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Love Letters to the Dead
Love Letters to the Dead
Ava Dellaira | 2014 | Young Adult (YA)
7
6.8 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
Great for fans of Perks of Being a Wallflower!
Contains spoilers, click to show
Trigger warning. This book deals with some deep stuff.

This was a super interesting idea. The story was deep, and it was the first book I've ever come across that told its story through letters to dead celebrities. So bonus points there for sure!
The overall story reminded me a lot of Perks of Being a Wallflower, which is one of my all time favorites.

I did not LOVE the POV/writing of the book but that wasn't because the author didn't do well. In fact I'd say that means she did amazing given the book is told from the POV of a teenage girl. She's young, and the writing reflects that. So while it wasn't my personal cup of tea, it made sense for the book. Bear that in mind when going into this one.

We follow Laurel venting to dead celebrities about her life and the loss of her sister. How did she die? Why does Laurel feel guilty? Why isn't her mom around anymore? Through letters to her idols she reminisces and vents, and we get to see her navigate life and relationships without her big sister.

*Potential trigger warnings for domestic abuse, rape, molestation, drug/alcohol use, and suicide.
  
Elements of Retrofit (Thomas Elkin #1)
Elements of Retrofit (Thomas Elkin #1)
N.R. Walker | 2018 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
6
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
As a long-term fan of the author's writing style, I was looking forward to reading a May-to-December story from her.

Whilst I adored Thomas himself, after all, what's not to like with a going silver fox professional who knows what he wants from life? I'm afraid Cooper just didn't quite hit the mark for me. Although he came across as mature at times, the majority of the time his cocky attitude annoyed me, and no, I couldn't get used to it (although Thomas managed to). I loved the world this book was set in, with the architectural references and the visual clues given. With so many things to love about this book, I'm sorry to give it a 3-star, but I just couldn't get to grips with Cooper. That's my issue, not the writing!

On the whole, another brilliant book by N.R. Walker, just one that didn't hit the mark for me. That doesn't mean I don't recommend it, because I do. You never know, you may find Cooper quirky and adorable!

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 2, 2018
  
The Essex Serpent
The Essex Serpent
Sarah Perry | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
7
7.1 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
Beautifully written period drama
I knew nothing about this book and picked it purely on how pretty the cover was, but I was very pleasantly surprised.

I struggled to get into it initially as I'm not the biggest fan of period dramas, however I persevered and was glad I did. It is a very well written and intriguing story, although sadly lacking slightly in engaging characters - I found I didn't really care about any of them, and the ending was mostly a disappointment. Still the writing and ideas are excellent, and I'd be glad to read more of Sarah Perry's work in future.
  
SV
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received a free ebook copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I made no guarantee of a favorable review.

The Salem Witch Trials have always intrigued me as I am fascinated and appalled at the naivety of people. This book's story line takes place 19 years after those trials and the author's creative writing transported me in to the story. Strong and well developed were the story and its characters and the revelations that are revealed via a journal were outstanding. I cannot wait to read the second book and I highly recommend that everyone reads it.