Scan barcode
cheyennedierker's reviews
121 reviews
The Examiner by Janice Hallett
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"The Examiner" by Janice Hallett is a crime novel uniquely told through emails, text messages, and essays. It centers on Gela Nathaniel and her efforts to manage a small group of students in a pilot art master's program at Royal Hastings University. As tensions rise and secrets come to light, a third-party examiner uncovers that someone is in grave danger through their final projects.
I thought the modern epistolary style would be a good fit because I'm nosy and my favorite middle-grade books were Kate Klise's "Regarding the Fountain" series. However, I think this would work better as a YA novel. It somehow felt both boring and farfetched, with the storyline and characters' actions often feeling implausible. While the assignments and communication methods were realistic and reminiscent of my own online college learning experiences, the plot dragged on until it finally picked up around the 60% mark. It did end with several unexpected twists.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced copy.
I thought the modern epistolary style would be a good fit because I'm nosy and my favorite middle-grade books were Kate Klise's "Regarding the Fountain" series. However, I think this would work better as a YA novel. It somehow felt both boring and farfetched, with the storyline and characters' actions often feeling implausible. While the assignments and communication methods were realistic and reminiscent of my own online college learning experiences, the plot dragged on until it finally picked up around the 60% mark. It did end with several unexpected twists.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced copy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Murder
Minor: Drug use
Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
#DeathLady, soon to be a TikTok sensation, appears unremarkable until she starts predicting the age and cause of death for passengers on an Australian flight. Some barely listen, others laugh and compare fortunes, while a few find her predictions gripping their every move.
Liane Moriarty, the queen of contemporary fiction, masterfully weaves plots and characters like no other. Here One Moment delves into destiny, free will, statistics and fallacy, grief, and the chilling impact of knowing one's fate.
I loved it. It was beautiful. It was brilliant. Now we eagerly await the inevitable film adaptation.
Thank you to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Liane Moriarty, the queen of contemporary fiction, masterfully weaves plots and characters like no other. Here One Moment delves into destiny, free will, statistics and fallacy, grief, and the chilling impact of knowing one's fate.
I loved it. It was beautiful. It was brilliant. Now we eagerly await the inevitable film adaptation.
Thank you to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Content Warnings
Minor: Mental illness, Cancer, and Death
Pink Glass Houses by Asha Elias
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Elder millennial moms who were fans of "Big Little Lies" will love Asha Elias' debut "Pink Glass Houses," a delicious blend of social satire and contemporary chick lit where "Mean Girls" meets "Selling Sunset."
Dive into the ruthless dynasty of Miami Beach's Sunset Academy, an elite public elementary school—Go Seagulls! Charlotte Giordani, the reigning queen of fundraising, is ready to claim the PTA presidency when Kansas transplant Melody Howard comes to town. Melody gets a debrief from another mother, Darcy Resnick, a lawyer, about the social hierarchy and injustices at the school. Despite her loyalty to her new friend Darcy, Melody feels a sense of magnetism toward the bright and shiny Charlotte. As the PTA election takes off, the women's rivalries ignite a high-stakes game of scandal and deceit, unearthing dark secrets and shattering the polished facades of the town.
Elias masterfully develops each character through rotating perspectives, showcasing Charlotte, Melody, and the other women as lovable, hateable, and relatable in their own ways. From navigating Montessori learning and themed Halloween doors to Botox and white-collar crime, the women of "Pink Glass Houses" offer sharp wit and deep insights into how different our realities are depending on our vantage point.
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Dive into the ruthless dynasty of Miami Beach's Sunset Academy, an elite public elementary school—Go Seagulls! Charlotte Giordani, the reigning queen of fundraising, is ready to claim the PTA presidency when Kansas transplant Melody Howard comes to town. Melody gets a debrief from another mother, Darcy Resnick, a lawyer, about the social hierarchy and injustices at the school. Despite her loyalty to her new friend Darcy, Melody feels a sense of magnetism toward the bright and shiny Charlotte. As the PTA election takes off, the women's rivalries ignite a high-stakes game of scandal and deceit, unearthing dark secrets and shattering the polished facades of the town.
Elias masterfully develops each character through rotating perspectives, showcasing Charlotte, Melody, and the other women as lovable, hateable, and relatable in their own ways. From navigating Montessori learning and themed Halloween doors to Botox and white-collar crime, the women of "Pink Glass Houses" offer sharp wit and deep insights into how different our realities are depending on our vantage point.
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide, Murder, Self harm, and Drug use
The Whole Story: Adventures in Love, Life, and Capitalism by John Mackey
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
The Whole Story: Adventures in Love, Life, and Capitalism by John Mackey offers a comprehensive account of the rise of Whole Foods Market and Mackey's personal and spiritual journey. With a runtime of 13 hours and 6 minutes, it truly is the whole story.
As a business management major, I was vaguely familiar with John Mackey, but I got a better glimpse through an episode of the Freakonomics podcast titled 'How to Succeed by Being Authentic (Hint: Carefully)'. I highly recommend it as a starting point before diving into this book, to grasp Mackey's thinking style and see if his ideas resonate with you and if you can handle some of his political rantings. If they do, this audiobook is a good suit for your commute.
I particularly enjoyed his reflections of how much compromising of himself, or backing off his own ideals, he was wanting to do to make space for others in his businesses, and to grow said businesses. Mackey is quite eccentric but very logical in explaining his thinking.
I always find it interesting if when a business leader accomplishes something that their team or others were unsure of or thought was impossible, what lessons they take from that. That is, do they jump to the notion of, 'Oh, no one thought I could do it, I'm a genius, they're wrong,' which you certainly don't learn anything from as a reader. Or, are they of the mindset of, 'Okay, we were playing with fire a little bit there, that was an uphill battle, we really came together and made that work, what do we change for next time?' Mackey certainly strikes me as the latter, emphasizing relationships, collaboration, and personal mistakes in this memoir rather than basking in his successes.
Thank you to RB Media, Ascent Audio, and Netgalley for the advanced copy.
As a business management major, I was vaguely familiar with John Mackey, but I got a better glimpse through an episode of the Freakonomics podcast titled 'How to Succeed by Being Authentic (Hint: Carefully)'. I highly recommend it as a starting point before diving into this book, to grasp Mackey's thinking style and see if his ideas resonate with you and if you can handle some of his political rantings. If they do, this audiobook is a good suit for your commute.
I particularly enjoyed his reflections of how much compromising of himself, or backing off his own ideals, he was wanting to do to make space for others in his businesses, and to grow said businesses. Mackey is quite eccentric but very logical in explaining his thinking.
I always find it interesting if when a business leader accomplishes something that their team or others were unsure of or thought was impossible, what lessons they take from that. That is, do they jump to the notion of, 'Oh, no one thought I could do it, I'm a genius, they're wrong,' which you certainly don't learn anything from as a reader. Or, are they of the mindset of, 'Okay, we were playing with fire a little bit there, that was an uphill battle, we really came together and made that work, what do we change for next time?' Mackey certainly strikes me as the latter, emphasizing relationships, collaboration, and personal mistakes in this memoir rather than basking in his successes.
Thank you to RB Media, Ascent Audio, and Netgalley for the advanced copy.
How to Piss Off Men: 106 Things to Say to Shatter the Male Ego by Kyle Prue
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.5
In "How to Piss Off Men: 109 Things to Say to Shatter the Male Ego," Kyle Prue presents over a hundred clever phrases, questions, and comebacks to clip the egos of annoying pick-up artists and put overly confident men in their place. Set to publish September 2024.
As someone who delights in Kyle Prue's TikToks, I found this book to be a natural extension of his hilarious take on toxic masculinity. My best friend, who's back navigating the world of online dating, often shares her misadventures with me, and Prue has become a go-to for quick laughs and light-hearted revenge tactics. However, it's worth noting that the humor may not be for everyone; those who take themselves very seriously or hold conservative views may find it off-putting.
Thank you so much to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.
As someone who delights in Kyle Prue's TikToks, I found this book to be a natural extension of his hilarious take on toxic masculinity. My best friend, who's back navigating the world of online dating, often shares her misadventures with me, and Prue has become a go-to for quick laughs and light-hearted revenge tactics. However, it's worth noting that the humor may not be for everyone; those who take themselves very seriously or hold conservative views may find it off-putting.
Thank you so much to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
"A Sorceress Comes to Call," a new take on the Brothers Grimm classic "Goose Girl", brings secrets, shifting alliances, and a treacherous journey to freedom, set to be published in August 2024.
Cordelia's life is controlled by her peculiar mother, an evil sorceress whose true nature becomes clear as the story unfolds. Fleeing their town for a new beginning, Cordelia and her mother find themselves at the country manor of the Squire and his sister, Hester. As Cordelia's mother schemes to ensnare the Squire with her dark magic, Cordelia finds herself torn between loyalty and fear. Recognizing Cordelia's silent cries for help, others vow to protect her.
The strength of the book lies in its well-developed characters and relationships. Kingfisher's storytelling skill shines as she weaves a tale that feels both familiar and mysterious, drawing readers into a world of intrigue and danger. The fairy tale essence adds charm, making it a captivating read for fans of the genre. Readers sensitive to gore may want to pass on this one, but there was nothing overly dark here.
One of the book's highlights is its development of magic, seamlessly integrated into Cordelia's coming-of-age narrative. As Cordelia learns about her mother's sorcery, readers are taken on an organic journey of discovery, making the magic feel both natural and intriguing. Despite occasional imbalance in the pace, Kingfisher's storytelling prowess ensures the story remains engaging and compelling throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for the advanced copy.
Cordelia's life is controlled by her peculiar mother, an evil sorceress whose true nature becomes clear as the story unfolds. Fleeing their town for a new beginning, Cordelia and her mother find themselves at the country manor of the Squire and his sister, Hester. As Cordelia's mother schemes to ensnare the Squire with her dark magic, Cordelia finds herself torn between loyalty and fear. Recognizing Cordelia's silent cries for help, others vow to protect her.
The strength of the book lies in its well-developed characters and relationships. Kingfisher's storytelling skill shines as she weaves a tale that feels both familiar and mysterious, drawing readers into a world of intrigue and danger. The fairy tale essence adds charm, making it a captivating read for fans of the genre. Readers sensitive to gore may want to pass on this one, but there was nothing overly dark here.
One of the book's highlights is its development of magic, seamlessly integrated into Cordelia's coming-of-age narrative. As Cordelia learns about her mother's sorcery, readers are taken on an organic journey of discovery, making the magic feel both natural and intriguing. Despite occasional imbalance in the pace, Kingfisher's storytelling prowess ensures the story remains engaging and compelling throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for the advanced copy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Murder, and Gore
The Great River: The Making and Unmaking of the Mississippi by Boyce Upholt
informative
medium-paced
4.5
"The Great River: The Making and Unmaking of the Mississippi" by Boyce Upholt is a captivating exploration of the river's history and human interventions that have shaped American society over centuries. Upholt skillfully navigates the awe and respect Indigenous peoples held for the river, contrasted with European settlers' views of it as a conquerable force. From Jefferson's expansionist ambitions to modern environmental concerns, Upholt chronicles ambitious engineering projects—levees, jetties, dams—that aimed to control the river, often with damaging consequences for ecosystems.
Upholt's narrative weaves history, geography, engineering, and environmental science with elegance and clarity. Through meticulous research, he reveals the consequences of attempts to tame nature and explores ongoing efforts to restore what has been lost. "The Great River" offers a comprehensive and fast-paced read for those interested in the Mississippi's complexities and its impact on American society.
Overall, it's an essential exploration of how humans have shaped the land and been shaped by it, providing valuable insights into the past, present, and future of the mighty Mississippi.
Thank you to W.W. Norton and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Upholt's narrative weaves history, geography, engineering, and environmental science with elegance and clarity. Through meticulous research, he reveals the consequences of attempts to tame nature and explores ongoing efforts to restore what has been lost. "The Great River" offers a comprehensive and fast-paced read for those interested in the Mississippi's complexities and its impact on American society.
Overall, it's an essential exploration of how humans have shaped the land and been shaped by it, providing valuable insights into the past, present, and future of the mighty Mississippi.
Thank you to W.W. Norton and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Middletide by Sarah Crouch
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
5.0/5.0 ⭐
Flawless blend of mystery, coming-of-age, and romance. Perfectly suited for fans of 'Educated' and 'Where the Crawdads Sing', Sarah Crouch's debut 'Middletide' is set to be published June 2024.
Set in the small town of Point Orchards, Dr. Erin Landry's suspicious death stirs up whispers of foul play from the community. All eyes turn to Elijah Leith, the prodigal son whose reclusive return sparks intrigue and suspicion. Jaded and aimless, Elijah slowly begins to rebuild his life and work to make amends with Nakita, the woman he once betrayed, all while the investigation into Erin's death tightens its grip.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this novel.
Flawless blend of mystery, coming-of-age, and romance. Perfectly suited for fans of 'Educated' and 'Where the Crawdads Sing', Sarah Crouch's debut 'Middletide' is set to be published June 2024.
Set in the small town of Point Orchards, Dr. Erin Landry's suspicious death stirs up whispers of foul play from the community. All eyes turn to Elijah Leith, the prodigal son whose reclusive return sparks intrigue and suspicion. Jaded and aimless, Elijah slowly begins to rebuild his life and work to make amends with Nakita, the woman he once betrayed, all while the investigation into Erin's death tightens its grip.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Death of parent and Child death
Minor: Alcoholism, Cancer, and Animal death
My Perfect Husband by Georgina Cross
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
4.0/5.0⭐
Readers who love fast-paced psychological thrillers will find this one a must-read, especially in audiobook format.
In "My Perfect Husband" by Georgina Cross, Lauren's world is rocked when her sister Ellie's body is discovered after twelve years of disappearance, revealing unsettling connections to her husband, Alex. As Lauren digs deeper into Ellie's death, she unravels a complex web of secrets, leading her to question her marriage and her safety.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio for the advanced copy.
Readers who love fast-paced psychological thrillers will find this one a must-read, especially in audiobook format.
In "My Perfect Husband" by Georgina Cross, Lauren's world is rocked when her sister Ellie's body is discovered after twelve years of disappearance, revealing unsettling connections to her husband, Alex. As Lauren digs deeper into Ellie's death, she unravels a complex web of secrets, leading her to question her marriage and her safety.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio for the advanced copy.