This is Alison Bechel’s memoir graphic novel, which was also made into a Broadway musical. I think there were some interesting choices in what words she chose. Some of them were very academic. I am not sure if that was intentional to reference her father’s sophisticated preferences, but it made it a more challenging read. I did find the story interesting and it was a unique way to tell it through words and art. The book is very revealing and heartfelt. It helps tell a story of how we can all struggle with finding who we are.

The best part of Johnny Careless by Kevin Wade were the acknowledgements. There was very little I liked about this novel. I didn't care about any of the characters - they were one dimensional - there was no character growth - they just moved along at a snails pace just like the plot.

This was a wonderful sequel to the book The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. Honey Lovett is the daughter of the blue-skinned Troublesome Creek packhorse librarian. Honey's mother and father are imprisoned, and Honey decides to continue her mother's book route. As an avid reader, I especially understood how much these people yearned for the opportunity to enjoy reading.

The Vera Wong books are so enjoyable, especially as audiobooks. I wish I had a Vera in my life (and yet, I also really don't... you'll understand when you read them!) This sequel may have been even better than the first one, which is hard to do. I hope we're gifted a 3rd book in the series soon!

Julie and her twin sister Chloe are separated at a young age when their parents die. Chloe is adopted by an affluent family and becomes a glamorous social media influencer. Julie is adopted by her conniving aunt and stuck. After a brief reconnection, Julie receives a cryptic call from Chloe and travels to NYC to see her. At her apartment, Chloe is dead and Julie decides to steal her twin’s identity. Is the glamorous life of a famous influencer really what it’s cracked up to be? Read and find out.

I really enjoyed this historical fictional novel with the backdrop of the beach at Martha’s Vineyard. They were all interesting characters and the author’s note is very interesting to see how the author tied it to history and her own life.

I felt this psychological thriller was just average. It was a different type of story taking place on a secluded island for wealthy people. They hire a new doctor for the rich patrons. Him and his wife, Lily move to the island and Lily feels something is not right. Immediately a woman commits suicide. Well, Lily’s intuition is spot on.

Ben falls in love with an abandoned former asylum in the country and convinces his pregnant wife to buy it and renovate it. While there Emma starts to feel like Ben is changing and growing more distant. She finds out that he’s cheating on her with their real estate agent. While at the house Emma starts to have hallucinations and she feels like she and her baby are in danger. Are her neighbors lying to her? Is Lindsey, the real estate agent gaslighting Emma? Is Ben a cheating husband? Is Emma imagining everything? Read and find out.

Women’s Fiction spanning thirty five years. The author put a good deal of thought and effort in writing this book. (Hence the two stars) It was easy to get lost and confused as names changed and time periods jumped around. For example: Bear was also Julian and Gordon. It takes place in London, Ireland, Africa, Italy, and Paris, I believe. Not sure if the author was exploring the possible opportunities for a baby boy born in 1984 or the ravages of wife abuse, or the confused experiences of a young daughter. As I started the book, iwasrecommending it to friends who have experienced wife abuse and survived. Then I had to call back and tell them not to waste their time.

This was a really interesting novel. I already know the story of Huck Finn, and I loved Big River, the musical that is based of it. I could not stop thinking about the musical while I enjoyed this story. It also reminded me of things I forgot when originally reading the Adventures of Huck Finn. I can see why it won the Pulitzer, and why I have been hearing about it becoming a film soon.