Category: Book reviews from the vault

Unraveling the Layers of “Missing White Woman” by Kellye Garrett: A Mystery Thriller & Call for Support for Operation Olive Branch

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Synopsis: The truth is never skin deep.
 
It was supposed to be a romantic getaway weekend in New York City. Breanna’s new boyfriend, Ty, took care of everything—the train tickets, the dinner reservations, the rented four-story luxury rowhouse in Jersey City with a beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline.
 
But when Bree comes downstairs their final morning, Ty is nowhere to be found and there’s a stranger dead in the foyer—the missing woman the entire Internet has become obsessed Janelle Beckett. Soon, both the police and an army of Internet sleuths are asking questions Bree doesn’t know how to answer. Desperate to find Ty and to keep her own secrets buried, Bree realizes there’s only one person she can turn her ex-best friend, a lawyer with whom she shares a very complicated past. 

Fierce, smart, and thrilling to the end, Missing White Woman not only explores “Missing White Woman” syndrome and traveling while Black, but deftly inverts the hallmarks of the domestic suspense genre to How well can we truly know the people we love? And what happens to these stories when seen through the eyes of a Black woman?

Book Review

Diving into the pages of “Missing White Woman” by Kellye Garrett, I found myself immersed in a tale that straddles the line between cozy mystery and suspense thriller, offering readers a unique perspective on crime, race, and social dynamics.

As someone well-versed in mystery novels, I couldn’t help but notice the cozy undertones woven throughout the narrative. However, what sets this book apart is its exploration of race and identity, as seen through the eyes of its African-American protagonist, Breanna. Her experiences navigating a predominantly white and affluent neighborhood add depth to the story, highlighting the complexities of race relations in modern society.

One aspect I appreciated was the seamless integration of social media’s influence on public perception and collective consciousness. Garrett deftly explores how the spread of news and information via digital platforms can shape narratives and impact real-world outcomes, adding a layer of relevance to the storyline.

Continue reading →

Only Mostly Devastated By: Sophie Gonzales :❤️: | Book Review

Only Mostly Devastated
By: Sophie Gonzales
Genre:Contemporary Romance, Family, LGBTQ, YA Fiction, Friendships
Rating: Loved it
Publisher:St. Martain’s Press/Wenesday Books
Release Date: March 3, 2020

🏳️‍🌈

IndieBound | Amazon |

Synopsis:

SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA meets CLUELESS in this boy-meets-boy spin on Grease

Summer love…gone so fast.

Ollie and Will were meant to be a summer fling—casual, fun, and done. But when Ollie’s aunt’s health takes a turn for the worse and his family decides to stay in North Carolina to take care of her, Ollie lets himself hope this fling can grow to something more. Dreams that are crushed when he sees Will at a school party and finds that the sweet and affectionate (and comfortably queer) guy he knew from summer isn’t the same one attending Collinswood High.

Will is more than a little shocked to see Ollie the evening of that first day of school. While his summer was spent being very much himself, back at school he’s simply known as one of the varsity basketball guys. Now Will is faced with the biggest challenge of his life: follow his heart and risk his friendships, or stay firmly in the closet and lose what he loves most.

Pulled from my read-book vault:

My Thoughts

Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales invites readers into the tumultuous world of teenage emotions, deftly balancing between carefree moments and the overly dramatic tones that define adolescence. This delightful coming-of-age novel explores the evolution of a summer fling into a heartfelt journey of self-discovery.

Ollie and Will’s summer romance takes an unexpected turn as they navigate the challenges of high school. The stark contrast between their carefree summer selves and the complexities of the school year sets the stage for a charming and humorous exploration of love and identity.

Gonzales adeptly portrays the internal struggles of Will, who suppresses his true self, leading to a poignant narrative. Ollie’s resilience and self-awareness shine through, creating a powerful dynamic. The characters’ journeys contribute to a broader message about the importance of authenticity and self-worth.

Only Mostly Devastated weaves a narrative that delves into themes of self-discovery and honesty. It skillfully addresses the internal conflicts faced by the characters, emphasizing the positive messages of staying true to oneself amidst societal expectations.

Sophie Gonzales crafts the narrative with precision, effectively communicating the complexity of suppressed emotions and the courage required for self-acceptance. The writing style seamlessly blends humor and depth, making the book an engaging and relatable read.

In conclusion, Only Mostly Devastated is more than a cute and funny exploration of teenage love; it’s a compelling story of empowerment. Readers will be captivated by the characters’ journeys, the positive portrayal of self-worth, and the courage to stand up for oneself. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a delightful yet powerful narrative on love, authenticity, and the journey to self-discovery during the challenging years of adolescence.

Book received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you all for coming over and checking out my thoughts on this lovely read, Only Mostly Devastated. If you’ve read the book and have a different take on it, I would love to hear your thoughts on it.

To those readers who loved Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda  (book & film) and readers who enjoy relationship-building, angst, friendship, humor with authentic touches of sadness and self-reflection–I know, that’s a lot, isn’t it?!😆.

I am confident you are going to enjoy this book as much as I did. And I highly recommend  Only Mostly Devastated be your next story to dive into.😊

Until the next post,

Gia.