tessa_talks_books's reviews
1150 reviews

She's Not Sorry" by Mary Kubica follows the story of Meghan Michaels, a divorced mother of a teenage daughter, who works as a nurse in the ICU at a Chicago hospital. One day, a mysterious patient named Caitlin is brought into the ICU after falling from a pedestrian bridge, leaving her in a coma. In addition, Meghan is also dealing with a side plot involving an old high school acquaintance who needs help escaping her abusive husband.

These two plot threads intertwine in unexpected ways, leaving the reader constantly guessing about what will happen next. The story is full of twists and turns that are truly jaw-dropping and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Some of the twists are so surprising that they even made me want to reread the story to see if I had missed anything. Without revealing too much, let's say that the connections between the characters are far from ordinary.

The story's intensity is palpable from the beginning and continues until the end. Combined with the fast-paced narrative, this makes for a highly riveting and shocking read.

She's Not Sorry is told entirely from Meghan's perspective in first-person narration style. While there are some moments where the story's mundane details are overly elaborated, it's the perfect narration style for this kind of intense psychological thriller. While sometimes excessive, the detailed descriptions add a layer of realism that makes the story even more immersive.

If you're looking for a captivating read that will keep you guessing until the end, then "She's Not Sorry" is worth picking up.

I am not engaged by this story which makes the slow pace way too slow for my reading enjoyment.  The characters need way more development while still maintaining the mystery of their past.

I loved that it had so much diversity but there was too much diversity in just the main character- he has a disability (hearing impaired) - he is Iranian American (cultural diversity) - he is gay (sexual diversity) - and he’s a theater kid (I’m counting that as a diversity group kind of tongue in cheek but kind of not because they are always set apart from the main group).  As an adult when I read a YA story I look for one of three things (1) could easily be adult and characters are actually adulting; (2) I can relate either from my own teen years or because of the students I work with, or (3) it’s a recommendation I can pass on to my students.  This story is just too much on the diversity and not enough on what it’s like to be a teen today.  Most teens today are in one or maybe two under-represented groups, never 3-4ish and their issues are more about finding their way as a teen while still celebrating their diversity and finding the self-love and acceptance to be okay with being who they are.  It’s a very fragile balance and hard for them to navigate.  Because of this, I couldn’t even get past 25% - especially knowing what was to come was a brother and sister interested in the same guy and where that leads - that just added one more unbelievable element to the mix.

One-word review: Riveting

Emojis: 🧐🫣🤯

Rating: 5 🌟s

My thoughts:

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera is a riveting murder thriller. It unfolds the tale of an unresolved murder case from the perspective of the suspected but never-confirmed murderer, Lucy. Her distinctive blend of sarcasm and self-deprecation drew me in from the very first page. Returning to her hometown - the crime scene - for her grandmother's birthday, she encounters true crime podcaster Ben Owens. He persuades Lucy to team up with him to uncover the real murderer - even if it turns out to be her.

The story's pacing is one of its strongest aspects, racing along at a thrilling speed. The mystery is meticulously plotted using interviews of the people who were part of Savy's life (the victim) at the time of the murder and gradual revelations as Lucy's memory resurfaces. Although I managed to identify the murderer halfway through, the motive remained a mystery, and the final revelation was genuinely mind-blowing.

The secrets about the town's residents kept me engrossed and made it nearly impossible to put this book down. I found myself irked if anyone dared to interrupt my reading. There's something special about a thriller that you simply can't and don't want to put down, even for those tasks that demand your attention.

This could very well be my favorite read for 2024. It will, at the very least, be in the top ten.

 

Rules for Rule Breaking by Talia Tucker is a captivating road trip narrative.

 Winter and Bobby, two Korean Americans, stand out in their high school as the only ones of their culture. Their relationship, far from the typical high school romance, is marked by a fierce rivalry. When their parents insist they embark on a college trip together, they are forced to confront the source of their animosity.

Their journey, filled with struggles and poignant moments, was a joy to read about. Despite the unlikelihood of such a trip in real life (I don't know about you, but my parents would never have let me drive up and down the East Coast with another teen, especially a boy), it felt somewhat authentic due to the characters. With their drive and focus, these characters reminded me of students I've encountered- their determination sometimes bordering on obsession. The ironic title, Rules for Rule Breaking, encapsulates Winter's need for structure even when she breaks the rules.

Winter's grandmother, a beacon of wisdom in this tale, plays a significant role. Her insights surpass those of her granddaughter, Bobby, and their friends. She encourages them to break free from their self-imposed rules, sensing their need to loosen up. Her character adds depth and wisdom to the narrative, reminding the reader that breaking a rule now and then won't bring the world to an end.

Rules for Rule Breaking will resonate with teens and take adults back to that time in their lives.

The narrator and the narration-style is annoying - I’ve never been a fan of stream of consciousness or even stream of consciousness-like.  The characters and even elements of the plot aren’t consistent with Book 1 - I even think it hurts my reading experience to have read book 1.

The Good, The Bad, and the Aunties had me in stitches throughout my reading journey. The dynamic between the sisters (the aunties) is a riot, their interactions brimming with humor. The cultural nuances, particularly when juxtaposed with Western perspectives, add a layer of comedy that is universally enjoyable.

I was captivated by the depiction of Indonesia. Sutanto's vivid and detailed writing allowed me to explore a new country from the comfort of my reading nook. It's a modern, affluent landscape, which contrasts with my previous perception of it as a resort-like destination. Also, the Chinese New Year celebration was a cultural feast, enriching my understanding of this significant event.

Meddy is a compelling character. Raised in the US by her mom and the Aunties, she deeply understands her family's beliefs and traditions. Meddy and her new husband, Nathan, serve as cultural bridges, helping Western readers navigate the contrast between their lifestyle and the traditional life of Chinese and Indonesian peoples.

I was very sad to see that this is the last book in the series. Meddy is starting a new chapter in her life, and I would have loved to see how it plays out for all. They are just such a fun family, and everyone needs a little fun in their lives.

The Encanto's Daughter is so vibrant and imaginative. I was instantly drawn into the story.  

I was captivated by the Filipino lore of Encantos, dark witches, and other magical beings and the intriguing similarities and differences to the stories I'm familiar with. The shared threads of stories across cultures always pique my interest, sparking thoughts about the universal foundations of these tales. For instance, this story features a distinct, fae-like realm within our world that you can access through a portal. Despite the characters being called by different names than I am used to, many can be easily related to those found in European lore, fostering a sense of cross-cultural connection.

However, the strikingly unique details offer a new and wondrous world to explore. The world-building is engaging and meticulously crafted. It drew me into its mysteries and the thrills that come with the political intrigue and old promises made.

 While the narrative leaned toward the younger side of YA, despite the characters' near-adult age, I yearned for a more intense experience. Yet, the story's compelling nature left me eager to uncover what happens next, eagerly anticipating the release of book two in this series.

This was not my favorite Emily Henry book, but it was a lovely read.