Frog: The Secret Diary of a Paramedic by Sally Gould

February 4, 2026Book ReviewAustralian Authors, Medical, Memoirs, Mental health, Sally Gouldskyebjenner

Frog | Book by Sally Gould | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster AU

Title: Frog: The Secret Diary of a Paramedic
Author: Sally Gould
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Medical, Memoirs, Mental health
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2025

I absolutely adored this memoir, and it’s one that I actually can’t stop thinking about it. Even though it’s been a while since I turned that final page. It was intense, it was well written, and like all of the best memoirs, it was brutally honest. Honestly, I just couldn’t put this down and I love how honest Gould is not just about her journey into becoming a paramedic, but also her own mental health challenges and difficulties. One of the best medical memoirs I’ve read in a long while, and a reminder of why I like this subgenre.

In Frog, Gould talks about her first three years as a paramedic in Australia. She doesn’t give any specifics of where, but it felt like a lot of the suburban hubs that make up our wonderful country (I am intrigued as to where though, because I’m nosy). She’s honest about her drives and why she wanted to pursue this career path, but, most importantly, she’s honest about the challenges that she faced. Some of the anecdotes are kind of funny and a little bit quirky. Others, not so much. They run the gambit of difficult training officers, to somewhat insane patients and the tragic endings. If it was a pivotal moment for Gould, she has included it.

Being someone who works in the “helping professions”, I understand that the risk to mental health is higher than in other areas. I really loved how honest Gould was in her memoir about the impact that her career has had on her mental health. And also the consequences of this. I absolutely adored this, although, I read Frog at a bit of a triggering time, so some of the passages were ones that I had to put down and aside. It was incredibly intense and potent, but, again, the ability of Gould to be open and honest about difficult to talk about topics made it so much more powerful.

Everything about Frog was fantastically written. It was a wonderfully insightful memoir, and was a reminder of why I really enjoy diving into this style of book every now and then. Plus, for me, it was all that much more potent because it was an Australian woman working in a “helping profession”. I really hope that Gould writes more books in the future, because I will definitely be keen to dive into them!

<- Bits and Pieces

We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster

The Book of Dragons by E. Nesbit

February 3, 2026Book ReviewClassics, Dragons, E. Nesbit, Fantasyskyebjenner

Title: The Book of Dragons
Author: E. Nesbit
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Dragons, Fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Collection, eBook, Novel
Year: 1899

I honestly can’t believe that I didn’t read The Book of Dragons when I was younger! Or that I never knew that Nesbit was really an author. I would’ve absolutely inhaled these books when I was growing up, and then gone back to read it again and again and again. Luckily, as an adult, I’m still more than willing to dive into books like this and read them… again and again and again. Honestly, everything about this ticked all of my boxes as both an adult, but it also would’ve been fantastic as a preteen.

One of the things that I loved about The Book of Dragons is that it is nine (or maybe it was eight) short stories about dragons. Rather than being one long, intense tale, it is a series of smaller ones that had me smiling happily at the conclusion of each and every one. I really enjoyed that each and every story featured dragons in some shape or form, but that each and every one had a slightly different theme and message. It meant that as soon as I finished one of the stories, I couldn’t wait to see what twists and turns the next one would provide.

Although all of the stories in this book were about dragons, they were also all quintessentially English. Probably another reason why I absolutely adored this and couldn’t believe that I’ve never heard of these books before – there is something that I find so soothing and eerily familiar about English stories. And honestly, reading this just felt like a big hug and a way to return home.

After finishing The Book of Dragons, I found out a little bit more about Nesbit and her life. And honestly? It just made me love the book and her all that much more… I wonder if there is a biography out there somewhere that I can dive into about this fascinating author and enjoyable literary mind.

Image source: The Nile

Accidentally on Purpose by Kristen Kish

February 2, 2026Book ReviewBiographies, Book Review, Book Reviews, Books, Celebrity, Food, Kristen Kish, LGBTQI, memoir, Romanceskyebjenner

Title: Accidentally on Purpose
Author: Kristen Kish
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Biographies, Celebrity, Food, LGBTQI
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2025

I know of Kristen Kish from the Disney+ show, Restaurants at the End of the World, but I didn’t really know much about her beyond that. Which meant, that when her biography showed up on one of the Goodreads Challenges that I wanted to read, I couldn’t wait to dive in. It was also pleasant reading a biography about someone I knew I liked, but with no actual idea of any of her life. Everything about Accidentally on Purpose reminded me of the voice of Kish from her food documentary, but with an extra layer of honesty and integrity that I admired.

One of the parts of this memoir that I really loved is how Kish is able to incorporate multiple facets of the life that she lives. It starts pretty simple with Kish talking about her adoption and upbringing. But, the more she shares, the more she talks about how the different aspects of her personhood intersect. From being adopted, to being Korean, to being gay, Kish is honest and open about who she now is. But, also the struggles that she experiences to get there. And I loved how she talks about each and every part of her identity with raw brilliance.

Before reading Accidentally on Purpose, I knew nothing about Top Chef, beyond the fact that it was a TV show. Now, knowing that this is how Kish got her Celebrity Chef start, I’m a more than a little intrigued. The whole idea of the show and Kish’s love for it make me want to watch it. Then there’s the history behind it and the importance of representation which Kish touches upon. Again, all aspects of the story that make me really want to get to know more about Top Chef, and maybe watch a season or two.

Each memoir I read has some kind of life message or wisdom to impart that I enjoy. In the case of Accidentally on Purpose, it’s Kish’s openness to new experiences and just enjoying the path that you are on. She frequently shares how she just stumbled into lucky positions throughout her life, and took advantage of them. It’s a good reminder that sometimes we have to take advantage of the path we are on, and remember that the journey is absolutely more important than the destination.

<- Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas

Pirate Hunters ->

Image source: Amazon

Reading Update as of mid-August 2025

August 16, 2025ListBook List, List, Reading listskyebjenner

A bit delayed in scheduling my next batch of reviews… mostly because I’m now officially a Working Mum. And my daughter is refusing to sleep. And basically, just general life… which is probably why there are also a whole lot of rereads in this batch.

Series

Short story collections

Howl for It ReRead by Shelly Laurenston & Cynthia Eden

Standalones – Novels

Standalones – Novellas

Bloodchild by Octavia E. Butler

Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

August 15, 2025Book ReviewAunties, Contemporary, Humour, Jesse Q Sutanto, Mysteryskyebjenner

Title: Dial A for Aunties
Author: Jesse Q. Sutanto
Series: Aunties #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Humour, Mystery
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Holy crap, this book was freaking amazing. And totally unforgettable. There was just something about it that made me fall head over heels in love from the very first page. I mean, it is pure insanity and hilariously unhinged. But, I love that in a good book. Unhinged in real life isn’t great, but reading about it. Particularly when that unhinged comes from a place of love? That works wonderfully. Which, considering this is really a love story about four aunts and their niece, meant that I thought this was the most delightfully and chaotically unhinged story that I’ve read in a long while.

As I mentioned, there is the romance between Meddy and her past flame, but for me, the biggest love story is Meddy and her aunties. They just don’t hesitate to dive right in and help her out, regardless of just how bad the situation is. Which is particularly hilarious when they are literally trying to hide a dead body. I mean, honestly, the incredibly foolish and ill-conceived decisions just keep coming. And they had me laughing outloud throughout the entire novel. But, the fact that this all came from a place of love and care? It made what was actually quite macabre to be absolutley beautiful and kind of heart melting.

To begin with, there are the multiple timelines in this novel. Starting with the chaotic choices made by Meddy’s mum and leading to the whole body situation. But then, you flash back to Meddy’s past. This doesn’t happen throughout the entire story, but it occurs enough to giv eyou a background not only into Meddy’s past relationship, but also to just where some of her discontent sits. I love though, that when that smaller arc from the past is completed, you are just plunged into the present full time. driven along with the knowledge of some of Meddy’s past, and the reasons why she is not quite happy in life the way it is.

Dial A for Aunties crossed a whole lot of genres in the most enjoyable manner. It felt a little like a mystery, a like sattirical, a little contemporary / contemporary romance and a whole lot of familial love. I basically spent the entire time reading this laughing and giggling – there was just something ridiculously fun and light about this. Which was particularly surprising when there was literally a dead body at the centre of this story…

<- More Jesse Q. Sutanto

Four Aunties and a Wedding ->

Image source: HarperCollins

Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse

August 14, 2025Book ReviewDystopia, Mythology, Rebecca Roanhorse, The Sixth World, Urban Fantasyskyebjenner

Title: Trail of Lightning
Author: Rebecca Roanhorse
Series: The Sixth World #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Mythology, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

I was not expecting just how amazing this story was going to be. I mean, holy moly, was this one of those stories that I just… absolutely adored and opened up a whole new style of writing that I didn’t want to put down. I mean, a dystopian urban fantasy based on Dine mythology. It’s not a cultural and mythological world that I’ve ever had any experience with, and I am absolutely hooked into this idea. Then, there’s the whole dystopian aspect of the storyline, again, dealing with a dystopian world that was wholly unanticipated, and thoroughly enjoyed. I absolutely can’t wait to dive into Storm of Locusts.

Until I had the pleasure of diving into Trail of Lightning, I hadn’t had the pleasure of reading any of Roanhorse’s full-length stories. I’ve only ever enjoyed the short stories, but, they are typically kind of dark and twisty with a surprising ending. Honestly, it meant that I led into this story with a little bit of trepidation, I was constantly expecting Roanhorse to turn around and just absolutely destroy me with her twists and turns. It didn’t quite work at this way, but I was most definitely expecting things to get dark in a hurry.

Roanhorse was able to surprise me in a lot of ways, but I must admit, that I guessed Kai’s power fairly on. Kai’s Clan Power might have been obvious from the breadcrumbs which are expertly woven throughout, and yet, the actual reveal of it was still a moment of shock. Not that his Clan Power was revealed, or even how it manifested, but the different reactions and the path that it led Maggie and the rest of the characters on. Kai’s Clan Power was a very big story point that I feel needs to be unpacked even more in the next book. And I, for one can’t wait.

I’ve read a lot of urban fantasy books with strong female leads who have a harsh self-view and a tragic backstory. But something about Maggie’s self-view and journey was kind of heartbreaking. I mean, I loved it and absolutely adored it. Yet it also hurt my heart. Maggie’s journey of self-discovery and personal growth were phenomenal and I can’t wait to see how she comes out of the other side of this in Storm of Locusts. Now I just have to dive in…

<- More Rebecca Roanhorse

Storm of Locusts ->

Image source: Pile by the Bed

Pyramids by Terry Pratchett

August 13, 2025Book ReviewAncient Civilisations, Comedy, Discworld, Easy Reading, Fantasy, Terry Pratchettskyebjenner

Title: Pyramids
Author: Terry Pratchett
Series: Discworld #7, Ancient Civilisations #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1989

As a child I was absolutely obsessed with ancient Egypt, the architecture, the culture, the religion. So I love that Pratchett decided to also harness some of this fascination and bring it into the Discworld novels. It made me smile, it made me laugh and I loved picking up on all of the little details that were interwoven throughout to give the story the wonderful texture that it has. Then, there’s the fact that this is also a story that’s all about bucking tradition, changing your stripes, and finding your own version of happily ever after. All things which I absolutely adore in a good book.

Teppic going from being a Pharaoh-in-waiting, to an assassin-in-training was a very interesting departure from the expected. It also kind of worked out in a really funny way. I loved the different terminology used, particularly the idea of “inhuming” rather than killing. As always, I spent the entirety of this novel smiling and shaking my head at the language utilised. Pratchett was just such a master at turning a phrase, and Pyramids was able to display this wonderfully. I don’t think I will ever get the idea of “inhuming a pyramid” out of my head, and all that that entails.

There were so many twists and turns to this story that I honestly didn’t know where I was going or even what was happening throughout this. I meant that in the best way, and I definitely had the laughter startled out of me at multiple points. But, honestly, this was the most random and twisting story that I’ve read in a while. I also loved that the story was bookended with the same few pages – it just added to both the mystery and the twisting of the storyline.

I really enjoyed Dios as the villain – he was kind of evil, but in a really ignorant way. It was the evil of an unwillingness to change, rather than the evil of maliciousness. It didn’t make his input and chaos any more palatable or easy to read about, but it did make for a great villain that I completely could get behind. I also like that it was a really subtle evil, one that you don’t necessarily pick up on to begin with, but the insidiousness unfolds as the entertainment of the rest of the story does.

<- Wyrd Sisters

Guards! Guards! ->

Image source: Carturesti

The Magic in the Weaving ReRead by Tamora Pierce

August 12, 2025Book ReviewEmelan, Magic, Medieval fantasy, Tamora Pierce, The Circle of Magic, Young Adultskyebjenner

Title: The Magic in the Weaving ReRead
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Emelan #1, Circle of Magic #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1997

I could read this book a thousand times over, and still enjoy it each and every time. There is just something about Pierce’s writing and world building that is just like a big hug. I absolutely adore her stories, and The Circle of Magic, for whatever reason, is a series that I particularly love. Probably because it is about four young individuals who have always felt like they don’t quite belong, for whatever reason. And then they find their Found Family, and discover their inner powers. As a young girl, this was a potent message (I never quite felt like I fit), and even as an adult, it’s a reminder that somewhere, somehow there is a tribe out there for you.

I love that the Circle of Magic series starts off with Sandry. Not only is she the one to weave their magics together, but she is also integral to weaving their relationships together. I loved reading about her story, her growing into her powers and discovering what she can do. Plus, it was so much fun reading about Sandry’s growth and powers, with the lens and understanding of what is to come. It’s always fun rereading a story with an understanding of some of the hints and nuances to come, but it’s even better when the author has crafted a book which gives you something a little different with each reread.

As much as I know and love this story, I always kind of forget how late in the tale their intertwining comes. Most of this story is actually about the four coming into their powers and bonding. It’s not until right at the end that this complication is added. And it’s not until later books in the series that you really start to realise how big of a moment this is. It’s a beautiful way to set up a series – starting with the four becoming a bit more comfortable in their own skins, and discovering who they are. Then, throwing in an extra little dash of chaos at the very end which will fuel the rest of the series.

Although I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read and reread this book, and entire series. And yet, even though I know exactly what is going to happen, I still can’t manage to put this down. There is something about the story and the words that still has me feeling excited, tense and looking forward to what is to come. I don’t know what it is, but I won’t question it, there’s not many times I can go back and revisit a childhood favourite so frequently and with so much love.

<- More Tamora Pierce

The Power in the Storm ReRead ->

Image source: Goodreads

Sabriel ReRead by Garth Nix

August 11, 2025Book ReviewAbhorsen, Garth Nix, Magic, Medieval fantasy, Necromancer, Necromancersskyebjenner

Title: Sabriel ReRead
Author: Garth Nix
Series: Abhorsen #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Necromancers
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1995

I will read and reread Sabriel and the Old Kingdom trilogy forever and ever and enjoy it each and every time. There is something about this that is just like pulling on a nice, warm blanket and cuddling in. Plus, there’s now the greater Abhorsen series that I haven’t actually read yet. So not only was this reread wonderfully fun and comforting, but it will also lead perfectly into reading more of the books that I haven’t yet had the pleasure of reading. I absolutely can’t wait!

Sabriel’s journey to not only growing into her powers as the Abhorsen, but also growing into herself is one that has really withstood time well. Not all of the books that I loved as a teenager have really standed against time all that well, but this one most definitely has. And, for some reason, the fact that this is a book about a young woman, but written by a man? It just makes it that much better. I mean, Nix is able to seamlessly write a great coming of age story that appeals to generations and genders. Something that not everyone is able to do, and when I first read this, I didn’t really feel like there were many female writers writing stories of this calibre and being a coming of age story (I’m sure there were, but I just didn’t have access to them).

As I mentioned, I really love that this is the first strong women / coming of age story that I read in the fantasy genre. I would count Pierce’s work amongst this, but there is something a lot more mature about the story lines of the Old Kingdom trilogy. Sabriel is one of those books that I will definitely share with my children, it is a fantastic story and one that I absolutely adore. It is unforgettable and wonderfully enjoyable. The fact that it deals with death and the idea that everything and everyone must pass on at some point was really powerful and interesting. I enjoyed that aspect in past reads, but now, as an adult who is dealing with loss in their life, I really liked this message. And it is such an important one – everyone, everything and every moment has its time. And we all need reminders of that every now and again.

Nix is phenomenal at his world crafting and character creation. Every single aspect of this story feels lovingly created and the imagery of the world that you are inhabiting on this journey just jumps off the pages. This alone would make me absolutely adore this story and the start of this series. But then, Nix effortlessly combines this talent of description and creation with non-stop action. It is constant, it is engaging and it makes it almost impossible to put this book down. Even when I’ve already read it before and actually know what is going to happen.

<- More Garth Nix

Lirael ->

Image source: Garth Nix

Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire

August 10, 2025Book ReviewFae, Fantasy, Mystery, Seanan McGuire, Wayward Children, Young Adultskyebjenner

Title: Down Among the Sticks and Bones
Author: Seanan McGuire
Series: Wayward Children #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Fantasy, Mystery, Young adult
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Jack and Jill absolutely intrigued me in Every Heart a Doorway, they were not quite evil, but not quite good. And both were able to surprise me again and again throughout their story – they were responsible for so many twists and turns throughout Every Heart a Doorway, so it was really fun to go back in time to their story. Their door. And their origin. And, as always with McGuire, it was everything that I absolutely wanted – dark, twisted and intense.

Everything about Down Among the Sticks and Bones was dark and unsettling. From the very conception of the story (and the girls) to the final moments, all of this wasn’t quite what I expected, but everything that I needed. It was dark, it was horrifying and it led perfectly back to the first book in this series and the darkness that follows.

Jill was always a creepy and sinister character, from the moment she showed up. But, her entitlement and decision making made her go from creepy to seriously sinister. Something about her just triggered all of my hell no flight instincts. Which is pretty impressive as all of her existed in my mind’s eye – McGuire is such a phenomenal writer to introduce that level of darkness in an otherwise entirely literary endeavor. I mean, I still shiver at the horrifying decisions Jill makes again and again…

Although I actually liked Jack, she definitely wasn’t a sane character either. She is just a little less vindictive and entitled. And a whole lot more relatable. Probably mostly because she is a whole lot more relatable than her twin. Being self aware and able to cope with the world helped to ground me a little more in this otherwise seriously uncomfortable (in all the best ways) story.

<- Every Heart a Doorway

Beneath the Sugar Sky ->