randombookswithmj's reviews
518 reviews

 

🌹 Jodi Picoult's latest novel, By Any Other Name, is tremendously well-written, with lyrical prose that at times mimics a Shakespearean style, adding a unique and engaging touch to a story that includes The Bard. Picoult's trademark twist is present, making readers see things from a different perspective than they were. Honestly, even the title works so well with the storyline! ✨ 

 🌹By Any Other Name investigates the themes of marginalized voices in history, such as women and other races, women's poverty, and self-sacrifice. Shakespeare as a brand rather than a person is also explored and adds a fascinating piece to the story. It is clear that Picoult's depth of research and understanding of the subject matter is phenomenal. 🎭 

📜While the story may not show as many sides to the topic as Picoult's other works typically have, it still offers a thought-provoking and immersive reading experience. The novel will lead you to ponder the authenticity of Shakespeare as a writer, sparking further curiosity and reflection. 🤔 

📖 Would I recommend this book? Yes! It is a captivating and provocative read that will leave you questioning the authenticity of Shakespeare as a writer. I

 🌟 If you read it with  your book club and want some discussion guidance please let me know as I did a lot of work preparing for my book club.  🌟 

🌟Note🌟: The idea of Shakespeare as a brand came up in my IRL Book Club discussion. It was not my idea but that of @donna.shortt100 and our club’s members all took to the idea, including me. 🌟🌟 

 I recently had the surprise of receiving Mocktail Lounge by Dylan Swift, and let me tell you, it was a refreshing experience! 💫 This book is a treasure trove of unique ideas for creating mocktails that will elevate your non-alcoholic drink game to a whole new level. 🍹✨ 

Over the weekend, I had a blast experimenting with some of the recipes from the book. From the use of cold hibiscus tea to the butterfly pea tea, each concoction was a delightful surprise for my taste buds. 🦋💜 My personal favorite so far has been the Hibiscus Sour – the perfect blend of tangy and sweet! 🌺🍋 

One of the most exciting moments was when I made the Ocean Mister – it started off blue, but when I added a splash of lemon, it magically transformed into a beautiful shade of purple. 💙💜 As purple happens to be my favorite color, you can imagine my joy sipping on this vibrant creation! 🌊💜 

If you're looking to add a touch of fun and creativity to your non-alcoholic beverages, I highly recommend giving some of these mocktail recipes a try. 🌟 Cheers to a world of colorful and delicious drinks! 🥂 

✨Thank you to @stmartinspress for my surprise copy of this book. 

 

Devil is Fine by John Vercher 

Book Review and Pub Day! 

📚 John Vercher's Devil is Fine 😈 delves into the complexities of intergenerational trauma stemming from slavery and the pervasive issue of racism in a truly unique manner. The novel reads like a poignant biographical history of the author, offering an authentic and real portrayal of these challenging themes. Vercher's beautiful writing style captivates readers, drawing them into a narrative that is both emotional and thought-provoking. 

📚 While the story may progress slowly at times, this deliberate pacing serves to immerse the reader even further into the characters' experiences. Overall, Devil is Fine is a compelling and impactful read that sheds light on important societal issues. 

📖 Would I recommend it? Yes, it is definitely worth picking up. 

📚 Thank you to @celadonbooks for the opportunity to read this beautiful story, and to @jverchwrites for writing it. 

The Nature of Disappearing by Kimi Cunningham Grant
Book Review and Pub Day!
 In the vein of Cheryl Strayed’s Wild, Emlyn is trying to overcome her past and come to terms with who she is and what she wants out of life. The Nature of 
Disappearing is a quick read with lots of twists and turns. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the story took unexpected turns that kept me engaged.

The timeline moves between the past and present day and it helps the story unfold as we learn more about Emlyn’s back story and that of the main people she has had In her life, helping to understand each of the characters better.

Now I want to go backpacking in the Idaho wilderness!

One minor criticism is that there were a few aspects that felt a little unrealistic to me, but the author made it work.

Would I recommend it? Yes. If you are in the mood for a mystery/thriller I would 
recommend this one. 

 Thank you to @stmartinspress and @netgalley for the opportunity to read and 
review this story.