Poppy State reads like an extended narrative poem in the best way possible. It is memoir and nature writing and political essay. It is deeply personalPoppy State reads like an extended narrative poem in the best way possible. It is memoir and nature writing and political essay. It is deeply personal and broadly universal in scope. I feel obliged to make a Gloria Anzaldua reference. It is not linear. Parts contradict previous statements, just like in real life. It is an astounding combination of things which I don't know if I would have the courage to put together but Myriam Gurba has managed to make a beautiful offering out of bits and pieces. It is experimental enough to surprise the reader but not so much that it is inaccessible. It is spiritual, truthful, and brave. Thank you to the author, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for the audioARC....more
Obviously I am not the target audience for Millennial Menopause being squarely Gen X. But as I struggle to convince my younger friends and family to gObviously I am not the target audience for Millennial Menopause being squarely Gen X. But as I struggle to convince my younger friends and family to get educated now and not wait, I am desperate to find books I can recommend. Lauren Tetenbaum sets out to demystify menopause in an entertaining yet educational way. Song lyrics are used liberally. Tetenbaum herself isn't an expert but she goes on a journey of discovery and takes the reader with her. We meet most of the menopause social media darlings along the way. And that is my only concern with the book. It sounds, just a tiny bit, like an infomercial for various experts and products. If you can reframe that in your mind as a helpful tool, collecting all the resources you might need in one place, it becomes more of a bonus and less of an irritation. Thank you to the author, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the audioARC....more
The Library of Fates is what I thought I was getting with The Book of Doors. Instead that ended up being much more violent and gruesome than I anticipThe Library of Fates is what I thought I was getting with The Book of Doors. Instead that ended up being much more violent and gruesome than I anticipated. Margot Harrison's story of a magical book is more dark academia and much less blood & guts. Thankfully. It is a story about regrets and second chances. About the ways our childhoods impact our lives and the ways we break those patterns. I read it in a single sitting. While it is a mystery - there is a dead body and a missing object, the characters spend the book trying to figure out what happened - it is more of a quiet rumination on memory and possibilities than a thriller. Caroline Hewitt's narration is warm and inviting. Thank you to the author, Harlequin Audio, and NetGalley for the audioARC....more
The Wayward Children series is a personal favorite. These short portal fantasies tackle tough topics with compassion, humor, and imagination. Perhaps The Wayward Children series is a personal favorite. These short portal fantasies tackle tough topics with compassion, humor, and imagination. Perhaps the best gift in this book, and the series as a whole, is the way Seanan McGuire simply acknowledges the ways in which life sucks. This acknowledgement gives the reader permission to exhale. In this installment, we return to previous characters and settings. While it could be read as a standalone from a plot perspective, anyone diving in here for the first time will miss some of the character development. Although if you read enough in general, you'll be able to pick up on most everything from context clues. As always in these books, terrible things happen to children, adults cannot be relied on to save the day, and in the end - we have our friends, our obsessions, and our willingness to live. I loved every moment back in the worlds of McGuire's making. I was about to type "this is a favorite in the series" but I think I say that about every new story. They can't all be favorites. But this one felt like it was while I was reading it. Thank you to the Seanan McGuire for continuing to write about the wayward children - their stories mean so much to me and other readers, Cynthia Hopkins - who also narrated books 1 & 4, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the audioARC....more
Beautiful reflections on the Christian liturgical year. I appreciate Diana Butler Bass' approach to what can be a difficult subject for many. Is ChrisBeautiful reflections on the Christian liturgical year. I appreciate Diana Butler Bass' approach to what can be a difficult subject for many. Is Christianity still relevant? What does the church year add to our lives in the 21st century? Many of us crave rhythms and rituals. We dabble in astrology or explore the wheel of the year. We create practices and traditions which meet our needs. Bass suggests the ancient rhythms of the church year (and newer adaptations) are available to use. People have found solace, inspiration, and challenge in the pattern, perhaps today's readers will find it valuable as well. Bass writes as a companion, pointing out interesting sights along the way without being heavy-handed. The reader feels accompanied, not bludgeoned. Thank you to the author and her narration for guiding me through the year with compassion and insight. Although I received this as an audioARC, I have already purchased 6 physical copies for myself and friends. Thanks as well to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley....more
Newly released audio of Matthew Fox's daily meditation on Christian mystics. I enjoyed the narration so much I looked up what else Braden Wright has nNewly released audio of Matthew Fox's daily meditation on Christian mystics. I enjoyed the narration so much I looked up what else Braden Wright has narrated. The strength of this devotional is it - hopefully - inspires readers to delve deeper into the lives of the people profiled. I am not so enamored with the sheer amount of sex in the book. None of the entries themselves bother me, rather it was the volume over the course of the book. Am I prude? Maybe? I really enjoy this and have added a physical copy to my holiday wishlist. Thank you to the author, narrator, Brilliance Publishing, and NetGalley for the audioARC....more
I know, I know, another collection of essays. Are essays replacing short stories as my favorite format? Not quite yet but I do find myself appreciatinI know, I know, another collection of essays. Are essays replacing short stories as my favorite format? Not quite yet but I do find myself appreciating them more in these days of short attention spans and clickbait headlines without substance. Spending time with well-chosen words feels like a luxury. And all it costs is a bit of time and concentration. The only reason this collection, which is very good, did not get the full five stars is because I have read some truly spectacular food and travel writing lately. Perhaps it is not fair to judge a book on potential but there it is. I appreciate how each narrator brought the words on the page to life. I wasn't sure when I got this if I would enjoy listening to the essays instead of reading them for myself. Care was taken with the audio and it shows. Thank you to the contributors, narrators, editors, Mariner Book, HarperAudio, and NetGalley for the audioARC....more
While I have always been fascinated by science - I was a Physics major for a semester or two - this is the year I leaned into reading nonfiction, specWhile I have always been fascinated by science - I was a Physics major for a semester or two - this is the year I leaned into reading nonfiction, specifically about nature and nature related science. Is this collection of essays as brilliant as I think it is, or does it just happen to dovetail with my current interests? I don't know. What I do know is that I was hooked from the first to the last. Also, I appreciate finding new writers to follow and new publications to explore. The entries were researched enough to be interesting and well-written enough to be entertaining. Thank you to the contributors, narrators, editors - everyone involved in this endeavor. And to NetGalley for the audioARC....more
Super fun collection of short stories. I have been known to say, with utter sincerity, that I am not a mystery reader. And yet The Mysterious BookshopSuper fun collection of short stories. I have been known to say, with utter sincerity, that I am not a mystery reader. And yet The Mysterious Bookshop Presents the Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2025 scratched an itch I did not know I had. I enjoyed every minute of these clever, poignant, funny stories. If someone made this book into a television series, I would eagerly await each week's new episode. The various narrators captured the different characters voices. I have no notes - this was great entertainment! Thank you to everyone involved in the production and NetGalley for the audioARC....more
Days at the Torunka Cafe snuggles safely inside whatever genre encompasses Before the Coffee Gets Cold, What You Are Looking For Is in the Library, ThDays at the Torunka Cafe snuggles safely inside whatever genre encompasses Before the Coffee Gets Cold, What You Are Looking For Is in the Library, The Heartbeat Library, and other books which I have loved lately. There is a sadness and sweetness to these stories. They are cozy and yet there is an emotional rawness. They share an essential spark with a Miyazaki film - there is something joyful about them even though they squarely confront pain and suffering. Days at the Torunka Cafe explores themes of family and grief. There are a few descriptions, particularly of women, which rankled but I am not sure if it is a matter of translation or cultural difference. It was an interesting choice to have the book narrated by someone with a heavy accent. Or at least using a heavy accent to narrate the book. Perhaps it added an authentic feel to the experience? Personally, I found it annoying. Not annoying enough to keep me from reading the book, which I genuinely enjoyed. I remain enamored with this current crop of Japanese literature in translation and look forward to more from this author! Thank you to everyone involved and NetGalley for the audioARC....more
Started slow for me. But then there were these dazzling insights that took my breath away. While aimed at writers and aspiring writers, the advice is Started slow for me. But then there were these dazzling insights that took my breath away. While aimed at writers and aspiring writers, the advice is applicable to a wide range of situations. Will be recommending to my writing group. Elizabeth McCracken's narration of her own words made me feel like I was sitting in the classroom of a favorite professor, not one of those big auditorium classrooms where the teacher lectures but a small conference room with old wooden tables and wide open windows. It reminded me of the best parts of writing workshops. Thank you to McCracken, HarperAudio Adult, and NetGalley for the audioARC....more
We Are Always Tender with Our Dead didn’t quite work as a book, for me, but contains vignettes as beautiful as I’ve ever read. Personally, I wish it wWe Are Always Tender with Our Dead didn’t quite work as a book, for me, but contains vignettes as beautiful as I’ve ever read. Personally, I wish it was a collection of related short stories. That said, there are moments of longing and beautiful prose which will haunt me for a long time. Thank you to the author, narrator, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the audioARC.
Please note: this is horror & as such should probably only be read by those comfortable in that genre. ...more
This is embarrassing to admit but also, totally my fault. I read a lot of SFF. I read the first book in this series, Witch King, last year. When I staThis is embarrassing to admit but also, totally my fault. I read a lot of SFF. I read the first book in this series, Witch King, last year. When I started Queen Demon I was a bit lost but figured if I just kept chugging away, I would start to remember the people and world. It had only been a year. Plus I'm used to reading books with extensive world-building and various characters. This is my bread & butter. And I kept on listening, assuming it would all start to make sense any minute. And then I realized I was 30 minutes from the end of the book and still had no idea who anyone was or what was going on. Which is ridiculous, I know. And also my fault. At that point, I decided not to restart the book. Instead I'll reread the series from the beginning when the third book is published. I adore Martha Wells and assume this was a fun romp, I was definitely entertained while reading it. But I can't give it a fair review because I'm not sure what happened in the book. It isn't a particularly difficult book. I enjoyed various scenes. I am just not sure how they are connected together and to the first book. Thank you to everyone involved for the audioARC and I promise to go into the third book better prepared!...more
James Baldwin was an intense man who lived in intense times and Nicholas Boggs doesn't want the reader to miss a moment of it. It took me over a monthJames Baldwin was an intense man who lived in intense times and Nicholas Boggs doesn't want the reader to miss a moment of it. It took me over a month to read this 700+ page book because I needed to take breaks from the intensity. In many ways, Baldwin: A Love Story reads as a love story to, not about, Baldwin. Ron Butler's narration was a perfect complement to author Nicholas Boggs' words. Together they weave a complicated story about a complicated man. Is the book too long? I can't figure out what I would cut but do wish Boggs would do less telling and more analysis. All of these things happened, yes. But what does it mean? To Baldwin? To culture? To society? To me, the reader? Baldwin is such a touchstone in the world of letters and politics and general discourse, I suggest anyone in the least bit interested read this book. I am glad I did. Thank you to the Boggs, Butler, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the audioARC.
If you know me IRL, I've already told you all about this one. It became my whole personality for a month....more
What a fascinating book! I am not quite the right audience for the book so almost gave it 4 stars. But is it fair to complain that a book isn't what IWhat a fascinating book! I am not quite the right audience for the book so almost gave it 4 stars. But is it fair to complain that a book isn't what I want it to be when it completely fulfills exactly what it sets out to do? I suggest listening to the audio version - not only is it like sitting down with two enthusiastic friends, it is easier to stay in the moment, listening to instructions, without having to consult a physical book. That said, it would also be nice to have a paper copy for notetaking. (And this is why I have so many books in multiple formats. My brain loves it, my budget, not so much.) Despite not being the audience for the book, I have already suggested it to several friends who are. I appreciated hearing the authors' personal stories and am genuinely curious now about the techniques described in the book. Thank you to Deganit Nuur and Tim Murphy for sharing their hearts with openness and kindness, Brilliance Audio, and NetGalley for the audioARC....more
I found Bill McKibben's latest to be filled with hope and good news. Without downplaying the very real climate crisis, Here Comes the Sun gives the reI found Bill McKibben's latest to be filled with hope and good news. Without downplaying the very real climate crisis, Here Comes the Sun gives the reader plenty of reasons not to despair. The promise and potential of solar energy is a bright spot in an otherwise dismal forecast and I finished the book feeling better about the future. McKibben's storytelling and enthusiasm are infectious, especially as voiced by Patrick Lawlor, the narrator. Thank you to McKibben, Lawlor, Highbridge Audio, and NetGalley for the audioARC....more
A Taste for Change is a conversation and it takes a bit to get used to the dialogue format in the book. After a rough start I began to appreciate the A Taste for Change is a conversation and it takes a bit to get used to the dialogue format in the book. After a rough start I began to appreciate the give and take. While many interesting ideas were presented, my favorite part was the Euro-centric viewpoint. It was eye-opening to hear the climate crisis discussed from a different perspective. That alone is makes the book worth reading. However, the information and ideas are also worth reflection. Because the book itself is a dialogue, I feel it would be best appreciated and understood in conversation with others. I would love to discuss this with a book club! Thank you to everyone involved and NetGalley for the audioARC....more
I listened to the audio version of Kent Nerburn's Native Echoes while sitting on a balcony in Taos, drinking tea. It was a magical combination of timeI listened to the audio version of Kent Nerburn's Native Echoes while sitting on a balcony in Taos, drinking tea. It was a magical combination of time and place, the right words in the right setting. The wind in the aspens and the blue skies and the slightly bitter herbs created an immersive experience, enhancing the author's poetic ramblings. Native Echoes is a series of stories, essays, remembrances of a life lived oriented to the land and the people who remember its sacredness. It was interesting in a way I find missing in today's algorithmically curated world. These weren't words written specifically to capture my engagement, instead I was gently invited into the space without being centered. It was a beautiful experience. Thank you to the author, David Stifel for the narration, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the audioARC....more
Veronica Roth's Curse Bearer series is becoming a personal favorite. I'll admit, my first reading of When Among Crows was a bit hesitant. But a secondVeronica Roth's Curse Bearer series is becoming a personal favorite. I'll admit, my first reading of When Among Crows was a bit hesitant. But a second reading and then plunging into the latest, To Clutch a Razor, captured my heart and imagination. These morally grey characters with their tortured souls have captivated me. What mess will they get themselves into next and what lengths will the others go to rescue them? These are not happy stories. No one gets a happy ending. But they are immensely satisfying. If you like emotional payoffs and villainous heroes - this is for you! Thank you to the author, the narrators, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the audioARC....more
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