A Bookworm's Book Reviews

The Cloisters – Katy Hays

Title: The Cloisters

Author: Katy Hays

Genre: Mystery

Plot: Ann Stilwell is a recent renaissance history major graduate from Witworth University in Eastern Washington. She’s struggled to get into a grad school program, so she accepts a summer internship at the Cloisters, in New York City, and a part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. There Ann works with fellow assistant Rachel, and their boss, Patrick. They teach Ann about the world of tarot cards and how they were used in renaissance times. Then Ann finds a secret about the tarot cards Patrick’s recently found. She tells Rachel and they start finding out about the secrets the cards offer. They keep the discovery from Patrick, as they want to make their name in the world. But then something happens that changes the course of everyone at the Cloisters. Who can be trusted at the Cloisters? What really happened there? Is anyone safe?

Rating: 3.5 – a more academic take on the history of tarot

Opinion: This was an interesting book. Though it was the most thrilling of mysteries, it was interesting enough to keep me reading. The book seemed a little too straight forward for a mystery for me. I figured it out what happened but kept hoping there would be a plot twist or some clues that would steer me another way. The book focused more on wanting to separate yourself from your past and the ideas of being able to control your fate. While this was an interesting idea, I didn’t love how it played out. While it was an interesting, it wasn’t my favorite book. There wasn’t a ton of action. The book focused more on plotting and scheming, which has never been a favorite plot scheme of mine. Two things I did really like about the book was that the tension between two of the characters was well written. The other thing I like accuracy of how academics treat people from prestigious universities versus not as prestigious universities. I talked with a coworker who has an art history background and she said this part of the book was very accurate. Overall, this was an interesting book, just not the book for me. I’d recommend it for anyone who likes an academic mystery.

Abroad in Japan – Chris Broad

Title: Abroad in Japan

Author: Chris Broad

Genre: Memoir

Plot: Chris talk about his journey in Japan. He talked how he got his job, and BSing the interview, teaching English at a high school in the Japanese countryside. He’s honest about how hard it was to adjust to a new culture and trying to learn a new language. There so many stories about interactions with fellow teachers and students and how they helped each other. There are stories of Chris and his friends exploring Japan and their adventures together. Chris talks a lot about how he started his YouTube career. There’s stories about from how he came up with his ideas and how others gave him ideas to record with. He talked about how he really felt about the videos. He also tells about the news stories that happened while he’s been in Japan. He talks about how he did his part to help the locals that were affected and how he shown a light on how local people are affected by what’s going on in Japan. He wrapped it up with saying how his time in Japan has changed him for the better and reviews what he’s learned and overcame.

Rating: 4.5 – a great way to learn about overcoming obstacles while living abroad

Opinion: I’d been curious about this book. I’ve seen some of the author’s videos and I like that he highlights the less popular parts of things to do in Japan. He does so very respectfully. I liked that the author acknowledged the pun title. I liked how his book still sounded like he would talk, and not his editor. It made a little more enjoyable cause I could read parts in the author’s voice. It helped that he’s got an easily recognizable voice. I enjoyed how the author talked about his struggles and how not everything was easy for him. It made it easier to relate to how he didn’t get along with everyone at first. He was honest how hard it was for him to learn Japanese. He slowly built an amazing support system to help him learn the language and culture. There were so many times the author could’ve given up, but didn’t. There was always something to help keep the author going. The one little thing that I wished was included was a little Japanese dictionary at the end of the book so that I could reference the Japanese used in the book in case I forgot what the word meant later in the book. Overall, this was a great book. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to learn about Japanese culture.

The Last Word – Taylor Adams

Content warning for dog lovers: the dog’s life is threatened a couple times throughout the book.

Title: The Last Word

Author: Taylor Adams

Genre: Thriller

Plot: Emma Carpenter is house sitting for a lady in the remote area of the Washington coast. She needs the escape from her previous life. This seems like the perfect opportunity for Emma. She spends her days reading cheap ebooks, taking care of her dog, and playing window hangman with her closest neighbor, Deek. After one badly written book, Emma leaves a 1 star review. The author demands she take the review down. Emma refuses. Not long after, she notices some weird things at night. Then the stalking starts. Then the attacks. Emma learns that the author of the 1 star review is behind everything. Can the author be stopped? Can Emma and her dog escape? Or will everything that can go wrong, go wrong?

Rating: 3.5 – a different kind of thriller

Opinion: This book started off great. I enjoyed the idea of an author turned creepy stalker and possible serial killer. It gave off a great creepy vibe. The switch between Emma and the killer was an interesting idea. When things started getting violent is when it started going downhill. All of the twists and drama kind of felt like overkill. The killer threatening the dog’s life multiple times and almost killing it made me frustrated. There’s one thing that really rubs me the wrong way in books is when you threaten the animals, especially the pets. The book didn’t crash and burn at the end, but it left me with a unsatisfied feeling. It was wrapped up nicely too early, but there was one last twist that ruined the ending for me. Overall, this was a good book, there just a few too many things that bugged me to really love it. I recommend it for anyone who love a creepy thriller.

The Lost Bookshop – Evie Woods

Title: The Lost Bookshop

Author: Evie Woods

Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy

Plot: Martha has moved to Dublin to escape an abusive husband. She takes a job working for Madam Bowden to hide. Then a PhD student, Henry, asks about Madam Bowden’s house. He wants to know more about another possible book that Emily Brontë wrote. There were rumors of a bookshop that dealt with rare books that used to be in Madam Bowden’s house. He convinces Martha to help. He learns the person in charge of the bookshop was Opaline Carlisle, but traces of her vanish after a certain point. Soon he finds a connection between Opaline and the possible second Emily Brontë book. What’s the connection? What really happened to Opaline? Will Martha and Henry be able to find the Emily Brontë book? Does it even exist?

Rating: 3.5 – a different side of bookshops and history

Opinion: This was an interesting book. It was a little darker than I was expecting. One of the characters in an asylum in the 1940s. Though there’s hope because she does take initiative and escape her asylum. While I know it hardly ever happened, I’m glad someone got to escape a place like that. I’m glad a woman from the 1940’s got to take charge of her own life and live her own life. It’s really what lead to the modern parts of the story. The modern parts confused me a little bit. The author tried to weave magic into the bookshop. For me, it didn’t really seam to fit the story. It felt like it was trying too hard to be a magical bookshop that appeared when the characters needed it. I don’t feel like it was set up nor explained super well. That or I was just too tired to understand the explanation when I read that part. Still, it wasn’t my favorite explanation of a magical bookshop. It didn’t have a great build up either. Things just happened throughout the book without much explanation. I liked that idea, just wished it had been set up differently. Overall, I really did like the book. It had lots of interesting history and being able to overcome difficulties. I recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction.

The Life Impossible – Matt Haig

Title: The Life Impossible

Author: Matt Haig

Genre: Fantasy

Plot: Grace is a retired math teacher in England. She feels like she’s lost herself since her family’s passed away. Out of the blue, an old acquaintance, Christina, sends her a letter saying she’s left Grace a small house in Ibiza, an island off the coast of Spain. Grace reluctantly goes, hoping a change of scenery will do her good. While in Ibiza, she meets Alberto. He knew Christina. He says someone was after Christina and the island. He wants help finding out who was going after them. Grace says she’s too old to help. Alberto convinces her to help. But will Grace’s help be enough? Can they stop whoever was going after Christina? Can they protect the island? Or will the island be changed forever? And Christina’s possible killer get away with it all?

Rating: 4.2 – an interesting tale of finding your passion

Opinion: This was an interesting book. I wouldn’t have picked it out for myself but I got it as a gift. I’ve read another book by the author and I really liked that one, so I had high hopes for this book. It didn’t disappoint. The author did a great job making the magic seam like a part of every day life. It was interesting how magic influenced people. It chose the people it wanted to share its power with. It made it seem like a living creature. It was never 100% clear if it was, but the characters acted like it might be. I liked the theme of finding your passions when you’re older. And that it’s never too late to help change things. Though it was hard to suspend belief with change would be that easy to come by. It almost made it seem too easy. The theme of save the environment was a bit over the top but still let the book be enjoyable. I’m glad there was some talk about mental health. The main characters had people to talk with about their problems and help each other solve them. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I recommend it for anyone who wants a easy read about finding your passions.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond – Elizabeth George Speare

Title: The Witch of Blackbird Pond

Author: Elizabeth George Speare

Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: Kit Tyler is a sixteen year old traveling from Barbados to Connecticut by herself. Her grandfather recently passed, leaving her with no family on the island. When she arrives, she’s met with suspicion. Kit wasn’t raised Puritan so doesn’t understand their rigid ways. Now she’s struggling to fit in. Then she meets Hannah Tupper. She lives on the edge of town and has been deemed a witch. Kit learns that isn’t the truth. She wants to help Hannah and others, but at what cost? When people start getting sick, people start blaming Hannah. Will they blame Kit by association? Or will she escape? Will she ever be welcome in her new home? Can she learn to fit in? Or will she forever be on the outside looking in?

Rating: 4.0 – a simple and powerful tale of finding acceptance

Opinion: This was a great book. It was a relatable tale about fitting in. I remember hearing about this book growing up though I never remember reading it. I thought it was going to focus more on the witch trials going on around that time. But focused more on an outsider trying to fit in. There’s nothing wrong with that, it just wasn’t what I was expecting. It’s a good reminder that it’s very easy to find someone to blame when things go wrong, especially if they’re considered an outsider. I liked that someone stuck up for the outsider. That’s not always the case. Outsiders need to stick together. I like that Kit was finally able to find a place where she truly fit in. I was tired while reading this book, so I don’t feel like I absorbed as much as I usually did. Overall, I really did enjoy this book. It’s an easy book to read if you need a quick read. It has a great message for younger readers. I highly recommend this book for young readers who enjoy historical fiction.

Book of Night – Holly Black

Title: Book of Night

Author: Holly Night

Genre: Fantasy

Plot: Charlie Hall is a mostly reformed thief. She stole for gloamists, people who manipulate shadows. She’s determined to make a better life for her and her sister, Posey. But now the gloamists want something from her. Charlie resists at first. She’s given no choice when an old acquaintance attacks her with his shadow. Her partner Vince intervenes and destroys the man and his shadow. Charlie digs into Vince’s past and sees that he’s not all that he seems. Vince can’t or won’t give her a straight answer. Then he disappears. Charlie starts looking into things fully when an old enemy demands she help him. Will Charlie be able to find what her enemy is looking for? Can she find a way out of her problems? Can she find and help her friends and family? Or they meet their demise as well?

Rating: 3.5 – a darker side of magic

Opinion: This was an interesting book. I really liked the idea of being able to manipulate and change your shadow. It was an interesting that your shadow could become its own entity. But it only comes alive with blood and needs to be continually fed. This puts a dark twist on the book. I liked that there was a body of government that was for how the shadow magic should be used. There was history about the shadow magic. People studied and learned more about magic throughout time. Like some other reviews, I wished the magic was a little more fleshed out. I feel like the author gave a quick summary of things then called it good. I also feel like it jumped around too much. It made it hard for me to get into. I tried really hard to enjoy the book but I just couldn’t get into it. Maybe it was the writing style of the book. Maybe I just didn’t click with the third person. It might’ve been easier for me to follow if it was in first person. I do think this was an interesting book and had a good idea going for it. I just had a hard time getting into it. I recommend this book for anyone who likes a darker side of magic.

Passion Project – London Sperry

Title: Passion Project

Author: London Sperry

Genre: Romance

Plot: Bennet is a lost soul, not sure what to do with herself outside of her temp job. She feels like she’s got no future and no passions. Her roommate signs Bennet up for a dating app and encourages her to go on a date. Bennet agrees to meet Henry. Immediately she panics and runs away. Somehow, she runs into Henry the next day by chance. He convinces Bennet to start a Passion Project as friends. Each week they try and new activity, hopefully to find one or both of their passions. Slowly, Bennet comes out of her shell and becomes more comfortable trying new things. Bennet and Henry become very close. Neither are willing to admit they want to be more than friends. When challenges arise can their relationship last? Or will their pasts drive them apart?

Rating: 3.8 – another sweet and sappy romance that’s healthier

Opinion: This was a sweet book. I enjoyed the idea of trying something new or different every week. But the practical side of me said that’s going to be super expensive, especially in New York City. I guess that’s the sappy romantic side of the story. For some weird reason I couldn’t look over that part. There were lots super cute moments in the book. I’m glad that the relationships seemed more realistic. They fought, but talked about it afterwards. They talked when things got rough. They walked away from things that weren’t good for them. I’m also glad the characters got the mental health help they needed. The characters made conscious choices to make themselves better after a while. It almost made it seem too easy but it was still a challenge for the characters to change because their actions were habit. Overall, this was a very cute book. It was still sweet and sappy book while being more realistic. I highly recommend this book for any who love sweet and sappy romance.

The Summer We Ran – Audrey Ingram

Title: The Summer We Ran

Author: Audrey Ingram

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Plot: In the summer of ’96, Tess’s mom took a job for an affluent lady in Virginia. Her mother reminds Tess to be on her best behavior. The neighbor lets Tess work in her garden. While working, Tess meets Grant Alexander, son of a prominent politician. They hit it off instantly, despite their own broken pasts. Both of their mothers caution them in their summer romance. Then tragedy after tragedy strike. The two are separated, not by their own doing. In 2021, both Tess and Grant run for governor in Virginia. No one in their lives knows what happened that summer all those years ago. Tess is sent an anonymous email with a photo of her and Grant from that summer. She starts to panic and tells her campaign manager the bare bones of what happened that summer. Tess finds Grant and tells him what’s going on. As the campaign continues, both parties try to find out who’s blackmailing Tess. The more they learn, the more things unravel in their personal lives. Can both families survive? Will the truth come out? Or can Tess and Grant keep that summer a secret?

Rating: 3.6 – a interesting look at politics and consequences of hiding the past

Opinion: This was an interesting book. I enjoyed getting a behind the scenes look at politics without the book being too political. I don’t mind politics so long as it’s not the main focus. The dynamics of Tess and Grant’s relationship seem pretty realistic. Not all relationships about people from different worlds work in the real world. While this wasn’t the happiest book I’ve ever read, it’s realistic. There are consequences to our actions or lack there of. Not everything in life can be forgiven. While what happened in the book was heartbreaking, it seems more realistic. I do wish the ending had been a little happier. Or at least one or two of the characters had come to justice by the end of the book. Their fate seemed like a loose end in the book. Overall, this was an interesting book. It kept me interested throughout. I kept hoping the characters would get the ending they deserved. I recommend this book who wants to see a different side of politics and family dynamic.

The Last Speakers – K. David Harrison

Title: The Last Speakers

Author: K. David Harrison

Genre: Memoir

Plot: K. David Harrison talks about his journeys through the wilderness and remote villages to document and record the world’s dying languages. Over the course of the years, he’s found hot spots of the highest risk of disappearing forever. He talks about how people who speak a dying language have struggled to show their language and knowledge with younger people. The younger generations have less interest in learning their ancestors languages. It’s easier to learn the predominant language in the area. In the past, the speakers of dying languages have been made to feel ashamed of their first language. It’s made them hesitant to speak with others and teach others. K. David Harrison talks about how he’s lived among the people and gained their trust in order to learn more about their language and culture. He talks about how much knowledge and culture we’re losing when they disappear. While it looks bleak, there is some hope because there’s starting to be a revitalization of some of the dying languages.

Rating: 4.0 – a deep, insightful talk about language and how they’re important

Opinion: This was an interesting book. I liked how much details about the languages that are included. There’s so many interesting facts about dying languages and their cultures. There’s so much local knowledge and history recorded in those languages. I understand that it’s easier for the younger generation to learn the main language in the area they live in. They want to fit in with the language majority. But there’s so much tied to the culture within the language. There’s so many different ways to understand the world when you speak another language. The author says he’s received letters about the simplicity of only speaking one language and how everyone should speak the same language. But you lose so much culture, knowledge, and understanding when you speak more than one language. But I understand wanting to be accepted by the main stream culture and language group by only speaking the prominent language. I can see both sides of the argument with local languages wanting to protect their languages. They don’t want outsiders to change or get rid of their language. But language is adaptable and can survive if the speakers are willing. They can find their own words for modern things. There are so many things to unpack in this book. It’s a great book for any language lovers. A family I work with gave me this book as a gift and I love it. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to learn more about languages.