Snotgirl: Green Hair Don't Care by Bryan Lee O’Malley

 

I read the ebook edition of Snotgirl: Green Hair Don't Care by Bryan Lee O’Malley. I don't remember where I first learned about this graphic novel, but it's been on my reading wishlist for a while. 

Snotgirl: Green Hair Don't Care by Bryan Lee O’Malley is a fun, easy breezy read! The artwork is wonderful. I liked the storyline and main character. Lottie Person is a fashion blogger living in LA. She and friends are shallow and mean. This book seems to poke fun of the shallowness of fashion influencers/bloggers.

As a side story, Lottie has out of control allergies and she may or may not have killed someone accidentally while taking her allergy meds combined with alcohol.

Lottie's long-term boyfriend dumped her for her former intern, who is now stalking Lottie!! 

Additionally, Lottie's new bestie seems perfect at the start of the book. But, by the end of the book, the new bestie seems suspicious to say the least.

Below is the publisher's summary for Snotgirl: Green Hair Don't Care by Bryan Lee O’Malley from Goodreads:

From bestselling BRYAN LEE O’MALLEY (Scott Pilgrim) and superstar newcomer LESLIE HUNG! Lottie Person is a glamorous fashion blogger living her best life—at least that’s what she wants you to think. The truth is, her friends are terrible people, her boyfriend traded her up for someone younger, her allergies are out of control, and she may or may not have killed somebody! SNOTGIRL VOL. 1 is the perfect introduction to one of 2016’s most buzzed-about titles! Collects SNOTGIRL #1-5.

I am giving Snotgirl: Green Hair Don't Care by Bryan Lee O’Malley a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Top Ten Tuesday - Books About/Set In Places on My Bucket List

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Top Ten Tuesday was originally created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Below are ten works of fiction I would like to read that are set in places on my travel bucket list. The books are not listed in any order of importance.

1. Sarum by Edward Rutherfurd (England)
2. Manila Noir by Jessica Hagedorn, et al (Philippines)
3. The Source by James A. Michener (the Holy Land)
4. The Man from St. Petersburg by Ken Follett (Russia)
5. The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton (Key West, Florida)
6. Santa Fe Mourning by Amanda Allen (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
7. When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton (Cuba)
8. Alaska by James A. Michener
9. The Last Letter from Sicily by Lindsay Marie Morris (Sicily, Italy)
10. Russka by Edward Rutherfurd (Russia)

Have you read any of the above novels? Which novel should I read first?

Book Humor!

 

Black & White: The Rise and Fall of Bobby Fischer by Julian Voloj

I am addicted to playing chess! I joined Duolingo last year and I have started learning better chess strategies through Duolingo. I also enjoy playing chess games with other people around the world via the Duolingo app.

Because of my (relatively new) found love of playing chess, I couldn't pass up reading Black & White: The Rise and Fall of Bobby Fischer by Julian Voloj. 

Prior to reading Black & White: The Rise and Fall of Bobby Fischer by Julian Voloj, I'd heard about Bobby Fischer. But honestly, I didn't know much about his life other than he was a US chess protege and chess grand master.

Black & White: The Rise and Fall of Bobby Fischer is a rather quick read as it is a graphic novel/work of nonfiction. I liked the artwork for this book and I definitely learned a lot about Bobby Fischer. It was definitely sad to learn that he fell victim to mental illness and that he also fell for conspiracy theories. This is such a tragedy as Bobby Fischer was such a talented chess player.

I am giving Black & White: The Rise and Fall of Bobby Fischer by Julian Voloj a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

 

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

Knots in My Yo-Yo String by Jerry Spinelli

 

I've been a big fan of Jerry Spinelli's novels since 2010 when a former college professor of mine had given me a copy of Stargirl written by Jerry Spinelli. After reading Stargirl, I fell in love with Spinelli's writing and have continued reading his novels ever since 2010.

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Knots in My Yo-Yo String by Jerry Spinelli, which is decently narrated by Matt Weisgerber. This is a short listen at 3 hours, 41 minutes.

Knots in My Yo-Yo String by Jerry Spinelli is his memoir/autobiography, but a different kind of memoir than I'm use to reading. It's told through a series of vignettes (some more interesting than others) about Spinelli's childhood growing up. 

This book falls into the children's genre. I am assuming Jerry Spinelli intentionally wrote his memoir/autobiography for children as the novels he writes are geared for this audience. This way, Knots in My Yo-Yo String is catered to the young fans of his works. I like that this book is written for children that are fans of Spinelli's novels.

I read Knots in My Yo-Yo String solely because I am a fan of Jerry Spinelli's works and wanted to know more about his life. Although, I enjoyed Knots in My Yo-Yo String and learning more about Spinelli's childhood. I also wanted to learn more about his adult life too.

I am giving Knots in My Yo-Yo String by Jerry Spinelli 3.5 stars out of 5 stars. I think it is a great read for children who are fans of his books. Not so much for adult readers though.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Trumps' Presidential Library Video Rendering

 

Look, I understand that President Trump was a real estate developer in his former life before becoming POTUS. It also seems plausible that he wants something unique when it comes to his own presidential library that will reflect his past as a real estate developer.

But, I am wondering if any one else sees the similarities between Trump Tower in NYC and the video rendering of the proposed Trump Presidential Library slated to dominate the Miami skyline?

NPR did a write up about the Trump Presidential Library video rendering in an article titled, What to know about Trump's future presidential library, which he says may be a hotel by Rachel Treisman, should you care to learn/read more. So, does this suggest the Trump Presidential Library will be more of a hotel vs. an actual library? Only time will tell, I guess.

Another New Milestone For My Blog!!

 

I feel blessed! I've received over 2 million page views here on my book blog since I started blogging on January 1, 2012!

I never thought I'd be blogging this long, let alone write and publish posts on a regular basis.

Thank you to all of my blog followers and all the other readers who've helped me grow my book blog.

Top Ten Tuesday - Types of Books I Try to Avoid Reading!!

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Top Ten Tuesday was originally created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

The following are things I do not enjoy when it comes to reading novels.

1. Chick Lit - This is a genre that I simply do NOT gravitate towards.

2. Poetry - Yes, I have been known to enjoy some poetry, but again this is another genre I tend to avoid mostly as poetry is really hit or miss for me interms of whether I like it or not.

3. Anything that is written as "stream of consciousness" isn't my thing. I remember having to read a novel by William Faulkner in college and hated the novel as it was a written in this style.

4. I've read a few novels by various popular authors (Neil Gaiman, Rachel Hawkins, Rainbow Rowell, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and William Faulkner to list a few of them) and have not enjoyed their books. So, I now stay away from these authors that have simply not resonated with me.

5. Cliffhanger endings are so annoying! If I even hear a whiff that a novel has a cliffhanger ending, I don't want to read it.

6. Ambiguous endings are another ending I dislike!

7. Unreliable narrators - I have a love/hate relationship with unreliable narrators. If done well, then I'm fine with unreliable narrators. If not, then yuck!

8. Small print/font size in physical books!! I have aging eyes, so smaller print/font size is annoying to me. I stick with either audiobooks, Kindle books, or physical books with not so small print.

9. Absurdist fiction - I tried it. I didn't like this genre very much.

10. Obscure genres don't interest me in the least.

What things do you tend to avoid when it comes to books?

Octavia Butler's Beginnings As A Writer

 

I've only read Kindred by Octavia Butler, which I really enjoyed a lot. I really want to read more of her works. 

The above YouTube video discusses Octavia Butler's life.

I learned a lot of new things about her life.

Our Lady of the Nile by Scholastique Mukasonga

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Our Lady of the Nile by Scholastique Mukasonga, which was very well narrated by Inger Tudor.

Scholastique Mukasonga is a new to me author. She was born in Rwanda in 1956. Mukasonga is Tutsi. She and her family were exiled to Burundi. In 1994, 37 of Scholastique Mukasonga's family members were killed in the Rwanda genocide.

Our Lady of the Nile is set in Rwanda primarily at an all girls Catholic high school/boarding school in a remote area of Rwanda near the Nile River. Rwandan girls are sent to 'Our Lady of the Nile' by their families in order for them to become "the feminine elite of the country and to escape the dangers of the outside world. The book is a prelude to the Rwandan genocide and unfolds behind the closed doors of the school..." 

And what a microcosm Our Lady of the Nile school is of things to come politically in Rwanda!! The story focuses on several of the girls attending Our Lady of the Nile school. These girls come from different backgrounds and ethnicities (Hutu and Tutsi) and we read about their different lives and views (both political and cultural views) of each of the main characters. 

Overtime, as things heat up in Rwanda, we find things take a turn for the worse at Our Lady of the Nile school by the end of the novel. Gloriosa, one of the female students and villain of the novel, takes over running much of the school. Gloriosa's father is a powerful man in Rwanda and she takes on her father's political views. Gloriosa acts entitled due to her father's powerful status in society and acts as though she can't be touched due to her father's power within Rwanda.

There are so many more layers and nuances within Our Lady of the Nile that are touched upon.... like religion and colonialism as well as politics, of course. It gives insight to life in Rwanda leading up to the Rwandan genocide. It's worth the read if you're interested in reading books by a Rwandan writer about her own country.

Below is the publisher's summary for Our Lady of the Nile by Scholastique Mukasonga, which I found on Chirp's website:

Scholastique Mukasonga drops us into an elite Catholic boarding school for young women perched on the edge of the Nile.

Parents send their daughters to Our Lady of the Nile to be molded into respectable citizens and to escape the dangers of the outside world. Fifteen years prior to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, we watch as these girls try on their parents’ preconceptions and attitudes, transforming the lycée into a microcosm of the country’s mounting racial tensions and violence.

In the midst of the interminable rainy season, everything unfolds behind the closed doors of the school: friendship, curiosity, fear, deceit, prejudice, and persecution.

With masterful prose that is at once subtle and penetrating, Mukasonga captures a society hurtling towards horror.

I'm giving Our Lady of the Nile by Scholastique Mukasonga a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

The Books That Helped Shaped Neil DeGrasse Tyson's Childhood

 

I enjoyed watching this long video where Neil DeGrasse Tyson talks about the books that shaped his childhood. He had a great story about his encounter with Carl Sagan at the end of the video. Most of the books feature science in some way.

Happy Tolkien Reading Day!!!

 

Top Ten Tuesday - Books on My Spring 2026 To-Read List

 

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Top Ten Tuesday was originally created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

I am such a mood reader! Planning my specific reading list in advance is quite precarious as I am prone to changing my mind on a whim. However, I will try to read all of the following books this spring.

1. Frankenstein In Baghdad by Ahmed Saadawi

2. The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff

3. The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama

4. Woodworking by Emily St. James

5. Culpability by Bruce Holsinger

6. Knots In My Yo-Yo String by Jerry Spinelli

7. Our Lady of the Nile by Scholastique Mukaasonga

8. Every Vow You Break by Peter Swanson

9. The Tilted World by Tom Franklin & Beth Ann Fennelly

10. The First Thing We Do by Glenn J. Hill

Have you read any of the above books? Let me know in the comment section below!

Mysteries of the Messiah by Rabbi Jason Sobel

 

I first listened to the unabridged audio version of The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi by Rabbi Jason Sobel and Kathie Lee Gifford, which is wonderfully narrated by Kathie Lee Gifford. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this work of nonfiction and hope to listen to it again.

Ever since listening to The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi by Rabbi Jason Sobel and Kathie Lee Gifford, I've been meaning to read Mysteries of the Messiah by Rabbi Jason Sobel. This is the year I made this goal happen. 

As a side note, I had a dream earlier this year where my deceased, paternal grandfather wanted me to read Mysteries of the Messiah!! He was a deeply religious man in his later years and also very outspoken. So, when ancestors speak to us in our dreams, perhaps it is wise to sit up and take notice. This dream was another reason to move Mysteries of the Messiah up on my reading list.

How did I like Mysteries of the Messiah by Rabbi Jason Sobel? It's packed with biblical information!! I am not very well versed with regards to any particular religion, so I was a bit overwhelmed by the amount of information presented in this book. I will most likely have to revisit Mysteries of the Messiah a few times before it all sinks in due to the fact that I am not well versed with the bible or other Judeo-Christian texts. Overall, I really liked Mysteries of the Messiah.

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Mysteries of the Messiah, which I felt was passably narrated by Neil Hellegers. My chief complaint regarding the narration of Mysteries of the Messiah is that I felt that Neil Hellegers read this book too quickly.

Below is the publisher's summary for Mysteries of the Messiah by Rabbi Jason Sobel:

Highlighting connections that have been hidden from non-Jewish eyes, Rabbi Jason Sobel pulls back the curtain to shed God's light on the holy scriptures.

Most people do not understand how the Bible fits together—even people of faith. Too many Christians accept half an inheritance in that they are content to embrace merely the New Testament. On the flip side, Jews often experience this by embracing only the Old Testament. But God has an intricate plan and purpose for both.

In Mysteries of the Messiah, Rabbi Jason Sobel, raised in a Jewish home in New Jersey but now a follower of Yeshua, pulls back the curtain to show the many connections in Scripture hidden in plain sight. Known for his emphatic declaration "but there's more!" he guides readers from the story of creation through Revelation to see the passion and purpose of the Messiah, the Torah, and several of the patriarchs and prophets.

God's Word, written by many people over thousands of years, is not a random selection of people and stories, but they have intricate connections. Rabbi Jason connects the dots for readers, helping them see with clarity what God intended.

Also, see the short book trailer below for Mysteries of the Messiah where the author, Rabbi Jason Sobel, plugs his book.

I am giving Mysteries of the Messiah by Rabbi Jason Sobel a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Childhood Literacy Crisis in the USA!

Wow, just wow, national exam finds that 40% of US 4th graders are below basic reading level. Additionally, over 50% of US adults are not able to read at a middle school level. 

This is scary 😱 news! As a nation, how are we supposed to stay competitive and relevant without an educated workforce in the generations to come if our literacy is in crisis?

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

Alta Journal - California Book Club - Janet Fitch

 

Last night, I watched the California Book Club monthly online event hosted by Alta Journal. This month, the featured book and author was White Oleander by Janet Fitch.

I remember reading White Oleander more than two decades and really enjoyed it at the time. I really enjoyed hearing Janet Fitch talk about White Oleander, her writing process and so on.

Above is the YouTube video from last night's event featuring Janet Fitch, should you care to view it.

I'm NOW Addicted to Hoopla!!

I signed up for Hoopla through my public library at the end of December 2025. Each month, I am able to borrow four items per month via Hoopla for FREE. This includes music, movies, audiobooks, ebooks, or some combination of these items as a digital download. 

So far, I've checked out only ebooks or audiobooks through Hoopla. I have checked out the maximum amount of books each month.

I have created a wishlist of 36 books that I will able to borrow through Hoopla this year. That's 9 months worth of books I can borrow before the end of 2026!

Is there anyone else out there hooked on Hoopla too?  I can't figure why I didn't sign up for Hoopla sooner.

Top Ten Tuesday - Books With Green Covers!!

 

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Top Ten Tuesday was originally created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

I have plenty of books with green book covers in my personal collection. Below are ten books with green covers I still very much want to read.

1. Home Before Dark by Riley Sager

2. The Sisters of the Glass Ferry by Kim Michele Richardson

3. The Imposters by Tom Rachman

4. The Floating Girls by Lo Patrick

5. The House Girl by Tara Conklin

6. Furious Hours by Casey Cep

7. The Drunken Botanist by Amy Stewart

8. Weyward by Emilia Hart

9. When the Tamarind Tree Blooms by Elaine Russell

10. Creepers by David Morrell

Happy Saint Patrick's Day! I hope you're reading great books!

Redbone: The True Story of a Native American Rock Band by Christian Staebler et al.

 

I remember the rock band, Redbone, from the 1970s... And, I remembered them as a one hit wonder for the song, 'Come and Get Your Love'. Little did I know that Redbone actually had many other hits too.

I've had Redbone: The True Story of a Native American Rock Band by Christian Staebler on my reading wishlist for a number of years and finally decided to read the ebook edition this month.

I really enjoyed this comic book/graphic nonfiction book!! Redbone was an all Native American band and they made it big time. I learned not only a lot about the origins of Redbone, but also a lot about Native American history and Native American activism during the 1960s and 1970s. Pat Vegas, a co-founder of Redbone, is a Native American and Native American activist as well.

Below is a book trailer for Redbone: The True Story of a Native American Rock Band by Christian Staebler:

I am giving Redbone: The True Story of a Native American Rock Band by Christian Staebler a rating of 4stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

What Matters About Reading? Book Tag Time!

I watch Criminolly, a book related YouTube channel, about reading and books. Olly, from  Criminolly, did the "What Matters About Reading?" book tag, which I enjoyed watching. 

I decided to do the "What Matters About Reading?" book tag here on my blog too. 

1. What do you want to get out of reading? What stays with you after?

I read for a wide variety of reasons. I read for entertainment, escapism, relaxation, learning new things, empathy, and diversity.

What stays with me is the enjoyment of reading a book and feeling relaxed and satisfied after I've read a book. I also find joy in learning new things, which is probably why I love reading nonfiction books so much.

2. What is reading with intention?

Reading with intention is reading books that fulfill your interests and needs. Plus, being present and savoring the written word with relish.

3. What interests you about somebody else’s relationship to a book? 

I like knowing what makes someone excited about reading books in general, what genres they like reading, and hearing what makes a book they've read great. 

Sometimes, I am even swayed to read a book by another avid reader based on the book's summary and what this reader thought about the book.

4. How do you talk about books with others? What do you usually want them to know about a book? 

Usually, I share my thoughts about books I've read here on my blog. I also share my thoughts about books on Bookcrossing with other readers in the forums section. This year, I am also participating in a monthly online book club offered though the public library, where we discuss a book club pick we've read during the month. Additionally, I discuss books with other avid readers in person when I can.

5. Do you review books (publicly or privately)? 

I review books publicly! Hence my blog! Occasionally, I will leave reviews on Goodreads or Amazon.

6. Do you use a rating system? Why? Why not?

Yes, I use a rating system when reviewing books. I give my reviews a numerical rating between one and five. 1 = terrible, 2 = okay, 3 = like, 4 = really like, 5 = love. If the book I read falls between two ratings, then I'll give it a rating of 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, or 4.5.

I like to rate books after reading them to gauge how I liked reading them at that moment in time. 

7. Do you ask yourself if you’ve liked a book? And how much does liking a book matter? 

Yes, I ask myself if I've liked a book I've read and this is important to me. I don't want to read poorly written books or things I'm not enjoying... Or if, I'm reading something to learn a topic/subject, then I should learn something from reading the book.... Otherwise, what's the point (in this case) if I learn nothing from the book. So, enjoying a book matters a lot.

8. What do you seek out from others who read publicly? Reviews, summaries, analysis, a curriculum? 

I like hearing other people's thoughts regarding what they think about the books they've read, whether they write reviews for blogs, etc., participate in book clubs, or just like discussing books in person with other people.

9. Who do you go to for those things?

The short answer is a variety of places...Sometimes I find books from blogger reviews or Bookcrossers, book club picks, the articles I read, the topics I'm interested in learning more about, genres I like reading, or books from authors who I have read books from in the past.

Bookish Quote of the Day!!!

 

Not Reading Could Undermine Democracy!!

 

I watched this YouTube video earlier this week from BBC Politics and BBC News. I found the topic interesting on why reading is important to democracy. Not only does reading books (both fiction and nonfiction) help with empathy, but many other things like critical thinking. 

Watch the above video to learn more from the panel of speakers.

Selling Used Books For Profit?!

 

This short video almost makes me want to start selling used books at various locations as a side hustle!

The Woman in the Garden by Jill Johnson

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of The Woman in the Garden by Jill Johnson, which is well narrated by Rachel Capell.

Jill Johnson is a new to me author. I'm always on the look out for new to me authors. I was drawn to the plot summary for The Woman in the Garden as this novel contains "a Professor of Botanical Toxicology with only her extensive collection of poisonous plants for company" and also a mystery is involved.

First off, I found the protagonist, Eustacia Rose, annoying!! She's very smart, but very odd, quirky and eccentric... These can be good things, but I found her to be simply annoying for the most part throughout much of this novel... However, by the end of the novel, Eustacia Rose had grown on me.

Overall, I liked this mystery novel featuring a woman sleuth. There was a lot of twists and turns throughout The Woman in the Garden. By the end of the novel, I was glad it was over with though. The Woman in the Garden is the first novel in Eustacia Rose mystery series. I think I'll be passing on reading the rest of the series.

Below is the publisher's summary for The Woman in the Garden by Jill Johnson, which I found on Goodreads:

Every garden has its secrets…

Eustacia Rose is a Professor of Botanical Toxicology with only her extensive collection of poisonous plants for company. Her life is quiet, her schedule is unchanging, and her closest friends are the specimens she tends to. But she does have one other watching her neighbors through her telescope, taking extensive notes on their lives for research.

When Eustacia hears a scream one evening, the temptation to investigate proves irresistible. Through her telescope, she catches a glimpse of her extraordinarily beautiful new neighbor, Simone, and soon becomes obsessed with her and her life. But who are these four men that orbit Simone? And why does Eustacia get the feeling she needs to protect her from them?

One day, Eustacia comes home to find her precious garden destroyed and learns that someone close to Simone has been murdered with a rare poisonous plant. As she is drawn deep into the crime, Eustacia's closed-off life begins to crumble, forcing her to break free from the walls of her secret garden and take matters into her own hands. Soon, she's forced to realize that the world is filled with people who are just as toxic as her plants....

I am giving The Woman in the Garden by Jill Johnson a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Tope Ten Tuesday - Book Titles With Ordinal Numbers

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Top Ten Tuesday was originally created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Below are ten books with ordinal numbers in their title. These books sound like good reads to add to my reading wishlist.

1. The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff

2. Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

3. The Third Life of Grange Copeland by Alice Walker

4. First Boy by Gary D Schmidt

5. The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult 

6. Second Nature by Alice Hoffman

7. The Fifth Agreement by Miguel Ruiz

8. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

9. Fourth Grade Rats by Jerry Spinelli

10. First Crossing by Donald R. Gallo

Have you read any of the above books? 

Book Recommendations For International Women's Day!

 I discovered an article on Bookbub's website titled, Celebrate International Women's Day with These Books. I have not read any of the books mentioned in the article. Most of them sound really good. I will be adding On Morrison by Namwali Serpell, The Sea Captain's Wife by Tilar J. Mazzeo, It Girl by Allison Pataki and The Woman and Her Stars by Penny Haw to my ever growing reading wishlist.

Happy International Women's Day!!

 

I hope all of the women of the world have an amazing day celebrating the amazing women they are!

Today, I wanted to highlight ten women writers I've discovered in recent years! I enjoyed reading and reviewing the following ten books by ten different women writers. I chose these women writers at random.

1. Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

2. My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

3. Pet by Akwaeke Emezi

4. The Seas by Samantha Hunt

5. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

6. City of Saints and Thieves by Natalie C. Anderson

7. Quintessentially: The One by Aleatha Romig

8. Brass by Xhenet Aliu

9. Steeped to Death by Gretchen Rue

10. The True Story of Hansel and Gretel by Louise Murphy

Have you read any of these books I've listed in my post today? Or enjoyed reading other books written by these women writers?

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

83 Days in Mariupol: A War Diary: A Graphic Novel by Don Brown

 

I am an English language volunteer/tutor for someone living in Ukraine via ENGin. I just started as an English language volunteer/tutor in January of this year and am currently working with a single person online at this time.

I accidentally stumbled across 83 Days in Mariupol: A War Diary: A Graphic Novel by Don Brown by performing an online search through our public library for comics/graphic novels. 

Because I am working with an individual living in Ukraine, who wants to learn to speak English better, I thought it would be a great idea to read this work of nonfiction written in the graphic novel format. So, I checked this ebook out from our public library via Hoopla.

83 Days in Mariupol: A War Diary: A Graphic Novel by Don Brown is geared towards young adults. I found this book to be a quick overview about the conflict/war between Ukraine and Russia as it happened in Mariupol, Ukraine in 2022. 

I wanted to read a book where I could slowly ease myself into learning more about Ukraine. Especially with regards to learning about the history of Ukraine and the conflict/war between Ukraine and Russia. There's a lot of history between both countries and I'm sure there's a lot to learn. But I wanted an easy book to read and understand in order to learn more about Ukraine. 83 Days in Mariupol: A War Diary was a good place to start for me.

I enjoyed the artwork, writing, and overview of the war between Russia and Ukraine as it pertains to Mariupol, Ukraine. The events took place in 2022 and the events were horrific! According to what I read in this book, 90% of Mariupol was destroyed and is still occupied by Russia today.

Below is the publisher's summary for 83 Days in Mariupol: A War Diary: A Graphic Novel by Don Brown from the Goodreads website:

A young adult graphic novel that captures the complexities of the war in Ukraine, focusing on the siege of Mariupol (Feb ’22 – May ’22) and the brave people who stayed to defend their city against Russian forces as well as the resulting effects on global politics.

A city ruined. In once quiet residential streets, two armies battle, driving people into cellars and basements with little food or water. No lights or heat. Dwindling medical supplies. Shells and bullets deliver cruel, random death to the young and old, men, women, and children.

This is Mariupol, a Ukrainian city and early target of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Bordering Russian-occupied territory, the coastal city seemed doomed to a defeat that would come within days, if not hours. Could Mariupol, and Ukraine, survive? As Russian rockets threatened the city, Ukrainians resisted, and with a heroic combination of sacrifice and bravery, the besieged city endured . . . for months. But it all came at a steep cost.

With compassion and his keen journalist’s eye, Sibert Honor creator Don Brown illuminates the horrors of Mariupol and the depredations of its people not seen in the city since World War II. He also shows that outside of Mariupol, the city’s agonies were mirrored by similar events occurring in towns and cities across Ukraine.

83 Days in Mariupol reminds us that the bloody defiance shown at the Alamo, Dunkirk, Leningrad, and Thermopylae isn’t confined to the past but has a violent, modern presence. It is the story of senseless destruction, patriotism, and grit against long odds—a brutal battle whose consequences still reverberate across Ukraine and continue to reshape the global political landscape.

I am giving 83 Days in Mariupol: A War Diary: A Graphic Novel by Don Brown a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading to all!

American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era by Nico Lang

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era by Nico Lang and narrated by the author via Hoopla.

American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era by Nico Lang is a work of nonfiction and is the March 2026 Online Rainbow Book Club selection.

I liked this work of nonfiction, but didn't love it. The best part of American Teenager for me was that the author focused on the lives of "eight trans and nonbinary teenagers across the country, following their daily triumphs, struggles, and all that encompasses growing up trans in America today." Each teenager came from different backgrounds and each teenager lived in different states. I feel it is important to learn about the lives of other people in order to become more empathic and also to learn about the lives of others to avoid making assumptions about what we think their lives are like.

A couple of the topics that were discussed in American Teenager included gender affirming care and puberty suppressing hormones. I understand the need/importance for individuals to have a body that matches their gender identity and how this mismatch can lead to depression, suicide, etc.... BUT, personally, I am concerned about the long term, negative effects of using puberty suppressing hormones. Especially on prepubescent children. Is it really healthy to suppress puberty through drug therapy? 

I did a quick search on Google and learned that studies on puberty suppressing hormones show that "some studies suggest potential risks to neurodevelopment, such as changes in memory, stress response, and reduced IQ, evidence is not conclusive." (Clinical Advisory Network on Sex and Gender) and "reduced bone mineral density, hot flashes, fatigue, mood fluctuations, headaches, and potential long-term impacts on fertility and growth velocity." (PubMed Central) In other words, more studies need to be done to show the risks and benefits for puberty suppressing hormones. 

Below is the publisher's summary for American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era by Nico Lang from Chirp's website:

From an award-winning journalist comes a vivid and moving portrait of eight trans and nonbinary teenagers across the country, following their daily triumphs, struggles, and all that encompasses growing up trans in America today.

Media coverage tends to sensationalize the fight over how trans kids should be allowed to live, but what is incredibly rare are the voices of the people at the heart of this debate: transgender and gender nonconforming kids themselves. 

For their groundbreaking new book, journalist Nico Lang spent a year traveling the country to document the lives of transgender, nonbinary, and genderfluid teens and their families. From the tip of Florida’s conservative panhandle to vibrant queer communities in California, and from Texas churches to mosques in Illinois, American Teenager gives readers a window into the lives of Wyatt, Rhydian, Mykah, Clint, Ruby, Augie, Jack, and Kylie, eight teens who, despite what some lawmakers might want us to believe, are truly just kids looking for a brighter future.

Drawing on hundreds of hours of on-the-ground interviews with them and the people in their communities, American Teenager paints a vivid portrait of what it’s actually like to grow up trans today.

I am giving American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era by Nico Lang a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Quitters, Inc. by Stephen King

Quitters, Inc. by Stephen King had been on my radar for quite a while. I wanted to read this horror, short story ever since first learning about it. 

This month, I listened to the unabridged audio version of Quitters, Inc. via Hoopla. in one sitting as Quitters, Inc. is only 43 minutes in length. 

Quitters, Inc. is narrated by actor, Eric Roberts. I was expecting to be blown away by Eric Roberts's narration of Quitters, Inc., but I wasn't. His performance was very average.

I enjoyed Quitters, Inc. by Stephen King overall. For a short story, Quitters, Inc. is pretty well developed. Loved the ending!

Below is the publisher's summary for Quitters, Inc. by Stephen King, which I discovered on Goodreads:

Dick Morrison's life has become a nightmare of addictions, filling his days with overeating, overworking, and smoking way too much. When an old friend tells him about a surefire way to quit, he's more than willing to give it a shot. But what Dick doesn't know is that Quitters, Inc. demands a high price from anyone who strays from their rigid rules-like a few volts of electricity for the nearest and dearest... or maybe a missing thumb?. Forced to choose between his desperate need for cigarettes and the dire consequences of giving in to his addiction, Dick must decide just how important another drag really is.

I am giving Quitters, Inc. by Stephen King a rating if 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!
 

The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens

 

The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens is my third read by this author. Thank you Dorothy @ The Nature of Things for introducing me to Allen Eskens works! I've enjoyed his novels very much.

I listened to the unabridged audio version of The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens, which was nicely narrated by Ilvana Muratovic.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this thriller! It was super engaging. I finished The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens in four days. The novel is well written. The storyline follows two time lines, present day Minnesota and Bosnia in 1995. Each chapter alternates between each time line until the storyline converges. Then the remaining ten chapters takes place in Minnesota for the grand finale.

I liked the main character Hana Babic/Nura Divjak a lot. She seems like an unassuming, quiet librarian working in Minnesota. Hana/Nura is 47 years old and originally from Bosnia. At the start of this novel, a police officer comes to visit Hana/Nura at work. Hana/Nura learns her best friend (also from Bosnia) has been killed in a suspicious manner. It's at this point onward where we begin to learn more about Hana/Nura and that not all about her is as it seems. 

Hana/Nura lived a very difficult existence in Bosnia during the war. We learn that Hana/Nura witnessed her entire family being killed right in front of her. We continue to learn about what happens to Hana/Nura in Bosnia throughout the novel and how she came to the USA. We also read about Hana/Nura doing her own sleuthing into her friend's death.

All in all, The Quiet Librarian is a great read, especially if you like thrillers. I highly recommend it. The ending for The Quiet Librarian is great. I loved it!!

Below is the publisher's summary for The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens through the Goodreads website:

After the murder of her best friend, a librarian’s search for answers leads back to her own dark secrets in this sweeping novel about a woman transformed by war, family, vengeance, and love, from award-winning writer Allen Eskens.

Hana Babic is a quiet, middle-aged librarian in Minnesota who wants nothing more than to be left alone. But when a detective arrives with the news that her best friend has been murdered, Hana knows that something evil has come for her, a dark remnant of the past she and her friend had shared.

Thirty years before, Hana was someone else: Nura Divjak, a teenager growing up in the mountains of war-torn Bosnia—until Serbian soldiers arrived to slaughter her entire family before her eyes. The events of that day thrust Nura into the war, leading her to join a band of militia fighters, where she became not only a fierce warrior but a legend—the deadly Night Mora. But a shattering final act forced Nura to flee to the United States with a bounty on her head.

Now, someone is hunting Hana, and her friend has paid the price, leaving her eight-year-old grandson in Hana’s care. To protect the child without revealing her secret, Hana must again become the Night Mora—and hope she can find the killer before the past comes for them, too.

I am giving The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

Alta Journal - California Book Club - Grand Avenue by Greg Sarris

 

Earlier this month, I attended Alta Journal's California Book Club virtual event featuring author Greg Sarris and his book, Grand Avenue. Lisa See was this month's special guest interviewer.

I'd never heard of Greg Sarris before or any of his books. He's a Native American writer from Santa Rosa, California, who has lived quite a colorful life. 

I must say that listening/watching Greg Sarris speak during this live, online event was amazing! I now want to read Grand Avenue and another one of his books. I'd say that this month's California Book Club event is one of my favorites!

Above is the YouTube video of Greg Sarris talking about his writing!

Have you attended any author events recently?

Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez

 

Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez is my tenth read for 2026. I listened to the unabridged audiobook of Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez, which was nicely narrated by Ruby Corazon.

Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez is the Online Rainbow Book Club selection for the month of February 2026, which is perfect as it is a romance novel and fits in nicely for the month of February and Valentine's Day. The Online Rainbow Book Club is an online book club offered through my county's public library system. Lgbtqia+ books are read and discussed on a monthly basis within the Online Rainbow Book Club.

Kiss Me, Maybe is a romance novel featuring an asexual (or ace for short) lesbian, named, Angela Gutierrez, as the protagonist. Angela is a librarian and social media influencer. She has never been kissed. After posting a video on TikTok, which goes viral by the way, Angela's status as a late bloomer becomes widely know with her TikTok followers. 

Based on the interest of Angela's TikTok followers regarding her late bloomer status and admission that she is asexual, Angela decides to host a scavenger hunt through TikTok where one lucky recipient becomes her first kiss. Sounds like a straight forward proposition. What could go wrong? A lot that is!

There's a lot that made Kiss Me, Maybe a great read. It's an easy, breezy romance read. It's fun and quick. As a cis gender, heterosexual female, I learned a lot about ace lesbians that I didn't know prior to listening to Kiss Me, Maybe. 

This novel deals with the struggles of trying to figure out one's own sexual identity, which can be difficult, especially when you don't know who to turn to for advice or answers. Kiss Me, Maybe also discusses the struggles of coming out to family, friends and co-workers. Being bullied by some family members while other are accepting of your sexual identity is another topic addressed in Kiss Me, Maybe. Plus, other topics were discussed as well that are important too.

Additionally, Angela has had a massive crush on Krystal for years. Krystal is a bisexual bartender at the bar Angela and her best friend have visited regularly over the years. Angela holds no hope that they will ever become a couple because Krystal thinks she is incapable of loving anyone after her last serious relationship ended badly.

As much as I like Kiss Me, Maybe, it isn't perfect. The major gripe I have is the typical one I have with most romance novels. Angela and Krystal have major chemistry throughout this entire novel and flirt like crazy. Their flirtation ebbs and flows as they both try to assess how they feel about the other person romantically and whether their feelings will be reciprocated. I dislike this type of trope where you have to wait until the very end of a novel to learn whether the two characters become a couple or not. 

Below is the publisher's summary for Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez from Chirp Book's website:

Librarian Angela Gutierrez has never been kissed. But after posting a video about her late bloomer status and ace identity, she's finally ready to get some firsts out of the way. Using her new influencer status to come up with a scavenger hunt idea in which the winner earns her first kiss, Angela realizes she may need some help to pull off the event. Enter Krystal Ramirez, hot bartender and Angela’s unrequited crush of five years. Despite vowing that romantic love isn’t for her, Krystal seems awfully determined to help Angela pull off the scavenger hunt and find true love.

There’s just one problem: the connection between Angela and Krystal is getting stronger and stronger the more they hang out, until Angela isn’t sure she wants to go through with the scavenger hunt after all. But Krystal is convinced that she isn’t capable of love and before long, Angela realizes she's falling head over heels for a woman who may never love her back.

I am giving Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!