• 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

Bunny by Mona Awad

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Bunny by Mona Awad I picked up this book because of the campus novel aspect, a genre I am invested in! The work is unique and experimental, reminiscent of the MFA program that is described within it. The whole work has a very Alice fell down the rabbit hole quality - as in a wonder…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

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On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong Listening to the author narrate this work is like listening to a 7 hour long poem. What beautiful, evocative language. I was in a trance. Not only is this a beautifully wrought narrative, it is an important and timely letter from a…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner

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Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner Loved this book in its fun beginning and extremely profound ending - it's an amazing explanation of the predicament we find ourselves in, with all of our choices and ambition and the pulls on our being. What's more, the narrative…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb

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Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb This insider's view into the world of therapy was fascinating. I learned a lot about my own issues in the process and often found myself thinking, maybe I should talk to someone.…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Appearances by Sondra Helene

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Appearances by Sondra Helene This a realistic portrayal of conflicting loyalties. When women play so many roles and aim to please - not easy. I loved this novel for tackling modern challenges so well, not to mention grief. It’s the type of book that keeps you turning the page…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Vida by Patricia Engel

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Vida by Patricia Engel Sparse, raw. Engel can be succinct because her word choice is expert. I loved Sabina's imperfections, her doubt, her confusion, her humanness. Engel is one of a new generation ushering in the literary tradition of American coming of age protagonists with…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls by T Kira Madden

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Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls by T Kira Madden This memoir was beautiful in that it truly credited the reader with the ability to carry threads through chapters and scenes that were not always linear. It was smartly written and left room to be smartly interpreted. The…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

A Better Next by Maren Cooper

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A Better Next by Maren Cooper A Better Next is Maren Cooper's touching debut detailing one woman's journey through divorce and professional challenge. Jess Lawson is devoted to her family and its veneer of perfection, but in her preoccupation with work, she fails to acknowledge…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Three Women by Lisa Taddeo

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Three Women by Lisa Taddeo I loved this book in its beautiful portrayal of three women, who in the hands of a less gifted and insightful writer, might have come off as stereotypical. I could identify with each of these women in some way and felt true empathy for them. Taddeo has…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali

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The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali A very touching love story. Set against the backdrop of the Iranian revolution, The Stationery Shop is also a story of what we cling too after suffering loss. The interplay of 1953 Iran scenery against the 1960's in America was artfully arranged…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

The Body Papers by Grace Talusan

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The Body Papers: A Memoir by Grace Talusan This memoir is written as a collection of essays. The author’s story is a complex weaving of the “American Dream” with the sacrifices and struggles her family must deal with. Talusan approaches themes of race, abuse, and illness…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid I listened to the audio version which was superbly performed. Such a unique structure for a novel, it captured the group dynamic and the time period so well. TJR wrote with expert musical authority and a knowledge of song writing.…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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