I wasn't too keen on Carly Cooper, the main character of the book. She is definitely someone you don't bring home to meet your mother. She's quite promiscuous and that's putting it lightly. She changed her men more than she changed her underwear and I just couldn't keep up with all of the different characters. I also had a hard time getting into the book until three quarters of the way through, when Carly started to meet her exes. That was the only juicy part of the book. There is another book in this series but I'm still contemplating if I want to read it. If it's anything like the first few chapters of 'What If?' I think I'll end up gouging my eyes out and calling it a DNF.
"Memory - a trusted friend or an erratic and unreliable commentator?"
This line echoes throughout the novel as Jack wrestles with the fragments of his past, unsure whether what he remembers is truth or simply a comforting fiction.
Geoff Price's novel is a quiet meditation on the fleeting nature of memory and the bittersweet impermanence of family. A bit slow to start but still enough to keep your attention. Set in North London in 1990, the story unfolds over the course of a single afternoon, yet it spans decades of emotional weight. Jack, a widower, is visited by a young woman with questions that stir up long buried recollections - some tender, others unsettling. As their conversation unfolds, Jack is forced to confront the reliability of his own memories and the possibilities that he's been hiding something even from himself.
I absolutely adored Jack. His character was written with warmth and humanity. Despite his confusion and emotional guardedness, he radiated a quiet kindness. He's the kind of character anyone would want as a grandfather - gentle, thoughtful, admirable and cherished . His vulnerability made him relatable, and his moments of reflection were deeply moving.
The book poignantly captures how memories - especially those tied to loved ones - can vanish as quickly as they surface. Jack's struggle to recall events from 35 years ago is not just about facts; it's about the emotional erosion that time brings. Family, too, is portrayed as something fragile: present in show more one moment, then lost to time, distance, or silence.
"The Search" doesn't just shout - it whispers. It's a story for readers who appreciate emotional depth over dramatic twists. If you've ever felt the ache of forgetting or the longing for someone who's no longer there, this book will resonate. It made me stop a few times and ponder when my own similar memories came to the forefront. As if this novel dropped from the universe at this exact moment in time to help me process events happening, in my life currently, that I don't want to accept.
I'd like to thank the author and LibraryThing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. show less
This line echoes throughout the novel as Jack wrestles with the fragments of his past, unsure whether what he remembers is truth or simply a comforting fiction.
Geoff Price's novel is a quiet meditation on the fleeting nature of memory and the bittersweet impermanence of family. A bit slow to start but still enough to keep your attention. Set in North London in 1990, the story unfolds over the course of a single afternoon, yet it spans decades of emotional weight. Jack, a widower, is visited by a young woman with questions that stir up long buried recollections - some tender, others unsettling. As their conversation unfolds, Jack is forced to confront the reliability of his own memories and the possibilities that he's been hiding something even from himself.
I absolutely adored Jack. His character was written with warmth and humanity. Despite his confusion and emotional guardedness, he radiated a quiet kindness. He's the kind of character anyone would want as a grandfather - gentle, thoughtful, admirable and cherished . His vulnerability made him relatable, and his moments of reflection were deeply moving.
The book poignantly captures how memories - especially those tied to loved ones - can vanish as quickly as they surface. Jack's struggle to recall events from 35 years ago is not just about facts; it's about the emotional erosion that time brings. Family, too, is portrayed as something fragile: present in show more one moment, then lost to time, distance, or silence.
"The Search" doesn't just shout - it whispers. It's a story for readers who appreciate emotional depth over dramatic twists. If you've ever felt the ache of forgetting or the longing for someone who's no longer there, this book will resonate. It made me stop a few times and ponder when my own similar memories came to the forefront. As if this novel dropped from the universe at this exact moment in time to help me process events happening, in my life currently, that I don't want to accept.
I'd like to thank the author and LibraryThing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. show less
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
I started this book over a year ago and just now finished. It put me in the biggest reading slump and to be honest I can't remember half of what I read, so this review is going to be quite bland. I do remember the book being ridiculously slow, nothing to hold my attention, the characters were boring, especially Jody, and I'm forever thankful I never need to see the cover of this book on my screen again.
The Boss is a psychological thriller that revolves around two women, Alice and Nicole, who work for the same beauty company and share a past with the same man. Alice is the new executive sales director who hopes to impress her boss Nicole, who happens to be her husband's ex-fiancé. Nicole is a ruthless and manipulative president who has a hidden agenda for hiring Alice and won't let her quit without ruining her life.
I gave this book 3 stars because it had some good elements, such as the suspense, the twists, and the tension. The author, James Caine, knows how to keep the reader hooked and guessing until the end. However, I also found some flaws in the book, such as the grammatical errors, the unrealistic police investigation, and the loose ends that were not resolved by the end. Some of the characters' actions and motivations did not make sense to me and I felt that they were not well-developed.
Overall, The Boss is a fast-paced and entertaining read, but not a very convincing or satisfying one. It is a good choice for fans of psychological thrillers who are looking for a quick and easy escape, but not for those who are looking for a deeper and more realistic story.
I'd like to thank the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review, which was not influenced in any shape or form.
I gave this book 3 stars because it had some good elements, such as the suspense, the twists, and the tension. The author, James Caine, knows how to keep the reader hooked and guessing until the end. However, I also found some flaws in the book, such as the grammatical errors, the unrealistic police investigation, and the loose ends that were not resolved by the end. Some of the characters' actions and motivations did not make sense to me and I felt that they were not well-developed.
Overall, The Boss is a fast-paced and entertaining read, but not a very convincing or satisfying one. It is a good choice for fans of psychological thrillers who are looking for a quick and easy escape, but not for those who are looking for a deeper and more realistic story.
I'd like to thank the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review, which was not influenced in any shape or form.
Tears of the Silenced: An Amish True Crime Memoir of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Brutal Betrayal, and Ultimate Survival by Misty Griffin
Wow!
How can you put a rating on someone's life? I commend Misty for having the courage to sit, write, and relive her world of trauma all over again. If I had to choose one word to describe Misty it would be BRAVE! Her memoir brought an array of different emotions and I will warn if you have childhood trauma be prepared to also ride this rogue wave of emotions, that at times had me laughing, angry, sad, feeling nauseous, highly anxious, and having watery eyes with silenced tears myself, plus many more, but I kept reading as I couldn't put the book down. I finished within two days.
Thank you Misty for sharing. I know from experience it is not easy but seems to get a bit easier every time your story is shared and spoken about. I'm over here praying and hoping that a second volume will come about. Only this time it starts with Samantha calling you. Even though I was so incredibly happy with this ending, THAT would be bittersweet.
How can you put a rating on someone's life? I commend Misty for having the courage to sit, write, and relive her world of trauma all over again. If I had to choose one word to describe Misty it would be BRAVE! Her memoir brought an array of different emotions and I will warn if you have childhood trauma be prepared to also ride this rogue wave of emotions, that at times had me laughing, angry, sad, feeling nauseous, highly anxious, and having watery eyes with silenced tears myself, plus many more, but I kept reading as I couldn't put the book down. I finished within two days.
Thank you Misty for sharing. I know from experience it is not easy but seems to get a bit easier every time your story is shared and spoken about. I'm over here praying and hoping that a second volume will come about. Only this time it starts with Samantha calling you. Even though I was so incredibly happy with this ending, THAT would be bittersweet.
This book is used to study for the TExES Core Subjects EC-6 391 exam and I was very impressed by its quality and content. The book covers all five subject areas that are tested on the exam: English Language Arts and Reading, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Fine Arts. The book also includes two full-length practice tests with detailed explanations and online access to additional resources such as flashcards, study guides, and test tips.
The book is very well organized and easy to follow. The chapters are divided into sections that correspond to the exam domains and competencies. Each section has a summary, key terms, review questions, and sample questions. The book also has clear and conscious explanations of the concepts and skills that are required for the exam. The book uses examples, diagrams, tables, and charts to illustrate the information and make it easier to understand.
The book is not perfect, though. There were some minor errors and typos in the book, such as incorrect answers, missing words, or wrong references. Some of the questions were too easy or too hard compared to the actual exam. Some of the explanations were too brief or too complex. I also wish the book had more visuals, such as maps, graphs, or pictures, to enhance the learning experience.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is preparing for the TExES Core Subjects EC-6 391 exam. It is a comprehensive and helpful study guide that covers all the essential content and skills. It show more is not flawless, but it is definitely worth the money and the time. show less
The book is very well organized and easy to follow. The chapters are divided into sections that correspond to the exam domains and competencies. Each section has a summary, key terms, review questions, and sample questions. The book also has clear and conscious explanations of the concepts and skills that are required for the exam. The book uses examples, diagrams, tables, and charts to illustrate the information and make it easier to understand.
The book is not perfect, though. There were some minor errors and typos in the book, such as incorrect answers, missing words, or wrong references. Some of the questions were too easy or too hard compared to the actual exam. Some of the explanations were too brief or too complex. I also wish the book had more visuals, such as maps, graphs, or pictures, to enhance the learning experience.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is preparing for the TExES Core Subjects EC-6 391 exam. It is a comprehensive and helpful study guide that covers all the essential content and skills. It show more is not flawless, but it is definitely worth the money and the time. show less
Whew! Thank goodness this only lasted forty couple pages, otherwise I seriously would have had to DNF and I never do that. The writing was HORRIBLE! My daughter in grade school could've done better. There's no way an editor read over this, or the author herself even did a second look over before sending it to be published. How does something like this even get published? Really? That's an honest question? I think they let anyone become an "author" these days.
[Putting the writing to the side] As for the actual book itself based on the story, it was a bleak summary of her first 50 years of life. The book did offer an inspiring story, and I'm glad the author has overcome the obstacles and hardships she endured. I wish the author would've gone into more detail because this was more of a nuanced storytelling.
I'd like to thank the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
[Putting the writing to the side] As for the actual book itself based on the story, it was a bleak summary of her first 50 years of life. The book did offer an inspiring story, and I'm glad the author has overcome the obstacles and hardships she endured. I wish the author would've gone into more detail because this was more of a nuanced storytelling.
I'd like to thank the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
This was my first time reading a book by this author. I was unimpressed, to say the least! đ„±
I found it hard to get into the story. The premise sounded intriguing: a couple trapped in a house with the secrets of a missing psychiatrist. But the execution was disappointing. The characters were bland, the dialogue was unrealistic, and the plot was predictable. I kept falling asleep while listening to the audiobook and had to rewind it several times. The only reason I finished it was because I wanted to know the truth about Dr. Haleâs disappearance. But even that was anticlimactic and unsatisfying. This book was not for me, but maybe others will enjoy it more.
I found it hard to get into the story. The premise sounded intriguing: a couple trapped in a house with the secrets of a missing psychiatrist. But the execution was disappointing. The characters were bland, the dialogue was unrealistic, and the plot was predictable. I kept falling asleep while listening to the audiobook and had to rewind it several times. The only reason I finished it was because I wanted to know the truth about Dr. Haleâs disappearance. But even that was anticlimactic and unsatisfying. This book was not for me, but maybe others will enjoy it more.
One star is pushing it!
First and foremost, the only reason I did not DNF this is because I have an asinine rule of thumb that "no book gets left behind". I know, I know, it's ridiculous but for some gawd awful reason, I just can NOT bring myself to do it. After three months of dusting this book off each week and dreading having to return to my nightstand, this book couldn't have ended any sooner!
Now for my review...
The Shallows is a thriller that tries to explore the dark secrets and lies of the wealthy elite in Sydney, but fails to deliver any suspense, originality, or depth. The plot revolves around Emma, whose best friend Ariella is murdered, and her husband Charles, forces them to flee on their yacht. The book is full of clichés, stereotypes, and implausible twists that make the characters unlikable and the story unbelievable. The writing is bland, repetitive, and full of errors. The book is a shallow attempt at creating a gripping thriller, but it only succeeds in boring and frustrating the reader. I would not recommend this book to anyone who enjoys well-written, intelligent, and realistic thrillers.
First and foremost, the only reason I did not DNF this is because I have an asinine rule of thumb that "no book gets left behind". I know, I know, it's ridiculous but for some gawd awful reason, I just can NOT bring myself to do it. After three months of dusting this book off each week and dreading having to return to my nightstand, this book couldn't have ended any sooner!
Now for my review...
The Shallows is a thriller that tries to explore the dark secrets and lies of the wealthy elite in Sydney, but fails to deliver any suspense, originality, or depth. The plot revolves around Emma, whose best friend Ariella is murdered, and her husband Charles, forces them to flee on their yacht. The book is full of clichés, stereotypes, and implausible twists that make the characters unlikable and the story unbelievable. The writing is bland, repetitive, and full of errors. The book is a shallow attempt at creating a gripping thriller, but it only succeeds in boring and frustrating the reader. I would not recommend this book to anyone who enjoys well-written, intelligent, and realistic thrillers.
It's always a challenge for me to rate a memoir because how do you "rate" someone's life experiences? BUT I will say I've learned that I shouldn't necessarily be rating their life but moreso I should be rating the book itself. Not the author but the author's writing/language style, characters, engaging plot, setting, pacing, thorough editing, research and overall enjoyment are a few of the basic aspects I critique.
With that being said...
I have always admired Britney Spears as a pop icon and now a survivor. I do feel horrible for Britney, as no person should ever have to live through the experiences she passed for. I respect her courage and resilience to sit down and relive the pain. That is never an easy task. In doing so, I hope this book helps others that might relate. I'm incredibly happy for her that she now can live freely and continue to heal, BUT this book just didn't cut it for me.
I was curious and eager to read Britney Spear's memoir, The Woman in Me, to get some insight into her life and care and how she overcame the challenges she faced. Unfortunately, I felt like this was a self-indulgent rant than a genuine reflection. The book is poorly written, with many grammatical errors, repetitions, and contradictions. Spears jumps from one topic to another, without any clear structure or coherence. She spends a lot of time blaming others for her problems, especially her father, who she portrays as a greedy and abusive villain, but I kept asking myself, "Why do you keep show more staying and dealing with the nonsense?" She also paints herself as a victim of the media, the public, and the legal system, without acknowledging her own mistakes or responsibilities. The book lacks depth and honesty, as Spears glosses over many important aspects of her life, such as her marriages, her children, her mental health, and her music. She does not offer any meaningful insights into her creative process, her artistic influences, or her musical legacy. She also does not address some of the controversial issues that have surrounded her, such as her lip-syncing. her sexualization, and her cultural appropriation. The book is full of clichés, platitudes, and self-praise, as Spears tries to convince the reader that she is a strong, independent, and spiritual woman. She repeats the same phrases over and over, such as "I am a fighter", "I am a survivor", "I am a mother", "I am a woman", etc. She also quotes a lot of song lyrics, Bible verses, and inspirational quotes, without explaining how they relate to her life or what they mean to her. The book is not a memoir, but a propaganda piece, aimed at boosting Spears's image and career, and gaining sympathy and support from her fans. It does not reveal the real woman behind the pop star, but a carefully crafted persona that Spears wants the world to see. It is a disappointing and frustrating read, that does not do justice to Spears's talent and achievements, or to the complexity and challenges of her life. show less
With that being said...
I have always admired Britney Spears as a pop icon and now a survivor. I do feel horrible for Britney, as no person should ever have to live through the experiences she passed for. I respect her courage and resilience to sit down and relive the pain. That is never an easy task. In doing so, I hope this book helps others that might relate. I'm incredibly happy for her that she now can live freely and continue to heal, BUT this book just didn't cut it for me.
I was curious and eager to read Britney Spear's memoir, The Woman in Me, to get some insight into her life and care and how she overcame the challenges she faced. Unfortunately, I felt like this was a self-indulgent rant than a genuine reflection. The book is poorly written, with many grammatical errors, repetitions, and contradictions. Spears jumps from one topic to another, without any clear structure or coherence. She spends a lot of time blaming others for her problems, especially her father, who she portrays as a greedy and abusive villain, but I kept asking myself, "Why do you keep show more staying and dealing with the nonsense?" She also paints herself as a victim of the media, the public, and the legal system, without acknowledging her own mistakes or responsibilities. The book lacks depth and honesty, as Spears glosses over many important aspects of her life, such as her marriages, her children, her mental health, and her music. She does not offer any meaningful insights into her creative process, her artistic influences, or her musical legacy. She also does not address some of the controversial issues that have surrounded her, such as her lip-syncing. her sexualization, and her cultural appropriation. The book is full of clichés, platitudes, and self-praise, as Spears tries to convince the reader that she is a strong, independent, and spiritual woman. She repeats the same phrases over and over, such as "I am a fighter", "I am a survivor", "I am a mother", "I am a woman", etc. She also quotes a lot of song lyrics, Bible verses, and inspirational quotes, without explaining how they relate to her life or what they mean to her. The book is not a memoir, but a propaganda piece, aimed at boosting Spears's image and career, and gaining sympathy and support from her fans. It does not reveal the real woman behind the pop star, but a carefully crafted persona that Spears wants the world to see. It is a disappointing and frustrating read, that does not do justice to Spears's talent and achievements, or to the complexity and challenges of her life. show less
The Boss is a psychological thriller that revolves around two women, Alice and Nicole, who work for the same beauty company and share a past with the same man. Alice is the new executive sales director who hopes to impress her boss Nicole, who happens to be her husband's ex-fiancé. Nicole is a ruthless and manipulative president who has a hidden agenda for hiring Alice and won't let her quit without ruining her life.
I gave this book 3 stars because it had some good elements, such as the suspense, the twists, and the tension. The author, James Caine, knows how to keep the reader hooked and guessing until the end. However, I also found some flaws in the book, such as the grammatical errors, the unrealistic police investigation, and the loose ends that were not resolved by the end. Some of the characters' actions and motivations did not make sense to me and I felt that they were not well-developed.
Overall, The Boss is a fast-paced and entertaining read, but not a very convincing or satisfying one. It is a good choice for fans of psychological thrillers who are looking for a quick and easy escape, but not for those who are looking for a deeper and more realistic story.
** I'd like to thank the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review, which was not influenced in any way, shape, or form. **
I gave this book 3 stars because it had some good elements, such as the suspense, the twists, and the tension. The author, James Caine, knows how to keep the reader hooked and guessing until the end. However, I also found some flaws in the book, such as the grammatical errors, the unrealistic police investigation, and the loose ends that were not resolved by the end. Some of the characters' actions and motivations did not make sense to me and I felt that they were not well-developed.
Overall, The Boss is a fast-paced and entertaining read, but not a very convincing or satisfying one. It is a good choice for fans of psychological thrillers who are looking for a quick and easy escape, but not for those who are looking for a deeper and more realistic story.
** I'd like to thank the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review, which was not influenced in any way, shape, or form. **