bookmaddie's reviews
1069 reviews

A recent read from my whale historical fiction era (which I think is over for now...) that got better as it went along! This novel follows multiple generations of one family, going from mother to daughter. Each woman has a special power—foresight, being able to see other people’s memories, etc—that helps them along the way. Each woman is searching for something, even if it might not bring the closure they so desire.

While the story begins with a mother’s grief and a daughter’s search for a lost father, their story is lost, and the rest of the women search desperately for a past they feel but can’t remember. The tone is very whimsical and nostalgic, bringing the windswept shores of Nantucket and the boisterous ports of Brazil and Italy to life.

I was charmed by the setting and writing, but I felt as if I was leaving each woman’s story just before the conclusion. It got a bit old to be dragged from story to story with no closure to the prior narrative. Also, a lot of these women misunderstand their moms so much, in a way that reads so naive and brash on the page. It didn’t make sense to me, and felt really repetitive. I felt that the whole root of their inherited trauma was never addressed and kept a secret for way too long. I wanted some emotional heart-to-hearts and character development that happened marginally, rather than all at once at the very end.

I think the structure of the book hindered the character development, but the sweet ending still delighted me. All the loose threads got knotted together, and I finally got the closure I was after! If you’re in the mood for an adventurous, sweeping story, then this is a good debut to give a try. I’ll be curious what Roberts writes in the future, as there’s lots here to love and I think her writing can only get better!

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Waves by Ingrid Chabbert

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emotional hopeful sad fast-paced

4.25

Really powerful. Beautifully told and illustrated.

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The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years by Shubnum Khan

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

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Call Me Nathan by Catherine Castro

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emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

expressive art style, a beautiful story of trans joy.

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All's Well by Mona Awad

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 7%.

Just not vibing with the main character, nor all the Shakespeare content.

The Unsettled by Ayana Mathis

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dark emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

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There's Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension by Hanif Abdurraqib

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dark emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

4.25

This was my first Abdurraqib book, and it definitely won’t be my last. I now know what I’ve been missing out on!

Through the lens of basketball, this essay collection explores the connection one can have to a city, to its people, and the perseverance and faith required to go on living. Abdurraqib makes a beautiful, spiritual plea for remembrance, love, and hope, ensuring we can’t forget values necessary for life. The power in Abdurraqib’s words blew me away—it almost felt holy in some moments (this coming from a very non-religious person).

Just genius—beautiful, endlessly touching, and full of love. I highlighted so much, but won’t share any quotes as the advanced copy I read isn’t final. Make sure you have your highlighters/pencils/pens ready for this one.

Thanks Random House and Netgalley for my advanced digital copy.

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bookmaddie's reviews 1069 reviews

bookmaddie's reviews
1069 reviews