Atwood writes beautifully with very specific attention to the littlest of details in her character. She does not let the reader forget the intricacies of the narrator, which is so essential in reminding us of her humanity in a world where she is treated as less than human. The flow of the book might seem unnatural since its not linear, but the flashbacks to Offred's time before she was taken as a handmaid are interspersed throughout the novel in a way that allows you as the reader to understand her losing her grip on reality and the person she once was. We can better understand her struggle of maintaining the woman she once was in this way. Overall the language of the book was engaging and gorgeous in its description and attention to narrative feeling.

Very easy read! This is a book about 2 people randomly meeting on New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas. They are both overcoming a breakup.

It was okay. It was too short and it just didn’t really appeal to me.

4.5/5 Loved it!

Couldn't put it down!

Thank you to Kathleen Kaufman, Between the Chapters Book Club and Kensington Publishers for an ARC of The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey. I don't give away spoilers in my reviews. I knew I had to read this book based on the title alone. And, yes, Nora Grey is fantastic as a character and so much more. I do want to note how much I enjoyed the author's dedication and author notes - both gave me so much info as well as made me laugh. Nora (originally Nairna) and her father Tavish (always goes by Tavish) are fraudsters. Tavish is charming and could sell anyone anything. Nora is not as much as a fraudster but doesn't understand her psychic gifts. She's so used to living on the streets with her father, eating trashed food and feeling starved most of the time. She also feels guilty about tricking people while reading her grandmother's seer cards for them. Nora is discovered by a woman who sees Nora's psychic gifts and the strength of those gifts. She brings Nora -and Tavish, partly - into her home to help Nora hone her skills. Unfortunately, women with psychic gifts were often considered witches and were frowned upon in society during the time of Nora's lifetime. Nora and her father often clash and I found their relationship one of the most intriguing thoroughout the story. She loves her father but is tired of providing for him then feels guilty for not appreciating the little he does for her. There are many characters that were easy to like/dislike that added to Nora's story. I don't give away spoilers. I will say I loved Nora becoming stronger in her gifts and I really loved how serious she was about being honest. The second half of the book finds Nora and Tavish in a new setting which I loved reading about. I was - I hate to use the word mesmerised - by her readings, the settings, the things doctors would do and the people who helped her. There is a dual POV with Nora and Lottie, Tavish's mother thoroughout the book. I also loved Lottie but felt sad for her with most of her story. Wonderful read for anyone who believes - and doesn't believe - in mesmerists, psychics, etc. I loved the ending as well. from my Goodreads account

I don't give away spoilers in my reviews. I stumbled upon this book while searching my library's mystery shelves. I am a big fan of the Gilded Age and this sounded like a good read. Pamela Thompson is used to living richly and spending her time volunteering at charities. Unfortunately, her husband has foolishly spent their fortune in a scam. Pamela and her husband lose everything. Then Pamela loses her husband, Jack. She then takes over a boardinghouse that is one of her investments since she and her ward Brenda can live there. Pamela becomes a store detective at Macy's. This was my favorite part of the book. I loved reading about her training with Harry, the store setting, all of the items for sale back then. Pamela goes on to become a compation to Lydia Jennings, a rich woman who thinks there is something amiss with her household finances, staff, etc. I also loved the friendship that forms with Pamela's attorney boss, Prescott. I struggled to figure out who the murderer was - which is always a fun thing for a reader. I love the constant guessing game while reading a good mystery book. I plan on reading the other books in this series because I really liked how strong Pamela became while remaining a lady in those times. (from my Goodreads review)

Wonderful story of a Mi'kmaq family from Nova Scotia who go to Maine each summer to pick blueberries and their youngest daughter goes missing. This event follows the lives of the rest of the family and how they coped with the loss and always kept hope in finding Ruthie. Excellent character development and the writing style is compelling, A 5 star for me!

A perfect desert book and a really heartfelt story!!! ;)

Very informative and gives insight to knowing someone.