Book Review: My Dark Vanessa: A Novel by Kate Elizabeth Russell-Psychological Fiction

Hello dear Readers,

My book review of My Dark Vanessa: A Novel by Kate Elizabeth Russell.

Title: My Dark Vanessa: A Novel

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Genre: Psychological Fiction

Author: Kate Elizabeth Russell
Publisher: William Morrow

Publication Date: March 10, 2020

Language: English

Hardcover: 384 Pages
Meet the Author: Kate Elizabeth Russell
Buy Me: Amazon

Book Description

Exploring the psychological dynamics of the relationship between a precocious yet naïve teenage girl and her magnetic and manipulative teacher, a brilliant, all-consuming read that marks the explosive debut of an extraordinary new writer.

2000. Bright, ambitious, and yearning for adulthood, fifteen-year-old Vanessa Wye becomes entangled in an affair with Jacob Strane, her magnetic and guileful forty-two-year-old English teacher.

2017. Amid the rising wave of allegations against powerful men, a reckoning is coming due. Strane has been accused of sexual abuse by a former student, who reaches out to Vanessa, and now Vanessa suddenly finds herself facing an impossible choice: remain silent, firm in the belief that her teenage self willingly engaged in this relationship, or redefine herself and the events of her past. But how can Vanessa reject her first love, the man who fundamentally transformed her and has been a persistent presence in her life? Is it possible that the man she loved as a teenager—and who professed to worship only her—may be far different from what she has always believed?

Alternating between Vanessa’s present and her past, My Dark Vanessa juxtaposes memory and trauma with the breathless excitement of a teenage girl discovering the power her own body can wield. Thought-provoking and impossible to put down, this is a masterful portrayal of troubled adolescence and its repercussions that raises vital questions about agency, consent, complicity, and victimhood. Written with the haunting intimacy of The Girls and the creeping intensity of Room, My Dark Vanessa is an era-defining novel that brilliantly captures and reflects the shifting cultural mores transforming our relationships and society itself.

My Thoughts

My Dark Vanessa is a work of fiction. Even the author clarifies is not her personal story, nor anybody else's. However, it read like non-fiction to me. Could be because the subject on this book is a very real situation, which happens in real life, or because the excellent writing . Either way, personally, I just loved it read that way because I wanted her story, Vanessa's story to feel as much real, valid.

Needless to say, I loved this book. It is indeed a very sensitive subject, and it was hard to read at times, but I think the book had the intended effect, at least on me, which has to really listen to this story, and to see Vanessa, and what she goes through.

Vanessa is one of the most vulnerable characters I have ever encountered in a book. She is not afraid of her truth, she is not afraid of admitting what happened and let others know, she even takes responsibility, which I don't believe was all her fault, but at the end, she just wanted her story to be real because like most humans, she wanted to feel loved and understood, and get validation on her feelings, even if that meant to blame herself for how things turned out. 

Vanessa, the teenager, the student, and Jacob, the grown-up adult, her teacher, get involved in a romantic relationship. Through the pages, we see how their relationship starts, develops, and ends. However, I don't think it really ended. Deep inside I believe, at least for Vanessa, she always hoped it was going to turn out the way she always wanted, a real love story, for Jacob, for everybody else in the world. Other women come forward and accuse Jacob of sexual misconduct, and even though Vanessa never really felt like a victim, some of these women tried to get her to tell her story, to see that what she went through was the same abuse they experienced, that Vanessa was obligated to share what happened for the sake of her stories to be true.

I also loved how the story alternates between the past and the present. It was a fast-paced read, but at the same time you get to experience and breath every word of it. 

My Dark Vanessa, fiction, non-fiction, is a very important and real story.

Wendy

Book Review: We Came Here to Forget: A Novel by Andrea Dunlop-Contemporary/Fiction

Hello dear Readers,

My book review of We Came Here to Forget: A Novel by Andrea Dunlop.

Title: We Came Here to Forget: A Novel

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Genre: Contemporary/Fiction

Author: Andrea Dunlop

Publisher: Atria Books

Publication Date: July 02, 2019

Language: English

Hardcover: 320 pages
Meet the Author: Andrea Dunlop
Buy Me: Amazon

Book Description

From the author of She Regrets Nothing, which BuzzFeed called a “sharp, glittering story of wealth, family, and fate,” comes a vivid novel about a young Olympic skier who loses everything and escapes to Buenos Aires, where she reinvents herself, meets a colorful group of ex-pats, and becomes enmeshed with a man keeping dark secrets of his own.

Katie Cleary has always known exactly what she wants: to be the best skier in the world. As a teenager, she leaves her home to live and train full time with her two best friends, all-American brothers Luke and Blair, whose wealthy father has hired the best coaches money can buy. Together, they are the USA’s best shot at bringing home Olympic gold.

But as the upward trajectory of Katie’s elite skiing career nears its zenith, a terrifying truth about her sister becomes impossible to ignore—one that will lay ruin not only to Katie’s career but to her family and her relationship with Luke and Blair.

With her life shattered and nothing left to lose, Katie flees the snowy mountainsides of home for Buenos Aires. There, she reinvents herself as Liz Sullivan, and meets a colorful group of ex-pats and the alluring, charismatic Gianluca Fortunado, a tango teacher with secrets of his own. This beautiful city, with its dark history and wild promise, seems like the perfect refuge, but can she really outrun her demons?

In alternating chapters, Katie grows up, falls in love, and races down the highest peaks on the planet—while Liz is reborn, falls into lust, and sinks into the underground tango scene at the bottom of the world. From the moneyed ski chalets of the American West to the dimly lit milongas of Argentina, We Came Here to Forget explores what it means to dream, to desire, to achieve—and what’s left behind after it all disappears.

My Thoughts

This was my first Andrea Dunlop book and I enjoyed it a lot. Liked the dual perspective, alternating chapters. A surprisingly emotional read for me. Fast paced and a very interesting plot. 

Thank you Atria Books and Netgalley for the free advanced copy, in exchange for an honest review.

Wendy

Book Review: Still Me- Jojo Moyes-Fiction

Hello dear Readers,

My book review of Still Me: A Novel by Jojo Moyes.

Title: Still Me: A Novel

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Genre: Fiction

Author: Jojo Moyes

Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books

Publication Date: January 30, 2018

Language: English

Hardcover: 400 pages
Meet the Author: Jojo Moyes
Buy Me: Amazon

Book Description

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Jojo Moyes, a new book featuring her iconic heroine of Me Before You and After You, Louisa Clark

Louisa Clark arrives in New York ready to start a new life, confident that she can embrace this new adventure and keep her relationship with Ambulance Sam alive across several thousand miles. She steps into the world of the superrich, working for Leonard Gopnik and his much younger second wife, Agnes. Lou is determined to get the most out of the experience and throws herself into her new job and New York life. 

As she begins to mix in New York high society, Lou meets Joshua Ryan, a man who brings with him a whisper of her past. Before long, Lou finds herself torn between Fifth Avenue where she works and the treasure-filled vintage clothing store where she actually feels at home. And when matters come to a head, she has to ask herself: Who is Louisa Clark? And how do you find the courage to follow your heart—wherever that may lead?

Funny, romantic, and poignant, Still Me follows Lou as she discovers who she is and who she was always meant to be—and to live boldly in her brave new world.

My Thoughts

I was hesitant to read this book because I was afraid as to how the Author was going to end the story. It took me a few months to finish it. I think part of it had to do with that fear of knowing it was going to end. I loved Me Before You so much, it will always be my favorite of the three books and even though I still think book two and book three were not that necessary but have to stay after finishing Still Me that all those fears and expectations are gone and replaced with a feeling of satisfaction and happiness. 

The Author did a pretty good job in continuing what we saw on After You, giving us more of Louisa Clark, this time in New York, a new job, a sort of new beginning for her, introducing all these new characters which at the end in different ways help Louisa to finally realize a change is needed. I love how this book gives Louisa a much needed closure and perhaps  a new beginning? Hopefully that is the case. Have to say I cried a few times specially those times when Will was mentioned but that feeling of knowing he is always present in Louisa's life one way or the other gives the book that sense of familiarity that we have in Me Before You. Definitely two characters almost impossible to forget.

Overall, I liked and enjoyed Still Me a lot, a very good ending to Louisa Clark story.

Wendy

Book Review: Always and Forever Lara Jean by Jenny Han-Teens/Fiction

Hello dear Readers,

My book review of Always and Forever Lara Jean by Jenny Han.

Title: Always and Forever Lara Jean

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Genre: Teens/Fiction

Author: Jenny Han

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 

Publication Date: May 2, 2017

Language: English

Hardcover: 336 pages
Meet the Author: Jenny Han
Buy Me: Amazon

Book Description

Lara Jean’s letter-writing days aren’t over in this surprise follow-up to the New York Times bestselling To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and P.S. I Still Love You.

Lara Jean is having the best senior year a girl could ever hope for. She is head over heels in love with her boyfriend, Peter; her dad’s finally getting remarried to their next door neighbor, Ms. Rothschild; and Margot’s coming home for the summer just in time for the wedding.

But change is looming on the horizon. And while Lara Jean is having fun and keeping busy helping plan her father’s wedding, she can’t ignore the big life decisions she has to make. Most pressingly, where she wants to go to college and what that means for her relationship with Peter. She watched her sister Margot go through these growing pains. Now Lara Jean’s the one who’ll be graduating high school and leaving for college and leaving her family—and possibly the boy she loves—behind.

When your heart and your head are saying two different things, which one should you listen to?

My Thoughts

Words are not enough to express how thankful I am that I had the opportunity to read this trilogy. It will always be one of my favorites. 

Lara Jean and Peter, such wonderful characters and all the others as well. Lara Jean's father, Kitty, Margot, Ms. Rothschild. Without a doubt the perfect conclusion to the story. It was not easy knowing it was the end but very satisfied about it. All the feelings while reading this book. Happiness, sadness, nostalgia, laughter. I became very attached to the characters and invested in the story, in Lara Jean's world, which is not that difficult, with a beautiful writing style the Author makes you feel part of it all.  

Like I said before about the other two books, I like how we can relate to the characters and all they go through. When it comes to family relationships, love relationships, transitioning from that teenage period to a more young-adult phase, making decisions on your own, obstacles, taking ownership of your life. The Author does a great job in giving us this funny, cute, story/characters but at the same time making them real, Human. 

Overall, I loved this trilogy, I did not want it to end, I enjoyed each book and even though I know this was the end but we can always hope, maybe a new book from Peter's POV, maybe? Yes, please.

Wendy

My Perfect Panel of Authors

Hello dear Readers,

Recently, I was inspired by Eventbrite to share with you all what would be my Perfect Panel of Authors. I was thrilled about the email because I never thought about it before. I think of my favorite Authors but never of having them all together in one place. 

Thanks Eventbrite for the opportunity and if you are interested and/or looking for help and resources to find, register or plan conferences close to you on in your local area, check the Eventbrite Page. I have used Eventbrite to buy tickets for Writing and Bookish events and I love it. You can download their App on your phone.

My panel consists in a very diverse group of Authors, not only diverse in the genre they write but also where they come from, in the period of time they live (lived) and life background. 

Any of the cities where Dan Brown develops his books would be ideal for the the Panel to take place.

The questions would be a mix of writing related questions and life questions, such as what inspires their writing, favorite books, writing advice for inspiring  Authors, family, hobbies, their latest work if there was one.

My Dream Moderator

That would definitely be Dan Brown. Why? There is something so special and unique about his writing and I think it would be very interesting to see him interacting with other Authors and transmit that energy I get with his books and writing through the spoken word. I see him as a very intellectual, smart and well educated person who I would love to see guiding and building a great conversation with the panelists.

The Great Poet

Pablo Neruda. The Genius when it comes to Poetry. One of my favorite writers. I wish he was still alive, see him in person talking about his experiences in life, about his writing process, where all the inspiration came from, how all the political and social environment he lived in pretty much his whole life affected him not only as a Poet which we can see on his Poetry but also as a person. What questions he would have for the writers now, not only Poets but in general. 

The Little House on the Prairie

Another one who sadly is not with us anymore but who's writing will always be one of my all time favorites. Laura Ingalls Wilder, not only opened the way for many other writers but also who's books inspired one of my favorite TV shows. Every time I read this book her beautiful writing, her voice transports me to that period of time where things seemed to be less complicated.

El Mago (The Magician)

Paulo Coelho. My favorite writer. The Alchemist, my favorite book. Paulo Coelho is such an inspiration, a writer who has shown that sometimes in writing, and in life it is just a matter of keep trying, of not giving up. His persistence translated in writing one of the most influential books in modern history, one that every time I read it, I find something new, learn something new, that right there is pure magic. 

The One and Only

Anthony Doerr. Where do I start? I guess, by saying that I absolutely loved reading All the Light We Cannot See. He is one of these writers that has inspired me to want to be a better writer and a better reader as well. I feel so much appreciation and respect for his books, his writing. So thankful for Authors like him and of course would love for him to be on my perfect panel so others could have the chance to be inspired as well.

Picture Credits: all pictures taken from Google.

Wendy

New Release Tuesday #10: March 14, 2017

Hello dear Readers,

Happy Book Birthday to The Wanderers by Meg Howrey.

Title: The Wanderers

Genre: Fiction/Sci-Fi

Author: Meg Howrey

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Publication Date: March 14, 2017

Language: English

Hardcover: 384 pages

Meet the Author: Meg Howrey

Buy Me: Amazon

Book Description

A brilliantly inventive novel about three astronauts training for the first-ever mission to Mars, an experience that will push the boundary between real and unreal, test their relationships, and leave each of them—and their families—changed forever.

 

“A transcendent, cross-cultural, and cross planetary journey into the mysteries of space and self. . . . Howrey’s expansive vision left me awestruck.” —Ruth Ozeki

“Howrey's exquisite novel demonstrates that the final frontier may not be space after all.” —J. Ryan Stradal

In an age of space exploration, we search to find ourselves.

 

In four years, aerospace giant Prime Space will put the first humans on Mars. Helen Kane, Yoshihiro Tanaka, and Sergei Kuznetsov must prove they’re the crew for the historic voyage by spending seventeen months in the most realistic simulation ever created. Constantly observed by Prime Space’s team of "Obbers," Helen, Yoshi, and Sergei must appear ever in control. But as their surreal pantomime progresses, each soon realizes that the complications of inner space are no less fraught than those of outer space. The borders between what is real and unreal begin to blur, and each astronaut is forced to confront demons past and present, even as they struggle to navigate their increasingly claustrophobic quarters—and each other. 

Astonishingly imaginative, tenderly comedic, and unerringly wise, The Wanderers explores the differences between those who go and those who stay, telling a story about the desire behind all exploration: the longing for discovery and the great search to understand the human heart.

Wendy

New Release Tuesday #06: February 14, 2017

Hello dear Readers,

Happy Book Birthday to We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter.

Series: We Were the Lucky Ones

Genre: Fiction/Historical

Author: Georgia Hunter

Publisher: Viking
Publication Date: February 14, 2017

Language: English

Hardcover: 416 pages
Meet the Author: Georgia Hunter
Buy Me: Amazon

Book Description

“Reading Georgia Hunter’s We Were the Lucky Ones is like being swung heart first into history. . . . A brave and mesmerizing debut, and a truly tremendous accomplishment.” —Paula McLain, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Wife

NAMED ONE OF GLAMOUR MAGAZINE’S BEST BOOKS TO READ IN 2017

NAMED ONE OF HARPER’S BAZAAR’S BOOKS YOU NEED TO READ IN FEBRUARY

An extraordinary, propulsive novel based on the true story of a family of Polish Jews who are separated at the start of the Second World War, determined to survive—and to reunite 

It is the spring of 1939 and three generations of the Kurc family are doing their best to live normal lives, even as the shadow of war grows closer. The talk around the family Seder table is of new babies and budding romance, not of the increasing hardships threatening Jews in their hometown of Radom, Poland. But soon the horrors overtaking Europe will become inescapable and the Kurcs will be flung to the far corners of the world, each desperately trying to navigate his or her own path to safety. 

As one sibling is forced into exile, another attempts to flee the continent, while others struggle to escape certain death, either by working grueling hours on empty stomachs in the factories of the ghetto or by hiding as gentiles in plain sight. Driven by an unwavering will to survive and by the fear that they may never see one another again, the Kurcs must rely on hope, ingenuity, and inner strength to persevere. 

A novel of breathtaking sweep and scope that spans five continents and six years and transports readers from the jazz clubs of Paris to Kraków’s most brutal prison to the ports of Northern Africa and the farthest reaches of the Siberian gulag, We Were the Lucky Ones demonstrates how in the face of the twentieth century’s darkest moment, the human spirit can find a way to survive, and even triumph.

“A remarkable history . . . extraordinarily moving.” —Publishers Weekly

Wendy