oceanwriter's reviews
705 reviews

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann

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dark informative mysterious sad tense medium-paced

4.0

Living on oil-rich land, the Osage Indians had a fortune. Unfortunately, this fortune was largely monitored and limited by the government. When members of the tribe begin dying under mysterious circumstances, it calls for investigation. 
 
I found the book to be informative and I was particularly invested in the first part of the book. Once it switched to part two, I struggled to get used to the new perspective and narration which was particularly distracting while listening to the audiobook and the narrators changed. Still, I learned a lot and my heart breaks for the Osage people, not only for their losses but also for the mistreatment and conservatorship they were subjected to. 
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Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen

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challenging dark informative tense fast-paced

5.0

I’ve been an avid reader of Annie Jacobsen’s books and this one stands out among them all. Though she lays out a hypothetical armageddon, there is an element of unsettling reality to it. It only takes one nation’s decision and six minutes following for life on Earth to change forever — if not completely eradicate it completely. 
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The Booklover's Library by Madeline Martin

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emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Widowed and left to take care of her young daughter Olivia on her own, Emma struggles to find work. Eventually, she finds a job at a library. But the onset of war makes being a single parent even more difficult. Olivia is eventually sent to the country, but fearing she’s losing her daughter to another woman’s affections, Emma sends for her, feeling London must be safe enough from the battlefield. 
 
At the library, Emma discusses books with the patrons and coworkers as well as trying to solve the mystery of missing and misplaced books. Though she forges friendships and support systems, working in the library reminds her of harsh memories. 
 
I was far more interested in the Emma and Olivia storyline, but the library added a nice backdrop to the story. I loved the emphasis on the mother/daughter relationship and could find myself relating to Olivia’s situation in a lot of ways. This is the second book by Madeline Martin I’ve read this year and I’m really enjoying her writing. 
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Carry the Cross with Padre Pio: Daily Reflections for Lent by Susan De Bartoli

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informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

In this Lenten guide, we get a mini-biography about Padre Pio’s life as well as prayers and reflections inspired by his writings. Padre Pio is a perfect saint to call upon during the season of Lent. Even if you choose not to read in preparation for Easter (as I have), there is a lot to be gained in this reading.

If you’re unfamiliar with Padre Pio’s life, this book is a great introduction. Each day visits a time in this great saint’s life, often through the letters to his spiritual director. As a Lenten guide, it provides thoughtful meditation. I’ve read other similar guides, however, Padre Pio’s life and mystical gifts inspire a unique, and, I feel, deeper experience.

I will certainly be revisiting this during Lent.

Thanks to Ave Marie Press and NetGalley for providing a free digital ARC. I have also preordered two physical copies — one for my household and another as a gift. 
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A Map to Paradise by Susan Meissner

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Blacklisted from Hollywood in the Cold War climate and suspected of consorting with Communists, Melanie has little company anymore aside from her neighbor, Elwood. Given Elwood is agoraphobic and doesn’t leave the house, Melanie finds cause for concern when she suddenly can’t find him. Because of this, Melanie forges an unexpected friendship with June, Elwood’s sister-in-law, and also Eva, a maid and immigrant with secrets of her own. 
 
I enjoyed the time and setting of this book as the novels I typically read involving Hollywood are set in the Golden Age. It was a complex era for not only Hollywood but also America. The plot itself was intriguing, too, albeit I struggled with the plausibility of it. 
 
It felt like this book was trying to explore a lot of different areas which made it a bit hectic, but it thankfully was written in a way where the reader isn’t yanked back and forth between it all. What, unfortunately, hindered my enjoyment the most is the political tension which is to be expected, of course. Had I realized (and I should have) from the synopsis, I likely would have passed on this one as much as I enjoy Susan Meissner’s writing. Absolutely a personal thing and not the fault of the book! 
 
Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for providing a free digital ARC of the book! 
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The Matchmaker by Aisha Saeed

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

Though single herself, Nura Khan has been a successful matchmaker and is running the family business. That is until one dissatisfied customer starts seeking revenge. Nura’s life is in danger as well as her family’s and friends’. The mystery. 
 
Nura has been secretly in love with Azar, though he’s not expressed interest in her after years of friendship. These feelings are not helped when Azar masquerades as her fiancé for the sake of the business. The romance. 
 
I enjoyed the voice of the narration as well as being immersed into a culture I’m only moderately familiar with. As for the overall plot lines, I feel it was too crowded. There was a lot going on and I felt pretty ‘meh’ about it all. I wouldn’t personally categorize this as a full-on thriller. I think I might have enjoyed it more if there was a more solid central focus: mystery or romance. I typically enjoy the pairing, but it felt loud here from both sides. That said, I’m sure there are some people who will love this combination. 
 
Thanks to Ballentine and NetGalley for providing a free digital ARC of the book. 
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The Girls of the Glimmer Factory by Jennifer Coburn

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challenging dark sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Theresienstadt, a ghetto in Czechoslovakia, is the stage the Nazis set to show ‘proof’ that Jewish people aren’t being harmed at the hands of the Third Reich. The reality, of course, is a living hell for the prisoners sent there. Hilde is the filmmaker assigned, and she’s keen to prove herself. There, she runs into her childhood friend, Hannah, who is there as a prisoner with her grandfather.

The contrast between Hilde and Hannah provides great conflict and what I imagine would have been a realistic picture of the reality of living at that time. Hilde has been sucked into the Nazi ideologies, while Hannah has no choice but to bear the cruelty and oppression. The storytelling is powerful.

I read Jennifer Coburn’s novel Cradles of the Reich a couple of years ago and I enjoyed The Girls of the Glimmer Factory just as much. I enjoy this author’s ability to find lesser-known elements of the Holocaust to write about. I feel as though I learn a lot through her writing.

A huge thanks to the author for inviting me to read a digital ARC through NetGalley!
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The Girl From Saint Petersburg by Joyana Peters

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

A strong plot and a charming main character, but sadly, I found the pace to be much too fast to fully appreciate the complexity of this time period, especially in that part of the world. Another drawback to the rushed pace is that it made the resolution to the conflict feel unbelievable because we didn't get enough time to absorb the trouble the characters faced in such an oppressive system. Younger readers may benefit from this pace, however, which is something I'll keep in mind for the future for sure. For what it was, I did enjoy it, I only wish I could have enjoyed it more. 
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All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall

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adventurous dark sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Set in a dystopian future where severe climate change has all but destroyed civilization, Nonnie, her family, and what few remain in what's left of New York City. They've taken shelter in the Museum of Natural History, balancing what they need to do to survive and trying to preserve what they can of what's left of the world that once was. They are faced with the constant threat of devastating and toxic floods, and eventually, they must evacuate the city.

The author does a terrific job of capturing the atmosphere of what a, more or less, post-apocalyptic New York City might look like. Most of the dystopian novels I've read tend to take place in some unknown, often fictional place, so imagining a place as familiar as New York City underwater makes the reading all the more unsettling.

I struggled to connect with the characters, finding a lot of the narration repetitive and not engaging compared to the world-building. The plot was interesting, but missing something for me. I wish I knew exactly what. It may come to me after some further reflection. Still, very much worth the read with such a haunting, well-crafted atmosphere.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing a free digital ARC!
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Red River Road by Anna Downes

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I read this months ago and just realized I never rated it. The details are a bit murky by now, but I remember being equally perplexed as I was intrigued. The setting was fantastic, but the narration was difficult to follow and keep the characters straight. 
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