5 stars I received an ARC of this book, but I hesitated to read it because I was annoyed about the way the last book ended. It felt unnecessarily dramatic and a way to drag out the story into another book. Naturally, I was wrong. It was perfect and I should have just trusted Piper. I wanted to skip ahead to the happy ending, not realizing how important it was for Harrison and Rae to grow and change. Luckily, this one jumped ahead far enough that I didn’t have to experience the months of pain and loss that they did before finding their way back to one another. This book is written just as well as every other book from Piper. It overflows with a depth of emotion and wisdom that few authors can replicate. I was dragged into the story, yet again, held captive by Harrison and Rae, and completely invested in their journey. It was silly of me to wonder whether this book would measure up to the others. In the end, I have to recommend it. August 20, 2021
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5 stars I heard an interview with the author on the Daily Beans podcast and immediately went to Netgalley to see if an ARC was available, and to my delight, it was. The only negative thing I thought as I read this book was that I wished I had discovered it when I was younger. But then, the author spoke about living in the fullness of time and I realized that the past, present, and future are so closely linked that it doesn’t really matter. Also, and much more importantly, I wouldn’t be the person I am now if I had read it back then. ECM (I hope she doesn’t mind if I abbreviate her full name) spoke to me in a voice that made me feel as if we have always been friends. So much of what she expressed resonated with me on a level that only served to confirm the link we all share that she refers to in her book. After four very difficult years of almost constant stress and discouragement, she provided me with the hope I’ve so desperately wanted to feel. In fact, the best thing about this book is that I have hope once again. If a book includes exercises, I generally feel I must, at least, make an effort to complete them if I’m going to fully experience the contents of the book. I made a point of doing the exercises, but I had trouble because I’ve already done so many of the personal explorations suggested. That said, I think they are really useful and part of the reason why I wish this book had existed when I was younger. I will be sharing them with my daughter in the hopes she can avoid some of the hard lessons I’ve had to learn. I’ll sum up my review of this book with the following quote: “Trust yourself. You have everything you need, right now, and you have from the beginning. You are here for a bigger purpose and as a part of a collective mission. You will know the moment that calls you when you know yourself.” August 19, 2021 5 stars Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC of this book. Timothy Snyder is probably my favorite historian and I am endlessly fascinated by his lectures. He is a foremost expert on the history of Central and Eastern Europe and the holocaust, with much to teach about nazism and fascism. Although the contents of this book were not entirely new to me (On Tyranny was released in March 2017), it’s always worthwhile to review the twenty tips contained in this book. I enjoyed the illustrations much more than expected. I usually find graphic novels confusing because I cannot discern which part is supposed to be read next. I did not have that problem with this book. The sequence was clearly indicated and graphics enhanced the narrative by being engaging and unique. Overall, I was impressed and plan to purchase at least one copy so I can share it with friends and family. August 15, 2021 4 stars I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. It’s a fun diversion. Although the plot is not entirely original, the writing is engaging and the main characters are realistic and likable. It’s a mystery told in third-person from the alternating POVs of Guy and Tessa. I had my suspicions about who might be the villain, but I was somewhat surprised when it became obvious. For the most part, I was pretty sure I knew who wasn’t the bad guy. There are some wonderful details to direct readers toward what the author wants them to notice, like Tessa’s mother’s last words that were misunderstood and Aunt Delia’s comments about the Carlin Curse. I appreciate Oliva Drake’s attention to detail and the way all of the pieces fit together. Overall, it is well-told and I enjoyed it. August 12, 2021 |
Elizabeth J ConnorWriter. Editor. Proofreader. Archives
September 2022
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