About Book Marks
Recent Reviews
Marianne Cronin
Rave Bookreporter In her debut novel, Marianne Cronin gives us the enthralling world of two fierce women facing the end of their lives at the Glasgow Princess Royal Hospital ... The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot will burrow into your heart and then shred it to pieces. In the face of death, Lenni and Margot find so much life, which inspires hope in even the grumpiest of Grinches. For lovers of cross-generational friendships, readers of The Big Finish, or those who are determined to face death with open eyes, this book is perfect for you.
Kristan Higgins
Rave Bookreporter ... delicate and heart-wrenching ... Grief is never easy. It\'s difficult to process, and even more difficult to write about. Higgins does a wonderful job telling such an emotionally wrought story. Following Joshua on his successes and failures, both big and small, is an unforgettable ride, and the friends he makes along the way are quite entertaining ... you will adore how Higgins has crafted one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read. It will make you cry but also leave you breathless and aching for a love like Joshua and Lauren’s.
Catherine Hernandez
Rave Bookreporter The development of Kay from a shy and awkward child to a proud drag queen was invigorating ... Hernandez does a masterful job of depicting the varied responses to these injustices. My favorite details in Crosshairs were the people of color who salvaged the tiniest bit of power and rights, and the price they paid ... War is messy, a concept that Hernandez captures in nuanced but touching ways ... I appreciated how allies had to constantly unlearn their white supremacist mindset ... While I loved how Hernandez depicted the buildup and nuances of the Renovation, I thought the ending was too abrupt and idealistic. It left me slightly unsatisfied, and I wish she had elaborated more ... Still, Crosshairs is a compelling cautionary tale about minorities and discrimination. This chilling dystopia provides a snapshot of a potential future for our world, which makes the book all the more harrowing. I recommend it to those who enjoyed The Hate U Give, as well as to anyone who wants to learn more about racism, queerphobia and ableism.
Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Rave Bookreporter ... heartwarming and quirky ... At the very beginning, Kawaguchi throws all of these personalities at the reader in rapid succession, and it was difficult for me to keep track of who was who. Also, the names are very similar, which made it challenging to identify the characters until much later on in the story. However, I recognize that the book was adapted from a play, where it is easier to differentiate the players (thanks to the visual cues) ... The novel takes place in the same café over a continuous time period, so you really get to know the regulars and the staff. They have their own troubles and joys, and each relationship is unique and heartfelt. In the absence of a magical café in real life, Kawaguchi encourages readers to value the time they have with their loved ones ... Although a bit slow at times, the story is gold and brought me to tears multiple times ... I appreciated how short and sweet both the novel and the time-travel trips were. Before the Cofee Gets Cold is perfect for anyone who wants to feel connected right now.
David Hopen
Positive Bookreporter I found myself drawn to Evan’s interactions with Ari. The headmaster tries pitting them against each other, as they both think on a higher philosophical plane. It was enthralling to hear their conversations about finding God, morality and the true self. Their discussion carried over to actions in the real world, which was fascinating ... As someone with little experience in Judaism, I struggled with certain references, but debut author David Hopen does a good job of explaining various concepts and stories. Though The Orchard is very much dark academia, it perfectly captures the essence of the high school experience. I highly recommend it to readers of The Secret History and those who are interested in the Jewish faith.
Iris Johansen
Rave Book Reporter CHAOS will grab your attention from the first page and not let you go. Even for those who typically don\'t gravitate towards suspense novels, the yummy romance and cheeky animals will surely satisfy you. I recommend this worthy book to anyone who needs a little more excitement during quarantine.
Benjamin Nugent
Positive Bookreporter Each story is told by a different member of the college town, and their voices are equally fascinating. In fact, one of the pieces seemed so fantastical that it read like an extensive, psychedelic, drug-induced hallucination ... a creative and fun collection ... Nugent could have written in this offhand manner to highlight how fraternities view sexual assault. That would have been a very meta interpretation, as both the details of the incident and the subsequent reaction of the brothers are jarring. If this was his intention, I wish he could have made it more clear for readers ... While Fraternity is not as cutting as I would have liked it to be Nugent has penned a solid narrative that will appeal to those who are interested in fraternity life.
Brooke Fossey
Rave Bookreporter I love how unique the plot and setting are. Rarely does an author focus on the elderly and make it fraught with hope and adventure ... human and real. The limits of these protagonists are not overstretched --- they definitely do not have the physical capabilities of youth. Brooke Fossey does an absolutely phenomenal job in depicting what it truly means to be old. It is clear that she did extensive research to capture the voice and heart of Duffy and his fellow residents, along with the small details, fears, regrets and activities of the elderly. Reading about death from Duffy’s perspective is so fascinating and eye-opening ... Another aspect of the book that I especially admired is the foreshadowing. Some secrets about the characters are hinted at, and Fossey has mastered the art of dramatic irony in a number of scenes. Situations arise that have a reasonable explanation, though at first glance onlookers may jump to conclusions. These funny scenes add a brevity that complement the positive tone throughout ... made me cry. Twice. This poignant story reinforces the reality that old people are still full of life and vigor, even if they are in an assisted living facility. They are human. They aren’t old dogs and can learn new tricks. Though they may not be strong in body, they are resolute in their beliefs and values ... Overall, this is a wonderful novel, sure to melt even the coldest of hearts. The Big Finish is just the beginning of Fossey’s writing career, and I sincerely cannot wait to see what new stories she has in store for us.
Celia Laskey
Positive Bookreporter Each chapter is an intimate look into the human soul ... I really appreciated the structure of Under the Rainbow. It is unique, but perfect for the novel’s setting ... Laskey magically weaves so many of life’s problems into the story ... While bouncing from townsperson to task force member can be confusing, Laskey does a good job of gently reminding readers of the relationships among the characters. Even though each chapter follows different story arcs, the full picture of Big Burr would be incomplete without each and every account that Laskey gives us ... I was hooked from the very first page ... One concern is the potential for a classic happily-ever-after ending: everyone learns the error of their ways and becomes welcoming of the LGBTQ population. However, it does not conclude with hand-holding around a campfire and singing \'Kumbaya.\' LGBTQ acceptance in America is still not a given, and Laskey is making a statement on the current state of our society. The struggle for acceptance is not trivialized here; instead, the novel grapples with the challenges that come with this journey. The story is quite down-to-earth and realistic. Every reader can relate to at least one character ... an accessible book to everyone, even if they do not identify as queer. Laskey has a true grasp on the human condition, and I am excited to read what she has in store for us in the future.
Megan Campisi
Positive Bookreporter I was on the edge of my seat, trying to understand what all the information meant. Finally, the puzzle pieces fell into place. I think the most satisfying mystery is when a reader can look back and understand how the clues contributed to the final picture, and Sin Eater accomplishes this ... Campisi completely captures the energy and vernacular of a young girl who notices the smallest details. It makes the story and May all the more lovable. Even the descriptions of the excessive food she must consume will make readers wrinkle their noses. In addition, her character development is extremely gratifying. Her growth into a woman of strength and confidence is truly inspiring ... Campisi does a wonderful job representing so many different people. From lepers to royal suitors to mafia bosses, this story has such a diversity of influential personalities ... While I am not a history buff, I was very much able to enjoy this book. Campisi does a great job of educating her audience in subtle and clever ways. Though sometimes she uses older language, she provides more than enough context for all to understand ... an original novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. However, a word to the wise: Do not read it while eating!