• book reviews, Book Reviews

Book Reviews

book reviews, Book ReviewsBeing a writer means being a reader, so why not share some book reviews? I have always enjoyed getting lost in fictional worlds and delight in beautiful and evocative language. It is this love of novels that has prodded me to write. As I began my writing journey, I remember asking myself, “Can I really do this?” Like all artists, I am inspired to emulate art I admire. And so I read—all the time. This is a page where you can keep track of what I’m reading for pleasure as well as for inspiration / research for my next novel. 

As I realized my dream of becoming a novelist, I began to appreciate even more how important it is to spread the word about great books. Writing book reviews helps me engage critically with the work I’m reading and join fellow readers worldwide in conversation. I will post book reviews here but make sure to follow me on Goodreads and BookBub to see my most recent reads! I am also a reviewer for the New York Journal of Books. You’ll find those (more extensive) commentaries below, but you can check them all out on my NYJB page.

If you’d like to learn more about how my reading is influencing my current writing process, or delve deeper into the inspirations behind my first two novels, Eden and The Nine, just click on Writing Inspiration to the right. I am also excited to share the works of fellow authors whose books I’ve been asked to blurb in the far right column.

Want to chat about a book I’ve reviewed? Have a recommendation for me? Drop me a line to start the conversation!

book reviews, Book Reviews
book reviews, Book Reviews
book reviews, Book Reviews
book reviews, Book Reviews
book reviews, Book Reviews

Recent Reads

book reviews, Book Reviews

Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks

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Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks: One of those books that is both wonderful and gutting at the same time. To read Brooks' recent release documenting the loss of her husband of thirty-five years at the age of sixty was like a cannonball to the stomach. I am fortunate to be in a…By Jeanne|
book reviews, Book Reviews

The Story

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One of the best things about living in Park City during January is the opportunity to attend the Sundance Film Festival. Because story occupies my imagination, because the festival is relocating after the 2026 edition and because our son came out to attend, we went all-in. Features,…By Jeanne|
book reviews, Book Reviews

The Moon

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Greetings Readers and Friends, I’m sending warm wishes of light – both internal and external – on this darkest day of the year. Even though the news has been full of drone sightings in the night sky and people taking notice, I would argue we don’t look up enough. That includes…By Jeanne|
book reviews, Book Reviews

THE FIRST BAD MAN by Miranda July

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After finishing ALL FOURS, I was yearning to return to Miranda July's voice and humor, so I downloaded her debut right away and was not disappointed. Cheryl, the protagonist of THE FIRST BAD MAN, is original and hilarious yet in so many ways, for this regimented reader, even identifiable.…By Jeanne|
book reviews, Book Reviews

ALL FOURS by Miranda July

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Loved this novel, its narration by the author, its tone and voice. The premise and setting - a cross country drive turning into a holing up in a motel room 30 minutes away from home- and what the motel room comes to represent. I loved the voice and revelatory observations and so much…By Jeanne|
book reviews, Book Reviews

I Would Meet You Anywhere by Susan Kiyo Ito

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A well-written and powerful memoir - not just about a young woman's quest to reunite with her birth family, but her vulnerability and willingness to subjugate her emotional needs in order to maintain a relationship with them. Susan Kiyo writes in a clear and sharp style and offers…By Jeanne|
book reviews, Book Reviews

The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich

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   I loved the way this story unfolds. Set in a farming community in the Red River Valley of North Dakota, families come together in sorrow and financial hardship in a novel that is full of wonderful characters as well as literary references. An awful accident occurred…By Jeanne|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Review of RENTAL HOUSE by Weike Wang

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This review of Rental House by Weike Wang was originally published in the New York Journal of Books. Reviewed by: Jeanne McWilliams Blasberg “throws out traditional expectations and homogeneity and relies on determination and compassion…By Jeanne|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Days of Wonder by Caroline Leavitt

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This novel hooked me from the beginning with its premise of a young woman serving time for a crime she did not commit. Upon release from prison, she must rebuild her life but also gather the pieces of what led to her incarceration. She gave birth and relinquished a child while in…By Jeanne|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Land Rich, Cash Poor: My Family’s Hope and the Untold History of the Disappearing American Farmer by Brian Reisinger

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Land Rich, Cash Poor: My Family's Hope and the Untold History of the Disappearing American Farmer by Brian Reisinger As a new farmer in southwest Wisconsin, I read this book as a cautionary tale as well as motivation to keep doing what we are doing - trying to create a model for…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Colored Television by Danzy Senna

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This review of Colored Television by Danzy Senna was originally published in the New York Journal of Books. Colored Television by Danzy Senna Colored Television is a sharp, comedic novel about the competing drives to make money and make art in one woman’s pursuit of her…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner

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Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner I loved this novel for its sharp, whip-smart observations and turns of phrase. I love a book with funny, revelatory descriptions and this one delivers. It is a simple plot that is basically an excuse to delve into the theme…By jbadmin|

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through one of these links, I may make a small commission (at no additional cost to you), which I will donate to literary organizations in Boston. Thanks!

book reviews, Book Reviews

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book reviews, Book Reviews

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