The Book Nook

First published 1963

239 pages

Dystopian, Fiction, Literary

The Wall was my first five star read of the year. I had never seen or heard about it before, but for some reason it caught my eye as I perused the library shelves. It is about a middle-aged woman who is vacationing at a hunting lodge in the Austrian mountains. She wakes up one morning to find that an invisible wall separates her from the rest of the world. She is completely alone except for a dog, a cat, and a cow. She goes about surviving in the wilderness while also surviving her loneliness.

This is a fascinating and nuanced book. It strikes me as the kind of book one reads for English class, and it changes your life forever. It is a deeply personal narrative. The reader observes the relationship between a woman and her animals while in isolation. It is a critique of modern civilization, a survival story, and dystopian literary adventure. Not only that, but it is an amazing feminist classic. It orients a woman as the primary force of change; she is truly the protagonist in her life. She does not contend with pressures and standards of modern civilization. She is strikingly practical and capable; the narrative is character driven, and she is that driving force. It is the kind of novel that makes you pause and really absorb what you just read by staring at the wall for an hour.

First published 2001

96 pages

Fiction, Fantasy, Magical realism, Mysterious

I first read this novel in middle school, then promptly forgot about its existence. It was the kind of experience that I questioned the reality of. I knew there was a bizarre book that caught my attention, but there were no details I could hold onto. Years and years later, I find it for sale in the used books section of the library. I bought it for one dollar and regained a memory from childhood.

In this short, illustrated novel, a young boy is caught in a nightmare of a library. It centers around this boy, a mysterious girl, and a troubled sheep-man as they all plot their escape from the strange library. It is an odd and imaginative book. It is not like anything I’ve read, a completely unique experience.

First published 2010

352 pages

Nonfiction, Politics, Race, Informative

In the modern-day political realm, there is a level of understanding that the prison industrial complex is oppressive and exploitative. But that understanding is superficial, especially among liberal, white spaces. The social pressures to uphold the inclusive and progressive positions may not encourage a deeper understanding of the real-world applications. This book is a dip into a deeper understanding. It weaves through the history of the prison industrial complex and the origins of the prisons themselves. It addresses how racism and slavery have merely morphed to appear acceptable to our modern lens. But once you see the thinly veiled motivations behind that complex, you cannot go back. This novel is necessary for anyone who has an inkling of curiosity about how our American prison system is built on racism and systemic incarceration. But even more necessary for those who think they know what it’s all about.

First published 2020

115 pages

Poetry, Reflective

When I picked this poetry collection up, I wasn’t sure what I would find. I remembered enjoying Billy Collins in high school but never pursued any of his work further. I realized as I read poem after poem, that I could not stop smiling. There was something deeply comforting in his ability to juggle both playfulness and sincerity. Although they are not mutually exclusive, by any means. There is whimsy and sly smiles in these poems. I took notes as I read, writing down the title and page number of each poem I loved. Very soon I realized that I was making note of nearly all of them. Which defeats the purpose of making notes in the first place. So, I did away with my notes and just enjoyed the poetry for what it was.

This review is not overly complicated, similar to this poetry collection. Collins’s skill shines through in Whale Day. Hopefully, you’ll find yourself smiling as you read them too.

First published in 2023

1363 pages

Dystopian, LGBTQ+, Literary

​Chain-Gang All-Stars takes place in a world of mass incarceration, unchecked capitalism, and systemic racism. But even though that sounds like a direct reflection of our world, prisoners get the chance to fight (to the death) for their freedom in gladiator matches. Loretta Thurwar and Hamara “Hurricane Staxxx” Stacker are on the same chain, moving through the ranks as a team, with Loretta as their leader. The poignant and vivid image this novel paints is essential reading. The exploitation and dehumanization of these incarcerated people shines a spotlight on just how far the prison-industrial complex could go. Prisoners must enact violence on themselves and each other for the morbid entertainment of the masses. Public executions are back and better than ever; you can buy merchandise.

This novel is deeply complex and multifaceted. There are perspectives of the incarcerated people, the telecasters, the protesters outside the stadiums, and fans who are screaming themselves hoarse in the stands. Adjei-Brenyah captures language in such a unique way in this novel. The incarcerated are humanized but not excused from their past actions; they are complicated and nuanced people. This book is deeply disturbing in an important and impactful way. 

First published in 2023

177 pages

Dystopian, LGBTQ+, Literary

“The Unworthy” is written by the same author who wrote “Tender is the Flesh” which is also on my ever-growing list of books to read.​ This novel is set in a distant, dystopian future, when the outside world is poisoned and dangerous. We begin in a convent, The House of The Sacred Sisterhood, where there is a rigid hierarchy. The main character is one of the Unworthy, an acolyte who desires ascension to the role of Enlightened. Risking her life, the main character writes in a secret diary, even using her own blood as ink. Old memories begin to surface from before the world collapsed. But one day, a newcomer arrives, who becomes one of the unworthy. But she is different somehow, she brings with her a hope that lightens the burden of the Sacred Sisterhood.

This book is beautiful. The poetic language leads you through this dystopian forest of a narrative. Life is harsh and scary, but our main character finds her way of rebelling. She is shockingly honest with her desires, desires that have been repressed and must be kept secret. This convent is steeped in a mass hysteria and I questioned the sanity of them all. I love a disturbing story with heavy handed religious themes. Bazterrica takes an idea and pushes it to the absolute limit, twisting and turning and molding, until she gets something completely unique and spellbinding. Simultaneously, her use of poetic language manipulates the delivery of the narrative. She is able to spin something harsh into a new form, forcing the reader to look at it from a new angle. It was the kind of book that you finish and stare at the wall for hours, processing what you just experienced. Absolutely wonderful.

First published 1986

296 pages

Nonfiction, Graphic Novel, Biography

Many Holocaust biographies focus on the deeply tragic experience of the Holocaust itself. But this narrative incorporates all the aftereffects of that tragedy, how it affects relationships for generations. This is a story within a story, the author accounting his relationship with his father while also learning about his father’s experience of the Holocaust. It depicts the Jewish people as mice and the Nazi’s as cats, drawing a distinct line between the groups. Using a graphic novel as the medium is disarming; the reader doesn’t expect serious or disturbing narratives from a graphic novel. Especially not one with mice and cats. But Art Spiegelman creates space for both the gravity and severity of this narrative within this medium and does so in a masterful way. This novel belongs in libraries, on bookshelves, and within school curriculum everywhere. It is invaluable and a work of art.

First published 2024

376 pages

Fantasy, Romance, Lighthearted

​The Spellshop is an essential cozy fantasy read. It centers around Kiela, a librarian turned rebel as she flees the royal city for the small island she grew up on. She is accompanied by her beloved companion, Caz, who happens to be a sentient spider plant. She is not used to socializing and prefers the company of her books to people. But when she discovers the island in disarray due to magical imbalance, she makes the risky choice to practice illegal magic with her stolen spellbooks.

Sarah Beth Durst has produced the perfect warm hug of a book. There are just enough stakes for the story to be engaging but not enough harshness to curb the cozy fantasy vibes. The magical plants, the town’s winged cats, and the handsome neighbor are all perfect. It centers around community and the idea of coming together to do what’s right, not necessarily what’s legal. The strong, supportive seaside community with the combination of small cottage living creates an idyllic environment. As I read this book, I realized that it was all I wanted in life. A supportive community, a walkable town, and a talking spider plant with anxiety issues. This book waltzed into my life just when I needed it. It breathed such a refreshing breeze into all of the heavy things we deal with on a daily basis. It was a much-needed reprieve from my every day, and I mourned it when I was done. This book now lives on my shelf and is ready for whenever I may need it again.

First published 2025

382 pages

Dystopian, Young Adult, Dark

This is a prequel to The Hunger Games; this is the long-awaited story of Haymitch. We all know Haymitch from the main trilogy, but we never get to see how he ended up being the crass, drunken mentor. We get a small glimpse of his games in the initial books as Katniss and Peta prepare for their games. Haymitch was in the second Quarter Quell, the fiftieth hunger games, where the tributes were doubled from the standard twenty-four, to forty-eight. We get Haymitch’s backstory; how he loved a covey girl named Lenore Dove, and how he was even picked for the games in the first place.

This novel ties everything together seamlessly. It was so fun to see how the games were run from the beginning in Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and how it compares to the fiftieth year in Sunrise on the Reaping. In each of her Hunger Games books, Collins reveals a little more context for each of the characters. That context adds depth and understanding for the other novels. They all feed into each other and create a connected narrative. The other novels reference certain things, like the singing tribute from district twelve being the only one to ever win the games until Katniss and Peta. We all know who Lucy Grey is and why she is so important to Snow’s story, and in turn, everyone else’s story as well. A mark of an amazing storyteller is the ability to reveal information at the right time so the reader can make the connections on their own. Collins does it perfectly.

First published 2024

392 pages

Nonfiction, Erotica, Essays, Feminism

This is a collection of anonymous essays, written in response to the questions “What do you want, when no-one is watching? What do you want, when the lights are off? What do you want, when you are anonymous?”. It is a collection of women’s sexual fantasies from all around the world, from all ages and walks of life. It contemplates how women feel about sex when they have the freedom of total anonymity. This book was a refreshing, whispered breeze across the skin. 

Something that I’ve found to be essential to a deep literary experience is the fearlessness of the writer. The bravery to be honest, truly genuine, without self-judgment. That is what this collection gave to the contributors, an opportunity to be thoroughly honest without the fear of shame hanging over them. On multiple occasions as I read this book, it felt like I was reading the personal journal of the contributor. That I was peeking into something so deeply personal; I was an intruder into their most intimate thoughts and fantasies. Which is the whole point of the novel. It is brazen and genuine and fearless. So many times, when we talk about sex, the women’s perspective is spoken over. 

Literary sexuality is contained within the socially shamed genre of “smut” or “bodice rippers” (those mass market paperbacks that your grandmother keeps hidden in a drawer, with Fabio on the cover). But this novel brings those sexual fantasies into the light, celebrates them as a human experience. The human sexuality is a fascinating subject on its own, but when you factor in all the other potential experiences that contribute to it, you get a real conversation. And that’s what this book is; an honest, playful, refreshing conversation.

First published 2021

238 pages

Contemporary, Magical realism, Literary

In this novel, an ambitious artist puts her career on hold to stay at home with her newborn. We begin the story two years in, and we watch as this stay-at-home mother loses herself in the societal and internal pressures of motherhood. One day, she finds a dense patch of hair growing on the back of her neck, and her canines have grown impossibly sharp. With her husband dismissing her concerns from hotel rooms on business trips, she is left on her own to deal with her rapidly changing body. Her symptoms intensify and so do her canine instincts.

There are different aspects of this book that spoke to me as a childless 24-year-old woman. The desire to be animalistic. To be feral and completely uncaring of perception. The description of motherhood was exactly what I thought it would be. The fatigue, the overwhelm, not a single moment to yourself, and the constant crushing societal, social, and internal pressures.

While still maintaining the desire to be monstrous, to be unselfconscious, to be feral. To truly be an animal, to pursue that base animal instincts and intuition. That’s what spoke to me. I’ve thought about that desire, it’s struck me multiple times, to burrow in a warm den, to only be concerned with animal things.

The imagery of a woman on the brink, unable and unwilling to keep up with societal standards. Eventually saying fuck it, and jumping off that cliff, barking and snarling at people, killing animals and shaking them wildly, spattering blood all over the kitchen. Growing hair, smelling the whole world around you. The commentary on womanhood and the roles we fill, the roles we have thrust upon us. And simultaneously the brutal, animalistic nature of womanhood and motherhood. The book ended in a really beautiful place, cherishing and worshipping motherhood as a god like role, elevating the mother into a deity, the giver and taker of life. It was weird and gross and honest. All the best books are.

There were lines and philosophical thoughts that protagonist had that felt so deeply reflective and almost enlightened, the awareness of modern motherhood and the brutally honest portrayal was extremely engaging.

And the overall arc was deeply satisfying, Nightbitch found her art again, found herself within motherhood and womanhood.

First published 2020

476 pages

Nonfiction, Politics, Sociology

“The hierarchy of caste is not about feelings or morality. It is about power– which groups have and which do not”

In this novel, Wilkerson presents a masterfully researched narrative of the caste system throughout history into the modern day. She links the caste systems of America, India, and Nazi Germany, educating and bringing awareness to said systems. When people think of all the systems at work in America, we don’t commonly think of a caste system. We often associate that with India, where it functions under different terms and societal norms. But there is a deeply engrained caste system in America that has existed from the very start of this nation. It is baked into our social norms, our government, our education. She shows how caste shows up in the day-to-day treatment of people considered from the lower rungs of society. It is insidious and worms its way into our behavior, whether we are aware of it or not.

This is a challenging book, in the same way that any book about systematic oppression is challenging. It is beautifully written and does not drown the reader in information all at once. The pacing is perfect for reflection, information absorption, and appreciation for the real-world examples of the systems she is highlighting.

This book should be required reading for sociology, critical race theory, and human condition classes everywhere. I cannot recommend it enough. 

First published 2023

207 pages

Literary, Science Fiction, Reflective

Orbital slid under the radar but quickly became one of my five star reads for the year. I would often pause, completely in awe, of what I just read. It is a profound slice of humanity that will leave you feeling like you’ve discovered something about yourself. It’s short, coming in at only 207 pages, but each page is brimming with beautiful prose. It’s the kind of book that you interact with on a more human level, like your mind is having a conversation with it that you are not a part of. You finish it and suddenly your interpersonal relationship with yourself and the world has shifted. It may be small, but it packs a punch.

First published 2025

389 pages

Fantasy, Dark, Romance

This is the book that introduced me to Rachel Gillig. The world building was unique from the jump and kept me hooked the whole time. The main character, Sybil Delling, is one of six Diviners, dreamers who live in the great cathedral dedicated to the Omens or gods. She is thrust into the world beyond the cathedral in search of answers after her fellow Diviners begin to disappear. She is accompanied by the knight Rodrick, who has his own mission in mind. The characters’ development and magic in this book were fresh and engaging. I read a lot of fantasy, and I loved how Gillig weaves her narratives. Sybil is unique as a fantasy heroine. She is a realistic character with distinct personhood and abilities of her own. Her job at the cathedral involved masonry, and she wields a pick and hammer in her thickly muscled grip. Gillig did not hesitate to give her real physical power, which would come from working with stone and hammer for nearly ten years. I deeply appreciated that in this story.

First published 2021

384 pages

Graphic Novel, Romance, Fantasy

I’ve included the entire series of Lore Olympus under the umbrella of the first book. I first read this series in high school, while it was still being published for the first time on Webtoon, an online webcomic platform. But it was unfinished, and I soon forgot about it. Until something pulled at me to pick it up again. I then proceeded to devour the entire series over the course of three or four days. It is a reimagining of the story of Hades and Persephone, and is a must read. The artwork is gorgeous and so fun, the story itself a classic with an incredible creative spin, and the characters are deeply lovable. This series left me one of the worst book hangovers/ grieving periods since I finished Outlander last year. I would do it all over again if I could.

First published in 2017

128 pages

Nonfiction, History, Politics

This is a graphic novel edition of Timothy Snyder’s “On Tyranny”. It is a historical account of previous tyrannous authoritarian governments and their methods of maintaining power. In this book, Snyder, with the help of engaging graphics by Nora Krug, lays out twenty lessons of resistance. This is an accessible guide to “resisting modern-day authoritarianism”. It is a good starting place if you’re looking to become more politically aware and understand the historical context of modern events.

I would recommend both the original version and/or the graphic edition, they both have the exact same information, it just depends on which form you would prefer to read. I rated it five stars because it was one of my first attempts to read as a form of modern political resistance. I was feeling overwhelmed and powerless among the swelling mass of panic about the state of this country. And so, it was a much-needed buoy in a time of rising anxiety. You become what you consume, and this was a conscious choice for consumption.

It is only a starting point though. It has practical and actionable steps you can take right now, which is grounding and gives the reader a sense of control. That’s all well and good, necessary even, to get your feet under you. But you cannot stop here. Reading, researching, and educating yourself about the social issues that are important to you is necessary to resist in an escalating situation. 

First published 2021

192 pages

Fiction, Horror, Thriller, Social Commentary

A grandmother and granddaughter live in a haunted house, practically alive with dead things. This is a story about tradition, terrible crimes, and class tensions. The book is short but far from sweet. When the granddaughter is accused of a horrible crime, they must contend with old wounds and community tensions. What struck me about this book was the vivid imagery. Martinez did not shy away from the disturbing imagery, the grisly and grimy details of what took place. She has such a unique voice; it captured my attention and did not let go until long after I had finished reading it.

This story is strangely empowering. The women of this family hold a dark power, and this story unapologetically highlights exactly what they’re capable of. They are the ones who can commune with saints and spirits, who have the strength to do whatever necessary to get their revenge. I appreciate a story where people do not rise above and turn the other cheek; I want punishment for those who deserve it. And this books gives you exactly that.

First published 2018

320 pages

Nonfiction, Self-Help, Informative, Reference

This is an easy to follow, inspirational, and practical guide to writing. It is informative and motivating, while reading it I was overwhelmed with a rekindled desire to write. I had been in a bit of a creative slump since I started working full time, but this book was a much-needed spark. I still reference it to this day and enjoy the writing prompts sprinkled throughout. I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to write but feels like they need some structure to get started or to continue their work. We all need a little writing help now and again; this was mine when I needed it.

First published 2021

147 pages

Sci-Fi, Hopeful, Reflective

In this solarpunk futuristic world, humankind and nature have reached a kind of understanding. People do not want for anything and are supported by the communities they live in. Years prior, all the robots they used in the factories gained sentience and migrated into the wilderness in droves. No human has seen a robot since. Until now. A tea monk stumbles upon one in the wilderness while on a personal journey to find themselves. The robot has volunteered to journey into human civilization and ask them “What do people need?”. Mosscap, the robot in question, is about to learn all they can about humankind. He has never met a human before, and his curiosity is contagious. 

Chambers asks insightful and enlightening questions about how we live our lives and where true value lies in the world. This is a hopeful story that reminds us about what is truly important. Chambers hold a light up to humankind and how we live in the world, allowing room for a subversive and unique perspective.

The story is continued in “A Prayer for the Crown Shy” in a similarly hopeful tone, allowing for deeper development and self-exploration. I would highly recommend reading both. They’re relatively short, just over a hundred pages, and they read quickly. These books left me in a self-reflective cloud for days after reading them. My eyes felt new; my understanding of the world had shifted. Books that have this effect are my favorite and I will never stop recommending them, hoping that I can spread the experience to as many people as possible.

First published in 1992

317 pages

Fiction, Postmodern, Sci-fi Social Commentary

“Poor things” was my favorite movie of 2024, so imagine my delight when I discovered that it was first a strange, postmodern book first. I jumped at the opportunity to read it. It is a “postmodern revision of Frankenstein” with Bella Baxter taking the place of the monster. She is a grown woman who is brought back to life using the brain of her unborn baby. The reader watches her grow up and discover the world through the eyes of a child who is developing at an alarming rate in the body of a fully grown woman.

The social commentary of any Frankenstein reiteration is going to be fascinating; this novel is no exception. It is an engaging narration with an unreliable narrator, Dr. Archibald McCandless, and where Bella Baxter herself refutes the whole novel at the end. There are bold woodcuts decorated throughout the novel, with unique artwork that reflects the strangeness of the novel. The author depicts the story as a non-fiction account, so convincingly that I felt the need to research if it was loosely based on a real event. It’s odd and that is one of my favorite aspects of a piece of media. It is a “thought provoking duel between the desires of men and the independence of women”. If you enjoyed the movie, you would enjoy this strange book. And if you have not experienced either, go do so, and tell them I sent you.

First published in 1989

512 pages

Fiction, Fantasy, Graphic Novel

This is a fully painted graphic novel that describes itself as a “fairy tale for adults”. And it certainly is. We travel along with Moonshadow on his intergalactic coming of age story. This graphic novel reminds me of Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy with its unapologetic creativity and conceptual experimentation. It is visually stunning, and each plot development pulls the rug out from under you. You are forced to go along for the ride and trust that you end up somewhere satisfying. I put my faith in this journey and was not disappointed. It’s odd and off the cuff, I’ve never read another story quite like it.

The visuals are dynamic and eye-catching. The story has substance and catches you every time you stumble from an unexpected turn. When you pick this book up, you are agreeing to go on this journey with blind trust. The author and collaborators subvert everything you think you know about storytelling. It is conceptually unique, refreshing and nostalgic at the same time. I will be going back to it again and again.

First published 1954

398 pages

Fiction, Fantasy, Classic

It feels odd to be writing a book review for one of the best known and most popular fantasy trilogies of all time. I grew up watching and rewatching the movies (extended editions and all) and hailed it as the best movies ever made. I would stare out of my classroom windows at school and watch them in my mind over and over again. I was slightly embarrassed and ashamed to claim to love the stories so completely when I hadn’t even read the books. So, I corrected that as quickly as possible.

These books lay the foundational framework of the fantasy genre. They are truly timeless and forever relevant, a keystone aspect of important literature. This epic is a story of bravery in the face of absolute power, of loyalty and faith. It is a story where the good guys really are good, and goodness prevails. We all need a story like that every once in a while. “The Lord of The Rings” will always be there and will always resonate. It’s unlikely heroes will always inspire; its impact has not faded in the 71 years since its publication. If you haven’t read this trilogy because you grew up with the movies, like me, please do yourself the honor of experiencing this story.

First published in 2023

320 pages

Historical Fiction, Literary, Dark

This is a fictionalization of a real man’s life, known as the glutton of Lyon. Set in 1798 France, in a Versailles hospital, the nuns are charged with the task of always watching over Tarrare as he lay dying, recounting his life as the infamous glutton of Lyon. He as a peasant turned showman, his distended belly evidence of his uncontrollable appetite. He is tortured by his bottomless appetite rumored to have been caused by a golden fork he swallowed. The deeply vivid imagery is stunning; I often paused and sat with a phrase or sentence for minutes at a time, in awe of Blakemore’s artistry. 

Blakemore shines an artistic light on figures pushed to the edges of society, beautifully demonstrating themes of desire, hunger, poverty, and survival. This is a disturbing novel, but don’t let that deter you. It’s beautiful and odd and wonderful. The symbolism and imagery of Tarrare’s bottomless apatite kept me hooked; the English major in me wanted to pull it apart and examine all its nooks and crannies. This novel must be studied and analyzed. It’s beauty and complexity must not go unnoticed.

First published in 2012

127 pages

Historical Fiction, Social Commentary, Thriller

This little book packs a serious punch. It caught my eye because it’s square, instead of rectangular like most published books. And any novel with a unique physical structure will grab my attention. It’s a brief story about a young Russian conscript on a trans-Siberian train to Vladivostok. While on the train, he decides to desert. With the help of a French woman he meets on the train, Hélène, he attempts his plan. There is an “uncanny trust” for each other, even though they had never met before. This pull is unexplainable but strong enough for them both to risk their lives.

This is an intense and visceral story about the inner worlds of these individuals and how it relates to the harsh outer worlds they both occupy. The writing style is concise and pinpoints the exact words necessary to make you heart jump. A unique and enlightening read, for sure. It sprints through you and leaves you breathless, like a bus that passes too close to you on the street. It leaves you standing in the sudden silence after it occupies your mind for a short time. It’s complex without being long winded; its impact is an artful tool the author uses to capture our minds long after you finish reading it. I would recommend taking some time after reading it to reflect, to sit with the story for a moment and let it sink in.

First published 2023

300 pages

LGBTQ, Fantasy, Graphic novel

This is a fast paced, fun story of Faustian bargains and queer transmasc romance. Jules, a trans man, feels trapped in his life as a nun, and makes a deal with the devil, giving up their body to be free of their old life. With the devil now living inside him, he is impervious to danger. Jules meets Casper, a trans man, poet, and thief. They begin an adventurous relationship, and the devil’s jealousy grows.

The concept alone drew me in, but the illuminated manuscript-type artwork sealed the deal. The artwork is fun and colorful; the character design is perfect. It combines a surreal, colorful, engaging art style. I would LOVE to hang posters from this novel in my home. This feels like a little diamond that I stumbled upon at the library in the adult graphic novel section. You’ll find this odd, raunchy little book just as enchanting as I did. 

First published in 2020

105 pages

LGBTQ, Fiction, Literary

This is an LGBTQ+ literary fiction book. It’s quick, but the poetic prose is powerful. It tells the story of Boulder, a cook on a merchant ship. She meets a woman named Samsa and falls deeply in love. Samsa starts a life with Boulder in Reykjavik, and although Boulder is less enthused about it, she doesn’t know how to say no. We watch has their relationship develops and morphs into something less than ideal.

This is a unique queer story, depicting an LGBTQ+ relationship in a way that I haven’t seen in mainstream media. It’s gritty and dysfunctional, Boulder is always shockingly honest about how she feels about her situation. I love Eva Baltasar’s writing style. It is poignant in its word choice and how it depicts the world. Her protagonists are starkly honest and self-reflective, making you feel like you know things you are not supposed to know about these people. It almost feels like an intrusion when they share their thoughts. It’s poetic, beautiful, and brutally honest.

First published in 2023

336 pages

Cozy Fantasy, LGBTQ+, Lighthearted

“Bookshops and Bonedust” is a prequel to “Legends and Lattes”, which I would also highly recommend. There is an allusion to “Legends and Lattes” in the epilogue, so I recommend reading that first. Viv, a battle-hungry orc is injured and is forced to rest in a small beach town called Murk. She finds a new friendship in Murk’s ragged bookshop and discovers a potential new path for herself.

I will always gravitate towards books with protagonists like Viv. A counterculture depiction of a woman in a novel is irresistible. There’s a popular pull towards an apathetic, two-dimensional allegedly strong female protagonist who doesn’t care about anybody but herself. But Viv is a female protagonist who is a fully developed person and has made the choice to live her life however she wants to. And she’s also a strong badass woman who can put people in their place if necessary. It’s a refreshing balance.

Evey now and then we need a soft book. A book with lower stakes and a happy ending. I’ve recently been exploring the cozy fantasy genre and have found a wonderful community there. Many have LGBTQ+ themes, which allow us to have a soft, happy story instead one drenched in tragedy. I have found comfort in the easy to read, kinder stories of the cozy fantasy genre.

First published in 1995

435 pages

Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure

Assassin’s apprentice is the first book of “The Farseer Trilogy”; all three would have made it on the five-star list but then it would have gotten out of hand. Hobbs unfolds this world with such skill you don’t even realize while it’s happening. The pacing is perfect and there are solidly grounded rules of engagement. This is a classic fantasy world where there is magic and rulers, where a young orphan must find his way in the world through complicated court interconnections. There are royal conspiracies and assassinations (hence the title of book one “Assassins Apprentice”). Young Fitz, our protagonist, has strong royal blood in his veins, giving him a special magical ability that only those of the Farseer bloodline possess. He also has an additional ability that is socially shunned, earning him more enemies than friends. Even though this world is based in magic and fantasy, it is deeply grounded with a sense of reality. Hobb makes the unbelievable, believable. 

There are fascinating rules associated with this world’s magic, and cultural understandings associated with them. Hobbs enfolds the reader masterfully throughout this trilogy, there was not a single moment that I wasn’t engaged and ready to continue reading. I am enthusiastic about tackling all 14 books of “The Realm of The Elderlings”. 

First published in 2024

368 pages

Medical History, Feminist, Informative

I spotted this bright pink book across the library and immediately gravitated toward it. As a woman who is now fully responsible for my personal health, I felt it necessary to do some preliminary research about the history of modern women’s medicine. I was aware of some horror stories about the nonconsensual experimentation on black women in the name of science, but this informative and empower book shed much needed light on our medical history. It is written in a way that’s easy to understand, even if you have no medical background.

It is a collection of stories that cover all eleven major organ systems and how archaic medical histories have informed our understanding of female bodies today. It shows how the very foundations of women’s medicine are built on the bodies of abused women and how the information is not only wrong, but actively harmful. Many of these medical understandings are alive and well today, perpetuating biased beliefs about how a woman’s body “should” be. If you’re looking to educate yourself about your own body, or to be aware of the struggles of someone you know, this is a great starting point.

First published 1949

304 pages

Fiction, Social Commentary, Dystopian

Ever since high school, this book has been on my to-be-read list. In the English classes I took, we read many well-known assigned books, but 1984 must have fallen through the cracks. It felt more important than ever to get this book under my belt.

This dystopian novel is set in a totalitarian London called Oceania “where big brother is always watching” and people’s thoughts are policed. This novel is terrifying in direct comparison with modern politics, a must-read as an introduction to the ideas of government surveillance and thought policing. It’s simplistic but powerful, possibly made more impactful for its simplicity. There is no hiding behind symbolism, this book says what it means, and it means business. It is a deeply disturbing but very real commentary on authoritarian regimes and how they strangle the life from their people. It is a disturbing but easily digestible book. Even if you’ve read it before in high school, rereading it with a different lens, a more mature and aware lens, is necessary. 

Note: It is based on the book “We” by Yevgeny Zamyatin which is also on my to-be-read list.