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Book Review, Books and Literature, Entertainment

Book Review: 11/22/63 by Stephen King

26/01/2024 Becks Leave a comment

If you’ve scrolled through my Instagram then I don’t need to be the first to tell you that I’ve read a fair few books – from romances and thrillers, to murder mysteries, fantasy, and children’s fiction. I’m a book lover, and I will never turn down a recommendation. But there is no other book I have read that has affected me like this one.

Before this, I had never read a Stephen King novel. I’m not a fan of horror, so most of his works don’t really appeal to me very much. So, when I said to my best friend, Isaac, that I wanted to start reading his work, he suggested that I begin with 11/22/63. And holy moly cannoli with a side of pepperoni, what a book to start with!

I have a confession: this is not a recent read. I actually read this five years ago, in 2019, but I think about it constantly. When someone asks me what my favourite book is, this is the one with which I reply. I am not a fan of historical fiction, but this is the exception. It combines history with fantasy and thriller, and is an exquisite piece of writing that I urge everybody to read.

I never ever thought I would be crying at a Stephen King novel. The words “crying” and “Stephen King” don’t usually fit in the same sentence unless they’re tears of fear and horror. But the ending of this book had me sobbing for forty-five minutes. I cried, re-read the ending, and then cried for another forty-five. The ending was so profoundly moving that it was overwhelming for me, and I never wanted it to end. It was beautiful and bittersweet – both heartbreaking and comforting, and I couldn’t have imagined anything better.

This novel is over 800 pages long – something which is probably intimidating to a lot of readers, especially if they have the “big book fear.” Tackling something so dense in length can feel overwhelming, like climbing a mountain and wondering if you’re ever going to reach the top, while also asking whether the payoff is going to be worth it. I myself will admit that I had the same thoughts and was apprehensive at the beginning. It was the first book over five hundred pages that I had ever tried to read, and my fear was that I was going to lose interest or I wouldn’t be able to make it to the end.

I’m not going to lie: the story is quite slow to begin with, and doesn’t really get started until around 200 pages in. There is so much detail, description, and backstory that it can be a lot to process. But once the story really starts, it’s an utter page turner. It took me two days to read the entire thing because I couldn’t put it down, and once I finished it, I wanted to re-read it all over again.

Of course, you’re probably asking whether all of the 800+ pages are necessary? The answer: yes. One hundred percent, yes. It is in my honest opinion that I don’t think the book would have been the same without them. Does it get a little bit repetitive at some points? Sometimes. After all, you’re reading about a time travelling English teacher journeying back to the same day in history over and over again, with a detail/action changed each time (both big, and small). But, it is this repetition that upholds the ending. It is this repetition – the feeling of having lived Jake and Sadie’s story over and over again with them, that allows for the emotional final pages. (And yes, I believe that this is Jake and Sadie’s story more than anything.)

Honestly, I can’t really say any more about this book without giving things away, and I really don’t want to spoil anything, as this is a book you have to read without knowing much about the plot or the characters. I wish I could forget everything I know about this book and read it again for the first time because it was a rollercoaster and a half.

And to those who are still hesitant about picking this up: don’t be. I promise it’s worth every moment.

This is a book that has irrevocably changed me, and it is a story that I will carry with me forever.

Favourite Quotes:

✨ ‘When all else fails, give up and go to the library.’

✨ ‘We never know which lives we influence, or when, and why.’

✨ ‘.. stupidity is one of the two things we see most clearly in retrospect. The other is missed chances.’

✨ ‘A person who doesn’t learn from the past is an idiot, in my estimation.’

✨ ‘But I believe in love, you know; love is a uniquely portable magic. I don’t think it’s in the stars, but I do believe that blood calls to blood and mind calls to mind and heart to heart.’

✨ ‘Life always turns on a dime. Sometimes towards us, but more often it spins away, flirting and flashing as it goes: so long, honey, it was good while it lasted, wasn’t it?’

✨ ‘Sometimes the things presented to us as choices aren’t choices at all.’

✨ ‘If you’ve ever been homesick, or felt exiled from all the things and people that once defined you, you’ll know how important welcoming words and friendly smiles can be.’

✨ ‘Even people capable of living in the past don’t really know what the future holds.’

✨ On the subject of love at first sight, I’m with the Beatles: I believe that it happens all the time.’

✨ ‘I saw something even more beautiful than a sense of humour: an appreciation for life’s essential absurdity.’

✨ ‘Things do happen for a reason, but do we like the reason? Rarely.’

✨ ‘Home is watching the moon rise over the open, sleeping land, and having someone you can call to the window, so you can look together.’

✨ ‘Resistance to change is proportional to how much the future might be altered by any given act.’

✨ ‘For most of us, I think it’s easier to admit doing wrong than being stupid.’

✨ ‘Sometimes life coughs up coincidences no writer of fiction would dare copy.’

✨ ‘Life’s simplest answers are often the easiest to overlook.’

✨ ‘Life’s too sweet to give up without a fight, don’t you think?’

✨ ‘History doesn’t repeat itself, but it harmonizes, and what it usually makes is the devil’s music.’

✨ ‘A person could see a lot without ever leaving his own living room. Especially if he had the right tools.’

✨ ‘You know how it’s going to end, but instead of spoiling things, that somehow increases your fascination. It’s like watching a kid run his electric train faster and faster and waiting for it to derail on one of the curves.’

✨ ‘Sarcastic people tend to be marshmallows underneath the armour.’

✨ ‘Like all sweet dreams, it will be brief… but brevity makes sweetness, doesn’t it? Yes, I think so. Because when the time is gone, you can never get it back.’

✨ ‘The multiple choices and possibilities of daily life are the music we dance to. They are like strings on a guitar. Strum them and you create a pleasing sound. A harmonic.’

✨ ‘Because the past isn’t just obdurate; it’s in harmony with both itself and the future.’

Book Review, Books and Literature

Book Review: Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

23/01/2024 Becks Leave a comment

When author Finlay Donovan is discussing the plot of her new suspense novel with her agent over lunch, she’s mistaken for a contract killer, and inadvertently accepts an offer to dispose of a problem husband in order to make ends meet… but, Finlay soon discovers that crime in real life is a lot more difficult that it’s fictional counterpart, as she becomes entangled in a real-life murder investigation.

First things first, I absolutely adored the plot of this novel! It was a genius piece of writing in terms of how Finlay ends up in her less-than-ideal situation. It really is a prime example of how context in a conversation is everything, and how easy it is to misconstrue one thing for something else.

Don’t get me wrong… this book is in no way realistic. It’s over-the-top, and the things that Finlay and Vero get away with would never happen. But then, we’re here for the entertainment, not for the realism, and the absurd dramatics that are incorporated within this book are really what makes it fun to read!

I’m really not going to dive into any plot details because this is a book where you need to discover all of the twists and turns for yourself, but this book is super twisty and I never saw half of them coming! I haven’t gasped so much in a long time; and just when you think you know what’s coming, more information is thrown into the mix which entirely changed your perspective and theories!

The relationship between Finlay and her nanny, Vero, is one we all need. They make a wonderful pair, and are the perfect partners-in-crime… literally. I could feel their bond through the pages, and I just liked them both as characters (which is another one of the reasons why I think this book works so well.)

However, two not so likeable characters were Stephen and Teresa… but especially Stephen. I was so hoping that the two of them would get their comeuppance (do they – well, read and find out!). Stephen is literally the most toxic man in existence (and he’s not even real!), and I haven’t found myself so infuriated with a character in a long time. He had no respect or faith in Finlay and every time he made an appearance I wanted to punch his lights out (or at least hoped Finlay would!)

But, one of my favourite moments has to be towards the end of the book when Finlay and Vero go back for ***. This whole scene was such a page turner and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. In fact, night turned into early morning because I was up until 2am reading as I had to know what happened.

And as for the ending… WHAT? This book ends on an epic cliffhanger, and I made me eager to read the next in the series!

I really think this book would make the most perfect TV adaptation, eand I really hope it happens because I can’t even tell you how excited I would be to see this series on screen. It gives both Pretty Little Liars mixed with Criminal Minds vibes and you know what… I’m totally here for it.

If you’re looking for a light mystery with comedic thrill, then add this one to your list friends, because I can guarantee that it won’t disappoint!

Favourite Quotes:

✨ ‘It’s a widely known fact that most moms are ready to kill someone by eight thirty A.M. on any given morning. On the particular morning of Tuesday, October eighth, I was ready by seven forty-five. If you’ve never had to wrestle a two-year-old slathered in maple syrup into a diaper while your four-year-old decides to give herself a haircut in time for preschool, all while trying to track down the whereabouts of your missing nanny as you sop up coffee grounds from an overflowing pot because in your sleep-deprived fog you forgot to put in the filter, let me spell it out for you.’

✨ ‘My Google search history alone was probably enough to put me on a government watch list. I wrote suspense novels about murders like this. I’d searched every possible way to kill someone. With every conceivable kind of weapon.’

✨ ‘Iris Smiled, endorphins loosening the stern lines of her face. She actually looked like she was enjoying this. The woman was a masochist.’

✨ ‘Easy for her to say. She was twenty-two and had never had children. She could probably hold it until menopause.’

✨ ‘Let us not attribute to malice and cruelty what may be referred to less criminal motives.’ I make it a point never to assume the worst about people.’

✨ ‘Unfortunately, the man’s made of Teflon. Nothing sticks. He should’ve been locked up a dozen times, but there isn’t a judge in the state with the balls to convict him. Even if we could, he has friends that can make almost anyone disappear . . . new name, new passport, and wipe them off the map as if they’d never existed.’

Book Review, Books and Literature

Book Review: Five Survive by Holly Jackson

22/01/2024 Becks Leave a comment

With the release of The Reappearance of Rachel Price this year, I thought it only right that I should post about the last Holly Jackson book I read, because holy cannoli with a side of pepperoni – what a thrilling, suspenseful and amazing novel it was!

I absolutely loved the first book in A Good Girls Guide to Murder and though I haven’t read the sequels (yet), I knew from the moment this book was announced that I most definitely had to read it! Thus, imagine my excitement and glee when I found an early proof copy on the free bookshelves at work, and got to devour this before it’s official publication!

Boy, oh boy, Holly Jackson has done it again. I can’t even begin to explain how good this book was. From the very start to the very end, I was on the edge of my seat – heart pounding, and palms sweating! Holly Jackson knows how to write thrillers, and I think this is one of the best I’ve ever read.

I’ll admit that it is a little slow to begin with as it’s mostly setting the scene for the rest of the story… but once it picked up the pace it sucked me in like a black hole, and I even stayed up reading until 3am because I couldn’t put it down! For me, the best kind of thrillers are the ones where the narrator is always unreliable, or you consistently question the validity of each and every thing that a character says or does, and I think that is why this thriller works particularly well and is so addictive. There wasn’t a single moment where I was able to predict what was going to happen throughout this novel, and I gasped in shock many, many times.

This novel sees an ensemble of six teenagers on their way to spring break, confined in an RV, and before they know it they’ve broken down in the middle of nowhere with bullets flying at them left right and centre. Why? That’s up to the six of them to figure out… but the only thing that’s for certain: one of them knows. But, which one?

Holly’s writing is the perfect example of giving the audience just enough to keep them engaged with the story, but not giving away too much that it spoils everything. Though written in the third person, she writes such unreliable narratives for each of the six characters, and you as a reader are constantly questioning their motives and dialogue… and perhaps that is where the brilliance of this book lies.

If you’re a fan of twisty thrillers that will have you neglecting food, sleep, and every other daily task so you can finish reading, then this will be one for you!

Favourite Quotes:

✨ ‘One sniper. One gun. One red dot. And one liar.’

✨ ‘This was the absolute worst way to die. Mid-squat-pissing behind a tree while Maddy’s axe-murderer charged at her from the front.’

✨ ‘What are you, the tequila guardian?’ He pointed at her. ‘Right, because I’m Mexican?’

✨ ‘Simon scoffed. ‘Sure, just a misunderstanding. There’s a sniper out there with a high-powered rifle and a laser sight who’s decided to use us as target practice. But yeah, just a misunderstanding.’

✨ ‘Oh, come on,’ Simon interjected. ‘This is turning into Lord of the Fucking Flies. We’re going to end up killing each other, forget about the sniper.’

✨ ‘For god’s sake, Simon, enough with The Office references.’

Book Review, Books and Literature

Book Review: Bad Men by Julie Mae Cohen

21/01/2024 Becks Leave a comment

Saffy has a secret: A secret she is deeply ashamed of. It’s not the fact that she’s a serial killer in her free time. In fact, she’s quite proud of that. After all, she’s only killing bad men. She’s making the world a better place.

No, her secret is far worse than that. She has a messy, inexplicable, uncontrollable crush. So, while she’s busy plotting her next murder, she also has the much harder task of figuring out how to get a boyfriend.

but, if there’s one thing Safft knows, it’s how to get her man…

—

So, I was kindly sent a proof copy by Zaffre Books before it’s release, and I kid you not when I say that it ruined all other books in 2023 for me. I completely binged it in a day or two because it has all the makings of an exceptional thriller and I could not put it down. Literally. I would try and focus at work, but honestly all I could think about was reading this book until I finished it.

I’m not usually one for annotating my books as I’m too much of a perfectionist and they would have to be annotated exactly right, but I found that I couldn’t help it with this one. There were so many great lines, so many thoughts bumbling around in my head as I was reading, and so many shocking twists, that I felt it only appropriate to note down my reactions as they happened – and that happened to be in the margins of the book, because where else could I put them?

This book is an utter rollercoaster. One second I am laughing from the sickeningly dark humour, and the next I am on the edge of my seat because it’s suspenseful and tense! I have never read a book that is able to execute this so exquisitely. I often find that most thrillers tend to focus on the thrill aspect of the book and forget about the subtle tension that you’re able to create – something which this novel does so well through Saffy’s character. It is rare that I have such visceral reactions to a book, but my heart was pounding, my stomach was twisting, and I audibly gasped more than once!

As for Saffy, I sit on the edge of loving her and also being utterly disturbed – something which I still have yet to make up my mind about months later. The line between vigilante and psychopath is so blurred that the two become almost indistinguishable, and I feel it’s almost inappropriate to say that you like or love her as a character because of her actions. , I would situate Saffy in the circle of morally grey characters like Dexter Morgan from Dexter… I mean, she’s practically his female counterpart so I guess that would make sense. Does the fact that she’s doing the wrong thing for the right reasons make it wrong?

But her (very) dark humour – to the point where it’s impossible to tell whether she’s joking or not – is so endearing that a part of you can’t help but feel some twisted connection or kinship to her while reading. You don’t want to like her… but you just do. Perhaps it’s because you’re constantly questioning things and wondering whether her actions are in fact justified – is it okay that she’s a serial killer, simply because she’s killing only the bad men who deserve it? Do they deserve it? What does it say about me as a reader if I’m on her side? Does that make me as sick and deranged as her? Is she deranged, or is she a vigilante on a warpath for justice? Do I sympathise and empathise with her on some level?

I’m always in awe of anybody who can write from the perspective of a serial killer. It’s such an intricate mindset to get into that I feel its hard to make it feel real… but somehow Julie managed this perfectly. As I reader, I firmly believe that Saffy is out there right now, just living it and killing it…

In between the edge of my seat action, the thrill of will Saffy/won’t Saffy get caught, the dark humour that had me both unnerved and amused, and the little trail of the Agatha Christie-like breadcrumbs that Julie leaves scattered throughout for us to collect up like the end, I became utterly invested in this book.

It is not surprising that this book had made it to the #1 spot of my 2023 reads because I have recommended it to every single person I know. The book is is currently making its rounds through my family and friends, and so far (from those who have read it), they have all said the same thing: it’s thrilling, sickly humourous, and they absolutely loved every moment of it… so if that’s not motivation for you to pick this up, then I don’t know what is!

Usually this is the space where I would include favourite quotes, but with this book I feel like it would give away too much of the story and the spark that makes this book special… so I’ll simply include a list of some of my other favourite thrillers/crime novels/murder mysteries!

Sadie by Courteney Summers

Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano (Finlay Donovan #1)

Survive the Night by Riley Sager

Five Survive by Holly Jackson

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

The Appeal by Janice Hallett

The Sun Down Motel by Simone St James

Full Dark House by Christopher Fowler (Bryant & May #1)

Book Review, Books and Literature

Book Review: When in Rome by Sarah Adams

19/01/2024 Becks Leave a comment

If you’ve seen my Instagram account, you’ll know how much I love a Sarah Adams book. However, this might just be my favourite book she’s ever written. I managed to read this entirely in one day because I could not put it down! It’s totally binge-worthy and I just want to dive right back into it all over again.

When in Rome is such an enchanting story and the whole time I was reading I couldn’t stop thinking about how it reminded me of Gilmore Girls – small town, romance, comedy, drama… this book is everything. Mabel also exudes Miss Patty vibes and I chuckled out loud more than once at her shenanigans! She didn’t miss a thing, but I love the fact that she acted all innocent and pretend not to know what was going on – I could literally envision her and Noah’s conversation in my mind, and I was beaming the whole time.

And, if it hasn’t been put out there yet, then allow me to say that Noah and Amelia are the 2020s version of Luke and Lorelai. Their banter, and Noah’s grumpy ruggedness was absolutely perfect, and I had love hearts in my eyes the whole time while I was reading about them. Of course, there was less will they/won’t they going on because unlike GG, there were only three hundred odd pages rather than a few seasons… but it will still deliciously wonderful!

I think I have said that about every book of Sarah’s, but I will most likely continue to say it for every book she writes: my favourite thing about her writing is how she writes comedy. I have yet to come across a book that does it as well as she does. I have laughed out loud at every single one – sometimes to the point where my stomach hurts – because she has such an immense talent with the most perfect comedic timing. Honestly, if she ever decides to stop writing books (I hope she doesn’t), I really hope she’d venture into the world of Hallmark movies and write sweet and hilarious romcoms, because I think she would be exquisite at it.

Of course, there are so many other things to love about this book tooe, like the homage to Audrey Hepburn, with whom Amelia is obsessed with! I have to admit that I haven’t seen any of her films (bad, I know, but I will rectify soon!), though I am vaguely familiar with Breakfast at Tiffanys (I mean, even if you haven’t seen it, the post is simply so iconic that you just know!). When in Rome particularly draws inspiration from Hepburn’s film Roman Holiday – considered to be one of the most romantic films of all time – with Amelia constantly asking herself ‘What Would Audrey Do’ in the context of the film to negate her decisions. I mean, that’s the main character energy we all need, right?

Ultimately, if you love Gilmore Girls and you love reading romance books that will have you swooning, then buckle up folks and friends, because this is probably the perfect book for you. It’s like the literary version of Stars Hollow, and every page felt like a giant, comforting hug. You want to nestle into the cosy vibes, and simply live there forever – at least, I do, anyway.

Favourite Quotes:

✨ ‘I think we’ll get hurt a lot in this life, but maybe it’s worth it because sometimes we will experience really amazing things, too. Maybe not everything will end in hurt. But we’ll never know if we don’t try.’

✨ ‘Sometimes a woman is just worn out and needs a break, you know?’ […] ‘That doesn’t prove you’re week or neglectful. It proves to all the women standing by and watching you pave the road to success that it’s okay to say no. It’s okay to shut your door every now and then and put up a sa sign that says ‘busy taking care of me today.’

✨ ‘Care is reckless because it doesn’t come with the seat belt that selfishness offers. Care has so much to lose, and almost always ends in heartbreak.’

✨ ‘Sometimes people decide not to like me for the most arbitrary reasons. SOmetimes it’s just because I’m famous, and successful people make them uncomfortable. Sometimes it’s because I voted differently than them. And sometimes it’s because I frowned outside their favourite yogurt shop and now they want to cancel me forever because they think I’m against yogurt.’

✨ ‘I’ll tell you what makes me madder than a hornet. When people tell other people how they should feel.’

✨ ‘Have you never loved something just for what it means to you?’

✨ ‘If you don’t intend to walk her down the aisle, then don’t go dipping your toes in her pond.’

✨ ‘To me, you’re Amelia. Maker of shitty pancakes and a smile that rivals the sun. All I want is you.’

✨ ‘I will memorize him if it’s the last thing I do. I will carry the feel of his smile in my pocket for the rest of my life.’

✨ ‘Unfortunately, I’m also forbidden from cupcakes, any sort of exhilarating activity, or blinking without Susan’s consent.’

Book Review, Books and Literature

Book Review: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

19/01/2024 Becks Leave a comment

Enemies to lovers novels are like marmite – either you love them or you hate them. A lot of people find them super cheesy and unrealistic, but for me, I am an absolute sucker for them. And this, my friends, is perhaps my favourite enemies to lovers story that I have ever read. A bold statement, but true.

I posted about this book on my Instagram back in 2021 as it was my number one book that I read in 2020, and four years later it still sits firmly in my top 10 books of all time. There are very few books which I devour so quickly, or capture my attention so much that I can’t put them down, but this folks and friends, was one of them. I loved everything about it. It was beautifully witty, hilarious, and I found myself physically laughing from cover to cover.

One of the things that I liked most about this book is that it’s written in the first person, from the point of view of the main protagonist, Lucy, which really connects the reader with the character. The way she describes her love/hate relationship with Joshua is so real and expertly crafted that you become so immersed in their love story that it becomes entirely possible to forget that these two human beings only exist on paper. From the very minute you begin reading you are begging, pleading, and yearning for these two characters to realise their love for one another.

Though, I will admit that this novel is a slow burn. Like… a really slow burn to the point where you’re physically itching with anticipation. But the payoff is so good and makes it all worth it. The love/hate relationship/game between Lucy and Josh is one of those romantic archetypes which we love to see but don’t dare admit, and something which can be incredibly difficult for writers to achieve successfully – but Sally Thorne executes it perfectly.

But, perhaps my favourite thing about this book is that it never actually states where the story is taking place. When I started reading I assumed that it was New York City because it had that particular feel, but in actual fact the location is never stated. I think that is what makes this story so wonderful because ultimately it could be set in any city, in any corner of the world; and it is down to the reader to use their imagination about where that might be – perhaps someone near them!

I think it is very rare to have nothing bad to say about a book – not even a small criticism – but personally, with my preferences, I am struggling to find things that I didn’t like. I don’t think I will ever be able to find the right amount of words to be able to describe how much I loved this book, but I think about it often.

Note: Yes, I have also seen the movie; yes, I loved it; but no, I have yet to write a post about it. I’m thinking about writing a book vs film comparison when I get the time, but I think I need to rewatch the film again before I do so!

Favourite Quotes:

✨ ‘Books were, and always would be, something a little magic, and something to respect.’

✨ ‘Watching you pretend to hate the nickname is the best part of my day.’

✨ ‘I have a theory. Hating someone feels disturbingly similar to being in love with them. I’ve had a lot of time to compare love and hate, and these are my observations. Love and hate are visceral. Your stomach twists at the thought of that person. The heart in your chest beats heavy and bright, nearly visible through your flesh and clothes. Your appetite and sleep are shredded. Every interaction spikes your blood with adrenaline and you’re in the brink of fight or flight. Your body is barely under your control. You’re consumed and it scares you. Both love and hate are mirror versions of the same game – and you have to win. Why? Your heart and your ego. Trust me, I should know.’

✨ ‘I want to know what’s going on in your brain. I want to juice your head like a lemon.’

✨ ‘All I want to do is kiss you until I fall asleep. I want to slide in between your sheets, and find out what goes on inside your head and underneath your clothes. I want to make a fool of myself over you.’

✨ ‘I love strawberries. I’m so lovesick, I eat them constantly. Can I nickname you Shortcake? It’ll be a dead giveaway that I love you’

✨ ‘Maybe the only way to truly unite people is through battle and pain. Confrontation and competition. Maybe surviving something is the point.’

✨ ‘Brute, raw masculinity contrasted with gentleness is the most attractive thing on earth.’

✨ ‘You look like a hot virginal dork who’s been defiled in the backseat of my car.’

✨ ‘You love him. You love him. You always have. More than you’ve ever hated him. Every day, staring at this man, knowing every color and expression and nuance. Every game you’ve ever played has been to engage with him. Talk to him. Feel his eyes on you. To try to make him notice you.’

✨ ‘I always thought you’d live underground somewhere, near the earth’s core.’ / ‘Uncle Satan didn’t have any apartments available in my price range.’