It actually pains my Harry Potter loving heart to write a less-than-stellar review on this story, but I firmly believe that releasing Cursed Child in print was a mistake. Going in I was fully aware that this was the script for a play, not an eighth novel, and I really tried to manage my expectations accordingly. But even knowing that didn’t soften the blow of cold, fleeting stage directions like “A busy and crowded station. Full of people trying to go somewhere”. It is in these moments where you truly realize that all of the magic of Harry’s world depended completely on Rowling’s ability to paint a vivid picture with her word choices, something that is completely missing in this format.
Book Review: Before the Fall by Noah Hawley
For some reason, this was a harder one for me to review, so forgive me if it’s a bit more abrupt than my previous posts (ha!). I had extremely high hopes for this book – perhaps too high in hindsight. And while I feel it’s definitely worth a read because the story itself is an interesting one, it didn’t quite hit the “thriller” mark as billed, leaving me to feel oddly bereft after the last page was turned.
Book Review: Perfect Days by Raphael Montes
Perfect Days is easily the creepiest book I’ve ever read, made all the more terrifying and sinister for being told from the perspective of Teo, a loner who’s favorite human interaction is with a cadaver he’s nicknamed Gertrude. I’m no professional, but I’m fairly certain he’d be classified as a psychopath of the most extreme sort. And believe me when I say, Teo’s mind is one twisted, disturbing place to be. Lovers of frightening crime fiction will not want to miss this one! Those who are easily squeamish need not apply.
Ashley’s Favorite Reads
Before we dive further into what I’m currently reading, I wanted to share some tidbits about my all time favs! All of which I wholeheartedly recommend for anyone looking to try something new. Enjoy!
Book Review: Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld
Curtis Sittenfeld hits it out of the park with this deliciously fun, impeccably executed modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice! Effortlessly clever and oh so funny, it hits the perfect tone for a modernized classic, managing to poke fun at the more antiquated bits while keeping things fresh and staying true to the storyline.
Movie Review: Swiss Army Man
No one could be more surprised than me by how much I enjoyed this movie! Even before you delve into the unusual premise of a man stranded on an island befriending a flatulent corpse (which, trust me, is weird enough), you then layer on the fact that now this corpse, Manny as Hank calls him, has special powers akin to a swiss army knife that help them to survive. I know, it sounds nuts, but I was slightly grossed out and completely captivated in equal measure.
Book Review: Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty
Book Description: Lyn, Cat, and Gemma Kettle, beautiful thirty-three-year-old triplets, seem to attract attention everywhere they go. Together, laughter, drama, and mayhem seem to follow them. But apart, each is dealing with her own share of ups and downs. Lyn has organized her life into one big checklist, Cat has just learned a startling secret about her marriage, and Gemma, who bolts every time a relationship hits the six-month mark, holds out hope for lasting love. In this wise, witty, and hilarious novel, we follow the Kettle sisters through their tumultuous thirty-third year as they deal with sibling rivalry and secrets, revelations and relationships, unfaithful husbands and unthinkable decisions, and the fabulous, frustrating life of forever being part of a trio.
My Review:
Moriarty has a brilliant gift for creating personable, flawed, hilariously witty characters that immediately leap off the page and demand attention, and the Kettle triplets are no exception. And when the book begins with an outsider’s glimpse of the mayhem that accompanies their 33rd birthday dinner, you literally go into the story wondering – what could possibly lead to a fondue fork in a pregnant triplet’s stomach?
Book Review: Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris
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Book Description: Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace. He has looks and wealth, she has charm and elegance. You might not want to like them, but you do.
You’d like to get to know Grace better. But it’s difficult, because you realize Jack and Grace are never apart.
Some might call this true love. Others might ask why Grace never answers the phone. Or how she can never meet for coffee, even though she doesn’t work. How she can cook such elaborate meals but remain so slim. And why there are bars on one of the bedroom windows.
My Review:
At first glance, Grace and Jack have the perfect marriage. They’re inseparable, finish each other’s sentences, and host beautifully complex dinner parties in their gorgeous, secluded home. But all is certainly not what it seems.