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queendbw's reviews
1193 reviews
The Best of Everything by Kimberla Lawson Roby
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Just finished book #1 of 2023 - The Best of Everything by Kimberla Lawson Roby. This is book 6 of the Curtis Black series. The story centers around Curtis’ eldest daughter, Alicia. Alicia has finished school and gotten married, but is still a spoiled brat at heart. Her father spoiled her and enabled her shopping addiction all her life. Her hubby, Philip is adamant that she does better. Alicia responds by acting out.
This was a slow-moving train wreck - it kept my interest but was not outrageous. The ending seems a little too pat to me, but this was a solid read. 3/5 stars.
#ReadingIsFUNdamental #audiobookreader #literacy #ReadsOf2023
This was a slow-moving train wreck - it kept my interest but was not outrageous. The ending seems a little too pat to me, but this was a solid read. 3/5 stars.
#ReadingIsFUNdamental #audiobookreader #literacy #ReadsOf2023
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Book #2 of 2022
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner.
I found myself completely caught up in this story! The story bounces between 18th century and modern London. In the past, Nella was the child of, and heir to, an apothecary. When she had her heart broken, she started to use her knowledge to help other hurt women.
In the present, Caroline has discovered her husbands infidelity - just before they were supposed to take their 10th anniversary trip to London. She goes alone and stumbled across an object that leads her on a search for truth. The truth about the past, herself and her life.
I really enjoyed this story (I finished in about two days) and the ending was totally satisfying. I would love to read something else by Ms. Penner.
#readsof2022 #bookworm #readingisfundamental
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner.
I found myself completely caught up in this story! The story bounces between 18th century and modern London. In the past, Nella was the child of, and heir to, an apothecary. When she had her heart broken, she started to use her knowledge to help other hurt women.
In the present, Caroline has discovered her husbands infidelity - just before they were supposed to take their 10th anniversary trip to London. She goes alone and stumbled across an object that leads her on a search for truth. The truth about the past, herself and her life.
I really enjoyed this story (I finished in about two days) and the ending was totally satisfying. I would love to read something else by Ms. Penner.
#readsof2022 #bookworm #readingisfundamental
My Monticello by Jocelyn Nicole Johnson
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Book #1 of 2022.
My Monticello by Jocelyn Nicole Johnson.
This is the author’s first publication and I’m so excited to see what she produces next. The book is a collection of 5 short stories and the title novella (which Netflix is set to film). I enjoyed each story, but I found that “Control Negro” and “My Monticello” really resonated with me.
Lavar Burton narrated “Control Negro” and his voice along with the story had me captivated. While it was a complete story, I still wanted to know more (always a good sign to me).
“My Monticello” had me hooked from the start. Da’Naisha’s neighborhood is overrun by white supremacists and she leads a group of escapees to safety in a bus. They end up sheltering at Monticello (yes, THAT one). We also find out that Da’Naisha is a descendant of Sally Hemings. I won’t give anything away, but I literally had to just sit and breathe for a minute at the end of this one.
#ReadsOf2022 #ReadingIsFundamental #bookworm
My Monticello by Jocelyn Nicole Johnson.
This is the author’s first publication and I’m so excited to see what she produces next. The book is a collection of 5 short stories and the title novella (which Netflix is set to film). I enjoyed each story, but I found that “Control Negro” and “My Monticello” really resonated with me.
Lavar Burton narrated “Control Negro” and his voice along with the story had me captivated. While it was a complete story, I still wanted to know more (always a good sign to me).
“My Monticello” had me hooked from the start. Da’Naisha’s neighborhood is overrun by white supremacists and she leads a group of escapees to safety in a bus. They end up sheltering at Monticello (yes, THAT one). We also find out that Da’Naisha is a descendant of Sally Hemings. I won’t give anything away, but I literally had to just sit and breathe for a minute at the end of this one.
#ReadsOf2022 #ReadingIsFundamental #bookworm
Sometimes I Trip On How Happy We Could Be by Nichole Perkins
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
medium-paced
4.5
Book #82 of 2021.
In a series of essays, the author examines the impact of pop culture on her life. From the music of Prince to the tv show Frasier she examines every aspect of her life including education, crushes, sexuality and depression. I really enjoy her writing!
#readsof2021 #readingisfundamental #bookworm
In a series of essays, the author examines the impact of pop culture on her life. From the music of Prince to the tv show Frasier she examines every aspect of her life including education, crushes, sexuality and depression. I really enjoy her writing!
#readsof2021 #readingisfundamental #bookworm
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Book #81 of 2021.
Poppy and Alex have been best friends since college. Every summer, they go on vacation together until two summers ago in Croatia. What happened to fracture their relationship and can they re-build their friendship?
#readsof2021 #readingisfundamental #bookworm
Poppy and Alex have been best friends since college. Every summer, they go on vacation together until two summers ago in Croatia. What happened to fracture their relationship and can they re-build their friendship?
#readsof2021 #readingisfundamental #bookworm
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Book #80 of 2021.
The Riva siblings are throwing their annual end of summer party but this year it is quite different. All four siblings are at a crossroad in their lives and the next 24 hours has the ability to change everything - how they view themselves and their lives; how they see each other; and what the future holds.
#readsof2021 #readingisfundamental #bookworm
The Riva siblings are throwing their annual end of summer party but this year it is quite different. All four siblings are at a crossroad in their lives and the next 24 hours has the ability to change everything - how they view themselves and their lives; how they see each other; and what the future holds.
#readsof2021 #readingisfundamental #bookworm
Reborn by C.C. Hunter
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Book #79 of 2021.
Della thought her life was perfect - she had her family and a boyfriend she loved. Then she was turned. Once she became a vampire she lost all that she held dear and took refuge at Shadow Falls - a camp for paranormal teens. She has to learn to accept her new life and how to continue to be true to herself.
#readsof2021 #readingisfundamental #bookworm
Della thought her life was perfect - she had her family and a boyfriend she loved. Then she was turned. Once she became a vampire she lost all that she held dear and took refuge at Shadow Falls - a camp for paranormal teens. She has to learn to accept her new life and how to continue to be true to herself.
#readsof2021 #readingisfundamental #bookworm
Try Softer by Aundi Kolber
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Book #78 of 2021.
I will buy a hard copy of this book because I know I will need to refer back to it.
The author guides us to practicing self-compassion and silencing the voice of your worst critic - yourself. She examines how to establish and maintain boundaries. She discusses the different attachment styles and how your attachment style impacts your relationships with other. She explains how to work through strong emotions and not they stuck in them. Very impactful!
#readsof2021 #readingisfundamental #bookworm
I will buy a hard copy of this book because I know I will need to refer back to it.
The author guides us to practicing self-compassion and silencing the voice of your worst critic - yourself. She examines how to establish and maintain boundaries. She discusses the different attachment styles and how your attachment style impacts your relationships with other. She explains how to work through strong emotions and not they stuck in them. Very impactful!
#readsof2021 #readingisfundamental #bookworm
The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
Book #77 of 2021.
This collection of short stories has inspired me to find more work from Ms. Evans. All of the stories are great, but my favorite has to be “Boys Go To Jupiter” or the title story.
#readsof2021 #readingisfundamental #bookworm
This collection of short stories has inspired me to find more work from Ms. Evans. All of the stories are great, but my favorite has to be “Boys Go To Jupiter” or the title story.
#readsof2021 #readingisfundamental #bookworm
Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Book #76 of 2021.
This is the penultimate novel in the Throne of Glass series. Aelin sends Chaol to Antica with two missions - seek healing at the Torre Cesme and find allies.
While there, Chaol uncovers information about the depth and breadth of Erawan’s plans.
#readsof2021 #readingisfundamental #bookworm
This is the penultimate novel in the Throne of Glass series. Aelin sends Chaol to Antica with two missions - seek healing at the Torre Cesme and find allies.
While there, Chaol uncovers information about the depth and breadth of Erawan’s plans.
#readsof2021 #readingisfundamental #bookworm