’56 days’ is the first book I have read that is set in this COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, this book puts a magnifying glass on the early days of the pandemic. Catherine Ryan Howard does a great job of capturing the uncertainty and apprehension of that time. While this could potentially be triggering for some readers, in my opinion, it helped make the story even more engaging and realistic.
Just JJ
All posts written by Just JJ
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THE JASMINE THRONE by Tasha Suri
I see you, Tasha Suri! Tasha has written a really amazing high fantasy book and made it look ridiculously easy! In fact, Tasha’s vivid and captivating writing is one of the things I love most about this book. Each detail is brought to life with such clarity that I could not help but be absorbed by the fascinating world and tale that unfolds. There are no mountains of information or excessive details for readers to wade through. Instead, both the world-building and magic system are gently introduced throughout the book in a manner that is not overwhelming or confusing.
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THE STARLESS SEA by Erin Morgenstern
Here is the thing, I know exactly how ‘The Starless Sea’ is supposed to make me feel. I hear it repeatedly in Erin Morgenstern’s poetic writing – like the pause before a clearly expected applause. Yet, I do not feel that way.
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THE COURT OF MIRACLES by Kester Grant
I have to start this review by celebrating my very first completed audiobook! No one is more shocked than me by how much I loved listening to the narration of this book. I certainly did not expect to be able to focus on the narrated story as my mind tends to wander when I listen to people talk for a long time. Although this was not a huge problem here, I cannot tell how much of this was because of the narration or the story.
OCTOBER 2021 Monthly Spotlight
As the leaves fall and we get into the swing of autumn, ’tis the season to read a nice fantasy book by the fire. Or cosy up in bed with a heart-thumping crime novel as the days get colder. Or perhaps a spooky read with all the lights on in advance of Halloween? Regardless of where or what you choose to read, below are our favourites picks from the new releases this month to help inspire your next exciting read:
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SIX CRIMSON CRANES by Elizabeth Lim
Despite the hype that surrounds it, ‘Six Crimson Cranes’ was not high on my list of books to read. The mediocre blurb failed to entice me with its offer of a light-hearted and fluffy, Young Adult (YA) read. It was not until I came across its beautiful cover at the bookstore that I was drawn to this book.
It was love at first sight! The elegant font, simple illustration and soft, pastel colours grabbing my attention and demanding that I read this book.
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THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO by Stieg Larsson
At its very core, ‘The girl with the dragon tattoo’ is a book that is centred on crimes against women. This core theme is woven into a tale rife with financial intrigue, corporate crime, and a murder mystery. Was this overly ambitious for one book? To some extent, yes.
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THE NAME OF THE WIND by Patrick Rothfuss
I seem to be one of the few readers unimpressed by this fantasy “masterpiece”. Perhaps my taste in fantasy books is not mature or profound enough for such an elaborate tale. Or, perhaps I am merely disinterested in fantasy books that read like a convoluted autobiography and have no clear storyline.