• 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

Witness by Jamel Brinkly

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Witness: Stories by Jamel Brinkly This review originally appeared in the New York Review of Books. A collection of ten short stories set in Brooklyn, NY, Witness: Stories is populated by characters navigating relationships with friends and family, both living and not. The…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

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Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver For a person embarking on her own journey into farming, I was both inspired and shocked it took me so long to happen upon this book. There is so much about it to love. In the Kingsolver family’s pact to eat…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

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Life After Life by Kate Atkinson This novel's exploration of Ursula Todd's multiple lives might, at first, leave the reader wondering but for me it was like diving into a wonderful puzzle in which I was invited to figure out the patterns and rhythms for myself, to try to…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton

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Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton Although this novel turns into a fast-paced thriller mid-stream, what I was drawn to was the depth with which the characters are written. Catton was especially deft at portraying a complicated female friendship between women with similar life philosophies…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan

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The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan I was drawn to the dystopian premise of this novel, that mothers who aren't "good" must be reformed by the state, as well as the voice in the early chapters. However, all the pages describing Frida's time in "the school" are slow,…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Provenance by Sue Mell

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Provenance by Sue Mell Sue Mell's PROVENANCE is a jewel of a novel. To be able to transform the domestic, themes involving little action, into a page turner is a true skill. The subtleties and nuance captured in this work are masterful. Two grown siblings, both under financial…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

My Last Innocent Year by Daisy Alpert Florin

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I loved this debut. A campus novel where a young woman has an affair with her professor that has ramifications throughout her life. Isabel, the protagonist is not a perfect girl. She is sympathetic, yes, but makes some bad choices and behaves in ways she regrets. How refreshing to…By Jeanne|
book reviews, Book Reviews

This Other Eden by Paul Harding

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I was looking forward to loving this book. I did find the tale of the fate of Apple Island compelling and terribly sad, however the telling was more opaque and irregularly ordered than necessary. In addition, the old testament references felt heavy handed and a bit forced. Harding's…By Jeanne|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Lessons by Ian McEwan

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I listened to the audiobook thanks to Libro.fm. This medium accentuated the lyrical quality of McEwan’s prose. I could have listened forever. I found the structure, alternating between present and past dreamlike and powerful. Roland is sexually abused as a child and as an adult…By Jeanne|
book reviews, Book Reviews

The Last Chairlift by John Irving

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I listened to the audio of this book for 38 hours, driving through the western US as well as skiing. I am an Irving fan, a big skier with ties to Exeter NH, and love Moby Dick. All those traits probably contributed to my dedication to this book, to keep listening even when I felt…By Jeanne|
book reviews, Book Reviews

The Book of Goose by Yiyun Li

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The Book of Goose by Yiyun Li This is a book about the deep psychological and emotional bond between two young girls, best friends in war ravaged 1950’s St Remy. Fabienne and Agnes, making the world real with make believe games, have a devastating yet true relationship. Fabienne…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro

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Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro Listening to the audio narrated by the author was an extra pleasure. Shapiro knows something about family secrets and SIGNAL FIRES, her first novel in over a decade provided a wonderful opportunity in which to disseminate her gathered wisdom on…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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