initially it took me a minute to recall who was who when beginning a new chapter related to one storyline that would also reference a character from a different storyline, but it got easier over time as I got to know the characters better.  As the title suggests, the common theme throughout is Hope.  Whether it is dealing with a sickness or grieving a loss, each storyline contains hope for a better future.  There are heartbreaks but there is healing as well.  I definitely recommend this one.
 
Finished 1/15/25 – 4/5 stars
 
#alittlehope #ethanjoella #scribner #botm #genxreads #2025reads

Little Fires Everywhere

 “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng
Published by Penguin Press
 
This is a family drama, with lots of drama.  Essentially, every character has some form of past and/or current drama they are dealing with.  Some individually and some together with others.  The common theme across it all seems to be choices made and their consequences.  Is there always a definite right and wrong or is there simply the grey area in between? It makes you ponder what choice you would have made if in their situation. I greatly enjoyed this one – loved both the storylines and the characters.  I just felt that at times it was missing depth. Granted, I think when you have this many characters with storylines, it’s harder to add depth without making the book too long and drawn out.
 
Side note - I found it quite interesting that although the book is told in 3^rd person, the majority of the time the adults (except Mia and Bebe) are referred to as Mr. or Mrs. rather than their first names even though they have their own storylines.
 
Finished 1/8/25 – 4/5 stars
 
#littlefireseverywhere #chelesteng #penguinpress #genxreads #2025reads

More or Less Maddy

 

“More or Less Maddy” by Lisa Genova
Published by Gallery/Scout Press (coming 1/14/25)
 
I’m a huge fan of Lisa Genova so was excited to get my hands on this book.  I’ve read all but 1 of her books and they’ve all been 4 or 5 star reads for me.  This one fell a little short as a 3.5 star read though.  It just didn’t pull me in as much as her other books and I wasn’t able to connect with the characters in general.  I thought the storyline was good, character development of Maddy was good, and as a bonus I learned a little about bipolar disorder.  Although not my favorite Lisa Genova book, I still recommend it.  It’s a good story and might help you understand more of what those struggling with mental health challenges are going through.
 
Because I received an ARC, I’m not sure if there will be trigger warnings in the final print so please know there is a section discussing ways of committing suicide.  If that would be a trigger for someone, I wouldn’t recommend it to them.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery/Scout Press for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 1/3/25 – 3.5/5 stars
 
#moreoflessmaddy #lisagenova #gallerybooks #scoutpress #netgalley #2025reads #genxreads