Book reviews to me are like an intimate look into someone else’s thoughts and emotions. Everyone will experience a story differently based on their own experiences and beliefs. ‘Book Notes’ is a series where I talk about the books I read, what I thought, and how it made me feel. If you’ve read any of the books listed below, I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments too. Let’s get to know each other 💭
Book no. 19 - Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
“There is no explaining this simple truth about life: you will forget much of it. The painful things you were certain you’d never be able to let go? Now you’re not entirely sure when they happened, while the thrilling parts, the heart-stopping joys, splintered and scattered and became something else. Memories are then replaced by different joys and larger sorrows, and unbelievably, those things get knocked aside as well, until one morning you’re picking cherries with your three grown daughters and your husband goes by on the Gator and you are positive that this is all you’ve ever wanted in the world.”
A mother recounts the story of her life to her three daughters, specifically the chapter of her life where she dates Peter Duke—a famous movie star. What starts as a fun memory soon becomes a touching and achingly-real story about a young woman figuring our her path and learning that sometimes you have to give up everything to finally get what was meant for you.
I listened to Tom Lake on audible and although I will probably purchase a physical copy, I adored the spoken version. First off, the audible edition is narrated by Meryl Streep and I honestly can’t think of a better voice for it. Secondly, because the format included story-telling within the story, it worked perfectly in audio form.
The book starts of feeling a little confusing but also intriguing. I love that Patchett gets you invested in Lara’s story immediately and when you find out there’s that extra layer, it becomes all the more interesting. I loved the way she weaved the characters in slowly, not giving them names or identities until their roles became important. It made the story feel like it was unraveling in front of my eyes—almost like you’re watching a movie.
There wasn’t a character I didn’t fall in love with, even with their faults and flaws shown so clearly. It’s one of those books that lives in my head rent free, more as a lingering feeling (which usually are the types that stay in my memory much longer)
Favorite quotes:
We clump together in our sorrow. In joy we may wander off in our separate directions, but in sorrow we prefer to hold hands.
The rage dissipates along with the love, and all we’re left with is a story.
Turned out to be the thing that saved me: the knowledge that I could get back by myself.
Book no. 20 - The Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei
After a heist gone wrong, one of the world’s best thieves has gone into retirement. Maya Hoshimoto settles into a quiet scholarly life back on Earth, believing she was ready for peace. That is until she receives a heist offer that hits her with an impossible choice. Save an entire species or space-travel as she knows it. Either way, it looks like she’s got a new job…
I’ve never been disappointed by a sci-fi novel but I’m not sure this one hit the mark. Some of my past favorites include Project Hail Mary and This is How You Lose The Time war, both of which were 5-star reads. There’s always an ethical-questioning in this genre, as if we’re trying to paint these hypothetical scenarios to test whether humanity could survive knowing we’re not the only intelligent ones.
Yume Kitasei’s descriptions of friendship, sacrifice, and honour is poignant and relatable. Yet something in the story fell flat. Near the 85-90% mark, I already sensed that maybe the ending wouldn’t wrap up as neatly as I had hoped. I was almost questioning whether this was the first book of a series, that there would be more to come. It felt like we were taken for a ride only to be left hanging as soon as we crossed the finish line.
Favorite quotes:
We fail, and we keep trying anyway. What I've seen is, life seeks other life. Humanity spent so many years looking skyward hoping we weren't alone.
You can’t live in the universe without leaving footprints. You leave an impact wherever you go.
You think you're own thoughts and that is beautiful. Haman nature is so delightfully chaotic. You fight with each other, you even fight with yourself in your own mind.
Book no. 21 - The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell
The story of young duchess Lucrezia De’ Medici was never supposed to have a happy ending. While her siblings were model students, all understanding their role in continuing the family name and reputation, Lucre wanted to run free. On the night of her wedding, her sister Maria suddenly falls ill and passes, and her groom-to-be requests that Lucrezia to replace her. Suddenly finding her trapped in an unwanted political marriage to the Duke and ruler of Ferrara, Modena, and Reggio she has no choice but fall into line in hopes that her life may be different.
There’s a suspense that hangs over the entire story that kept me at the edge of my seat. The story jumps from the past to the present so while you’re learning about her childhood, you’re also following along as she navigates her new marriage. The story starts with Lucrezia fearing for her life and while you want to hope for the best, you just sense that something violet is hanging around the corner.
Favorite quotes:
Sadness keeps attempting to tie weights to her wrists and ankles, therefore she has to keep moving, she has to outpace it.
Is it possible for a woman to be so unsettled in spirit that a child will have no hope of taking root within her?
Book no. 22 - We Love You Bunny by Mona Awad (ARC)
If you thought the bunnies were creepy in the first one, they’ve gone full blown psycho killer in the sequel.
The Bunnies have come back with a vengeance. Samantha, on the last leg of her book tour, gets kidnapped by her ex-writing cohort. They’ve read her book, written about their smut salon sessions, and have thoughts they can’t wait to share. They also want to make sure she hears their sides of the story as to exactly what had happened with their very first bunny creation.
I honestly had no idea what to expect going into book 2, but wow. I have to be honest, the narrative style started to drag for me and half way through I thought that this would be a 3 star read. But somewhere down the line I suddenly found myself unable to put the book down and almost racing to see what would happen.
In Bunny, you feel like you’re living the dream (nightmare??) along with Samantha. In WLYB you feel like you’re watching it all unfold in a completely different way.
All in all, the bunnies will love this one.
Book no. 23 - Holding Pattern by Jenny Xie
A mother and daughter story that touches on the deeper struggles of trying to find your place in a world that wasn’t made for you.
I love reading about family dynamics, specifically relationships between parent and child however this one did fall a little short for me. While it dug into relatable topics, the storyline felt a little predictable in a way that didn’t really bring much satisfaction.
(MC) Kathleen’s relationship with her client also felt like an unnecessary side quest. While it did tie in her self-worth and healing from her last relationship, it didn’t quite drive the story forward in an intriguing way. I wished that her character arc was a little more interesting.
Havent read any but added the master thief to my list. Thanks for sharing. Good idea. :)
I was so mixed on We Love You, Bunny too!!