Mile Long TBR

Five Star

Review: Night Swim by Megan Goldin

     milelongtbr      1 Comment

Okay guys, I officially have a favorite thriller of 2020!

The Night Swim was a total binge read, I may or may not have stayed up until 3 AM to finish reading it because I COULD. NOT. PUT. IT. DOWN. (Spoiler, I did and it was 100% worth it.)

This is my first time reading Megan Goldin, so those of you who read her debut The Escape Room please let me know your thoughts on it!

The Escape Room is out today, so go order your copy and keep reading this full review to see why it’s such a fantastic read!

Synopsis:

The Night Swim is about a big-time True Crime podcaster, Rachel, who goes to a small North Carolina town to cover an ongoing rape trial. Though her success has made her a household name, she’s kept her face and identity anonymous. So when a mysterious note is left on her car at a highway rest stop asking her to investigate another crime, Rachel is a little unsettled. 

Though she tries to focus on the work that brought her to the area, the notes keep coming, and the more Rachel looks into the decades-old death of Jenny Stills, who was officially said to have drowned, the more it looks like something more sinister may have been at play. 

Things heat up even more as the past catches up to the present. Could looking into what happened 25 years ago be the key to making sure justics is served in the ongoing case?

It seems they are link, but Rachel may put herself in danger as an outsider digging around trying to uncover a small town’s secrets.

Analysis:

The Night Swim really is a bit of everything. 

It’s a gripping psychological thriller, with a bit of procedural and some courtroom drama thrown in. There’s both an old case and a current day one, which makes the alternate timelines an easy choice. There are also alternating points of view between Rachel and the woman who is leaving her notes. Goldin executes these transitions seamlessly, and the overall effect leads to a fast and compelling read. 

Fair warning, it has basically every trigger warning imaginable, but if you don’t mind the darker content this is definitely a book to send to the top of your TBR.

One big positive is how the book handles the heavy subjects with care. There’s some fantastic commentary on how sexual assault crimes are handled and the stigmas and challenges faced by the victims. I really appreciate that the author took the time to have this conversation, rather than give us a heinous crime for thrills. 

Also, I really love the characters in this book. Lately, a trend in thrillers seems to be the unlikable and unreliable narrator, so it’s refreshing for Rachel to be someone you really want to get behind.

And then there’s that ending.

When things finally come together, this book has the perfect blend of a believable ending while having a few surprises in store for the reader.

Audio Review:

I was lucky enough to listen to parts of the book on audio and the narration is fantastic! It’s a great way to enjoy this story.

I especially loved that the chapters of the book which were the “podcast eposides” had their own intro theme music. It was a fantastic way to transition and move the story along while giving it an extra level of authenticity.

Takeaway:

The Night Swim is easily a five-star read and an “unputdownable” thriller perfect for when you’re looking for a fast summer read with some substance.

What’s the last book you stayed up way too late reading?

Review: The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

     milelongtbr      1 Comment

The Henna Artist

Reese’s Book Club pick from May, The Henna Artist, is a beautiful work of historical fiction that transports readers to 1950s India, when the nation was still coming into its own after Independence. This book was one of my favorites reads of the month, and I adored everything from the setting to the recipes included in the book. 

Keep reading my review of The Henna Artist to see why this amazing book is one you should add to your TBR.

Synopsis: 

“Independence changed everything. Independence changed nothing.”

― Alka Joshi, The Henna Artist

The Henna Artist takes place in Jaipur, a colorful city in northern India where the nation as a whole and the story’s protagonist Lakshmi are struggling to come into their own after gaining independence. Lakshmi has come to Jaipur after running away from an abusive arranged marriage, in a time and place where women were not socially allowed to leave and be on their own.

Still, Lakshmi leaves and tried to reinvent herself. She learns the art of henna and uses what her mother-in-law taught her about herbal remedies to offer additional services to the women she meets. After years of hard work, Lakshmi has built a thriving business for herself, painting henna on Jaipur’s most elite women.

She’s building a house with the money she’s earned, in hopes that when it is completed her parents will be proud enough of her success to come live with her and forgive her for not being a dutiful wife and daughter.

But before the house is complete, Lakshmi’s husband appears in Jaipur. He arrives with Lakshmi’s sister, who she never knew exsisted, and the news that their parents were both dead.

If this news isn’t enough to disrupt the life Lakshmi has worked so hard to build, the difficulties of caring for her sister Radha, a free-spirited 13-year-old are sure to complicate things.

Eventually the lives of Lakshmi and Radha become too entwined with the upper-caste families for whom they work. Can she save the business she’s worked so hard to build in Jaipur?

Or will her life be uprooted to the point she’s forced to start over yet again?

Analysis:

With vivid, captivating writing, Alka Joshi brings us into the world of post-independence India from the very beginning. There’s so much imagery that it’s hard to not be drawn in by all the smells, sights, and tastes of Jaipur. The city comes to life in The Henna Artist in a beautiful way, as readers are transported to another time and place.

As beautiful as the setting is, the unfortunate truth is that women were not treated well in 1950’s society. Joshi discusses these issues with care, acknowledging how difficult it was to go against what was culturally accepted in this era.

In interviews, Alka Joshi says that her inspiration for the story and Lakshmi’s character came from her own mother. It’ as beautiful tribute as a reimagination of the life Joshi’s mother could have had if she’d had the freedom to choose her own path and embrace her passions and creativity.

And Lakshmi’s character is truly endearing. She is strong and willful, and you can’t help cheering her on as she makes her own way in a world that does not support going against the grain. I adore her artistic nature and desire to help people, and as someone into holistic wellness I appreciate her use of traditional herbal remedies.

All of the characters had nuance and depth to them, which was lovely to explore. I especially loved Lakshmi’s sister Rhada and Amir, a boy who helps Lakshmi with her henna business.

Alka Joishi delivers a beautiful and inspiring narrative, with the history and culture of her native India beautifully woven into the story. It’s beautifully done on all levels, and shows her skill at storytelling in a way that’s both informative and engaging. The element of social commentary around women’s issues really takes this book a step above typical historical fiction and makes it an important feminist read.

Takeaway: 

If you can’t tell from my review of The Henna Artist, Alka Joshi’s debut novel is my favorite of Reese’s picks in quite a while, and I have nothing but good things to say about this five-star read.

Whether you’re looking for an empowering story, want to travel through the pages of a novel, or want to learn more about a different culture, it will be hard to find a title that hits all these notes more beautifully than The Henna Artist.

Content Warning:

physical abuse, loss of pregnancy, abortion, underage nonconsensual marriage, suicide, sexual abuse

Review: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

     milelongtbr      5 Comments

This is one that I feel that the majority of people here have read, but it’s one of my absolute favorites and I felt it was timely to post a review of it up here since May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The book talks about a number of mental health issues and does so in a manner that is sensitive, realistic, and destigmatizing.

I first read Eleanor Oliphant in 2017 when Reese Witherspoon picked it as her inaugural book club title, and after I finished it I started rereading immediately. At the time of writing this in 2020, I believe I’ve read the book five times. 

That itself should speak volumes about how much I love this book, but check out the full review for more information about why this is one to prioritize on your own TBR. And if you have read it, tell me your take on whether Eleanor is completely fine or not and what that means to you!! 

Synopsis: 

Meet Eleanor.

She’s a 29-year-old office worker in Glasgow who loves routine and loathes small talk.

She doesn’t have many friends, but that doesn’t bother her in the least. She’s perfectly fine with her predictable schedule; weekend pizza and wine night, weekly calls with Mummy, and daily lunches doing the crossword by herself.

“But, by careful observation from the sidelines, I’d worked out that social success is often built on pretending just a little. Popular people sometimes have to laugh at things they don’t find very funny, do things they don’t particularly want to, with people whose company they don’t particularly enjoy. Not me. I had decided, years ago, that if the choice was between that or flying solo, then I’d fly solo. It was safer that way.”

— Gail Honeyman (Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine)

Eleanor is not especially interested in expanding her social circle until she sees a musician and instantly knows: This is the man she’s meant to spend her life with.

Her attempts at turning herself into the type of woman the musician would date provide good comedy, but if you’re expecting a love story don’t hold your breath.

While Eleanor struggles to get the attention of the musician, her coworker Raymond decides to insert himself into her life.

He’s the embodiment of all the qualities she can’t stand. He smokes, his appearance is always somewhat disheveled, he uses “text speak” abbreviations in email.

But, he’s a good person. He’s an optimist and he has decided that Eleanor is worth getting to know.

Her life expands as she starts to spend time with him, and the reclusive and awkward Eleanor learns that coming out of her shell a little might bring bigger, better things than she’d realized into her life.

And, when the bad days come, like they always do, Raymond is a supportive and encouraging friend, helping see her through the dark times and come out better on the other side.

Analysis:

Eleanor Oliphant instantly became one of my all-time favorite books, and largely because of the characters; quirky yet relatable Eleanor, Raymond the impossibly kind IT guy from her office, and Eleanor’s sinister Mummy.

The characters are all very well developed, but witnessing the scarred and reclusive Eleanor step outside of her comfort zone to become the kind of person who goes to weddings, visits friends in the hospital, and helps care for people who need it is inspiring.

I love that she retains her quirks even as she leaves behind the unhealthy coping mechanisms she’s used to deal with things for so long.

Also, I think Raymond is one the most ‘good’ characters in all of literature. He’s such a kind and caring person and brings so much heart to the novel.

He also brings humor. There are many laugh-out-loud moments in the book, from Eleanor’s observations to  Raymond’s goofy demeanor and the rapport between the two of them. The humor may be sardonic at times, but it works well. You’ll likely relate to Elenor’s commentary even if you’d never say those thoughts aloud and in public.

The comedy is needed to balance the difficult themes and topics that are discussed in the book. It discusses things such as isolation, depression, abuse, and suicide, but is handled in a respectful manner and does not stay too dark for too long thanks to that balance.

Two things particularly stand out to me about this book; that Gail Honeyman avoids cliche by not following the formula of Eleanor’s physical transformation from awkward and unfashionable to beautiful, and that Eleanor’s relationship with Raymond stayed a friendship.

Yes, she does go through a number of physical changes but they are without a doubt secondary to the changes that are taking place within her. Eleanor’s attempts at changing her appearance are misguided, but the deeper changes are not suggested to be a result of introspection, brutal self-honesty, and hard work.

Another thing that I appreciate is that Eleanor and Raymond are friends. He is loyal and accepting while encouraging her to be honest with herself, which are invaluable qualities in a friend. But, even when Eleanor is shiny, he doesn’t make any advances on her or take advantage of her in any way. Having him become a love interest to her would have cheapened the story and I’m so glad Honeyman didn’t take it in that direction.

Considering this is Gail Honeyman’s debut novel, it’s especially impressive. She’s set the bar high for future works, but I can’t wait to see what she puts out next.

Takeaway: 

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is a book I will never stop recommending or rereading.

This book is one that makes you think, laugh, cry, question things… It’s hard to find a book that achieves this, especially with such grace. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is a truly touching work of contemporary fiction that I see being regarded as a modern classic in the years to come. It’s one of the two books I feel should be required reading for practically everyone which is why this five-star read also earned my “all the stars” rating.

If you’ve not already read it take my word for it and give this book a chance.

Content Warning:

childhood abuse and trauma, suicide, physical abuse, death, alcoholism, mental health issues, adult language

Review: The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel

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Emily St John Mandel’s latest novel The Glass Hotel was one of my most anticipated releases of 2020, and I went in with high hopes. Hopes for more of the lush prose I’ve come to love from Mandel, and hopes for significantly less plague in the plot than in her beloved Station Eleven. 

I’m pleased to report that she delivered- on both fronts. The prose is lush and tantalizing and the plot is unique and, thankfully, pandemic-free. 

I went into this novel not knowing too much about the plot. I did a cursory check to see what the premise was, but honestly didn’t need much more than a Mandel by-line to sell me on the book. 

I’m glad I took this approach, because some of the summaries I’m seeing on bookseller’s websites do not do a good job of conveying what the book is actually about.

 Here’s what you should know about The Glass Hotel if you’re interested in reading. 

Synopsis: 

This gripping, suspenseful novel opens in a haunting manner, then takes readers back decades to tell the stories of a number of characters; a painter,  a college dropout, a Saudi Prince, a shipping executive. Individually, fascinating vignettes that can easily make the reader forget the larger picture of the novel, especially as it is still taking shape. 

Together, these smaller players are woven into the lives of the novel’s central characters – Johnathan Alkaitis, a businessman and financier – and Vincent, a young woman constantly reinventing herself, transforming from a hotel bartender to Alkatis’ wife, then to a chef when the Ponzi scheme her husband is operating unravels. 

Vincent isn’t the only one who is shaken in the aftermath of the Ponzi scheme. Alkatis’ investors, employees, and friends come crashing down along with him. Everyone tangled up in the scheme is forced with the prospect of reinventing themselves as well. Many investors have lost everything; some employees are behind bars for their role in the coverup. Everyone has shattered, their lives splitting into a distinct ‘before’ and ‘after.’

Eventually, Vincent takes a job as a chef on a container ship, cooking for the crew six months at a time, then taking shore leave for three to explore the world. It appears she’s happy with her new life, until one day she vanishes from the boat. 

From there, things begin to come together and even more when the shipping company launches an internal inquest into Vincent’s death, and yet diverge as the plot turns towards the investigation. 

Analysis:

The Glass Hotel has been billed as a thriller, a ghost story, a book about the 2008 financial crisis, a detective novel. It is all of those things –and yet none of them.

To me, it is a stunning work of literary fiction, with the best elements of all of the above genres.

However it is categorized, you will be drawn under the captivating current of Mandel’s writing from the opening pages until the end that takes us right back to those opening lines.

Mandel’s ability to move between and transcend genre is incredible, and the way she carries her signature prosaic style through them all speaks to her talent as a writer.

Fans of Station Eleven will appreciate the similar style. The plot in The Glass Hotel explores the unraveling of a different scale; the Ponzi and the lives of all those caught up in its scheme instead of society at large. The intricacies of the character’s lives are just as beautiful. The characters are complex, nuanced, and the portraits she Mandel paints of them are so gripping they could each have a book of their own. Reading everyone’s response to the fallout of the Ponzi is a truly fascinating exploration of the human condition and the ways we respond in dire times.

Keep an eye out for two characters in particular: Leon Prevant and his assistant, Miranda Carrol who were also characters in Station Eleven. This subtle connection is a gem for avid Mandel fans, and gives credence to the “counterlife” aspect in Glass Hotel, suggesting that the two stories could indeed take place in the same universe. 

Vincent’s character is complex and contradictory in the most delightful ways. She is vulnerable, yet guarded; resilient, yet flawed in a fundamental way. She’s as happy floating around the world without a permanent home as she is playing house with a billionaire. This may be because Vincent is never truly satisfied, instead filled with a visceral longing for something perpetually out of reach. Readers will connect with her honesty; you can’t help but feel things along with her as she sheds her skins and moves through the worlds she inhabits.

Mandel is a master storyteller and the more intimate scope of the plot allows for her writing to truly shine. The book had such graceful movement, which, juxtaposed with the heavy themes and eerie mood is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Overall, these stunning elements combine to make a novel that’s not to be missed, and that will linger with readers long after the final pages.

Best Book Releases of 2020: Psychological & Suspense Thrillers
Check out some other thrillers I’ve loved lately here.

Takeaway: 

Just go buy the book.

It’s amazing.

If you’ve read this far and still have any interest in The Glass Hotel I can’t say it any more plainly. It has already received so much critical praise and will easily be on the “Book of the Year” lists for 2020.

For me, this is easily a five-star read. I am already wanting to reread and revisit this world, and I can see this book making it to my personal list of favorites as well.

I wouldn’t rely too much on the synopsis you see at your book retailer to get a feel for this book but can say if you’re a fan of the author’s writing style or enjoy a tensely woven narrative with complex characters and evocative writing, this will be a great choice for your next read. 

Content Warning:

suicide, substance abuse, adult language,