Mile Long TBR

Review: The Holdout by Graham Moore

     milelongtbr      4 Comments

One part legal drama, one part thriller. An amazing, compelling story all the way around.

The Holdout is a fascinating read with multiple timelines, points of view, and enough twists, secrets, and deceptions to keep the reader guessing until the final pages.

Synopsis:

Ten years ago, Bobby Nick, a black teacher was acquitted of the crime ok the decade after a jury found him not guilty of murdering Jessica Silver, his white teenage student, and daughter of a billionaire real estate developer.

The jury deliberated for months while Maya Seale, the lone juror convinced of Nock’s innocence persuades the other eleven one by one to change their vote to not guilty. Unfortunately, during the trial, the court of public opinion already condemned Bobby, he faced scorn for getting away murder. The public didn’t treat the jurors much better. Even their own families blamed them for letting a guilty man walk free.

Now, a decade after the trial Maya is back at the hotel where she and the other jurors were sequestered. A true-crime series that wants to interview the jurors on the anniversary of the verdict, and see whether they stand by their decisions. When the juror who organized the reunion– and was the biggest advocate for convicting Knock of Silver’s murder– winds up murdered in Maya’s hotel room she finds herself a suspect, and that finding the truth may be the only way to exonerate herself.

I enjoyed The Holdout in audiobook format and the narration was spot-on.

Analysis:

The Holdout is a unique thriller, with its courtroom slant and alternating between the past and present crimes. For someone who reads a lot of thrillers, it was refreshing and captivating.

Moore’s resumé includes the award-winning screenplay of The Imitation Game, and his ability to keep his audience thinking and enjoying themselves at the same time.

This book is a perfect break from the typical psychological thriller while still enjoying the twists and tension we love.

And whether in the jury deliberations, while Maya is trying to prove her innocence, or just a simple conversation you can feel the tension through the entire novel.

The Holdout is without a doubt entertaining but has substance as well. The plot moves fast but still takes time to explore themes of racial tension, justice, perception, and morality. The characters were all complex and hearing from all the different points of view within the novel was an element that showcased the inner thought processes and motivations behind everyone’s decisions.

Takeaway:

The Holdout is a mesmerizing blend of thriller and legal drama, taking the better aspects of each to make something fresh and memorable. This five-star read is my favorite new thriller of 2020 so far with its compelling plot, surprising depth, and a stunning ending. It’s sure to be on many best thriller of the year lists, so get reading and see for yourself!

Content Warning:

suicide, racism, sexual assault, inappropriate student/teacher relationship, adult language

Twelve Bookish Ecards to Speak to Your Inner Bibliophile

     milelongtbr      Leave a Comment

12 Bookish Ecards for Bibliophiles

In case you need a laugh today, I’ve compiled a list of a dozen ecards to speak to the bibliophile in all of us.

If you love books I’m sure you’ll find more than one thing you can relate to, or at least give you a good laugh at the more book-obsessed readers.

Enjoy, and be sure to share with your book loving friends who will appreciate the nerdy humor!

“Sorry, I can’t stay and chat. I just remembered it’s my friend’s aunt’s dog’s birthday.”

“Ok, Katniss Jane. Go tell Harry Holden and Emma Daisy that dinner is ready. “

“I’ll just be a minute….”

Truth #1 :

(Library) size does matter.

Truth #2:

We’re all fantasizing about the Beast’s library in Beauty and the Beast.

“Whether the weather be fine, Or whether the weather be not…”

Are they accepting applications?

I can totally take a 10 minute reading break to update my LinkedIn profile.

Leon from The Flatshare totally stole my heart last summer, one Post-it at a time.

And who hasn’t fallen for Mr. Darcy or the latest male lead in a Christina Lauren Book?

And don’t even get me started about when one of my favorite characters die.

Book.

Cat.

Coffee, tea, or wine depending on the time of day.

Throw in a cozy blanket and it’s basically perfection.

Looking at you , Behind Her Eyes. I read that book three years ago and I’m still shook from that final twist.

I also may have restarted Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine within five minutes of finishing it for the first time. Partly to fact check the surprise, partly because that book is everything.

My fantasy library has shelves to the ceiling, a ladder that slides, a hidden door, first editions of my favorite books, and an oversized chair… just for starters.

Sure you’ve had a book hangover before, but how about a book bender where you read one hangover-inducing book after the next?

This also applies to when you need to find a certain book so you can take a picture to post for Instagram.

Or when you’re out for the day, but forgot to pack your book.

Review: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

     milelongtbr      2 Comments

What exactly is Big Magic? Most readers are familiar with Elizabeth Gilbert and her wildly successful Eat Pray Love memoir, but the concepts in Big Magic, her guide to “creative living beyond fear” are new.

This self-improvement guide to fostering creativity is an inspiring and motivating read, and for many who are stuck at home during COVID-19, it may be the perfect time to start reading it. Finding a creative outlet and pursuing it may be giving a stick to the Border Collie running wild in our minds, as Gilbert puts it in the book.

Synopsis:

Gilbert views ideas as living entities that visit people when inspiration strikes.

Being open to nurture and tend to those ideas is key for them to blossom into something bigger than itself, and for being lucky enough for the genius of inspiration to return to you.

Too often, people let things get in the way of engaging their creative side, and Gilbert suggests that the number one reason is fear.

Fear of what others will think.

Fear of taking on such a project.

Fear of failure.

Gilbert challenges readers to “live a life driven more strongly by curiosity than by fear” and suggests that this is the key to experiencing Big Magic and realizing the benefits of living a creative life.

The book takes on a broad definition of creating from the obvious artistic endeavors such as writing and painting to the unique interests that similarly nurture the spirit, such as figure skating. Gilbert presents creativity as play for adults, and I definitely agree that it’s a fabulous outlet just to do something for the fun of it.

Analysis:

As a self-identified “creative type” I can easily relate, but the range of creativity mentioned makes it so those who don’t identify as strongly as a creative could still benefit from this book.

The book discusses ideas being alive and about synchronicities and multiple discoveries that have lead people to have the same idea at the same time.

Then a crazy thing happened.

While reading the book for the first time last November I had a Big Magic moment of my own.

I had a discussion with a friend about a different book and the next day when I picked up Big Magic the chapter I read was essentially the exact same conversation I’d just had with my friend. Gilbert saying nearly the exact same things I’d said only a few hours earlier.

Granted, she had written these words a few years earlier, but having them reach me with such uncanny timing was enough to have me believing in the magic Gilbert discusses… and give me goosebumps.


I’m confident that Big Magic will give you the push you need to embrace or find your creativity. Right now seems an especially important time to do this, with so much of the world having their routines and sense of normalcy disrupted.

Going back through the ideas Elizabeth Gilbert has laid out has inspired me as well, and given my Border Collie a job in writing this blog.

Whether it’s sewing, painting, or something else entirely I challenge you to find something to channel your creative energy right now, and read or listen to Big Magic for inspiration.

Best Books of 2020: Literary Fiction and Genre-bending Emotional Reads

     milelongtbr      2 Comments

This list of titles is the best books of 2020 I’ve read that stand out in the genres of literary fiction and genre-bending emotional fiction, plus one from each category that I’m looking forward to so much that they’ve made their way to my TBR shortlist. 

I’ve been loving these two categories lately because they’re so immersive and really give the reader an opportunity to escape reality and be in someone else’s life for a while. If you’re looking for a book to get lost in, make you think, and make you feel any of these titles would be the perfect choice. These may not be light reads, but they’ll definitely be worthwhile ones. 

Best Books in Literary Fiction 

These books all feature important themes, stunning writing, and well-developed characters. 

Writers & Lovers By Lily King

The writing in March’s Read With Jenna book is stunning, some of the richest prose I’ve had the pleasure of reading lately. The plot is slow moving, but nuanced and none the less a compelling read.

The nuanced characters and exploration of Casey’s effort to live a creative life, overcome her grief, and choose a path in life will give readers cause for contemplation. Ninteys era Boston is brought life and becomes a character of its own thanks to King’s evocative writing. 

As an added bonus, the book is peppered with countless literary references, which is always a treat for bibliophiles. 

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

This Reese’s Book Club pick is a modern tale that provides commentary on race, class, prejudice, and privilege. The story is compelling and fresh, with humor to bring an air of levity to the serious themes. You’ll find yourself cheering for Imira to stand up to her boss and stand up for herself in the aftermath of the viral video where a stranger makes false accusations based on the color of her skin and presence in an affluent neighborhood.

This book is one you’ll want to talk about. And, if the story and conversations this book has started aren’t impressive enough, this is Reid’s debut novel. 

A Good Neighborhood by Therese Ann Fowler (TBR)

A Good Neighborhood has received countless accolades for being a powerfully  provocative story, discussing sexual abuse, race, privilge, and environmental issues. Count on Fowler’s lyrical writing and rich characterization to balance out the difficult issues that arise in this story of injustice and forbidden love.

With all the amazing things I’ve read about this book, I’m glad I added it to my Book of the Month box because it’s going right to the top of my TBR list.

Best Books in Genre-bending Emotional Fiction 

Ok, this may be a subgenre of my own creation. These books all combine and transcend genres to tell magical stories that pack an emotional punch. 

Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore

Growing up is hard enough, but try aging chronologically. 

Part magical realism, part coming-of-age story, Onna takes us on a unique adventure as she wakes up on her 19th birthday in the body and life of her 51-year-old self. She hardly has time enough to adjust to the changes in her body, let alone society during the 30 years she missed before it’s time for another leap.

You’ll love the pop culture references through the decades and the way Oona deals with the complications of living out of order. It’s a fun book, but don’t let that undermine the heavy emotions that arise as a complication of Oona knowing too much- or not enough – about her own life. 

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

Serle’s latest delight, In Five Years, is lovely women’s fiction with a touch of magical realism as Dannie wakes up to spend an hour five years in the future, much of it in bed with a man who is definitely not the one she just got engaged to.

That one magical hour is always in the back of her mind as her career advances and relationship stalls over the next four and a half years, until one day she meets the handsome stranger from her future. Or is it past?

Things unfold for Dannie in unexpected ways, and what could have been a simple romantic comedy turns into a much richer and emotional exploration of female friendships, fate, and love. 

The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver (TBR)

Josie Silver’s sophomore novel deals with love and grief as Lydia’s long-time boyfriend Freddie is killed on her 27th birthday. This is just the beginning as a devastated Lydia is struggling to function let alone learn to move on from her loss. So, she eventually takes sleeping pills to cope with the long, lonely nights.

They do help her sleep, but also open up the door to a magical parallel universe; one where Freddie is alive. Although far from your typical romance novel, The Two Lives of Lydia Bird has received a lot of praise and has all the makings of a book that makes you cry and warms the heart at the same time. 

I’ll be reading this one as soon as I get stocked up on tissues.

Well, there you have it!

Six of the best books I’ve read from 2020 that you’re sure to love if you’re looking for something thought-provoking, emotionally charged, and unique. Enjoy and be sure to comment your thoughts about any you’ve already read.

Review: Everyday Optimism by Dani DiPirro

     milelongtbr      1 Comment

Everyday Optimism by Dani DiPirro is a fantastic guide to being, as she calls it, “positively present” and it’s exactly the book we need right now.

This is the name of her personal mission -and blog— and while I hadn’t read any of DiPirro’s writing prior to this, I do love seeing her artwork on Instagram.

Some of the amazingly vibrant and inspiring art on Positively Present. All images belong to Dani DiPirro.

Having a mindful and positive outlook is something I believe in and am always trying to do better in my everyday life, and this book is the perfect read for someone wishing to gain momentum in this area or see overall positive changes in their life.

This book is filled with practical advice on how to live “positively present” in every area of your life, from home to work, to relationships. There are so many exercises that you can start with immediately, and there are great online resources on the blog to print and work on as well. One of the main things that impede change for many seems to be not knowing where to start and not knowing how to take the first step, so it is great to see such realistic ideas.

The format is also logical and flows easily, while all circling back to the two words that started it all. This a wonderfully cheerful and insightful book that will be a great guide to anyone who could benefit from being more in the moment, and having a happier life as a byproduct of the mindset shift. I can see it being especially relevant to those dealing with heightened anxiety and decreased productivity related to COVID-19.

I can’t recommend this book highly enough, and I’m sure I’ll be referring back to it often.

Many thanks to Watkins Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy.

Ten Literary Quotes to Bring Comfort During Coronavirus

     milelongtbr      Leave a Comment

Hi, friends!

Like many people I’ve talked to in recent weeks, I’ve struggled to stay calm and grounded in the wake of all that’s going on in the world. These are scary times and it’s all too easy to get caught up in the nonstop media coverage and speculate about what will happen next.

Being informed is important, but taking time to be without the constant flood of information is equally important to preserve mental wellbeing right now.

Reading is one of my favorite ways to step back from the world, and literature has always been a source of great comfort. I’m sure many readers can relate, so here is a list of quotes from beloved works of literature to help ease anxiety and keep things in perspective during these uncertain times.

Touching on ideas such as resilience, hope, and strength, these beautiful words have inspired many in the past and can be used to calm, reassure, and refocus in the time of COVID-19 and beyond.

Quotes to Comfort and Inspire :

Hugo’s epic story about human resilience gives us this beautiful line, and even though we don’t know when this will all be behind us, it’s important to keep this in mind.

Things are dark right now.

Times are hard.

But the sun will rise.

De Profundis, the published letter where Wilde penned this iconic line, was written while he was imprisoned.

Social isolation is can be without a doubt lonely and difficult, but make this your reminder to delight in simple pleasures.

Go outside, smell the roses, and curl up with a good book. Or, you know… a stack of them.

In White Teeth Zadie Smith reminds us to draw on our own strength.

The world will come through this, and when we do we will be stronger, and hopefully kinder for it. They’re often one in the same.

Many of us grew up with Rowling’s Harry Potter series, so the advice seems almost maternal. Or paternal, if you consider the quote was from always wise Albus Dumbledore.

There is still goodness in the world. People are kind, they’re coming together in unexpected ways and that’s a beautiful light in a time like this.

Check out The Good Stuff for the news stories we all need to hear right now. No negativity allowed.

The Bell Jar is a heavy read, but this quote is a great reminded to stay centered within yourself.

Take a deep breath. Focus on your breathing. Meditate. Put your hand on your heart and feel it still beating.

Too often our minds go to the worst-case scenarios, but let this verse serve as a reminder to challenge them.

Things are far from ideal, but it’s also unlikely that out of all the possible outcomes, the worst ones that pop into your mind will become a reality. If you’re allowing your mind to entertain those sorts of thoughts, allow it to dwell in the possibility of something better happening.

One of the worst things about this situation is the feeling of powerlessness we feel. But there are things you can do to improve the situation for yourself, your family, your community, and the world.

Stay home, help cook and shop for an older neighbor or family member, volunteer, donate, make something like face masks or 3D printed shields if you have the resources.

Do what you can with what you have and do it now.

This iconic line from King’s novella The Shawshank Redemption is a beacon of hope in difficult times.

Remember that resilience is one of the most beautiful attributes of the human spirit, and always hold on to hope for better times.

Let this quote from A Farewell to Arms inspire you to check in on your quiet friends, too. Those who are being strong for others. The ones who seem to have it all under control.

Internally, they could be struggling the most to deal with things, so reach out to those you care about and let them know you’re there if they need someone to talk to. It might mean more than you realize.

This comforting line from Winnie the Pooh is a great reminder that you already have it all in you.

Trust yourself and rely on your intuition to guide you in the decisions you need to make.

You’ve got this.

I hope something in this list of quotes has spoken to you and helped your outlook in the situations we’re all facing.

Be safe and remember you aren’t alone.

milelongtbr