I was considering buying The Audition but I won't now after reading your review. Sometimes it's helpful to read a less than positive review so I know what to avoid. I managed to finish four books in April which I just posted on my Substack, but only completed one novel, Long Island Compromise, which I didn't particularly enjoy (despite some hilarious parts). I'm currently reading The Incendiaries by R.O. Kwon and loving it, as it is quick-moving and focuses on faith and cults, which are also the topic of Cultish by Amanda Montell, my favorite non-fiction read from April. I highly recommend the Sounds Like a Cult Podcast from Montell.
I love a dissenting opinion on books! I find it lends important perspective on prospective reads. Always a little nerve-wracking going against the grain though, especially on something as seemingly beloved and deeply literary as this book. Though I can only share my honest opinion and hope it's somehow helpful to other readers!
I have a long held fascination with cults! I too enjoyed Cultish as well as the Sounds Like a Cult Podcast (which I appreciate you mentioning because I'm now realizing I'm likely behind on episodes at this point!) Have you read Montell's Wordslut? That's an interesting read as well.
Also, interesting you mention faith and cults. This week I read O Sinners! which explores the same themes. It's not one I would recommend to every reader, but definitely a book I'd recommend you to consider based on what you mentioned above!
Thanks for the recommendation! I really want to read Wordslut as well as her new book, "The Age of Magical Overthinking." She has alluded to both in her podcast. I just posted my April reading roundup on my Substack where I do a deep dive on Cultish, and also critique Long Island Compromise (which I ended up not liking).
Those salmon bowls sound delish. Have you every made crispy rice (like spread on a cooking sheet)? I think I'm going to try that this week to add to my salads/bowls.
My favourite book in April was The Frozen People by Elly Griffiths. It's the first of a new series by Elly, who also writes the much loved Ruth Galloway series, and features a forty-something detective who can time travel. I really enjoyed the witty dialogue and fun storytelling. Highly recommend it.
Also, your honest review of the Katie Kitamura book made me laugh. Thanks for saving me the trouble of getting it from the library and wondering what I was missing.
I'm glad you appreciated my dissenting review. It's always a little nerve wracking going against the grain, but I can only be honest and I always appreciate a differing opinion on book discourse!
Ooh I'm so interested in all three of your April faves! I've also saved the ranch chicken recipe. I used to bring back bottles of ranch dressing from every US trip and then friends would send them to me and now I have about eight bottles of the stuff unopened 😅
This sounds a lot like my pantry even though we have ready access 🙈 We go through way too much ranch. Sometimes I think my kids consider it more of a side than a condiment. At least it's often paired with veggies at least 😅
I loved The Bright Years I’m excited to attend a Zoom the author will be chatting at! I’m currently reading Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. I’ve been curious about Notes to John and you just sold me on the audio!
I would be very interested to hear Damoff speak. I'm especially interested in debut authors and where their stories originate, but also Damoff's background as a social worker is intriguing as well. Enjoy!!
I'm interested in Happy Land. I will be interested to hear your thoughts!
I was considering buying The Audition but I won't now after reading your review. Sometimes it's helpful to read a less than positive review so I know what to avoid. I managed to finish four books in April which I just posted on my Substack, but only completed one novel, Long Island Compromise, which I didn't particularly enjoy (despite some hilarious parts). I'm currently reading The Incendiaries by R.O. Kwon and loving it, as it is quick-moving and focuses on faith and cults, which are also the topic of Cultish by Amanda Montell, my favorite non-fiction read from April. I highly recommend the Sounds Like a Cult Podcast from Montell.
I love a dissenting opinion on books! I find it lends important perspective on prospective reads. Always a little nerve-wracking going against the grain though, especially on something as seemingly beloved and deeply literary as this book. Though I can only share my honest opinion and hope it's somehow helpful to other readers!
I have a long held fascination with cults! I too enjoyed Cultish as well as the Sounds Like a Cult Podcast (which I appreciate you mentioning because I'm now realizing I'm likely behind on episodes at this point!) Have you read Montell's Wordslut? That's an interesting read as well.
Also, interesting you mention faith and cults. This week I read O Sinners! which explores the same themes. It's not one I would recommend to every reader, but definitely a book I'd recommend you to consider based on what you mentioned above!
Thanks for the recommendation! I really want to read Wordslut as well as her new book, "The Age of Magical Overthinking." She has alluded to both in her podcast. I just posted my April reading roundup on my Substack where I do a deep dive on Cultish, and also critique Long Island Compromise (which I ended up not liking).
Those salmon bowls sound delish. Have you every made crispy rice (like spread on a cooking sheet)? I think I'm going to try that this week to add to my salads/bowls.
I have not, but I have been intrigued by a few recipes I've seen! Did you end up trying one?
Not yet, but I’ll keep you posted if I do.
The Bright Years sounds great, I also love family sagas!
It's a good one! Definitely a title I'd highly recommend if you're into family sagas!
My favourite book in April was The Frozen People by Elly Griffiths. It's the first of a new series by Elly, who also writes the much loved Ruth Galloway series, and features a forty-something detective who can time travel. I really enjoyed the witty dialogue and fun storytelling. Highly recommend it.
Also, your honest review of the Katie Kitamura book made me laugh. Thanks for saving me the trouble of getting it from the library and wondering what I was missing.
Oh wow, The Frozen People sounds interesting!
I'm glad you appreciated my dissenting review. It's always a little nerve wracking going against the grain, but I can only be honest and I always appreciate a differing opinion on book discourse!
Loved The Bright Years, enjoyed Hot Air, just started Ordinary Time and looking forward to Heartwood!
Hope you enjoy Ordinary Time as much as I did!
Ooh I'm so interested in all three of your April faves! I've also saved the ranch chicken recipe. I used to bring back bottles of ranch dressing from every US trip and then friends would send them to me and now I have about eight bottles of the stuff unopened 😅
This sounds a lot like my pantry even though we have ready access 🙈 We go through way too much ranch. Sometimes I think my kids consider it more of a side than a condiment. At least it's often paired with veggies at least 😅
Happy to find your wrap up here! So many on my tbr that you are convincing me to prioritize.
Thank you for stopping by 🥰 Glad to hear I could help 😃
I loved The Bright Years I’m excited to attend a Zoom the author will be chatting at! I’m currently reading Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. I’ve been curious about Notes to John and you just sold me on the audio!
I would be very interested to hear Damoff speak. I'm especially interested in debut authors and where their stories originate, but also Damoff's background as a social worker is intriguing as well. Enjoy!!
I'm interested in Happy Land. I will be interested to hear your thoughts!
So happy to see you loved The Bright Years. Love a debut that’s getting the attention it deserves.
Yes! It definitely has mass appeal and I'm so glad to see it making the rounds!