May 2021 Book Review Wrap Up

So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly features.

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Geckos & Guns: The Pakistan Years (Living as an Expat Series, book 2) by Sharon Bazant

By Sharon Bazant

This is the second installment in Bazant’s travel memoirs. This is a prequel to her first book, Nine Years in Bangkok: Lessons Learned. In 1991, Bazant, along with her husband and two teenagers, took a “hardship” posting to Islamabad. The book chronicles her family’s five years in Pakistan, adjusting to a new culture as well as navigating the perils of flash floods, power cuts, and bombings.

I was hooked from the first page. Bazant is a gifted storyteller, engaging all of the senses in her vivid descriptions of sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. The writing is very conversational, giving the reader the feeling of sitting down over a cup of coffee and getting to know a new friend. Bazant provides wonderful insight into the history, culture, politics, and religion of modern Pakistan that broadens the reader’s understanding of the environment she and her family were living in.

I thoroughly enjoyed Bazant’s memoir and look forward to reading more from her.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

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My Jew-ish Story: NYU-Hunter Edition

By NYU-Hunter Students; Penina Shtauber (Editor), Uriel Dison (Editor), Mitchell LaDue (Editor)

The Jewish experience is unique to every individual but it also unites us as one tribe. In this anthology, My Jew-ish Story, a group of NYU and Hunter College students share insight into their Jewish experience as they live their own Jewish life.

What a perfect way to pass an afternoon. Each story in this collection is emotional and powerful, as distictive as the students who wrote them. I found myself inspired by their bravery in sharing such a deeply personal part of themselves.

I’d like to thank editor, Penina Shtauber, for the free copy of this anthology in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

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The Rain Drinkers by G. Finan

By G. Finan

When Jamie Gibson’s mother passes away unexpectedly, he finds himself traveling to meet an uncle he was unaware he had. Jamie’s uncle makes his living as a gunner, providing waterfowl to New York’s high-end restaurants. He’s also married to a much younger woman. Jamie soon discovered his uncle’s dark side. The story explores the immigrant experience in America, in the early 1900s.

Finan is a gifted storyteller, painting a vivid picture of Bay Shore, NY. The descriptions transported me to the scene. The character character development is incredibly strong and I found the relationships between the characters wonderfully complex. The plot kept me guessing from beginning to end. I found the charming setting an interesting contrast with darkness of characters.

This is my first book by G. Finan and I look forward to reading more.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

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February 2021 Book Review Wrap Up

So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…

March 2021 Book Review Wrap Up

So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…

April 2021 Book Review Wrap Up

So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…


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