• 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

Finding Mrs Ford by Deborah Royce

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Finding Mrs Ford by Deborah Royce June 2019 In her literary debut, Deborah Goodrich Royce has given us the sort of thriller that wants to be devoured in one sitting. Written from start to finish with crisp and poignant prose, compelling characters and setting, Finding Mrs. Ford entertains…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe by Laura Lynne Jackson

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Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe by Laura Lynne Jackson I am no stranger to signs and strong intuitive pulls. What Laura Lynne Jackson provided for me in this book was validation and a pathway to go further. We are all mediums. Written with wonderful anecdotes and a…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Drown by Junot Díaz

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Drown by Junot Díaz These stories are compiled in such a way that reading them had that beautiful lyrical quality of a dream, while still continually bashing into the poignant harsh realities of poverty and abuse.By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Permission to Fly by Layng Martine Jr.

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Permission to Fly: A Memoir of Love, Crushing Loss, and Triumph by Layng Martine Jr. Written with an incredibly authentic voice, Permission to Fly is a testament to a life charged with curiosity, courage, and spirit. In its pages we meet kind, special characters in Martine's mother,…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

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The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas I am late to reading this incredible book. This story was laid out in such an artful way and captured many points of view. Star was a great character and her transformation masterful.By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

There There by Tommy Orange

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There There by Tommy Orange What a great book and wonderful voices. This book transported me and broke my heart at the same time. I learned a lot, about Oakland and about the Native experience.By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Inheritance by Dani Shapiro

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Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love by Dani Shapiro Loved this book and its exploration of the quandary of identity. I am particularly drawn to birth stories and how they shape a person, and in this case threaten to un-shape a person. Dani Shapiro is a master…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

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Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston I listened to the audio version and the narrator was great. It is written in a smart, sassy voice and the collection of characters are vivid, colorful and complex. Although I knew it was coming, I enjoyed reading Alex’s realization…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Little Sister: A Memoir by Patricia Walsh Chadwick

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Little Sister: A Memoir by Patricia Walsh Chadwick Patricia Chadwick's memoir is not only a fascinating story, but it is written with forgiveness and perspective. It is a mature woman's assessment of her early years and in that I found it so refreshing and inspiring. What's more,…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne

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The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne I actually listened on audible, the narrator was fantastic. The seven year stages of life and the way thing cycle forward and back in a person’s life is so beautifully told. The way the world changes and doesn’t change. I loved this…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Waisted by Randy Susan Meyers

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Waisted by Randy Susan Meyers This story goes deep into the modern woman’s psyche around body image and weight. It is an important book that at once is a battle cry as well as a testament to the fact that we are not alone in our crazy thoughts and obsessions. It tackles important…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Calypso by David Sedaris

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Calypso by David Sedaris Laughing out loud funny, yet we see what that veil of laughter serves to protect. The poignancy of the dark moments and insecurities. I related to so many insights in this book. Highly recommend!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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