I love these types of books. Although not all perfect, I felt like the story grabbed me and threw me into an abyss of sadness. It's written from one POV and eloquently told with real events dating back to 9/11 and its aftermath. The way Gabe and Lucy loved each other despite being apart for years showed how much their connection was never going to fade. This story showed me that some people are passionate and truly driven to do whatever it is to fulfill that dream on planet Earth and that could mean having to strip yourself from love, friends, and family and live a nomad life; as Gabe did. On the other hand, Lucy also had dreams and a mission through her work but that didn't involve having to move away and leave loved ones. The book had so many thought-provoking questions that I felt I would have asked myself as well when the book was ending. I wouldn't blame either Gabe or Lucy for how they treated their friendship because both of them had their own destiny and dreams to reach, and regardless of the outcome, I loved how Lucy was always there for him and how the light they both carried always shone brighter when they talked or met up. There were so many difficult decisions made on both ends and I believe no matter the decision, some hurt will always be part of their relationship. I cried, I really did like my heart was being ripped apart, and then I was so glad this was just a fictional romance story but if someone out there has experienced a love like this... I would emphasize with them and tell them my heart hurts for them. At times I felt like it wasn't as realistic because if I were Lucy's husband I would've ended that back and forth between Gabe and Lucy but then again Lucy's husband was a fantastic person, would never be Gabe but he was a great guy. The fact that even the book states that after all that time Lucy was never able to get over Gabe and still kept looking and going to him, I also think it was a bit hard to believe, not sure this can truly be possible. While reading the book I felt like I had traveled back in time and relived the circumstances going on in the world, wars, political at the time because the facts were on point! Nevertheless, I loved this book so much!!!! Rating:5 Author: Jill Santopolo Genre: Romance Format: Paperback

I liked this book when it started.. I feel like it went downhill after. It was as if the book were my unorganized thoughts in my head. Word after word, I remember getting overwhelmed with Cara Romero's story. The difficulties presented dealt with immigration, being overworked and underpaid while trying to survive paying rent. It's the unspoken reality of an immigrant trying to live the American dream and as the cover states, not drowning in a glass of water is a challenge in this story. The Great Recession has left Cara Romero with no guidance and broke. When she is set up with a counselor, all that is discussed in these visits is each chapter in the book, which talks about Cara and her life, family, relationships, etc. There are secrets and regrets but Cara is charming and funny so despite the sadness in her story, she makes it sound hopeful and is a strong woman. Rating: 3 Author: Angie Cruz Narrator: Kimberly M Wetherell & Rossmery Almonte Format: Audiobook Genre: Fiction

This book began strong. It hooked me with the powerful words coming out of the author. I would agree that there are tons of potential quotes engraved in this book, however, I didn't feel as committed as the chapters went on. Dare To Lead is best suited for those in the corporate/business world as I felt I didn't relate as much as I intended from the beginning. The topic on vulnerability was pretty much valued and thinking back to when I worked in corporate I would've found it useful and insightful. It takes a lot to lead, especially when one is trying to account for other's feelings and feedback but this book was interesting though not suited for me. Rating: 3 Author: Brene Brown Format: Audiobook Genre: Self-hep

5 outstanding stars! Through every page I flipped I couldn't stop smiling because I never thought I could relate to the family dynamics and culture so much even though I'm not Mexican. The story was hilarious with a pinch of sadness and frustration mixed with sympathy for Julia. I loved how the author made Julia so unhinged and not caring what her family thought of her and what they may say behind her back. The book can be read by any audience because the author made sure to explain in context what the spanish word meant, and the cultural "norms" that has been kept alive by not recognizing that our parents also have their traumas, and they too suffer in silence while on the outside they come off as tough. I really loved this book! I really wish every parent can read it and understand that it's okay to be vulnerable with your kids, and that the trauma from childhood doesn't need to be passed on to their kids. I loved that the author made the book from Julia's POV because she is not your regular daughter that keeps her comments to herself simply because it has always been that way. Tons of important topics are at hand in this book like lgbtq+, mental health, grief, culture, etc. Rating: 5 Author: Erika L. Sanchez Format: Paperback Genre: Young Adult

I was so hooked in the beginning, I felt my eye swell a few times because what Javier Zamora endured as a small kid left me heartbroken. So innocent, so naive, yet he had to experience one of the hardest journeys crossing the border alone. I've read countless stories about crossing the border but this one carries so much detail and helps you understand and feel what Javier was experiencing at the time. The audiobook was great. Even though I speak Spanish and my first language was Spanish, I felt lost and confused with certain lingos, having to gather the meaning through context clues, I can't imagine what non-speaking readers were going through while reading or listening to this book lol The only downside for me was just that. Overall, amazing story. Rating: 3 Author & Narrator: Javier Zamora Genre: Memoir Format: Audiobook

Listen!!! Whaaaaaaaaaat. I mean what was all the suspense and intensity with book #1 and now book #2. It's mind-blowing how the author can keep it flowing so easily and tie me to the story with different approaches. Right when I thought the riddle was solved, a new clue led to a different answer so it will erase the previous one. The Hawthorne Legacy explores more of the love triangle going on with Avery and the brothers. Without spilling too much, there is tons of riddles to uncover, other characters are explored more, and Avery is always on the verge of being exhausted and mentally drained from all the new findings. Every character is so unique and bring something into the story, whether is minimal or a lot, always have to look into every one that comes close to Avery. I obviously bought book #3 and I'm beyond eager to start reading it. Rating: 5 Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes Format: Paperback Genre: Mystery

“Whenever you start doubting yourself, whenever you feel afraid, just remember. Courage is the root of change and change is what we're chemically designed to do.” This book SCREAMS BOSS BABE! I voted for this on Goodreads for the best historical fiction and double-checked that I clicked it, hoping I could triple-vote lol It's so rare that I feel empty and longing after finishing a book but this one had me questioning the ignorance that was lived back in the '60s and the oppression toward women. The fact that Lessons in Chemistry will be a Tv series makes me giddy. I loved being able to enter Elizabeth Zott's mindset, and seeing the world through her eyes, because she was not backing down, no matter the outcome, no matter the obstacle and the lack of support, Elizabeth set a role for women and she became an unfiltered leader. This book is so special to me because I felt so many emotions, and the author's ability to place humor while educating the reader on chemistry, rowing, women's rights, etc. is admirable. I can't and won't stop recommending this book to anyone, not just women, but anyone that wants to widen their views on what it was like to be a female chemist in the '60s. Elizabeth Zott is an intelligent woman that performs a job that is highly overqualified for her, but she kicks ass and is the best at it. She meets arrogant Calvin Evans, another chemist like her, and both polar opposites somehow find a way to fall in love. There are rumors, and not many opportunities for Elizabeth as she is a female chemist, and Evans who is already a famous and well-respected chemist tries to bring her into man-leading hobbies. A lot of revelations and tragedies only make Elizabeth Zott stronger, leaving her at times with no money and no one she can count on. I loved this book soooooooooooooooooo much. I'm devastated that it finished, idk what to do with my life now lol Rating: 5 Format: Audiobook Genre: Historical Fiction Narrator: Miranda Raison Author: Bonnie Garmus

WOW, Selma Blair did a fantastic job narrating her book. I've read other celebrities' memoirs, narrated by the author and often times the passion isn't there but with Mean Baby I felt all the rush and anxious feelings while allowing to feel in her shoes. It was a marvelous read, full of emotions, ups and downs with alcoholism, MS diagnosis and others. Her childhood was surrounded by materialistic ideas planted by her mother as Selma's mother seemed unable to understand that her daughter just wanted her approval and was seeking her comfort while she showed little of it. This also involved her mother's culture and habits. Overall, Mean Baby was an eye-opener for me and most definitely an interesting book. Author: Selma Blair Narrator: Selma Blair Genre: Memoir Format: Audiobook Rating: 4

I was so confused by this book. Truly. This is my first Nicholas Sparks's book, and I know he's a well-known author, I was taken aback by Dreamland. Still, this doesn't mean I won't be reading other books from him because I will, but in the case of Dreamland, it wasn't it for me. I wanted to DNF it but towards the end, I'd say around 80% it got quite good, with a sudden peak in the story and a big revelation, and that is where my 2 stars are going towards. I couldn't wrap my head around the idea of this fling between Colby and Morgan as true love, and all the "I love you's" exchanged. In my opinion, I feel there needs to be more backstory or rather a longer connection between both of them, given that they are already polar opposites, the romance could've been believable. I was scratching my brains out, trying to understand why there are two stories that have nothing in common (Colby's and Beverly's), but eventually, it unfolds and the truth is told from Colby's perspective. The ending felt sped up, and as if the author ran out of time so it felt superficial. Rating: 2 Author: Nicholas Sparks Format: Audiobook Narrator: Austin Nichols, Therese Plummer Genre: Romance

This wonderful book has helped me widen my view on the Deaf community and the many misconceptions often labeled by the outsiders of this community, calling Deaf or Hard of hearing "disabled" but they don't feel that label pertains to them. With this multiple POV's story, it helped the reader understand how relationships arise, the issues that develop with some cochlear implants, and tons of education for hearing people. It was engaging, fast-paced, and hard to put down. A coming of age that will bring tons of information regarding topics that aren't often heard of. Rating: 4 Author: Sara Novic Genre: Fiction Format: Audiobook

OH, I love me some chaotic Jodi Picoult. She's been my favorite author since I was 13 and don't plan on changing that. Plus, this story also reassured me why she's a wonderful author. This story contains tons of references to bees, and the resemblance to us humans was an interesting find. Mad Honey is written from 2 POVs (Olivia and Lily), allowing us to see different sides to the story regarding Asher. The anticipation killed me as the trial unfolded, and not once was I bored. There are so many details to take into consideration but I only realized after they were presented as evidence which made me go WOW. It's highly thought-provoking when you are set in the position as the mother, but also alarming when seen through the lenses of the girlfriend. Lily is found dead and police are finding evidence of what happened the night of the incident, which Asher was allegedly involved, the only thing is that Asher has one of the best lawyers who is his uncle, Jordan McAfee. Without spilling much... there's one big big twist that left me with my mouth open for a solid minute. My heart was ripped, and my mind conflicted with the many on-going and I just think everyone should read or listen to this, or actually any of Jodi Picoult's books. yup Rating: 5 Author: Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boyland Narrators: Carrie Coon, Key Taw Genre: Fiction Format: Audiobook

The book cover was the first step to realizing that it will be a good story. I was so invested in what will happen next that I couldn't stop listening to it. I loved how real it felt because most books tend to paint the character with the perfect life, and somewhat dilemma but not for Feyi. It was a steamy read that left me with my mouth open at the first sexual encounter right at the beginning of the book. Despite everything going great, I was let down when the same conversations became repetitive, and the idea of romance for Feyi seemed not too real in my opinion. I can understand the baggage and trauma that Feyi has faced and thus reflects her poor decisions in men but I still feel like falling in love so quick for her "friend's" father didn't fit right in the story. I mean, the way the author beautifully wrote the spark between Feyi and Alim was lovely but the back and forth was getting me tired, plus making big decisions when you just met someone for a little over a week was beyond me. Overall, I'd say I loved this book up until 60%. Loved the BIPOC and queer rep, and flawed characters. Also, I loved the narrator sm! Author: Akwaeke Emezi Narrator: Bahni Turpin Genre: Romance Format: Audiobook Rating: 3