oceanwriter's reviews
731 reviews

I understand why this is a classic, but it wasn't a classic for me. At least not by the end of it. It was undeniably interesting both in narration and concept (war, time travel, etc.), but most of the time I was lost and/or didn't care. It started out strong for me when it was more war-focused. The sci-fi bits were just not something I was interested in this time around. Still, I'm glad I read it. 

Cute story but I struggled to get into it until the last third of the book. There were some great slice of life quotes, though, and sweet characters. 

An interesting history on Sherpas, but I felt it went too fast for not having a singular storyline. By the time it got through the history, I struggled to focus on the climb.

This was one of the most beautifully written Holocaust memoirs I’ve ever read, and in turn, one of the most haunting. I have so much I would like to say about it, but I feel like it’s something that needs to be experienced, so I’m struggling to compile my thoughts. I’m looking forward to reading the next two books in the trilogy. 

While at first glance the title of the book sounds like your run-of-the-mill ‘whodunit’ in the John F. Kennedy series, The Kennedy Conspiracy is actually about a lesser-known assassination attempt that took place before President Kennedy’s inauguration.

Richard Pavlick, a retired postal worker from New Hampshire, resented President-elect John F. Kennedy’s victory, political beliefs, and religion. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, he packed his car full of dynamite and found Kennedy in Florida. Had his plot not been thwarted, America never would have seen Kennedy take office. This book focuses on Pavlick’s plot but also supplies a good amount of history of the days just after the 1960 election with an emphasis on Jacqueline Kennedy as between election day and inauguration day, she gave birth to John F. Kennedy Jr.

I don’t recall ever hearing about this assassination attempt. If I have, it was in passing. In the grand scheme of things, a failed attempt has become a footnote. Though I suppose the motives stay a similar realm as the 1963 assassination, this story has a much different tone. There were fewer question marks, and the motives were clear: hate. It struck me how much of Pavlick's disdain stemmed from his hatred of Catholicism. It feels like in modern times, Kennedy's religion and the discrimination he faced during his election (as well as in office) gets brushed off.

What I found most interesting was the psychology of it all. For a man who so hated John F. Kennedy, he spent so much time thinking about him, following and tracking him, talking about him, and above all, was willing to sacrifice his own life in the name of hatred. Of course, now we see this every day. It's an illness that now runs rampant in our society, and it was haunting to realize when similar events happen today, most people don't bat an eye. It might be considered tame. We are desensitized. I appreciated the way this book was able to maintain a shock value in this retelling.

It was interesting to read something new in the Kennedy field. It did feel like it was more about Jackie than Jack aside from him being the target, but everything ties together by the end. I’ve read this author team once before and I enjoyed their work just as much this time. Good research and a unique topic. I listened to the audiobook version and thought the narrator did a fantastic job and kept the narration engaging.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing a free audio-ARC of the book. 

Jenny is on her way to a stellar future as a cellist. She’s spent her life practicing and seldom, if ever, choosing fun and friendship over study and rehearsal. But in her most recent review, she’s told that she lacks ‘spark’ in an otherwise flawless performance. After a pep talk from her uncle, she takes a chance and battles the boy lurking in the karaoke bar to a sing-off. 

 

Later, she meets the boy, Jaewoo, on the bus and the two of them end up at a festival together. She befriends him and laments that he is going home to Korea. She fears their brief texts back and forth are the end of their friendship, but upon hearing of her grandmother’s failing health, Jenny has an opportunity to transfer to a music school in Seoul. There, she runs into Jaewoo again and learns that he is a member of the K-pop group XOXO. 

 

I know nothing about the world of K-pop so I was a bit lost, but I had fun for what it was. I feel like more could have been done with Jenny, her mother, and her grandmother given this was the driving force that moved Jenny to Korea. The focus is almost solely on Jenny and Jaewoo’s relationship (which is fine, I just wish the familial issues would have been explored a bit more). YA is sometimes hit or miss with me and I felt old reading this one. 

I really wanted to get into this at least a little bit for the vibes, but my gosh the writing is weak. Ruby’s only personality trait is complaining about the nuns in the orphanage. 

I am such a sap when it comes to found family. Knowing this, a friend insisted I read this after reading it herself. 

 

Having struggled with fertility and a failed adoption that ends in a broken marriage, Angela returns home to help revive her family’s restaurant. Losing a child, her husband, and her father all in a year has left her defeated. She once took joy in her nieces and nephews, but now she isolates herself. 

 

Lauren grew up with a mother who made it known that she was nothing more than a mistake. Most of the time, Lauren is the one left to make sure the rent is paid, all the while maintaining the highest marks in school to maintain her scholarships. The only solid thing in her life is her boyfriend, David. 

 

Eventually, Angela and Lauren’s paths cross. Angela fills the need for a mother in Lauren, and in Angela, the need for a child in Lauren. 

 

My heart did indeed melt at the found family feelings throughout this book. Apart from that, I struggled with the story itself, frequently finding myself bored. I also found the characters a bit irksome, more Angela than Lauren. I lacked any great attachment to them despite my sympathies. I felt both characters and plot lines flip-flopped, particularly around David. There were also strange narratives running through regarding pregnancy and religious organizations that I would also categorize as a flip-flop. 

 

Despite my mixed feelings, this was a very sweet story. I’m so grateful for the recommendation because this never would have been on my radar otherwise. 

As the 2025 Jubilee Year begins, Opening the Holy Door is a fantastic book to pick up to start the spiritual year. A large part of the book is a history on the door's panels and the connections to Scripture, but it's also a workbook with several prompts (spanning over 12 days) for reflection. 

For the purpose of this read-through, I didn't participate as I would have normally by reading it daily and keeping a journal. I hope to enter through one of the Holy Doors some time this year and I will keep in mind to look back at this book for preparation. Even if someone reading is unable to visit one of the doors (and I'll say especially if someone is unable), this book will bring you a little closer. 

Thanks to Ave Maria Press and NetGalley for providing a free digital ARC of the book. 

Cute and cozy story, although I think this is one I would have enjoyed more with my eyes rather than listening to the audiobook (which is what was currently available to me). I just didn’t connect with the main character, although I loved the setting.