cheyennedierker's reviews
125 reviews

"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.

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.

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.

Madeline Brimley inherits an eccentric bookstore in the small town of Enigma after her aunt Rose's death, but her plans for a fresh start are derailed by mysterious fires, threats, and a murder, compelling her to uncover deadly secrets to clear her name. 

If you enjoy cozy mysteries, consider giving this one a shot; it's the start of a series, with a straightforward and linear narrative following Madeline's time in Enigma as she interacts with townspeople and untangles the mystery. 

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Is it too early to renew my vows?

"Gorgeous Gatherings" is a visually stunning guidebook that showcases beautiful celebrations and offers practical advice from a top event planner on how to create unforgettable parties, with tips ranging from mood boards to choosing a tent to handling inclement weather. Whether you're a bride-to-be, in the event planning space, or a seasoned hostess, you'll enjoy the inspiration for creating memorable events. 

Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

"Say It With Flowers: The Secret Language of Bouquets" offers a glimpse into the world of floral communication through a collection of inspirational bouquet photos and accompanying heartfelt notes. Curated from NYC-based flower shop POPUPFLORIST, the book captures the diverse range of emotions and occasions for which people send flowers, from celebrations to apologies. The notes provide a touching insight into the human experience, adding depth to the floral arrangements showcased.

One notable aspect of the book is its practicality; it includes a glossary at the back detailing which flowers are most appropriate for different life situations. This addition enhances the book's charm, giving readers guidance on how to create their own meaningful bouquets. With its blend of inspiration and practicality, "Say It With Flowers" serves as a delightful guide for expressing sentiments through the language of flowers, offering interesting bouquet ideas alongside valuable floral knowledge.

Overall, "Say It With Flowers" is a pleasant and insightful read, featuring a variety of interesting bouquets and providing readers with the tools to convey their emotions through floral arrangements.

Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Margaret Atwood spins a darkly comedic tale of friendship, aging, and unexpected revenge. The story tracks a trio of elderly women as they grapple with the challenges of growing older and seek justice against men for past grievances against their friend. This short story delves into the complexities of human relationships, regret, the passage of time, and revenge. Odd and clever.

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the advanced copy.