Maren_C

From the first page, Lanchester's unique writing style draws the reader in. He deftly creates interest through word choice and initial character development, making the reader want to immediately know more about them.

The premise is intriguing , although this is where more character development would come in handy. The reasons the characters have for their particular acts of vengeance seem shallow and would be better supported beyond the flashbacks and into daily impact and interactions. Action switches from passive to a sudden jolt/twist that is distracting at first, but quickly reveals itself to the reader before it's even written about.

A good change of pace from typical thrillers, but could use a bit more in the way of explaining character motives.

I was initially drawn to Catherine Matthias' When the Sky Turned to Dust because the premise reminded me of books I would have read when I was in upper elementary school: Little House on the Prairie and the Dear America series, primarily.

Matthias has a clear and easy-to-read writing style and she expertly incorporates historical elements into her story. The supporting back matter in the book is especially helpful for readers who may otherwise lack context. Choosing to reference Out of the Dust is a wise decision, as When the Sky Turned to Dust would make a good companion piece for school curriculums. I don't necessarily see upper elementary school children picking up this book independently.

There were some poignant and sad moments in the book, although, at times, it felt like some of the major events that occurred did not have enough build up. A short read, When the Sky Turned to Dust could have benefited from spending more time building suspense so the reader more deeply connects with Caroline's experiences and feelings.

Victoria Shorr's writing is a treat to read. She takes a simple story that will resonate with many readers, but still manages to make it fresh, unique, and heartbreaking. In some ways reflective of the writing of domestic dramas from the era where this story begins (Mildred Pierce comes to mind), the writing style is a welcome departure from what might be considered the norm. It may take some getting used to for some readers, but once drawn in, it's hard to look away.

Everything Lost Returns is a story of two women connected by the appearance of Halley's Comet and their relationship to a soap factory in Cincinnati. Spanning two timelines, Opal in 1910 and Nona in 1986, the reader is treated to the inner triumphs and turmoil of two strongly defined characters.

Opal's storyline is reminiscent of The Radium Girls, so readers who enjoyed that will find interest in this fictional exploration of factory work and the women who were exploited. The emotional threads that tie the womens' stories together, along with the historical background, will appeal to readers of Kristin Hannah.

Some readers may not appreciate the magical realism elements in Opal's story, although they are not overdone or too distracting.

The proposed cover art is eye-catching, as well. I am curious what the author's acknowledgements would be, considering they are not included in the ARC. I'd love to know what she researched and how she came up with this unique story.

The premise of the book and the incredible cover design are what drew me in initially. Laila Lalami's writing style kept me interested. A mix of Kafka's The Trial and the film Minority Report, The Dream Hotel is an interesting thought exercise about a future that might not be so far away.

Ultimately, while there were moments where the reader could connect to Sara, it seemed as if The Dream Hotel may have benefitted from being a short story. The reader never truly gets a sense that Sara is in danger, nor do they share the same frustrations Sara mentions repeatedly. I would have liked to see the story presented in such a way that Sara's isolation was more impactful.

Perhaps it is more difficult to connect to the inherent dangers presented in the novel because the author came up with the idea ten years ago. Our current political landscape makes any attempt at dystopia seem like a pleasant distraction!

The Naming Song promises the reader a trip through a world where words have vanished after a seemingly catastrophic event. Our protagonist is herself unnamed but works as a courier who delivers words to the correct items throughout the book's world.

The language is enchanting and the world-building, while slow, is effective in painting a picture for the reader. Although I expected more action, there are moments of suspense that move the plot along enough to keep the reader interested. I would have preferred to know more about the courier's backstory at the beginning of the book, but the story does not suffer due to the pacing of the reveals.

The cover itself is attractive and incorporates the environment of the book well. The pull quotes are from authors who are representative of the genre that The Naming Song belongs to, so they give the reader a good idea of what to expect, and I would not hesitate to recommend this book to people who enjoy those authors.