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katiemack's reviews
1288 reviews
Nonna Maria and the Case of the Stolen Necklace: A Novel by Lorenzo Carcaterra
funny
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I immediately requested this one I read the description--a cozy mystery set on an island off the coast of Naples with an Italian grandmother as the sleuth? Yes, please!
A good cozy mystery has a strong sense of place and a likeable (or, at least, intriguing) cast of characters inhabiting that place; Lorenzo Carcaterra delivers both here, and it was gratifying to read how well Nonna Maria knows all of the townsfolk of Ischia--in addition to some notable characters who live further away. Personally, I'm also a fan of cozy mysteries with delectable descriptions of food, and Nonna Maria makes plenty of mouthwatering dishes for everyone (but somehow subsists on wine and coffee; no one, including the reader, sees her eat throughout the whole book). The mysteries (yes, there are two) wrap up neatly--perhaps, one might complain, too neatly--but there's a sharp cliffhanger in the last chapter that teases the next book in the series.
I mistakenly didn't realize that this is the second book in the series, but it works well as a standalone. Guess I'll have to go back and read the first one now!
I immediately requested this one I read the description--a cozy mystery set on an island off the coast of Naples with an Italian grandmother as the sleuth? Yes, please!
A good cozy mystery has a strong sense of place and a likeable (or, at least, intriguing) cast of characters inhabiting that place; Lorenzo Carcaterra delivers both here, and it was gratifying to read how well Nonna Maria knows all of the townsfolk of Ischia--in addition to some notable characters who live further away. Personally, I'm also a fan of cozy mysteries with delectable descriptions of food, and Nonna Maria makes plenty of mouthwatering dishes for everyone (but somehow subsists on wine and coffee; no one, including the reader, sees her eat throughout the whole book). The mysteries (yes, there are two) wrap up neatly--perhaps, one might complain, too neatly--but there's a sharp cliffhanger in the last chapter that teases the next book in the series.
I mistakenly didn't realize that this is the second book in the series, but it works well as a standalone. Guess I'll have to go back and read the first one now!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Infidelity, Murder, and Pregnancy
Ellie Engle Saves Herself by Leah Johnson
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
As a story about accepting one's strengths and weaknesses and growing up (especially reevaluating one's relationships and friendships at that point), this is strong. There's also strong LGBTQ+ representation, and the main character is a character of color, so that inclusivity is awesome. I do wish the system of superpowers were stronger; there are a lot of plot holes about how Ellie got her powers, how another side (but important) character got the same powers, and how their powers manifest. The premise is intriguing, but it's not explained particularly well; it really took me out of the story. Overall, though, it's a heartwarming, uplifting read.
As a story about accepting one's strengths and weaknesses and growing up (especially reevaluating one's relationships and friendships at that point), this is strong. There's also strong LGBTQ+ representation, and the main character is a character of color, so that inclusivity is awesome. I do wish the system of superpowers were stronger; there are a lot of plot holes about how Ellie got her powers, how another side (but important) character got the same powers, and how their powers manifest. The premise is intriguing, but it's not explained particularly well; it really took me out of the story. Overall, though, it's a heartwarming, uplifting read.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death
Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarajan
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
As a messy, mournful look into the realistic lives of the members of an imperfect family, I thought this was totally fine. While the storyline is refreshing, most of the characters are unlikeable in less interesting ways; the only ones I was really rooting for are matriarch Lata and her coworker Deanna (who, unfortunately, is a side character who doesn't get as much time on the page). I wanted more growth from the characters, but I also understand that true growth isn't always achievable in the way they're living their lives.
As a messy, mournful look into the realistic lives of the members of an imperfect family, I thought this was totally fine. While the storyline is refreshing, most of the characters are unlikeable in less interesting ways; the only ones I was really rooting for are matriarch Lata and her coworker Deanna (who, unfortunately, is a side character who doesn't get as much time on the page). I wanted more growth from the characters, but I also understand that true growth isn't always achievable in the way they're living their lives.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Pregnancy
Mott Street: A Chinese American Family's Story of Exclusion and Homecoming by Ava Chin
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I knew about the Chinese Exclusion Act Congress passed in 1882 from an academic/purely historical standpoint, but Ava Chin's framing her family history around this makes the Act feel even more dehumanizing. It's clear that Chin did an extensive amount of research with primary sources, but this reads more like a multigenerational family saga than a dry history book; it was tough to put down, especially once I got to know the family members better. I wish I had gotten to know more about Chin's mom and dad--especially her dad's political legacy--but that would have made for a much longer book.
Grab this to read for AAPI.NH Heritage Month!
I knew about the Chinese Exclusion Act Congress passed in 1882 from an academic/purely historical standpoint, but Ava Chin's framing her family history around this makes the Act feel even more dehumanizing. It's clear that Chin did an extensive amount of research with primary sources, but this reads more like a multigenerational family saga than a dry history book; it was tough to put down, especially once I got to know the family members better. I wish I had gotten to know more about Chin's mom and dad--especially her dad's political legacy--but that would have made for a much longer book.
Grab this to read for AAPI.NH Heritage Month!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Death
Minor: Child death
Why Did No One Tell Me This?: The Doulas' (Honest) Guide for Expectant Parents by Natalia Hailes, Ash Spivak
funny
informative
medium-paced
4.0
I enjoyed reading this! There are some heavy topics discussed here with reassurance and grace (although my one qualm is that this feels too jokey/cheesy for me at times), but the graphics and layout make the material more accessible. The "Tools" section at the end of the book feels particularly useful; I saved snippets of those pages to rely on in the near future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content and Pregnancy
Ashes to Ashes, Crust to Crust by Mindy Quigley
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is another solidly entertaining installment in the Deep Dish Mysteries series. The crew from the first book is back with the addition of Mac, Melody's ne'er-do-well cousin (didn't care much for her, to be honest); Jordan, health food enthusiast and owner of a local smoothie/juice joint; Harold, the mildly annoying but enthusiastic chamber of commerce employee; and Jarka, a doctor from Bulgaria who now works for both Delilah and Jordan. (I was put off by how prejudiced Delilah is toward Jarka and her accent, but it sort of becomes relevant later? Still, it's a little much.) There are enough suspicious deaths and twists to keep the plot interesting, and Mindy Quigley continues to excel at creating a sense of place for her cozy mystery setting of Geneva Bay, Wisconsin. The romance between Delilah and Capone is a (very) slow burn, but the pacing works well here.
This is another solidly entertaining installment in the Deep Dish Mysteries series. The crew from the first book is back with the addition of Mac, Melody's ne'er-do-well cousin (didn't care much for her, to be honest); Jordan, health food enthusiast and owner of a local smoothie/juice joint; Harold, the mildly annoying but enthusiastic chamber of commerce employee; and Jarka, a doctor from Bulgaria who now works for both Delilah and Jordan. (I was put off by how prejudiced Delilah is toward Jarka and her accent, but it sort of becomes relevant later? Still, it's a little much.) There are enough suspicious deaths and twists to keep the plot interesting, and Mindy Quigley continues to excel at creating a sense of place for her cozy mystery setting of Geneva Bay, Wisconsin. The romance between Delilah and Capone is a (very) slow burn, but the pacing works well here.
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder
Happy Place by Emily Henry
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is a nice mix of Emily Henry's previous books; there's melancholy and emotional depth, but the banter feels light and cheesy in a lovely way that made me want to immerse myself in that charming, cozy Maine town and the lives of those tight-knit friends. As a couple, Harriet and Wyn feel a little fated-mates to me, but I appreciate how Henry explores the flaws in their relationship and the other factors that lead to their inevitable relationship status. It was also refreshing to read about friendships growing and changing even as those involved resist such change; it feels visceral and relatable.
With everything happening in the world (and, on a personal note, impending changes happening in my life), it was nice to read a reliably good Emily Henry romance. If you've enjoyed her other books, you'll enjoy this one too.
This is a nice mix of Emily Henry's previous books; there's melancholy and emotional depth, but the banter feels light and cheesy in a lovely way that made me want to immerse myself in that charming, cozy Maine town and the lives of those tight-knit friends. As a couple, Harriet and Wyn feel a little fated-mates to me, but I appreciate how Henry explores the flaws in their relationship and the other factors that lead to their inevitable relationship status. It was also refreshing to read about friendships growing and changing even as those involved resist such change; it feels visceral and relatable.
With everything happening in the world (and, on a personal note, impending changes happening in my life), it was nice to read a reliably good Emily Henry romance. If you've enjoyed her other books, you'll enjoy this one too.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Death of parent
Minor: Infidelity and Mental illness
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
My husband read a review in which the reader mentioned how this book feels like someone fed a bunch of Joss Whedon scripts to a bot and got this in return; while I think that's an oversimplification, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.
I'm conflicted because, unlike The Martian, this doesn't get into the nitty-gritty of astrophysics or math, and this would usually be a selling point for me--my eyes glaze over when I read uber-hard sci-fi--but sometimes it feels like Andy Weir's REALLY leaning into the pulpy aspect of his writing. Of course, I ate it right up, and it helped that this feels less bro-adjacent than The Martian--being left alone with Mark felt grating, but Ryland Grace has a softer, slightly more humble edge that feels more relatable. Despite its schmaltz, I also loved seeing the partnership between Rocky and Grace develop over the course of the novel.
It's not without its flaws, but this is highly readable and doesn't feel like it's almost 500 pages long. If you love hard sci-fi...you might not like it.
I'm conflicted because, unlike The Martian, this doesn't get into the nitty-gritty of astrophysics or math, and this would usually be a selling point for me--my eyes glaze over when I read uber-hard sci-fi--but sometimes it feels like Andy Weir's REALLY leaning into the pulpy aspect of his writing. Of course, I ate it right up, and it helped that this feels less bro-adjacent than The Martian--being left alone with Mark felt grating, but Ryland Grace has a softer, slightly more humble edge that feels more relatable. Despite its schmaltz, I also loved seeing the partnership between Rocky and Grace develop over the course of the novel.
It's not without its flaws, but this is highly readable and doesn't feel like it's almost 500 pages long. If you love hard sci-fi...you might not like it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Vomit, and Medical content
Minor: Death
Damsel by Evelyn Skye
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was skeptical about the media tie-in when requesting this, and it definitely reads better as a screenplay than a YA fantasy novel. I did, however, enjoy the fast pacing (except when it leads to plot holes), and I found the language system intriguing. (Honestly, I'd be interested in learning more about the grammar and syntax outside of this book, though I'm not sure how popular that opinion is.) The strongest parts of the book are the ones that explore the relationship between Elodie, her younger sister Floria, and their stepmother; I hope that translates well to the small screen. The story fell apart for me toward the end, but I could see it appealing to some readers (and there's a slight redemption arc for one of the more villainous characters).
I'm not sure if I'll watch the movie, but this was a quick, adventurous read if you're looking for some light entertainment and medieval-era adventures.
I was skeptical about the media tie-in when requesting this, and it definitely reads better as a screenplay than a YA fantasy novel. I did, however, enjoy the fast pacing (except when it leads to plot holes), and I found the language system intriguing. (Honestly, I'd be interested in learning more about the grammar and syntax outside of this book, though I'm not sure how popular that opinion is.) The strongest parts of the book are the ones that explore the relationship between Elodie, her younger sister Floria, and their stepmother; I hope that translates well to the small screen. The story fell apart for me toward the end, but I could see it appealing to some readers (and there's a slight redemption arc for one of the more villainous characters).
I'm not sure if I'll watch the movie, but this was a quick, adventurous read if you're looking for some light entertainment and medieval-era adventures.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood and Murder
A Thousand Heartbeats by Kiera Cass
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.
This is moving too slowly for my taste--the two love interests haven't met yet, and listening to it via audiobook makes the pace more painful.