• 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

Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi

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Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi ** spoiler alert ** I picked up this book because I loved Gyasi's debut, Homegoing. I kept reading because TRANSCENDENT KINGDOM is a treasure. The protagonist, Gifty, reconciles an evangelical christian upbringing with a career as a scientist.…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Daddy by Emma Cline

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Daddy by Emma Cline Daddy is a wonderful collection of stories that struck a chord with me for its insights into dark situations. The sense of knowing and revelatory observation kept me reading these sometimes everyday, sometimes twisted stories. Was excited to read because I was…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

The Yellow House by Sarah M. Broom

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The Yellow House by Sarah M. Broom What I loved most about this memoir was Sarah's voice, and her honest, unsure assemblage of memory, research, and interview that combines to paint a history of a house, a family, and a city. I loved being privy to Sarah's confusion and frustration…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost

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A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost I became a fan of Colin Jost after he delivered the commencement speech at my daughter's high school graduation - more of a stand up comedy routine than a speech, but he did end up delivering a great message in the end. So I pre-ordered his book…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

The Days of Abandonment by Elena Ferrante

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The Days of Abandonment by Elena Ferrante Wow, The Days of Abandonment was well written with important things to say, but still pretty tough for me to read. As Olga navigates the dark days and weeks after her husband’s departure, the reader cringes and worries for the helpless…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

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The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett I was aware of the general premise of The Vanishing Half before I began it, however the structure was unexpected and delightful. I really loved the multi generational component of this novel, the idea that decisions travel forward and backwards,…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Musical Chairs by Amy Poeppel

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Musical Chairs by Amy Poeppel Amy Poeppel is my go to author for funny fresh read. Musical Chairs didn't disappoint in its laugh-out-loud smartness, its keen observation of family relationships - especially parenting adult children. Love all the musical references and boy did this…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

We Came Here to Shine by Susie Orman Schnall

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We Came Here to Shine by Susie Orman Schnall Love this novel's well researched setting. The World's Fair, New York, burgeoning science and synchronized swimming. Max and Vivi are great characters, bold and ambitious. The book highlights the importance of female friendship in a…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

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My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell I am a sucker for anything to do with boarding school life, first of all. Second, this book kept showing up places which I took that as a sign it was meant to be my next read. From page one I was addicted and couldn't stop reading My Dark…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

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Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams It was refreshing to read the arc of a strong female protagonist who has to deal with baggage, both family baggage and societal baggage. I also loved that the happily ever after trope is turned on its head and redefined by Queenie, a character…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Tinkers by Paul Harding

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Tinkers by Paul Harding A beautiful exploration of paternal love. The writing and language is so moving as is the ethereal dreamlike quality of what it must feel like as a life comes to its end. This book is beautiful in its imagery, in its description of the mechanical workings…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Biased by Jennifer L Eberhardt

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Biased by Jennifer L Eberhardt This was a profound book that hit me in the gut. I listened to the audiobook and found myself rewinding several times. Jennifer Eberhardt leads the reader (or listener) through the neurological reasons many people have that "first reaction" before…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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