Sea Change is a surprising little gem of a book. I was drawn in by the promise of octopus friendship, but I stayed for the incredibly relatable (human) protagonist. Ro is floundering. Her boyfriend has left to embark on a literal mission to Mars, she is still mourning her missing-presumed-dead father, her mother is “difficult”, … Continue reading Review: Sea Change, by Gina Chung (Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor)
Review: Liar, Dreamer, Thief, by Maria Dong (Grand Central Publishing)
Maria Dong’s debut novel, Liar, Dreamer, Thief is a weird and thrilling modern mystery story, guaranteed to keep you guessing until the mind-bending conclusion. Our protagonist Katrina has a lot of issues. She has been disowned by her parents, is frequently late to a job she hates, displays OCD tendencies, and is stalking one of … Continue reading Review: Liar, Dreamer, Thief, by Maria Dong (Grand Central Publishing)
Review: The Spite House, by Johnny Compton (Tor Nightfire)
There are so many delicious things in the plot synopsis for The Spite House, that I found it completely impossible to resist. A man fleeing his life under mysterious circumstances with his two daughters in tow - check! A job offer to stay in an old house with “pronounced paranormal activity” - big check! An … Continue reading Review: The Spite House, by Johnny Compton (Tor Nightfire)
My Favorite Books of 2022
My reading year has been a bit of a strange one. Around September I started to get a bit of reader burnout, and I felt like finishing a book became more important to me than actually enjoying the experience of reading. I don’t actually remember reading some of the books on my Goodreads, but apparently … Continue reading My Favorite Books of 2022
Books to Read in October 2022
Hello from the Hollow! For the last two days I've woken up to a layer of mist, and the halloween decorations in the neighborhood are starting to scare my daughter. I bloody love October! So many amazing books to get your claws into, so I'll stop rambling, shall I? Click the book titles to go … Continue reading Books to Read in October 2022
Review: BBC National Short Story Award 2022
Woohoo! It’s one of the highlights of my literary year once again. The best in British short story-writing talent is celebrated, and shared with the world. I was so, so chuffed that Laura from the amazing Comma Press sent over a copy of these stories, as it doesn’t even appear to be available in the … Continue reading Review: BBC National Short Story Award 2022
Books to Read in September 2022
Oooooh, it's almost spooky season! Here in Sleepy Hollow, it's a little difficult to embrace the spirits at temperatures pushing 100 degrees. Luckily, there are so many fantastic new horror books flying around! All these books have been generously provided by the publishers via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Short Story … Continue reading Books to Read in September 2022
Summer 2022 Reading!
For someone who loves wearing sweaters, I really moved to the wrong part of the world. We're "enjoying" triple figure temperatures in the Hollow right now, so I barely leave the house. Here's what I've been enjoying from the comfort of my beautifully air-conditioned home. Martin McDonagh I love the writer Martin McDonagh. He's probably … Continue reading Summer 2022 Reading!
My June 2022 Reads
I'm pleased with the variety of books I read in June. Noticeably more comics than usual. I haven't read any plays for a while; something I hope to remedy in July. Anyway, here's the list: Five Stars The Colony, by Audrey McGee (Dreamscape Media)I grabbed the audiobook of this from NetGalley, as some of my … Continue reading My June 2022 Reads
Books Coming in Summer/Fall 2022 That I Need to Read NOW!
Alternate title: Please, lovely publishers, approve my NetGalley requests. The rest of 2022 looks absolutely amazing in terms of female-authored fiction. I will not rest until I have these books in my sweaty little bookworm mitts. Lapvona, by Ottessa Mosfegh (Penguin Press) - released June 21st, 2022 The reviews for Lapvona contain phrases like “gloomy … Continue reading Books Coming in Summer/Fall 2022 That I Need to Read NOW!
California Reading 