• 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

Less by Andrew Sean Greer

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Less by Andrew Sean Greer You will laugh out loud at the references to turning fifty - since I’ve already hit that milestone. If you haven’t yet turned fifty, this book might terrify you. I was skeptical at first, but it’s a great narrative structure. I will miss Arthur…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer

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The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer I love Wolitzer’s observations, the way she describes people, relationships, and the stages of a life. I loved a book ostensibly about feminism where a young man portrays the truest feminist values. I was happy to stay with these characters…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

A Hundred Small Lessons by Ashley Hay

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A Hundred Small Lessons by Ashley Hay A very mystical style of writing with a mounting suspense that is very nuanced and carved into everyday actions.   Read more reviews.By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

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Pachinko by Min Jin Lee Got to love the family sagas, four generations, the ties that bind!   Read more reviews.By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

The Burning Girl by Claire Messud

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The Burning Girl by Claire Messud The Burning Girl is elegant and concisely written. Such a simple premise, so many truths. I’m a huge fan of Claire Messud.   Read more reviews.By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Strangers in Budapest by Jessica Keener

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Strangers in Budapest by Jessica Keener Having been an ex pat in Zurich for three years, I truly appreciated Keener's capturing of the psyche of the stranger. Living in a city both as a tourist and a resident is filled with contradictions - you can't help being drawn to a city's…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Wonder Valley by Ivy Pochoda

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Wonder Valley by Ivy Pochoda The hot, dry setting is palpable. I loved Wonder Valley from the opening scene where the traffic is driving everyone crazy. It brings back memories of the opening scene of LaLaLand - maybe the defining setting of modern day California - stuck in…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Things Unsaid by Diana Y. Paul

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Things Unsaid by Diana Y. Paul Things Unsaid is my favorite type of book -the introspection of a family from multiple points of view. Jules and her siblings come together to assist their parents and thus the tension mounts. I really enjoyed the varying perspectives from which…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Faint Promise of Rain by Anjali Mitter Duva

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Faint Promise of Rain by Anjali Mitter Duva This was a magical book that hit all five of my senses. A time period and piece of culture I knew nothing about, so fascinating, yet timeless and universal. Anjali is a talented author and I am so looking forward to reading her future…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Heat & Light by Jennifer Haigh

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Heat & Light by Jennifer Haigh Loved the book. So many important issues and complicated characters twisted together. Subtle and nuanced, just like life! No easy answers!!   Read more of Jeannie's Reviews.By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Circling My Mother: A Memoir by Mary Gordon

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Circling My Mother: A Memoir by Mary Gordon This book made me cry. As an only child / daughter of a difficult alcoholic mother, as the the product of a marriage that was a mistake.... I felt Mary Gordon's confusion in coming to grips with her mother as my own. I love my mother…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Fill the Sky by Katherine A. Sherbrooke

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Fill the Sky by Katherine A. Sherbrooke I felt like I was joining three wonderful women on a trip to Equador. The healing ceremonies with shamans were described with such sensory detail. There are several twists which keep the book moving along quickly and even though I was…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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