👶👶👶👶: Upward Bound, by Woody Brown

I don't even know where to begin with this insightful novel. It was so unexpected and really tugged at my heartstrings. I am so grateful that @penguinrandomhouse reached out with an early review copy; I honestly might have missed out on the profound depth of this story otherwise. I went into it relatively blind - just skimmed the first couple of sentences of the blurb and thought it looked intriguing. Little did I know that I would be swept away by the author’s authenticity. It wasn't until the end that I read "about the author" and was blown away!

I instantly fell in love with Walter and was hoping the whole book would be told from his perspective. But as the story unfolded, I actually enjoyed getting to know the other characters intimately as well, which added a wonderful dimension to the narrative.

This book is an absolute must-read! As someone who thought they had a solid understanding of the autistic community, I now find myself with a fresh perspective on non-verbal autistic adults and children. It was a truly eye-opening revelation for me!

Read 4/17/26

👶👶👶👶: Looking for Smoke, by K.A. Cobell

I get so excited for new authors when they hit it out of the park with their debut novels! Pop off K.A. Cobell! This story was powerful and truly demanded my attention from the first page. Although it is considered a YA novel, it is smartly written and incredibly informative. As an OwnVoices author, Ms. Cobell has written a murder mystery with heart and substance. I learned so much about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement, which advocates for the end of violence against Native women. The data shared in this novel is staggering: 𝙁𝙊𝙐𝙍 𝙄𝙉 𝙁𝙄𝙑𝙀 Native women have experienced violence, and their murder rate is 𝙏𝙀𝙉 𝙏𝙄𝙈𝙀𝙎 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉𝘼𝙇 𝘼𝙑𝙀𝙍𝘼𝙂𝙀!!! Can we just take a moment to digest that? That is absolutely horrifying and unacceptable. Thankfully, more light is being shed on this tragedy: President Biden selected May 5th as Missing Murdered & Indigenous People day, and more and more people are recognizing the seriousness of these crimes happening right here in our backyard. We can not just stand by and allow this to happen to these women, and must spread awareness in any way we can.

Many thanks to partners, Harper Collins and NetGalley for this gifted review copy. What an important read!

Read 6/16/24

👶👶👶: Fresh Water for Flowers, by Valérie Perrin

I thought this book had such a lovely spring-like cover, so I figured it was the perfect weekend to share! This was our book club pick for February, and most of us enjoyed the storyline; I particularly enjoyed the lyrical nature of Valérie Perrin's writing. Even as a translation, it flowed very well. With a unique storyline, it reads like a meditation on the human spirit. Some of Violette's decisions frustrated me, but I love how the story came together beautifully toward the end. I appreciated the big reveal, and even though I saw it coming, it was still well done.

    I wish I could share more about the novel, other than the fact that it had some quirky and wonderful characters, but it would give too much away. However, you can get a general idea if you swipe left for the Goodreads synopsis⬅️...

Read 2/17/23

👶👶👶👶: Hayley Aldridge Is Still Here, by Elisa R. Sloan

Thank you, partner @bibliolifestyle @williammorrowbooks for this really entertaining novel!

Talk about an unputdownable book!!! @elissareads has written an absolutely gripping, heartbreaking, and straight-out-of-Hollywood-headlines book, and I was here for it!

I'm not one to follow Hollywood gossip, but it was hard to escape the constant barrage of #freebritney headlines that dominated both news and gossip columns for so long! I was impressed to see that Ms. Sloan took it upon herself to write an engaging story that really imparted empathy and understanding for child stars.

I really couldn't get enough of the story, and was able to read it in just a day and a half. At the same time, it was completely heartbreaking, as it makes me sick what some of these famous youngsters go through. They never have a true childhood as there is always the pressure to perform - to be everything to everyone, and that is too much for an adult, never mind a child. The drugs and alcohol that they turn to, along with the resulting gratuitous sex is incredibly upsetting to me as a mom. Whether it's mental illness exacerbated by substance abuse, or substance abuse used to ease mental illness, it's all just so devastating to me.

Well, let me get off my soap box and tell you that this was very engaging story and if you follow Hollywood gossip, you'll definitely enjoy this one! But beware of the TWs: rape, suicide, alcohol and drug abuse⚠️

Read 2/28/23

👶👶👶: The Fortunate Ones, by Ed Tarkington

The Fortunate Ones deals with the concept that those within a certain socio-economic strata have rights and privileges that others do not - especially in the political world. And boy have we been privy to that in our nation in the past 6 years... it's terrifying what certain individuals have gotten away with.

In the case of Charlie Boykin, he sees first-hand the influence that power and money have. Having literally seen both sides of the same coin, he has some difficult choices to make when his friend enters politics.

It was a fascinating story with moral dilemmas that really make the reader consider the magnitude of privilege in our country.

Read 7/25/22

👶👶👶👶: An Unlasting Home, by Mai Al-Nakib

What an incredibly powerful and thought-provoking novel. In Mai Al-Nakib's first full-length novel, she hits a home run with an insightful story that underscores the difficulty many women have in countries that don't recognize female autonomy. I fell in love with these resilient women as they trekked through a life that was often dictated by societal and familial pressures and expectations. These were tenacious women who understood the need for compromise as they dealt with adversity in their ever-changing circumstances.

I was moved deeply by the theme of an unsettled life, one wrought with uncertainty, and often a sense of displacement. The multi-generational storyline was compelling and really provided a mighty web through which the women were connected.

It takes some time to recognize the significance of this novel. Initially, it seems somewhat disjointed, but with the help of the family tree in the beginning of the novel, Al-Nakib weaves together a beautiful saga, well worth the initial effort.

Many thanks to partner, @bibliolifestyle @marinerbooks for including me on this tour. It was an absolute privilege to read this poignant work.

Read 4/23/22

👶👶👶👶👶: Honor, by Thrity Umrigar

Thrity Umrigar captures my heart every time. This story broke me, healed me, and then inspired me. Umrigar inspires hope where once there was despair, sows gratitude where once there was disheartenment. She is an absolute positive force in this world.

This novel tells the story of two women drawn together by hopeless circumstances, bound together by courage and determination. From the outset, I was invested. Meena and Abdul gripped my heart, and I was completely immersed in their story. It was horrifying and unimaginable, but it was also honest and authentic.

If you have never read a novel by Thrity Umrigar, here is your chance at a becoming entranced by her words and riveted by her message.

Many thanks to Algonquin Books and NetGalley for gifting me with this e-reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Read 1/26/22

👶👶👶👶: Infinite Country, by Patricia Engel

So, every once in a while, in between commitments to Publishers, Book Tour companies, or even book clubs, I get a chance to just read a book that I've chosen solely for myself. Of course, these novels end up being put on the backburner as far as reviews🙈! Sooo... this one technically should've been a throwback since I read it in the summer of 2021, but we won't focus on that🤫.

🇵🇹🇺🇲Of course, as a first generation American, immigrant stories are always near and dear to my heart, so I was really excited to pick this one up.

This novel really hits the mark with eliciting the feeling of the immigrant experience. I felt a connection to these characters immediately. The author so eloquently touches on the fact that immigrants never quite feel at home whether here or abroad. When they come to the US, their heart is still in their homeland. And once they grow roots in the US, they are bound to children and grandchildren here, so when they go back "home" they feel like a piece of their heart is still missing. It is something I witness time and again with my parents and my heart breaks for them each time.

Although Mauro and Elena came over legally, they ultimately exist in a morally grey sphere once they transition to illegal status, having to make choices one would not normally have to make otherwise. So, there is that organic tension throughout the novel. I would have liked to see some of these minor storylines further fleshed out, but unfortunately, many of them seemed rather abbreviated.

However, Infinite Country was a solid read for me. It brings to light the innumerable harsh realities that SO MANY people in the US deal with. And it calls to mind the importance of respecting ALL people, regardless of their immigration status, or any other label affixed to them. We are, after all, human beings first.

Read 7/8/21

👶👶👶👶👶: Wish You Were Here, by Jodi Picoult

📚𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑩𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘!📚

💯Jodi Picoult has done it again. As one of my three favorite authors, she just never seems to disappoint. Her research is always impeccable and her characters are always so incredibly authentic.

❤Picoult has crafted a novel that is riveting, especially because it is so relevant to humanity as a whole right now. It deals with the Covid-19 epidemic as it first began and takes us on the painful journey through the eyes of Diana, a woman who feels like her life is on a perfect trajectory, and her boyfriend, Finn, who works on the front lines in a hospital. The transition from epidemic to pandemic was so much more visceral for me, reading about it in hindsight. And there were innumerable instances that made me cringe in recollection of the way events unfurled, specifically in New York. I teared up on several occasions, remembering what little we knew about this virus that would eventually upend our lives.

⚠️It may be too soon for some readers as it really hit home for me, despite, blessedly, not being personally affected so far. But make no mistake, Ms. Picoult is the one person who can handle this topic delicately and with tremendous grace through her genuine characters. It reminds readers of the importance of what we've learned thus far through the pandemic, specifically what matters most in life.

😭So, if you're ready to rehash Covid lock down, and are looking for a book that will elicit strong emotion, this is your ticket. And Picoult fans, I'm certain you won't be disappointed. This one cuts deep.

🙏Many thanks to Random House Publishing - Ballantine and NetGalley for gifting me with this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

Read 11/30/21

👶👶👶: No Names to Be Given, by Julia Brewer Daily

This novel follows 3 women, each harboring a life-altering secret. Unwed and pregnant in 1965, they were forced to give up their newborns for adoption, and never look back. As is often the case, their past catches up with them in a serendipitous turn of events.

I liked that this story gives an accurate description of what so many women endured during this time period. If children were conceived out of wedlock (regardless of whether it was consensual or not), and the mothers were not immediately wed to the father, they would be sent to a home in secrecy to give birth and give up their children. I appreciated the author's imagination and character development and really wanted to know the outcome of the women's lives. I was also impressed that this was a debut novel.

I struggled with parts of the storyline that were a bit unrealistic. There were just too many coincidences, and it was somewhat difficult to maintain my suspension of disbelief throughout, but overall, it kept my interest.

Many thanks to @tlcbooktours2 for gifting me with this copy in exchange for an honest review!

👶👶👶👶: The People We Keep, by Allison Larkin

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗲 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽, by Allison Larkin was such a surprise to me. I'm generally not a huge fan of this type of fiction, but somehow, this raw, heartrending narrative grabbed me and just wouldn't let go. April was such a wounded, beautiful little bird and I couldn't help but root for her from the get-go. Of course, that didn't keep me from getting incredibly irritated with her decisions along the way.

Ms. Larkin has done a tremendous job of creating a protagonist that was both strong and incredibly unsteady - a product of her unfortunate upbringing. Larkin leads her readers on a roller coaster of emotions, creating endearing characters that stay with you long after the final page is turned.

So, if you're looking for a novel that is as compelling as it is disheartening, charming as it is frustrating - this is the one for you. It will leave with a feeling of gratitude for your loved ones, along with a desire to run and hug your most treasured family and friends.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for gifting me with this advanced reader's copy!!!

Read 8/3/2021

👶👶👶: The Jetsetters, by Amanda Eyre Ward

This was so far from what I expected! I've really GOT to start reading the author's description before I dive in. I expected a fun, light summer read, and instead it was a somewhat tense, emotionally charged read.

🌷I enjoyed the premise, a 70-year-old lady "wins" an all-expense paid flight and cruise for her and her 3 adult children. However, the angst and bitterness that comes with familial bonds doesn't just "sail away" when they are together, and a bit of chaos ensues...

♥️Overall, it was an enjoyable and heartfelt read, but not what I'd consider a "beach read" which is what I had gone in expecting!

Read 6/16/2020

👶👶👶👶: The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones, by Daven McQueen

Well it took me long enough to pick up this gem! It came highly recommended by a Bookstagram friend and was so kindly gifted to me by another Booksta buddy!

And what a wonderful novel it was. I absolutely fell in love with the sweet friendship formed when Juniper Jones sees beyond the color line of mid-1950s Alabama, and decides to take Ethan, a biracial young man, under her wing.

A true friendship forms against all odds as they share countless adventures together in the summer of 1955. With endearing characters in the spirit of love and acceptance, this one will be sure to capture your heart.

Read 6/15/21

👶👶👶👶: Monster, by Walter Dean Myers

WOW. WOW. WOW. That is how I feel after having read and then watched Monster, by Walter Dean Myers. I am so psyched that I was given the opportunity to pre-screen this new @netflixfilm . A MILLION thanks to @booksparks for this amazing opportunity!

📖First off, the book, albeit super short, was absolutely profound. It hit my Mama heart hard. It's an easy read (I finished it in a couple of hours), but it will absolutely make you think about how life can change in the blink of an eye, especially for our youngsters😢.

🎬The Netflix adaptation was absolutely EXQUISITE! It was actually co-produced by John Legend, which immediately caught my attention. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time - honestly, just as nervous as can be. Kelvin Harrison, Jr. absolutely killed it in his role as 16-year-old Steve Harmon, a young man that is in the midst of this life-altering situation. And Jennifer Hudson who played his mother, was so incredibly formidable. I felt her emotion right alongside her. Jeffrey Wright, who played his father, was also incredible 👏!

Read 5/5/21

👶👶👶👶: Valentine, by Elizabeth Wetmore

Wow, this novel... it hit me right in the gut. It is shocking to me when racist attitudes are so pervasive that it alters lives in irrevocable ways. Such is the situation in the formidable novel by Elizabeth Wetmore. 

Set in the mid-70's in a sleepy town in Texas, Valentine takes readers on a journey through the devastating effects of violence against immigrants and their families. Sadly, very few in this town feel anything but hatred toward those they consider outsiders, despite the horrors that may befall them.

Gloria Ramírez is barely 14 when she endures a situation that leaves her barely alive. When her path crosses with Mary Rose Whitehead, the two will never be the same again. 

Ms. Wetmore does an amazing job of allowing the reader to feel the desolation of both the small town and each individual's situation. The characters she introduces are compelling and left me with a sense of familiarity with them and their stories. 

You should be aware that this novel has several triggers including violence, rape, and racism.

Read 12/18/20 

👶👶👶The Beekeeper of Aleppo, by Christy Lefteri

What a timely novel. Having heard so much for so long about the plight of Syrian refugees, I was duly impressed at how Christy Lefteri brought these horrors to life for her readers. Nuri's heart and determination propelled this story along as he resolutely moved toward his goal of meeting up with his cousin, Mustafa, as he escaped the tragic circumstances of Aleppo. Christy Lefteri succeeds at making her characters' fear palpable, their nightmare (both literal and figurative) vivid. The information about beekeeping was also interesting and I appreciated the the metaphorical aspect of bees.

The difficulty this novel poses is the poor transition between Nuri's reality and PTSD lapses. Though it is likely that the author intended this disorienting method in order to more effectively communicate what someone in this situation may actually experience, it is difficult for readers to determine his actual ordeal vs. his delusions. Because this comprises a significant portion of the novel, it made it a bit of a cumbersome read.

All in all, it was an informative, heart-breaking, and haunting novel that kept my attention throughout.


Read 1/13/20

👶👶👶👶 The Beauty of Your Face, by Sahar Mustafah - Release date: 4/7/2020

Sahar Mustafah has managed to write a novel that resonates deeply with readers.  Her characters are all at once complex and deeply flawed.  The Beauty of Your Face takes readers along on Principal Afaf Rahman's life journey in a series of flashbacks as she grapples with the reality that her Muslim school for girls is under attack by an active shooter.  The author paints a poignant picture of tragedy and heartache in a tribute to all Americans who are targeted for the color of their skin or the manner of their worship. Weaved into the story is the hardship and frustration that immigrant parents face upon arrival into the United States. It is a story with a resounding nod to religious freedom and acceptance of all human beings regardless of their beliefs. I personally learned a lot about the Islamic religion, and their traditions, and have a deeper appreciation for their plight.  This novel also shed light on the difficulty faced during the aftermath of 9/11 because of the blithe disregard for the rights of Americans who were determined to be "terrorists" by ignorant individuals.

I struggled with the story of Nada's disappearance, and though I appreciated why Mustafah included her story, I would've preferred it to be further fleshed out. There just wasn't enough substance throughout the story to predicate her actions both in the beginning of the novel, and toward the end.

Despite that one small grievance, I highly recommend this gripping novel which will be released on April 7th.  The author certainly has an easy way with words and her persuasive writing highlights the delicate human spirit and all its nuances.

Many thanks to W. W. Norton and Company and NetGalley for gifting me with this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.: 

Read 3/22/20

👶👶👶👶 The Map of Salt and Stars, by Zeyn Joukhadar

It was so gratifying to finally read a novel that sheds light on the hardship of Syrian refugees. The author shares the trek of two young girls, one who begins her journey in modern-day Syria, and the second who begins her journey as a young apprentice to the ancient map-maker, Abdullah Muhammad al-Idrisi. With a deft intertwining of story lines, Zeyn Joukhadar takes readers on an odyssey that is visually stunning, historically illuminating, and immediately eye-opening. The novel is such an important read, especially considering the current-day situation we only hear about on the news. It gave clear insight into the disheartening realities that refugees face on a daily basis as they attempt to find a better life for themselves and their families. Joukhadar did a phenomenal job in humanizing people who are simply trying to survive, and made my heart break as I realized the very immediate danger so many human beings face in this world. And yet, here we sit as pampered Americans, disparaging these unfortunate human beings, who are in such despair that all they long for is to feel safe once again.

My compliments to the author on a very impressive debut novel!

Read 8/2/19

👶👶👶👶👶 The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas

Wow. Stepping into Starr Carter's shoes was such an intense experience. Angie Thomas has written an incredibly important novel for young and old alike. The more we can walk in others' shoes, the more empathetic we can become, and the greater our understanding of the world around us. Thomas used raw prose to reveal a life very few middle to upper class people are aware of, or even care to recognize. This harsh existence is a reality for a large portion of the American population, and she succeeded remarkably, in showing the real struggle people face within the confines of institutionalized oppression.

The language was intense, and I must admit that I struggle with the younger population reading it for that reason. However, it also accurately reflects Starr's everyday interface. Because of the importance of the message, along with the responsibility we have to enlighten the next generation, I'm less reluctant to allow my children 16 and over to read it.

Ms. Thomas took this responsibility very seriously, and she certainly hit this debut out of the park. I commiserated with Starr's helplessness, Maverick's burden to care for his family while maintaining his commitment to his people, and Lisa's concern for her children. I felt the powerlessness that the drug lords inflict on those in the community, and the entire cycle just breaks my heart. Most importantly, this stellar author was able to show both points of view in the highly charged police brutality controversy. Although I felt greater empathy for Starr and Khalil, she did not ignore the point of view of the police officers in her story, and never showed disrespect for the profession.

Bravo, Ms. Thomas, for shedding light on the reality of the THUG LIFE in such an evocative manner.

Read 1/31/19

👶👶👶👶👶 An American Marriage, by Tayari Jones

Wow! This novel was absolutely riveting. I was taken aback by the harsh reality that so many black families face. To comprehend that this is within the realm of possibility for so many Black Americans, is an embarrassment to us as a nation, and as a people. The injustice in such scenarios is mind-boggling, the numbers staggering. Even the increased use of DNA in forensic science is not even coming close to eliminating this national emergency.

Enter Ms. Tayari Jones to illuminate the life-changing circumstances that can lead to doom for so many. The series of events in her gripping novel are heart-breaking, and left me feeling helpless with the knowledge that nothing could be done as the tragedy unfolded for Roy and Celestial. Jones was a master at presenting all sides of the story, allowing the reader to feel the pain that each person experienced. My empathy grew ten-fold for Black Americans' plight for social justice, because of the author's capable writing. Celestial and Roy became friends of mine, and I was able to understand both of their plights, both of their decisions, and both of their heartache. It was such a no-win situation for all involved.

Cheers to Ms. Jones, for sharing a novel so well-written, that it touched the hearts and minds of countless Americans.

Read 3/23/18