Sara Reads Things

  Welcome to this week’s Triple Take Tuesday , where I’m diving into three very different but equally captivating reads. From Schaefer’s latest exploration of Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View, to R.F. Kuang’s thought-provoking fantasy in Babel , and finally, Pierlot’s The Hunter's Gambit, each book brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re in the mood for complex magic systems, sharp political commentary, or deeply emotional storytelling, this post has a little something for everyone. Let’s jump right in! Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View Elizabeth Schaefer (Editor) Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View is an absolute masterpiece, offering a fresh and deeply imaginative look at the galaxy far, far away. Through the lens of 40 talented authors, minor characters and background moments from A New Hope are given vibrant, emotional stories that enrich the original narrative. Each tale brims with humor, heart, and the unmistakable spirit of Star Wars, making th...

This week, we're diving into the vibrant and flavorful world of South Korean cuisine! From sizzling barbecue to hearty stews and an array of tantalizing side dishes, South Korean food is a feast for the senses. As we explore these dishes, we'll celebrate the balance of spice, sweetness, and umami that makes this cuisine so beloved around the world. Whether you're a fan of classic favorites like bulgogi and kimchi or eager to try something new, this week's menu is sure to be a delicious adventure. I'm diving into The Night Ends with Fire by K.X. Song. A spellbinding reimagining of the Mulan legend, blending magic, romance, and high-stakes adventure. Meilin, a courageous young woman trapped by her father’s addiction and societal expectations, takes fate into her own hands by disguising herself as a boy and enlisting in the army. As she navigates grueling training, unexpected alliances, and a tender connection with the enigmatic prince Sky, Meilin is haunted by visions...

  Sunday Confessions is where I spill the bookish tea, from guilty pleasures to unexpected DNF decisions. This week, I’m sharing the highs, lows, and surprises of my reading journey—books that made me laugh, cry, and maybe even roll my eyes. It’s a safe space for honest thoughts, literary reflections, and a peek into the TBR chaos. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s dive into this week’s confessions! Sunday Confessions #285 ~ Weekly Menu #588 And The Book Of The Week ~ Triple Take Tuesday - Rivera, Johnson and Zahn ~ Book Review: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller ~ Books my mom would love - The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon ~ Book Review: A Map to Paradise by Susan Meissner Weekly Menu #589 And The Book Of The Week ~ Triple Take Tuesday - Schaefer, Kuang and Pierlot ~ Audiobook Review: Blue Beard by Jim Clemente ~ December 2024 Wrap Up ~ Book Review: The Love Haters by Catherine Center ~ Sunday Confessions #287 December Babel by R.F. Kuang ★★★★☆ A Christmas Caro...

  My book review of A Map to Paradise by Susan Messner. Title:  A Map to Paradise By:  Susan Meissner Genre:  Historical Pages:  352 Release Date:  March 1st, 2025 Rating: ★★★★★   Summary from Goodreads: 1956, Malibu,  Something is not right on Paradise Circle. With her name on the Hollywood blacklist and her life on hold, starlet Melanie Cole has little choice in company. There is her next-door neighbor, Elwood, but the screenwriter’s agoraphobia allows for just short chats through open windows. He’s her sole confidante, though, as she and her housekeeper, Eva, an immigrant from war-torn Europe, rarely make conversation. Then one early morning Melanie and Eva spot Elwood’s sister-in-law and caretaker, June, digging in his beloved rose garden. After that they don’t see Elwood at all anymore. Where could a man who never leaves the house possibly have gone?   As they try to find out if something has happened to him, unexpected secrets are ...

  When it comes to selecting books my mom would love, The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon immediately comes to mind. This historical fiction gem is a beautifully woven tapestry of resilience, mystery, and the enduring strength of women. Set against the stark, icy backdrop of a colonial New England winter, Lawhon’s narrative captures the complexities of survival and justice in a time when every choice carried immense weight. It’s the kind of book that not only entertains but also sparks meaningful conversations—perfect for a cozy evening of shared reading and discussion. Title:  The Frozen River By: Ariel Lawhon   Genre:  Historical Pages:  432 Release Date:  December 5th, 2023 Rating: ★★★★★   Summary from Goodreads: A gripping historical mystery inspired by the life and diary of Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th-century midwife who defied the legal system and wrote herself into American history. Maine, 1789: When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man...

  My book review of The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. Title:  The Song of Achilles By:  Madeline Miller Genre:  Historical Pages:  408 Release Date:  September 20th, 2011 Rating: ★★★★☆   Summary from Goodreads: Achilles, "the best of all the Greeks," son of the cruel sea goddess Thetis and the legendary king Peleus, is strong, swift, and beautiful, irresistible to all who meet him. Patroclus is an awkward young prince, exiled from his homeland after an act of shocking violence. Brought together by chance, they forge an inseparable bond, despite risking the gods' wrath. They are trained by the centaur Chiron in the arts of war and medicine, but when word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, all the heroes of Greece are called upon to lay siege to Troy in her name. Seduced by the promise of a glorious destiny, Achilles joins their cause, and torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus follows. Little do they know that the cruel ...

  Triple Take Tuesday is here, and this week, we're diving into three standout reads from powerhouse authors Rivera, Johnson, and Zahn. Each book delivers a unique blend of storytelling magic—Rivera's evocative prose pulls on heartstrings, Johnson's narrative twists keep you guessing, and Zahn's world-building is as immersive as ever. Whether you're in the mood for a character-driven journey, a pulse-pounding mystery, or an epic adventure, this trio has something for everyone. Let’s break down what makes each of these books a must-read! Tiny Threads Lilliam Rivera ★★★ Tiny Threads by Lilliam Rivera is a heartfelt exploration of family, identity, and resilience, but it doesn’t quite reach its full potential. Rivera’s prose shines in moments of raw emotional depth, particularly in the relationships between the protagonist and her family. However, the pacing felt uneven, with some parts dragging while others rushed through pivotal moments. The themes of cultural herita...