dallas_shattuck's reviews
879 reviews

I was on a very long waiting list at my local library for this book—I’m so glad I finally got a chance to read it!

I loved the mystery and reading as the Club worked to solve the crimes. There were several “red herrings” throughout, so I didn’t know how the clues fit together until the very end (which is always a plus for mysteries). This book gave me major Agatha Christie vibes.

ALSO, I enjoyed the 4 main characters—Ron, Elizabeth, Joyce, and Ibrahim. They’re relationships with one another and witty banter had me laughing out loud. All four of them had great senses of humor and were really like-able characters. Their conversations reminded me of The Golden Girls (which is a high compliment).

I wish the book didn’t end with a few cliffhangers, but hopefully that just means a second book is coming!

Overall, I think The Thursday Murder Club is the perfect “cozy” mystery weekend read. I highly recommend this one!

I know I’m late to the party on this one and everything I want to say has probably already been said in many other reviews, but I still need to share.

This book was so powerful, eye-opening, and heart-breaking. Criminal justice reform, especially the prison system, is something I studied a lot in college and is an important issue to me. So I’ve already heard many of the statistics presented in the book—but I needed to read them again. They’re shocking and horrifying.

Actually reading about some of EJI’s specific cases was also a very important part of this book. It’s one thing to read statistics, and it’s another thing to read actual stories of people who are included in those statistics. My heart felt so heavy while reading about Walter, Anthony, Trina, Ian, and so many others.

While we still have a long way to go, I was heartened to read about the some of the successes EJI has had over the past several decades to progress our criminal justice system, especially related to sentencing children.

Now, when people ask me which book I’d recommend to everyone, it will be Just Mercy.

I’m not even sure where to start or what to say in this review. I remember reading an article on Buzzfeed several years ago, and that was the first time I’d heard about this case. My heart was so sad when I read that article, and my heart broke reading Chanel’s memoir.

I really admire Chanel’s courage and determination throughout the legal process and while writing this book. She is brave, and her words (both in the impact statement and this memoir) give a voice to victims across the world.

This book, while hard to read, is extremely impactful and important. I think everyone should read it.

CW: sexual assault, rape, victim blaming, depression, anxiety, panic, trauma

When I saw that this book was comprised of various quarantine stories, I knew I had to read it. The essays in this book gave me all the emotions—laughing, smiling, crying. I really resonated with several of the stories, and I know that anyone who reads this book will, too. This book isn’t just for parents; there’s a story for everyone.

Shortly before quarantine happened, I gave birth to my second child in less than 1 year. I barely figured out how to be a mom of 1 and was suddenly a mom of 2. Then, I was forced to go back to work, and soon after that, COVID happened. 2020 was a hard year, but reading these stories gave me comfort, because I know I wasn’t alone.

I highly, highly encourage everyone to read the stories in this book. Additionally, proceeds from this book go to COVID-19 vaccine research.

Thank you @uplitreads and @zibbyowens for the #gifted copy and the opportunity to participate in this campaign!

I love non-fiction, so once I found out about Craigslist Confessional, I knew I had to read it!!

I loved how the book is comprised of several stories from anonymous individuals who wanted to share their experiences with the author. The premise is so unique—sometimes what we really want is someone who will just listen to us.

Many of these stories absolutely broke my heart. There were a few I really related to, especially the story about prenatal and postpartum anxiety (if you ever have questions about it or want to chat, I’m always happy to share my experiences and/or just listen!!).

I will note that there are A LOT on content warnings for this book. I have many listed below, but I probably missed some. Again, there are a lot. If you have questions about the CW, send me a message!

Overall, I think Craigslist Confessional was a really powerful collection of stories that others should read.

CW: illness, death, infant loss, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, war, abuse (verbal, sexual, emotional, physical), anxiety, infidelity, pedophilia, homophobia, transphobia, rape, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, incarceration, drug/alcohol addiction

I don’t normally read YA fiction, but I’ve heard such great things about With the Fire On High and decided to give it a try. It did not disappoint!!

This was a lighter read, and I flew through it in a few days. I loved the short chapters and recipes included throughout! Also, I loved how many strong female characters were included in this book!

Emoni was a fantastic main character; I loved following her journey. I especially enjoyed reading her experiences and thoughts about motherhood. The relationship between Emoni and Emma was portrayed so beautifully. As a mom, I’ve felt those same emotions—missing your child when they’re not around, always worrying about them, being so happy just snuggling with them, and doing everything you can to give them a better life. ♥️

Overall, I think this is a great, feel-good book and definitely recommend it!

I’ve never read Jane Eyre, but I think the concept of re-telling a classic in modern times I really interesting and unique. I loved how the book had short chapters and multiple points of view. It wasn’t extremely fast-paced or suspenseful, but I was okay with that. It was a good “popcorn read” that had a few surprises here and there!

I liked the ending—I’ve seen other reviewers say it wasn’t very surprising, but I think it was the perfect resolution for the Eddie, Jane, and Bea.

I’ve heard great things about this book and really wanted to try it, since it’s outside my normal genres (thrillers and memoirs).

I have to say, the writing was really beautiful and I very much enjoyed it. I also thought the ending tied all the events together nicely; it was the ending I was expecting. I think the author did a good job of weaving the cultural and gender identity themes throughout the book.

However, I felt that there were too many characters for such a short book. Sometimes, I was extremely confused about which POV I was reading. I think if the book had fewer characters but really went into detail about their thoughts, feelings, actions, etc. I could’ve followed along better. Or maybe more from Vivek’s perspective? I’m not sure—maybe it’s the reading funk I’m in, but this book just didn’t click like I thought it would.

BUT, I think this is one that many people have loved, so I’d encourage those interested to read it!!

CW: homophobia, transphobia, incest, rape, sexual assault, infidelity, physical abuse, death, miscarriage

I’ve seen a lot of mixed reviews for Normal People, and I’m glad I finally got a chance to read it.

This book was just “okay”. Normally, I love a good “BFFs in love but the timing is never right” story, but this one just didn’t do it for me. I found the main characters, Connell and Marianne, to be boring and immature at times. Their relationship was toxic and many of their problems could have been avoided if they just communicated. Also, I thought the ending was slightly confusing, and I’m not sure if they’ll end up together or not.

I did like how they were always there for one another when needed most. And Connell was able to work on his anxiety and depression and get the help he needed.

Also, I’d like to note that I’m not a fan of dialogue without quotation marks.

I’m not even really sure how to express my thoughts or give Homegoing the review it deserves.

This book was so emotional, powerful, heart-breaking, and eye-opening. I cried while reading so many of the chapters. While the events in the book are fiction, there are so many Black families who have experienced the traumatic, unjust events portrayed in this book. And thinking about that made me cry even harder.

I thought that telling the story through a family tree was really unique. And the ending tied everything together nicely and events came full-circle.

This book deserves all the stars!