Book Review: Radha & Jai's Recipe for Romance by Nisha Sharma

  Radha & Jai's Recipe for Romance  is a fun romance set in modern times, that really highlights family relationships, and the struggles of being a teen- especially one saddled with high expectations. 

This is a book meant for young readers,  but it also appealed to me! I wanted to add it to my list to diversify my reading list, and also because I do enjoy reading romance.  While I enjoyed the romance, I also really enjoyed learning about Kathak Dance, a traditional Indian dance form  and Indian cuisine. 

No Spoilers summary- because Spoilers are.... the worst! 

     Radha has been training all her life to ascend the stage as one of the world's best Kathak dancers. She been guided by her Mother, who is caring, but possibly a touch overbearing.  Radha overhears some gossip at a competition that turns her world upside down. She loses her  "Dance Joy"  and has some serious family conflict. This leads her eventually to enrolling in a new school,  where she meets Jai.  Jai comes from a very involved family. He's interested in becoming a doctor, but thinks he might just skip college to focus on assisting his family with their small empire of convenience stores. He's also the team leader of a school dance team the "bollywood beats". Obviously a bit of "destiny"  is involved as the two meet and just "click". Romance blossoms, but not without a few arguments, small breakups and personal crisis. Can Radha get her Dance Joy back?  Will Jai become a Doctor?  You'll have to read to find out! 

   This is a great novel for young adults.  It addresses real problems and concerns, shows some realistic reactions and solutions and has an enjoyable dose of cultural representation. It will not be making my top ten reads of the year, but it is definitely one I'd recommend for gifting. 

First Published : 12/2021

Pages: 336

Available as an Audio Book :YES

Trigger Warnings: medical situations, Cheating (not involving the main characters), parents divorce, parent affairs, mild bullying, depictions of panic attacks.

Not a full TW list, please read responsibly. 

Book Review: Telex from Cuba by Rachel Kushner

   This was a journey.  I picked up this book from the offerings on my library's Libby app.  I had been hoping to get the new history of Cuba but that is on hold. Honestly, I'm probably not going to love the new history of Cuba simply because I don't do that well with Non-fiction that doesn't have a "hook" if you will.  But, I have always been a little bit fascinated by Cuba, so I am still hoping to give that a go when it comes off hold at the library.  For now, the library suggested Telex from Cuba, and I thought... why not! 

   I was attracted by the title- the Telex is one of those odd parts of history that isn't well known, but was my ticket to the outside world when I was working in South Sudan. I did kind of wonder then, why Rachel Kushner  was writing a novel about Cuba.   Kushner's mother lived in the Oriente province during what seems to have been the heyday of the United Fruit Company.  So based on this, Kushner was able to flesh out a full novel which is both personal and historical in scope.  It's a bit of a feat to address this volatile time in Cuba's history, without straying into dramatic maudlin territory, but I think Kushner succeeds. 

      In this novel, readers are able to enter the American community in Cuba in the years preceding Castro's revolution.  We see the beauty and problems of the Cuban environment through the children of executives and leaders sent to Cuba to head the Fruit company and mining operations. It feels very much like a slice of tropical life. Telling the story through a multitude of viewpoints gives us a full immersion into the tense, frenetic situation leading up to the American expulsion in 1958. 

    What I enjoyed most about the novel was the "follow up"- we see the lives post revolution, and get to experience the odd sensation of having had something taken that was more precious now that it was gone. 

   While this book isn't the most popular, I really enjoyed the writing, the stories and the conclusion and do recommend it for readers interested in historical fiction, Cuba, and even the 1950's. 

First Published : 7/1/2008

Pages: 322

Available as an Audio Book :YES

Trigger Warnings: violent events, war violence, death, poverty, gun violence, drug and alcohol use,  bullying.  

Not a full TW list, please read responsibly. 

Book Review: Red City by Marie Lu

   This, readers, this was a stunner! 

 Marie Lu is well known for her Young Adult series- the Legend Series, the Young Elites, and more.  I've enjoyed so many of her novels.  There's always a solid plot, lots of action to keep a story moving, diverse characters who readers come to love. Red City is a bit of a departure as her first novel that is firmly for the adult readers. 

I was a tiny bit skeptical,  in the Legend series, Lu's characters grew up- but their situations sort of stayed... less grown up- which in the end was a little odd.  Of course it made sense- because loads of YA readers were eagerly awaiting the next installment, and it would have been very frustrating to them if the novels suddenly were geared to adults and possibly off limits. So... I requested the e-book in advance and was turned down!  I was quite disappointed, but, I was approved for the audiobook which was way better for me anyway! With a large cast of narrators- Natalie Naudus, Sid Sagar, Andre Santana and Eunice Wong, the novel flowed through my headphones with ease. 

So a summary of sorts with NO SPOILERS because I do detest them so much.....  Red City is set in the future. Sam and Ari grow up attending the same school. They become friends through an exchange of letters/notes, but neither feels they can be totally transparent with each other. Ari has been hand selected to become an alchemist and Sam falls into the trade when she and her mother fall on desperate times. Each wants to unburden themselves, but time and circumstances prevent this. Not realizing they are on a similar path, they lose touch upon graduation.  Of course it wouldn't be much of a story if they never saw each other again!  Lu takes us on a journey filled with glitz, glamor, violence, and power and brings us to a very satisfying ending. 

    Initially when we started with our characters passing notes in school, I did fear that this would be sort of a young adult redressing.  By the halfway point, I knew that fear was unfounded. Lu did not hold back and the story blooms with all the complexity and drama of adult lives and situations.   I had to slow down my reading at one point because I was almost too invested in the characters outcomes and I was feeling severe dread.  To say the novel had me in it's grips is a bit of an understatement.  While this is a departure from her previous work, it maintains the signature style of Lu.  Masterful plot, detailed wardrobe descriptions, and complex character development- leaving room for readers to contemplate some of the bigger issues of life - in this case, poverty, power, loyalty, and love. 

  I am so grateful to Tor  and especially MacMillan audio for the Advanced listener copy. Definitely a winner.  

First Published : 10/14/2025

Pages: 432

Available as an Audio Book :YES

Trigger Warnings: violent events, parental death, poverty, gun violence, drug use,  bullying.  

Not a full TW list, please read responsibly. 

Book Review Moonstorm by Yoon Ha Lee

 This gets 5 Stars from me.  I liked that it really is truly a YA novel with the only "relationship" involved being  friendships or relationships of older characters.  While that may not be the most realistic, it also isn't unrealistic.  I have strayed from my water theme indeed, though there are a few glasses of water mentioned, and some ice, this is not a book about water. But I mean, look at that cover, could you resist? 

  This is the first in a planned trilogy.  In short, our protagonist Hwa Young was rescued after an attack by Imperial Lancers on her home moon.  She's placed into an Imperial boarding school as a ward of the state, and grows up dreaming of becoming a Lancer pilot herself. This dream shapes her behaviors and aspirations, and even her relationships with classmates.  At age 16, a surprise attack leads her and her cohort into military life earlier than expected. Hwa Young and her cohorts spend all their time together, training, learning and living. As they grow into competent warriors (and supports) they must confront the truths about themselves and the Empire they serve. At a pivotal point, Hwa Young and her squad must make a choice that will change their lives forever. 

This novel is heavily influenced by Korean culture and there are many references to Korean foods, games and tradition, as well as some use of the Korean language sprinkled in through the novel.  I was able to look up some of the cultural references and felt I learned more about Korean culture while enjoying robot battles and some cozy moments (there's a few care packages involved). 

There's a lot to love in this novel, and for me the best part was the clear story line that was easy to follow, the space to explore what's right and wrong, and the very difficult dilemma that Hwa Young and her cohort find themselves in. Great book for discussion, and one that really stays within the realm of YA.  I kept expecting some sort of romantic entanglement, but it did not occur- relationships are referred to - but mostly in the realm of older persons who are also involved the story. The lack of romance may be why it isn't all over social media, but I hope it's getting a wide readership for it's audience. 

First Published : 06/2024

Pages: 352

Available as an Audio Book :YES

Trigger Warnings: violent events, parental death, war violence, bullying.  

Not a full TW list, please read responsibly. 

Book Review: When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen (Translation by Alice Menzies)

  I saw this novel  during Women in Translation month, but it didn't become available until September, so I finished it in the month of September.  I suppose I could save the review for May- Older Americans month, but that seems a little silly. This novel won the Swedish Book Award, and was quite the best-seller! 

 This book- is so good. It is so well written, as a reader, I felt all the emotions. Oddly, EVERYONE in the book was entirely relatable. I felt like the carers, the granddaughter, the son and the father in different moments.   

I did shed a tear or two and the end of the book, even though I felt like I knew what the ending would be. Indeed, without spoilers, death comes for us all. Ridzen created this novel based on notes left between caregivers at her grandfather's home during his last months. It's told from a variety of points of view and gives an interesting view of the aging process. As a nurse, and someone with older parents, I have definitely seen the slowing of persons, and the decline of independence as people age. It's something I think on quite a bit and this novel really hit home. How can people age and continue to have agency while their body, and sometimes their minds start to fail them. It seems, even when people strongly want to respect choices and preferences, that this can be a frustrating time, especially for those who are used to being in charge, and being the authority in their lives. I'm left thinking about ways that folks can maintain their independence, or, at the very least, feel ok in their dependence. 

This book is a great read for those of us with aging relatives, it offers no solutions, but points out the universality of this period in life. This might be an interesting book for book club, but it also may stir up quite a few negative emotions, so... read at your own risk? 

    I did do the audio book because, I mean... why not?  It was perfectly read- and I felt more immersed in the narrative.  Definitely recommend!

First Published : 08/2025

Pages: 320

Available as an Audio Book :YES

Trigger Warnings: family drama, aging, death, medical situations

Not a full TW list, please read responsibly. 

Book Review: The Grave Robber by Tim Carpenter

 I have not read much non-fiction this year.  Frankly, I've started a lot of Non-fiction and DNF'd it.  Ask me about the "Biography of Water"  (or maybe, just don't). 

  I saw Tim Carpenter's book (in audio) on Net Galley and hesitated. I have a lot of galleys at the moment, but honestly a book about the FBI and Art Crime? I finally just decided to give it a go. I'm so glad I did.  I honestly didn't even know an "Art Crime" division of the FBI existed and now I'm quite jealous of that career. (kinda sorta).  It's definitely not something I immediately associate with the FBI. Carpenter makes a great case for the critical importance of solving crimes involving art.  

Without any spoilers- even though it's non-fiction one can still spoil a book... Carpenter gives us the story of an unlikely FBI case where he and his team worked to assess, process and repatriate thousands of artifacts and remains which had all been collected by a single "collector" over decades. Much of the items were Native American, but Carpenter notes items from multiple other countries including Haiti and China. This wasn't a case of a few small items but instead an entire compound of displays tucked away on a mid-western farmstead.  You can read more on the case outside of this novel Here. Even though this was major news, I really don't recall it. 

Carpenter tells the story of first discovering this trove of mostly illegal items, to building the case, and the careful execution of recovery and repatriation of these artifacts and remains. An excellent book for book clubs, and students the narrative raises questions about collectors, collections, cultural nuance, and cultural rights. 

I loved it.  It was an easy listen and held my interest all the way through. There are some moments where Carpenter strays away from the point and then, 45 minutes later returns to the point, but, he's not a professional author and it didn't detract from my enjoyment. This is slated to come out in October and I'm hoping to bring it to my book club!  This would also make a great gift for the non-fiction reader in your life who's interested in true crime, police procedurals, and the rights of indigenous peoples. 

First Published : 10/2025

Pages: 320

Available as an Audio Book :YES

Trigger Warnings: violent events, true crime, illness of child, mention of pandemic. 

Not a full TW list, please read responsibly. 

Book Review: The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre by Philip Fracassi

 If you are just building your Spooky Season TBR,  this is a book that needs to be put on pre-order for spooky season reading! 

Many Thanks to Macmillan Audio  for the advanced Listener copy. 

Holy Heck what a Ride! 

This thriller surprised and delighted me all the way to the very final end where one amazing final girl is left standing. (there are so many candidates for this final girl, and you know I won't be spoiling this one. 

 This is a perfect novel for those who are a bit tired of all the 20 something protagonists! Set in a wrap around retirement facility in upstate NY, almost all the characters are well beyond 70, and most are sharp, witty and living the best life that they can within the confines of aging.  That is, until someone starts offing them one by one.  I mean, I don't think, given the title, that this is a spoiler.  For me, I will say I expected this book to have a bit of a gentler edge, but it quickly became one I could not really listen to at home alone. Every time I'd glance at a window in the middle of the night, I had a moment of dread. Seriously spooky. This thriller had me on the edge of my seat. I suspected almost every character at one point in time, and the need to know propelled my reading. Towards the end I did "guess" the killer- but I think it was at that point that the author was directing the reader to the solution  as I only had a brief satisfaction of realizing Ohhhhh, that's the one! 

  In short I loved the setting, loved the premise and the tension/mystery/suspense created by the author. Definitely a good one to curl up with as the leaves begin to fall, and everything turns pumpkin flavored. 

January Lavoie was the narrator and was - of course- extraordinary. As my eyes are still not doing as well as I'd like, I really appreciated the audiobook. Of course, with a cover like this- I might need a book trophy.  Maybe it comes out at the end of September! 

First Published : 09/2025

Pages: 416

Available as an Audio Book :YES

Trigger Warnings: medical situations, drugs, alcohol, murder, elder murder, fire, references to domestic abuse

                   Not a full TW list, please read responsibly.   

Book Review: The Imposter King by Eli Hinze

    I snagged a copy of this novel (audiobook!)  on Net-Galley!  I was not entirely sure about it, but I think I can recommend it for certain readers! 

 In short, this is a fantasy set in Mesopotamia. Our protagonist Ahsan starts of at death's door- where he hovers through most of the novel. He's snatched from the proverbial gallows to serve as an imposter king during a most inauspicious time. He's given an imposter wife, and between the two of them, they work to thwart the possible plot against the actual king. I'd tell you more, but of course reading the novel would be better!

   As a person with only a mild interest in this time period, I really cannot comment on the accuracy of the historic elements of the novel. I did enjoy the descriptions of the accoutrements of life in that time period, the markets, and the relationships. Nothing felt off or inaccurate, but I'm no expert and possibly a true expert would likely find lots to quibble with here. Luckily, I'm no expert!

  The plot unfolded well, with a solid conclusion and a nice twist there at the end. The romance that occurred was super closed door and in a way this was a total relief from pages of descriptions of eggplants and the like. Kudos! 

  My two issues were with some of the language used by the characters- it was very modern seeming and felt like it was out of place, like the characters themselves were used to living in the 20th century but were now cos-playing in Mesopotamia. For the most part, I was able to put that dislike aside and enjoy the story.  I did feel like the story could be told in multiple time settings just by interchanging the details. (Imposter kind in medieval times?  sure, Imposter Mafia king- also ok, Imposter emperor, yes...Imposter Head of a Dude Ranch also ok).  The details were there, but somehow they did not entirely meld into the novel making it impossible to imagine any other setting/premise. 

That said - this was easy to read, I finished it in record time. Hinze is an Indie author, and I don't read a lot of indies.  This is a very easy read, the plot is understandable, and progresses in a natural way. Although this is book one in a series, the conclusion is a gentle cliff hanger with the major plot points of book one resolved, with a new issue pointing the reader to book two- which I do want to enjoy!  Definitely recommend for readers who want to enjoy a good story in a unique setting.  

First Published : 05/2022

Pages: 322

Available as an Audio Book :YES

Trigger Warnings: medical situations, poverty, bullying, drugs/alcohol, violence, death, monsters, animal hunting, blood. Regicide. 

                                        Not a full TW list, please read responsibly.   

     

Book Review: Salt The Water by Candace Iloh

 I listened to this YA novel - a Printz honoree novel while driving around town. It obviously fit into my water theme, or so I thought. In reality, there was very little water in this novel. Despite the cover that really seems to promise quite a lot of water. 

     In short this is a coming of age novel with a bit of a twist. It's strongest point is that the author really really relays what it's like to be a kid, especially one who's grown up in relative safety. Cerulean - our protagonist- is impulsive, with a narrow focus and hasn't been outside of their neighborhood and family much. Living in NYC they know that bad things happen, but they've been brought up in a very stable family. Cerulean is rebellious, and feels all the feelings, and is especially unhappy that their younger sibling gets to attend a special black focused school while they are stuck in the local public school. Cerulean is ready to move to California with friends after graduation, but a conflict with a teacher leads Cerulean to leave school- unnoticed by their parents due to family events that take the focus off the children.  Is Cerulean ready to live off the grid, like they dream of?  You'll want to read to find out. 

Overall, I enjoyed this novel. It is very well written and engaging. The ending to me was a bit open ended and kind of... not want I'd hoped for exactly but, I can see how it would appeal to the young adult readers it's intended for! I can see this being a valuable novel for young adults, and a valuable one for adults who've forgotten what it's like to be a teen in a strange and changing world! 

  First Published : 09/2024

Pages: 288

Available as an Audio Book :YES

Trigger Warnings: medical situations, poverty, bullying, drugs/alcohol, 

Not a full TW list, please read responsibly.