The Compound

The CompoundTitle: The Compound
Author: Aisling Rawle
Genre: Dystopian
Format: Audio
Pages: 292
Length: 10h 5m
Narrator: Lucy Boynton
Rating:

My Thoughts

There’s so much to say about THE COMPOUND and I’m not sure where to start. Even though I didn’t really like Lily (I think), the story was so fucking compelling that I had to find out what happened. I kept thinking they were on a show like Squid Game and at some point the shoe was going to drop and they’d all be in danger. I’m a little disappointed that didn’t happen, lol.

Based on what I witnessed and not knowing his thoughts, I liked Sam a lot and I was sad when he left. I was sad Lily hadn’t grown enough to go with him. And, the ambiguous ending is torture. Although, the author could write a follow up to see how Lily’s life changes because of this experience. I’d definitely read it.

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Just For The Summer

Just For The SummerTitle: Just for the Summer
Author: Abby Jimenez
Series: Part of Your World #3
Genre: Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 418
Length: 11h 43m
Narrator: Zachary Webber, Christine Lakin
Rating:

My Thoughts

I thought I couldn’t love another one of Abby Jimenez’s books more than I loved YOURS TRULY, but I was wrong. JUST FOR THE SUMMER is probably my favorite romance I’ve read this year. It was a delightful story about love, loss, neglect, trauma, forgiveness, and healing. I really loved both Emma and Justin, their chemistry and sexual tension.

The way the author wrote about mental health felt so authentically written that as soon as I finished reading, I wanted to contact her and let her know how much it meant to me. I related to Emma and a little bit to her mom. I’m glad the author addressed impulsivity due to fear of perceived or real abandonment, how it causes chaos and tumultuous relationships, and how real intensive therapy can help. I also loved that she showed that we can’t help others with their baggage and trauma until we address our own.

The Heartbreak Hotel

The Heartbreak HotelTitle: The Heartbreak Hotel
Author: Ellen O'Clover
Genre: Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 352
Length: 10h 17m
Narrator: Brittany Pressley
Rating:

My Thoughts

I loved THE HEARTBREAK HOTEL. It was a delightful story about love, loss, forgiveness, healing, and second chances. I loved both Louisa and Henry, their chemistry and sexual tension. I loved how the author showed grief in all its forms, how consuming it is, how different it is for each person, and that we can heal from our grief.

One of my favorite parts of the book was how the author was able to portray Borderline Personality Disorder without the person being deranged or psychotic. I loved that she explored how it affects the person diagnosed with it as well as the people around them. I especially loved that she showed what BPD looks like without therapy and the healing that can come from consistent therapy.

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As You Wish

As You WishTitle: As You Wish
Author: Cary Elwes
Genre: Memoir, Non-Fiction
Format: Audio
Pages: 272
Length: 7h 1m
Narrator: Cary Elwes
Rating:

My Thoughts

What a delightful memoir. It’s definitely my favorite to date. I loved learning about the making of The Princess Bride. It was a fascinating behind-the-scenes look. The audiobook is definitely the way to read AS YOU WISH. Besides Cary Elwes narrating his memoir, a lot of the main cast is featured which was truly a treat. 

After I finished listening, I immediately rewatched the movie. It was so much fun to see all the things Cary Elwes and his cast mates talk about. It also made an already enjoyable film that much more enjoyable. One of these days, I’ll actually read William Goldman’s book so I can experience the source material as well.

Additional Narrators: Carol Kane, Norman Lear, Rob Reiner, Chris Sarandon, Andy Scheinman, Wallace Shawn, Robin Wright, Billy Crystal

The Circus Train

The Circus TrainTitle: The Circus Train
Author: Amita Parikh
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Audio
Pages: 352
Length: 14h 39m
Narrator: Imogen Church
Rating:

My Thoughts

I absolutely loved THE CIRCUS TRAIN. While I don’t feel like it’s reminiscent of THE NIGHT CIRCUS like the blurb says it is, I thought the story and characters were interesting, rich, and fraught with heartache, challenges, and perseverance.

I loved the concept of a traveling circus by train in Europe before and during World War II. The history helped shape the story and give it more depth. It was very interesting to see World War II from so many different perspectives and locations. I really enjoyed the author’s note at the end explaining the creative license vs. the reality.

The circus itself helped turn an otherwise troubling and deadly time into a life worth living despite the pain. I loved Lena, Theo (father), Alexandre (love interest), and Clara (governess). They all shined and made the story a pleasure to read. I won’t be forgetting this story any time soon.