Lauren

A mix of stream of consciousness, self reflection, anecdotes, and a dash of contradiction. I walked into this memoir not knowing much about the personal details of Boy George's life and Culture Club, so I was looking forward to hearing more about the behind the scenes of their career.

While George certainly covered a lot of his life in the book much of it felt surface level and a bit hard to follow since the story isn't told in a linear way. So if you don't have a working knowledge of the people being referenced it can be hard to understand who they are in the context of the story and also when things were happening. I left feeling like I needed a timeline in the back to reference.

It was cool that new music was incorporated into the audiobook, and I think that's a great thing for musical artists to do.
***Thank you to Dreamscape Media for providing me with the Audiobook for free via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

Like many of the reviews, I have mixed feelings about this book.

The idea of reading about Ex-Pat life in Russia is very appealing to me, and there were certain stories that really held my fascination. I for one, was disappointed that we didn't get the history lesson Jennifer put together. I think hearing her interpretation, combined with her real life experience and thoughts about modern life in Russia would have been a fascinating read. However, that's not what the book is.

Instead, a lot of it felt very much like a reality tv show which could easily have been called THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF MOSCOW. While some of that stuff was interesting, for the most part I kept waiting to hear more about what actual life in Russia is like. For instance, I really enjoyed her explanation about the traffic & cops and the Red Hand Shake. Of course hearing about the excess of Russian spending does fit into the category of what life there is like I really only needed ONE story...perhaps the suit buying excursion.

As for Jennifer's narration, it's hit or miss when authors narrate their own books. I think Jennifer did a very good job. My only criticism is that there were quite a few odd pauses (probably at page turns), and some lip smacking / mouth noise I could have done without. Her strength lies in her familiarity with the russian language and who these people are.

There are a lot of things that are charming about this book. Her nickname for her husband, HRH, the varying characters (and her interpretation of them), and her obvious love for Russia. It's worth giving a listen to, or reading if the topic is of interest to you.

I'd love to see her write an American's observations of Russian history and how it affects life there today through her humorous filter.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com.

3.5 and rounding up. This is such a sweet romance, literally and metaphorically. For all you food lovers out there, get ready for lots of baked goods.

I haven't read the others in the series, but I think this works very well as a standalone.

When it comes to romances, I don't get too hung up on tropes, and this one does a very good job of making me not roll my eyes at the cliche' and predictable situations. In fact, I laughed out loud a few times, which doesn't happen very often when reading.

My one big requirement when it comes to relationships in this genre is that they aren't toxic and that the plot doesn't solely rely on miscommunication/lack of communication to be the crux of the drama.

On the contrary, MIXED SIGNALS is a great example of how communication can be super hot, and is the key to a healthy, sustainable relationship.

This surprisingly steaming, charming book was an easy read, with a dual narration. They used two narrators for the audiobook, which I always appreciate.

My biggest critique is with the Act III break up and reconciliation.
MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD:
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I feel like there was a missed opportunity to have Layla have some real character growth. Instead of focusing on her horrendous list of blind dates, we could have dove deeper on where her insecurities stem from (both romantically and professionally), mainly her family's disapproval of her life choices. It would have made her behavior more believable and sympathetic. Instead I grew increasingly frustrated with her, despite really rooting for her the whole book. The epilogue too was a missed chance to show some growth from her. Like getting into therapy, working on those feelings of needing to prove herself, ect.

***Thank you to Dreamscape Media for providing me with the audiobook for free via NetGalley for an unbiased review.

2.5 rounding up
In the end, I did “enjoy” the book, but I was on the fence about that for more the 1/2 of the reading.

So for the sake of brevity, the main issue I had was the behavior and internal monologues of both the main characters. I found Siri to be whiney and Jamie to just be awful in general. However, before I continue, I want to say that there eventually became a point in the book where I felt I understood the behaviors were the result of the trauma the girls had gone through which we don't discover until later in the book.

With that said, I found the first half to be a slog to get through. Siri behaves like someone much younger than she is and Jamie displays no regard for boundaries or awareness of others which was infuriating.

Then we take the twist into THE PARENT HOOD / FREAKY FRIDAY territory, that I was not expecting. So if you love those films, you will more than likely enjoy the dramatic and often unbelievable nature of the book.

As I said, eventually I came around to the characters and the reasoning behind their personalities. I also liked the LGBTQ+ rep and especially the focus on therapy and the work required to heal trauma.

If I hadn't received this as an ARC, I'm not sure I would have finished it, but again, once I got on board (around the 65% mark), I set my issues aside to finish the ride. It just took way longer than I would have liked.

Personally, I wasn't a fan of Zafir or his creepy approach to “meeting” people at the camp. It felt very inappropriate considering he was in a position of power at a camp full of people who were there trying to heal and find direction in their life.

If I'm being honest, I found a lot issues with the book. Especially once the backstory of the girl's childhood is revealed. So when I say I got onboard eventually it's only because this fits into the genre of the teen drama that is full of problematic scenarios. Anytime people are switching places it's an inappropriate invasion of people's space and trust. If that's your thing, you'll probably like this book.

The audiobook version was good. I always enjoy a dual narration.

***Thank you to Macmillian Audio for providing me with a copy of the audiobook for free via NetGalley for an unbiased review.

I've tried reading the print version of this twice and just was never able to keep reading, which was disappointing since I'm really interested in the topic.

Then I came across the audiobook version narrated by Scott Brick.

I couldn't stop listening. It was a fascinating journey into the history of the processed food industry, and I would seriously encourage EVERYONE to read it.

We have a tendency to trust corporations, and they can very easily manipulates us with advertising – anyone who's seen MAD MEN knows that I'm talking about – as well as using science and the reaction the brain has when it's introduced to massive amount of salt, sugar, and fat. All of that information is used in the process of making and selling food to consumers.

Incredibly interesting read.

If you have read BORN TO RUN, are interested in running, are a runner or are interested in plant based diets this is a GREAT book to read.

Scott Jurek is highly inspirational and a great example of what we as humans are able to do.

The Audiobook version is a great companion to listen to while training, out for a walk or cooking in the kitchen.

The recipes alone are worth the price of the book. The Mushroom Lentil burger is AWESOME.

This is my first time with this series, and would definitely be interested in checking out more from it.

THE WOMAN IN THE WOODS AND OTHER NORTH AMERICAN STORIES is a collection of re-imagined folklore by indigenous authors and illustrators. The nations represented include: Odawa, Chickasaw, Métis, Cree, Ojibwe, Taino, Navajo, S'Kallam.

As with any short story collection, there were some I really liked and others that weren't my favorite, but I always like hearing different voices and seeing such variety of art styles. I find that Native mythology isn't really taught here in the USA unless you seek it out specifically. This would be a great introduction for a younger reader. A quick and accessible read that will hopefully a jumping off point to seeking out more.

***Thank you to Letter Better Publishing Services and Iron Circus Comics for providing me with the ePub for free via NetGalley for an unbiased review.

I really enjoyed the art style of this. It appeared as though the images were watercolored and I don't typically see that when reading graphic novels.

This is a good starting point for middle grade students to be introduced to Rosa Parks.

It doesn't paint a rosy colored, white washed version of her story in which she's a mild mannered older woman who was too tired to give up her seat. In reality, she was an active participant in the civil rights movement, and her choice was an intentional, non-violent protest that helped to spark a massive boycott. The sacrifices Black folks had to make during the boycott was explored and how they supported the movement as a community.

Often with historical figures we often present such a narrow, one dimensional view of them. Tokenizing and rolling them out as an example. I appreciated that there was an epilogue at the end that dove a bit deeper into what happened to Rosa after the boycott because her life was very difficult afterwards including poverty, debt, chronic illness and job insecurity, and through all that she still continued to fight for equal rights.

***Thank you to Papercutz & NBM Publishing for providing me with the eBook for free via NetGalley for an unbiased review.

This was a collection of interviews conducted by the author over the course of many years. It was really great to read the wide spectrum of experiences and opinions from people with different gender identities and expressions.

Throughout the book the author's own gender identity journey is explored, and the most impactful thing I found from reading everyone's experience was just how important it is to find community and safe spaces to have open, honest, and in depth conversations about gender identity and expression. It highlights how harmful and limited looking at things through a binary lens can be.

I would highly recommend this everyone, but especially to my fellow parents so they can provide a supportive environment for their kiddos and peers.

***Thank you to W. W. Norton & Company & Liveright for providing a free copy of the eBook in exchange for an unbiased review.

This was a fast-paced, well woven mystery. Even with the target audience being YA, it didn't feel like it was written “down” for the demographic, which makes me very happy as a reader.

As someone who reads A LOT of thrillers and mysteries, I typically know the twist way before it comes, but this one definitely took me by surprise.

Loved the atmosphere of a small town and a main character who leans wholly into their interest with the darker side of life. I really enjoyed this one, and would absolutely recommend it to the young adults in your life.

Narration was spot on and I look forward to reading more from this author.

***Thank you to Dreamscape Media for providing me with the audiobook for free via NetGalley for an unbiased review.

3.5 Solid thriller.
I feel like if you aren't super familiar with the genre this will absolutely keep you on your toes and for the seasoned reader you will enjoying working out the web of mystery.

Don't really want to go too deep into plot points, but I appreciated the exploration of the different relationships and the reasons that the characters make the choices they do.

Great audio narration from Katherine Press and Stephanie Racine.

***Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing me with the Audiobook for free via NetGalley for an unbiased review.

This is a great middle grade graphic novel.

Wonderful illustrations, with a charming, determined main character who learns to love her hair despite all the negative messaging she is bombarded with about it. She faces many obstacles including anti-blackness, unsupportive family members, and bullies at school.

Luckily, she has a small support system that shows her how things can be and is guided towards self acceptance and self love.

Highly recommend this to young readers, and look forward to seeing more from this author.

***Thank you to First Second Books for providing me with an e-ARC for free via NetGalley for an unbiased review.

This was my first experience with a Middle Grade mystery/detective story, and while it's a quick read, I felt it was good adaptation of the police procedural for younger readers.

It's a good mix between teen drama/angst and learning the important lessons that teens don't actually know everything they think they do, and that their actions have real world consequences.

I really appreciated there was a balance between being pro-police and pointing out the flaws that exist within the system. The main character, Ali, stands more so on the pro-police side since his father is on the force, but at school he constantly challenged by kids who demand that changes are needed. It was great to see young adults getting encouragement to take pro-active steps in creating the change they want to see in the world.

Loved the dual narration from own voices Zeno Robinson and Wayne Carr. They were great choices for this father and son duo.

***Thank you to Hachette Audio for providing me with a copy of the audiobook for free via NetGalley for an unbiased review.

FYI this has all the same problems as all the other King books I've read: racism, misogyny, toxic masculinity, hyper sexualization and the infamous non-ending.

But if you are able to work through that you will find a book that really explores the experience of an American teen boy against a gripping dystopian backdrop.

I think if you LOVED the newest film adaptation you will love this because it is essentially stills from the film that have been recreated. You would probably rate this 4 or 5 stars.

For me, it wasn't my favorite, since I've only read the book and while it's a pretty accurate adaptation, I don't really like the feeling of looking at images of the movie. At the end of this, there was a sketch an Paul that looks more illustrated, and I think I would have preferred an entire book in that style more.

This is the 2nd book I've gotten that based on an film adaptation and I just don't think they are the right fit for me. But that's not the fault of the book or the art. It's just a me thing.

***Thank you to NetGalley and Legendary Comics for providing me with an ebook in exchange for an unbiased review.

Funny how time changes our point of view.
I thought this book was great when I read it in high school. It seemed to pull back the curtain on how brutal and cruel people can be both on a macro and micro level.

From Ralph telling the group first off to call Peterkin, Piggy, even after he revealed how much he didn't want that to happen, to the violent, mob mentality that takes over the group.

The majority of the boys in the story tease and speak so unkindly to each other. Each one looking to exert power over someone else. There are all kinds of slurs thrown around which no matter how many times people say you have to remember the time in which it was written does not excuse how horrific it is to here, especially coming from children.

It's not that I don't think it's an accurate depiction of people, it's that the impact isn't the same for me as when I was younger.

Not to mention part of the reason the pig slaying/rape description was so accurate because the author freely admitted to attempting to rape someone as a teenager. He also said that if he had been born in Germany during Hitler's reign he would have been a Nazi.

So nope, I'm gonna pass on any praise I would have bestowed on William Golding's work.

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/lord-of-the-flies-author-tried-to-rape-a-girl-1773099.html

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2009/aug/16/william-golding-attempted-rape

3.5 and rounding up.
I didn't like this one nearly as much as the first, but it was still a great mix of a English manor house story and queer romance. I have found that my favorite type of romance books, are actually just regular fiction that has a compelling story with the relationship sprinkled in. This duology delivers on it.

If you are a fan of Jane Austen, I feel like you'll like these.
I would also HIGHLY recommend the audiobook. Martyn Swain was chef's kiss perfect.

I'd happily pickup a 3rd Doomsday book...perhaps featuring Emily and Barry? (Pretty please!)

***Thank you to Dreamscape Media for providing me with the Audiobook for free via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

3.5 and rounding up.
This read like a fiction book with some romance sprinkled in, which totally worked for me. This walked a nice balance of character development, intriguing sub plot line, and an insightful exploration of personal growth. Since this was sold to me as a romance, I will say, the love scenes didn't really hit the mark for me, but as a couple, I really like Glory and Parkie. I really loved diving into the art/auction world against the backdrop of unraveling the mystery of Lucille's life in Harlem over many decades.

Elle Cleviden really brought all the skills to this narration. Multiple accents, and personalities. Many props to her. I look forward to hearing more.

***Thank you to RB Media, Recorded Books, for providing me with the Audiobook for free via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

This was first time reading something from this series, and I enjoyed this so much I plan to go back and listen to the others. I was pleasantly surprised to find this historical cozy mystery to have a lot of character depth and a fairly complex and twisty plot line. Not something I typically see in the genre.

Lily Adler is a great MC and I look forward to diving into the backlist and seeing where she started. Also, I loved seeing all the unexpected LGBTQ+ rep.

If you are a fan of Jane Austen and Agatha Christie, I think you'll have fun with this.

***Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an unbiased review.