Don't Look for Me by Wendy Walker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a much needed respite after having to read multiple boring nonfiction texts. I haven’t read a page-turner like this in awhile and it was completely different than anything I’ve ever read. The pace was absolutely perfect, each chapter ending with the push to read more. The honest feelings felt by each character were a refreshing change of pace, having dealt with my fair share of grief, the guilt and coping mechanisms described were very relatable. Surprising twists and turns kept me theorizing about the outcome until the very end, and amidst a trend of unresolved finales, I was pleasantly surprised. As a relatively new reader to Wendy Walker, I have been more than pleased with what I’ve read and she has found a fan in me.

Thank you, St. Martin’s Press, for allowing me to read an advanced copy. The opinions are my own.

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Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

More of these stories are needed and Weiden has a new fan for life. Already written in my go-to genre, I was intrigued early on with his in-depth, no holds barred, inside look at life on a reservation. Having grown up around and frequently visiting a reservation of one of the tribes mentioned in this book, I have seen firsthand a lot of what he is writing about, but I’m still shocked from descriptions regarding laws, justice, and politics. Thankfully, he includes more reading at the end of the book, and upon finishing, I was looking up those titles at the library.

Stories revolving around drugs and alcohol always hit in a personal way, resonating with my own personal experiences with friends and family. This is a story I have lived and watched play out multiple times, and Virgil’s vigilantism is the kind of action I could only fantasize about playing out. Despite the murky legalities of a man for hire, the scenes play out with a clear moral code, but with enough brutality that leaves you feeling uncomfortable, thus humanizing the experience.

It is fun reading the spot-on descriptions of Denver, the only other state I’ve lived aside from my home in Washington State. I have traveled the same streets mentioned in the book, the infamous Colfax, I worked at a Starbucks on Federal, I lived so close to the dog food factory that I could smell it in my living room depending which way the wind blew, and of course, Casa Bonita and their memorable sopapillas.

Further enriching this novel are the everyday Lakota words and phrases peppered throughout the entire story. Many are explained, but some I still googled to get a better understanding and context. Ceremonies and customs still performed to this day are described with a reverence lending to the sacredness of these practices. The commitment and loyalty to the tribe is stirring and beautiful.

Everything about this novel is exquisite and well executed and I’m anxious to see more from Mr. Weiden.

Thank you to Harper Collins for an advanced copy. The opinions are my own.

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The Last to Know by Jo Furniss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The best kind of mysteries are ones that are centered around a large, spooky house, possibly haunted by ghosts, but definitely haunted by the past. Enter the newest thriller, The Last to Know by Jo Furniss. Not only is there a house set on medieval property, there are local legends and lore, family secrets, old-fashioned detective work, investigative journalism, and so much more.

Jo weaves a marvelous drama, from the histories of an infamous family in a small town to the perilous beginnings of a romantic relationship set in a war-torn country, you’ll travel the world within these 318 pages. Throughout all of this, you’re witness to the formidable and intricate bond between mother and son, father and daughter, parent and child.

Numerous surprises and revelations at every turn make this novel a page-turner that you will not want to put down.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for my copy. The opinions are my own.

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Near-Life Experience by Emma G. Rose
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Fans of Neil Gaiman’s Good Omens and the Percy Jackson series will enjoy this creative tale recounting the daily life of Death and a human that throws a wrench in his routine. Many familiar characters pop up in this story, such as Roman and Greek gods, and more lesser known deities from around the world, but all of them bring something interesting to the table. The human characters are relatable and real, artfully created and equally important to the storyline. I enjoyed the banter between characters, human or otherwise, the different situations they fall into, and the subsequent pragmatic resolutions. You will not regret diving into the crazy world constructed by Emma G. Rose.

This book was a real treat and I’m thankful to the author for the gifted copy. The opinions are my own.

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The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones


A truly scary story is one that doesn’t leave you, even after you’ve put down the book. You dwell on it, mull it over, everyday objects remind you of it, you find yourself losing track of your thoughts, only to find them thinking about the story and its haunting imagery. On multiple occasions, when I was reading, I was brutally startled to the present, screaming out loud as someone walked into my bedroom or said my name.

Spooky storyline aside, this book is rich with Native heritage, where past and present collide. Sweats with traditional drumming over a loudspeaker. Hunting and gathering in trucks with the spirits of the elders whispering the legends of the elk. Woven throughout the plot are traditions and storytelling, tales and rituals passed down for generations, explanations and ideas with cultural and paranormal origins.

For the best reading experience, I recommend inhaling parts two and three in one (or two consecutive) sittings, in the middle of the forest, next to a roaring bonfire. Don’t forget your cooler of ice cold beer.

I received a complementary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Dark Archives: A Librarian's Investigation Into the Science and History of Books Bound in Human Skin by Megan Rosenbloom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was everything I wanted it to be, and more.

I first heard about Dark Archives on the Morbid Anatomy podcast, and I knew immediately that I had to read it, but it wasn't due out until October (quite appropriate but SO FAR AWAY!) I started following the author, Megan Rosenbloom, on Twitter and discovered that the book was available on NetGalley. I requested it immediately and crossed my fingers.

Until I heard Megan speak on the podcast, I had NO IDEA that books bound in human skin was a thing. How had my macabre sensibilities missed this gem? However, this book is more than just Megan's quest to search out true anthropodermic bibliopegy (fancy words for "books made of human skin"), it's an education and procedural in antique books, it's' a study in medical ethics past and present, and a behind-the-scenes look at the exciting world of a medical librarian! You get to follow Megan around the globe as she hunts down various legendary tomes and testing them to see if they're the real deal. Some turn out to be made out of animal skins, but a handful turn out to be the real McCoy.

Amidst the "treasure" hunt, you receive a brief education on the history of medicine in western world, how far doctors have come from paying grave robbers for bodies to autopsy to now using bodies that have been donated. It's a gruesome truth that is riddled with controversy when you consider how medicine has advanced from the dark ages on the literal backs of the poor, the murdered, and minorities. Collectors and librarians juggle their want and need to conserve history whilst trying to respect the memory of those whose bodies were used to enrich someone's personal library.

Dark Archives is a fascinating read that brings together so many elements to create a well-rounded text that is as enjoyable as it is informative.

Many thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Sister Dear by Hannah Mary McKinnon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

WOW! That was a crazy ride, from beginning to end!

Initially, I was a tad bit annoyed. I've read a string of books lately with insecure main characters, and this was looking like more of the same. Additionally, there was a bit more romance than I prefer, but the resulting story more than makes up for these minor transgressions.

It took me less than 24 hours, from start to finish, to devour this book, and I have FIVE KIDS. Five very neglected children. Just kidding, they're all fed and fine, let me just do a quick head count... Yup, all present and accounted for, and the food the baby's eating off the floor looks like its from today.

Anyway, at the start you're plunged into a family full of strife, instant drama, crazy scandal, horrific events, and terrible tragedies. Literally, within the first 20 pages. It slows down, a little, only to thrust you head first into a never ending tornado of calamity and catastrophes until the end when it comes to a screeching halt and leaves you wondering what the hell happened. I couldn't believe the end, I still can't wrap my head around what happened.

Clear your schedule before you pick up this book because you will refuse to put it down until you're finished.

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The Apartment by K.L. Slater
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Starting out, I was unsure about this book. The main character annoyed me with her constant self-doubt and insecurities, i.e. unnecessary justification for why she would allow her daughter screen time to give herself a break. Alas, this was a minor irritation and I just chalked it off to the specific character, not anything to do with the quality of the book, only my enjoyment.

Then there was some confusion on the part of the way my book was reading, and I believe it had to do with being a galley copy, not the story itself.

Once that was all sorted, the story successfully sucked me in and didn't let go until I "turned" the last page. It was an enjoyable read, albeit quick, and predictable. The parallel story that was being told made it easy to figure out what was happening in the meat of the story, however, that it doesn't mean there aren't unexpected twists.

I would classify this as an indulgent, weekend read, what I call my "comfort food" when it comes to books. The customary foundation, build, and inevitable climax are like a warm bowl of macaroni and cheese. Nothing mind shattering or complex, but absolutely delicious in its simplicity and familiarity.

Thanks to NetGalley for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

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Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What starts out as an inspiring story of a girl overcoming her insecurities about weight, who turns a viral situation into an influencer sensation, soon becomes a shocking tragedy that reveals a multitude of secrets and coverups.

A revealing social commentary about the realities of social media, Big Summer appealed to me instantly because of my own desires to increase my Instagram following among #bookstagram. I just recently read a book that dealt with a similar topic, albeit a much more annoying influencer, and where that one showed a much uglier side of that life, Big Summer manages to embrace the good while exposing the bad, and really, it does just all come down to balance.

Daphne’s life is fraught with heartbreaking middle school experiences, mostly because of her supposed friend, Drue, but even among the cringeworthy stories, there are moments when you can see the good person beneath what the money and privilege has twisted into a nasty façade. The memories she has with her father, of Sunday Dinners, were fun and inspiring. Her friendship with Darshi is real and refreshing. However, the meat of the story is around the tumultuous relationship between Drue and Daphne, their falling out, their reconciliation, and a death that reveals that nothing is ever what it seems.

Big Summer is a series of flashbacks, bouncing back and forth from middle school, college, elementary school, Christmases, summer vacations, and can at times be difficult to follow. More than once I would forget that I was reading something that had happened in the past until she’d snap back into the future. Otherwise, the story moves along at a steady pace, picking up about midway where you can’t put it down until the finale.

I very much enjoyed Big Summer, it was full of surprises but still had plenty of depth. It was a wonderful harmony of humanity and thrill that can appeal to almost anyone’s tastes in literature. You can recommend this book to all your friends, whether they regularly read crime novels, beach reads, or romances, this book has something for everyone.

Thank you to Atria Books for the free Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Wine Girl: The Obstacles, Humiliations, and Triumphs of America's Youngest Sommelier by Victoria James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Few books cause me to react in the way that this story evoked. From the very beginning, I was drawn into her bizarre and tumultuous family dynamic, the unique, terrifying, and depressing teenage years, and the crazy ups and downs of the early 20s. I now simultaneously (continue to) hate the food service industry while respecting those who succeed and thrive in such a cutthroat atmosphere.

At the very start, you know this story will be unlike any other. Victoria was raised in an environment of strife, postnatal depression, teetotaling and a strict religious upbringing that swings to drunkenness, wild parties, drugs, gambling, and a young girl doing her best to survive.
Her early lessons in economics from budgeting a grocery list and growing her lemonade stand, and the constant pressure and drive to succeed, become a sustaining force in her life, which ultimately leads to a saga worth reading. Growing up in the ways she was accustomed rarely leads to much more than a repeat cycle of pain and abuse, but Victoria not only exceeds, she ascends, and continues to climb, claw, scrape and scrabble her way to the top. Not only that, it’s done with grit and integrity often lost to her generation.

Her career in beverages starts first with lemonade, and then through a series of diners, chain eateries and Michelin star restaurants, she breaks barriers, shatters records, and rises through the ranks of the wine and spirits industry. She exposes the darker side of restaurant service (although, my former, and limited, experience fails to see much light). There is bribery, endless swapping of favors, blackmail, a horrific caste system, and the always prevalent gender inequality.

Despite the persistent forward trajectory in Victoria’s life, there are tragic bumps along the way. She manages to push through a lot of trauma but not without emotional repercussions. She shares her experiences not as a victim, but as a survivor. Within each incident, she finds wisdom and the ability to grow and change. Her bravery in sharing her stories is only overshadowed by the callousness and cowardice of her attackers and those who turned a blind eye to the obvious indiscretions.

My favorite part of this book was the tastings and descriptions of the different wines. Reading about her education is an education in itself. It makes you want to learn more about wine, visit the places she’s gone, meet some of the people, definitely drink the wine. I even would be game to work at one of the smaller wineries like where she interned. She makes it sound so fun and attainable, when in actuality, it was a lot of work. She makes surviving hellish scenarios look effortless. I’m still in awe of how people can smell the different notes in wines. As a relatively new wine drinker, I can only dream of smelling and tasting like a sommelier (that’s some-all-yay).

Victoria is not only a successful, certified sommelier and beverage director, she’s an incredible writer and storyteller. I didn’t want this book to end, but even at the end, I wanted to sit down with her with a bottle of wine and pick her brain further about her time at Marea, find out the true names behind the pseudonyms, and hear more stories about celebrities she’s served.

Wine Girl is an immersive experience that I recommend for anyone that enjoys good food, good wine, and a good story.




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