Do you appreciate a good ride on a roller coaster and thinking outside the box? Here is the list of thriller books that will be released this coming October 2022.

1. Jackal by Erin E. Adams 

In the woods near her white Rust Belt community, a little Black girl goes lost. She isn't the first, though, and she might not be the last. This book is anticipated to be released by Bantam on October 4th, 2022.

2. Blackmail and Bibingka (Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery #3) by Mia P. Manansala

In this new mystery from Arsenic and Adobo author Mia P. Manansala, Lila Macapagal is aware that serious danger can't be far behind when her long-lost cousin returns to town just in time for the holidays. This book is anticipated to be published on October 4th, 2022, by Berkley Books.

3. The Family Game by Catherine Steadman

A wealthy, odd family. A long-standing custom. Or a dangerous survival game? In this gripping psychological thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Something in the Water, Mr. Nobody, and The Disappearing Act, a woman discovers what it truly takes to join the 1%. Ballantine Books is slated to release the book on October 18th, 2022.

4. The Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham

In The Boys from Biloxi, a sprawling drama filled with historical detail and featuring a wide cast of endearing people, the whole meaning of life hangs in the balance. This book is anticipated to be published on October 18th, 2022, by Doubleday Books.

5. Anywhere You Run by Wanda M. Morris

The award-winning author of All Her Little Secrets has written yet another exciting, thrilling book in which two Black sisters flee to separate areas of the nation following the murder of a white man in Jim Crow Mississippi, but can they escape the secrets they left behind? Two sisters running from the law and societal embarrassment. They are unaware that a man is actively pursuing them. This man has his own unique set of sinister secrets, and he is the only one who knows the frightening reason behind his search for the sisters. This book is anticipated to be published on October 25th, 2022 by William Morrow & Company.

Are you prepared to smile your heart out? Here is a list of romantic books that will be out in October 2022.

1. Bad Girl Reputation (Avalon Bay #2) by Elle Kennedy

Genevieve West, a former bad girl, is ready to avoid her ex-boyfriend Evan Hartley when she visits her family for her mother's burial. Turbulence has plagued them throughout history. And fire. Very intense desire which she is urgently attempting to forget. Bad Girl Reputation, a seductive second chance tale about two ex-lovers who can't seem to stay apart, is written by best-selling author Elle Kennedy and features her return to Avalon Bay. The expected publication of this novel will be on October 4th 2022 by St. Martin's Griffin.

2. Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner

A college senior who unintentionally sleeps with her best friend's mother is the subject of a witty and seductive romantic comedy from the author of the highly acclaimed novel Something to Talk About. This book is anticipated to be released on October 11th, 2022, by St. Martin's Griffin.

3. It Starts with Us (It Ends with Us #2) by Colleen Hoover

It all started with Atlas. In this eagerly awaited follow-up to the "beautiful and moving" (USA TODAY) #1 New York Times bestseller It Ends with Us, Colleen Hoover provides the perspective of fan favorite Atlas and discusses what happens next. It Starts with Us, which alternates between Lily and Atlas's points of view, follows off where the "gripping, pulse-pounding" epilogue left off. This book is scheduled to be released by Atria Books on October 18, 2022.

4. Built to Last by Erin Hahn 

“The real horror of my life is not that I’ve killed some terrible people. The real horror is that the people I’ve loved didn’t love me back.”

― Caroline Kepnes, Hidden Bodies

The suspense book Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes was released in February 2016. It is a follow-up to her 2014 book You. The second and third seasons of the Netflix thriller series You were largely adapted from it. On September 9, 2018, it made its debut. Before the first episode of the season aired, on July 26, 2018, Lifetime said that the show has been renewed for a second season. The second season, which debuted on December 26, 2019, included Hidden Bodies' concepts.

Synopsis from Goodreads...

Joe Goldberg is no stranger to hiding bodies. In the past ten years, this thirty-something has buried four of them, collateral damage in his quest for love. Now he’s heading west to Los Angeles, the city of second chances, determined to put his past behind him.

In Hollywood, Joe blends in effortlessly with the other young upstarts. He eats guac, works in a bookstore, and flirts with a journalist neighbor. But while others seem fixated on their own reflections, Joe can’t stop looking over his shoulder. The problem with hidden bodies is that they don’t always stay that way. They re-emerge, like dark thoughts, multiplying and threatening to destroy what Joe wants most: true love. And when he finds it in a darkened room in Soho House, he’s more desperate than ever to keep his secrets buried. He doesn’t want to hurt his new girlfriend—he wants to be with her forever. But if she ever finds out what he’s done, he may not have a choice.

My reaction to this novel...

After reading its precursor, "You," which left me feeling incredibly startled, I was eager to start this novel. Because the first book was such a surprise, I had such high expectations. Throughout the first four chapters, I felt worried. It was quite remarkable how everything worked out. Actually, I had forgotten all about the "mug of urine" from the first book, which terrified me for Joe. I also pondered what Amy would do if she found out that Joe was capable of murder after I witnessed how she deceived him.

After the first four chapters, Joe went for LA to seek revenge on Amy and leave his pasts behind, and the action slowed down and became quite monotonous. I think there were far too many extraneous scenes and characters included. specifically the moments with Henderson. I grew irritated because of Love, who I find unbelievable considering that she was fully aware of what Joe did in New York yet continued to adore him, and Forty, which is quite difficult to deal with. In any event, maybe she really did love him. And after finishing this book, I realized that Joe's only real desire was to be loved; in other words, she found love via Love. Unfortunately, by the end of this book, he finds himself behind bars, leaving us to wonder how he will manage to get out and find Love once more.

With this novel, Caroline Kepnes failed to satisfy or make me happy. There are many disagreements and quiet intervals. I'll be waiting for her third book of "You," but I genuinely hope that she will be able to honor the storyline of the novel.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐(2/5)

“We all get our hearts broken. We get fucked up and throw up and we cry and listen to sad songs and say we’re never doing that again. But to be alive is to do it again. To love is to risk everything”

We anticipate the unexpected in love. If you love someone, you won't just experience happiness; occasionally it may also result in anguish and tears. Sometimes it seems like a fairy tale or you're in a magical place where all you can see are fairies and prince charmings, but other times you have to risk everything for love, overcoming the monsters and evil characters that populate most fairy tales, and other times there are no happily ever afters at all. 

“People are so lonely, they spend their birthdays on the Internet, thanking people for wishing them a happy birthday, people who only know it’s their birthday because Facebook told them.”

While it's true that Facebook informs our friends of our birthdays, which might be upsetting, for me, the effort in how they greet you on that day still makes it worth it, even though Facebook just reminded them of your special day. It still takes effort to compose greetings and think of appropriate words to convey to us since, even though Facebook tells them that it is a special day, some of our friends don't even bother to put a simple "happy birthday" on our wall or feed.

“I exist wholly in this space he has created, this space where I’m the most wonderful thing he’s ever loved, and he’s the only man I ever want to be with.”

― Minka Kent, The Memory Watcher

The Memory Watcher is the Girl On The Train of 2017. Excellent writing, with sufficient character and plot development to keep readers engaged throughout. Because of the sharp, creative writing and alluring characters in Minka Kent's books, you'll find yourself utterly engrossed and thinking about the books long after you've finished reading them. If you're searching for quick-paced, easy exciting stories, you'll surely find that in her works.

Synopsis from Goodreads...

When Autumn Carpenter stumbles upon the social media account of the family who adopted her infant daughter years ago, she finds herself instantly drawn into their picture-perfect existence. 

From behind a computer screen, Autumn watches Grace's every memory, from birthdays to holidays to bedtime snuggles. But what starts as an innocent fascination spirals into an addictive obsession met with a screeching halt the day the McMullen family closes their Instaface account without so much as a warning. 

Frantic and desperate to reconnect with her daughter, Autumn applies for a nanny position with the McMullens, manipulating herself into Grace's life under false pretenses. And it's only then that Autumn discovers pictures lie, the perfect family doesn't exist, and beautiful people? They have the ugliest secrets.

My reaction to this novel...

It's my first Minka Kent book, and I'm not sure why I picked it up. I was completely drawn into the world of pretenses and deceit by this book. Not everything you see on social media is real, and occasionally the individuals we perceive as perfect have the most repulsive secrets. I love reading suspenseful thrillers, and this one meets all the criteria for what a thriller ought to be. I adore how bizarre this book is. When I first started reading it, I had no expectations, but it rapidly won my respect, and I can't stop devouring the story. The entire thing truly sank in.

Every chapter was never boring, and I was ready to read more to find out more. I enjoyed both of the major characters, and strangely enough, despite the fact that I probably shouldn't have, I could identify to something about each of them. Their views were straightforward and sincere. They were perceptive enough to see what was happening on around them, but they also displayed frailties and committed errors that gave them a human touch. Some of the characters' paradoxes appealed to me; I felt that it made them more fascinating. The numerous similarities between Autumn and Daphne really caught my attention. Despite leading quite different lives, they were actually quite similar at all.

This novel truly lead me to believe that I knew everything, but when the twist was finally revealed, I was taken completely by surprise, leaving me troubled and with my mouth open. The narrative started off slowly, and I assumed the secrets were all there was to it. However, as you read it, you'll discover how insane it really is. The author's thinking is incredibly twisted, just like it has been all this time, and I truly like how twisted it was. I couldn't help but wonder why I hadn't seen that one coming. Her storytelling was excellent, and I felt it was extremely well done.

It's challenging to write a psychological suspense novel. Even more challenging is getting the reader to keep reading the pages. From the very first page, Minka had me hooked, and I found it difficult to put a chapter down unread. After finishing the book, I was shocked to learn that this was the author's first work. This is only one illustration of the many great, undiscovered authors who deservingly have their novels included among the bestsellers in every bookshop. The plot of this novel was unpredictable, and just when I thought I understood how it would finish, it changed course. It was such a great experience that I wished it could have continued longer. Anyone who likes a good psychological thriller should definitely read this one. This should undoubtedly be included on your list.

My Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨(4.5/5)

“Some of us were born with less desirable junk that clutters our DNA. Some of us were born with DNA that makes us want things we shouldn’t have and do things we shouldn’t do, and at the end of the day, it boils down to the fact that we are all made a certain way, there’s nothing we can do to change it, and that’s just how it is.”

While it is true that each person has a unique DNA makeup, I also think that our environments and the people around us play a significant role in how we grow as individuals. Actually, even if we try our best to be good, I sort of think that just because we have terrible DNA doesn't mean that we are also evil. It really isn't like that. I continue to think that everyone is capable of greatness, and that our families, the people in our immediate vicinity, and our surroundings all play major roles in fostering that greatness.

 “Sometimes change makes you sit up and pay attention, opening your eyes to so many new things, it's as if you'd been asleep for the first eighteen years of your life.
Plans change.
Life changes.
And as an after effect, love changes too.”

― Amber L. Johnson, Puddle Jumping

Amber L. Johnson, a well-known author, wrote the lovely book Puddle Jumping. The book is ideal for anyone who enjoy current or romantic fiction. A pdf version of Puddle Jumping was recognized as a Young Adult Fiction Goodreads Choice Award Nominee (2014). The book's most recent version, which corrects all known faults and printing mistakes, was published on June 29th, 2014, the same day as the book's initial publication. 

Synopsis from Goodreads...

Lilly Evans and Colton Neely were once friends when they were younger. Their bond is cut short due to her accident prone nature and they go their separate ways. Years later, they meet again and Lilly learns that there is something special about the boy she once knew, but she has no idea what it all means. And she’s not sure if she’s ready to find out.

Their friendship grows into love, even as Colton does not express it in words. But one decision threatens to break down the world that Lilly has tried so hard to integrate into and she must figure out if the relationship can survive if they are apart.

My reaction to this novel...

The majority of romance novels I read cause me to quit reading in the middle, and just a small number of them inspire me to finish the story. Puddle Jumping is my all-time favorite romance novel, and whenever I discover one, I enthusiastically recommend it to all of my friends.

I'm just sharing my all-time top romantic novel. I have really read this book more than once, and those who know me well are aware that I detest romance books since I always find the stories to be unimaginative and dull.

I'm not sure where or how I found this book. I don't have the physical one. I recently completed reading this book on my iBook, and I never anticipated that it would end up being my favorite. This book took me one sitting to finish. That is how I was drawn into this novel. I simply cannot get enough of it. I was enamored with the love story of Lilly and Colton. Everyone will enjoy such kind of story. How sincere their love is for one another despite their enormous differences and other consequences. I could certainly feel Lilly's difficulties in this piece. For a teenager like her, it was scary, but I was impressed with how she handled it. I was a big fan of hers.

Just thinking about this story gives me chills. It was that lovely. There were several lines in this book that I underlined. It is not your normal drama-filled, angst-filled relationship. One of the most romantic love tales between two young individuals I've ever read, I believe. It is a heartwarming tale. There were instances that were terrible and depressing. However, there were times when I found myself grinning and had tears of joy in my eyes. This book is so great that words cannot do it justice. I must say that even though the finale was flawless in every aspect, I wish there were more of them. Amber Johnson did an outstanding job. In the future, I'll most certainly read more works by this author.

The news that this story will have a sequel makes me very happy. I'm desperate to obtain a copy, but I have no idea when it will be made accessible. I really recommend it to any readers out there.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)

“Love, for those lucky enough to experience it, is extraordinary.”

Love is certainly something special. One of the most lovely emotions in the world is love. Almost everyone has had some encounter with love in their life. It is the exclusive focus of every human being who exists today. Nothing is valuable without love. The experience of love is simply amazing. A remarkable magic that everyone should experience and learn about. It will reveal to them the purpose of life and daily existence. 

“I think sometimes we’re presented with the truth but we don’t want to believe it. We see things the way we want to see them. Sometimes, we choose to live in denial."

The majority of people are in denial. Even though the evidence is there in front of us, when we don't want to believe something, we opt to turn a blind eye or turn our back in the hopes that it is untrue. Perhaps we're just misled. That it pains so much to acknowledge that the truth is different from what we had anticipated. We don't yearn for it, so we make the decision to forget about it and hold on to our beliefs, even if they are wrong.

“It's like something in her mind is twisted, and we're caught up in it somehow, like we're part of some fantasy she has.”

― Shari Lapena, A Stranger in the House

The New York Times bestselling author of The Couple Next Door and Not a Happy Family has written another gripping domestic suspense book. You'll be reading A Stranger in the House at night for weeks. You won't guess the finish from this clever and intriguing book.

Synopsis from Wikipedia...

The story started when Karen and Tom Krupp are happily living in New York, as newlyweds, and they have no kids to interrupt their comfortable life together. Then one day, Tom returns home to find Karen has vanished leaving her purse behind. After searching, Tom received a knock on the door wherein he was confronted by the police who took him to the hospital where his wife has been admitted. She had a car accident, and lost control as she sped through the worst part of town.

The accident has left Karen with a concussion and a few scrapes making her memories of the accident forgotten. The cops think her memory loss is highly convenient, and they suspect she was up to no good. Karen returns home with Tom, determined to heal and move on with her life. Then she realizes something’s been moved. Something’s not quite right. Someone’s been in her house. And the police won’t stop asking questions about the accident happened to Karen which led them to another horrific questionable case that also happened in the busy state of New York.

My reaction to the novel...

When I had some free time, I finally got a chance to read this book, which I had long since purchased. Given that I genuinely adore reading mysteries and thrillers, I was able to add this to my list.

In comparison to her prior work, The Couple Next Door, I finished this book in less than a week, so I'm happy with that. I'd say Shari Lapena has a little twisted mind, which I enjoy. It is just what a thriller enthusiast would want. I enjoy it when a writer keeps me in the dark. Even though it's easy to read, each chapter in this book will keep you interested.

I find Karen's demeanor to be genuine. There are many women out there who are in challenging circumstances and would do everything to escape. Karen was a genius, but the only thing that disturbed her tranquil existence was her injuries. At the conclusion of the novel, I was a bit surprised by who she really was. Her disposition is amazing.

Tom Krupp strikes me as being quite feeble. Because, now that I think about it, I'm curious as to how he was able to forgive Karen and how quickly she won back his trust. I know that love had a role, but really? Why won't he carry out further investigation? As if things were back to normal? I sincerely hope he continues and finds out more about the struggles her wife has had. I think it will eventually be his own tragedy if he keeps acting that way.

Now Brigid appears. I think she's a complete crazy. If you have a friend like her, you'll feel entirely at ease, but once you find out what she's up to, you'll be horrified. She terrifies me more than Karen. She is a tough opponent, and you have no idea what she is thinking. She is a great example of a crazy person, but in a different way.

The story, in my opinion, was great. I'm happy to recommend it to those who share my love of suspenseful and mysterious novels. After reading the book, you'll still have questions and make assumptions. I've had a great time reading this, and I can't wait to read more. Everyone should read this fantastic book since it is so good.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)

“What is love anyway, she thinks, but a grand illusion? We fall in love with an ideal, not a reality. People falling in and out of love, as their perception of reality changes.”

Most people have a perfect kind of love. We fall in love with the anticipation that those ideals will come true, causing you to fall in love once more.

“You can ask me why I need you, but I don’t know. I just know that I do … I miss you, Eleanor. I want to be with you all the time. You’re the smartest girl I’ve ever met, and the funniest, and everything you do surprises me. And I wish I could say that those are the reasons I like you, because that would make me sound like a really evolved human being … But I think it’s got as much to do with your hair being red and your hands being soft … and the fact that you smell like homemade birthday cake.”

― Rainbow Rowell, Eleanor & Park

The first young adult book that Rainbow Rowell has written is called Eleanor & Park. The story, which was published in 2012, covers the parallel histories of Eleanor and Park, two misfits who lived in Omaha, Nebraska from 1986 to 1987. Eleanor & Park has drawn criticism for its stereotyped, racial, and damaging portrayal of Korean Americans ever since it was released. More criticism has been leveled at the choice to make the book into a movie despite this problem.

Synopsis from Goodreads...

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of two star-crossed misfits - smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. Eleanor, a curly-haired, chubby 16-year-old girl, and Park, a half-Korean boy, first meet on a school bus on Eleanor's first day of school. As they get to know one another through comic books and '80s music mix tapes, a love story develops. When Eleanor meets Park, you'll remember your own first love - and just how hard it pulled you under. 

My reaction to this novel...

When I was looking for the next book to read, I discovered this one and chose to read it since I was seeking for a light book to read and before I forgot about it again. I had this book for a really long time, which I nearly forgot to read because it was already jammed behind my other books. Actually, this is my first Rainbow Rowell novel, and I had high expectations because a friend had raved about her novels. I just like thrillers over other genres, which is why it took me a little while to get around to reading this.

Anyway, I can categorically state that the first thing about this novel that is true is that it is about first love. Even though I thought Eleanor and Park's love story was a little strange, I could truly feel it and see myself smiling as I read the novel. Despite all of Eleanor's problems, their love is so innocent and sincere. Park's sweetness struck me as well, and the author's depiction of him allows me to realize how adorable he is. You will clearly recall the instances when you fell in love with someone you had no clue you were falling in love with.

I just found Eleanor to be too much of a burden at times. She is constantly so miserable. She doesn't want to become a better version of herself or stand out, yet she ended up getting noticed despite her best efforts to the contrary, and she is unaware of it. She sometimes frustrates me with the way she thinks. Even though I am aware of her rough upbringing in a dysfunctional home with an abusive stepfather, reading Eleanor's perspective on her family can be so stressful at times that I almost gave up reading portions of it. Fortunately, I forced myself to continue it.

The novel starts out a bit slowly, but when you least expect it, your stomach slips out from under you, much like being on a roller coaster. Suddenly, you're dragged into a difficult predicament that practically everyone in high school has encountered to varying degrees. It is a straightforward exhilarating experience. The content is fairly crisp and effectively handled. In spite of their simplicity, the characters' profundity elicited tremendous feelings in me. I was eager to learn more about them, and I wanted to move on to the next page as soon as possible. I alternately delighted and jeered for practically all of the main characters as well as a number of supporting characters. It was truly a blast.

Without your knowledge, the author starts to gently lure you in and hooks you, leaving you perplexed as to how it occurred so rapidly. I ripped through this because I couldn't put it down. The author maintains a very nice rhythm and flow while switching between points of view without endlessly recapitulating the same events. She doesn't provide you with all the answers or neatly arrange everything for you. You can get your teeth into it because it's frank and unvarnished, but you can still have your own judgment about where the plot leads and how it finishes.

Eleanor & Park is unquestionably worth your time. It's a beautifully poignant novel with a fascinating and realistic plot that keeps you wondering and left you dumbfounded long after you've finished it.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)

“That's what people say -- 'It's not goodbye' -- when they're too afraid to face what they're really feeling.”

Saying goodbye to an important person in your life may be quite difficult. You both reassured one another that it wasn't truly a farewell and that you would run into one other again in the future. But the thing that both of you dread about saying goodbye has occurred because circumstances have conspired for the two of you to not to meet again.

“If neurotic is wanting two mutually exclusive things at one and the same time, then I'm neurotic as hell. I'll be flying back and forth between one mutually exclusive thing and another for the rest of my days.”

― Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar

Sylvia Plath, an American author and poet, only wrote one book, The Bell Jar. The book, which was first released in 1963 under the alias "Victoria Lucas," is semi-autobiographical, albeit places and people's identities have been altered. Because of the protagonist's decline into mental illness and Plath's personal experiences with what may have been severe depression or bipolar II disease, the novel is sometimes referred to be a roman à clef. A month after its first release in the United Kingdom, Plath committed suicide. In line with the intentions of both Plath's mother and husband, Ted Hughes, the book was initially published under Plath's name in 1967 but was not released in the United States until 1971. 

Synopsis from Goodreads...

The Bell Jar chronicles the crack-up of Esther Greenwood: brilliant, beautiful, enormously talented, and successful, but slowly going under—maybe for the last time. Sylvia Plath masterfully draws the reader into Esther's breakdown with such intensity that Esther's insanity becomes completely real and even rational, as probable and accessible an experience as going to the movies. Such deep penetration into the dark and harrowing corners of the psyche is an extraordinary accomplishment and has made The Bell Jar a haunting American classic.

My reaction to this novel...

When I spotted this book on Goodreads' list of suggested books, I became extremely fascinated. I can still remember how much I loved psychology in college and how fascinated I was by the workings of the human mind. Because the brain is the body's primary control system for functioning, terrible things can occur in the blink of an eye with only a small chemical imbalance. It was often emphasized by my psychology professor in college that there is just a thin line, thin as a hair strand, separating normal behavior from insanity, and that we should always take good care of that single strand.

Anyway, I became really intrigued in this work after reading that it was partially based on the author's experiences before she committed suicide. Actually, the fact that the author was able to write such a fantastic work despite having a mental condition truly astounded me. Even though mental illness is not that startling because everyone can have it due to fundamental aspects of human nature, reading this book might be a significant eye-opener to be able to grasp the thoughts of people who are suffering from mental illness. The book was a little confusing to read at first due to some flights of thoughts, but as you read it more closely, you will be able to see how depressed she was and how she had suffered from hallucinations.

I became more and more aware of how challenging and draining it was to walk in the main character's shoes as I read the novel. I could feel her uncertainties, sensitivities, discontentment, and paranoia. All of those emotions are palpable while reading this novel. I was equally astounded and terrified when the author was able to convey what it was like to experience electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). As a nurse, I had the opportunity to observe this type of therapy in action on patients who shared the same illness as the main character in this story. It was extremely ominous for the observer, and the patients' situation made it much more so. It's much worse when you observe individuals convulsing and exhibiting indicators of physical weakness following the therapy. Seeing this sort of therapy was incredibly upsetting, especially for the patients and their families.

This book was fantastic. I felt as though this book allowed me to get to know the author well. Despite the fact that she had already passed away, I was quite impressed with her ability to create a book that let you truly understand what it meant to be insane. I wholeheartedly suggest it to all book lovers out there. This is an absolute must-read.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨(4.5/5)

“If you expect nothing from somebody you are never disappointed.”

Unmet expectations are the primary cause of depression in the majority of people. Expectations that aren't intended but nonetheless hold out faith that it will eventually happen. Expectations that, despite your best efforts, are challenging and impossible to meet. They say we shouldn't expect anything from anybody, but it's also true that as humans, we're prone to expecting, especially if we feel we deserve it.

“Choosing a lover is a lot like choosing a therapist. We need to ask ourselves, is this someone who will be honest with me, listen to criticism, admit making mistakes, and not promise the impossible?”

― Alex Michaelides, The Silent Patient

British-Cypriot novelist Alex Michaelides's psychological suspense book The Silent Patient was published in 2019. The first book was released on February 5, 2019, by Celadon Books, a part of Macmillan Publishers. Michaelides chose to set his story in a mental hospital since he had previously worked at a secure psychiatric facility for minors while studying psychotherapy. The plot was based on Euripides' Athenian play Alcestis, and Agatha Christie's writing had an impact on the narrative framework. 

Synopsis from Goodreads...

Alicia Berenson’s life is perfect. She is a famous painter married to a fashion photographer. They live in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in one of London’s most desirable areas. One evening her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and her wife, Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never speaks another word after the incident.

Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has waited a long time for the opportunity to work with Alicia. His determination to get her to talk and unravel the mystery of why she shot her husband takes him down a twisting path into his own motivations—a search for the truth that threatens to consume him.

My reaction to this novel...

After reading mysteries and thrillers for a time, I've discovered that not all of them are really compelling. Even though I've owned The Silent Patient for a while, I haven't had the opportunity to read it. The pandemic, though, was the reason I chose to start.

This book is interesting and stays with you. The way this tale came to an end stunned me. I’m constantly on the lookout for a book that will give me shivers and make me ponder the entire time I’m reading it . You should put The Silent Patient on your reading list since it is a must-read. This book undoubtedly falls under the same category as my favorite novels Gone Girl and Before I Go To Sleep.

In the end, I think this book has the potential to generate a lot of discussion and could perhaps be turned into a film. It's not a fast-paced story in terms of extremely important events or frightful situations, but I found some little chapters to fly by and I was intrigued the entire time since I wanted to know what happened and I liked the author's writing style. S killfully crafted. Breathtaking. A paradox that I can't divulge without destroying everything. I was completely smitten. And I long for more. Since it kept me guessing up to Alicia's accident that put her in a coma, there is no dead air for me. The story is really impossible to put down; I found it to be extremely engaging. 

I'd like to read another book similar to this one. I will without a doubt recommend this book to those who like mysteries and thrillers if given the chance. Actually, I put this book on my list of favorites. I would definitely purchase and read another Alex Michaelides book.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)

"We often mistake love for fireworks - for drama and dysfunction. But real love is very quiet, very still. It's boring, if seen from the perspective of high drama. Love is deep and calm - and constant."

When it comes to love, the majority of us often have high hopes. We tend to believe what we see on screen. We believed that it should be dramatic and grandiose, similar to what we see in movies. The mutual attraction should be ethereal. What we should understand is that love should be profound. Even if we have challenges during the relationship, it ought to speak to our spirit and our desire to stick with it. It is not love that is spectacular, but the relationship between two individuals who work hard to make every day magical regardless of the challenges they face in their day to day relationship.

“You know, one of the hardest things to admit is that we weren’t loved when we needed it most. It’s a terrible feeling, the pain of not being loved.”

As humans, we need to love and be loved. It is just the way we are by nature. We yearn for love. Love is something we believe in. So when you feel unwanted and alone, it may be quite tough to move on, especially considering the challenges you are experiencing. Managing such reality is really challenging. That is why most individuals suffer from depression because they are unable to move on and no one around them is willing to lend a helping hand to offer support and love.

“Perhaps some of us are simply born evil, and despite our best efforts we remain that way.”

I'm not sure whether this is true because I still believe in other people's kindness. That goodness resides within everyone of us. People are not born wicked; rather, some people develop that disposition as a result of their upbringing and circumstances. I firmly think that everything has a purpose such as why did they change into that way, etc. If this adage were accurate, it would imply that certain individuals, if they are born evil, cannot alter their ways, despite their desire to do so. This would be extremely tragic.

“I knew that I would have to be brave. Not foolhardy, not in love with risk and danger, not making ridiculous exhibitions of myself to prove that I wasn't terrified--really genuinely brave. Brave enough to be quiet when quiet was called for, brave enough to observe before flinging myself into something, brave enough to not abandon my true self when someone else wanted to seduce or force me in a direction I didn't want to go, brave enough to stand my ground quietly.”

― Piper Kerman, Orange Is the New Black

American author Piper Kerman's 2010 memoir, Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison, recounts her conviction for money laundering and drug trafficking and following year in a federal women's prison. The Netflix comedy-drama series Orange Is the New Black was created based on the novel. The phrase "the new black" and the widespread belief that convicts in the US wear orange prison garb inspired the title.

Synopsis from Goodreads...

With her career, live-in boyfriend and loving family, Piper Kerman barely resembles the rebellious young woman who got mixed up with drug runners and delivered a suitcase of drug money to Europe over a decade ago. But when she least expects it, her reckless past catches up with her; convicted and sentenced to fifteen months at an infamous women's prison in Connecticut, Piper becomes inmate #11187-424. From her first strip search to her final release, she learns to navigate this strange world with its arbitrary rules and codes, its unpredictable, even dangerous relationships. She meets women from all walks of life, who surprise her with tokens of generosity, hard truths and simple acts of acceptance. 

My reaction to the novel...

Since long before, my friend has been urging me to watch the Netflix series Orange Is The New Black. However, at the time, I was not a fan of such types of genres, so I did not bother to watch it. Then, the last time I was looking for a book to read, this one came highly recommended on Goodreads. Since I thought I recognized the title, I searched for the book, and sure enough, this is the one my friend suggested I watch on Netflix. I was quite interested since I had no idea that the series was based on this book, and just that it was also based on a true story.

Piper Kerman wasn't a bad person in my eyes. She posed no threat to others. She was only a young adult who made some really poor choices. Did she merit retribution for her misdeeds? Definitely. Nobody ever wants to spend time in prison. Your access to the outside world is entirely barred. That appears to be the worst penalty. Your only company besides the other prisoners is yourself. This appears to be the most severe penalty during imprisonment.

As a woman, I can well understand Piper's trepidation when she first visited the jail, therefore I was truly astounded at how perfectly her book depicted both prison life and life beyond. Nearly all of her emotions were palpable to me. I was surprised to realize that I, too, was terrified, and that my eyes were welling up with tears for her. Her experience was so bizarre, and it made me realize how brave she is. I particularly like how she chronicles her descent into criminal activity in detail before describing the realities of life in jail, where there are few options for free will.

Reading Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman taught me a lot. My perception of jails and prisoners has been radically altered by this book. You should read this book because it will undoubtedly alter the way you think. I became quite interested in them and was keen to learn more. Actually, these are situations that I haven't previously been concerned with or believed I would wish to tackle. I've always believed that if you commit a crime, you must do your sentence. Even while I still adhere to that line of reasoning, I am starting to realize that not every person deserves to be locked up and that many of them will actually change after serving their time.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)

“Every human being makes mistakes and does things they’re not proud of. They can be everyday, or they can be catastrophic. And the unfortunate truth of being human is that we all have moments of indifference to other people’s suffering. To me, that’s the central thing that allows crime to happen: indifference to other people’s suffering. If you’re stealing from someone, if you’re hurting them physically, if you’re selling them a product that you know will hurt them—the thing that allows a person to do that is that they somehow convince themselves that that’s not relevant to them. We all do things that we’re not proud of, even though they might not have as terrible consequences.”

This is really true for me, and I believe it is for everyone. Humans are prone to making mistakes. We make errors because we are human and are not flawless. And virtually all of our errors make us seem bad. We do not take pride in them. The worst thing is that some individuals will keep doing it until they reach the degree of error that prevents them from making reparations because we sometimes think that what we did won't harm others, so we just let it go. However, some people are unaware that letting go of these mistakes without making reparations, as if nothing happened, can leave you exposed to a far worse mistake since you did not learn from the prior mistake you committed.

“I had learned to hasten the days by chasing the enjoyment in them, no matter how elusive. Some people on the outside look for what is amiss in every interaction, every relationship, and every meal; they are always trying to hang their mortality on improvement. It was incredibly liberating to instead tackle the trick of making each day fly more quickly."

Most of the time, we wish to speed up the days because we are anticipating an event that won't come for months. As a result, we continue to rush without stopping to appreciate the moment. Actually, I experience it occasionally. I want to speed up time, especially when I'm in a horrible position, but I realize that the more I rush, the slower time becomes, unlike when I'm having fun with my friends or other things in front of me that I can't get enough of. By that point, I had realized how rapidly time passes when you aren't paying attention to it constantly and when you are enjoying every moment of your day.

“I suppose I could let bygones be bygones, forgive and forget, yadda yadda. But where's the fun in that? These pretty little bitches got everything I ever wanted, and now I'm going to make sure they get exactly what they deserve. Does that make me sound awful? Sorry, but as every pretty little liar knows, sometimes the truth's ugly-and it always hurts.

― Sara Shepard, Wicked

The fifth installment of the #1 series, Pretty Little Liars, which served as the basis for the popular ABC Family television program. Wicked, the fifth novel in the captivating Pretty Little Liars series by New York Times bestselling author Sara Shepard, is full of surprising turns and stunning discoveries.

Synopsis from Goodreads...

In idyllic Rosewood, Pennsylvania, four very pretty girls just can't help but be bad. Hanna will do anything to be Rosewood's queen bee. Spencer's digging up her family's secrets. Emily can't stop thinking about her new boyfriend. And Aria approves a little too strongly of her mom's taste in men. The girls think they’re in the clear now that Ali's killer is finally behind bars. But someone new is mimicking “A’s” blackmailing ways with wicked and mysterious messages. And it’s only a matter of time before they let some secrets slip.

My reaction to this novel...

This is by far the least fascinating novel in the Pretty Little Liars series for me. In comparison to the previous four novels, this one left me disappointed. I really loved the previous novels, and because A was already busted in the fourth novel, I was wondering how the author would swerve the narrative to get back on the right track, but instead I was left feeling bewildered and disheartened. The majority of the time, I was bored and inclined to move forward, but I did my best to resist in skipping some parts since I was eager to find out what would happen next.

The position of each individual in the novel initially didn't bother me, but with time, especially with some of the characters' attitudes and styles of living, I found it to be quite stressful. With designer bags, jewelry, and clothing, it's as if I'm stepping into the world of teenagers, which strikes me as both incredibly ambitious and naive. Although I have nothing against such brands, I find it irritating how often they are brought up in the novels. It led me to believe that while the characters undoubtedly possessed traits that other people would find appealing, they also undoubtedly possessed a dreadful mindset and a wretched lifestyle.

Initially, I really enjoyed Hannah's persona, but after a while, I thought she was just too snarky. She is really obnoxious and a complete loser. She always worries about what people would think of her, particularly in regards to how she looks, but despite having experienced a lot, she is unable to grasp what is most important. Though I realize that some teenagers are like that because they are preoccupied with their friends and their physical appearances, she is far more bitchy, which I thought pitiful and at the same time pathetic. It's fortunate that Lucas chose to end their relationship because she doesn't deserve him.

Despite my reservations about this novel, I believe it is good for Emily to discover what she actually likes. She was able to go over her issues and meet someone she felt was much out of her league, so I'm glad for her. She is the one of the four main characters who merits a happy ending because she made an effort to be true, despite how difficult it was for her to face all of her doubts and worries. I also thought her nice and nostalgic since, unlike her other friends, she is the only one who constantly wants to get back together with them.

It is beyond my capacity to imagine how the author would compose this entire series to match the caliber of the first four books. Although the fifth book in this series is somewhat tedious and annoying, if you've already read the prior four books and can't get enough of them, you should still read this one. However, if you're happy with the first four books, that should suffice. I'm not sure why the other reviews are different, but I was actually sort of let down by this fifth book. Since I found the book series to be so extensive, I'm not sure when I'll read the following book. I believe there are a total of 16 novels in it. If I'm in the right frame of mood, I might read the next one soon, but not necessarily after this one.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐(2/5)

 “I’ve always seen you, angel. From the moment you found me, I’ve seen nothing but you.”

― Sylvia Day, Bared to You

The 2012 New York Times #1 sensual adult romance book Bared to You by seasoned author Sylvia Day focuses on the complex connection between two characters in their 20s who have experienced abuse in the past. Day self-published the book on April 3, 2012, then on June 12, 2012, Berkley Books re-released it with an initial print run of 500,000 copies. It is the bold stroke of passion and hedonism that redefined desire as a concept and caused a worldwide craze.

Synopsis from Goodreads...

Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness. He was beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily.

Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds and desires.

The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart 

 My reaction to the novel...

So, I've owned this e-book for a gazillion years and was apprehensive about reading it before since I'm not a fan of romance books. And last night, after all these years, I finally got around to reading it, but I must say that it was really challenging. The novel made me feel quite uneasy for the second time. The first time was when I tried to read 50 Shades of Grey and gave up roughly midway through the first book. I experienced the same feelings and the same temptation to stop because it was so uncomfortable, but I persisted in reading the novel anyhow, skipping some of the sections that I found unbearable.

Similar to 50 Shades of Grey, this novel contained a lot of sex scenes, which is why I found it so difficult to read. And it's not simply sex scenes; those sequences are so powerful and terrible that you can actually sense how much pain the characters have been through. Okay, I must admit that even though I am not a huge lover of romance books, I am still able to read some with a touch of love scenes that for me is bearable to read, which lets me comprehend what a romance novel is. However, despite containing an excellent plot, this book has a lot of sex scenes, leading me to believe that the story is simply about sex.

To be honest, I skipped a lot of sex scenes, which made me appear like a not-so-mature romance reader, but that's just me, and I'm extremely uncomfortable with those parts. That is why I honestly admit that I skipped those in order to understand the storyline itself. Since the narrative and situations were written in such a manner that you could tell both of the characters had a troubled, abusive background, I truly am not surprised to learn about their pasts. Since I've taken a few psychology classes, I know that extreme behaviors like these have a basis, and the majority of them result from abuse.

I was shocked since, in just a few pages, you'll have read a lot of sensual scenes; as a result, you'll feel as though those scenes are only the beginning and won't definitely be the last. You can also believe that it will become more intense as you continue reading, so if you find reading these sorts of stories as disturbing as I did, this book may not be for you. I found it to be really difficult to read, and I skipped several passages—something I don't often do when I'm reading. However, if you can handle it and you enjoy reading romance books with twisted romanticism like this, I would highly suggest it to you. I'm not sure if I'll read the next two installment novels because this one was so challenging for me. These kinds of books are really not my style. So I'm not really sure if I found this type of story to be engaging.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐✨(2.5/5)

“I must’ve wished for you so hard and so often you had no choice but to come true.”

I also think that if you really want something, you should work hard for it and pray for it in order to increase the likelihood that it will come true and find its way to you. This statement from the novel is one of my favorites because it conveys the characters' honest desire for and affection for one another. I could feel their sincere love towards one another as I read this text. 

“Because love is more terrifying than anything. Love is a mighty blue hand coming straight for you out of the sky. All you can do is surrender yourself and pray you don’t fall to your death.”

― David Yoon, Frankly in Love

Young adult romance book Frankly in Love by David Yoon was first released on September 10, 2019. It is the first volume in the series Frankly in Love. The debut novel of this author is a New York Times bestseller. It centers on a boy who falls in love with a girl in order to fall in love for real. It was published in hardback in 2019. On September 1, 2020, the paperback was released.

Synopsis from Goodreads...

Two friends. One fake dating scheme. What could possibly go wrong?

Frank Li has two names. There's Frank Li, his American name. Then there's Sung-Min Li, his Korean name. No one uses his Korean name, not even his parents. Frank barely speaks any Korean. He was born and raised in Southern California.

Even so, his parents still expect him to end up with a nice Korean girl--which is a problem, since Frank is finally dating the girl of his dreams: Brit Means. Brit, who is funny and nerdy just like him. Brit, who makes him laugh like no one else. Brit . . . who is white.

As Frank falls in love for the very first time, he's forced to confront the fact that while his parents sacrificed everything to raise him in the land of opportunity, their traditional expectations don't leave a lot of room for him to be a regular American teen. Desperate to be with Brit without his parents finding out, Frank turns to family friend Joy Song, who is in a similar bind. Together, they come up with a plan to help each other and keep their parents off their backs. Frank thinks he's found the solution to all his problems, but when life throws him a curveball, he's left wondering whether he ever really knew anything about love—or himself—at all. 

My reaction to this novel...

I'm happy I finally read this book since I've been wanting to. I like Korean dramas and products, but I've just recently begun reading their literature. Frankly in Love is a lovely romantic story about first loves, strictly adhering to parents' standards, facing the issue of racism, and how to construct your chosen way to happiness. At first, I was apprehensive because the previous book I read by a Korean author did not live up to my expectations, but I can say that David Yoon crafted a simple yet excellent romance novel not only ideal for adolescents, but also for those grownups that are young at heart.

Frank is given a straightforward, recognizable personality by Yoon. Frank's sincerity is one of the things I admire about him. In his writing, Yoon explores real-world subjects including inter-racial and family challenges. He is direct and unapologetic. It has been a while since I read a book from a male perspective that I could relate to right away. I can completely connect to the narrative of how racism works, especially if you have different cultures or ways of life from them since I'm of Asian descent and have had the opportunity to travel overseas. However, as humans, we must adjust, particularly if we travel to a new place.

Frank was an excellent storyteller. He's quite amusing. He started off being more difficult to his parents than the average teenager would be, but as the novel goes on and life deals him some major unexpected turns, the reader will see him develop into a more rational adult. I've always found the cliché of pretend dating turning into real love to be entertaining. However, because of some of those unexpected turns I mentioned before, the novel is about much more than that. They compel him to consider his parents far more intently and to get a deeper understanding and appreciation of them. Even though the story's progression was predictable to me, the last twist made me cry.

Personally, I found this to be a really interesting young adult book, and I'd suggest it to anybody who like the genre, especially because it has a strong focus on romance and contemporary story. 

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)

“People who let themselves learn new things are the best kind of people.”

For me, this adage is true. I have a lot of respect for those who are willing to learn new things and who are honest enough to own their limitations. Since the world is changing and a lot of unexpected things and events take place, it is really a good idea for us to stay updated and not to cling to the knowledge we had previously acquired. After all, new things may have been developed or the knowledge we already possess may no longer be useful, so learning new skills and knowledge is admirable and honorable for those who admit that they lacked the necessary knowledge for those specific things. 

“If you have the will to do something, and you keep at it, and you don't give up, you can do anything."

If we genuinely want to reach our objective, we must put in a lot of effort toward it. Additionally, I really think that God will grant us our heart's desires if we put our confidence in him, strive to obtain them, and they will benefit our lives in some positive way. We have many needs in our life, but if we continue on the right track and do things honorably, we will undoubtedly fulfill our dreams. 

“When someone's been gone a long time, at first you save up all the things you want to tell them. You try to keep track of everything in your head. But it's like trying to hold on to a fistful of sand: all the little bits slip out of your hands, and then you're just clutching air and grit. That's why you can't save it all up like that. Because by the time you finally see each other, you're catching up only on the big things, because it's too much bother to tell about the little things. But the little things are what make up life.”

― Jenny Han, To All the Boys I've Loved Before

American author Jenny Han's young adult romance To All the Boys I've Loved Before was initially released on April 15, 2014, by Simon & Schuster. Han was motivated to create the book by her personal work of sending love letters to teenage guys who caught her attention. Two sequels to the book were released. In 2018, a movie based on the novel debuted on Netflix. With a few modifications, the plot is largely unchanged from the first book.

Synopsis from Wikipedia...

The story started when Lara Jean Covey writes letters to boys she feels an intense passion with before locking the letters away in her closet. One night, while hanging out with her little sister, Kitty, Lara Jean falls asleep, allowing Kitty to sneak into Lara Jean’s room and find her collection of letters and the next day, all letters were sent to the appropriate recipient. After that, Lara Jean was confronted by the boys she wrote letters to, leading her to the right man she did not expect to fall onto…

My reaction to this novel...

Since romance is not my favored genre, I tend to read less of these works than other types of literature. I tend to lean more toward tragedy than sentimentality, and I have a special affinity for the unanticipated developments that occur in the lovely world of novels. Therefore, reading a few romance novels will be a refreshing pastime for me if I want to smile and giggle like a teenager who is falling over her crush in a busy campus hallway. I made the decision to read this book since I had heard such great things about it.

Jenny Han is an extraordinary writer. I am reminded of how young my heart is and how much I miss being a teenager every time I read one of her novels. I can relate to Lara Jean in the same way that I can recall writing love letters to a crush of mine years ago. You can be transported back to your adolescence by this book. The main character in the book, Lara Jean, is gorgeous and funny, while Peter Kavinsky is handsome and passionate.

The book was turned into a movie, but I was let down since the Lara Jean in the movie wasn't the same as the one in the book, which lessened the excitement I had. Aside from the movie, all I can say is that this novel is excellent and will make you giggle, smile, and laugh all day long. I was motivated to finish it in 1 1/2 days since it made me feel great. I've read through its second and third installments because I can't get enough of it.

This novel deserves to be recognized in the teen romance genre, and I heartily recommend it to everyone.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨(4.5/5)

“Life doesn't have to be so planned. Just roll with it and let it happen.”

Most of the time, we made plans for our future selves. I can admit that I have done it. But now that I think about it, the majority of those scheduled events are either pushed back or cancelled since, in my opinion, we cannot always organize our life. It is the power of God. Let it be; spontaneous moments are amazing and designed to occur. Simply letting things happen, believing in the process, and, most importantly, trusting God's plan for our lives are all that we need to do. 

“Do you know what it’s like to like someone so much you can’t stand it and know that they’ll never feel the same way?”

This occurred to me before when I was younger. It was heartbreaking, and it made me wonder why my self-esteem had plummeted so low. But that's life. It's true that not everyone you like will like you back, and maybe they are feeling the same way about the person they like. Although it is perfectly normal to like someone, you do not have the right to expect that they reciprocate. It hurts at first, but as time passes and you gain valuable experience, you'll realize how young you were at the time and how fortunate you were to have those types of emotions.

 "I picture myself inside an envelope; I tuck myself in, the sides, the bottom, the top. I fold myself away. But the ghosts come anyway, weaving their way through my dreams”

--Suzanne Bugler, The Child Inside

The riveting new psychological drama from the writer of "This Perfect World," a Richard and Judy Book Club pick. Rachel should turn to her husband for assistance after the death of her unborn child, but she instead gets sucked into a risky and damaging affair.

Synopsis from Goodreads...

The story goes when Rachel and Andrew focus on their precious only son after their unborn baby died. Their dormant, silently-felt grief is slowly destroying their marriage and as Jono grows up and pulls away from them, Rachel finds herself to be resentful, lonely and without purpose. A chance encounter brings her into contact with an old woman whom she believes to be the mother of a friend who died as a teenager. But the woman denies that she never had a daughter, and wants nothing to do with Rachel. In desperation, Rachel tracks down Vanessa’s brother, Simon, and slowly the two of them get into a dangerous and destructive relationship..

My reaction to the novel...

One book in particular has stayed with me long after I completed it, and I'd want to share it with you. The Child Inside by Suzanne Bugler is one of those tales that captivated me and yet left me feeling depressed. There are no other well-known books like this one. I'm not sure how I came into possession of this book, but I'm happy I chose to read it. And I still have it today. I had previously recommended it to a few of my friends, and they were all happy to have finished the book, just as I was.

As an OB-Gyn nurse, I witnessed numerous patients experienced intrauterine fetal loss during birth. This signifies that the baby in her womb is already viable but has died and must be delivered naturally or through cesarean operation. After waiting months to become parents and finding that the baby died in the womb, both parents find this to be a tragic event. In this book, you will also go through the depression that both parents went through after losing their child. They still remember how awful it was back then, despite their desire to go across time and mend their damaged relationship.

In this book, The Child Inside, you will learn how fast trust can be violated once depression takes hold and how easily love may be corrupted if someone cannot get the help they need. You could feel sadness after reading this story and discovering how the parents cope with losing their baby. You will feel each character's need and desire to travel back in time in an effort to change their destiny.

Your sadness at the conclusion of the story will stem from this work's heartbreaking nature. Everyone who appreciates reading drama books should definitely read it.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)

 “I breath in and out through my mouth to feel the quiet. In. Out. Over and over. Until I fall asleep.”

― Jo Knowles, See You at Harry's

The middle-grade young adult book See You at Harry's is written by Jo Knowles. It is a coming-of-age narrative coping with an inconceivable catastrophe, as told by 12-year-old Fern. Several of Knowles' famous young adult novels feature a variety of difficulties, including pregnancy, abuse, and more. See You at Harry's breaks new ground by balancing the main theme of the novel with issues that commonly plague teenagers such as bullying, sexuality and first loves.

Synopsis from Goodreads...

Twelve-year-old Fern feels invisible. It seems as though everyone in her family has better things to do than pay attention to her: Mom (when she’s not meditating) helps Dad run the family restaurant; Sarah is taking a gap year after high school; and Holden pretends that Mom and Dad and everyone else doesn’t know he’s gay, even as he fends off bullies at school. Then there’s Charlie: three years old, a "surprise" baby, the center of everyone’s world. He’s devoted to Fern, but he’s annoying, too, always getting his way, always dirty, always commanding attention. If it wasn’t for Ran, Fern’s calm and positive best friend, there’d be nowhere to turn. Ran’s mantra, "All will be well," is soothing in a way that nothing else seems to be. And when Ran says it, Fern can almost believe it’s true. But then tragedy strikes- and Fern feels not only more alone than ever, but also responsible for the accident that has wrenched her family apart. All will not be well. Or at least all will never be the same.

My reaction to this novel...

I prepared myself for tears before starting any family-related books. I only read it when I feel like reading that type of content as a result. Simply browsing my library of ebooks is how I came upon it. Actually, I'd downloaded it a long time ago but hadn't read it; when I got the chance, I did and read it in three days. By accident, I had read the Goodreads reviews, which provided me with information about the story.

The storyline of this novel is one that I've read several times before. The antagonist and primary characters of this book, Fern and Charlie, are originally established to me. The narrative is melancholy since it discusses the loss of a family member, a subject that is very dreadful to everyone. The novel has a certain allure. It is easy to read. No pretentious terminology. The only aspect I found unpleasant was Fern's personality, specifically how she treats her younger brother Charlie. It is a little bothersome, but maybe this is just the way adolescents are. This narrative will help you comprehend how it could feel to lose a family member and not have the opportunity to express your love and concern for them. That you cannot reverse everything you have done to them may it be good or bad.

Actually, I'm a cry baby and cry when I read emotionally charged books. My tears did not, however, flow, and there were times I wished I could skip some pages because I felt the author focused too much on other incidents that, in my opinion, should have been prevented. In any case, it's a pleasant read overall. You'll comprehend how one family coped with bereavement and how it affected their struggles. You can actually sense the characters' suffering and agony.

The narrative of this book is quite sad, and I think some individuals may have cried as a result, so readers should be prepared. Just be ready for who you could run into at Harry's.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨(3.5/5)

"All will be well, all will be well. I started to believe them, but the whole thing was a scam. It was just some stupid thing to say to make me believe life isn't unfair. And just when I thought life was perfect, it became unbearable again.”

When we were younger, my experience was that whether I was upset, in uncertainty, or in danger, our family and even friends would keep reminding me that everything will be OK. Actually, I am guilty of using those phrases frequently whenever I see my friend battling with challenges. In addition to offering a helping hand, we are also giving them advice by using phrases like these. We didn't know what impact it would have on them. I acknowledge that unfairness is constant in life, but I also believe that good words may soothe a hurting soul, offer some individuals a chance to recover, and help them move on.

"Love doesn’t die. No. Love never dies.”

I concur with this proverb on love. Love endures forever. Love is always there, even if the person we love leaves us. After some time, everything will get silent, yet love will always be in your heart. You'll sense that the emotions are fading gradually, but there will also be occasions when it floods your heart with memories of earlier sentiments, even simply hearing their names.