Kristina's Reviews

If you are looking for a book that scores high for originality, this is your book. Sunyi Dean’s debut novel, The Book Eaters, is a morally complex contemporary gothic fantasy novel that feels like a fresh twist on the vampire story. The chapters alternate between Devon’s past and present life highlighting generational trauma and the driving forces that push people to do the unimaginable. Dean’s storytelling will leave you questioning—what truly defines a monster? —Kristina

Take the atmospheric details of Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca and mix it with a cast of character personalities from a Jane Austen novel and what do you get? A satisfyingly creepy, Victorian era gothic mystery that is—A Dreadful Splendor by B.R. Myers. Myers creates a riveting page turner with enough plot twists that keep you guessing till the end. A perfect read for the autumn months ahead. —Kristina

Historical fiction meets Celtic lore in this eerie debut novel. The Wild Hunt takes place on a Scottish Island after World War II. What seems like a story about the aftermath of war turns into a suspenseful mystery with atmospheric details so rich you will swear you can smell the heather. Seckel’s writing feels modern despite the setting which makes the story feel even more real and hauntingly poignant. With Daphne du Maurier vibes, this book is un-put-downable. I dare say it is one of my favorite reads so far. —Kristina

12-year-old Nana (NAH-na) travels to visit family in Ghana for the first time and discovers the power within stories and how to live in her truth, even when those around her believe her to be a fibber. My daughter (age 9) loved this because she learned about Ananse—the trickster spider from African folklore—who she found to be funny and helpful. For middle grade readers who enjoy myths, legends, and learning about a culture from a new perspective.  —Kristina

Jane Moore is back with another beautifully illustrated garden book in her “Planting for” series, this time focusing on birds. As you turn the pages, your eyes can’t help but admire the brightly colored art that complements each of the 11 chapters. The chapters are laid out according to season so you can move through the year enjoying a variety of birds. Moore’s goal throughout this series is to give easy-to-follow advice to inspire confidence in even the newest of gardeners. After reading the book, I went outside and sat peacefully in a chair and took notice of the various birds singing, which birds were swooping into the trees or hopping along the ground. At the very least, this guide will give you information on garden birds and hopefully a deeper appreciation for our fine feathered friends.  —Kristina

Deaf Utopia by Nyle DiMarco is a memoir I didn’t know I needed in my life. You can feel DiMarco’s passion for his heritage—coming from a multigenerational Deaf family—his love of ASL, and his determination to change cultural stereotypes about Deaf people. DiMarco explores Deaf history and culture and also discusses the trials and tribulations people in the Deaf community face. This memoir truly is “a love letter to a way of life.”   —Kristina

Have you ever stopped to think about how the Oxford English Dictionary was created? The Dictionary of Lost Words is a beautiful debut novel, inspired by real people and events that shaped the creation of the first OED. Reading this thought- provoking, well-researched, and detailed story, with its rich cast of characters and relationships, you will find yourself taking pleasure in the dialogue and possibly reaching for a tissue (or two). Pip Williams breathes life into the previously undervalued contributions women made during the herculean effort to create the OED. She highlights the power of words and their ability to grow and change with the times, encouraging the reader to reexamine the words we use today and the foundations on which they were created. For lovers of words and historical fiction, this book is sure to delight.  —Kristina

Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch is a humorous novel grounded in truth. Galchen takes a moment from the early 1600s German witch trials and makes it relevant for today and for our society’s obsession with cancel culture. Witty and thought provoking, this is a perfect beach read.  —Kristina

This book is part of our Spring Reading Challenge. Read more here.

Claudia Lin is a quick-witted, well-read wannabe detective in this debut mystery. Recruited by Veracity, an under the radar dating detective agency in Manhattan, Claudia is tasked to help verify if people’s online dating profiles match who they truly are or what lies they may be telling. When a newly acquired client goes missing, Claudia’s detective instincts kick in and take her down a path she never imagined. This locked-room mystery is woven with dynamic family drama and thought-provoking social commentary on our online world and the information we give out—knowingly and unknowingly. The Verifiers is an engaging mystery that will keep you guessing till the end. —Kristina