Velvet Was the Night
Author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Publication Date: August 2021
Genre: historical fiction, noir
Method: audiobook via TPL
Like many other readers who felt meh about this book, I jumped in after loving Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s 2020 release Mexican Gothic, and clearly that was a mistake. I’m shooting myself in the foot for picking this book up based on the author alone because if I would have just read the entire synopsis I would have seen all these red flags (for my personal taste): student radicals and dissidents, politically fraught land, hitmen, government agents, and Russian spies. This was an L on my part, I should have skimmed through reviews rather than slogging through the audiobook. If these red flags are green flags for you, I’m sure it’s great, but these aren’t the themes for me, and that’s okay! Definitely still love Silvia Moreno-Garcia and the stories she crafts!
Buzzword Readathon: August selection
The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of the Whole Stupid World
Author: Matt Kracht
Publication Date: December 2021
Genre: humor nonfiction
Method: paperback borrowed from TPL
As promised, I picked up the sequel to Matt Kracht’s The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America and it was equally as enjoyable and comedic. There’s something so satisfying about reading the most random books I find on Goodreads and the library that makes me feel like a well rounded academic. Am I going to pick up Kracht’s 2023 release, OMFG, BEES!: Bees Are So Amazing and You’re About to Find Out Why?? Obviously, yes. Actually, I’m gonna request it from the library right now
The Nickel Boys
Author: Colson Whitehead
Publication Date: July 2019
Genre: historical fiction
Method: audiobook via TPL
A powerful story covering racism, power, Jim Crow laws, and the state of the juvenile justice system, hard but necessary topics to explore. I will admit, I probably need to reread this to really get the full impact of the story (because I flew through the audiobook in just a few sittings), but either way, what an incredible and heart breaking story. Do you ever finish a book, look at the cover, and realize how stupid you truly are? Because that was my experience after understanding the gravity and meaning of the simple but timeless cover
Buzzword Readathon: August selection
The Switch
Author: Beth O’Leary
Publication Date: April 2020
Genre: romance, fiction
Method: audiobook via TPL
I saw a review that only said “not nearly as good as The Flatshare” and 1. harsh but direct and 2. I have to agree. But ohmygosh, still so charming. Despite the sweet and wholesome characters, the plot did drag a bit for me and I didn’t find myself dying to jump back into the audiobook. I definitely enjoyed Eileen’s portion more than Leena, which is both surprising to me, but like, not at all, I love old people. Definitely didn’t out shine The Flatshare but cute nonetheless, it’s like a 3.5 stars rounded up to 4, which feels generous
Daisy Darker
Author: Alice Feeney
Publication Date: August 2022
Genre: mystery, thriller
Method: BOTM hardcover
The chokehold Alice Feeney’s 2021 release, Rock Paper Scissors, has on me is unparalleled. I’m not exaggerating when I say I think about that twist in RPS on a weekly basis – I was nothing but bamboozled and gobsmacked. So to say my expectations were extremely high going into Daisy Darker would be an understatement. And it was good, it really was! It just wasn’t as great as RPS
Like other readers, the flashbacks did bore me a bit and I could have done with out them. Actually, remove Daisy completely and it would be perfect. Get rid of the main character? For who the book is named after?? Harsh, I know. Even so, still a good time, still a 4 star thriller. It’s got so many of my favorite themes: prophecy, inheritance scheme, messy family dynamic, secluded gothic house on a coast, plus creepy and sinister poems. Also, didn’t know I was into pissed off grandmas with horrible children, but apparently I am
I leave you with this equation: The Guest List + The Death of Mrs. Westaway = Daisy Darker. I don’t make the rules, it’s just facts
Buzzword Readathon: September selection
What’s up next on my TBR
Until next time, Meryn
MERYN MADE 
Nickel Boys sounds amazing! I have added it to my TBR list for the winter – thank you! I am a big fan of historical fiction and I thought I would share my favorite read of 2022 (I think you might enjoy it!)
My book club finished “Daughters of Teutobod” by Kurt Hansen last month and I can’t stop thinking about it. It is truly a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction or women’s fiction. The three stories in this book are all about strong women who faced adversity and came out on top (all from different time periods). The book covers issues like family, love, and persevering against all odds. This book had me entranced from start to finish and I was transported to ancient Gaul (Romans), WWII, and modern-day France. If you end up checking it out, I would love to hear what you think!
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Andrea: Thanks for your kind words about my book! I am very pleased you enjoyed it so much.
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