Book Review: "This Book Made Me Think of You" by Libby Page

“The right book in the hands of the right person at exactly the right moment can change their life forever.”

This book has been sitting on my stack for a few months now and I’m so glad I finally read it! It’s a beautifully poignant and hopeful book, but it’s also a loving tribute to the power of books and bookstores. And I think so many of us can speak to that love, too!

The last thing Tilly is expecting is a phone call from a bookstore, telling her that her husband ordered her a book. Her husband, Joe, wasn’t much of a reader but he loved that Tilly was. But the thing is, Joe died six months ago.

When Tilly arrives at the bookstore, she learns that Joe arranged for her to receive a year of books—a new one every month. Tilly hasn’t read much since Joe got sick, and his loss is still too raw to really appreciate the gift at first. But judging from the books he picked out and the notes he wrote her, he knew her so well and knew the books would help.

Each book serves a different purpose—they teach, entertain, challenge, and help her to move on. She also begins to see the bookshop as an important piece of her life, not to mention Alfie, the kind owner of the bookshop. She’s also encouraged to help others move forward with their lives and deal with the challenges they face.

I thought this would be a difficult read emotionally, but while it’s sad at times, it’s really quite lovely. Tilly and Alfie are really wonderful characters, and I found the book so charming and heartwarming. This is definitely one I’ll keep thinking about!!

Book Review: "Lost and Found" by Tarah DeWitt

Oh, Tarah DeWitt. Once again, I’m left in a puddle of tears after reading your latest book, feeling utterly overwhelmed by the love and joy and strength and recovery the characters carried. I know Spunes, Oregon is a fictional town, but I sure do wish I could go there!

“‘As someone who’s lost my fair share of people…the grief is never going to be gone, anyway. It’s like…’ He flips on his blinker before he makes a turn. ‘Like weight training. The weight itself never gets lighter. You just get more accustomed to lifting it.’”

Bea has been laid bare by the death of Merritt, her best friend since childhood. She is knocked further for a loop when she learns that Merritt had her eggs frozen before she began treatment for cancer, and has left the eggs to Bea in her will. While Bea has always wanted to be a mother, this isn’t how she imagined it, but how could she not try and fulfill one of Merritt’s dying wishes?

Determined to do all she can to have Merritt’s baby, she turns to her longtime friend, Silas. The two of them have nursed more than a crush on each other for years, but circumstances have never aligned. Silas, a firefighter, is still feeling vulnerable after a near-fatal accident, and he’s grappling with his own grief. But he’s all too willing to help Bea prepare for IVF.

Despite the strong chemistry between them, Silas and Bea vow to keep things on a friend level. But the lines get blurred more than a few times, and it’s not long before both have fallen completely for each other. However, both are so frightened of hurting the other—and getting hurt themselves—that they have to find a way to let their hearts be unguarded.

This is DeWitt’s third book in her Spunes series and it was so fantastic. It’s joyful and sad and funny and immensely steamy and utterly beautiful. The characters she creates are so vivid, you wish their stories wouldn’t end when the books do.

Book Review: "The Gulf of Lions" by Caitlin Shetterly

Alice is a recent breast cancer survivor. It’s only been a year, and she’s still very scared of her long-term prognosis. Just before she was diagnosed, she learned of her husband Pete’s infidelity. So while he did everything during her surgery and recovery and chemotherapy, she still isn’t sure how she feels about him and their marriage.

She once was a writer, and during her recovery she found passion for it again. She’s landed a fantastic freelance assignment: she and her two daughters will travel to France, where they will camp across the country. Her daughters, Sophie and Iris, are 13 and 8-1/2. None of them have ever camped before. But this trip is both mother-daughters’ reconnection and a trip of triumph.

The places they go, the scenery they see, the people they meet, the food they enjoy, all of this imbues the trip with beauty and joy. But at the same time, Alice isn’t fully prepared for a trip with two girls who need more of her than she’s prepared to give, nor is she fully ready to be alone with her own thoughts about her mortality and the state of her marriage.

“There are versions of me I don’t recognize anymore.”

While this book is billed as a standalone, Caitlin Shetterly’s previous book, Pete and Alice in Maine, is, inherently a prequel. I wish I had known that because that book would probably have set the foundation for these characters and their actions, and perhaps make me feel more sympathetic towards them.

There are many beautiful and thought-provoking moments in the story, and the imagery is absolutely vivid. However, I didn’t really love the characters—especially Sophie and Iris. And the last 15 percent of the book came out of nowhere, creating melodrama where there had not previously been any.

Book Review: "Cleo Dang Would Rather Be Dead" by Mai Nguyen

“That’s one of the great paradoxes of grief I suppose: It touches each and every one of us, yet it has the effect of filling us with an aching, unignorable loneliness.”

Cleo and her husband Ethan are eagerly awaiting the birth of their first baby. Adding to the excitement is the fact that Cleo’s best friend Paloma, who lives across the street, is pregnant, too, and due around the same time. They cannot wait to raise their babies together.

Tragically, something happens during the birth of Cleo and Ethan’s daughter Daisy. She sustained brain damage during delivery, so a few short days later, they take her off life support. They are both overwhelmed by grief, made even a bit more difficult by the fact that Paloma’s baby was perfectly healthy and is fine.

Cleo can’t function. She can’t sleep or eat, she can barely move. Yet there seems to be an expectation that she shouldn’t wallow for too long, that she needs to get back on her feet and live a “normal” life. And then there are all the platitudes and advice that people share, much of which isn’t helpful.

She had taken a year of maternity leave from her job as an actuary, and the company wants her to take that time. Cleo winds up taking a job at a funeral home, as the director’s assistant. In some ways it’s the wrong thing for her to do, yet helping other families deal with their saddest moments does prove cathartic.

I’ll admit that I expected this book to be more maudlin than it was, although it was an emotional read. Cleo is an absolutely fascinating character, and even when she does or says hurtful or unhinged things, I felt for her. I loved how this book demonstrated the messy, nonlinear paths grief can follow.

Book Review: "No Matter What" by Cara Bastone

“‘Don’t waste your energy over how you think things should be,’ Deb booms. ‘See things for how they actually are.’”

It has been a rough year for Roz and Vin. They were involved in a serious accident that upended their lives, causing injuries to both of them and Vin’s brother Raff. But even though their physical recovery has gone well, Roz and Vin haven’t slept in the same bed in nearly a year, and can barely stand to be in the same room.

As tough as it gets, Roz still hopes that they’ll be able to work things out. Although the fact that neither will come out and say what they’re thinking or feeling certainly complicates matters. But when Roz finds that Vin has signed a lease for an apartment of his own, she is devastated.

The two are moving in separate orbits and living in separate rooms. To help absorb some of her time alone, Roz signs up for a figure drawing class. She finds herself inspired by this exploration of her creative side.

As the date for Vin to move out draws closer, they’re still drawn to each other, physically and emotionally. Vin agrees to serve as Roz’s model for her to sharpen her skills. And it is through the time they spend together, with Roz focused on every aspect of her husband’s body, that they start to see each other more clearly again. Is there a chance they’ll make it back to one another before it’s too late?

I wanted to love this book but for some reason it never quite clicked with me. I found their struggles very emotional and I wanted them to rebuild, but neither of them communicated clearly, which always drives me crazy in books. Still, the story was a powerful one.

Book Review: "Collateral Stardust: Chasing Warren Beatty and Other Foolish Things"

Nikki Nash’s memoir was such a fun read. Take a healthy helping of Hollywood hijinks, more than a dash of family dysfunction, and a few cups of battling the demons of addiction and depression, and stir in some introspection. Lots of nostalgia and gossip, too!

In the 1970s, 14-year-old Nikki Nash saw Warren Beatty for the first time. She decided that she wanted him to love her and be hers. So she laid out a plan that once she was grown up (like 18 years old), she would find him.

“…my focus on Warren Beatty was absolute, and with him, I’d find a great love. It wasn’t some girly crush that would include posters on my wall or putting his photo in a secret diary. I wanted more. It was my mission to know him. Not to meet him, not to get an autograph, but to know him and have him in my life forever.”

Working as a hostess at an LA restaurant Beatty frequented, she waited to meet him. A year later, at 19, at a moment she felt unclean and unattractive, her wish came true. Once she and Beatty spoke, it was the start of something significant. It wasn’t quite the love affair she’d imagined, but the two had an on-again, off-again relationship of sorts which lasted for a few decades.

The celebrities with whom she came into contact through Beatty were fascinating. At the same time, she wanted to forge her own path, and in the book she tells of her experiences trying all sorts of things: acting, stand-up, writing, directing, and working for many television shows. She had lots of relationships and spent a significant amount of time dealing with drug and alcohol addiction as well as eating disorders. She also talks about her journey of recovery and self-discovery.

Nash swept me into her story immediately. Her voice is so approachable and fun, and even when things in her life were at their toughest, reading this was like talking to a friend. I’m so grateful she was willing to share her story!

Book Review: "Definitely Better Now" by Ava Robinson

Add this powerful and emotional book to the long list of terrific debuts published this year!

Emma is celebrating one year of sobriety, a milestone she’s worked very hard to reach. She’s spent the last year in close contact with her sponsor, attending AA meetings, and doing little more than working, in an effort to keep from backsliding into old habits.

But staying sober isn’t easy when everything around you is going crazy. She’s finally starting to feel comfortable around her colleagues, and has been appointed to her company’s “Fun Team,” which plans the annual holiday party. She allowed her colleagues to set up a profile on a dating app—which leads to an awkward situation with a colleague. She’s even started a bit of a flirtation with Ben, her company’s IT guy.

She’s a little bit thrown when her mother tells her she’s moving in with her boyfriend (whom Emma didn’t even know about). Then her estranged father calls and wants to see her—and as an alcoholic himself, he’s always been dismissive of her journey toward recovery. But he’s not argumentative this time; rather, he’s hiding a secret from her.

This is a book full of humor, emotion, awkward moments and times you wish the characters would say what they mean instead of avoiding the truth. But more than that, this book shows just how hard it is to fight for yourself when everything around you is trying to knock you down.

Ava Robinson is a really talented writer, and this book felt tremendously self-assured for a debut. I’ll be looking forward to the next steps in her career!

Book Review: "Passion Project" by London Sperry

“Everyone has something they’re passionate about.” “Not me. I think it’s what they call apathy.”

Bennet has been adrift since her boyfriend Sam died. Sam dreamed that they’d have the perfect life together in NYC, but alone, she realizes the city isn’t for her. She doesn’t want to do anything—spend time with friends, work, or even have any fun at all.

When her roommate sets her up on a blind date, the very idea sends Bennet spiraling into a drunken, panicky mess. Luckily, Henry, the guy she ghosted, turns out to be tremendously sympathetic to what Bennet is going through. He offers to help her rediscover her passion for life.

Henry proposes that once a week, they get together—as friends—and explore a different activity. The hope is that they’ll find something that sparks enthusiasm, and happiness, in Bennet. They try tattooing, volunteering at an animal shelter, photography—even rappelling off a tall building.

The time she spends with Henry each week becomes a highlight for Bennet. But the truth is, if she’s ever going to be able to enjoy life, she needs to come to terms with her feelings surrounding Sam’s death, not to mention how she’s isolated herself from everyone.

This was a fun concept and the story was sweet and emotional. Henry was a definite catch as a book boyfriend. But I felt like during parts of the book, Bennet didn’t treat him well, which made me like her a little less. However, I still enjoyed the banter and chemistry between them.

Book Review: "When Stars Align" by Melissa de la Cruz

Meh. I wanted to like this book but it was just sooo melodramatic!

Sicily, Germaine, and Miranda met as teenagers while performing on a hit television show, and quickly became best friends. Even after the show ended, each found fame, and together they were darlings of the paparazzi, turning every appearance into a party. But nothing lasts forever.

Miranda, who became a movie star, was tempted by the preponderance of alcohol and drugs. Each time she would mount a comeback, she would get derailed by addiction and impulsivity until it seemed like she had hit rock bottom. Germaine was the daughter of billionaire hotel moguls who never approved of anything their daughter did, leading her to question her ambitions. And Sicily, a successful pop singer, fell in love a little too quickly and found herself under the thumb of her greedy and controlling family.

The book follows each of the women over a 20-year period, as they try to deal with the struggles of their lives. Each of them tries to take control but finds themselves fighting an uphill battle. Yet they will learn they can’t do it alone, and it’s nice to know you have friends in your corner.

I love books that deal with the seedier side of fame and the crises that come from being in the public eye. But my problem with this book is that these characters never learned from their mistakes. The plot essentially watched each do the same things over and over again. I can experience that in real life.

This was an Amazon First Read for April and another book from Mindy Kaling’s imprint. It definitely didn’t work for me, but maybe it will for you?

The book releases 5/1/2025.

Book Review: "Promise Me Sunshine" by Cara Bastone

Of the last several books I’ve read, 3 were ARCs and all were 5-star reads. Thanks to The Dial Press and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book!!

Ever since her best friend and roommate Lou died, Lenny has been barely hanging on. She’s not eating, she’s barely sleeping, and the thought of going back to their apartment—in which all of Lou’s stuff is still where she left it—has Lenny on the verge of hysteria.

Lenny can’t even handle a full-time job; all she can do are short-term babysitting arrangements, because there’s no real commitment. Her latest gig, watching the daughter of a hard-working single mom, is terrific—Lenny really connects with young Ainsley, and it takes her mind off her own problems, if only for a bit.

The only drawback is that Ainsley’s uncle Miles, a brooding handsome yet grumpy man, hangs around whenever Lenny is there. He seems to find fault with everything Lenny does—how she dresses, what she feeds Ainsley, etc. But it turns out Miles isn’t being critical: he can see that Lenny is grieving, and he understands grief and trying to move past it all too well.

Once Lenny lets her guard down a bit, Miles makes her a deal. He’ll help her cross everything off her “live again” list if she can help him build a relationship with Ainsley and her mother, Reese. (He always seems angry and standoffish when he’s around them.) Little by little, Lenny realizes she can still grieve Lou while rebuilding her life—and maybe there’s even some romance in store.

This was just so beautiful. It’s definitely an emotional read but Lenny, Miles, and all of the other characters are so complex and dynamic. I’ll read anything that Cara Bastone writes!!

The book will publish 3/4/2025.

Book Review: "Martyr!" by Kaveh Akbar

“Can you imagine having that kind of faith?” Cyrus asked. “To be that certain of something you’ve never seen? I’m not that certain of anything. I’m not that certain of gravity.”

This book was on lots of critics’ and Bookstagram friends’ 2024 best-of lists. I had meant to read it last year but didn’t get around to it, so it was my first read of the new year.

The son of Iranian immigrants, Cyrus grew up under the specter of grief. When he was an infant, his mother was killed when her plane was inadvertently shot down over the Persian Gulf. His father, who worked at a farm killing chickens, died shortly after Cyrus left for college.

A recovering alcoholic and addict, Cyrus wants to be a poet and fancies himself a provocateur. He becomes obsessed with martyrs (unsurprisingly) as a topic for his poetry, and is drawn to a terminally ill artist whose final work is spending the rest of her life in a museum.

He also is inspired by his uncle, who was shattered by his time in the Iranian military. His uncle used to dress as the Angel of Death and ride through the battlefields, so that vision would be the last thing dying soldiers saw. And when Cyrus finds a painting of his mother in an art gallery, he realizes that all he was told about her may not be true.

Kaveh Akbar is a poet, so it’s not surprising that his prose is really beautiful. I just felt like the book was really disjointed; the narration shifted among many characters and between past and present. This was tremendously thought-provoking, however.

Book Review: "Shred Sisters" by Betsy Lerner

“No one will love you more or hurt you more than a sister.”

Amy’s older sister Ollie was everything she wanted to be. Ollie was confident, athletic, beautiful, popular, and she tortured Amy mercilessly. Yet she charmed their parents so effectively that they blamed Amy for provoking her sister, which caused her a great deal of stress.

But when Ollie’s recklessness and bravado leads to destructive behavior, she agrees to go to a psychiatric hospital rather than face jail time for her transgressions. And at that moment, everything changes: Ollie’s mental health deteriorates, their parents get divorced, and Amy is left to fend for herself.

Ollie spends several years in the hospital, but when she is released, she falls into a cyclical pattern of stability, moving in with one of their parents, then starting to fall apart again, she disappears, usually leaving with money or other valuables. Meanwhile, Amy is so desperate not to be like her sister that she throws herself into studying science and keeping everyone at arm’s length.

For anyone who has had a loved one deal with mental illness, the patterns that Ollie, Amy, and their parents fall into may seem familiar. What transpires is illustrative of how the ripples of mental illness can affect an entire family, either in response to crises or defense from them.

This is a powerful story of sisterhood and trying to find yourself when you’ve always been in the shadow of another. I don’t know that I necessarily liked the characters much, but this was a tremendously thought-provoking and emotional read. It’s one of those books you’ll want to discuss.

Book Review: "What Does It Feel Like?" by Sophie Kinsella

Eve is at the top of her game. She’s a bestselling author with a handsome husband she met in college, and five children. Her last book was such a huge success that it was adapted into a film, and she and her family got to walk the red carpet during the premiere.

One day, Eve awakens in a hospital bed. Her head hurts and she has no idea how she got there; in fact, her memory is quite fuzzy and she has trouble finding words.

“She keeps searching her head for clues, but comes across great gaps instead. What’s happened to her brain? It feels patchy and incompetent and not like herself at all.”

Eve learns that she had a brain tumor, which required surgery to remove it. She later learns that the tumor was malignant, but she’ll do everything she can to keep it from returning. She has to relearn how to walk, talk, think, even write. But she doesn’t wallow in her diagnosis; she’s determined to fight back.

The story touches on the highlights and lowlights of regaining her health and rebuilding her life. From telling her beloved children about her diagnosis to recognizing all that her husband has gone through since her surgery, Eve realizes how fortunate she is. And she embraces the simple things that bring her joy—a walk with her husband, a good marmalade, buying the dress when you want to.

This is so powerful but it’s shockingly more matter-of-fact than maudlin. The book is told in vignettes marking steps in Eve’s journey. But what makes the book more profound is that this novel is fairly autobiographical: Sophie Kinsella dealt with the same diagnosis and had the same support system. This is a departure from Kinsella’s usually lighthearted books, but her storytelling is impeccable.

Book Review: "Eating & Praying" by Davis Summers

Tyler was a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment field. Before the age of 30, he had produced six movies (one that was nominated for Best Picture) and a television show. But the job came at a cost—his ego-driven, workaholic, hard-drinking ways led to the end of his relationship with his boyfriend, Leo.⁣

⁣ Suddenly he’s an emotional wreck and nothing seems to matter anymore. He prays for a sign, some guidance about what to do next, and he finds it: blog posts from a woman who has been living her own Eat Pray Love journey. So he quits his job and decides to go to Italy, India, and Bali, so he can find his purpose again.⁣

⁣ Italy fills him with life, great food, emotional connections, and, much to his surprise, even some romance. But through his time there, he also keeps feeling that something is missing, something that keeps waking him up in the middle of the night.⁣

⁣ By the time he reaches India to spend 30 days in an ashram, he’s worn down emotionally and his extravagance has burned through his savings. Finding himself literally kept out of the ashram, he must begin a long journey back to the airport. And on a hike he was ill-prepared for, he finally begins to confront the issues that have been plaguing him, realizing that the problems he was addressing were masking others.⁣

⁣ Wouldn’t it be amazing to have the chance to re-evaluate your life against historical backdrops, to confront what’s ailing you emotionally? This was a fun and thought-provoking concept, while at the same time, it addresses bigger issues such as unresolved grief, the need for love and acceptance, and realizing where your mistakes lie.⁣

⁣ There’s even a fun meta moment when Tyler is at a restaurant that Julia Roberts went to in Eat Pray Love, and he’s recreating that experience!⁣ ⁣

Book Review: "Assassins Anonymous" by Rob Hart

I loved this concept and this book so much!

Mark was a hired assassin, one whose accomplishments were spoken about in terms of reverence. Known as the Pale Horse, his reputation invoked fear and admiration in other assassins as well as those his victims left behind.

But after he loses control of a situation, Mark realizes how exhausting it is to be a monster-for-hire. He knows he doesn’t really deserve a “normal” life given all he’s done, but he’d like to give that a try. So he walks away from his life as the Pale Horse, and joins a 12-step support group for former assassins, where they vow to channel their energies in different directions to keep them from killing.

Following the 12 steps is therapeutic for Mark, although it’s certainly strange not to use violence anymore. But a few days short of his 1-year anniversary, he is attacked at the end of a meeting. He doesn’t know his assailant but fighting him does reawaken the dormant feelings he has squelched during his recovery.

The attack sets off a chain of events which signal to Mark that his identity has been compromised. But who wants him dead? He goes on the run from New York to Singapore to London to try and find answers and those responsible, but he can’t kill anyone, no matter how much he wants to. But whom can he trust?

This was a fast-moving, whip-smart, intense thriller that I absolutely devoured. I’d love if this was the start of a series, because Mark is a great character, as were many of the supporting characters, including P. Kitty. (IYKYK)

Book Review: "The Lookback Window" by Kyle Dillon Hertz

“The longer time passes, the less evidence exists. The more my memories warp. I knew all this was true. I knew the effects of what happened to me grew with time, but my recollection faded.”

Dylan was 15 years old when he met Vincent on the internet. Vincent wasn’t significantly older than Dylan but he seemed more worldly, and Dylan felt so wonderful being wanted by someone. But for three years, Vincent held Dylan captive as a victim of sex trafficking, keeping him drugged, taking pictures of him that he distributed, and letting others have sex with him.

Now, he is an adult, still dealing with all that happened to him, but he’s trying to move on. He’s engaged, and he hopes to have a good life with his fiancé, Moans, although he isn’t sure he’s capable of truly being happy.

And then a new law is passed. The Child Victims Act extends the statute of limitations for child victims of sexual assault, which used to be only five years after the child turned 18. The Act provided Dylan with a “lookback window,” a one-year period in which Dylan can decide whether to bring a civil suit against his abusers. But what does he want? Money won’t help erase what happened, and can there even be an adequate figure?

Considering what to do reawakens a great deal of anxiety and trauma in Dylan, which he tries to assuage with drugs and sex. But again, he endures, only to realize he owes it to himself and others like him to face his accusers.

This was tremendously powerful and moving. As a victim of sexual assault, I was hesitant to read this, but I’m so glad I did. It is a difficult but important book which brings male sexual assault victims to light. While at times this is bleak, it also is a beacon of hope.

Book Review: "The Rest of the Story" by Tal Bauer

I need my monthly hockey romance fix, what can I say?

But The Rest of the Story is truly different than the other hockey romances I’ve read. It’s an incredible love story and although it takes a long while to get to the steam it is HOTTTT! Beyond that, however, this book hit me square in the feels, and it’s a much heavier, emotional book than I expected—but so amazing!!

“He was as close to perfect as I’d ever seen, so close that it burned to be around him. He was like staring at the sun.”

Morgan has been playing hockey for a while. He’s a good player, and has won a Stanley Cup, but now that he’s almost 30, he’s fodder for a trade. Even though he knows this, the last thing he’s expecting is to be traded to the Rocky Mountain Outlaws, a team so awful it makes bad teams look like stars. Morgan vows to spend one year there and then get the hell out of town.

When he arrives, he quickly realizes just how toxic things are, and no one can do anything about it. But Morgan does, and his acts of rebellion help the broken players heal and ignite a turnaround. Morgan isn’t interested in being the leader, but his teammates give him no choice.

Shea catches Morgan’s eye the second he arrives. But Morgan doesn’t do relationships or commitment, so despite their mutual attraction, he can’t give Shea what he wants: true love. (Well, he can, and he wants to, but he doesn’t think he’s worthy of Shea.)

There’s lots of hockey in this hockey romance, as Morgan and Shea work together to rebuild the team. But there’s lots of trauma here too, trauma that manifests itself in many ways. (There are more than a few trigger warnings here.) Can Morgan and Shea find happy ever after…and maybe a championship?

Tal Bauer slays me again.

Book Review: "The Women" by Kristin Hannah

So, maybe you’ve seen this book around once or twice? I’m definitely a fan of Kristin Hannah’s, but I need to be in a specific frame of mind for the emotional journeys she takes you on. I’m pleased to say, however, that this so utterly lived up to all the hype—it was simply fantastic.

“How did you know if you had the strength and courage for a thing like that? Especially as a woman, raised to be a lady, whose courage had been untested.”

Frances “Frankie” McGrath was raised a daughter of privilege, living on Coronado Island. She was working as a nurse, at least until she got married. But in 1966, at age 20, inspired by her older brother going to Vietnam, Frankie does the unheard of and enlists, becoming an Army nurse.

The book follows Frankie in country, through the harrowing injuries and deaths she saw, the wounded Vietnamese children, and the strong bonds she formed with both her fellow nurses and other soldiers. It also deals with the trauma Frankie dealt with upon her return, both from those against the war and her own family, all of whom would rather believe that there were no women in Vietnam.

This book is graphic and very emotional, but it so beautifully pays tribute to the oft-forgotten women who served in Vietnam, and those who gave their lives. It also examines the visible and hidden scars that soldiers face, whether in combat or not. I’m always grateful to those who have served and continue to serve our country, but reading The Women makes me want to say thank you over and over again.

Book Review: "Hidden Pictures" by Jason Rekulak

Boy, this book sure was creepy and twisty!

You’ve probably seen this all over but I’ve been meaning to read it for months. I’m proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and reading something spooky, too!

Mallory, looking for her first job after rehab and recovery, gets hired by Ted and Caroline Maxwell to care for their five-year-old son, Teddy. Despite some stringent rules, Mallory quickly grows to love the job and becomes a part of the family. And Teddy is a loving child, shy but curious and creative.

Above everything, Teddy loves to draw. His pictures are sweet and childish, depictions of his family, Mallory, and the things he sees. But suddenly his drawings stark to take a sinister tone—one day he draws a man in a forest, dragging a woman’s body, and shortly thereafter he draws the man throwing her body into a hole.

Mallory is disturbed by these drawings, but when they evolve into more sophisticated, creepier drawings that a five-year-old couldn’t possibly have drawn, she starts to think he’s being controlled by a supernatural force, perhaps the spirit of the woman in the drawings. But Caroline and Ted believe Mallory must be using again, and suspect she’s the one drawing the pictures.

Mallory is determined to solve the mystery, but it’s far more complex than she can even imagine. While I was a little disappointed by the big twist in the book, I was hooked on this story, which has a surprising amount of emotion for this genre. And the pictures are creepy, so be sure to pick up a physical copy of the book, so you can see the drawings, too!!

Book Review: "We Are The Light" by Matthew Quick

The latest book from the author of Silver Linings Playbook is a tremendously moving story about grief, recovering from tragedy and trauma, and the impact people have on our lives.

The town of Majestic, Pennsylvania has recently been impacted by a terrible tragedy. A young man shot and killed 17 people in the town’s historic movie theater during a showing of a Christmas movie before dying himself.

Many in the town see Lucas Goodgame as a hero for his actions during the massacre, but he doesn’t like to think about that. All he can focus on is that his wife Darcy was among those who were killed, although he believes she comes to him each night as an angel.

Lucas doesn’t know how to process his grief, and the worst thing is that his Jungian analyst of three years, Karl, has ended their sessions because Karl’s wife was killed that day, too. He had come to depend on Karl and he is at a total loss, so the only thing he can do is write letters to him in the hope that Karl will decide to start seeing him again.

Things take an interesting turn when Eli, an 18-year-old whom Lucas had helped before, starts camping out in Lucas’ backyard. The entire town ostracizes Eli and he has nowhere else to turn.

This book, told completely in letters Lucas writes to Karl, is about the process of healing and how complicated it can be. As Lucas and Eli try to help the community—and especially the survivors of the massacre—with recovery, beautiful and troubling things will be uncovered.

I found this really moving. It’s very sad in places and there may be triggers for some. I don’t know about Jungian analysis, so the references to that went over my head, but this was a really poignant and beautiful story.