Book Club Reads
Every month we read a new book, spanning genres, and meet to discuss our reading experience.
This page is dedicated to our members' final thoughts.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
4.5 Stars
Let me start off by saying that this is the opposite type of book I would normally choose for myself. As a thriller girlie, books about magic and romance are usually not found on my bookshelves. With that being said, I absolutely LOVED this book and am so glad I went outside my usual realm of scary for this one. I think that just goes to show what a great job this author did of capturing her audience. This book was a mixture of magic, playfulness, love, loss, and finding a place of belonging. The main character Mika was such a lovable character and it was a fun ride watching her grow from a lonely witch to one that was cherished by the dysfunctional yet adoring family at the Nowhere House. Love quirky characters? Ian is your guy. Relate more to the mysterious curmudgeon in novels? That would be Jamie. There was a character for anyone and everyone to relate to and seeing how they grew together made this a real page turner. Well….I can’t quite say I turned any pages. In fact, I listened to this on Audible, and I do think this contributed to my love for the book. Narrated by Samara MacLaren, the audio version was pure joy as she made wonders of the characters through her ever changing voices, truly capturing the personality of Mika and her counterparts. At the core of the book was an appreciation for magic, but it was so much more than that. While some argue it could have used more spells, potions, and magical theatrics, I think the author found a way to incorporate it in a way that felt enough, giving the support needed for the twists and surprises that presented themselves at the end. The only thing left for me to do is to find a way for this author to make a sequel so we can see how Mika’s prodigies, Terracotta, Rosetta, and Altamira continue on with their Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches!
Review by Jade Freni
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
REVIEW COMING SOON
Funny Story by Emily Henry
4 Stars
Daphne and Miles become roommates after their exes are now engaged to each other. The book is a journey of Daphne trying to find who she is outside of her relationship and navigating adult friendships, while Miles plays tour guide and obviously because it's a romance they fall in love along the way.
A bit contrived and drags in the middle, with some minor editing flaws, the book is a quick and enjoyable read. It's my favorite Emily Henry book I've read so far and you can see why Emily Henry is such a popular romance author.
Review by Amanda
This Spells Love by Kate Robb
4 Stars
Have you ever wanted to redo a life choice that you regret? Bad boyfriend/girlfriend? Bad move? Why did I put my foot in my mouth? “This Spells Love” provided Gemma Wilde with a one-month glimpse into what would have happened had she not met with her ex-boyfriend. One love spell recommended by a very interesting aunt, and a kiss with her “best friend (?),” Daxon McGuire, and Gemma wakes up in a world where she not only didn’t meet her ex, but didn’t meet Daxon, either. And the story takes off from there. It was interesting to see how one choice can change the trajectory of a person’s life. How it can change the trajectory of your career path (she was able to open up her dream store, Wilde Beauty), your environment (she moved into a basement apartment rather than being in her beloved condo), and your relationships (the friends that you would have made or not made, the people who would give you opportunities in life or not). And your choice can not only affect your life, but the life of others around you. Gemma is a flawed character. She allows some of her insecurities to negatively affect Dax and her sister, Kiersten. Admittedly, you want to reach into the pages to shake her and go “why?” But she is able to learn from these flaws and acknowledge that Dax has been the love her life; and that Kiersten has her own dreams and wishes for herself.
Gemma and Dax’s relationship was wonderful to see, as their love and friendship for each other blossomed beyond time and space. And I appreciated that Gemma grew wiser from her experience. As it is a rom-com, you expect a happy ending, and this book does not disappointment.
Review by Stephanie
The Inmate by Freida McFadden
2.5 Stars
I felt that Brooke was represented as an immature, not fully developed character. Her inner thoughts did not ring true for a late 20 year old, nor as a mother. She was highly unlikeable in the flashbacks, and in the present, she annoyed me when she kept describing Tim as hot and kept wavering on who she believed was guilty. The same immaturity is true for Tim, who appeared as if he was still that same 17/18 year from the flashbacks.
The ending was too convoluted for me. I wish the author had gone with the plot point of Shane and Tim working together, because adding in the mother being complicit just seemed too unrealistic and random for me. The reasons for the killings also didn't make the most sense, though I guess that aspect is the most realistic because people kill each other all the time for no good reason.
It was interesting to see that Josh was responsible for killing Shane, which adds another layer to the story and leaves readers with questions, particularly: will Josh end up just like his father?
Review by DJ
In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware
REVIEW COMING SOON
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
4.5 Stars
I love stories where:
1. people fall in love with ghosts
2. the writing is meaningful and just forces you to stop and take a breath
3. the humor is well-delivered and unexpected (in a good way)
This book had all three, plus a heavy dose of grief, found family, and shitty exes.
Review by DJ