Book Club Picks – Rachel Reads & Reviews

Book Club Picks

Author Highlight: Samira Ahmed

If you want to read something that makes you take a hard look at our society, the ugly and the hopeful, read Samira Ahmed. If you want something that is relatable, opinionated and has distinct protagonists, read Samira Ahmed. If you want to read romance, read topical issues, read personal growth, read family communication, read…
Book Club: Shutter Island

Originally this was going to be the book club pick of the month, buuuut we finished it in six days. It was gripping! So here are my thoughts: You may recognize the title because it spawned a movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, so you may already have an idea that Teddy Edwards, the protagonist, is an…
Plans for 2024

Hello everyone, I hope the New Year is treating you well. Since last year was super productive on the reading front, it’s tempting to shoot for another 100 but I’m dialing back this year. I have two grad programs to get through and I really want to get back to my own writing. So I’ll…
Reading Log 2023

Last year, I read an amazing 500 books so this year it was only reasonable that I reach a little more and try to get to 600. I didn’t. I got to 700 books!! And yes, maybe it’s considered “cheating” if you count those graphic novels and lower grade books that are easy to read…
Dec Books

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green I know, I know this was a sensation years ago which like the contrary person I am avoided it but eh, why not. I already seen the movie back in college and again, it was such a hit I already knew the major points and Augustus dying.…
Tokyo Ever After/Tokyo Dreaming

After reading The Princess Diaries, this duology also got on my radar of similar themes of an American girl suddenly finding out that she’s the illigitimate daughter of a prince and heads over for a crash course in protocol, paparazzi and romance. And yes, those similarities do pop up as there’s a lot Mia, and…
Spy x Family

A spy. An assassin. A telepath. Just your average family. In Endo’s world, Ostania and Westalis are on the constant verge of civil war and after the last civil war, the government’s SS and the WISE agency do their best to route out dissenters and other individuals that threaten fragile peace. Twilight is the best…
Book Highlight: The Missing Sword

With spoilers because the ending really changes the game. So you’ve been warned!
Howl’s Moving Castle

After reading Howl’s Moving Castle last month, I finally got around to watching the Ghibli movie. Of course, it’s not totally accurate but damn that studio is amazing in creating such a beautiful world that is inspiring and magical and whimsical. I mean that opening scene where Howl suavely steps up to those guards bothering…
Book Highlight: Rapunzel’s Revenge & Calamity jack

If you like Westerns and if you like fairytales, these are for you! Really, they should be everyone cuz comics are cool but that’d be too after-school special. However, I just found it amazing because the fairytale genre just doesn’t have a lot of western AUs. School or towns full of fairytale characters, yes. Erotic…