‘Every Rising Sun’ Book Review

“Every Rising Sun by Jamila Ahmed is a richly imagined, feminist reimagining of One Thousand and One Nights set against the real historical backdrop of 12th-century Persia. It centers on Shaherazade—recast not just as a storyteller staving off death, but as a clever, morally driven woman confronting betrayal, wielding her narratives to influence a powerful, unruly ruler and ultimately challenge empire-sized conflicts like the Third Crusade and Oghuz invasions. Balancing sweeping historical intrigue with the magic of folklore, the novel offers both interior depth and grand political vision as Shaherazade fights for redemption, agency, and the power of her own story .”

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of this book review, I want to state that I’ve never read “One Thousand and One Nights,” and this book is a retelling of that story. Now, let’s talk about the characters. I liked the ideas behind these characters, but I don’t think the proper work was done on their arcs. Shaherazade is our main character and the POV we follow throughout the book. It makes a lot of sense for a woman who grew up at the court of the Malik to be observant and gain power throughout the story. However, we don’t actually see that development taking place.

The whole middle of the book lags, with not a whole lot happening when the proper character work could have been done. Yes, this is about a massive journey from Persia to Palestine, covering miles and miles of land. Once we get to the last quarter of the book, there’s a sudden shift, and Shaherazade emerges as this powerful woman. While I think that transition is understandable, we, as readers, don’t see that growth unfold in the text; we have to fill in those gaps ourselves. I don’t believe that’s how books should be written. Again, I like the idea, but I just don’t think it was properly executed.

I did like the atmosphere, and I would say that was my favorite part of the book. Some of the world-building, especially in Baghdad, was very vivid and somewhat reminiscent of when we visited Essos in “Game of Thrones.” I was really intrigued by the settings, and it made me want to research all the names and groups of people that I was hearing about. However, that was also one of my problems with getting immersed in the story. I found it challenging to engage because I didn’t have a background in all these different cultures and terms. This could just be my ignorance, but I feel like a book really needs to immerse you in its world and build that world for you so you can understand it. Unfortunately, that wasn’t done here.

On the positive side, the book did inspire me to research these cultures and this time period in the medieval Islamic world.

Let’s talk about the writing style, as it relates to my earlier point about being immersed in the story. I found myself really having to focus to grasp what I was reading in the main storyline. Shaherazade is portrayed as a storyteller, which makes sense since she tells stories that are woven into the narrative of “Every Rising Sun.” However, while trying to understand this world we’ve been thrown into, I found myself facing a fictional story within the story. I had to rearrange everything in my mind, questioning what is fiction in this world, what is real, and what important information I was supposed to take in. It was just very overwhelming for me to read.

Again, maybe if I had a better understanding of the Islamic world during medieval times, this book would have been easier for me to navigate. But I do think that the writing style could have been improved to avoid making me feel like I was being thrown from one story to the next and back again.

As I mentioned in the earlier paragraphs about the character work, this book starts out very fast-paced. It took me a little while to read because I was trying to adjust to the story, the culture, and the world-building. A lot was happening, and there was plenty of political and court intrigue, which I really enjoy in my historical fiction. However, once we reached the actual journey, it felt long, boring, and repetitive. The story was told over and over, with little scenes depicting the struggles of being on the road, such as dealing with plague, battles, and the inner turmoil between harems of women. You would think all of that would be intriguing, but the way it was written made it feel dull.

Then we get to the end, where things start to pick up again, but everything feels so sudden that it lacks the necessary buildup. All that time spent in the middle of the book felt like a waste. I felt like I wasted my time reading all of that when there could have been proper character work taking place. I do think this book lacks some logic; it makes sense how an observant girl could become powerful and how someone who immerses herself in stories and learns about the world around her could emerge as a strong woman. Yet, we don’t actually see this development; we’re just told that it happened.

This book didn’t do much for me, but I do think it could be a good historical fiction choice for those who enjoy young adult fantasy set in a desert, Middle Eastern-inspired world. If you like those themes, you might appreciate this one, but overall, I wouldn’t recommend this book.

2.42 out of 5 stars.

‘The Clan of the Cave Bear’ Book Review

“The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel is a sweeping prehistoric novel that follows Ayla, a young Cro-Magnon girl orphaned by an earthquake and taken in by a group of Neanderthals known as the Clan. Though she struggles to fit into their rigid and traditional society, Ayla’s intelligence, curiosity, and independence set her apart—both as a threat and a wonder to those around her. As she grows, she challenges the Clan’s customs and expectations, especially through her relationships with the clan’s spiritual leader and his ambitious son. Rich in anthropological detail and emotional depth, the novel is a story of survival, identity, and the clash of cultures in a distant, ancient world.”

The idea of having the majority of the characters in this book be a clan of Neanderthals, with modern-day (in a biological sense) humans in the minority, is so unique and interesting—it’s what instantly drew me to this book. Sadly, we do not know a whole lot about Neanderthals; they aren’t here in their 100% form to tell their story, so we have to rely on science for that. The author did an incredible amount of research, which I’ll get to later, but it effectively gives Neanderthals a voice.

Now, let’s talk about Ayla, our main character and the human character in the modern sense of the word. She is almost like a chosen one character, even though this is a historical fiction novel and not fantasy or sci-fi. Exceptions are constantly being made for her, and traditions are being changed just for her, which makes the stakes never feel too high.

I mentioned the research and the level of detail that was put into this book, and I think that really detracted from character development and attachment. While Ayla does develop as a character, she ultimately lacks that connection, and I believe it falls back on the information dumping that was present in the book.

I also want to talk about the age chosen for Ayla. When Isa finds her, she is a five-year-old girl, and I completely understand having her be that age because children can absorb languages and customs much easier than adults, and they don’t question things as much. That makes total sense for her character. However, some of the plot points introduced as the story progressed were very uncomfortable to envision as a reader. I think the author should have waited until Ayla was older to include these elements because, while they may make sense for the story in terms of why this character might do something, they can be disturbing. Even if these events are historically accurate for characters of this age, it’s uncomfortable to read about. It’s likely meant to be uncomfortable, but I wanted to note that in my review.

The atmosphere in this book was fantastic. I keep mentioning the info dumping, but the world-building is extensive. This makes sense, as this is the start of a series, and I’m sure it will taper down a bit as the series progresses. I will admit that it did get a bit much at times, but it does a great job of painting a vivid picture of this world in your mind. I love exploring this culture, seeing their beliefs, and how these could evolve into our modern religions and other cultural beliefs.

Again, this is historical fiction, so none of this may be true, but I read this for entertainment purposes and allow authors creative license with their works. The story takes place in modern-day Eurasia, but tens of thousands of years ago. This is a land that does exist in our world, but because it’s set so long ago, the author really has to build it up and make it believable—and she did a great job with that.

The writing is where I’m having a hard time figuring out how I feel about it. There is so much information being thrown at us that it often lost my attention. It would go over my head, and I found myself having to reread passages several times to understand what the author was trying to convey and to log all this information in my mind. Personally, this made it a pain to read, and the chapters were so long that I was hesitant to pick up the book. There were definitely pacing issues, and while I think the world-building and information were important for the story, I feel that the author went a bit over the top, wanting to include every bit of research she did in the book.

As for the characters, I do think the info dumping detracted from the plot, which I found to be overall pretty boring. The story revolves around a girl trying to fit into society, and it mostly depicts the day-to-day life of the people in this world. Regarding character work, I mentioned that the stakes were never high because everything always worked out for her. Let me tell you, pretty much every single prediction I made for this book came true. This is one of the most predictable books I’ve ever read, and while I didn’t take away much from my experience, it’s still surprising to me that I was able to figure everything out so easily.

Again, I want to give this book high praise for the research that was put into it. I didn’t read the acknowledgments before diving into the book; in the physical copy, they come first, while in the audiobook, they’re at the very end. So, I didn’t know if the author had just imagined the vibes and feelings of how stereotypical cave people lived or if she actually did extensive research. It turns out she did a lot of research—so much so that she spent a night in a cave at Mount Hood, sleeping in a bed that ancient humans would have used in the middle of January. That’s an incredible commitment to research for a novel, and I give her high praise for that.

I’m not rushing to pick up the next book in the series, but I’m not opposed to continuing it. I just don’t feel an urgent need to do so. However, if anything I mentioned here sounds intriguing to you, I would recommend giving the book a try.

3.25 out of 5 stars.

‘Earth’ Review

“Earth by John Boyne is the second novella in his Elements series, focusing on Evan Keogh, a young man who escapes his oppressive upbringing on a remote Irish island to pursue a life in London. While Evan aspires to be an artist, financial hardships and societal pressures lead him into professional football—a career he never desired. As a gay man in a sport that often lacks inclusivity, Evan grapples with his identity and the expectations placed upon him. The narrative unfolds with Evan standing trial as an accessory to a sexual assault committed by a teammate, prompting him to reflect on his past choices, personal integrity, and the life he has constructed. Through themes of toxic masculinity, homophobia, and the complexities of personal accountability, Boyne crafts a poignant exploration of a young man’s struggle for self-acceptance and redemption.”

I do think this was good character development for the time we had with our character, Evan. You really feel immersed in his shoes and can sense all the emotions and tensions in these scenes. However, I never felt a true connection to him; his character very much reminds me of Jude from “A Little Life.” So, if you’re a fan of that book, then you might like this one as well.

The atmosphere was good. Our story is mainly set in England but flashes back to Ireland. It definitely has the tone of an Irish book—think of those big Irish names—and this book is reminiscent of that. I did like the writing style. There is some purple prose, but it’s never over the top.

Now, the plot is a story we have heard many times, especially in the last decade, but it’s an important story. It’s a powerful narrative that shows how people can find themselves in difficult situations and, sadly, how cases unfold in the real world. It was interesting to see this from an English perspective rather than an American perspective.

However, at the same time, I wasn’t really intrigued to know where the story would go since I didn’t care that much for the characters. Again, they were fine; I had nothing against them, and I do think it was good character work. I just wish we had a little more backstory and, in all honesty, that this book was longer than the novella that it is.

However, I can’t fault the book for its logic; as I said, this sadly happens in the real world. This book didn’t do a whole lot for me. It was very quiet and easy to get through, even though it has a very dark theme. The book got a lot darker than I expected it to. So, if you’re thinking of picking this up, maybe give it a go at the library first.

3 out of 5 stars.

‘The Survival of the Princes in the Tower’ Book Review

“The Survival of the Princes in the Tower by Matthew Lewis is a historical investigation into one of England’s most enduring mysteries—the fate of Edward V and his younger brother, Richard, Duke of York. Traditionally believed to have been murdered in the Tower of London in 1483, the book challenges this narrative by examining contemporary sources, political motives, and alternative theories. Lewis explores the possibility that one or both princes may have survived, questioning the role of Richard III and others in their disappearance. Thorough and thought-provoking, the book invites readers to reconsider long-held assumptions about a pivotal moment in English history.”

This book really got interesting when we reached the part that the title describes—the survival of the princes in the tower—not all the different theories about the murders and who the suspects might be. I already knew a lot of that information or at least a good majority of it. I was even aware of some of the imposters who came forward, pretending to be not only the princes but also their cousins. While this book provided me with a bit more knowledge on the topic, it was in the last few chapters, especially the final chapter, where things became truly intriguing. It presented different theories about whether the princes survived but went into hiding, posing no threat to the royal Tudor family because some deals could have been made.

I had never considered this theory before, and some of the evidence supporting it is mind-blowing—like evidence hiding in plain sight within works of art. It’s really intriguing to think about, and I cannot wait to research it further and hear different people’s opinions.

However, my complaints were that I already knew a lot of the information in this book, which made it feel like it was just regurgitating knowledge I was already familiar with. Additionally, especially at the beginning of the book, the writing was rather chaotic and all over the place, with a lot of backtracking. It just wasn’t clear and concise.

I would recommend this book if you’re new to the Wars of the Roses or the Tudor era in English history. I think this book is well-suited for that audience, but if you’re someone who is already well-versed in that part of history and have consumed a lot of media or other nonfiction books on the topic, this book probably won’t offer you much new insight.

2.75 out of 5 stars.

‘Displacement’ Book Review

” “Displacement” by Kiku Hughes is a poignant graphic novel that intertwines the story of a modern-day Japanese American girl, Kiku, with the historical context of Japanese internment during World War II. When Kiku is transported back in time to a Japanese internment camp, she grapples with her family’s past and the trauma of displacement faced by her ancestors. Through her journey, she experiences the harsh realities of life in the camps, the impact of racism, and the struggle for identity, ultimately reflecting on the importance of remembering history and understanding the ongoing effects of systemic injustice. The narrative blends personal and collective memory, highlighting themes of resilience, belonging, and the fight against erasure.”

Each month, I like to add a graphic novel to my TBR, and this month it is ‘Displacement’ by Kiku Hughes. As a child, I read a ‘Dear America’ book on Japanese internment camps in the American West, but I haven’t read anything on it since. This is another work of young adult fiction that mixes fact and fiction. I love seeing these bits of history told in various forms—whether for adults, young adults, graphic novels, or memoirs. I think it’s so important to present history in as many formats as possible so it can be accessible to everyone.

The time travel elements are reminiscent of ‘Kindred’ by Octavia E. Butler, as we have a character going back for a little bit every now and then. It also reminds me of ‘One Italian Summer’ by Rebecca Serle, as we see our main character visiting a family member in the past when they were young. The big theme here is the importance of being educated on history, as history tends to repeat itself. These internment camps really need to be discussed more. I previously read about this subject, and we learned about it in school, but it needs to be more widely addressed.

World War II fiction is extremely popular, but it often focuses mainly on the European front. I believe the stories of Japanese Americans need to be spoken about more, as they endured significant injustices at the hands of the American government simply because of their ancestral background. I thought it was clever to use time travel in this book because Kiku is displaced from 2016 back to the 1940s, while the people of that time are being displaced from their lives and sent to these camps. Both have experienced displacement.

The author used this time travel element to cover gaps in her knowledge of her grandmother’s story. I do wish the glossary had been at the front of the book, as there were some terms I wasn’t familiar with, and I discovered the glossary was at the very back but once I had finished the book. One theme I found interesting was the struggle between trying to survive and doing the right thing, and how hard that choice can be. A quote that really captures this book is, “A memory is too powerful a weapon.” We have to remember history and how it shaped us because it tells the story of where humanity comes from and where it will go.

There were also things I had never heard of that I learned about in this book, like how Japanese Americans were portrayed as a model minority during the civil rights movement. Who knew that people in power were trying to pit other minorities against each other and spread anti-Black racism? This wasn’t the only time that camps were discussed in American history; while we hear about them today, back in the 70s, there were rumors and efforts to start camps to detain communists or Black Panthers.

I’d like to end with two more quotes. The first is, “Rumors start when there’s fear and a lack of information, and they still influence our memories forever.” The second is, “Never again is now.” So many times, we hear people say that we won’t allow things like concentration camps to happen again, but we really need to hold true to that as history progresses. This was a good book, and if you want to learn more about this time in American history and these atrocities, I recommend that you pick it up.

‘Small Great Things’ Book Review

“Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult is a powerful novel that tackles issues of race, privilege, and justice. It centers on Ruth Jefferson, a Black labor and delivery nurse who is ordered not to touch the newborn of white supremacist parents. When the baby goes into cardiac distress while Ruth is briefly alone with him, she hesitates—an action that leads to her being charged with a serious crime. As Ruth faces trial, she is represented by a white public defender forced to confront her own biases. The novel explores moral complexity and systemic racism through a gripping courtroom drama and deeply human characters.”

The author presents us with all kinds of characters: Ruth, who is a Black woman; Kennedy, a white public defender who does not view herself as racist; and Turk, a white supremacist. We get to follow along and see why they believe what they believe and why they are living the lives that they are. The reader isn’t only confronted with their own beliefs, but we also see the characters being confronted, which was unique to me. I often see readers being challenged, but rarely do the characters face the same level of confrontation.

There were little instances here and there where the characters would say or think something that annoyed me, but I had to remind myself that it is completely realistic for someone in these situations to think these things. These characters may not be lovable, but they are extremely real and provide a glimpse into how race is viewed by different groups in the United States.

At first, I really didn’t know what to think of the atmosphere and whether it actually played any part in the story. When I first heard about this book on social media, I pictured it taking place in the South, where racism is typically depicted in works of fiction. However, when I actually started reading the book, I realized that it is set in New Haven, Connecticut, a town in New England and home to an Ivy League school. That’s not typically the location you would think of for a story like this, and I think that really highlights the fact that racism is prevalent everywhere. It can happen in Georgia, it can happen in Connecticut, and it can occur in a Walmart or a hospital. You could see people with Confederate flags in their yards and attending white supremacist rallies in a state that wasn’t even part of the Confederacy. Racism is everywhere in the United States and the world.

I will admit that I was initially intimidated by the writing style. There is an extreme amount of research put into this book, which is crucial for a white woman telling a story about racism, systemic injustice, and inequality in this country. She spoke with different Black individuals and even some college presidents of historically Black colleges. She even interviewed reformed white supremacists who now spread anti-hate messages to get the lingo down for how a white supremacist would talk.

Additionally, there are details like Ruth being a labor and delivery nurse, and we see all the little aspects involved in taking care of a baby and the mother after birth. Most of us have hopefully never experienced being put on trial, but again, we see the depth of research that Jodi Picoult, the writer, put into that. Even the seemingly small details, like making a Big Mac—who knew the amount of research a writer would need to do for something like that?

As I stated before, I was initially scared when I started the book and encountered all the medical terms in the labor and delivery unit. Thankfully, though, the author does an excellent job of explaining everything, allowing you to gain a real understanding of what you’re reading. You’re never left feeling confused.

As I mentioned before, this book is a confrontation—a confrontation for white people who don’t necessarily see themselves as racist or biased. I know that when I recommend this book to a lot of people, they’re going to feel uncomfortable with it. I even worry that some of them will read it and still not recognize the issues, feeling too entrenched in their beliefs to come out of it. But, as the author notes, she spoke with skinheads who are now part of groups educating people against hate, and if they can change, then anyone can.

One of the quotes from the author’s note is, “I wrote it because I believed it was the right thing to do, and because the things that make us uncomfortable are the things that teach us what we all need to know.” Let me tell you, you see that with all of the characters in this book, and you will even see it in yourself and your community afterwards. Obviously, systemic racism is the main theme of this book, but there are other themes as well, such as nature versus nurture, and the importance of the beliefs we instill in our children as parents. It’s crucial to ensure that we are teaching them the right values, making sure they step forward in the right direction.

Being a parent itself might even be a confrontation as you observe the path your child is taking. It really makes you take a step back and reflect on yourself, as your child can serve as a mirror of you. It prompts you to second-guess some things. While we may not be able to change systemic racism today, we need to instill awareness in our children and, consequently, in ourselves so that hopefully it can be dismantled in the future. However, is there really a future without racism? That’s another discussion that Ruth and Kennedy have in the book.

I’d also like to include the last quote of the novel: “I hold my daughter’s hand—or maybe she holds mine—like we are at an intersection, and it’s my job to take her safely to the other side.” I think that beautifully describes the theme of parenting in this book. I recommend this book to everyone; I believe it should be required reading for adults in this country. Please, please, please pick up this book. I followed along with the audiobook and had a great experience with that as well.

5 out of 5 stars.

‘A Little Life’ Book Review

“A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara is an emotional and harrowing novel that follows four college friends—Jude, Willem, JB, and Malcolm—as they navigate life in New York City. At the heart of the story is Jude, a brilliant but deeply traumatized man with a mysterious and painful past. As the years pass, the novel delves into themes of friendship, love, suffering, and the long shadows of abuse. With its unflinching portrayal of trauma and resilience, A Little Life is a devastating and profoundly moving exploration of what it means to survive.“

As always, let’s start with the characters first and foremost. I really enjoyed two of these characters: Harold, who is Jude’s somewhat mentor, and Willem, who is one of the four friends. I would absolutely have devoured this book if it had only been about Willem; I loved his story. One of the things I think this book teaches is that empathy needs to be directed towards everyone, not just a select group of people. To make the world a better place, you have to show compassion and empathy to everybody around you. That was something great about this book. Even if I didn’t necessarily love all of these characters, I could see a little bit of myself in their relatability.

Now, what did I not like about the characters? The side characters were very interchangeable, and I didn’t think they had a significant role in the story. I’m thinking of characters like Richard, Kit, Lucian, and so many more that I can’t even remember the names of because they were so underdeveloped. I don’t understand the purpose of having them in the story. Additionally, two of the college friends, JB and Malcolm, just kind of got pushed to the side. It almost seemed pointless to have these long chapters dedicated to them at the start of the book if we’re not going to follow their whole story in the same manner.

My biggest gripe, though, was that I was not immersed in the shoes of these characters. We have Jude, who is presented as being so brilliant, but I don’t understand why they felt this way. I guess it was the mystery surrounding him. Every bad thing that could happen to a person happens to Jude, which typically would make me feel despair, evoke emotions, or frustrate me to the point of anger with the book. In this case, I felt neither of those because I was never immersed in the story. Sure, I can admit that what he went through was disgusting, terrible, and just plain awful, and I did feel uncomfortable reading those scenes—if you don’t, there’s probably something wrong with you—but I never felt like I was truly put into the shoes of these characters, even if this book does a great job at depicting the dynamics between people.

Regarding the atmosphere, the vibe and tone are very pretentious. I think if you are a fan of ‘The Secret History’ or maybe ‘The Goldfinch’, then you’ll like the tone of ‘A Little Life’. But let’s talk about where and when the book is actually set. This book feels very New York City; it gets that vibe across perfectly. Now, on the back of the book, it says this is a 21st-century story. I don’t know when in the 21st century this book takes place. It feels rather timeless, as it does mention emails and phones, but we don’t have any pop culture references. Since this is in New York City, we never get, for instance, a 9/11 reference, so I’m not sure when this is entirely taking place, and that’s something we’re going to discuss a little more when we get into the writing. I don’t understand emphasizing the 21st-century setting in the synopsis if the book isn’t going to utilize that aspect.

As I mentioned earlier, the writing did lack clarity for me, particularly in terms of when the story is taking place. Mainly, as we moved from chapter to chapter, it would take me a moment to adjust and figure out whose POV we were reading from and why that particular story was being told in the format it was. However, when you step back and look at some of the passages in this book, it is beautifully written. I wouldn’t classify it as lyrical prose or anything like that; it’s more descriptive. I compared this to the works of Donna Tartt, as it has a very similar writing style—very beautiful writing—but it did get confusing at times.

The plot was good. This is definitely a character-driven story, but I loved the themes of relationships and how they shape us as individuals. This book really made me realize that we are the way we are because of the people around us. Our relationships with those people—not just romantic relationships, but also platonic and familial relationships—shape us into the humans we become. It’s honestly mind-blowing to think about. This book did such a great job at portraying all the different kinds of relationships we experience in our lives and how a friendship can spawn many other kinds of bonds with various people.

The book shows what it’s like for someone who has been through abuse and trauma to love someone else, and what it’s like to love someone who has endured such awful experiences. There has been a lot of discourse about this book in recent years. When I first got into reading as an adult, this book was very popular back in the 2010s, but in the 2020s, the tides have somewhat started to turn. There has been discussion about how it represents the LGBT community; some instances, especially in the last quarter of the book, made me feel uncomfortable regarding that depiction. However, as I am not part of the community, I can’t say for certain how well it was represented.

There’s also disability representation, and we have several characters who are people of color. Our main character’s race or ethnicity is never stated, which adds to the mystery surrounding him. There’s been discourse about how abuse is portrayed in this book. Allegedly, the author did not research sexual trauma and just went with the flow of things, which to me seems quite surprising—writing something without doing any research on it. But again, this is all just hearsay I’ve seen online.

I wanted to note these claims about representation and the depiction of abuse because they could influence someone’s decision to read this book. I don’t think this is a bad book, but I also didn’t love it, nor did I hate it. I didn’t feel a strong emotional connection to it. This is one of the highest-rated literary fiction books on my TBR according to Goodreads and has been nominated for numerous awards. Therefore, if you do want to pick it up, maybe consider borrowing it from your library first before purchasing a copy.

2.75 out of 5 stars.

‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’ Review

“Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt is a heartwarming novel about unlikely connections and healing from loss. It follows Tova Sullivan, a lonely widow who works the night shift at an aquarium in a small Washington town, where she befriends Marcellus, a remarkably intelligent giant Pacific octopus. Still grieving her son’s mysterious disappearance decades earlier, Tova finds her life unexpectedly intertwined with Cameron, a young man searching for his identity. Narrated in part by the witty and observant Marcellus, the story explores themes of grief, friendship, and the surprising ways lives can intersect and transform.”

I would definitely say the characters are the best part of *Remarkably Bright Creatures*. I loved Marcellus as soon as we were introduced to him, and I honestly wished we had more of him as a character. All these characters feel extremely real; they could be you or people in your life. They are living real lives without the spectacular instances you usually see in books, but it also shows how remarkably beautiful our lives are because of some very simple things and highlights the importance of the relationships we have. If you’re a fan of the found family trope, oh my gosh, you need to pick up this book because it is the perfect example of that trope. My only issue with the characters was with Cameron; honestly, I think he should’ve been aged down a little. He was very immature for being in his 30s, and some of his plotlines seemed pointless. I didn’t really like how his character arc was handled, but we do have to remember this is a debut book from the author.

I really liked the setting of *Remarkably Bright Creatures*. The town of Sowell Bay is painted so well; it’s another trope for those who are fans of small towns, and I do think you will enjoy this setting. Again, we’re seeing just normal people in normal settings like an aquarium, a grocery store, and a paddle shop. There was one weird instance, though—I could be wrong on this—but early in the book, with Cameron’s plotline, I was pretty sure it mentioned that we were in Merced, California, and later it’s constantly referred to as Modesto. I was picturing the Bay Area, but no, we’re in Central California. Again, maybe this is just something I missed or it could be a typo.

The writing was good; there weren’t any real standout moments for me, but I do think the story was conveyed well. Again, I really loved Marcellus’s chapters and just how clever they were. The only time I really struggled was with Tova’s chapters. I don’t know if it was just my headspace at the time, but during her chapters, my mind would wander off a lot. Everything wrapped up nicely at the end.However, I have no complaints about the writing whatsoever. It was good.

Now, this is not a plot-heavy book, as I stated in the first paragraph of the review. This is a character-driven story, but don’t go in thinking it’s going to be boring or that not much is happening. While not a lot is happening, I love focusing on the relationships between these characters and how you can be of different ages—you could be 30 or you could be 70—but still have the same struggles in life. Life, with all its emotions and experiences, isn’t one linear thing; it’s different for everybody. At the end of the day, we are all human—or maybe one of us in this book is an octopus!

It was such a beautiful story of finding yourself, and that can happen at any age. Don’t think that just because you’re in your 20s and you haven’t found yourself yet that you’re a failure; you have your whole life to do so. Don’t beat yourself up. This is a story for misfits, animals and humans alike, about how you might feel like you don’t fit, but one day you are going to find that group of people you just click with.

Another thing I loved was how animals can bring people together, even if they don’t necessarily mean to, just by being themselves. Maybe we need to be more like that as humans. Now, let’s talk a little bit about the intrigue. I did predict a lot of what would happen in this book, but I’m not upset about it because the author sprinkled in little instances early on in the story—Easter eggs—that didn’t really click into place until later, when I thought, “Oh my gosh, how did I miss that? I should have known this plot was going to unfold the way it did!”

Even if I did predict it, the Easter egg work was fantastic. I do wish I had felt a little more emotional pull towards the story and its characters. Again, this could just be a me problem; the week I read this book was one of the craziest weeks of my life, filled with so many outside emotions, and maybe I wasn’t fully engaging with my reading.

However, I really enjoyed this book, and it’s probably the one I found closest to the works of one of my favorite authors, Fredrik Backman. So definitely, if you like his books, give this one a go. I think it will be a great summer read. Also, the paperback came out recently. This was the highest rated contemporary fiction book on my TBR according to Goodreads. I loved this book and would recommend that you pick it up!

4 out of 5 stars

‘Goodlife, Mississippi’ Book Review

”Goodlife, Mississippi by Eileen Saint Lauren chronicles the formative years (1950–1962) of Mary “Myra” Boone, a young girl of uncertain biracial heritage growing up in the fictional town of Goodlife, Mississippi. Born to a deaf moonshiner father and a mother who chose love over social standing, Myra navigates a life marked by poverty yet enriched with dreams, love, faith, and a cast of eccentric characters. Her deep-seated aspiration to meet Ray Charles Robinson serves as a guiding light through her adversities. The novel intertwines elements of magical realism and the supernatural, painting a vivid portrait of a young woman’s resilience and her journey toward self-discovery amid the complexities of Southern society in the 1950s and ’60s.”

I really loved the character of Myra Boone. She’s a young, innocent, naïve girl growing up in the South during the Jim Crow era. Her innocence is striking as she witnesses all these awful things happening, not fully understanding why they occur or why her family might be targeted. It’s incredibly impactful to see the world through the eyes of a child, as their minds are so simple and pure. I honestly believe children can change the world.

The atmosphere could have played a much bigger part in the story. I don’t think it was bad, but I don’t believe the author utilized it enough. As I mentioned, this story takes place in the South, and by the title, you can tell it’s set in Mississippi. It really reminds me of The Little Friend by Donna Tartt, with its Southern culture. While you can definitely see it, it’s not as strong as in other works. One thing I loved about this book was the dialogue, as it reminded me so much of the people around me.

Again, the writing didn’t amaze me in any way, but it wasn’t bad either. I did mention that the dialogue was really good, and I stand by that. Additionally, this had a fever dream quality; at times, I found myself thinking, “Whoa.” There were some crazy sequences that got a bit confusing, but not enough to hinder my reading experience.

This was definitely more of a character-driven story, showcasing the world at this time through the eyes of a child. Another significant theme I found was imagination, particularly the importance of parents encouraging imagination in children. While I think this is very important, imagination might also lead to negative outcomes; if you get too lost in your head, you might forget or neglect some things in your real life, even if done unintentionally.

I did find myself slightly bored at times. This is a very quiet book, and it didn’t do a whole lot for me. It would have worked better as a novella but it was a very quick read.If any of this intrigues you, I would recommend picking this book up from your library or downloading it as an e-book or audiobook. If you enjoy it, consider getting a physical copy.

2.75 out of 5.

‘Before We Were Yours’ Book Review

“Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate is a historical fiction novel inspired by true events, specifically the Tennessee Children’s Home Society scandal. The story follows two timelines:

In 1939, twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her siblings live a happy but impoverished life on a houseboat in the Mississippi River. Their world is shattered when they are kidnapped by the Tennessee Children’s Home Society and forced into an orphanage, where they suffer abuse and separation as they are illegally adopted by wealthy families.

In the present day, Avery Stafford, a successful attorney from a prominent political family, uncovers a hidden connection between her grandmother and the dark history of the orphanage. As she digs deeper, she unravels long-buried family secrets.”

It is really a toss-up with these characters, and they were not the main point of the story, which falls back on the plot. Avery, in particular, started to become insufferable for me. She often put her nose where it didn’t necessarily need to be. Sure, it was because of her love and loyalty to her family, but at the same time, you would think that if family is so important to her, she would share her quest with them. I’m honestly shocked that this character is in her 30s and not 10 years younger, like in her early 20s.

And, of course, as I predicted in my vlog, this book featured one of my least favorite tropes: can a female character never start the book in a happy relationship? Why are they always unsure about their relationships? This is something I have disliked about recent fiction, where there’s always a partner who isn’t what they seem to be.

Now, let’s go to our second cast of characters, set in Memphis in 1939. I didn’t feel a true connection to the Foss family, but I could definitely empathize with those children. That is the plotline that elicited the most emotion from me. You might have to suspend your disbelief with some of their antics, but I do think their story will be quite memorable.

The atmosphere was really good; it’s gritty and encompasses everything you would expect from a story set in the Great Depression era. This is also a very Southern story, with a lot of Southern culture woven throughout the book. I’m not necessarily going to say it’s something you can really view as a southerner, because this is a well-to-do, politically influential kind of family. Nevertheless, it presents your stereotypical rich Southern atmosphere.

I even got some vibes reminiscent of the movie Cruella and could easily see some of that cast of actors fitting into this story if it were adapted into a movie. Another piece of media this book reminded me of was some of the works of Pat Conroy. If you are intimidated by his 500 page books, Lisa Wingate would be a good place to start. She was even a winner of one of his awards before!

The writing is very reminiscent of Kristin Hannah,if you are a fan of her books, you should check out Lisa Wingate. The only part of the writing that I had an issue with was the transitions, especially between dream sequences and real life or when moving from the past to the present. I believe the dreams or past events should have been in an italicized font rather than in the same font as the normal prose of the story.

The plot will definitely be what stands out to me the longest. This story is almost reminiscent of Mark Twain or just a classic American tale. It’s so eye-opening regarding the past and how the elite of America have operated behind the scenes. It’s heartbreaking to know what happened to these children and families in the Memphis, Tennessee area.

I want to talk about several prominent themes that you will see on the pages: family and sisterhood, which resonated with me emotionally due to their relatability. Another theme I’ve been encountering lately is, like the song says, “make your own kind of music, even if nobody else sings along.” It emphasizes that you have to live your own life; you can’t live the life others want you to live. Having a hidden identity and keeping secrets is not a way to live, and that must say something about the world we’re living in and the society we inhabit if it keeps coming up in the books I’m reading. Perhaps it’s just a theme I’m drawn to.

One last thing about the plot: I love how Lisa Wingate can take these historical stories and connect them to modern times, because that’s what history is—it’s connected to us and always will be.

The intrigue was definitely the best part of the story. I was making theories all throughout, and even at one point early in the story, I came up with the right theory. However, it felt a bit out there in my head, so I kept coming up with other theories as I read. If you like mysteries, you might enjoy this one because you’re trying to uncover how these two timelines are connected and who these people really are.

As I mentioned before, with the logic of the book, you are going to have to suspend your disbelief just a little bit, as it’s crazy to think that children were able to do some of these things, even if it was 90 years ago. Overall, I thought this was a good book. It’s not my favorite, and definitely not my favorite by Lisa Wingate, but she’s an author I will keep coming back to. She tells good, unique stories that highlight instances of history that seem to have been forgotten by the masses. I would recommend giving this book a go.

3.5 out of 5 stars.