book review: Mochitsuki by Kristen Morita

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 5/5

Thank you Chronicle Books for providing an ARC for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

Kristen Morita, the creator behind the popular Mochi Momma blog, is out with a fun new cookbook, Mochitsuki! I had so much fun poring over swoon worthy page!

Morita welcomes readers with personal stories and family traditions in a charming, album-style layout. Her humor and warmth shine through the writing, especially in the personal anecdotes sprinkled throughout. My favorite story detailed her first trip to Japan — it actually inspired me to jot down a list of unique convenience foods to try on my own future travels!

As a mochi-making novice, I appreciated how approachable this book feels. Morita provides a clear overview of the history and terminology without getting bogged down in detail, alongside handy lists of essential tools and ingredients. Living far from a major city with a Japanese grocery store, I was relieved to find that most ingredients are highly accessible.

The visual layout is exceptionally user-friendly. Every recipe features high-quality photos, including step-by-step technique shots and helpful "cross-section" views of the finished products. Paired with practical substitution notes, the variations feel incredibly straightforward once you master the base technique.

I plan to start with the Cookie Dough Daifuku, Classic Butter Mochi, and Mochi Pancakes before tackling more adventurous dishes like Mochi Pizza, Mitarashi Dango, and Ozoni — a savory soup Morita notes is "arguably the most important mochi recipe in all of Japan."

Whether you are a beginner looking to expand your skills or an experienced baker wanting to create unique delights, Mochitsuki has something to offer. It would make a fantastic gift for teens and adults alike, or a great introductory read for anyone wanting to learn about Japanese food culture.

book review: On The Equality of All Things by Carlo Rovelli

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 4/5

Thank you Scribner for providing an ARC for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

I discovered another great writer in Carlo Rovelli to continue learning about physics through his approachable teachings. On the Equality of All Things was a quick read focusing on the immense discoveries seen in quantum theory, general relativity, observers, time, space, existence, and morality.. Rovelli pushes thinkers to be open to adjustments to our beliefs as once-inconceivable ideas come to light. He also warns that the concepts we use on Earth to measure time and space simply do not apply in the broader vastness of the universe. 

Even having learned this in similar works, I still cannot get over the craziness of it. As Rovelli writes, “On Earth gravity is more or less the same everywhere... This is not the case in the wider universe. Time passes at different speeds for different travelers: when they meet again, they have generally not aged by the same number of years." Equally eerie is how general relativity describes reality as a set of fields that define spatial extension and time themselves, rather than sitting inside them. As he notes, "The location of an event only makes sense in relation to others. There is no 'where' or 'when,' except in a relative sense.”

While the book does discuss theories and their relationships, I found that as it progresses, it primarily makes a case for Rovelli's personal stances on how much value should be placed on each. I was interested in his perspectives on the flow of time and whether the future is open or fixed. However, I lacked the background in the intricacies of many other theories to fully engage with his arguments. Readers with a deeper understanding of physics will appreciate these perspectives, but I was hoping for more instruction on actual physics rather than debates on nuanced details. Even so, it successfully opened my eyes to what is important to consider so as not to fall into the trap of hyped-up theories pertaining to the flow of time and the Observer Effect.

Due to this, I found the concluding paragraph in lesson 5 gives a better synopsis of the book's true heart than the publisher's summary: “The reasonable question, it seems to me, is to ask what, given the current state of our knowledge... are effective concepts for thinking about the world, accounting for it, and navigating it?... Things all exist equally, in relation to others, each in its own way — a way that evolves as we learn.”

I highly recommend picking up this book if you have a foundation in physics and philosophy and want to engage in a discussion about the importance of certain areas of the field. The detailed footnotes are also a major benefit for those looking for a heavily researched work. I will certainly be picking up more of Rovelli's books.

The Story Graph challenge

Since joining The Story Graph, I have discovered countless new books and authors. While the platform lacks a heavy social aspect -- you can't comment or discuss new reads yet -- simply following users has expanded my TBR. I followed a few readers who highly rated my favorite books and shared my reading taste. Now, as they review books, my community feed fills with hidden gems I would never have heard of otherwise. These feel like genuine recommendations, unlike social media book influencers whose hyped titles often come with an incentive to push them.

Because they are not "pushed," many of these amazing books have very few reviews. It is such a stark contrast between books that become the "it" book to read and those that don't get the same word by mouth spread. This has made me very intrigued to find as many amazing hidden gems as I can. So, I created a challenge "5 Star Hidden Gems With Less Than 100 Reviews." I added The Truth of Time by Bryan Whelan which I absolutely loved, yet I am the only reviewer on every site I checked. So sad that clearly I was one of the few people who had the joy of reading this great book! If you have some hidden gems of your own, please share them through this challenge if you like!

book review: Fold Catastrophes by Peter Watts

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 3/5

Thank you Tachyon Publications for providing an ARC for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

As a lover of hard science fiction -- frequenting both Cixin Liu's fiction and Carl Sagan's non-fiction -- I was incredibly excited to dive into Fold Catastrophes, my first read from the acclaimed Peter Watts! However, I left this collection of short stories and novellas feeling deeply conflicted. While each storyline offers a highly unique take on complex scientific ideas and theories, and Watts uses an exceptionally precise vocabulary to establish his settings, I ultimately struggled to get past the prose style. 

Watts writes in sharp fragments, stripping his sentences down to their bare bones, forcing the reading to constantly piece his thoughts together. Normally, I can devour hard sci-fi novels because the underlying concepts fascinate me, but Watt's narrative structure made it difficult to actually enjoy his brilliant ideas. His writing relies heavily on the reader filling in what is missing, leaving no room to breathe. The prose results in a confusing paradox: it is densely descriptive, yet simultaneously sparse. Just as a new thought takes shape, the text abruptly shifts without any narrative transition to set up the change. As a result, I probably only fully comprehend a quarter of what I read, making the experience exhausting.

Based on pure conceptual ingenuity, Fold Catastrophes would easily be a five-star read for me. Unfortunately, I have to give it a three-star rating because the unapproachable prose made the journey a chore rather than an enjoyable read. That said, Watts has an undeniable fallowing, and I am still intrigued enough to try his famous novel Blindsight. My hope is that a longer, continuous piece will allow me to settle into his unique style.

book review: She's a Doll by Barbara Truelove

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 4/5

Thank you Bindery Books for providing an ARC for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

I'm so ready for Fall weather, and She's a Doll by Barbara Truelove was the perfect creepy novel to kick off my "reading under the covers" season! Twenty-year-old Lucy is unexpectedly murdered by her best friend's brother. Trapped inside and antique dolls, she plots to take revenge against her killer.

Truelove takes this storyline idea from good to great by crafting endearing, quirky characters whose friendships and love are tested. With humorous dialogues and a totally unique way of envisioning Lucy's doll body and supernatural powers, these unexpected layers made me devour the book, eager to see how it would all end.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone desiring an offbeat, quick read of love and friendship with a little horror mixed in.

book review: Cheesy - 50 Boards & Recipes, from Fondue & Poutine to Grilled Cheese & Cheesecake by Farideh Sadeghin

Thank you Chronicle Books for providing an ARC for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

This book is an absolute beauty! The warm colors of the photography perfectly evoke the cozy comfort of a cheese-focused meal. I was eager to jump right in. The author, Farideh Sadeghin, brings an impressive culinary background - including seven years as a chef in New Zealand, a tenure as Test Kitchen Director at Saveur Magazine, and her current work as a recipe developer, video host, and frequent contributor to New York Times Cooking. I wholeheartedly agree with her introduction that "the uniting factor, regardless of the season, is that all of these dishes somehow include the same ingredient: cheese."

As a child, I was completely obsessed with cheese -- a passion that hasn't faded. I still vividly remember sitting two feet from the TV, entirely enamored by a PBS episode detailing how cheese was made, utterly gobsmacked that simple milk could transform into something so incredible. While my adult appreciation has shifted from the science of cheesemaking to simply enjoying it in all its global forms, this book is a perfect fit. It delivers fifty recipes dedicated to enjoying cheese both on a board and cooked into a dish.

While classic comfort foods like Mac and Cheese, Fried Mozzarella Balls, and Grilled Cheese are present, most of the selections push far beyond standard "cheesy" fare. Instead, Sadeghin introduces unexpected globally-inspired dishes like Asiago and Kimchi biscuits with Gochujang Butter, Paneer Chopped Salad, Skillet Sabzi, and Crab and Corn Rangoons. The book also features unique dessert creations such as Black Sesame Basque Cheesecake with Brownie Crust and chocolate mint pudding made from cottage cheese.

The book is divided into four seasonal chapters, each anchored by a custom cheese board tailored to the colors and flavors of that time of year -- one of my favorite elements of the book. The introductory sections also feature fantastic recipes for homemade board accouterments. I cannot wait to mix up the Red Onion Jam, Marinated Olives, and Sour Cream and Onion Spiced Nuts!

This book does also include brief discussion on topics such as the history of cheese, how it is made, types of cheese, how to store cheese, and which knives to use depending on the cheese. However, I appreciated that this book knew that it was not primarily a book on these topics. So, it kept it short and sweet and then moved on to the fantastic recipes!

Though I enjoyed the seasonal structure, a few recipes felt a bit forced into their respective quarters. Given how much I loved the unique, worldly variety of the cuisines, I am on the fence about whether a seasonal layout was the most effective choice, or if the book should have just focused entirely on the sheer breadth of the dishes.

I also have two minor critiques regarding presentation:

- The Cover Art: The current cover art suggests the book is strictly about selecting cheeses and crafting cheese boards. A photo showcasing the actual range of cooked recipes might better represent the diverse content inside.

- The Knife Guide: In the "Cheese Knives" section, a labeled visual diagram of the different knives would have been incredibly helpful for easy identification, rather than relying solely on text descriptions.

Overall, I thoroughly loved this cookbook and cannot wait to cook my way through a plethora of these recipes! It is a stellar addition to any seasoned cook's collection. It would also make a spectacular gift -- perhaps tied with a beautiful ribbon and a real cheese knife!

book review: Opening Goliath - Danger and Discovery in Caving by Cary J. Griffith

I had to hold my breath multiple times reading the true recounts of cave explorers in this book! So many tight spaces, zero visibilty, and death-defying decisions made during both underwater diving and subterranean crawling. I quickly realized I could never be a cave explorer!

During a 2016 vacation, I visited Cumberland Caverns in McMinville, Tennessee, where I took a walking tour and attended a bluegrass concert. While it was a unique experience, it also left me conflicted. Transforming caves into tourist attractions provides an accessible way for the public to experience them. However, I took issue with the permanent bathroom and kitchen built directly inside the cavern; the high visitor traffic and waste generated also felt in stark contrast to the pristine, natural space. This conflict between public tourism, open access to cave explorers, and natural preservation is an ongoing conversation. Cumberland Caverns is a privately owned show cave that commodifies the space for any anyone with a ticket, whereas Goliath Cave is public land managed by the state, yet completely gated off so the average person cannot enter. The book details the intense controversy over the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) stepping in to assume control of the newly mapped Goliath system, capturing the multi-layered question of who really owns a cave and who should have access to it. 

Growing up in Minnesota, I had no idea the state also had caves. So when I first heard about the caves under St. Paul, I wanted to learn more about them so I picked up this book, Opening Goliath, to learn more about the caves in the state. While I initially went in looking to hear more about the St. Paul caves, I actually ended up preferring the book's deep focus on the Goliath system itself. In fact, I think the book's momentum would have benefited from sticking exclusively to the central cast of characters around Goliath. The standalone St. Paul cave chapters felt out of place since that was the only major structural diversion the book took. If the author was determined to include the tragic St. Paul carbon monoxide story, it should have been interjected later where it made narrative sense -- specifically at the terrifying moment when the Goliath explorers decide to risk using a gas-powered generator deep inside the cave.

Despite those pacing detours, I found the core book to be exceptionally well-researched and engaging. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to learn more about regional caving, or anyone simply interested in tense, eerie real-life stories!

book review: Blightfall by Brandon Sanderson and Janci Patterson

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  4/5

Thank you Random House Children's Books for providing an ARC for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

I was first introduced to Brandon Sanderson through his writing lectures at Brigham Young University, but Blightfall -- a collaboration with Janci Patterson and Book 1 of the Riftwake series -- is my very first venture into reading his work. 

While Blightfall is classified as Young Adult (ages 12+), I found it thoroughly compelling as an adult. Its accessible world-building and streamlined plot depth actually made it the perfect, welcoming entry point to Sanderson's universe.

The story follows a diverse cast of humans from the Defiant Defense Force alongside aliens, Kitsen, and slugs. Tasked with escorting diplomats to a distant human settlement to re-establish contact after decades of alien oppression, what should be an easy mission quickly goes awry. Upon discovering a debris field and hostile forces surrounding the planet, the team must explore the surface to uncover its secrets and find a way home, taking the reader along on a mysterious, high-stakes adventure.

The fast pace and imaginative world-building made this a page-turner! The narrative strikes a perfect balance: it is accessible enough to enjoy as a light space romp, yet detailed enough to satisfy science enthusiasts who want to pause and ponder. I loved exploring what life would look like when interacting with alien species across the galaxy. The characters are diverse, and important themes -- like navigating relationships, effective communication, teamwork, compassion, and acceptance -- are woven naturally into the plot.

My only minor gripe was the overuse of slang like "star" and scud." While I appreciated the creative sci-fi profanity, these words were peppered so frequently throughout the narrative that they became a bit distracting. They would have carried much more impact if used sparingly.

I will definitely be continuing this series as new books are released! I highly recommend this to sci-fi veterans and general fiction readers alike. If you enjoyed the Bobiverse series, you will love this as well.

book review: Under Story by Chloe Benjamin

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  5/5

Thank you Putnam for providing an ARC for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

This is easily one of the best books I've ever read - so much so that a single review can't fully capture why it's so amazing. It's also a story best experienced with limited information.

So, all I will say is if you love the accessible hard science of Cixin Liu, the atmospheric, philosophical prose of Emily St. John Mandel, and the deep character immersion of Sally Rooney, you will absolutely be drawn in with this blend. I am so excited that Warner Bros. and Heyday Films have acquired the screen rights -- I'm crossing my fingers for a cinematic adaptation styled after Netflix's Dark, which would be a perfect fit for this story. 

book review: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry V-01 by Ransom Riggs

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 5/5

The faux-distressed VHS tape cover of this book instantly drew me in, reminiscent of my childhood. The story within the pages then managed to fully transport me.

Leopold Berry feels like a reflection of every one of our childhoods. I adored the bond with his best friend Emmett, although their play cinematography took them to the magical place of Sunder, something unfortunately my friends and I weren't capable of when growing up. 

These two friends, along with another companion they acquire along the way, try to uncover the clues left by Leopold's mother to determine whether his strange visions and knack for magic mean he could be the one to help save Sunder.

I was invested from page one, whether it was Rigg's delightful world-building or a desire to discover what would happen to the characters as the plot deepened. I wish this was wrapped together with volume 2 because I am dying to know what happens next! I have requested Vol 2 through NetGalley and am crossing my fingers I get it!

book review: Hoist House - A Novella and Stories

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 4/5

With deep roots in the state, the author sets all six short stories and the concluding novella in Minnesota. Local readers will enjoy references to familiar towns and establishments, though these details never detract from the experience for those that do not hail from the state.

Robertson is a remarkably efficient writer. She crafts diverse and compelling characters, evocative settings, and deep emotion using very few words -- one story spans less than two pages yet delivers a complete, impactful narrative. The final novella follows early immigrants navigating language barriers, class structures, and shifting family dynamics while working the local iron ore mines. While fascinating, the novella feels a bit dense. Packing so much story and dialogue into a short format leaves the plot feeling crowded. It would make a wonderful full-length novel, giving the rich storyline more room to breathe. 

Ultimately, this collection is highly recommended for anyone seeking thought-provoking stories about identity, sexuality, and personal growth. I will definitely be reading more of Robertson's work.

book review: The Hill In The Dark Grove by Liam Higginson

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 5/5

Thank you Random House for providing an ARC for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

The Hill in the Dark Grove by Liam Higginson is a folk novel that captures the immense beauty of the Welsh mountains through vivid descriptive detail. It introduces a slow-building, eerie darkness that befalls Carwyn and Rhian’s remote farm. The sheep become sickly, an unpleasant earthy smell intensifies, strange dreams overtake their nights, and they begin to question what they see and hear. As Carwyn becomes more obsessed with digging up artifacts discovered in an unused part of the farm, the strange occurrences and dread only get more intense. 

The couple reminisces about their early life together while pondering generational folklore that may shed light on what they are encountering during this hard, strange year. Ancestral history of the land is also interjected into the book. Both providing a full and invested yearning for the reader to hope this couple can pull themselves to the other side of this darkness. 

I had so much fun looking up the Welsh words in the text and finding recipes for cawl, wimberry pie, and bara brith bread. This extra layer immersed me much deeper into the book. I do wish the ancestral history was tied a bit more neatly together as a complete story so that I could fully understand how it connected to the excavated mound. Doing so might have rounded out the ending by giving a glimpse into what became of the couple and how the site might affect future inhabitants, while still remaining vague.

Despite these small notes, this book absolutely deserves a 5/5. I was astounded by the imagery and the author’s ability to evoke so much about these characters lives through the written word. Readers who love literary works will appreciate this, and those that enjoy lore, witchcraft, or horror will love it even more. I highly recommend this debut novel and so look forward to anything future this author might release.

book review: A Plagued Sea by Bo-Young Kim

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

Thank you Honford Star for providing an ARC for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

One of the most enjoyable things about books is their ability to introduce you to new genres, places, ideas. A Plagued Sea by Bo-Young Kim introduced me to Lovecraftian horror - a subgenre centered around the terror of the unknown, isolated decaying communities, and tentacled monsters that defy the laws of physics and biology.

The novella takes place three years after Muyoung and her niece boarded a train to a remote Korean seaside village. Despite urgent warnings of a massive earthquake, they chose to go anyway. Since then, Muyoung and the rest of the visitors have been stuck under a government quarantine alongside the local residents. An ancient plague, unearthed from deep beneath the sea by the earthquake, is transforming victims into grotesque, fishy monsters - including Muyoung’s own niece.

At just over 100 pages, this novella is an easy read that you can finish in one or two sittings. Despite this short length, Bo-Young Kim does an incredible job at building a fully immersive, complete story. I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to get a taste of the Lovecraftian genre. Or, if you simply enjoy haunting literary stories. 

book review: Sunrise by Tea Obreht

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  3/5

Thank you Random House for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

In Téa Obreht's newest novel, we follow multiple characters interacting with the mysterious, remote town of Sunrise, Wyoming, across three points in the past hundred years. Obreht's detailed, descriptive writing quickly piqued my interest and I was intrigued to find out the town's secrets. However, before I reached the quarter mark, I got the feeling much of the character backstories weren't critical to the core plot. These backstories were interesting, and could loosely be seen as adding to the character development. Yet, my engagement began wavering without enough bread crumbs to build discovery and momentum. Ultimately, I didn't find the story to ever tie together in a satisfying or particularly novel way. The book might have benefited from prioritizing a more complex story around the town of Sunrise first, then using all characters to support that vision. Instead, the few clues that were presented were vague and spread out; the crucial plot pieces needed to be more bluntly laid out. 

Readers who enjoy literary, historical fiction might still find fulfillment here. Obreht's style and depth overall make her a writer I would like to read more from.

book review: Erase Me, Happy Head, and Dead Head by Josh Silver

From my book review post yesterday it is clear that I discovered a new favorite author in Josh Silver! After devouring the over four-hundred pages of Fruit Fly in a single sitting, I immediately requested his three other novels from the library and proceeded to binge read every single one of them.

What makes Silver's writing so addictive? Each book is a dark, twisty, wild ride featuring complex, outwardly damaged characters that Silver infuses with a deeply compelling, lovable core. He expertly uses inner dialogue to inject unexpected humor into heavy topics -- including mental health, addiction, violence, rape, suicide, sexual identity, and domestic abuse. These spots of lightness serve as a brilliant reminder that, beneath it all, we are a beautifully messy work in process.

While each of Silver’s books are built around similar themes, each boasts a completely unique and highly original plot. I can’t get across just how impossible these books are to put down (and, I’m not alone in feeling this since all of these books get a solid 4.25 stars from other reviewers). Here is a breakdown of Josh Silver's other books.

Erase Me (published under the title Traumaland in the UK), is a total mind trip. Halfway through, I literally stopped and said out loud, "What?! This is bonkers." 

To preserve the jaw-dropping twists, I will just say this novel is about a seventeen year old, Eli, who was in a near fatal car crash and goes to extremes to try and get both his memories and his emotions back.

Happy Head and Dead Head are a duology that follow Seb and Finn at a facility for troubled teens. Run by Dr. Stone and Madame Manning, the facility claims to cure modern unhappiness by giving stressed teens the tools to cope. Unfortunately, not everything is what it appears and it ends up being more like a dystopian Squid Game than a place where “commitment, growth, and gratitude can lead to a happy head.” As these teens try to determine who can be trusted as they try and escape, they explore love and what it actually means to be happy - being who you are, not changing for anyone, and hoping to inspire those others to do the same.

All four of Silver's books are ripe for being adapted to the screen. So, I was so excited to see Happy Head and Dead Head were acquired in a “highly competitive auction,” according to the author’s wikipedia’s page. 

Silver’s unique background explains why his books are so deep and relatable. He originally attended the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and performed in the West End and on Broadway. At 30, he shifted paths going back to school to get training as a mental health nurse, saying he himself has struggled with mental health his whole life, and still can. While working in adult inpatient settings, in adolescent wards, and with younger children, he enjoys writing in spare moments. His joy for writing, and also his personal struggles with mental health and his clinical experiences, seep into the pages offering such a wonderful perspective. Be sure to read more about the author in a wonderful interview with him in the back of Happy Head. “The notion of happiness is prescribed to us. It’s everywhere. I mean, social media says I should make loads of smoothies and film myself drinking them. Those people look happy. Or do a dance to a song I hate so people like my stuff and follow me. Those dopamine hits will help. I can apparently care about the climate and important things, definitely, just need to make sure I look hot while I’m out protesting. Then post about it. If you’re gay, be a cool one, please. Effortlessly cool. Like it’s not been difficult.”

book review: Fruit Fly by Josh Silver

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 

Thank you Crooked Lane Books for providing an ARC for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

Fruit Fly by Josh Silver will easily be knocking a book off to take its place on my top five shelf! I desperately hope this gets adapted for the screen because I was so incredibly invested in these characters. The depth is just remarkable; the authors ability to read people and capture both their inner and outer dialogue is masterfully done.

Mallory seemingly has the perfect curated life - a stately house and a handsome husband. Yet, she's been unable to write another book since her debut novel and fights demons in both her marriage and her mind. On the flip side is Leo, a fellow writer of poetry, who battles addictions and demons of his own. Mallory attempts to claw her way back to the life she wants when she crosses paths with Leo, realizing his personal story is just the plot for her next novel. But, at what cost? And, is his story truly hers to tell?

As we navigate everything that unfolds, it's unclear whether either of them is a reliable narrator. Interjections of diegetic text from both Mallory and Leo provide an even deeper layer of these characters. Ultimately, in their similar lives - if not for money and location - they are both just trying to survive. I was wholly unprepared for the incredible ride of this book - it is a raw, dark, nail-biting, and deeply relatable.

book review: Awake Awake by Fiona Mozley

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 

Thank you Algonquin Books for providing an ARC for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

Fiona Mozley’s Awake Awake is a timely and uniquely modern literary novel that follows a diverse group of classmates from their school days into their thirties. I was immediately drawn in by this rich cast of characters, who represent a wide spectrum of backgrounds, religions, politics, and life paths. Mozley delivers information through seamless storytelling, making the reader feel like an organic extension of the friend group. 

Alongside this group dynamic, the protagonist, Mary, works through the shifting realities of her own memories. Did her grandfather have a hand in Hitler’s death? Or do she and her brother share similar mental health struggles? These nuanced discussions on mental health are incredibly important. I appreciate how the novel centers this topic, exploring it not just in a clinical setting, but through the support from friends and family as well.

The religious and political themes are woven beautifully and authentically into the plot without feeling forced. Having lived my own formative years in the 2000s and 2010s, I can definitely attest that life isn't siloed from these issues—they really have been a constant background presence in our lives. Mozley perfectly captures the tension between activism and peace, being pro-war, or caring deeply but lacking the agency to act. The last quarter of the book brings these thought-provoking topics to a head, leaving me with several favorite quotes to revisit.

I highly recommend this to anyone who appreciates slow-unfolding, coming-of-age stories. If you also love the extra depth that subtle dialects and British settings bring to a narrative, Fiona Mozley is an author to add to your list. I certainly plan on reading more of her work.

book review: Etna by Paul Yoon

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 5/5

Wow. Just… wow. I’m calling it now: this will easily be my favorite book of the year, and honestly, likely one of my favorites for a long time to come.

As my own dog napped, head laid contently on my legs, I began this book. And from that first paragraph until the last, I was immersed, seeing so much of Etna in my own. She is taken from the only place she’s known and thrust into the front lines of a war. As the war finishes, Etna yearns to go back home, encountering humans and animals along the way, all lending to a deeply woven journey of the harshness and strife of life, but also the beauty and humanity as well. So much emotion is contained within this short book, I’d like to start back over on the first page to experience it all over again. 

I think almost anyone could find something to connect with in this story. It’s a beautiful, universal tale.

Thank you Scribner for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

book review: The Lost Mozart by David K. Israel

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  5/5

Thank you Post Hill Press for providing an ARC for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of classical music! David K. Israel, the author of The Lost Mozart, is a composer and musician himself, so this literary work is deeply infused with musical history, songs, and classical composers.

This is a coming-of-age story about Noah, a twenty-one-year-old college senior trying desperately to figure out how to use his degree—partly to prove his parents wrong, and partly to prove something to himself. While interning at a radio station, Noah forms an unlikely friendship with Bertram, an elderly radio announcer. Noah is welcomed into Bertram’s wider circle of friends, who provide a listening ear, crucial support, and wise guidance during this pivotal time in his life.

While hanging out and discussing music with this eclectic group, Noah unbelievably stumbles across the beginning of an unfinished Mozart string quartet. He decides to complete the piece in an effort to gain notoriety and earn money to help his friends. Getting the piece finished and finding an audience is a bumpy ride, but Noah’s inner circle stays close, and he even navigates a new romance with Eos along the way.

Israel’s personal background in classical music brings an incredibly rich layer to the characters and the overall story. The musical tidbits are woven in beautifully without ever feeling forced, and I came away with a much deeper understanding of the genre. However, readers who are already familiar with—or have a deep love for—the ins and outs of classical music will likely appreciate this the most. While the narrative always expertly circled back to the main plot, there were times when the heavy musical detours caused me to lose track of the story a bit. Still, I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a rich, rewarding, and challenging read.