MixedLibrary JournalWhile this novel doesn’t quite deliver much suspense as might be expected, Crissy and Betsy are interesting enough to keep readers engaged.
Peggy Orenstein
PositiveLibrary JournalOrenstein recounts her adventures in learning new skills with the openness and keen observations of a wise friend. This is a delight to read and will be of interest not only to crafters but also to anyone who’s learned something new as an adult.
Melissa Bond
RaveLibrary JournalThis is an engaging testament to the powers of self-advocacy and resilience written with lyrical clarity and heart ... This cautionary tale will help many understand how prescription drug dependency can happen and the strength and courage required to overcome it. Highly recommended.
A J Verdelle
RaveLibrary Journal... vivid ... Verdelle’s stunningly precise and poetic language is a joy to savor. Morrison fans will delight in revisiting her works through Verdelle’s eyes and meeting the enigmatic writer in an intimate way.
Susan Cain
PositiveLibrary JournalCain utilizes an engaging blend of interviews, research, firsthand accounts, and biographical anecdotes to explore the many beneficial aspects of appreciating this mindset ... Timely in its focus, this latest work by Cain delivers an eloquent and compelling case supporting the transformative possibilities of embracing sorrow. Highly recommended.
Thomas Fisher
RaveLibrary JournalA captivating blend of memoir and social commentary describing his struggle to serve patients \'in a health care system that is deeply unjust and dangerous\' ... The book also deftly explains inequities in health care that have long been in existence but have especially come to light in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic ... Shedding light on the social justice implications on the health care system and an important snapshot of a grim moment in time, this account will appeal to a wide range of readers. Highly recommended.
Polly Barton
PositiveLibrary JournalBarton presents a candid blend of memoir and exploration of linguistics ... Throughout the memoir, Barton lays bare her difficulties and triumphs—both personal and professional—with unflinching honesty and self-deprecating humor ... The philosophical explorations of linguistics may be esoteric for some readers, but many can relate to Barton’s journey of finding her place in the world. Readers who are fascinated by the art of translation or stories about living between cultures will find much to unpack here.
Katharine Blake
PositiveLibrary JournalThis introspective book covers some disturbing and unsettling ground, yet appropriately so because of the subject matter. Readers looking to explore the ideas of mercy and forgiveness will be given plenty to think about ... Those experiencing their own forms of heartbreak won’t find advice, but instead may find some comfort and understanding in Blake’s elegant, sympathetic reflections.
Albert Samaha
PositiveLibrary JournalIn this broad view of immigration, Samaha’s narrative jumps in time and between family members; at times, it’s disorienting, but it serves well his greater storytelling purposes. The narrative shines when Samaha details the life of his grandmother, who stayed with various relatives at different points in time, redefining the meaning of home ... Samaha’s memoir of his family’s experience is a clear, moving, and powerful rumination on what it means to be an immigrant. Recommended for biography readers or for those wanting to read about the experiences of one immigrant family.
Dawn Turner
RaveLibrary Journal... absorbing ... With sensitivity, Turner examines all three of their lives in an attempt to understand how three girls starting in a similar place ended up on varying life paths. The author’s engaging writing will keep readers turning the pages ... Turner shares Debra’s and Kim’s stories with aplomb, celebrating the bright moments of their lives while honestly depicting their suffering. She has a stellar ability to present the personalities of her loved ones, especially the women in her life. This memoir is a compelling testament to the power of women’s relationships.
Megan Abbott
RaveLibrary JournalAbbott...has a top-notch ability to reveal the dark undercurrents of women\'s relationships and sexuality. Her taut, unsettling writing creates tension through the slightest actions and phrases, and keeps the pages turning. This is clever, chilling psychological suspense at its best.
Elly Griffiths
PositiveLibrary JournalGriffiths once again presents a well-plotted mystery, nicely blending historical elements with a contemporary take on the classic whodunit. There’s enough background about the web of characters, so newcomers to the series can catch up ... A strong addition to the series; recommended for readers who enjoy a mystery investigated by relatable characters.
Shawna Kay Rodenberg
PositiveLibrary JournalRodenberg writes with an evocative and unflinching style, despite sometimes jarring shifts in narrative. This is a richly nuanced portrait of people and place, along with the bounds of forgiveness. Good for biography readers eager to explore the complexities of family relationships, or readers interested in women\'s lives in Appalachia.
John Archibald
RaveLibrary JournalHis poignant reflections involve asking himself who he is, and who he would like to be. Archibald recognizes the inherent problems with judging another man in another time and also of his own moments of silence, but argues that studying the hypocrisy of the past is how change can occur today ... A powerful reflection on the influences of family and community and the ability to act justly in tumultuous times. Biography readers, especially those interested in reconciling the past, will be captivated by Archibald\'s honest, conversational style.
Danielle Geller
PositiveLibrary JournalGellar vividly recounts her experience coming to terms with her mother’s life ... Weaving stories from her childhood as well as from the present, Gellar describes in rich detail a family life filled with patterns of neglect, abuse, and mental illness mixed with moments of joy and humor. With instability as a constant in her life, it’s uplifting to see how Gellar manages to find her own voice and is able to share her story with clarity and heart ... An introspective reflection on the complexities of family relationships that will engage fans of memoirs.
Daniel Lieberman
PositiveLibrary JournalNo exercise instructions or plans are provided in this natural history of exercise, but Lieberman’s explanations and a disease reference may help convince some non-exercisers to start moving ... Lieberman writes in a clear, approachable style, even when explaining complex research and concepts. Recommended for collections where either exercise science or human evolution are popular subjects.
Jim McCloskey with Philip Lerman
PositiveLibrary JournalThough generally broaching serious subjects, the writers are able to bring levity at appropriate moments, reflecting McCloskey\'s overall philosophy of hope ... McCloskey and Lerman\'s natural storytelling style make this an enjoyable read even when addressing tough subjects. This will be essential for collections focused on social justice, the wrongly convicted, and spiritual transformation.
Jason B Rosenthal
PositiveLibrary JournalRosenthal’s grief journey is expressed with candor, humor, and gratitude. Fans of Amy Krouse Rosenthal will want to know about the next phase of Jason’s life. Also recommended for readers either experiencing grief or wanting to understand how to support someone experiencing loss.
Jennifer Finney Boylan
RaveLibrary JournalBoylan’s experiences are expressed with a captivating blend of deep reflection and wry humor, delving into her discomfort in her skin as a young boy, struggles in relationships, the death of her father, her transition to womanhood, and her child’s own transition. The dogs are wonderfully portrayed with all of their quirks. Boylan makes astute observations about the way that dogs reflect back their owner’s struggles, sometimes in unexpected ways ... Boylan’s candor and distinctive writing style will appeal to readers of reflective memoirs. A solid choice for libraries looking to expand their LGBTQ biography collections.
Bess Kalb
RaveLibrary JournalKalb deftly captures her grandmother’s fierce, loving, and particular personality with the aid of saved voicemails, family photos, and stories of the strong-minded women in their family ... Especially charming is Bobby’s advice, often unsolicited and always honest, about Kalb’s well-being. As Bobby’s death inevitably arrives, Kalb’s grief is gracefully expressed through imagined conversations and observations ... Striking a perfect balance between levity and poignancy, this is a standout debut. Readers looking for memoirs featuring strong family relationships with much love and laughter will be highly satisfied.
Dolly Alderton
PositiveLibrary JournalRather than get into the sordid details, Alderton’s portrayal of this time is assuredly self-aware and reflective. She deftly balances more humorous anecdotes with an exploration of difficult experiences, including her struggle with disordered eating and the death of her best friend’s sister ... This relatable reflection on love and the importance of friendship is an international best seller, so expect demand from readers interested in modern life as well as intimate, confessional memoirs.
Catherine Steadman
PositiveLibrary JournalSteadman strikes an engaging balance between character development and action in this satisfying, intricately plotted thriller that will appeal to fans of Sarah Pinborough and Ruth Ware.
Elizabeth Little
PositiveLibrary JournalLittle once again delivers a dark, witty thriller. Movie fans will be delighted with the behind-the-scenes setting and the numerous cinematic references. While there are some twists, this character-driven whodunit is mainly propelled by Marissa, an intelligent, charming protagonist whose neurodiversity is well portrayed. Recommended for mystery fans drawn to amateur sleuths and quirky, realistic protagonists.
J. P. Smith
MixedLibrary JournalIn this psychological exploration of one woman’s descent into loneliness and obsession, Smith’s detailed and nuanced prose, along with a stifling portrayal of small-town life, are assets. Yet the pace is a bit too leisurely to create tension, and the action doesn’t pick up until the last few chapters ... For readers seeking an unsympathetic portrayal of \'the other woman,\' but with the ample offerings of domestic thrillers available, this is an optional purchase.
Mitch Albom
PositiveLibrary JournalAlbom’s memoir is a lens into his grief but also a celebration of Chika’s spirit and lessons gleaned from their time together as a family. The heartbreaking but uplifting story is a testament to the bravery and resilience of children and the power of love. Essential.
Dina Nayeri
RaveLibrary JournalThe author\'s background as a fiction writer informs this readable and relatable presentation of difficult topics, but don\'t expect any sugarcoating—Nayeri is unflinching when it comes to the realities of refugee life. The larger notion of the refugee story is considered, and Nayeri deftly explores the balance between truth and storytelling when it comes to the expectations of both the telling and the hearing of these accounts. She helps us see beyond a person\'s citizenship status to recognize their humanity, most affectingly questioning whether it\'s necessary to remove a person\'s dignity in order to help them ... A much-needed exploration of the refugee experience; Nayeri\'s writing will be welcomed by a wide audience.
Caz Frear
PositiveLibrary JournalFrear once again excels at creating memorable characters and realistic dialog. Cat’s snarky attitude and youthful brashness are nicely balanced with her passion for justice and investigative skills ... Highly recommended for fans of police procedurals with compelling detectives.
