The Water Keeper - by Charles Martin: Book Review

Title: The Water Keeper

Author: Charles Martin

Series: Murphy Shepherd 

Pages: 352

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publishing Date: May 5th 2020

Genre: Contemporary

Themes: Human trafficking; Florida, US; Lost family members; 

Format: Kindle

Rating: 3*

Plot: Murphy Shepherd is a man who works for the government (sort of), is a priest (sort of), and writes novels to heal (sort of). He tracks girls and young women who have gone missing, and were allured or kidnapped by human traffickers. With a history of almost 10 years of saving victims, he's faced with yet another tough case in the murky waters of slavery.

Liked:

- As the novel progressed, there were a few characters that joined Murphy Shepherd and became involved in finding Angel, a teenager allured by flesh dealers: people who sell and buy people. It's basically slavery. I liked the idea of a group of people, each with their own story, joining the mission, but having their personal reasons as well.

- The dog

- Cliche or not, there are some good quotes throughout the novel

- The idea that love is stronger than many failings and mistakes

- The idea that we all need a saviour. However, I would have liked to see this point made by pointing to God, not that much to a mere man. It is, after all, what we were all made to crave: a love that doesn't stop being poured over us, no matter what we do.

- Although very heavy, the topic is relevant. I learned things I didn't know about human trafficking and how the men involved in this operated. It might be uncomfortable to read, but to think this happens more often than we are even aware is sickening and heartbreaking

Disliked:

- too many coincidences, so that everything works out just fine in the end. Even the scenes where there are fights with the bad guys (the flesh dealers, as they are called) turn out fine. They were not the scenes that kept me turning the pages because despite the many bruises, cuts, shots, or hits the hero receives, he survives and is back on his feet in no time. And he manages just fine with little sleep and little food. 

- the convoluted plot - adding more and more layers to the story was a bit too much. The lost wife (two times! but third time's the charm!) and the unknown-of daughter were too much. It's difficult to follow along at times, and I wasn't always sure what was real and what not, especially since we were told in the beginning he was going to scatter his wife's ashes. Turns out, we were reading a page from the novel the main character wrote. A story within a story. It takes a while to figure this out.

- the way Charles Martin portrays women will never cease to irk me: always weak, always in need of a saviour, always so easy to fall for the good-looking, physically strong man, albeit not that emotionally strong. I know Summer was a woman who needed saving, but repeatedly saying she touched him, she kissed him, she wanted to be near him, despite knowing him for few days, was bothersome. 

- the man who is a saviour. I know that Murphy Shepherd is the human potrayal of Jesus Christ, I know this is the point of the novel. However, the only thing it seemed to underline is that a man can be a saviour all on his own. Oh, wait, not really. There's Bones, the man behind the action: he offers help unseen. I know there needs to be someone who saves the women caught in human trafficking, but hammering the invincibility and saviour-like persona of Murphy Shepherd was too much to read.

- there is a lot of description about the course Murphy took in his journey to find Angel. As someone who lives outside US, I didn't care for this, and I surely didn't Google it. In the same vein, all the details about all the boats - over my head & went in one ear and out the other.

- There are many details about many things, a clear sign the author did research, but it felt too much. I wish there wasn't the plot with the daughter or the lost & found (again! and again!) wife. Towards the end I couldn't wait to finish it, but I was still curious. Very possible I'll be reading the other books in the series.

Yesterday’s Tides - by Roseanna M. White: Book Review

Title: Yesterday's Tides
Author: Roseanna M. White
Pages: 432
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publishing Date: January 24th 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction
Themes: WWI, WWII, Christian, Romance
Format: Kindle
Rating: 4

 

GoodReads Synopsis:

In 1942, Evie Farrow is used to life on Ocracoke Island, where every day is the same--until the German U-boats haunting their waters begin to wreak havoc. And when special agent Sterling Bertrand is washed ashore at Evie's inn, her life is turned upside down. While Sterling's injuries keep him inn-bound for weeks, making him even more anxious about the man he's tracking, he becomes increasingly intrigued by Evie, who seems to be hiding secrets of her own.

Decades earlier, in 1914, Englishman Remington Culbreth arrives at the Ocracoke Inn for the summer, but he doesn't count on falling in love with Louisa Adair, the innkeeper's daughter. When war breaks out in Europe, and their relationship is put in jeopardy, will their love survive?

As Evie and Sterling work to track down an elusive German agent, they unravel mysteries that go back a generation. The ripples from the Great War are still rocking their lives, and it seems yesterday's tides may sweep them all into danger again today.

Bestselling and award-winning author Roseanna M. White whisks you away to two periods fraught with peril in this sweeping and romantic dual-time tale. 

My review of Yesterday's Tides:

This dual timeline novel follows two women during the First World War (in 1912) and the Second World War (in 1942). I enjoyed following both stories, but especially the one during the year 1942.

Ignoring the very large number of characters, so large that I had to create a list of them to keep track, the novel flows smoothly. As you read more of the stories, you get familiar with all the characters. It's more a plot driven novel, but you do get to see the characters' development throughout. The mystery aspect of the novel, not knowing for sure whom to trust, the intrigue with the war spies and war intelligence made me turn the pages faster.

Besides the romantic plot line, where we learn about Evie Farrow's and Louisa Adair's love stories, the novel deals with themes of racism, class divisions, multiple generations, and war intelligence. The best thing was reading to see how the two story lines converge and how the characters connect with one another. It was a wonderful reading experience. I admit starting this hoping for an easy read during a weekend, but there is substance to the story, and a couple of weeks later, I still think about this story sometimes. 

For fans of historical novels, especially set during either of the two world wars, this is a good choice of reading material. In the note at the end of the novel, the author does mention how these characters are in fact characters from her previous works. I haven't read anything by her before, but I didn't feel like there was a lack of depth to the way the characters were constructed. However, those familiar with her other novels will probably get an extra level of enjoyment recognizing other characters.

I received a free e-book copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, via Net Galley. However, all thoughts expressed in this review are my own.

Bloomsbury Girls - by Natalie Jenner: Book Review

Title: Bloomsbury Girls
Author: Natalie Jenner
Pages: 370
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publishing Date: May 17th 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
Themes:
Format: Kindle
Rating: 4*

Bloomsbury Girls introduces us into the world of a London bookstore, five years after the end of World War Two. The novel mainly focuses on three women, all employees of Bloomsbury Books: Vivien Lowry, Grace Perkins, and Evelyn (Evie) Stone. They come from different walks of life, but become friends, and in the end they are tied by a common goal they'll see to fruition.

Readers who've enjoyed The Jane Austen Society, the author's first book, will enjoy this one, too. Characters from the first book make appearances in Bloomsbury Girls. One aspect I really liked is how the author managed to make the novel sound as if you're reading something written in the mid-20th century. I sometimes had the feeling I'm reading a classic. Yes, some choice of words did sound precious, but I loved this aspect. No bland writing here!

Another thing I enjoyed tremendously was using real life people as characters. Samuel Beckett, Peggy Guggenheim, Sonia Mary Brownell Orwell, Daphne du Maurier - all these become people of great impact in the novel. Besides there, there are a lot of characters in this book. The list at the beginning of the novel comes in handy, but for those reading an e-book version, keep a list, it'll be helpful. However, they all tie in well together, and no one is an unnecessary character. Each character, no matter how disliking they might seem in the beginning, is given enough background to help the reader understand them as a human. Looking back, I can't say there's a character I ended up not being interested in.

This is a historical novel, but we are not told a lot about the political, social, or economic state London is in 1950. The focus is more on the library's history and on its employees' personal histories. This is clearly what we call an inclusive novel, also one with lots of feminist tendencies. The desire to push the limits and go beyond the pre-prescribed norms of the past is reflected even in how each chapter begins: with one of the 51 rules of the store's general manager, Mr. Dutton. The chapters then go to show how they are, subtly or less subtly, broken. I thought that was a nice touch.

I also liked the observations sprinkled throughout the novel, via the characters' thoughts. The observations are mainly on a person's purpose and ambitions, the norms and regulations society imposes that constrain and never liberate. It's something that reminded me of her first novel, where the author would go into "a lecture" on various things. It's not something bothersome, especially since you get to understand the characters more. I must confess that at some point I was rather not in the right spirit to read, but upon further reflection, I realised this is not the kind of book to rush through. Nothing major happens, although the action takes place over a few months. It's more of what people would call a character driven book. I am glad I read it, though. I am sure I'll read anything else Natalie Jenner writers: she has a way of making a time period come alive and transport you in that setting.

I received a free copy of the e-book of this novel from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.
 

The Library - by Bella Osborne: Book Review

Title: The Library
Author: Bella Osborne
Pages: 384
Publisher: Aria & Aries
Publishing Date: April 1st 2022
Genre: General Fiction
Themes: Books about books, Coming of age, Sheep rearing
Format: Kindle
Rating: 4* 

The Library by Bella Osborne is a kind of coming of age story of a teenage boy who befriends an older woman. Due to a tense relationship with his father, the teenage boy ends up living with the older woman and helping her on the sheep farm. How did the two meet? Through the library, of course. I loved seeing how the library is such an important part of people young and old in a rather small community. I like the whole idea of a community coming together to save a public space, be it the pool, the library or anything else.
 

This novel is basically about a small town, sheep, unlikely friendships, a library that needs saving, and becoming better because we live in community. I enjoyed it a lot!

I received a free copy of the e-book of this novel from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

Meet Me in the Margins - by Melissa Ferguson: Book Review

Title: Meet Me in the Margins
Author: Melissa Ferguson
Pages: 320
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publishing Date: February 2nd 2022
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Themes: Books about books
Format: Kindle
Rating: 4*

 GoodReads synopsys:

Savannah Cade is a low-level editor at Pennington Publishing, a prestigious publisher producing only the highest of highbrow titles. And while editing the latest edition of The Anthology of Medieval Didactic Poetry may be her day job, she has two secrets she’s hiding.

One: She’s writing a romance novel.

Two: She’s discovered the Book Nook—a secret room in the publishing house where she finds inspiration for her “lowbrow” hobby.

After leaving her manuscript behind one afternoon, she returns to the nook only to discover someone has written notes in the margins. Savannah’s first response to the criticism is defensive, but events transpire that force her to admit that she needs the help of this shadowy editor after all. As the notes take a turn for the romantic, and as Savannah’s madcap life gets more complicated than ever, she uses the process of elimination to identify her mysterious editor—only to discover that what she truly wants and what she should want just might not be the same. Melissa Ferguson’s latest—a love letter to books, readers, and romance—will leave fans laughing out loud and swooning in the same breath.

 

 My thoughts:

Likes:⁠
- a love story set in the world of publishing⁠
- the two main characters' alter-egos talk through notes and post-its⁠
- the hidden room!⁠
- the female main character: there are a few funny comments she makes⁠
- literally laugh out loud moments⁠
- work best friend who has a life outside work⁠
- redeemed sisters relationship⁠
⁠
Dislikes: ⁠
- the female main character's family⁠
- the predictability, at times⁠
- rather cheesy, but I knew that going in⁠
- not much depth over-all⁠
- the sister's fiancé. ugh!⁠

 I received a free copy of the e-book of this novel from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

One Italian Summer - by Rebecca Serle: Book Review

Title: One Italian Summer
Author: Rebecca Serle
Pages: 272
Publisher: Quercus Books
Publishing Date: March 1st 2022
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Themes: Italy, Time Travel
Format: Kindle
Rating: 3.5*

 

The one thing this novel does wonderfully is make the reader feel as if they're in Italy. I loved everything about that setting: the elegant hotel, the staff there, the food, the views. The author did a wonderful job writing Italy in this book.

I wholeheartedly disliked Katy, the main character. She's selfish and self-absorbed, swimming in her own grief only, disregarding other people. The way she speaks and behaves towards her husband made me raise my eyebrow and cringe at the same time. Katy claims her mother was the one great love of her life, and her passing away took everything that has ever meant anything to her away. I didn't get the same sentiment from her mother towards her, though. Katy seems to regard her father as a second class member of the family. Finding out that her mother had a life before she gave birth to her daughter comes as a total shock to Katy. She's a spoilt, immature 30 year old woman. She's quick to "fall in love" with a man she's known for a total of three days in Positano, and cheat on her husband.

Sure, some of her actions might be excused (might!) due to the weird time travel thing the author chose to include. I get it - it's also how we got to know Carol, Kathy's mother, before she became the domestic-goddess-housewife-on-a-pedestal her daughter insists she was. I actually liked learning more about Carol's character as a young person; she's a better one that the one Katy keeps telling us about as a woman, wife and mother. However, this time-travel bit was surprising and I'm not totally sold on it.

It's an interesting novel, but don't expect to like the main character. If you want to read a novel set in Italy and actually feel the setting, this is a good choice.

I received a free e-book copy of the novel from the publisher. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

The Lost Manuscript - by Cathy Bonidan: Book Review

Title: The Lost Manuscript. A novel
Author: Cathy Bonidan
Pages: 288
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publishing Date: 12.01.2021
Genre: Epistolary Novel
Format: ebook
Rating: 3*

The power of books is captured in this epistolary novel. The same book, in different readers' hands, has a different impact on their lives.

Anne-Lise finds a lost manuscript in a hotel and she decides to find the author of this manuscript. Along the way we, the readers, along with Anne-Lise, get to know all the people who have read the manuscript, besides Anne-Lise. The novel is written solely in letters which tell the story of how Anne-Lise "met" all these strangers and the author of the manuscript. I liked how all these seemingly unconnected readers became friends thanks to a book that hadn't been published.

I didn't like Anne-Lise as a character, nor her personality. She's too pushy and determined to do things her way, ignoring other characters' opinions. There are a lot of other characters, all connected to the manuscript. I liked how we got to learn more about them through the letters. A character's background story is always the best part for me.

There are lucky/ happy coincidences that made the whole events of this novel possible, but not very likely to take place in real life. I liked the idea of the novel and I have a soft spot for epistolary novels. However, this is not a particularly memorable novel. I read a few months ago as an advanced copy, and I've already forgotten the ending! It was an enjoyable read at the time, but it didn't make a lasting impression, unfortunately.

I  received a free e-book copy of this novel from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

The Night She Went Missing - by Kristen Bird: Book Review

Title: The Night She Went Missing
Author: Kristen Bird
Pages: 352
Publisher: Mira Books
Publishing Date: February 8th 2022
Genre: Suspence
Themes: missing teenager, small town Texas
Format: Kindle
Rating: 3*

I chose to read this novel because I needed something dark-ish and a mystery. The build-up was at a steady pace, as one would expect from a mystery novel. Just when it seemed it'd start to drag, the story picked up and things intensified. The ending is not the shocking and jaw-dropping twist we're always promised with this kind of books. I don't think The Night She Went Missing is a memorable novel, one I'll never forget, but it is a good choice for when you want to break your usual choice of books, and enjoy a soft domestic drama novel.

The idea I can take away is that sometimes accidents happen, and one such accident can alter the course of a person's whole life. I liked the small town set-up on an island. The novel is told in third person, except for Emily's perspective, which she tells herself. Her disappearance ignites a series of events that lead to second-guessing and doubts among the residents of Galveston Island, Texas. Emily's character is not that well developed, despite she being the person who ignites the whole action of the novel. Better developed are the three adult women we get to know more about. Catherine, Morgan, Leslie are all part of the Galveston Islnd community and of the Preparatory school their children attend. They have secrets of their own they need to protect in order to keep the facade of a normal, successful life. I liked all three women, and their stories and their struggles didn't make them any less likable. However, the one person who made the whole novel seem like a weird TV series led by a matriarch with a patriarch's tendencies is Rosalyn, Catherine's mother-in-law.

There are a few elements which seem unbelievable throughout the novel, but not in a plausible, sure-this-could-happen way. The events of the second half are quite unlikely to happen, and it also picked up the pace, throwing a lot of details and revelations the reader's way; it felt a bit too much all of a sudden, and in a short time span. At the same time, they weren't shocking, just far-fetched. The ending offers closure, but I can see why some readers would be left unpleased with the author's choice. I personally don't like when a whole novel is based on a secondary character's mistake. 

 All in all, the build-up and the getting-to-know the characters was more enjoyable than the last quarter of the novel, which offered the resolution.

I received a free copy of the e-book of this novel from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

All the Light Above Us - M. B. Henry: Book Review

 Title: All the Lights Above Us
Author: M. B. Henry
Pages: 352
Publisher: Penguin Random House/ Alcove Press
Publishing Date: May 10th 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction, World War Two
Format: Kindle
Rating: 4.5*

 

I loved this novel. I read it a few months ago, but even today, thinking about it, I remember reading it with held breath. It's not just another World War Two novel; it's the story of five women who might as well have lived during World War Two.

It follows five different women, different backgrounds, different places in the world. They're all involved in some way in the War and its consequences on people's lives. They fight for their survival, but at the same time, they fight for what they know and discover is right.

There was one woman who started as a Nazi propagandist at the beginning of the novel, but her idea shifted. Of course, each woman is made to become a person who is on the "right" side, the winners' side. Maybe I would have liked to see a woman who was on the Nazi's side, see how she thought, how she saw what we now call D-Day.

I liked the different viewpoints the novel has. I had my favourite storylines, of course, but changing the perspective in every chapter was a sure way to keep me interested and curious to see what happened next to the women. It reads fast because of its structure, and I liked the mix of history with enjoyment while reading it. 

I received a free e-book copy of the novel from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

Lockdown on London Lane - by Beth Reekles: Book Review

Title: Lockdown on London Lane
Author: Beth Reekles
Pages: 64
Publisher: Wattpad Books
Publishing Date: February 1st 2022
Genre: Contemporary romance
Format: ebook
Rating: 3*

 

Reading this novel on the brink of the two year anniversary of the worldwide lockdown brought to the surface some feelings and memories, let me tell you!

The novel follows the lives of a handful of residents of a block of flats that goes in quarantine for a week because a resident tested positive. It's a fast read, and it obviously gave me March 2020 flashbacks when the whole world went into lockdown. It was also interesting to read it with the lenses of knowing what was coming and how the world would be affected. ⁠

The stories are different, but they are all connected by the same theme: romantic love. It's fun to see people fall in love; what should have been a one time thing become something promising for the future; married people dealing with their issues; friendships being tested. It's an enjoyable read, it does read fast, but it's also got substance; it's not just another romance novel. I think it dealing with the early days of the pandemic gave it more weight. 

 

I received a free e-book copy of the novel from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

Rebel Girls Climate Warriors: Book Review

Title: Rebel Girls Climate Warriors: 25 Tales of Women Who Protect the Earth
Author: Rebel Girls
Pages: 64
Publisher: Rebel Girls
Publishing Date: March 29th 2022
Genre: Nonfiction, Middle Grade
Format: ebook
Rating: 4*

Not to add to the list of concerns we're facing on a daily basis, but paying attention to how we relate to and treat our world must be at the forefront of out thoughts. This is where this collection comes it to help a starting point in conversations with young people, and not only.

The women whose story we learn about in Rebel Girls Climate Warriors are listed alphabetically, which was a nice touch. There's isn't one field more important then the other, right? These women are inventors, climate activists, zoologists, biologists, entrepreneurs, journalists and filmmakers, and they all find a way to draw attention to how important caring for our world is. There are a lot of names I didn't know. To my shame, I only knew of Margaret Atwood and GretaThunberg, so it was a wonderful opportunity to learn of more climate warriors.
Each warrior gets a full page of information about their work told in easy to read and follow tone. Right under the text, their born date is written and the country they are from. On the right, there's an accompanying full page of their illustrated portrait and a quote by them. The name of the illiustrator is clearly visible on each page. Of course, the illustrator is a woman, which is just perfect. I like this format a lot, which is the same with other Rebel Girls books.
What makes this book even more special is that the women showcased in it are not just activists from long ago, but some are still active, and are of all ages. Some are teenagers, some are in their 40s, some in their 60s, but they all have something to say on the subject of climate change and activism. It's a book I am sure I can use in my class to spark conversations with the students.

I was preapproved by Net Galley and offered an e-book copy of this book for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Food Saved Me - by Danielle Walker: Book Review

 

Title: Food Saved Me. My Journey of Finding Health and Hope through the Power of Food
Author: Danielle Walker
Pages: 336
Publisher: Tyndale Momentum
Publishing Date: 14.09.2021
Genre: Nonfiction, Christian
Format: ebook
Rating: 3.5*

I didn't know much about Danielle Walker besides the fact that she can't eat certain foods, and that she's good friends with Angie Smith, whom I've been following on social media for years. 

It was interesting to learn Daniell's story. This is the first book of hers I've ever read, since I don't read cookbooks. The first few chapters of the book focus a lot on all the delicious foods she misses, it downright made me hungry for dishes I've never tasted. 

The story starts from the early days when she became sick, her early years of marriage, her doctor's visits, her pregnancies, her early blog days and tours. You learn of how she come to create so many dishes based only on ingredients she could eat and her body would accept without making her sick. It's a serious, raw story and reality, but filled with hope and joy in her being able to rely on food to be a nourishment for her, and her family.

As I was reading, and me being a reader outside US, I could not help but think that this lifestyle would not be something feasible for people who don't have acces to the resources to provide the ingredients she bases her nutrition on. It's objectively an expensive, above the average income, lifestyle. I am sure I'd personally feel much better had I had the chance to eat like this, but not in this economy. 

It was a good book, beyond the cooking and food aspect. Danielle sounds like and seems a grounded person, empathic, and a good person over-all. I enjoyed reading her memoir. It's a useful book for many who struggle and deal with what she's been dealing with for years, I am sure.

I received a free e-book of this book from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

The Secret of Snow - by Viola Shipman: Book Review

Title: The Secret of Snow
Author: Viola Shipman
Pages: 320
Publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing
Publishing Date: 26.10.2021
Genre: Women's Fiction, Christmas
Format: ebook
Rating: 2*

 

The Secret of Snow by Viola Shipman gave me the impression I was reading a Hallmark movie. It wasn't bad, but it's not memorable either.

Some parts of this novel were plain cheesy. Throughout the novel I was under the impression that the main character was a 30-something person. She was in her 50s! Not to mention, the cover is plain deceiving, what with those twinkle lights and that young person on the pontoon. It added to the feeling of reading an easy holidays romance.

It was interesting to see the transition of this person to life in a winter wonderland after she's spent decades of her life in the sunny California. Because she could easily be mistaken for a younger person, I had trouble remembering we're reading about someone who's had a long career up to that point. 

The unexpected romance between Sonny and Mason seems to me to by the typical romance between people in their 50s: you quickly move past the friendly banter and get to the "my wife committed suicide" part. In all honesty, it was hard to believe they just fell in love and in a rhythm that allowed them to become so close. But then again, a Hallmark story in novel form. 

It was an easy read, just what I needed on a fall week. Not a story I'll remember forever, but a cute one.

Thanks to the publisher for granting me a free e-book copy of the book via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

The Bright Side Running Club - Josie Lloyd: Book Review

Title: The Bright Side Running Club
Author: Josie Lloyd
Pages: 352
Publisher: Alcove Press
Publishing Date: 8.02.2022
Genre: General Fiction, Women's Fiction
Format: ebook
Rating: 2*
 

The Bright Side Running Club by Josie Lloyd made me miss running, but not enought to lace my trainers. Ain't nobody running in temperatures below 15*C!⁠
⁠
This novel tells the story of Keira and how her life changed once she learned of her cancer diagnosis. It's a serious, heart-gripping novel, made even more emotional by the author's note at the end saying that many of the things are based on real life, her story.⁠
⁠
However, there were a lot of characters I didn't like at all. Sometimes I didn't even like Keira, to be honest. Her running friends were the best, her family plain annoying, even towards the end. It's a nice book, it did made me empathise, but I kept giving the characters the side-eye. ⁠The side plot, that about Keira's business, gave me anxiety. Not because I was on the edge of my chair to see who was the villain (that was pretty obvious), but because Keira was so adamant to close her eyes and ignore a lot of the red flags. 

It's a nice story, but pretty forgettable for me. Thnks to the publisher, I got a free e-copy of this book via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own. 

The Lazy Genius - by Kendra Adachi: Book Review

 Title: The Lazy Genius. Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn't, and Get Stuff Done
Author: Kendra Adachi
Pages: 240
Publisher: Waterbrook Press
Publishing Date: 11th August 2020
Genre: Non-fiction
Format: ebook
Rating: 4*

I started reading The Lazy Genius book in the first half of the year, maybe in May? However, as summer started and I let myself enjoy the more lax schedule of summer break, I put this book aside. I picked it back up as summer drew to a close and the hectic fall schedule started. It was the best time to read it! Actually, I think I reread some parts, and I am glad I did!

It was also during this time that I started listening to Kendra's podcast, The Lazy Genius Podcast, which has become one of my favourites. I like how short the episodes are, but full of practical, down-to-earth ideas and solutions. And she doesn't offer a fit-all solution, which is refreshing, to be honest. Of course, listening to the podcast made me like the book even more, and it made me curious to learn more about all those principles she keeps mentioning. 

Indeed, the book is structured around the thirteen principles Kendra applies to her life. Thirteen seems like a large number, but most, if not all, of them are so common sense it's impossible not to see them applied to your life as well. They are so liberating, so easy to apply; I am genuinely surprised no one has thought of them before. The principles can be applied one at a time, or two-three at the same time, depending on what you are trying to decide, change, or implement.

The chapters have a relatively similar structure. There are relevant stories from Kendra's life to illustrate the point she's trying to make. She describes the principle the chapter is about, and then she offers suggestions on how or where you could apply that principle. It reads easily, maybe even quickly, but this is not the point. The point is to take your time to see how you could apply it practically to your own life. I don't usually do this with nonfiction books, but I sure did do some of the things Kendra talks about. 

It's the sort of book that you want to reread at some point. Maybe not all of it, one chapter after the other, but to go back to the chapters that were more meaningful and relevant to the situation you're in. I read it on Kindle, but it's the kind of book you want to refer back to on paper. I also think it'd be a wonderful idea as a gift, or for the beginning of the year planning when people want to implement new strategies and systems into their everyday life. It's not a follow-these-steps-and-you'll-be-successful kind of book. It's more of a here-are-some-starting-points kind of book, with the mention that every life is different. I highly recommend reading this one, and trying to see how you can be a genius about what matters in life.

I received a free e-book copy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.