nicole_bookmarked's reviews
1022 reviews

After loving Rebecca Serle's "In Five Years," I had high hopes for "Expiration Dates." The concept is interesting, especially if you're into magical realism, and the book has its cute and creative moments. However, I couldn't connect with any of the characters and I wasn't rooting for either love story. A major plot point revolves around mysterious notes sent to Daphne, but we never find out who's behind them, which left me feeling unsatisfied.

Despite these issues, "Expiration Dates" is still a quick and easy read. It's perfect for something light and non-stressful, like a beach day book. It didn't move me like "In Five Years" did, but it's not a bad way to spend a few hours if you're looking for something simple and sweet.

Kristin Hannah's "The Women" brings us back to her signature style of immersive storytelling. Having enjoyed her previous novels, I was really looking forward to this one. The way she writes makes you feel like you're right there in the story, which is something I've always loved about her books.

However, this time around, I ended up giving the book three stars. It starts well but then drags on longer than necessary. Hannah tends to explain too much instead of letting the story unfold naturally, which takes away from the experience. The main character, Frankie, didn't click with me—she comes off as too privileged and not a very accurate representation of Vietnam vets. Also, the book has a lot of focus on men behaving badly, which makes the title "The Women" seem a bit off. It felt like it should have been called "The Men" instead. ("A boy told me girls can be heroes, too") While the writing was good, the book didn't meet my high expectations and left me feeling a bit disappointed.

After loving Lisa Ko's "The Leavers," I was excited to dive into "Memory Piece," expecting another impactful read. However, I found myself giving it a solid 3 stars. The book started on shaky ground for me; halfway through, I was still trying to figure out the main point and direction of the story. Although it's a fast and somewhat enjoyable read, the plot felt scattered and overly ambitious, almost as if it was trying to be two different novels at once.

The second half of the book, which focuses more on a "future" scenario, definitely caught my interest more than the first, but by then, it felt like a bit too much to process all at once. I was hoping for more hidden connections throughout the story to tie everything together and add layers of depth that would make the reading experience more engaging and meaningful. In the end, "Memory Piece" seems to lack the tight plot and immersive depth I was looking forward to, making it feel less cohesive than I had hoped. Despite this, it's not without its fun moments and could be a good pick for someone looking for a quick read without diving too deep. 

Bobby Palmer's 'Small Hours' is an exploration of family dynamics, nature, and self-discovery, framed through the unique lens of a man's unexpected journey following a chance encounter with an injured fox. The narrative blends the whimsical—evidenced by conversations with a talking fox!—with the personal struggles of protagonist Jack and his family as they navigate loss, misunderstanding, and the search for approval. Set against the backdrop of the family's quaint village home and the richly described natural world, the story delves into themes of connection, adventure, and the passage of time with sensitivity and a touch of playfulness.

Despite a plot that may seem sparse at moments, 'Small Hours' shines in its character development and the evocative use of nature as both setting and metaphor. The novel's strength lies in its ability to draw readers into its intimate world, where human and animal perspectives merge to reveal the complex web of relationships and the transformative power of kindness. With a narrative that's both experimental and heartwarming, Palmer delivers a story that is as thought-provoking as it is enchanting, making 'Small Hours' a memorable read that earns its four stars.