Review

The Knockout by Sajni Patel

January 26, 2021 milelongtbr 5 Comments

The Knockout by Sajni Patel is out today and I couldn’t be more excited to share this book with you guys!

I was so thrilled to read this book for multiple reasons (that cover, for starters) after rediscovering my love for YA novels last year.

I’ve never tried my hand at Muay Thai personally, though I was lucky enough to be a spectator in a few fights while in Thailand and have a lot of respect for the sport. I also have a heavy bag for home workouts and my own pink gloves.

The Knockout by Sajni Patel reminds me of going to Muay Thai tournaments in Thailand! Such an exciting sport!

I went into this book with high hopes and the

Synopsis:

The Knockout is about Kareena, an Indian-American Muay Thai fighter and high school student.

She’s tough, but she has a lot on her plate between balancing school, her sport, and helping at home with her chronically ill father and hardworking mother. And trying to fit in when she doesn’t feel a part of either the local Indian community or cliques at her American High School.

She doesn’t even have time to think about boys- but then she starts tutoring Amit Patel- a “ perfect Indian boy” and her crush.

Then she gets an opportunity to go to the US Muay Thai Open – and possibly a chance at the Olympics.

Getting there won’t be easy. There is money to raise and she has to keep her head down to avoid distractions to focus on her training. But maybe getting there and growing up mean opening up and taking risks- things Kareena is not used to doing.

Analysis:

One of the first things that stand out is that Kareena Thakkar is such a relatable and loveable heroine. She’s honest and funny, and though she fights hard there’s a lot of insecurity and uncertainty going on internally.

She worries about what others think and about living up to expectations. She has a small circle and is afraid to let others in- keeping the two biggest things in her life a secret to almost everyone.

Though she’s one of the top Muai Thai fighers in the country she’s afraid to be known as a fighter. It’s not feminine enough and not Indian enough for anyone to understand.

Kareena is lucky to have supportive parents, but things at home are far from perfect. Her father has serious ongoing health problems and her mother works two jobs to help pay the medical bills. No one but her closest friend knows to offer support.

Then Amit Patel, a boy in her class who Kareena has definitely noticed, but never interacted with enters the picture. It’s not quite insta-love – but the two definitely enjoy getting to know each other as they spend time together while she tutors him.

As it becomes clear they like each other as more than friends Amit tries to get Kareena to let her guard down. She eventually lets him in, and though things are far from perfect between them it ends up being another important part of a solid support system for Kareena.

The pair really support each other’s ambitions and help each other, they’re definitely a couple you’ll root for. Unfortunately, Amit’s parents need some convincing. When she reveals her ambitions as Muay Thai fighter, they don’t approve and think she’ll be a bad influence on their son.

This really leaves the door open for a conversation about gender roles in sports and in Indian culture. Author Sajni Patel wove these important topics into the story very well. Readers will also learn a lot about both Indian culture and Muai Thai- it’s clear the author did her research into the sport.

The pacing in the novel is one of my few criticisms, as well as things possibly being tied up too neatly. That doesn’t take away at all from this being an enjoyable read.

Takeaway:

This is such a delightful read!

Whether you’re into sports, coming of age stories, strong female leads, or YA love stories you’re sure to find lots to love in The Knockout! I give this great Own Voice coming of age story four stars!

Read it because it’s cute and fun. Read it because it takes a jab at important issues.

Just read it!

Many thanks to Flux Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy!

Black Buck Book Review

January 18, 2021 milelongtbr 11 Comments

What to say about Black Buck?

I read this book a few weeks ago and I’ve been sitting on my thoughts before writing a review.

It was obvious immediately that I LOVED the book, but there is simply so much to unpack with this book amidst a cast of rich characters and a rollercoaster of a plot.

Summary:

At 22 years old Darren is working at an NYC Starbucks. Formerly the Valedictorian of his prestigious high school he’s now lacking ambition and direction and is happy hanging with his girlfriend in the upstairs apartment of his mother’s home.

After impressing a CEO customer by selling him a coffee other than his usual order, he gives Darren an opportunity to join the sales team at his startup. Darren hesitantly accepts – and takes us along on his journey of being hazed at the company for his first week’s initiation, his experience of being the only Black salesperson in the company, and all the ways making this jump impact his life.

It’s a wild ride, to say the least as Darren, or “Buck,” goes from barista to salesman to advocate for other people of color wanting to get ahead in business. But what is the cost of his advancement? Will he lose sight of the values he held and the people he loves?

In Black Buck, readers who get something out of this book are urged to buy a copy for a friend.

Is debut author Mateo Askaripour having his salesman narrator tell us this as a clever ploy to sell more books?

Maybe, but it’s worth the read so I want to give you the chance to read and see for yourself exactly what the story is about.

Keep reading for details on how to get your own copy of Black Buck!

Analysis:

If there’s one thing I love in a book it’s juxtapositions, and Black Buck hit the nail on the head in this regard.

The book is largely about everyday life and yet takes us on a number of twists and turns of fate that are anything but mundane.

There are moments that will make you laugh out loud and ones that feel like a punch of the gut- bringing you through every range of emotion. I love books that do this and do it well, and the scope of this story certainly makes this possible,

There’s satire on corporate America alongside social commentary about gentrification, class, and privilege.

Additionally, all the characters in this book are so vibrant. From Darrens’ girlfriend Soraya to his mother and coworkers everyone is well-developed and could easily have a book of their own.

“Buck” especially is complex, honest, and raw and I love the way Askaripour used the narration style- and even the occasional breaking of the fifth wall. While risky, it absolutely works in this case and I’m glad he made this choice in style.

The writing was excellent and the story was extremely fast-paced, making this a compelling read.

Audio Review:

I absolutely loved listening to the audiobook of Black Buck.

The narrator, Zeno Robinson, did a fantastic job bringing the character of Darren to life. He brought such great energy and rawness to the story, and I highly recommend purchasing the audiobook of Black Buck.

Many thanks to Libro.fm and Blackstone Publishing for the ALC.

Final Thoughts:

This is definitely a book to send to the top of your TBR!

Whether you enjoy satire, literary fiction, or are looking for Own Voice stories and books with important and timely themes, Black Buck is the book for you.

Black Buck is easily a five-star read and I recommend it for everyone!

If you want a copy of your own, read the following instructions and let me know the last book you gifted or leant to a friend in the comments!

I’ll pick a winner on 31 January 2020 and contact you at the email provided in your comment.

Ultimate Guide to Rebecca- the Book and its Film Adaptations

October 29, 2020 milelongtbr Leave a Comment

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Rebecca!

Daphne du Maurier’s most famous novel is a masterpiece of Gothic fiction, and has unsurprisingly inspired a number of adaptations over the years.

With the recent release of Netflix’s latest interpretation of Rebecca the story is being introduced to a new generation. This is great, but it’s a good time to look at the other versions of the film and how they all stack up- against each other and the novel.

Keep reading this guide to see what each Rebecca gets right- and learn its shortcomings. In this guide we’ll look into everything from casting, set, and storyline to see which Rebecca is the ultimate winner.

Note: The narrator of the film Rebecca in the novel and all adaptations is a narrator known only as the second Mrs. de Winter. From here on out she’s referred to as TSMdW.

Hitchcock’s Rebecca (1940)

Joan Fontain reads this iconic first line of the novel as the movie begins, showing the Manderley grounds just as TSMdW dreamed them. It continues to stay close to the novel in the opening chapters as they holiday in Monte Carlo, though a few liberties are taken to advance the plot.

When the de Winters go to Manderley it’s clear that the honeymoon is over- there’s an immediate shift in both the mood and in Maxim’s demeanor and the film captures it well.

Joan Fontaine is charming and naïve and captures the personality of TSMdW perfectly. Laurence Olivier was a good Max, embodying that unique blend of polish and abrasiveness that Mr. de Winter possesses. Judith Anderson’s Mrs. Danvers really stole the show here- she’s a bit younger than the character I had in mind while reading, but her portrayal is perfection.

The main part where the film deviates from the book was in the details of Rebecca’s death- done to please the conservative censors of the day. This was Hitchcock’s first American film, and though it was wildly successful and went on to win an Academy Award for Best Picture, he was not pleased to have the limits on his films.

Spoilers hidden – highlight to read

Rebecca’s death was said in this adaptation to be an accident during a disagreement with Maxim, as the Motion Picture Production Code prohibited the film from having the plot follow the book. Maxim could not kill her out of rage unless he faced consequences for his actions. Given this dilemma, I think Hitchcock made a good decision.

Additionally, in the final scene of du Maurier’s Rebecca Manderley being on fire is only hinted at. Readers surely think it likely Mrs. Danvers started the fire, though it’s never said outright. In this movie, she is shown setting it ablaze and burns along with Manderley. This is certainly more cinematic and is a happy balance between giving an ending without taking too many liberties.

Final Thoughts

This is Old Hollywood at its finest, and while I wish the film were a little more British, it absolutely deserved the Best Picture win.

Hitchcock’s Rebecca is in many ways the truest to the novel and the liberties he took and changes he made because of the regulations of the time did not detract from the movie overall.

Not only that, but the black and white format is not at all a hindrance here. Hitchcock’s use of shadows here is spectacular and help create the ominous atmosphere.

BBC’s Rebecca (1997)

This imagination of Rebecca is very British, as it was made by BBC ,which is definitely in its favor. The actors in this one are quite plain. They look like ordinary people.

In the case of TSMdW, this is not at all a bad thing as she is said in the book to be plain. Max is said to be handsome by TSMdW’s employer while they’re in Monte Carlo, but since that is subjective and she could be blinded by his wealth it could be easy enough to overlook.

Unfortunately, the casting missed the mark here. TSMdW too self-assured, Max too amiable, Mrs. Danvers a little too soft. Though Game of Thrones fans may be pleased to see Charles Dance (Tywin Lannister) as Maxim, he seems the most miscast of all.

This book shows the two seem to genuinely care for each other in the beginning and the first shifts occur while they’re on honeymoon. They’re shown as a passionate couple more so here than in any other version and Max’s temper shows itself just as strongly. He does do a convincing job at this from time to time, but he nearly as condescending to TSMdW as in the book or earlier adaptation.

Throughout the book most of the plot followed the inspiration closely – including the manner of Rebecca’s death. There are two notable exceptions to this, both of which are poor choices in my eyes.

Spoilers hidden – highlight to read

One of the most unique elements to Rebecca is that the title character is only mentioned in the story- she never makes an appearance. Except for in this version. For me, this was almost unforgivable, even though Rebecca’s appearance was in a brief dream of TSMdW. They didn’t show much of her- but the way she was obscured by a hat or shown at close range so we could only see her mouth made it feel cheap. I feel that having her make this appearance in the adaption was a lay choice- they should have worked harder to make her presence felt without being seen or heard on screen.

The other difference is of course, the ending. In this book we see a bit more after the fire at Manderley is discovered- and it would have served the movie better if we hadn’t.

Like in the Hitchcock film, Mrs. Danvers is shown to have started the fire, but it goes on to show her then cozying up with Rebecca’s lingerie before laying in Rebecca’s bed to await the flames.

As if this wasn’t strange enough, it gets worse. When Mrs. Danvers is unaccounted for during the fire Maxim runs into the burning building to save her. It seems to be done to try to absolve Max after he’s revealed a murderer, but it’s inconsistent with his character and an unsatisfying ending overall.

Netflix’s Rebecca (2020)

The much-hyped Netflix adaptation of Rebecca had all the ingredients to make a great film, but from the beginning, TSMdW’s monologue takes a turn from the source.

This was a disappointing choice. Though the cinematography is great and it’s clear from the onset from the sets will be opulent it does little to set the stage for the mystery of Manderley.

Lily James makes a decent TSMdW- probably a little too fashionable and self-assured, but she nails the character’s awkward nature.

When Armie Hammer is introduced he’s far from the Maxim those familiar with Rebecca would expect. He’s supposed to be twenty plus years her senior, but in this version is much closer in age to TSMdW, which changes the dynamic.

Of course, a man twice a woman’s age calling her an idiot while proposing might not sit well with 2020 audiences. Still, I think this changed the nature of the character. Indeed, this version is more a romance than any of the others and I don’t think this does it any favors.

As another point, a absolutely hated the character of Mrs. Van Hopper. When TSMdW is serving as a ladies companion in Monte Carol her boss is not supposed to be an especially favorable character. She’s a social climber, but in the novel and the two other mentioned adaptations, she’s a source of comedic relief. In the BBC version, she was fun and in Hitchcock’s classic, she was superficial and daft. Though she was not particularly a likable person her character was interesting and amusing. In the latest version, she was none of these things and was absolutely loathsome.

Kristin Scott Thomas was a good choice for Mrs. Danvers, though I found something about her performance to be a bit off. She had a menacing smile, but as Judith Anderson’s Danvers in the 1940 version is the epitome of “resting bitch face” this seemed a poor twist.

Things started to fall apart as the film reaches the end. The discovery of Rebecca’s boat and the inquest into her death are rushed. Perhaps if the movie had spent a little less time showing off the grand sets and costumes there would have been adequate time to develop this twist.

Spoilers hidden – highlight to read

The fire scene is oddly rushed and drawn out at the same time. There’s no twisted drive and subtle discovery, the couple instead driving straight up to the building as Max declares it’s a fire.

Mrs. Danvers is seen setting it, but is not in the house or on the grounds as everyone is rushing around. TSMdW then goes down to the cliffs and find Danvers at the edge. After a brief confrontation Danvers jumps to her death.

I feel this was extremely anticlimactic and then they tried to manufacture some of the drama lost- but it didn’t work.

Unfortunately, that’s not the end.

The movie then cuts to Cairo where Mr. and Mrs. de Winter are living out their happily ever after- TSMdW’s final words to Mrs. Danvers being that they would be happy. This was just a bit too much, but again, Netflix seemed to want to make this more a glitzy historical romance than the Gothic suspense it is. This ending may be more “Hollywood” but is certainly unsatisfying for fans of the book and the 1940 masterpiece alike.

After an in-depth look at three of the most popular adaptations, it’s clear which ones stick close to the novel and which change the plot and mood. This ultimate guide to Rebecca wouldn’t be complete without a chart ranking which movie does the best and worst at each character and element.

Take a look at this guide to Rebecca films to see which one you see as the ultimate winner.

	BEST	WORST
Maxim	Hitchcock	Netflix
Mrs. Danvers	Hitchcock	BBC
The Second Mrs. De Winter	Hitchcock/ Netflix	BBC
Mrs. Van Hopper	Hitchcock	Netflix
Costumes	Netflix	BBC

Mood	Hitchcock	Netflix

Faithful Adaptation	Hitchcock
Satisfying Ending	Hitchcock	Netflix

The opinions in this chart and the entire ultimate guide to Rebecca article are my own.

Alright, there you have it. Three cinematic adaptations of this classic Gothic suspense compared in-depth.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and whether you agree with my take on the films.

Which version of Rebecca are you most eager to watch after reading this ultimate guide to the adaptations?

Don’t Look For Me by Wendy Walker Review

October 27, 2020 milelongtbr 1 Comment

This was the thriller I’ve been waiting for. I waited way too long to actually start it, but after seeing it all Bookstagram and reading @a_novel_idea11 ‘s review, I knew it had to be on the top of my October TBR. Once I started the book I could not put it down- and finished it 16 hours later. (I was sleeping for at least a few of them.)

Does this one have the makings for best thriller of the year, or is it another average release? Keep reading this review of Don’t Look For Me to find out!

Don’t Look For Me Synopsis:

(From the publisher to keep it spoiler-free.)

“They called it a “walk away.” The car abandoned miles from home. The note found at a nearby hotel. The shattered family. It happens all the time. Women disappear, desperate to start over. But what really happened to Molly Clarke?

The night Molly disappeared began with a storm, running out of gas, and a man offering her a ride to safety. But when the doors lock shut, Molly begins to suspect she has made a terrible mistake.

A new lead brings Molly’s daughter, Nicole, back to the small, desolate town where her mother was last seen to renew the desperate search. The locals are sympathetic and eager to help. The innkeeper. The bartender. Even the police. Until secrets begin to reveal themselves and Nicole comes closer to the truth about that night—and the danger surrounding her.”

Analysis:

Don’t Look For Me is a gripping story sure to be an absolute binge read for thriller lovers. My heart was racing the entire time I read the book- the tension in this one is high and constant, with one unexpected twist after another.

There were so many times my jaw dropped, so many times I could see what was about to happen just before the events unfolded and yet was shocked by how they played out. Honestly, I don’t think there’s ever been a book where I’ve wanted to grab the characters and say “No, don’t do that, girl!” so many times.

And it’s not because of any fault of the characters. It’s just that with alternating timelines sometimes the reader knows more than they do and the pressure is so high you know something bad is hiding at every turn if the page.
In a world of thrillers oversaturated with unreliable, unlikable, female narrators it’s great to have these believable and strong characters.

Walker did an excellent job crafting this novel and I look forward to reading more from her. The story was told from two different timelines a few weeks apart -from the night of Molly’s perspective, starting the night of her disappearance, and then from the point of view of her daughter-Nicole a few weeks later as she looks for answers about what happened to her mother.

Takeaway:

If you’re looking for an intense five-star thriller to read during spooky season, this is it, yall! Currently, Don’t Look for Me is neck and neck with The Night Swim for favorite thriller of the year.

Many thanks to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.

Don’t Look For Me Content Warning:

death of child, trauma, kidnapping/abduction, child neglect, child abuse, murder, wrongful imprisonment

Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark – a Review

October 23, 2020 milelongtbr 1 Comment

Ring Shout or Hunting Klu Kluxes in the End Times came out earlier this month and I’ve seen nothing but rave reviews pouring in for it.

It’s billed as dark fantasy and horror- and I certainly see elements of both genres present in the story, but for me, it was the speculative fiction element that made me pick up the book.

Keep reading this full review of Ring Shout to see if it lives up to the hype and if it’s a good choice for genre readers or for everyone.

Synopsis:

Essentially, Ring Shout is a genre-bending novella set in the 1920s Deep South that reimagines KKK members as literal monsters from hell.

Here’s a summary from the publisher:

IN AMERICA, DEMONS WEAR WHITE HOODS.

In 1915, The Birth of a Nation cast a spell across America, swelling the Klan’s ranks and drinking deep from the darkest thoughts of white folk. All across the nation they ride, spreading fear and violence among the vulnerable. They plan to bring Hell to Earth. But even Ku Kluxes can die.

Standing in their way is Maryse Boudreaux and her fellow resistance fighters, a foul-mouthed sharpshooter and a Harlem Hellfighter. Armed with blade, bullet, and bomb, they hunt their hunters and send the Klan’s demons straight to Hell. But something awful’s brewing in Macon, and the war on Hell is about to heat up.

Can Maryse stop the Klan before it ends the world?

Analysis:

I’ve said many times that one of the features I appreciate most in a novel is the author’s ability to transcend and jump between genres, and Clark has proven himself a master of this here.

Maryse may just be my favorite heroine of the year. She is a force; hunting down monsters, yet still showing her vulnerability and softness.

This book is harrowing, intense, and profound. There’s a lot of commentary on race, humanity, rage, and hate that’s very relevant in our world today, making it a very important read.

There’s so much going on in the story. It moves fast- it has to fit so much action and world-building in less than 200 pages. My only criticism is that at points it’s a lot to keep up with- though it’s a small problem, and one I admit may be my own fault. My typical reads are usually set in reality and don’t involve this level of world building.

There’s also a significant amount of gore- again, typical given the horror genre- so keep that in mind along with the other content warnings at the end of the article. I point these things out only so that you go in with these things in mind and don’t hold it against the book in reviews on retailers sites. These reviews can prevent a book from getting to the audience who needs to read it, and that’s never a good thing!

Audio Review:

The audio was narrated by Channie Waites, who did a phenomenal job bringing this story to life.

She did different coices for a number of the characters- both human and supernatural, and it definitely added to the tension of this book. The sense of urgency she created to the characters is unparalleled and she did the more tender moments of the book just as well.

This was my first time listening to Waites narrate, but I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more of her projects after this.

Go over to Libro.fm to get a copy of Ring Shout for free with my link and choose a Black-Owned Bookstore to support with your subscription.

Takeaway:

I’ve seen Ring Shout on many must-read lists this year and hope from this review you can see why it earned a spot there. This is my first read from award-winner Clark and I’m eager to check out his earlier works – even if they’re out of my genre comfort zone.

Go ahead and add this five-star read to your TBR- it’s a fast read so there’s no reason not to!

Many thanks to RB Media and NetGalley for the ALC.

Content Warning:

gore, death, mutilation, Racism, Lynching, White Supremacist imagery, violence to humans and animals,

Review: Agatha Christie’s Elephants Can Remember

October 12, 2020 milelongtbr Leave a Comment

Whether you’re new to the world of Agatha Christie or have been reading her books for years it’s hard to deny that her mystery novels make a perfect addition to any October TBR.

Known as the Queen of Mystery even 40 years after her death, Christie wrote 66 detective novels, plus a play and a number of other works. Not only is her opus prolific- the stories still stand today as outstanding works in the genre.

Most fans have read her more well-known titles such as And Then There Were None and Murder on the Orient Express it’s hard to know what to read next.

Elephants Can Remember is a great choice. Keep reading for a fulll spoiler-free review of this fun and fresh title and see why it’s a great addition for those looking to add mysteries to their TBR.

Synopsis:

The story opens with mystery writer Ariadne Oliver, as she reluctantly attends an author’s event and a woman approaches her to ask a most shocking question:

Did your goddaughter’s mother kill her father and then herself, or did her father kill her mother and then himself?

It’s been a decade since that fateful night, but there is little explanation as to why a healthy and happy couple would go out for a walk one day and choose to end their lives.
Oliver enlists the help of her friend Hercule Poirot and together they track down ‘elephants‘ – those who knew the Ravencrofts and may have memories about them in the week leading up to their deaths.

Eventually, they are able to piece together what happened that fateful night and it’s definitely a departure from the story that has been told about the family over the years.

Analysis:

Although I put together what happened myself early in the book, I enjoyed seeing the interview process unfold and there were still a few surprises in store.

The character of Ariadne Oliver was a lot of fun. Seeing her work alongside Poirot to get answers is a fresh twist on the typical Poirot and serves as a great introduction to him and a nice change of pace for those familiar with the detective.

It was interesting to see the book rely on oral testimony from years past in the absence of any physical evidence. This certainly makes it hard to uncover the truth, but not impossible, as we see here.

Takeaway

First published in 1972, this is the first of Christie’s later works which I’ve read, and I enjoyed it even though the story wasn’t as strong as many of the other books of hers I’ve read. It was still an enjoyable four-star read perfect for anyone looking for a fun classic English mystery.