kristikiwi's reviews
506 reviews

Tina Fey's Bossypants is a sharp, hilarious, and refreshingly honest memoir that charts her journey with big dreams to one of the most influential figures in comedy. Fey’s signature wit shines through as she recounts her experiences in improv, her time at Saturday Night Live,

"The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain is a delightful and whimsical tale that captures the essence of childhood through the mischievous adventures of its titular character. Set in the charming town of St. Petersburg along the Mississippi River, the story follows young Tom Sawyer as he navigates a world of freedom, curiosity, and imagination.

Tom’s shenanigans are as entertaining as they are daring, from tricking his friends into whitewashing a fence to uncovering secrets and treasures in the town's mysterious corners. The supporting characters, such as his spirited best friend Huck Finn, sweet and clever Becky Thatcher, and the intimidating villain Injun Joe, enrich the narrative with their own unique personalities and roles in Tom’s escapades.

Twain’s ability to blend humor, adventure, and moments of genuine emotion makes this book a timeless classic. The story not only highlights Tom’s mischievous spirit but also explores themes of friendship, morality, and the yearning for freedom. It’s a heartwarming reminder of the joys and challenges of growing up, told through the eyes of a boy who sees the world as an endless adventure.

This thrilling adventure delves into the Cosmere universe (talking to my Sanderson fans), following a resourceful and enigmatic character who finds themselves on an unfamiliar planet. Tasked with offering a solution to the dire challenges, of life or death, faced by its inhabitants. The story combines mystery, high stakes, and the deep interconnected lore that fans of the Cosmere have come to love. As the protagonist navigates this world, readers are treated to fascinating new cultures, gripping conflicts, and revelations that expand the boundaries of the universe. A compelling addition to the Cosmere saga that both longtime fans and newcomers will find captivating.

The Nightingale takes readers on an emotional journey of 2 sisters through World War II, set against the backdrop of war-torn France. Although the sisters' lives unfold in vastly different ways, their bond as siblings remains the heart of the story. The narrative spans the war’s beginning to its harrowing conclusion, weaving a tale of grief, resilience, and survival amidst unimaginable atrocities. Through their experiences, the novel paints a poignant picture of the human cost of war, the choices people must make in the face of adversity, and the unbreakable strength of family and rebuilding. A powerful and moving exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of sisterhood.

An outrageously funny and irresistibly addictive tale of paranormal romance. This book effortlessly blends humor, heat, and high-stakes drama. The sizzling chemistry between the characters is matched only by the unpredictable twists, making every page a delightful rollercoaster ride. With its perfect balance of spicy romance and laugh-out-loud moments.


It’s a must-read for fans of the genre who crave equal parts, passion, and hilarity.

 

Continuing where Paradise-1 left off, this sequel to the scifi horror novel continues the journey of Firewatch agent Alexandra Petrova and her fellow crewmates of the Artemis as they explore the supposedly abandoned colony of Paradise-1. This was deeply thrilling and well written as the characters each discover the secrets the colony holds, as well as each character's own secrets. I loved this second book of the Paradise-1 Trilogy. It continued the story in an engaging way while also furthering the mystery of the Paradise-1 colony. The action was thrilling and the horror was terrifying. I can't wait to see how this all ends in book 3!

 

 

“To walk is to find footing. To stop is to lose it.”

A beautiful, haunting journey of a novel, quite unlike anything I’ve read or experienced before. The characters are deep and complicated, the setting rich and detailed. I really enjoyed the journey this novel took me on. I felt like I was experiencing one of those documentaries of early human life. History come to life and I had an amazing time. Well done.

 

 

Dating and Dragons is a wonderful romantic comedy that blends the enchantment of Dungeons and Dragons with the story of unspoken feelings. The story is full of heart, humor, and tabletop adventure. 

While the story follows a group of besties who meet and play their imaginative game of D&D, there are plenty of dice rolls, spellcasting, and sparks flying between the two love interests. While Quinn and Logan are two friends who vow not to like each other, their chemistry is electric! Their friendship is bound by circumstance and a connection that is slightly out of reach, making this story perfect for those who enjoy a friends to lover tale. 

 

In this unconventional novel, the author masterfully unravels a love story in reverse, peeling back layers of grief, passion, and the myriad ways relationships can falter. The story begins at its most devastating conclusion: the protagonist finally breaking free from a toxic relationship. From there, the narrative rewinds, taking readers on a poignant journey to the very first spark of their ill-fated romance.

The main character is a deeply relatable figure, painted with raw honesty and complexity. Her love for a man who is, by all accounts, deeply flawed—if not outright cruel—feels tragically human. As we trace her steps back through time, we see the compromises, the heartbreaks, and the small betrayals that accumulate like cracks in a fragile foundation. Yet, amidst this, there are also moments of tenderness and hope that remind us why she fell for him in the first place.

The reverse storytelling is not just a gimmick; it’s a profound exploration of hindsight. By starting at the end, we understand her triumph over a destructive love, and each preceding chapter adds context that reframes what we thought we understood about her journey. The backward structure lends a sense of inevitability—like watching a slow-motion car crash in reverse—and invites readers to reflect on the red flags they might have overlooked in their own lives.

This is a novel for anyone who has ever loved the wrong person, who has stayed too long, or who has wondered what went wrong. 

Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel masterfully intertwines the art of cooking with the emotional tapestry of its protagonist, Tita. Through vivid and evocative symbolism, Esquivel uses food as a conduit for expressing Tita's deepest emotions, desires, and struggles, creating a narrative that is both sensory and profound. The novel explores universal themes of love, loss, grief, and resilience, set against the backdrop of complex family dynamics in early 20th-century Mexico.

Each chapter begins with a recipe, serving as a metaphorical ingredient list for Tita's emotional journey, and the dishes she prepares often have transformative effects on those who consume them. The story is a seamless blend of magical realism and raw human emotion, making it a richly layered exploration of passion, tradition, and the struggle for self-expression. Esquivel’s enchanting prose ensures that Like Water for Chocolate leaves a lasting impression on the heart and palate of its readers.