April 22, 2024
The characters are powerful motivators to the spirit of individuality in a place where individuality is not the norm. I felt a close kinship to Nubbin.
April 5, 2024
Tibble’s writing style brings about this sense of uninhibited, sensual wildness that runs throughout the book. Make no mistake, this is adult poetry. Profanity punctuates key points, while the author tackles topics of sexuality. This evidence may be found as early as the first poem, Tohunga.
February 15, 2024
The Black Swans of Harlem is as steeped in history as the dance of ballet itself, yet time and culture have kept much of its story buried.
November 19, 2023
Sara Brunsvold is establishing herself as a skilled storyteller in her debut novel. Her book pays tribute to an underappreciated group of people who altered the cultural course of America during the difficult post-Vietnam War-era while also being a call-to-arms for Christians; reminding Christians there are opportunities to share God’s love through every moment and every meeting.
October 20, 2023
Some moments, Whispers from the Valley of the Yak is hard reading. The emotions that hit at certain times challenge you. You want to change things and make things better or stop others from happening. I found myself emotionally confused at times, because, well, humans are strange beings that don’t always behave in their own self-interest, let alone in the best interests of others.
October 17, 2023
The women gathering in the house, the evil collecting around them and the terrifying events of the weekend had me shouting to the the group not to do whatever action it was that they were set to do. It was as if I was watching a horror movie.
August 16, 2023
As a history fan, I thoroughly enjoyed the honest, in-depth historical setting, details, and experiential ways of life depicted in the book. Other history fans, particularly of the medieval period, will enjoy these elements as well. These historical pieces come into vivid clarity through Swanson’s writing in ways that non-historians could never offer.
June 25, 2023
The world that Nick Harkaway built is very believable. It reminded me of New York, or Chicago down to the places to eat. To be honest, I had a bit of a crush on Cal. I loved the idea of him knowing what he could be, and choosing to remain what he is so that he can do his work.
June 15, 2023
The setting is vivid and draws you in, leading you to forget that you're not in an old painting of London and Nottingham. The characters are mostly warm and compassionate. Some are confusing, others surprising, all extremely well crafted and heartbreakingly developed.
May 16, 2023
The Whalebone Theatre is a long, literary read set in the early decades of the 1900s, shortly after WWI and through WWII. It takes a bit for the title to make sense, but once it does, my fellow theatre lovers will delight in the memories and emotions the tale pulls out.
May 16, 2023
Farah Heron takes us on a whirlwind, delicious Tanzanian tour in her latest novel, Jana Goes Wild. This contemporary romance fiction is a great read for anyone who loves a lovingly invasive family, gathering potential travel ideas, or believes in second chances and clean starts
April 20, 2023
Heather’s storyline is superb! The characters are three dimensional, and very relatable. I was drawn in immediately to the story, and fell in love with Emily’s dog, Shadow.