All the hours he spent theorizing about magic seemed so naive now. The main ingredient in transformation was not magic, it was pain.
Emily Habeck, Shark Heart
I won’t lie; this one stands out from all the books I’ve read. It stands out for a few reasons. The first and most important reason is that it took me a leisurely 4 hours to read. I love nothing more than munching a book in that short amount of time. It was so easy to read. It was also so weird I couldn’t stop reading until it was complete.
So, if the plot of this book doesn’t catch your attention—which I don’t know how it wouldn’t—then let the short chapters and Habeck’s easy prose entice you enough to read this wonderful book.
Book Description
For Lewis and Wren, their first year of marriage is also their last. A few weeks after their wedding, Lewis receives a rare diagnosis: He will retain most of his consciousness, memories, and intellect, but his physical body will gradually turn into a great white shark. As Lewis develops the features and impulses of one of the most predatory creatures in the ocean, his complicated artist’s heart struggles to make peace with his unfulfilled dreams.
At first, Wren internally resists her husband’s fate. Is there a way for them to be together after Lewis changes? Then, a glimpse of Lewis’s developing carnivorous nature activates long-repressed memories for Wren, whose story vacillates between her childhood living on a houseboat in Oklahoma, her time with her college ex-girlfriend, and her unusual friendship with a woman pregnant with twin birds.
You can’t read that book description and not want to read it. As soon as I saw the summary, I knew I had to read the book. It took me a few years to check it off my TBR list, but I am glad I finally did.
Husband turns into a shark? SOLD. Wrenn becomes friends with a woman pregnant with bird twins? Sold again. On the surface, the book sounds kind of silly, but there is a lot more depth to it, and Habeck’s writing is almost poetic at times.
It’s set in a world identical to ours, except people are diagnosed with various animal mutations. Sometimes, the mutation is genetic; sometimes, it’s completely random if you’re like Lewis. There’s even a substantial medical facility near Lewis and Wrenn’s home dedicated to treating these mutations. Unfortunately for Lewis, his mutation is very aggressive and fast-moving.
The animal mutations are very clearly a metaphor for illness (Cancer, Alzheimer’s, Dementia, etc.). Cancer transforms people much like these animal mutations. It is not only a heavy weight on the sick person but also on the caretaker. Cancer diagnoses come in all shapes and sizes; some are more aggressive than others. Once the animal mutation is complete, the caretaker releases their loved one into the wild. The person dies in a way.
As I mentioned earlier, Habeck’s chapters are short and sweet. One second, you’re reading a normal chapter, and the next, you’re reading a play script, which pays homage to Lewis’ passion for acting. The book is also split into three parts (or acts?). Act one focuses on Wrenn and Lewis’ relationship and Lewis’ diagnosis. The second act focuses on Wrenn’s mother. The third act shows us what happens to Lewis and Wrenn after Lewis fully transforms into a shark.
Overall, this book is equal parts funny, moving, weird, and fast-paced. I’d be curious to see Habeck write more books set in this universe. I think she could make quite a few spinoffs. I’d gladly read them!
Please read this book, and let me know what you think!
Let me apologize for my absence to the people who follow this blog closely with a magnifying glass (shout out to my mom).
My 2024 was a little hectic, and I wasn’t actively reading or writing as much as usual, which explains my lack of posting. My little heart wasn’t in it, and I didn’t want to deliver lazy, dare I say, menial content. I’m of the mindset that quality is faaaaaar better than quantity.
That being said, I’m back and better than ever. I’m like a reading fiend, and I promise good content is coming your way.
I can remember being a kid living my best life and having zero worries or concerns. Then I got older and life just slapped me all over (I’m sure you know the feeling).
Now my mind is cluttered with things like work-life balance, bills, family, and occasional philosophical ponderings. I find the older I become the more philosophical ponderings I have, and one of those ponderings is of death. Of course, one’s mind thinks about death. How could it not? It’s not in a bad way, just in a curious I wonder what happens way.
Why am I even bringing up death when this post title specifically mentioned “embracing life”? Because life and death are like a package deal. You can’t have one without the other. I also know that this doesn’t make death any more exciting to talk about or think about.
If you’re like me and often have philosophical ponderings about life or death, then I highly recommend reading The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer. It’s about a woman named Clover (duh) who works as a death doula. Day in and day out she’s confronted with death and she even spends her free time going to “death cafes” where people can discuss death and dying with like-minded people.
(And yes, death cafes are real. I thought that might be a bit of fiction, but they are really real.)
Clover is a peculiar person because while she’s so comfortable around death, she’s just as uncomfortable with life. Her best friend is an elderly man and she spends most of her free time hiding in her apartment. At the same time, she has collected all of the regrets of people who have passed on and tries her best to fulfill them. In other words, she spends a lot of time living her life for the dead instead of for herself.
Thankfully, Clover realizes that she isn’t really living and changes her life around with the help of her elderly best friend and some new friends too. It’s a short read on a topic that I don’t think gets discussed enough. Most importantly, there are some really great quotes strewn throughout this book that will most definitely have you embracing life.
Enjoy!
Instead of constantly asking ourselves the question of why we’re here, maybe you should be savoring the simpler truth: We are here.
Mikki Brammer
The secret to a beautiful death is living a beautiful life.
Mikki Brammer
Don’t let the best parts of life pass you by because you’re too scared of the unknown.
Mikki Brammer
Be cautiously reckless.
Mikki Brammer
Who are we to tell anyone their pain isn’t worthy?
Mikki Brammer
It’s easy to glamorize the path you didn’t take.
Mikki Brammer
If you want something you don’t have, you have to do something you’ve never done.
Mikki Brammer
Death is a natural part of life. In fact, it’s the only thing in life that we can really count on.
The stories write us, you see. We read something that moves us, touches us, speaks to us and it…it changes us.
The Wishing Game, Meg Shaffer
It’s not a secret that Meg Shaffer’s, The Wishing Game, was somewhat inspired by Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka. She states it in her acknowledgments: “First, I have to thank Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka for taking over my brain in the third grade. Can you imagine getting the chance to play a game that could change your life?”
I think it’s safe to say that Meg imagined it, and brought it to life in a whole new and wonderful way. If you heed my advice and read the book, you too will see all the similarities between these two masterpieces.
Below are 4 reasons you’ll love The Wishing Game if you’re a fan of Willy Wonka.
Book Description
Make a wish. . . .
Lucy Hart knows better than anyone what it’s like to grow up without parents who loved her. In a childhood marked by neglect and loneliness, Lucy found her solace in books, namely the Clock Island series by Jack Masterson. Now a twenty-six-year-old teacher’s aide, she is able to share her love of reading with bright, young students, especially seven-year-old Christopher Lamb, who was left orphaned after the tragic death of his parents. Lucy would give anything to adopt Christopher, but even the idea of becoming a family seems like an impossible dream without proper funds and stability.
But be careful what you wish for. . . .
Just when Lucy is about to give up, Jack Masterson announces he’s finally written a new book. Even better, he’s holding a contest at his home on the real Clock Island, and Lucy is one of the four lucky contestants chosen to compete to win the one and only copy.
For Lucy, the chance of winning the most sought-after book in the world means everything to her and Christopher. But first she must contend with ruthless book collectors, wily opponents, and the distractingly handsome (and grumpy) Hugo Reese, the illustrator of the Clock Island books. Meanwhile, Jack “the Mastermind” Masterson is plotting the ultimate twist ending that could change all their lives forever.
*Brought to you by GoodReads
1.There’s anEccentric & Lonely Rich Man
The first similarity that stands out the most is the eccentric lonely rich man’s character. In Willy Wonka, we have…Willy Wonka. In The Wishing Game, we have Jack Masterson. Both men are total weirdos with immense passion for what they do. Wonka loves chocolate and Masterson loves stories. Both experienced some trauma that forced them to isolate themselves and then prompted them to create a competition of some sort, inviting strangers into their homes.
What’s not to love?
2.A crazy competition ensues
If you enjoy Willy Wonka’s little contest, then you will LOVE The Wishing Game. Especially if you are a fan of books and riddles.
I will say that the competition in Willy Wonka is more incognito than the one in The Wishing Game. The contestants already know they’re going to Clock Island in hopes of winning Jack Masterson’s final book of the series. Just like in Willy Wonka, there is a lot more to this competition than meets the eye, and your heart will probably palpitate from some of the surprises (trigger warning).
3.There’s apoor protagonist with a heart of gold
Another glaringly obvious similarity between these two works of art is the main characters. Charlie and Lucy are both poor. Thankfully their poorness does not keep them from having a heart of gold.
Charlie literally has a hole in the roof of his bedroom. His mom is always making cabbage soup for dinner, and his grandparents all sleep in the same bed. While all of this sounds unfortunate, he still has a loving family. Charlie of course wishes for a better life for his family. For Charlie, getting that Golden Ticket is an exciting adventure that he’d never thought possible.
Lucy might have an intact roof, but she’s no richer than Charlie’s family. Her family also neglected her as a child, which is why she grew to love Masterson’s Clock Island books so much. Lucy’s biggest wish is to adopt Christopher, an orphan at her school, and winning Masterson’s competition is her only hope for getting the family she’s always wanted.
Both Characters start their stories wishing for more, and both get more than they ever imagined.
4.The setting is magical
I can remember watching Willy Wonka and dreaming of visiting his Chocolate Factory. The same goes for a lot of the books I’ve read. I’m still waiting for my acceptance letter from Hogwarts. You can also bet your bottom dollar that I investigate every wardrobe I come across in hopes of finding Narnia.
I’m incredibly jealous of Lucy, who got to visit the real Clock Island from her favorite book series. It’s a book nerd’s dream come true. Not only that, but she got to spend time with her favorite author. Meanwhile, Charlie’s invited to a Chocolate Factory that’s been hidden from the public for ages and meets the creative genius behind it all.
Clock Island and the Chocolate Factory both have a similar air of mystery surrounding them. Both are places not seen by the public and are inhabited by eccentric, lonely rich men. Last, but certainly not least, they are places where kids and adults can have FUN.
If this book doesn’t have you embracing your inner child, then I don’t know what will.
Just Read It
The best part about The Wishing Game is there is so much more to it than meets the eye. This book is about more than a competition. It’s about the power of stories and how impactful they can be on our lives. It’s about the power of forgiveness, love, and remembering that it’s okay to accept help from others.
I’m telling you this book has layers, just like Shrek and onions have layers. It has all the great elements of Willy Wonka, plus more. There’s comedy, drama, romance, and mystery.
If all of this sounds enticing to you, then I would highly suggest picking up this book. You’ll have no regrets.
Art is a reflection of who we are as a people. Of why we fight to be free from the Empire’s oppression. At its greatest, it represents truths we can’t express in words, truths that speak directly to our heart. The kind of truth that inspires people to rise up against impossible odds.
Argren Blue, Ross Hightower & Deb Heim
This is a story all about how I met a Milwaukee author on the Nextdoor app. Yes, you’ve heard that correctly. The Nextdoor app can be for more than silly inconsequential neighborhood complaints and missing pet updates. I’m just as surprised as you are.
It all started with this post: “Looking for a videographer for a local author book launch at the Black Husky June 4th. There will be food, beer, a short scene acted out by local actors, and a ballad!” Everything about this post made me happy and excited.
Obviously, I commented: “What’s the book called?” And Deb said: “Argren Blue. It’s a coming-of-age epic fantasy.”
Coming-of-age. Epic. Fantasy. She needn’t say anything else. I already knew I was going to read and write a review for this book. Not only because I’m obsessed with fantasy books, but it was also written by two people living in the greatest city in the world: Milwaukee. This was fate.
Without further ado, please enjoy my review of Argren Blue, written by Ross Hightower and Deb Heim.
Book Description
When Alar joined the resistance, he dreamed of throwing the imperial oppressors out of Argren. But as the inexperienced rebels reel from one disaster to another, Alar wonders if the Empire notices them at all. Until the day he discovers he has powers not seen since the great heroes of the past.
As he explores his newfound abilities, an imperial witch appears to ask the rebels to rescue prisoners from an Inquisition prison. The plan is crazy, but the rebels have been riding the ragged edge of crazy for years. Though their surprising success revives their dreams, they may come to regret drawing the Empire’s attention.
When a powerful inquisitor sends novice Harold Wolfe to root out the nascent rebel group, Harold has to wonder why. As a half-breed, Wolfe, is persecuted for his humble origins. By the time he discovers the trap, it’s too late to escape the tangled web involving the rebels, a mysterious assassin, a corrupt imperial governor, and foreign mercenaries, all vying for a cache of priceless art. While Harold looks for a way out, Alar and the rebels fight for their land, their people, and their freedom.
Woooo doggy – where do I even begin? There were many elements of AgrenBlue that drew me in, and in the process wooed me. Let’s break it down:
Incredible World Building
Argren Blue will take you to places like Richeleau, where the Oss’stera and corrupt governor live, to the artsy village of Lirantok, and Kartok which is home to the Inquisition Prison and House of Death. You’ll be taken to a time that is reflective of the middle ages, with horse-drawn wagons as the primary mode of transportation and bows and swords as the weapons of choice.
Hightower and Heim, through their thoughtful and thorough character and setting development, have created an enchanting world. I’m also certain that immersing yourself in this world will make you want to go to an old-timey pub and order a large mug of ale whilst listening to a bard sing.
Milwaukee Easter Egg: I was very giddy to discover one of the taverns in Richeleau is called Black Husky. If you’re from Milwaukee then you’ll know there’s a Black Husky Brewing Company in Riverwest. If you don’t live in Milwaukee then I feel sorry for you.
Complex Characters
Argren wouldn’t be Argren without its variety of characters. First, we have the rebel group, Oss’stera. Everyone in Oss’stera has been slighted by the Empire in some way shape or form and therefore is motivated and determined to create change. Alar, the unofficial leader, was only a boy when the inquisitors murdered his parents and took his sister. Tove, Alar’s BFF, has a scarred past and face thanks to the Empire. Ukrit and Scilla spent the majority of their lives in an evil Empire-free bubble until said Empire murdered their parents and attacked their village. Woof.
Then we have the friends of Oss’sstera like Ragan and Gallia, (ex) Seidi Sisters, and Brie who is a member of The Desulti. Ecke is a young witch who was taken by the Inquisition but eventually rescued by Alar.
All characters, big and small, caught my attention. I especially loved one of the younger rebels, Zaina, who gave off mega Lyanna Mormont vibes from Game of Thrones. I wished I could have seen more of The Desulti which is a group made up of lady assassins. What’s not to love about lady assassins?
If Argen itself doesn’t suck you in then I assure you its multitude of characters will.
Magic
I’ve said it a million times and I’ll say it a million more: I love magic. Thankfully, in the world of Argen, there is much of it. There are the Seidi Sisters, imperial witches, and the Alle’oss witches. The empire executes Alle’oss girls who exhibit magical powers at a young age. There’s a lot of mystery surrounding the empire and their reasoning behind killing young Alle’oss witches, and that will be answered when you…read the book!
Alar, our main character, has the ability to walk between the physical realm and the realm of the dead. Known as realm walking, this is magic that hasn’t been seen for hundreds of years and has never been seen in an Alle’oss boy. It becomes a handy tool in fights because it appears as though Alar is moving at fast speeds when he is only walking between realms.
An Underdog Story
Who doesn’t love an underdog story? Here we have a group of youngish Alle’oss who are fighting against the Vollen Empire. The only problem is the Empire has no idea they exist. This doesn’t keep the Oss’stera in the highest of spirits, but it also doesn’t stop them from fighting a good fight. Heck no. They keep on trucking.
After enduring loss after loss, the group finally gets a win. With the help of (and because of) a Seidi Sister, Ragan, they manage to rescue two prisoners from the infamous House of Death. If you can’t tell from the name, it’s not a great place. Anyway, this seemingly impossible rescue finally puts them on the map.
Slowly the group begins to grow, with the help of its new members, spreading the word and mission of Oss’stera. In the end, there is so much hope and possibility for the rebel cause, and it brings immense joy to my heart.
Art History
Not only does this book feature magic, an underdog rebel group, and an evil empire (three of my favorite things) but there’s also a huge emphasis on art. The Alle’oss people have a deep connection to art, and that’s just one of the many things that the Empire has taken from them for reasons I won’t reveal.
I’ve taken Art and Art History classes in high school and college, so I’ve analyzed and criticized many a painting, but I’ve never really known the history behind colors, especially the color blue. I encourage you to visit Ross Hightower’s blog post and his nerdy take on Argren Blue. I found it very insightful.
Just Read It
The thing about Argren Blue is it’s sure to woo, so if you aren’t in the mood to be wooed, then don’t read this book. All those in favor of being wooed should get themselves a copy.
Argren Blue is a Prequel to the Spirit Song Trilogy, and guess what? The first book, Spirit Sight, is already published and it’s available for you to read right now. You can bet your bottom dollar that I’ve already downloaded and started reading it. I don’t think it really matters which book you start with, just as long as you read them both.
Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I’m looking forward to being part of this new adaptation which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long-form television series.
J.K. Rowling
Anyone who knows me is probably very irritated because I won’t shut up about the new show adaptation of Harry Potter. I refuse to dampen my excitement for the convenience of others and you shouldn’t either. If you’re as excited as me then you too should scream it from the rooftops, or from wherever you are.
I believe it’s set to premiere sometime in 2025 or 2026, and while the anticipation is killing me, I also think it will be well worth the wait.
Here are 5 reasons you should be INSANELY EXCITED for HBO Max’s (soon to be Max) Reboot of Harry Potter.
1. The show won’t miss as many details (hopefully)
Each book will get its own season. Do you know what this means? There are so many details from the books that weren’t included in the movies. Not just small details, but large details were missed too. This is understandable. You can’t fit everything into a two-hour movie, but a ten-hour season for each book? They should be able to pack plenty into that.
Here are some book details I’m hoping to see in the show:
Peeves #justiceforpeeves
Charlie Weasley #justiceforcharlie
The backstory to the Marauders’ map – it was created by James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter Pettigrew.
Harry loses his temper with Dumbledore. Actually, all of the parts where Harry loses his temper – he’s so feisty!
Hermione tries fighting for house elf rights by creating S.P.E.W.
Ron and Hermione were both Prefects in their fifth and sixth years.
Nearly Headless Nick’s deathday party.
Rita Skeeter is an illegal Animagus and that’s how she got her scoops.
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny end up meeting Neville’s parents in St. Mungos.
Neville could have been The Chosen One.
Harry gives his Triwizard winnings to Fred and George to open their own joke shop.
This isn’t even half of everything. I’m hoping, nay, praying that these get included in the show.
2. A new cast
Out with the old, in with the new! I have nothing against the movie cast. For the most part, it was a perfect crew, but I think we can do better. So far there is talk of Adam Driver as Snape, Helen Mirren as McGonagall, and…Tom Felton as Lucius Malfoy *gasp*. I don’t know if any of these whisperings are true, but if they are, I one hundred percent support them.
I’m also excited for more accurate character depictions. Could they please make Harry’s eyes green? Every other statement made to Harry is, “You have your mother’s eyes,” but he doesn’t have her eyes in the movies. Daniel Radcliff has gorgeous blue eyes, they just aren’t Harry’s. Colored contacts, that’s all I’m asking for.
Also, let’s give Ginny a personality. She’s the only Weasley girl in a sea of Weasley boys, which means she’s feisty. I’ll never understand why they made Ginny’s personality so blah in the movies.
3. J.K. Rowling & HBO Max are involved
If you’re creating a show or movie based on a book, you should involve the author. Thankfully, Rowling is a producer. I think there are quite a few producers from the movies that are working on the reboot too.
Not only do we have Rowling, but we also have Max. Everything Max has created is pure gold. I’m talking about Game of Thrones, House of Dragon, The Last of Us, and Succession, just to name a few. All of these shows are incredibly well done. I have total faith that this platform will do us justice.
4. The possible spinoffs
I think everyone can agree that we could do with fewer Star Wars spinoffs and more Harry Potter spinoffs. I’m not saying we go crazy like Disney has with Star Wars and Marvel, but it would be nice to have something other than the Fantastic Beasts series.
Here are just a few spinoff ideas:
James and Lily at Hogwarts, and I would love to see James causing mischief with Sirius and Remus too.
Seeing Snape go from villain to hero – focusing on his time as a Death Eater.
Voldemort’s villain origin story.
The founders of Hogwarts and the creation of the four houses.
Any of these, when done right, would be *chef’s kiss*
5. The first teaser has been released
I know it’s just a title sequence, but it does make my heart go pitter-patter.
The Harry Potter movies are classics, and they will always stay near and dear to my heart. Having this reboot will just be an added bonus for us Potterheads.
Are you excited too? Let me know what you think in the comments.
“You are only responsible for your journey, Miss Smith.” “And what is my journey, Mr. Kamal?” Pamela asked. “Only you can answer that, Miss Smith,” Ahmed replied, picking up the incense bowl and cloth. “Are you on a hero’s journey or a fool’s?
Magician and Fool, Susan Wands
Two moons have passed since I read Magician and Fool by Susan Wands, and I can’t stop thinking about it.
Why can’t I stop thinking about it, you ask? Because it’s weird, and if you’re a weirdo like me then you’ll know that calling this book “weird” is the opposite of an insult. It’s the biggest compliment I could bestow upon it. It’s the kind of weird that’ll have you saying,
I believe this with every fiber of my being: A good book will stay with you long after it’s over (feel free to quote me on that). Magician and Fool is the start of what I think will be a very magical series.
Book Description
Pamela Colman Smith, newly arrived from New York to her birthplace of London, is received as an oddball in Victorian society. Her second sight helps her in her new illustrating tarot cards for the Golden Dawn, a newly formed occult group. But when Pamela refuses to share her creations with Aleister Crowley, a controversial magician, he issues a give up the cards’ power, or he’ll harm her muses.
In the midst of this battle, two of Pamela’s idols, the actors Henry Irving and William Terriss, take her under their wing. Henry, who tutors her as the leader of the Lyceum Theatre, becomes the muse for her Magician card. William Terriss, teaching her by examples of instinct and courage, becomes the muse for her Fool card. As Pamela begins to create the tarot deck, she is almost overwhelmed by the race to possess the magical power of her cards. In order to defeat Aleister, Henry and William will have to transform into living incarnations of the Magician and the Fool—and Pamela will have to learn how to conjure her own magic.
There were a lot of things I didn’t know before starting this book, and I thought I’d share some of them with you before you venture into the magical world Susan Wands has created.
First and foremost, Susan Wands does a wonderful job of blending history with magic in this book, and if you aren’t an expert on the history of the 1800s theatre scene in London then you’ll probably find yourself doing a lot of googling. For instance, I didn’t know that Pamela Colman Smith was a real-life person. She’s most known for illustrating the Rider-Waite tarot deck, which is what this book is primarily about.
(PSA: Tarot is not pronounced like carrot, it’s more like arrow or farro.)
Henry Irving was an actual actor and manager of the Lyceum Theatre and he and his business partner, Ellen Terry, kind of adopted Pamela into their theatre family after her parents passed away. Bram Stoker, who I’m the most familiar with, was the author of Dracula, and he also worked closely with Henry Irving.
Not only do we have reimagined historical people in this book, but there are also secret organizations. A lot of the characters belong to the Freemasons and Golden Dawn, both of which were actual groups (…and still are). Golden Dawn members were known for dabbling in the occult, and this is the group that hires Pamela to create the tarot deck.
Something that surprised me was that Pamela doesn’t join Lyceum Theatre or the Golden Dawn group until about halfway through the book. Much of the beginning is spent focusing on her childhood which is okay because I loved seeing where Pamela came from.
Not only do we get Pamela’s origin story, but we also get Aleister Crowley’s villain origin story. Believe me when I say I LOVE a good villain origin story, and Wands did not disappoint. I can see why Aleister goes nuts. He is the perfect example of why we need to be kind and love one another. Especially to children. Please, I beg thee, be kind to your children.
There you have it! All in all, this book surprised me (in a good way), and I’m very excited for the next one. If you’re a fan of historical fiction and magic then find yourself a copy of this bookASAP.
If you want to learn more about the history behind this book then check out this article. It’s got some great background info for you super nerds.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow was voted the 2022 Book of the Year (BOTY) at Book of the Month (BOTM), so I had to read it. Upon reading this gem of a book, I underlined many quotes. Who knew video games could give us such a great lens for looking at life? Gabrielle Zevin did, that’s who.
And while this book references video games and is generally about creating video games, it’s not required for you to be a fan to fully appreciate this story. I’m not an avid video game player and I LOVED this book. It actually gave off a lot of Social Network vibes, so if you like that kind of thing you should pick this one up.
Even if you decide not to read this book (mistake) you should at least check out the quotes below, because they are pretty darn great.
Book Description
On a bitter-cold day, in the December of his junior year at Harvard, Sam Masur exits a subway car and sees, amid the hordes of people waiting on the platform, Sadie Green. He calls her name. For a moment, she pretends she hasn’t heard him, but then, she turns, and a game begins: a legendary collaboration that will launch them to stardom. These friends, intimates since childhood, borrow money, beg favors, and, before even graduating college, they have created their first blockbuster, Ichigo. Overnight, the world is theirs. Not even twenty-five years old, Sam and Sadie are brilliant, successful, and rich, but these qualities won’t protect them from their own creative ambitions or the betrayals of their hearts.
Spanning thirty years, from Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Venice Beach, California, and lands in between and far beyond, Gabrielle Zevin’s Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is a dazzling and intricately imagined novel that examines the multifarious nature of identity, disability, failure, the redemptive possibilities in play, and above all, our need to connect: to be loved and to love. Yes, it is a love story, but it is not one you have read before.
‘What is a game?’ Marx said. ‘it’s tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow. It’s the possibility of infinite rebirth, infinite redemption. The idea that if you keep playing, you could win. No loss was permanent, ever.’
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zeven
If you’re always aiming for perfection, you won’t make anything at all.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zeven
This is what time travel is. It’s looking at a person, and seeing them in the present and the past, concurrently. And that mode of transport only worked with those one had known a significant time.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zeven
Video games don’t make people violent, but maybe they falsely give you the idea that you can be a hero.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zeven
We are all living, at most, half of a life, she thought. There was the life you lived, which consisted of the choices you made. And then, there was the other life, the one that was the things you hadn’t chosen.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zeven
The game is only over if you stop playing. There is always one more life. Even the most brutal death isn’t final.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zeven
You’re incredibly gifted, Sam. But it is worth noting that to be good at something is not quite the same as loving it.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zeven
There is no purity to bearing pain alone.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zeven
A programmer is a diviner of possible outcomes, and a seer of unseen world
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zeven
‘Friendship,’ Marx said, ‘is kind of like having a Tamagotchi.’
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zeven
Art doesn’t typically get made by happy people.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zeven
He knew what he was experiencing was a basic error in programming, and he wished he could open up his brain and delete the bad code. Unfortunately, the human brain is every bit as closed a system as a Mac.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zeven
While I haven’t been posting a ton – I blame it on my ADD – I have been reading a wide variety of books in a short amount of time. Coincidentally, I also blame that on my ADD. I’m sure I’m not the only person who suffers from this problem. Thankfully, I rubbed some of my brain cells together and came up with the genius idea of writing a short review for each book in one post. Please, hold your applause until the end.
“None of us know what we’re capable of, if the circumstances were right. Or wrong.”
This book came out in 2021 but seeing as how traumatic the pandemic was, I needed to wait a year before I cracked this one open.
Here we have a girl meets boy situation. Then the shutdown happens, the girl moves in with the boy, and someone ends up dead. There’s nothing I love more than a thriller with plenty of twists and turns.
If you’re a fan of thrillers, then you’ll probably be a fan of this book.
“All we can do is make choices based on the cards fate deals us. But so long as fate allows me to stay with you, I will not leave you Loulie. That is a promise.”
If your favorite princess movie was Aladdin growing up, then chances are you will LOVE this book. It’s packed full of Arabian folklore and features a thief, jinn, prince, and a magic lamp.
It also features a smidge of romance, but nothing that distracts from the plot. It’s subtle and exciting. This is Chelsea Abdullah’s debut book, and I have to say it is very lovely. It’s definitely worth the read if you’re looking to dip your toes into a new fantasy series.
“Trauma doesn’t have to lead to destruction. Trauma can be the guiding point to something better, something stronger.”
You might recognize Chloe Gong’s name from a previous series she wrote, These Violent Delights. If you loved that series then you’re sure to love this one too. It’s sort of a spin-off.
This book is historical fiction meets mystery/thriller meets espionage meets romance. We all know two spies falling in love is a recipe for disaster, which only makes this book more exciting. While this book is long, it is also action-packed, which makes the time just fly by.
“Kindness is something that seems small, Daunis, but it’s like tossing a pebble into a pond and the ripples reach further than you thought.”
Let me state for the court that this book contains MANY trigger warnings including, but not limited to, sexual assault, addiction, and death, lots and lots of death.
That being said, this book is AMAZING. Let me repeat, this is one of the best books I read in 2022. Angeline Boulley, you’ve delivered a masterpiece, and I almost struggle to find the words to describe my love and admiration for your book.
There are so many layers to this story, and not enough space to discuss, see the link above to check out the book summary, or better yet, just read the book and behold all the greatness yourself
Make sure to have a tissue box standing by because you will cry.
“That was what magic did. It revealed the heart of who you’d been before life took away your belief in the possible. It gave back the world all lonely children longed for.”
Galaxy “Alex” Stern can see dead people, which has made her life very difficult. Because of this, she gets recruited by fancy people at Yale to oversee and help monitor the 8 secret societies at the university. Each of these societies dabbles in magic, which Alex and her mentor, Darlington, are responsible for overseeing.
When Darlington disappears and someone on campus gets murdered, Alex discovers that these incidents might be connected to more than one society. The more she learns, the less safe she becomes.
Leigh Bardugo coming at us, yet again, with a wonderful fantasy series. I love her fantastical take on Yale’s secret societies. Trust me, this book will ensnare you!
“There is no history in a place until we make it, until you live a life worth remembering.”
If you are fascinated by cults then this is a must-read. A woman goes missing and Travis Wren, a private detective, is hired by the family to find her. He tracks her last whereabouts to a place considered to be a legend by most local folk – a place called “Pastoral”.
Theo, a lifelong member of Pastoral, comes across Travis’ truck outside the commune years later, which causes a huge disruption to the small community. No one is allowed in or out of Pastoral, so what happened to Travis? What happened to the woman?
This book will mess with your mind. Even when you think you’ve figured it out, you probably haven’t. It is my belief that when a book leaves you feeling that shook (in a good way), then you have to tell everyone you know to read it. ‘Tis the law.
“You and I have faced many things alone. Between the mainland and the isle, the east and the west, we’ve carried our troubles in solitude. As if it were weakness to share one’s burden with another. But I am with you now. I am yours, and I want you to lay your burdens down on me.”
The Breccans and Tamerlaines are back, baby! They are back and they are on FIRE (ha).
This time we learn more about the Breccans, and we get to see more of the spirit realm – ooooo ahhhhhh. A sickness spreads throughout Cadence, infecting both the east and west. Jack, Adaira, Sidra, and Torin work to unite the isle and end the wretched curse Bane has cast on them. Mwahahahahaha!!
If you read A River Enchanted, then you need to add this to your TBR. Immediately.
“There is a necessary tension between knowing how nature works in theory and witnessing it.”
This book is a very quick read and very enthralling. It’s got major dystopian vibes, specifically focused on the downfall of Florida. The government shuts down and people flee the state due to the increase in hurricanes. Wanda is one of the few people who stay in her small Florida town and attempts to create a new normal. While others struggle to adapt to the changing world, Wanda thrives in it.
I get a Where the Crawdads Sing vibe from this book. I imagine that Kya and Wanda would have been the best of friends. If you’re a fan of stories that comment on climate change, nature, survival, loss, and coming-of-age, then this one is for you.
That is the whole thing with the future. You don’t know. At some point you have to accept that you don’t know. You have to stop flicking ahead and just concentrate on the page you are on.
Matt Haig, How to Stop Time
Book Description
Tom Hazard has just moved back to London, his old home, to settle down and become a high school history teacher. And on his first day at school, he meets a captivating French teacher at his school who seems fascinated by him. But Tom has a dangerous secret. He may look like an ordinary 41-year-old, but owing to a rare condition, he’s been alive for centuries. Tom has lived history–performing with Shakespeare, exploring the high seas with Captain Cook, and sharing cocktails with Fitzgerald. Now, he just wants an ordinary life.
Unfortunately for Tom, the Albatross Society, the secretive group which protects people like Tom, has one rule: Never fall in love. As painful memories of his past and the erratic behavior of the Society’s watchful leader threaten to derail his new life and romance, the one thing he can’t have just happens to be the one thing that might save him. Tom will have to decide once and for all whether to remain stuck in the past or finally begin living in the present.
Coming back at ya with another Matt Haig book, and it’s just as beautifully mind-bending as The Midnight Library. If anything this book reminded me that the world is crazy and insane and we’re just living in it. I don’t know anything about anything.
Tom, beautiful Tom, knows everything about everything. At least he does about history and such. That’s the benefit of being 451 years old – you’re a good history teacher. Unfortunately for Tom, he’s still human and aging, so he still falls victim to the dratted mid-life crisis. That is how I’d describe Tom’s state of mind at the beginning of the book and throughout most of it too. He’s one sad dude.
Let’s make sure my math is mathing: dead loved ones + missing daughter for 400 years + trapped in a cult + said cult prohibits personal relationships + awful headaches due to being 451 years old = 1 very sad man. I think that checks out.
Tom’s just trying to understand the meaning of life and existence like the rest of us. I think the most fascinating thing about Tom is that he recalls events from the past like they happened yesterday, or are even happening in the present moment. The whole book intertwines his past and present as if they are happening at once. One minute Tom’s telling his history class about Shakespear, and the next he’s meeting Shakespear for the very first time. These two events, although hundreds of years apart, feel like they’re happening at once.
Another way Haig exemplifies the intertwining of past and present is through places. Tom walks the streets of present-day London, but all he can remember and see is the London he knew in the 1600s. It’s almost as if Tom is living in his past because his current life is so miserable.
Don’t worry, Tom isn’t sad for the whole book. He eventually discovers that by holding on to his past, he’s preventing himself from fully living in the present. The same goes for fearing his future. How can you live a decent life when you’re dwelling on the past or obsessed with what’s to come? I guess to stop time, you just have to be present.
Overall, this book is a work of art, and Matt Haig is an exceptional artist. Seriously, Mr. Haig, you’ve outdone yourself again. Brilliant! If you too are a fan of Matt Haig and literature that will make your brain fart, then you should probably just read this book.
Just Read It 