Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina

Flirting Lessons

Gothikana

Gothikana by RuNyx had all the elements of a dark, atmospheric read, but it didn’t quite deliver in the way I expected. I went in hoping for something eerie and unsettling, but instead, it felt more like a cringy forbidden school romance with gothic aesthetics layered on top. The mystery had potential, but the execution leaned heavily into tropes that didn’t fully work for me. While I can see the appeal for fans of dark academia romance, it wasn’t as haunting or unique as I’d hoped. A decent read, but not what I was looking for.

My Best Friend's Honeymoon

Meryl Wilsner

My Best Friend's Honeymoon by Meryl Wilsner started off strong with a fun premise, but it quickly lost the plot. What began as an engaging story turned into something messy and unfocused, making it hard to stay invested. The characters had potential, but their development felt inconsistent, and the romance didn’t fully land for me. While Wilsner’s writing is enjoyable, this one didn’t quite come together in a satisfying way. A decent read, but not as memorable as I’d hoped.

Star Wars: Honor Among Thieves

James S.A. Corey

Star Wars: Honor Among Thieves by James S.A. Corey had its moments, but overall, it was a bit slow for my taste. While the characterization of Han Solo was enjoyable, the pacing dragged, making it hard to stay fully engaged. The adventure had potential, but it never quite reached the excitement I was hoping for. It’s a decent read for die-hard Star Wars fans, but not the most thrilling entry in the franchise.

The Turn of the Screw by Henry James is a classic gothic horror novel, but does it live up to its reputation? With an eerie atmosphere, an unreliable narrator, and an ambiguous mystery at its core, this novella has intrigued and frustrated readers for over a century. While some find its psychological depth compelling, others struggle with its dense prose and slow pacing. In this post, I dive into my thoughts on this unsettling classic and whether it still holds up today.

Title: The Turn of the Screw

By: Henry James

Genre: Horror

Pages: 121

Release Date: 1898 

Rating: ★★★☆☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:

The Turn of the Screw is an 1898 horror novella by Henry James that first appeared in serial format in Collier's Weekly magazine (January 27 - April 16, 1898). In October 1898 it appeared in The Two Magics, a book published by Macmillan in New York City and Heinemann in London.

A very young woman's first job: governess for two weirdly beautiful, strangely distant, oddly silent children, Miles and Flora, at a forlorn estate... An estate haunted by a beckoning evil. Half-seen figures who glare from dark towers and dusty windows- silent, foul phantoms who, day by day, night by night, come closer, ever closer. With growing horror, the helpless governess realizes the fiendish creatures want the children, seeking to corrupt their bodies, possess their minds, own their souls. But worse-much worse- the governess discovers that Miles and Flora have no terror of the lurking evil. For they want the walking dead as badly as the dead want them.

 

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Review:

The Turn of the Screw by Henry James was an odd read for me. I expected a chilling ghost story, but instead, I found a slow, ambiguous tale that felt more confusing than scary. The dense writing and unreliable narration made it hard to stay engaged, and while the eerie atmosphere had potential, it never quite delivered on true horror. That said, I can appreciate its influence on the genre, especially considering it was written in 1898. It just didn’t have the impact I was hoping for. A classic, but not a favorite.

If We Were Villains

The Will of the Many

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that DNFing a book you’re not connecting with is an important part of being a reader. Forcing yourself to push through a story that isn’t working can take the joy out of reading, and there are too many incredible books out there to spend time on one that isn’t the right fit. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of timing, and other times, a book simply isn’t for you—and that’s okay. Letting go of a book that isn’t clicking makes room for one that will!

Title: Our Infinite Fates

By: Laura Steven

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 352

Release Date: February 27th, 2025 

Rating: ★★★★★

Summary from Goodreads:

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Review:

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

Lessons in Chemistry

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus is a brilliant and heartwarming gem that captured my heart from the very first page. With a perfect blend of humor, heartache, and science, Garmus crafts a unique and compelling story about Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist whose journey through societal expectations and personal challenges is nothing short of inspiring. The sharp wit, memorable characters, and clever storytelling kept me hooked, while the deeper themes of resilience, identity, and breaking barriers resonated deeply. Elizabeth’s voice is unforgettable, and this book will stay with me for a long time. Truly a must-read!

Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Irin Carmon, Shana Knizhnik

★★★★★

Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik is an inspiring, engaging, and thoroughly entertaining tribute to one of the most influential figures in American history. Blending biography, legal analysis, and pop culture, this book paints a vivid picture of RBG’s groundbreaking career, relentless fight for justice, and iconic status. The mix of insightful commentary, personal anecdotes, and fun visuals makes it both informative and highly readable. Whether you're a longtime admirer or just discovering her legacy, this book is a powerful reminder of RBG’s brilliance, resilience, and unwavering dedication to equality. A must-read!

Pretty Girls

Karin Slaughter

★★★★★

Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter is a dark, gripping thriller that had me on edge from start to finish. With masterful storytelling and unrelenting suspense, Slaughter weaves a chilling tale of two sisters, long haunted by their missing sibling, who uncover horrifying secrets buried in their past. The twists are brutal, the tension is relentless, and the emotional depth adds a powerful layer to the narrative. Slaughter doesn’t hold back, delivering a story that is as disturbing as it is compelling. If you’re looking for a thriller that will leave you breathless, this is it. Absolutely unforgettable!

This week, we're taking a culinary trip through Pennsylvania, exploring everything from hearty Pennsylvania Dutch recipes to classic Philly-inspired dishes. Our weekly menu is filled with comfort food that highlights the rich cultural heritage and flavors of the Keystone State. Whether you're craving traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cooking or famous Philadelphia favorites like cheesesteaks and soft pretzels, these Pennsylvania-inspired meals are sure to bring warmth and flavor to your table. So grab a plate and join me for a delicious journey through Pennsylvania cuisine!

And of course, no week is complete without the perfect book to pair with dinner. This week, I'm reading Wool by Hugh Howey — a gripping dystopian novel that's been on my must-read list. If you're looking for a tense and thought-provoking book, Wool delivers with its claustrophobic setting and layered mystery. It's the perfect reading companion for a week of comforting Pennsylvania food, and I can't wait to share my thoughts as I read!

WEEKLY MENU

Monday

Amish Comfort

PA Dutch Chicken Pot Pie

Kids - Chicken and Biscuits

Tuesday

Philly Classics

Roast Pork Sandwich with Broccoli Rabe & Provolone

Kids - Grilled Cheese

Wednesday

Dutch & Hearty

Haluski (Butter-fried cabbage & noodles) with Kielbasa

Kids - Sausage and Noodles

Thursday

Pittsburgh Favorites

Pierogies with Caramelized Onions & Sour Cream

Kids - Pizza Pockets

Friday

Snack & Sweets Day

Fried Fish Sandwich with Coleslaw and Pickles

Kids - Chicken Sandwiches

Saturday

Farmhouse Feast

Roast Chicken with Buttered Egg Noodles & Pickled Beets

Kids - Alphabet Noodles

Sunday

Leftovers Night

Choices of One by Timothy Zahn is a solid addition to the Star Wars expanded universe, offering plenty of action, intrigue, and the strategic twists Zahn is known for. Set between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, the novel brings back beloved characters like Mara Jade and Thrawn, and it does a great job capturing their voices and motivations. However, while the plot is engaging, it can feel overly complicated at times, with multiple storylines that don't always flow smoothly together. The pacing also lags in parts, making it harder to stay fully invested. Still, for fans of Zahn’s Star Wars work, Choices of One is an enjoyable read that earns a respectable 3 stars.