Book Reviews
March reviews
SnapShot by Rich Etienne ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SnapShot by Rich Etienne, set in the aftermath of a terrorist attack on a convention center, follows the fast-paced 24-hour journey of ex-cop bodyguard Marshall and the social media idol he’s assigned to, Ilsa, as they dodge the dogs of trash mags and fame-seekers alike.
The short story is fit to burst with twists and turns, keeping me well-engaged with each new piece uncovered. I’m not usually a mystery or suspense kind of reader, I can be overly analytical of non-fantasy works, but Ilsa holds a certain quality I wanted to read more about; Etienne told how captivating Ilsa was to her audience, then he made it true. The terrorist subplot added mortal danger while the hunt for Ilsa’s head(shot) gave a sense of immediacy and tense feelings. I enjoyed the inventiveness and the mix of both old and new tech, and despite great changes each of the main characters go through the story felt mostly closed and whole at the end. Sure I had a question or two, but it’s almost more haunting for the circle to close, the last thought to bring back the beginning as if it would all happen again in a heartbeat. To them or to anyone.
It’s a current yet grown look at the stars of social media; you’re not following a teenager, you’re following someone with a past, with experience, and with plights unstoppably consumed by an ever-growing grey area.
February reviews
Cinder by Marissa Meyer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was not what I expected, and yes, in the happiest way possible. I listened to the audiobook of this one after years of rejecting an author with the last name of Meyer (Stephanie, look what you kept from me all this time), and found an amazing retelling, or rather reinvention. Cinder made me enjoy the tale of Cinderella, and somehow, allowed me to endure how many times Kai ran his hands through his hair. Top tier writing with the sci-fi royalty, joined nations, Asian culture focus, and space aspect that, similar to the real thing, kept the moon and its fictional inhabitants just out of reach.
It was interesting reading this in the middle of our own plague, which brought about the context for the only time I felt upset with Cinder. Read it and you’ll find the small moment, too. Other than that, each character is distinct, artful, and in no way drives you mad. They excite you. The journey, the secrets, the known-but-unknown tale all work together to keep you more than engaged. Marissa, bless you. I’m so happy to dive into the rest of the series.
Emily’s Dress and Other Missing Things by Kathryn Burak ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After years of searching through used book stores (because buying online is too easy?? Something is wrong with me) I found myself a copy of the book I’ve loved since 2013. Nothing, no one, has been a bigger inspiration for me to pick up my poetry again than Claire and Kathryn Burak. This is my ideal murder mystery, my ideal romance novel, my ideal study in Emily Dickinson’s work. Both when I was younger and then now that I’m older than Claire, she has never felt unrelatable.
The way Kathryn writes her and Tate together is sensitive, mature, and like a trapped animal all in one. They felt so real. Claire’s adoptive and hyperactive bestie who both takes care of and is taken care of by her, something not often seen. It’s not just the characters or the story, either. The poetry, the deep dives into Claire’s thoughts really do something to me as a writer, even before I fully accepted I was one. The story is beautifully paced, leaves out the right things and dwells on the best moments, and paints the full-cast struggle with depression, suicide, missing persons, the ones left behind, and finding your foothold in the social game again. I cannot love this book any more than I do, it will soon spill out through my eyes.
Curious as to why I’m reviewing books? I love reading as well as writing! I have to stay inspired and looking critically at other works helps focus me. If you’d like someone to look at your first few chapters or critique your writing, check out my services page and let’s talk.
Cover animation by Studio Saga