• 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

Five Tuesdays in Winter by Lily King

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Five Tuesdays in Winter by Lily King Such a great story collection. The range of characters and situations was striking and highlights King's gift of insight and observance. It seams like many novelists are publishing story collections recently and so I actually wasn't anticipating…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

The Dangers of an Ordinary Night by Lynne Reeves

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The Dangers of an Ordinary Night by Lynne Reeves Brava to Lynne Reeves for a who-done-it that delivered on so many fronts. Not only was I constantly second-guessing myself on the identity of the true culprit, I was ensconced in Boston's Back Bay, the world of the theatre, and high-stakes…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Sankofa by Chibundu Onuzo

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Sankofa by Chibundu Onuzo I listened to this title and believe the narration added to my enjoyment. Sankofa takes you in to the world of Anna Bain at the moment she discovers her father's diaries. The thing is, she has never met her father nor had her mother ever told her much…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

The Teller of Secrets by Bisi Adjapon · NYJB Review

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The Teller of Secrets by Bisi Adjapon This review was originally posted on the New York Journal of Books. The Teller of Secrets by Bisi Adjapon is a coming of age, character-based novel that follows Esi’s first-person recounting of her girlhood in newly independent Ghana…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

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Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer If I hadn't already been feeling a deep pull back to the earth, this book was everything I needed to choose a different path moving forward. The author starts out this…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

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Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner Zauner's book is one of the best memoirs I’ve ever read. The devastation of losing a mother, trying to piece together who that woman was, intense memories around the smells and tastes of food, coming of age with parents who are far from perfect,…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

The Premonition by Michael Lewis

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The Premonition: A Pandemic Story by Michael Lewis Such great insight into our decentralized state being ill-equipped for a national public health crisis. I love how Lewis finds the human characters to tell this story through. So compelling as I try to understand what happened,…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Think Again by Adam M. Grant

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Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam M. Grant I really loved the end of this book where it encouraged young people to not feel confined by early career choices or expectations! Such important advice for a happy life. About Think Again Think Again is…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad

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Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted by Suleika Jaouad I picked up this memoir on the recommendation of several people and sent it to my daughter who was on her own cross-country odyssey in a van with her dog. I just finished it myself as I travelled the Pacific…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz

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The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz This was a fun read for the mere fact the author revealed so much about the world of being a writer and the ins and outs of the publishing industry. It was a world she displayed with authority and a healthy dose of sarcasm. She also wove two threads…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

The Privileges by Jonathan Dee

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The Privileges by Jonathan Dee The writing in this novel was very good: smart, witty, revelatory. The early chapters which depict a boozy wedding weekend and a mother getting through an endless day with her young children had me excited and optimistic about the reading journey…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Animal by Lisa Taddeo

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Animal by Lisa Taddeo I listened to Animal on audio which was really well narrated by Emma Roberts. That aside, once I got to the end, I had to immediately begin listening all over from the beginning. It's that kind of book, so set aside plenty of time. This debut work of fiction…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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