ARC Review: I'm the Girl

 

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.

Georgia Avis is determined to aim higher than what she views as her unfortunate circumstances. When she finds herself with the opportunity to defy her mother and achieve her dreams, Georgia jumps in headfirst, not realizing that beneath the facade of wealth and privilege lurks something dark and dangerous. 

This is not an easy read. Summers is not afraid to tackle hard topics, including sexuality, female bodies, power structures, complicity, and violence. Her writing style is unflinching, as she forces readers to confront the uncomfortable nature of the world today through an expertly woven story and painfully realistic characters. 

ARC Review: Strangers to Ourselves: Unsettled Minds and the Stories That Make Us

 

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.

It's hard to describe this book too much without giving away the power of the true stories Aviv shares. Aviv herself has experience with the main theme of the book, and this shows with the way she handles the stories of others. Looking at others' experiences with psychiatry, societal labels, psychoanalysis and self-identity, as well as her own, Aviv truly lays bare the concept of "unsettled minds" and how every one has a story to share.

ARC Review: All Dressed Up

 

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.

Here we have a mystery within a mystery. Becca finds herself in the midst of a 1920s themed murder mystery weekend, but she also suspects that there is a real disappearance being covered up behind the scenes. Unable to leave it alone, Becca attempts to solve the fake case, all while investigating the real one.

This is a book with a lot of layers. Besides the mystery within a mystery, we've also got Becca's tension with her husband, who has planned the trip after a massive betrayal on his part. The other couples there for the weekend may have secrets they are hiding. On top of this, the staff are also actors playing their roles, but who may just be out of character during some especially mysterious moments.

The last few pages were good instead of great, at least for me personally. But the wrap up of the true disappearance was brilliant, and I really loved this read.