bibliollama: (Book Kitten)
I've finished reading quite a lot of books lately and written the reviews for them but haven't quite found my schedule with posting them. I've got reviews going back to books I finished in April that aren't posted yet. So I figured I'd do some drive-by mini reviews just to catch myself up and then see if I can figure out more of a schedule going forwards.

Mira Grant - Feed (Newsflesh #1)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, dystopian, horror, science fiction, zombies
Zombies, politics, blogging, and a slowly unfolding conspiracy - Feed is one of those books I’d heard about for ages, and I’m so glad I finally picked it up. Yes, it’s a bit slow in places, and at times the political detail lost me a little — but wow, the rest of it more than made up for it.

The world building is sharp and believable, with a post-zombie-apocalypse society shaped by fear, media, and control. Add in a deep-dive conspiracy, tense horror moments, and characters that feel fully lived-in, and you’ve got a chillingly smart take on the zombie genre.

It's clever, creepy, and so compelling when it hits its stride. If you like your horror with a side of social commentary and smart journalism, this one’s for you.

Joanne Fluke - Peach Cobbler Murder (Hannah Swensen #7)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, cozy mystery
There’s just something irresistibly comforting about diving back into Lake Eden with Hannah Swensen. Peach Cobbler Murder delivers all the cozy hallmarks I’ve come to expect from this series: small-town gossip, delicious-sounding desserts, and a heroine who can’t help but find herself at the center of another murder mystery.

This installment sees a rival bakery open up shop, tensions rising, and, of course, a suspicious death. While the mystery itself isn’t the most tightly plotted of the series, it’s still engaging enough to keep the pages turning. I’ll admit the real draw here is less the murder and more the comforting rhythm of Hannah’s world: baking, sleuthing, and navigating her (increasingly chaotic) love life.

As always, the recipes included sound mouthwatering (I may or may not have bookmarked the actual peach cobbler one), and there’s something deeply nostalgic in the tone and structure of these books. They’re not high-octane thrillers, and they don’t pretend to be—they’re cozy, warm, and a little bit bonkers in the best way.

This one didn’t reach the heights of my favourite installments, but it still hit the spot. 4 stars, a hot drink, and maybe a baked good or two recommended for reading.

Travis Baldree - Bookshops & Bonedust (Legends & Lattes #0)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, cozy fantasy, queer
If Legends & Lattes was a warm hug in book form, then Bookshops & Bonedust is the slightly dustier but equally heartfelt origin story that makes you fall in love with Viv all over again.

This cozy prequel delivers everything I hoped for - a quieter kind of fantasy, low-stakes but rich with character. Watching a younger Viv begrudgingly rest up in a sleepy seaside town was a joy, especially as she slowly warms to the quirky bookshop owner, a scatterbrained gnome, and the town's soft-hearted baker. The writing is funny, gentle, and full of affection for found families, good food, and the small comforts that matter most.

What truly made it a 5-star read for me was how much heart Baldree pours into these characters - there's a tenderness here, even amid pirates, skeletons, and secrets. It’s a story about healing, connection, and learning to slow down. Perfect for fans of cozy fantasy, cinnamon rolls (both literal and metaphorical), and books about books.

A love letter to small bookshops, unlikely friendships, and the magic of taking a breath before the real adventure begins.

Bonnie Garmus - Lessons in Chemistry
⭐️⭐️⭐️, historical fiction, literary
I went into Lessons in Chemistry expecting something sharp, funny, and empowering - and while it does have those elements, it didn’t quite come together for me as a whole.

Elizabeth Zott is a fascinating character, and the book’s premise — a brilliant woman navigating 1960s sexism with stubborn resolve — is compelling. But the tone is unexpectedly flat at times; the matter-of-fact narrative voice suits Elizabeth’s character but left the emotional beats feeling a bit distant for me. It’s not that I didn’t care, but rather that I often felt I was being told, not shown.

That said, there’s a lot here to appreciate: from commentary on misogyny and science to a charming dog and found family moments. I just don’t think it was quite the book it set itself up to be. Still enjoyable, but I didn’t love it the way I hoped to.

Mira Grant - Rolling in the Deep (Rolling in the Deep 0.5)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, horror, novella, science fiction
A perfect mix of horror, sci-fi, and deep-sea dread, Rolling in the Deep is the kind of novella that grips you by the throat and drags you down... fast. Mira Grant takes the familiar premise of a documentary voyage gone wrong and spins it into something chilling, clever, and deeply unsettling.

The faux-scientific structure, the layered tension, the way the dread builds—it's everything I want in a horror novella. You know where it’s going, but that doesn’t stop the descent from being absolutely riveting. And the mermaids? Not the whimsical kind. These creatures are sharp, brutal, and terrifying in the best way.

Short, sharp, and brilliantly executed, this is oceanic horror done right. I couldn’t put it down - and then I didn’t want to sleep.

Natalie Haynes - Pandora's Jar: Women in the Greek Myths
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, non-fiction, feminism, greek mythology, history
This is exactly the kind of feminist myth retelling I’m here for — sharp, witty, and unflinchingly clever. Pandora’s Jar digs deep into the stories of the women in Greek mythology who are so often sidelined, misrepresented, or outright vilified, and Natalie Haynes doesn’t just reclaim their voices — she rewrites the whole conversation.

The tone is conversational and accessible, sometimes almost stand-up in its delivery, which works brilliantly... most of the time. There were moments where the humour slightly undercut the emotional weight of what was being discussed, but overall, it made what could’ve been a dense read feel breezy and inviting.

Each chapter focuses on a different figure — from Pandora to Medea to Clytemnestra — and Haynes draws connections across ancient texts, pop culture, and modern feminism without ever sounding preachy. It’s a powerful reminder that the way stories are told matters just as much as the stories themselves.

Jeremy Clarkson - Driven to Distraction
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, non-fiction, economics, education, memoir, sports
Look, I couldn't tell you the difference between a V8 and a vacuum cleaner — and honestly? I don't care. But that’s the magic of Clarkson: even when he’s ranting about obscure car models or driving on winding country roads, I’m still completely entertained.

This collection is sharp, ridiculous, and occasionally delightfully petty. You’re not here for the car reviews (well, I’m not) — you’re here for the grumpy wit, the vivid metaphors, and the sense that you're listening to your most opinionated uncle let loose over dinner.

A fun, fast read that made me laugh out loud more than once — even when I had absolutely no idea what he was on about.

C.S. Lewis - The Voyage of the Dawntreader (The Chronicles of Narnia #5)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, childrens, classics, fantasy
Revisiting childhood favourites is always a gamble — sometimes the magic doesn’t hold up, or the things you loved as a kid don’t quite land the same way. But I’m glad I took the chance on The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

There’s still so much wonder in this seafaring quest: dragons, islands, curses, and that sense of wide-open adventure that made Narnia so captivating the first time around. Some parts felt slower than I remembered, and some of the narrative voice feels dated now, but there’s no denying the charm.

What surprised me most were the parts I remembered vividly — Reepicheep, the dragon, the dufflepuds — versus the bits I’d forgotten entirely. It felt like reading something familiar and unfamiliar at the same time, and that was half the joy.

And it still has one of the best opening lines ever: There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it.
bibliollama: (Rainbow Bookcase)

Cover of the book Murder at Kings Crossing by Andrea Penrose Title: The Mini ADHD Coach
Author: The Mini ADHD Coach
Dates read: 29/04/25 - 01/05/25

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Publisher: Vermillion
Number of pages: 204

Fiction or non-fiction: non-fiction
Subject or genre: adhd, psychology, self-help

Book blurb:

When Alice Gendron was diagnosed with ADHD aged 29, she knew she didn't fit the usual ADHD stereotypes. And she knew she wasn't alone. With 10 percent of the population worldwide living with ADHD, it's still highly misunderstood.

Can you have ADHD and still be able to focus? Do you have to be hyperactive to get a diagnosis?

The Mini ADHD Coach will set the record straight. Through Alice's much-loved illustrations, you'll learn:

- How ADHD can impact your daily life, from getting dressed and commuting to dating and making dinner
- How to deal with strong emotions after your ADHD diagnosis
- What ADHD expressions, such as analysis paralysis, hyperfocus and time blindness, really mean
- And how to finally understand yourself

Full of insider tips, daily hacks and an important glossary of ADHD language, this book will show you that you are not alone and that by with working with your brain, not against it, it is possible to thrive with ADHD.

How I discovered or acquired this book: It jumped off the library shelf, waving emphatically at me!

My thoughts: Reading The Mini ADHD Coach felt like a deep exhale — like someone had finally cracked open my brain and gently said, “Hey, that’s valid.” Alice Gendron has written an incredibly kind, affirming, and practical guide to understanding ADHD, especially as it presents in adults who might have gone undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years.

What makes this book stand out is its friendly tone, the adorable and spot-on illustrations, and the way it captures both the frustrations and the magic of an ADHD brain without judgement. It doesn’t talk down to the reader. Instead, it holds your hand through everything from executive dysfunction to rejection sensitivity to the joy of hyperfocus.

For me, the real beauty of this book lies in how seen and understood I felt while reading. It wasn’t just educational — it was emotional. Every page was like a hug that said, “You're not lazy, broken, or weird — you're wired differently, and that’s okay.”

This is an ideal read for anyone newly diagnosed, self-diagnosing, or simply wanting to understand themselves or someone they love. It's also a gentle, approachable resource for those who might be overwhelmed by more clinical texts.

bibliollama: (Book Kitten)

Cover of the book Untypical by Pete Wharmby Title: Untypical
Author: Pete Wharmby
Dates read: 07/04/25 - 10/04/25
Rating 5/5

Publisher: HarperCollins
Number of pages: 256
Fiction or non-fiction: non-fiction
Subject or genre: autism, memoir

Book blurb:

It’s time to remake the world – the ground-breaking book on what steps we should all be taking for the autistic people in our lives

Rule 1: You should never ask for something directly. If you want something, you must imply or hint your need for it … somehow.

The modern world is built for neurotypicals. Needless noise, bright flashing lights, small talk, implication and ‘unwritten rules’; it can be a nightmarish dystopia as far as the autistic population is concerned. In Untypical World, Pete Wharmby lays bare the experience of being ‘different’, explaining with wit and warmth just how exhausting it is to fit into a world not designed for you.

But this book is more than an explanation. After a late-diagnosis and lifetime of ‘masking’, Pete is the perfect interlocutor to explain how our two worlds can meet, and what we can do for the one-in-thirty autistic people in our schools, workplaces and lives. The result: a practical handbook for all of us to make the world a simpler place for autistic people to navigate. A call to arms for anyone who believes in an inclusive society, and wants to be part of the solution.

How I discovered or acquired this book: I checked it out of the library for a reading challenge last year but didn't get round to reading it and renewed it the maximum number of times. So I asked my partner to take it back the library, but instead she read the blurb and wanted to read it, so she checked it out - and then insisted I actually read it because it was so relatable

Notable quotes 'It always feels to me that the neurotypical world puts arbitrary limits on how passionate one is 'allowed' to be about a subject'

My thoughts Reading Untypical felt like exhaling after holding my breath for too long. As an autistic person, this book offered something that’s still all too rare: recognition. Pete Wharmby’s voice is compassionate, clear, and - above all - authentic. He doesn’t speak for us, but with us, and that distinction matters.

The book is part manifesto, part lived experience, part gentle challenge to the neurotypical world to do better - and all of it resonated deeply. Wharmby balances honesty with hope, frustration with humour, and clarity with nuance. There were so many moments I found myself nodding along or pausing to take in the fact that someone else had finally put into words what I’d only ever felt.

It’s informative without being preachy, affirming without romanticising, and accessible in a way that makes it a perfect recommendation for both autistic readers and allies alike.

If you’re autistic, this might feel like being seen in a way you didn’t even realise you needed. If you’re not, this is one of the best guides I’ve come across to help you understand us—without the tired clichés or clinical detachment. An absolute must-read.

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Cassie

June 2025

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