First time reading this author's work and although it was a pleasurable story, it was more like a light summer read to me. The premise is that Veronica found out that she was adopted through a DNA test kit given to her by her sister for Christmas. She suspected as such since her high school years but never spoke of it until now. Her adopted family thought it would be good to visit the countries that she was related to and her father paid for a trip arranged by her sister to Ireland, France Italy and Denmark. There are elements of fantasy throughout which you had to go with, but it was a very predictable story . I will rate it 3 stars, but I think the author could have made the book more interesting by giving more background on the characters and on Veronica's relationship with Jonathan previous to her trip.

In When, Daniel H. Pink explores the hidden science behind timing—not just what we do, but when we do it. He argues that timing is not an art, but a science, and understanding it can dramatically improve our performance, decision-making, and well-being. Drawing on research from psychology, biology, and economics, Pink shows that our daily rhythms follow predictable patterns. Most people move through three phases during the day: 1. Peak – best for analytical work (usually in the morning), 2. Through - a mid-day slump, 3. Recovery – good for creative tasks (late afternoon/evening). He emphasizes that “when” matters just as much as “what” and “how.” For example, taking breaks at the right time can boost focus, and the timing of life events (like starting a new job, getting married, or switching careers) can influence their outcomes. He also explores “temporal landmarks”—special dates or events that give us a fresh start—and how they can be used to motivate change. Whether it's the beginning of a week, a birthday, or even a new year, these moments can reset our mindset and push us forward. In the end, when helps us rethink our schedules, habits, and life decisions through the lens of science-backed timing, so we can make smarter choices not just about what to do, but when to do it.

I think that this book was ok. Also I am pretty sure that I have the right book but who knows? Well I personally think that the images and words were to grafic because this book is about a serious issue I think that that is actually beneficial because then people who don’t care will care. Still a good book but that was my only issue with it.

Recommend!

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.

Truly an amazing book .

Loved it!

I don't give away spoilers in my reviews. I am admittedly not usually the reader who loves fantasy but I knew from reviews that I wanted to read When the Tides Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley. The cover is eye-catching with the graphic of Benny and the merman. I loved the oceanic colors used for it. Benny is on his own in life after losing his aunt. He has come to America and is working as a blacksmith. Benny has difficulties with his breathing and being in an environment such as a metal shop really affects his health. Benny is a talented blacksmith and his art is noticed by the owner of one of the local amusement parks - Luna Park in Coney Island. Benny is hired to build a large tank for a new exhibit and isn't told of all the details. Benny finds himself becoming attached to the new exhibit - a real merman from the ocean. I loved Benny's compassion and moral struggles within himself and with the merman. The other characters in the book that make up the menagerie were also such a great group of characters to read about. My two favorite parts in this book were the illustrations and the storyline. The illustrations added to the story and worked together with the cover. I usually don't read much fantasy but this was such a good story. (from my Goodreads review)

Book was pretty good. At times to much detail at once so it was a lot to sort out. There was a plot twist I did not see coming.

A breazy, but thought-provoking quick read. For me, the right balance between the farcical and the fantastic as I always want to believe that good will win out of evil. Recommend