4 out of 5 moons ●︎︎ read Fall 2025

The characters in this book felt super realistic, and I enjoyed getting to hear Jen’s perspective at the very end. In fact, I was so moved by the end that I put off finishing the book to avoid the emotional turmoil I knew it would leave me with!

4.25 out of 5 moons ●︎︎ read Fall 2025

This book had be absolutely hooked and was a total page turner. However, I can’t quite say it was enjoyable to read because of how disturbing it was. I usually read before bed and this book did NOT help me feel sleepy! Overall, though, it was a great spooky season read.

2.5 out of 5 moons ●︎︎ read September 2025

The Death of Ivan Ilych is a terrifying story because it is about a man who realizes on his deathbed that he has wasted his entire life. But he’s not quite sure that this is true, because he lived his life as a successful judge, married a well-respected woman, and generally did everything that society expected him to do, so how could his life have been a waste? I see this as a book about the tension between living according to the way you want to live versus according to the way others want you to live, and it gives a new meaning to the platitude that urges people to not care what others think.

2.5 out of 5 moons ●︎︎ read July 2025

This book held my attention, but at times the plot points felt rushed. I would compare this book to the short-term enjoyment of watching trashy reality TV versus the more enduring satisfaction of an interesting documentary. Also, the writing felt repetitive at times. The amount of times that Brendan was described as having grunted, growled, barked, or groaned was just excessive. Was he a dog in another life?

2.5 out of 5 moons ●︎︎ read July 2025

I’m giving this book 2.5/5 moons because although I liked it, I didn’t feel compelled to come back and read more the way I do with other books. I had to make an effort to finish the book, which could just be because the story was so sad. However, I am glad to have been introduced to Amy Bloom, who is a skilled writer, a resilient person, and an all-around inspiring woman in my book!

4 out of 5 moons ●︎︎ read June 2025

I didn’t like this book quite as much as The Nightingale or The Great Alone, and I’m not sure why. I think that for some reason, I was a little less invested in the main characters. However, I did enjoy the book, and it was interesting to be metaphorically taken back in time to the western U.S. during the Great Depression. Each Kirsten Hannah book I’ve read is like a little historical adventure that also comes with a moving narrative and characters that feel real and who I am rooting for. It is also worthwhile to note that this is the first Kristen Hannah book I’ve read that did not make me cry.

4.5 out of 5 moons ●︎︎ read June 2025

4.25 out of 5 moons ●︎︎ read May 2025

2.5 out of 5 moons ●︎︎ average enjoyment ●︎︎ read May 2025

3 out of 5 moons ●︎︎ read March 2025

I enjoyed GOT, but not enough to read the sequel.

3 out of 5 moons ●︎︎ read March 2025

This story absolutely had me hooked. Some characters felt cheesy/unrealistic.

5/5 moons ●︎︎ my all-time favorite book ●︎︎ read multiple times — May 2023 most recently