The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer

The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer

This might be one of my new favorite books. 

From the start, I was totally immersed in Clover’s world. I really identified with her in so many ways, probably more than any other character I’ve “met.” She's quirky, but not in one of those "not like other girls" ways - she's genuinely a bit strange and hermit-y, and that's definitely something I can identify with.

I loved the different ideas around death and that it felt like I was visiting death cafes and talking to these people right along with Clover. I also enjoyed how Clover kept notes for the people she worked with and shared some of those regrets. It really made me think of what regrets I might have.

The only downside is that I thought the romance was a bit rushed and too romance-novel-y at the end. However, I buy that it can happen that way. It definitely seemed like a nice payoff for Clover at the end, and overall this was so good that I’ll admit maybe I’m just jealous of what she found after all that time.

The story idea was fantastic and the writing style really elevated it. I also enjoyed the recommended/similar books at the end. I can't wait to read the author's next book!

One Summer in Savannah by Terah Shelton Harris

One Summer in Savannah by Terah Shelton Harris

This book caught my eye as a "Together We Read" selection on Libby at the beginning of March. The start of the new year is typically a slow reading period for me and I know this, but that doesn't make it any less frustrating. I hadn't been reading much at all, and the books I was in the middle of weren't engaging. I didn't feel compelled to finish them. So seeing that I could check out One Summer in Savannah without a waitlist made me grab it to give it a try.

I'm so glad I did. This book blew me away. I read it in just a few days, dying to know the full story while also not wanting it to end. It’s a unique take on rape, forgiveness, life and death, and I love how Harris treated every character as human - there are no clear villains because almost everyone could have been “bad” and selfish in their own ways. I highlighted tons of quotes that got me thinking. I can’t wait to read more from this author. (I also love that Harris is a librarian since I am too.)

Bird Box: Books to Movies

Everyone has something to say about Bird Box, the book, the movie, or both. So I'm going to assume that if you're reading this, you've read the book and seen the movie. If not, stop here because SPOILERS. I am going to be comparing the two, so be warned: no holds barred.