• 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

The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg

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The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg This was a great look into a troubled family, told from the point of view of multiple characters and across a broad spectrum of time. I was drawn to reading it as it was Attenberg's break-out novel and I just recently discovered her work when…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

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Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid I'm always eager to read debut fiction that is getting lots of hype. I heard a podcast interview with the author which left me even more intrigued. On the plus side, Such a Fun Age left me wanting to discuss it with somebody. It is provocative…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Motherland by Elissa Altman

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Motherland: A Memoir of Love, Loathing, and Longing by Elissa Altman Motherland is the type of memoir I absolutely love, not constrained by chronology, it works the way memory works when we try to make meaning of the past and the to understand the most fundamental relationships.…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Normal People by Sally Rooney

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Normal People by Sally Rooney A reminder of how tiresome young relationships are. It wore me out. I stuck with the book and enjoyed some of the turns of phrase, but in real life I would have walked away from the mess a lot earlier. I was anxious to love this book given the hype,…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg

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All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg A tale of a dysfunctional family that I gobbled up. In Attenberg’s latest novel we witness the fall out of a terrible father and an equally terrible, albeit not criminal, mother. What ensues is a weird kind of pseudo vigil while waiting…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson

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Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson What beautiful language and innovative structure. Red At The Bone and specifically the character of Iris was illuminating and thought provoking. This was a short read chock full of poetic language. A huge fan of books about the cycles of motherhood…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

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The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo This family saga is all encompassing - the trials of marriage, bearing children, and sisterhood with a special twist added in for good measure. As I listened to the pages of this book, I became completely wrapped up in the dynamic of…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid I really liked the voice and pace of this novel. I enjoyed the premise as well. Reid writes Hollywood well - I was curious about this novel after having enjoyed Daisy Jones and the Six! It is a great portrayal of the price…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout

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Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout Olive Again is a wonderful collection of independent chapters continuing in the vein of Elizabeth Strout’s Olive Kittredge. As Olive ages, remarries, and navigates grand-motherhood, her cutting and wry observations are portrayed in her own voice…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Wild Game by Adrienne Brodeur

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Wild Game: My Mother, Her Lover, and Me by Adrienne Brodeur Wild Game is a memoir that dissects an especially complicated bond between a mother and daughter. Adrienne Brodeur’s mother violated acceptable boundaries when she made 14 year old Adrienne her confidante and accomplice…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

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Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes This rom-com was fresh and fun to read. I've been looking forward to digging in ever since hearing Linda Holmes speak about her debut in June. Indeed, the characters are original and nothing was formulaic. The setting is painted as relaxing,…By jbadmin|
book reviews, Book Reviews

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

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The Dutch House by Ann Patchett The Dutch House is a beautifully structured novel about a brother and sister who live in their memories as much as in the present moment. I was enraptured by the language and by the characters as well. There are ghosts in all of our lives, but witnessing…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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