Adult Book Reviews

"Holly" by Stephen King follows Holly Gibney, a middle-aged woman employed at a detective agency. In the midst of the COVID 19 pandemic, a young woman goes missing, and in the wake of her mother's death, Holly is desperate to help. However, when one disappearance leads to another, Holly finds herself in over her head. With alternating perspectives between Holly, others in the detective agency, and even the killer themselves, suspense runs high as the culprit turns their attention to Holly herself to silence her once and for all.

I really love reading mystery books (especially ones about serial killers) and this book really was perfect to me. I haven't read any other of King's books, but this one was a great place to start, as his writing style, organization, and plot points were spot-on. Additionally, the fact that this book is set during the coronavirus pandemic makes it relatable for readers, drawing them in and adding a lot to the story. Overall, the intriguing concepts, haunting ending, and intricate clues linger with the reader long after the book has been finished. Although it may seem like a difficult read (the book is over 400 pages), "Holly" is absolutely worth it, and each page-turning chapter makes it nearly impossible to put the book down.

The Harpy is about a woman named Lucy. She lives somewhere in England with her husband, Jake, and her two kids. They live a decent life, until Lucy finds out about Jake's affair with a much older woman. Lucy falls to pieces, but feels somewhat relieved when her husband gives her permission to injure him 3 times, no more, no less. As Lucy juggles with her grief and the lives of her and her family, we learn about her lifelong connection to the harpies, bird-like creatures who terrorize disloyal men. With all the stress and anger bubbling up within her, in a story told in Lucy's point of view, I think it's safe to say that The Harpy is an amazing piece of literature.

The Martian follows the captivating story of Mark Watney, an astronaut left stranded on Mars. In the story, Watney has to figure out how to survive in the hostile environment of Mars with only a limited amount of supplies. All the while, NASA is working diligently to bring him back home.

I chose to read this book because I love science fiction and was intrigued by the position that Watney is placed in. I loved it because it shows the extent of human ingenuity and the things that one is able to do in extreme circumstances. The book also switches between the things that Watney is doing on Mars to try and stay alive and the things that NASA is doing to try and bring him back home safely, making the book hard to put down.

The only thing that I didn't like about the book is that there is a little bit of a lack of emotional depth in the book. Watney rarely shows signs of fear or despair despite being stranded on Mars for a long period of time, which is a bit unrealistic.

The Martian explores a possible future regarding space travel and exploration, and delves into some of the problems humanity may face while exploring. The book is very scientifically accurate and describes some processes in great detail, so if you're into STEM and are looking for a new book, you should definitely check out The Martian.

Hari Shin is desperate for money - so when her friend, Youngseo Jin, offers to pay her to attend a blind date, Hari accepts without thinking. She is confident that she can send the potential suitor packing (and have a little fun in the process!)...until her CEO, Taemu Kang shows up at the date. And for some reason, despite her best efforts, Taemu is determined to marry Hari! "A Business Proposal, Vol. 1" is a hilarious manhwa (Korean manga) that follows the adventures that Hari goes on as she tries her best to conceal her true identity - and navigates her feelings for Taemu.

Before reading "A Business Proposal, Vol. 1," I had actually watched the K-drama adaptation of the story first, and both versions are fun and addictive! There are ten volumes of this manhwa, allowing the reader to enjoy the amusing plot and lovable character across multiple books. "A Business Proposal" is a good choice for both people who are familiar with Korean culture, and for those who are not. The incorporation of cultural context is explained in the back of the book and adds a lot of character to the story. This is a relaxing and entertaining read and I definitely recommend both the manhwa and the K-drama to anyone who likes office rom-coms!

India’s vast political and culturally advanced populations were constructed by its series of emperors, sultans, and inhabitants that used the conquered land for their own purposes. Many of its great emperors such as Babur, Jahangir, and many others studied the religious practices throughout the sixteenth century and onwards. Michael H. Fisher uses original sources to recover the astounding complexity of the Mughal Empire.
I was interested in this book because of its relation to the Mongol Empire built upon by Chingis Khan. Though some rulers fascinated in the early Mongol Empire the Mughal Empire has an entirely different feel and succession process. This book is a great book to read!

This book was intoxicating and almost impossible to put down. There was excitement throughout the book with plot points that make you want to read for hours. The development of the characters during the story was interesting and really immerses you in their heads and the world. In this novel, Elayne works to secure the throne of Caemlyn while Perrin tries to rescue his wife and Mat runs from the Seanchan. Meanwhile Egwene attempts to pull down Elaida from her Seat but most importantly, Rand finds himself battling some of the Forsaken and clinging on to any reason to keep living and fighting for the Light. Oftentimes it gives days worth of food for thought. It constantly builds up to and leaves you craving to get to the ending to see what happens, and the ending does not disappoint. This book is a very satisfying read.

"Jurassic Park" by Michael Crichton follows Alan Grant (a paleontologist), Ellie Sattler (a paleobotanist), and Ian Malcom, (a mathematician) who have been invited to John Hammond's private island. But they are not prepared for what awaits them there; somehow, Hammond has found a way to bring back creatures that have been extinct for millions of years. Soon, Jurassic Park will be opened to the public, placing these newly-made dinosaurs on display for all to see. But the unpredictability of nature and the corruption within the park itself soon makes this adventure deadly. Now, the survivors on the island must find a way to escape - before it is too late.

I watched the movie adaptation of "Jurassic Park" before actually reading the book - and I was surprised to see that the original novel was even more chilling and captivating than the film had been. Normally, I don't read a lot of science fiction, but "Jurassic Park" has a completely different take on this genre. Not only is the possibility of scientific advancement - like genetically engineering dinosaurs - explored (which is especially relevant today!), but human nature and many deeper themes are also incorporated within this story. The disturbing and realistic notions and the page-turning plot makes this book an absolute must-read.

"Curtain - Poirot's Last Case" by Agatha Christie is another one of this author's must-reads. The reader is hooked from the start of the story as Hercule Poirot and his friend, Arthur Hastings, travel back to the location of their first case to face their most formidable enemy yet. Not only does this story incorporate Christie's signature touch, filling the reader with suspense and leaving them wanting more, but it also plays into the reader's emotional connections with the characters they have read so much about.

I have been obsessed with Agatha Christie and her timeless mysteries for a while now, and have fallen in love with Poirot, Hastings, and many more of her amazing characters. I recommend reading Curtain after enjoying some of Christie's other Poirot mysteries (especially Poirot's first case, "The Mysterious Affair At Styles"), as I had fallen in love with the character so much that the ending left me in tears. Each of her mysteries is both distinctive and flawless, each plot point perfectly executed.

"Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury is set in a futuristic world teetering on the edge of war. But for Guy Montag, the war feels like a distant problem compared to his own. He is a fireman, whose job is to burn any books and houses in which they were found. He does it without emotion, believing he is bettering society, until he meets a new neighbor, Clarisse McClellan, who changes his whole perspective on the world in which he lives, and makes him question everything he is told to believe. He begins to realize the true and terrible state of the world, and wonders if the books he destroys might be the solution. Guy Montag is a great character to watch develop, as he is relatable and flawed, but is still incredibly understandable, so you end up rooting for him to win. The writing style of the book is also amazing, full of convincing imagery and thought provoking ideas. I liked the book more as I read it and got to know the complex characters, and would recommend it to people looking for a short and interesting read.

Game of Crowns depicts the exhausting and pressuring lives of royals. Queen Elizabeth II, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Princess Kate. The ups and downs of their families and relationships are exhibited. #1 New York Times bestselling author Christopher Andersen explains differences between the three. Andersen's years as a biographer help him capture a detailed and almost first-hand perspective into the rivalries and bonds between the royal family.

I chose this book because of my interest in Princess Diana. Her death was really impactful for many countries and this particular book stood out to me because the author created a book specifically about Diana called, "The Day Diana Died." Although I had not read that book, I was sure that "Game of Crowns" would give a great perspective already about the late Princess of Wales. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the "drama" of the Royal Palace.

A telling tale on several eyewitness accounts, Susan Ronald, a biographer, shares her knowledge and research on Queen Elizabeth I. Ronald's account is written with hope that readers will see Elizabeth better as a result. Susan wants to take her readers into what it is like to live in the Elizabethan England.
1554, the execution of Lady Jane Grey is underway at the order of Queen Mary I or Bloody Mary who faces her untimely death four years later. Elizabeth, the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, is the next heir to the throne. Elizabeth's coronation as a Protestant savior was heavily supported by England's people. The days of Bloody Mary were gone and a young new queen is introduced. Queen Elizabeth I, intelligent, prepared, and "heretic," is ready to face the wars of religion. Elizabeth's uses her notable political tools to navigate her reign and support England's future.

I picked this book due to my knowledge of Henry VIII, Elizabeth's father. His famous six wives is what enticed me to read this book. Surprisingly, I was met with rather two mentions of him in the entire book. I realized Elizabeth's life isn't defined by her father and her famous mother Anne Boleyn, but by the decisions she made during her forty four years as queen of England. I enjoyed hearing about her decisions for marriage and her desire for Sir Robert Dudley. Elizabeth's years as a virgin queen was very interesting too. The book cannot be totally predictable since it is history. This is the best nonfiction book I've read this year.

The Hobbit is a well-known book, widely considered a classic by many people. It takes place in J.R.R. Tolkien's fictional world, Middle-earth, and follows the hobbit Bilbo Baggins, who also makes an appearance as a side character in the author's series, The Lord of the Rings. The novel is an adventure in which the wizard Gandalf convinces Bilbo to join him and twelve dwarves in hopes of finally being able to infiltrate their stolen home on Lonely Mountain to reclaim their treasure and take down the dragon Smaug. The group embarks on a journey, traveling to many different places, discovering objects that could help them on their mission, and facing obstacles along the way. It's a complex story with diverse and unique concepts that set it apart from some other novels of a similar genre.
While I enjoyed the story and the world-building, along with its distinctive plot, I wasn't very familiar with the story's writing style, and it was slightly difficult to understand the story at times. Another part that slightly threw me off was the characters' voices and personalities. It was a bit difficult to grasp their individual traits, which is something I tend to look for a lot in stories. Sometimes they seemed to break character or switch between two character tropes, which was a little confusing. However, those points were likely because of my unfamiliarity with the author's writing, as The Hobbit was the first of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books I’ve read. Other than that, the novel was a very good read that I enjoyed, from the world-building to the deeper themes of greed, bravery, and heroism. The contrast between Bilbo around the beginning of the story and around the end shows the character development in Bilbo over the course of the story and contributes to the impact of the story. The events were also written very well, and the adventure was exciting. The mood and tone were also described in a way that strengthened the imagery and made it more vivid. Overall, it was a good read, and I would definitely recommend it for those who enjoy books with a mix of adventure and fantasy with deeper under

Britney Griner is used to the endless pressure from her father, coaches, and peers. The WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist reflects on battles she has faced both on and off the court. Griner fights for social issues that started from her college Baylor University in Waco, TX’s homosexuality policy to her image on the Phoenix Mercury team with Dina Taurasi. Griner's ability to black out family drama and relationship struggles once she steps on the court really attracts readers. Readers are reminded to embrace who they are.
In all honesty, this memoir felt very close to home. I chose this book because of the real-life topics included. I enjoyed Griner's connection to her childhood. However, I would have been more intrigued on a deeper analysis on her detention in Russia, this book surprised me. I related to her emotional struggles and writing her feelings away. This book was one of the best books I’ve read this year!

Imagine being violently thrust overboard into the ocean and taken aboard a mysterious submersible inhabited by a man filled with vengeance and brilliance. This is exactly what happened to Pierre Aronnax, a french naturalist and assistant professor at the Paris Museum of Natural History in the book 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The book starts by describing very odd occurrences happening at sea thought to be caused by a massive sea creature. Aronnax and his friend Conseil set off on an expedition to find and kill the beast. What they don’t know is this is a much different kind of beast. One made of steel and brimming with the power and knowledge of its creator. This beast, the Nautilus, becomes their captor and their home as they journey through the ocean’s depths. This is a classic tale of adventure, excitement, and revenge. I really enjoyed how this novel is very quick to action. The story begins almost instantly. While this novel is among my top favorite books, I did not appreciate some of the racist depictions of the natives inhabiting Papau New Guinea, which did not age well. This book is a perfect quick read for kids or adults seeking a fun narrative about adventure. I believe that this book is a fantastic book, and my favorite classic. Overall, this book is a wonderful and insightful story full of imagination and excitement.

His Majesty's Dragon follows British Navy Captain William Laurence after he captures a dragon egg from a French ship. This book takes place during the Napoleonic wars, and instead of airplanes European air forces use dragons. Laurence must leave his comfortable life behind when he is required to become the dragon's master. Laurence befriends the dragon (named Temeraire) and together the two learn how to fight alongside other dragon's and their riders against France.

I found this book very enjoyable. The characters, the plot, the writing style, and of course the dragons made me enjoy the story as I was reading it. However, it had a slower pacing compared to other books I read which sometimes made it hard for me to pick up the book. I also found the descriptions of how the dragons are ridden into battle confusing, and I wish the author had used a more clear explanation.

If you are a fan of historical fiction and fantasy, I think this is a great mix of both genres. It is slow at times but still an interesting read, which is why I rated it 4 stars.

I would say I enjoyed this book. It's about a small group of people, but mainly a young Nick Carraway and a Jay Gatsby. One thing I like about the book is the complex relationships across the characters. Their interactions with each other as the story progresses become more interesting as you learn more. There were some parts during the reading when I got confused by the plot, but that was probably just me. I also feel that towards the end, the plot moves way quicker and intensifies in drama. I would recommend it to anyone who hasn't read it because it's just a classic American novel.

This book is a good resource historically. Hosseini's writing provides a good perspective of what it's like to have lived in Afghanistan. The story itself is interesting. There is plenty of text to analyze about the struggles of an impending war, which I think is good to gain understanding from other cultures. However, I found that there were some scenes throughout the book that were unnecessary. They were a part of the story but went into extreme detail that made me uncomfortable and covered very mature topics. Overall, I give this a three. It's not bad, just not my cup of tea, so I wouldn't be recommending it to someone myself.

I don’t know about other readers, but generally, as soon as a jacket blurb mentions something like “intergenerational saga” or “centuries-long family lore,” I roll my eyes and drop the book like the proverbial hot potato, sure it’s going to tax me with keeping track of 27 characters and five time periods. For whatever reason, this time, I kept reading past that ominous descriptor, and I’m so glad I did as Margaret Wilkerson Sexton’s moving and engrossing novel, The Revisioners, is one of the best I have read in recent years.

Chapters rotate across three time periods and center on two main characters, Josephine, who was born into slavery but who claims freedom at an early age and lives a long life in Louisiana, and Ava, her great, great-granddaughter, who lives in contemporary New Orleans with her pre-teen son and—in an unexpected twist that becomes increasingly unsettling—her wealthy, white paternal grandmother with dementia. In addition, both Josephine’s and Ava’s own mothers feature vividly in their respective chapters, deepening the layers of national and personal history that Sexton so realistically and poignantly depicts. The maternal line in this family is also characterized by certain gifts of understanding and sight, both earthly and other-earthly, which create a shadowy but certain bond that steadily solidifies among the women as the plot progresses.

Conflicts between our protagonists and somewhat minor but all too powerful white characters in all time periods make for suspenseful, unsettling scenes and, as you might expect, lead to heartbreak and trauma for both Josephine and Ava. Believe me, I cried (well, even sobbed) more than once at the outcome of certain events, but Sexton isn’t after “easy tears”; they would be pointless if not accompanied by genuine acknowledgment of and determination not to hide from our nation’s painful and shameful past, especially on the part of white readers. Even so, the novel’s conclusion (in Ava’s time/place) points towards healing and hope for this family that has endured so much.

I won’t spoil the surprise of the title’s origin and its place in this book (or in which of the three generations of Black American women it is featured), but I found this plot-dependent entity and the way it informs and almost foretells key characters’ lives one of the most poignant and satisfying conceits Sexton employs. I couldn’t recommend this book more emphatically for anyone looking for a serious and unforgettable, not to mention timely, contribution to American literature.

If you are a fan of Janet Evanovich/Stephanie Plum, you will love Finlay Donovan! Finlay is a freshly divorced single mother of two and a struggling novelist. Somehow she gets mistaken for a contract killer and "accepts" a job to get rid of a problem husband. This is when the craziness ensues! There is a fun cast of characters - the ex-husband, the mysterious nanny, and a sexy cop! A fun, fast read!

Calling all Jane Austen fans! See the world of Pride and Prejudice through the eyes of Mary Bennet, the oft-overlooked, bookish, and socially awkward middle sister. Watch as she steps out of the shadow of her more charming sisters forging her own path as an independent woman. Loved that I could dive back into the Austen world and that Mary Bennett got the story she deserves!

Our relationship to where we live is so multilayered. As a fellow resident of the front range I savored how Camille Dungy ‘spoke my language’ as much as she brought aliveness to her own experience and our current, heartbreakingly fractured American existence. Highly recommend.

The magical story of Alma, who sees the world with childlike wonder. Living in a simpler world around the turn of the last century, her fascination and passion for working with moss is a unique backdrop for a tale of a woman's growth, empowerment, and reflection amidst a burgeoning world of scientific advancements and great changes in world philosophies.

Ten strangers, all holding secrets are invited to an island together. No one knows the man that invited them and soon they will all reveal that they are trapped there. They will have to find creative approaches to make sense of what will happen on that island before all of them are gone. And Then There Were None by world-renowned author Agatha Christie is another great murder mystery. Throughout the entire book you will be thinking of who the murderer is, and every twist and turn will put you on the edge of your seat. This is an amazing book and murder mystery lovers would really enjoy this book.

This book was weird.
It felt like a windstorm of ideas blowing in my face; a mad prophet's ravings before catastrophe, and a tangled mess of actions and consequences - but somehow they all connected together? It was a bit of an experience.
Grasshopper Jungle is a story about the end of the world, but like many teen novels, it is simply a backdrop to Austin's personal dramas. One of its tags on Libby is "humor" but I think it's more of a tragedy if anything. The main character and his best friend inadvertently bring about an apocalypse by way of 6-foot tall, ravenous grasshoppers after accidentally breaking a jar they really shouldn't have broken.
The book weaves together the stories of Austin, his childhood experiences, as well as those of his brother, Polish ancestor, the mutant grasshoppers, and random strangers around town (such as his principal, his friend's mom's boyfriend, and a vulgar policeman being memorable ones). It's a lot.
I found this story's distinctive style very difficult to tear myself away from. It was authentic to the protagonist's personality, and it reminded me of the narration of classic epics. It stands out in its themes of memory, religious trauma, sexuality, and identity (and somehow being an apocalyptic story as well). The symbolism was uncanny, and the way the outside world and past timelines mirrored Austin's mental state was very artistic and unique.
Onto my criticisms and confusions: #1 has to be the male characters. I think that every single male character in this story thinks constantly about every other character in a grossly objectifying way. Honestly though, this applies to most of the female characters as well, who are just as lustfully self-interested. Very interesting, but it was a... strange experience to read the nuanced and morally grey portrayal of Austin's ancestor, a gay man who had not-consensual relations with a woman to see if he could "love" anyone other than his dead Communist lover.
Austin himself relates to this ancestor because he, too, is "confused". His gay best friend Robby continually makes advances on Austin, and Austin reciprocates because he is completely in love with Robby. He is also in love with his girlfriend, who doesn't take too kindly to the fact that Austin has kissed Robby during their relationship. Austin even documents the POV of the murderous, bi-curious, mutant grasshoppers.
The ending was extremely abrupt. I'll admit, I was glued to this book for the last quarter, and the ending made me stand up and think "what in the world did I just read". However, in all honesty, it very much suited the style of the book. It never deviates from being a chronicle of the end of the world, and the world around Austin certainly comes crashing down.
Grasshopper Jungle is a weird book that made me think, and I don't regret reading it. It is quite graphic, but if you're interested in this swarm of a book, I highly recommend reading it and forming your own opinion. I might read the sequel, but I'm a bit afraid of what it might hold.

This book is very, very good. While I tend to steer away from biographies and non fiction literature, this book was very interesting and fun to read. Exploring Trevor Noah’s childhood-young adulthood, this book educates its readers on the racial and violent issues that occurred during the apartheid era within South Africa. This book is extremely well written and often times witty. It had me laughing, then crying, then laughing again. I really recommend it!

I loved this book! The writing is excellent and it has a very unique storyline. The main character of the novel is Williams, a butler that takes care of a wealthy manor. However, Williams struggles to separate his work and life. While he is very proud of himself and the work he accomplishes, he struggles to obtain things that other humans find joy through such as: hobbies, a lover, a family, etc. I’ve never read a book like this before, and I can see why it’s so well-known and critically acclaimed!

I really enjoyed reading this book! Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' is a classic novel that everyone knows. It's a tale about Victor Frankenstein, a scientist, and how he creates life. Except it's made from body parts. What I liked about reading this is that this is the original. Young readers don't really know about all the other complex parts of the story. It was so interesting to read and learn about a narrative I never knew before. More on the plot, it's about how Victor creates a creature and then the seemingly endless and terrifying consequences.
However, this book is incredibly hard to read. The old way it's written makes it easier to get lost or not completely understand what happened. There's a lot of words I had to look up, but the context also helps decipher it. One of my favorite parts of the book is the building suspense. Ultimately, I think this book has so much beauty, because of all the emotions I had while reading it and the message it carries about human nature.

Written in the “stream of consciousness” style, this book is very interesting, but honestly hard to read. There are 6 characters who we follow. Starting when they’re pre-schooler age, to their deaths. Each character has definitive characteristics. I believe each character is supposed to be relatable to in some way, as many of them battle with insecurities, self-comparisons, passions, depression, etc. The writing itself is very good, but it just wasn’t my favorite.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë is a masterpiece! I definitely see why it is such a well known novel. However, it is a Victorian gothic novel, so it does explore uncomfortable themes such as incest and abuse. However, it doesn’t delve into them in a way that’s triggering or uncomfortable. This novel focuses on the Earnshaws, a wealthy family that owns the manor Wuthering Heights. While the family of four once lived happily, one night their father returns home with a new child named Heathcliff. A darker-skinned child from unknown origins. As the child adapts to his new environment, facing abuse and belittlement, he begins to slowly take over the manor. This story is super interesting if you’re interested in dramatic stories! I’d definitely recommend, just be wary of any uncomfortable themes. :)

I recently had to read this novel for a class, and I have to say it is very good! While it explores complicated themes such as visibility, African-American movements/social standing, and life in early 1900’s America, it communicates the hardships and intricacies extremely well. The narrator, a black man in the early 1930’s-1940’s, loses his memory of his early life, including his family and even name. He travels through America; experiencing, learning, and exploring what his new life has to offer. Every experience is different, yet still very interesting, which made it feel like I was almost reading separate stories! Yet, it didn’t feel choppy or fragmented in the least. So, I’d highly recommend! I’ve never read any other book like this, and it definitely taught me a lot.