The Jellyfish Problem
by Tessa Yang
Jellyfish (3/27/2026)
This book combines a bit of a mystery with fascinating facts about jellyfish, making it an engaging read. I enjoy stories that blend fact and fiction seamlessly. Although the character development was occasionally a bit flat, I found the overall tale to be quite enjoyable.
Fireflies in Winter
by Eleanor Shearer
No perfect choices (2/6/2026)
Reading this feels like following Cora on a slow meander through the woods of self-discovery as she repeatedly learns to embrace the truth that there are "no perfect choices." The writing is smooth and the style is gentle. It was soothing to read this in the midst of my fast-paced life.
The Midnight Taxi
by Yosha Gunasekera
Interesting premise (12/17/2025)
While the idea behind this murder mystery was interesting, I difficulty staying engaged. It was frustrating to see exactly how the crime unfolded while the main character remained clueless. The story felt sluggish until the very end, when everything suddenly was resolved too conveniently.
Dandelion Is Dead
by Rosie Storey
Dandelion is Dead (10/2/2025)
Poppy Greene can't seem to move on after the unexpected death of her older sister Dandelion. Even now, she feels like she's still living in Dandelion's shadow. How can she live without the sister she can't imagine living without?
Dandelion is Dead boldly confronts themes like grief, love, loss, lies, and the accompanying complexities with honesty and grace. In turns, funny, witty, and wise it fearlessly allows for all the messy emotions.
Next Time Will Be Our Turn
by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Maybe Next Time… (9/4/2025)
"Next Time Will Be Our Turn" is an emotionally resonant tale that will have you both laughing and crying. If you've grown up in a religious environment and faced the pressures of compulsory heterosexuality, you'll see yourself in this story. Even if you haven't, it conveys the struggle many people endure. The themes of love lost, love claimed, and the bonds of love are beautifully explored at multiple levels. Also, I wish I had a nainai like Izzy's!
The Vanishing Place
by Zoë Rankin
Spellbinding read (5/24/2025)
This beautifully written novel unfolds through dual timelines, telling a haunting tale of a young girl who emerges from the New Zealand bush, starving and bloodied. Who is she? Where did she come from? Why does she bear such a strong resemblance to another girl who stumbled out of the same bush under similar circumstances 17 years ago? The story captured my attention from the very first pages and held it throughout.
My only complaint is that the author seems to have started down one path but then shifted direction. As a result, there are several loose ends and unresolved issues that definitely need clarification.
Ordinary Love: A Novel
by Marie Rutkoski
Not so Ordinary Love (5/5/2025)
Ordinary Love stands out as a beautifully crafted and moving story that is deeply relateable. This second chance romance expertly navigates the complexities of an emotionally abusive relationship and its far-reaching impact on other connections. Although we do arrive at a happy ending, I appreciate that not everything is neatly wrapped up. The presence of unresolved outcomes adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, and it feels completely fitting.
