Every September brings a wave of new must-reads, but 2025’s haul is especially exciting. From genre-defining thrillers to ambitious fantasy and dazzling special editions, this month reaffirms that the literary world remains vibrant and full of surprises. Spotlighting Dan Brown’s long-anticipated “The Secret of Secrets,” plus stunning releases from R.F. Kuang, Holly Black, and TJ […]
When Dimple Met Rishi – Book Review
Book Review: When Dimple Met Rishi – A Missed Opportunity for Representation and Respect CW: Misogyny, sexism, microaggressions, slut-shaming, bullying, non-graphic sex scene, cliché tropes I wanted to love this book. Truly. A South Asian lead heading to a summer coding program before Stanford? Sign me up. But When Dimple Met Rishi turned out to […]
The Island in Life of Pi: Paradise or Illusion?
In Yann Martel’s Life of Pi, the botanical island appears at a crucial turning point in Pi Patel’s journey, when he is on the brink of death, physically and spiritually exhausted. At first glance, the island seems like a miracle: lush, vibrant, and sustaining. But upon deeper inspection, it reveals itself as something far more […]
The Family Upstairs: Twisty, Addictive, and Utterly Unputdownable
I know it sounds like it was all just a terrible disaster. Of course it does. Any situation involving four dead bodies is clearly far from ideal. 📖 Book Review: The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell⭐ Rating: 4.5 Summary:The Family Upstairs is a dark, twisty mystery told through multiple points of view, each slowly peeling […]
The Brothers Hawthorne Book Review: A Twisty Return to the Hawthorne Legacy Universe
You can’t protect everyone, Grayson. ⭐ 3/5 Stars Coming off the high of The Inheritance Games, I had The Brothers Hawthorne on my radar with eager anticipation. With Jennifer Lynn Barnes at the helm, I expected a return to the high-stakes mystery and sharply woven plot twists the series is known for. Unfortunately, this installment […]
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Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak – Is It Worth the Hype? [Spoiler-Free Review]
When you eliminate the impossible, all that remains, however improbable, must be the truth. ⭐ 5/5 Stars With years spent buried in thrillers, mysteries, and psychological whodunits, rarely do I come across a book that grips me from the very first page and refuses to let go— Hidden Pictures is exactly that kind of book. […]
The ‘Nice Guy’ Trope: Underdog or Villain?
Nice Guy: not to be confused with a nice guy (that is, a male that is nice)-When used as a noun instead of an adjective, Nice Guy refers to people (men or women) who believe basic social expectations are currency for sex. Urban Dictionary The “Nice Guy” trope or the “I’m not like the guys” […]
When Chemistry Isn’t Enough: My Take on Deep End By Ali Hazelwood
“You and I have an agreement, don’t we? And the agreement says that until you say stop, I can do what I want with you. Even if it breaks you into pieces. Even if it makes you cry.” Summary Deep End is a steamy, emotionally layered college sports romance set at Stanford University. It follows […]
The Manic Pixie Dream Girl and Boy Trope
Why Quirky Tropes and Idealized Love Interests Are More Harmful Than Whimsical You may or may not have heard the term Manic Pixie Dream Girl (MPDG), but chances are, you’ve encountered one in books, movies, or TV shows. She’s the enigmatic, quirky, free-spirited girl who dances into the life of a gloomy male protagonist and […]