The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop

Book Review, , ,
Overview
The Third Gilmore Girl

Title: The Third Gilmore Girl
Author: Kelly Bishop
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Biographies, Celebrity, Memoirs
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2024

Thoughts

As someone who watched The Gilmore Girls in her late teens, early twenties, I was absolutely intrigued and fascinated to read Kelly Bishop’s memoir. Plus, she was also in Dirty Dancing, another one of my favourite movies from that portion of my life. This didn’t disappoint. It was a great insight into a phenomenal actress, one whose work has formed a really important part of my TV watching in my formative years.

The Third Gilmore Girl is well worth the read, and I’m really glad that I had the pleasure of diving into Bishop’s journey from show girl to Gilmore Girl. This was well written, engaging and impossible to put down. Such an amazing journey with so much joy in each and every moment. I adored learning more about the actress and travelling through time and theatres with her.

One of the things about this memoir that I really love is how open and honest Bishop is about her different challenges and circumstances. She unflinchingly shares the more hidden parts of her life with humour and humility. Her ability to acknowledge her mistakes, her challenges and all of the emotional turmoil of a life well lived made this story so difficult to put down. And completely unforgettable.

The Third Gilmore Girl is honestly one of the best memoirs I’ve read in a while. It had a little less drama and angst than some of the other more heartbreaking ones on my shelves. But, still plenty of drama and action to keep you intrigued. I truly enjoyed how open and honest Bishop is, without creating a heart racing intensity that I sometimes find in the books that I read.

<- AbleMao’s Last Dancer ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult by Maria Bamford

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Sure, I'll Join Your Cult | Book by Maria Bamford | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster AU

Title: Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult
Author: Maria Bamford
Rating Out of 5: 2.5 (Readable, but not worth reading again)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Memoirs, Mental health
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

To start with, I really enjoyed this memoir. It was clever and witty. Had me smiling and laughing as I read it. But then, it started to get a little bit repetitive. And a little more repetitive. Until, finally, it may have been different anecdotes, but mostly the same punchlines.

Although I started to get bogged down in this, I did still finish it. And mostly enjoy it. Bamford was open and honest, which i always love. And didn’t hesitate to laugh at herself and the predicaments she would find herself in.

As much as I didn’t mind this, between the repetitive punchlines and the tone of the memoir, its not one I’d read again. Overall, not a bad read. But probably a little too needy for my personal tastes and engagement.

Image source: Simon & Schuster Australia

A Song for Summer ReRead by Eva Ibbotson

Book Review, , ,
Overview
A Song for Summer : Ibbotson, Eva: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: A Song for Summer
Author: Eva Ibbotson
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Historical fiction, Romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1997

Thoughts

For some reason, I didn’t love this reread as much as I’ve enjoyed the past reads of this book. Possibly because I just wasn’t in the right mood for it. I also find that this is one of the slower and longer Ibbotson books on my shelves, so I find it harder to get into the flow of things than some of my favourites. Yet, in spite of that, I still enjoyed this read through and remember why I frequently reread these romances.

One of the aspects of this story that I love is that it is about a woman who is strong and independent. But also, one whom conforms to gender roles. She chooses to embrace her femininity and a nurturing role, whilst still maintaining her sense of self and identity. And she does this as something that she desires and wants – not because she is asked to, and / or forced to.

Throughout this story, I kind of love the family that is created. Yes, the romance at the centre is sweet as they innocently fall in love. But, it is the love of the whole group and how they try their best to find safety in an uncertain world. The innocence, joy and love found in the relationships of this story create a perfect contrast to the back drop of war and horror that drives the action of the tale.

Although I didn’t absolutely adore this novel, I think that I will pick it up again in a short while. It will probably sit better at a time when I’m feeling a little more settled and calm in my life. It is a very specific kind of read, one that, whilst I enjoy, I need to be in the perfect, nostalgic mood for.

<- The Secret CountessMore Eva Ibbotson books ->

Image source: Amazon

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Book Review, , ,
Overview
The Poet X

Title: The Poet X
Author: Elizabeth Acevedo
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Poetry, Young adult
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel, Poem
Year: 2018

Thoughts

The Poet X is a seriously fantastic coming of age story. The tale itself is heartfelt and emotional. But writing it all in poetry form? Somehow that made it all that much more powerful and intense. The emotions leap of the page with every line, capturing your heart and pulling you in.

This is the second Acevedo book I’ve read, and there is something powerful and intense about her words. I love how strongly each and every choice resonates and echoes within the heart. From the first line, I felt connected, and this feeling just grew and grew throughout the story.

The Poet X for me is all about the journey to find oneself in a world that is just not always kind. It is about growing up and finding out who you are when there are so many things stacked up against you. Rising, in spite of those who want to keep you down.

I’ve only ever seen slam poetry performed through videos. But somehow Acevedo’s words really bought to life the passion and intensity of the performative aspects of this. The strength of emotional connection increased the power of each and every poem. Delivering them like bullets to the heart.

<- Family LoreWith the Fire on High ->

Image source: Amazon

Naturally Tan by Tan France

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Naturally Tan : France, Tan: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Naturally Tan
Author: Tan France
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Celebrity, LGBTQI, Memoirs
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

Tan is most definitely really cute and sweet in Queer Eye. And I love how understated and just so damn British he is at times. Which of course, made me intrigued by what his book would be like. What’s on screen doesn’t always translate to the written word, and I wanted to see how it would work. It turns out, that I still thought he was kind of sweet in written form too.

Not only did I want to read Naturally Tan because I liked the way Tan shows himself on stage, I was also intrigued by his journey from fashion designer / owner to TV personality. It was most definitely an enjoyable one that I absolutely adored. And, was surprised by at multiple moments throughout.

One of the aspects of this memoir that I enjoyed the most was how Tan is able to unflinchingly talks about racism. And the many challenges that he faced growing up as a South East Asian gay man. Not only within his own culture, but also in his home country, he faced a multitude of assumptions, stereotypes and challenges. All of which he speaks about with honesty and a sense of self that is incredibly powerful.

A few of the reviews I’ve read about Naturally Tan mentioned how opinionated and judgemental some of the words are. I kind of liked that fact. I mean, Tan’s entire job is to judge people’s fashion and help them make more complementary choices. So of course his memoir is going to be the same. I really loved how cute and adorable this opinionated side of the writing was. It wasn’t shaming anyone, just stating strong opinions about something he is so clearly passionate about. And what’s wrong with that?

<- Wishful DrinkingThe Freedom Writers Diary ->

Image source: Amazon

My Next Breath by Jeremy Renner

Book Review, ,
Overview
My Next Breath | Book by Jeremy Renner | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster AU

Title: My Next Breath
Author: Jeremy Renner
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Celebrity, Memoirs
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2025

Thoughts

I picked this memoir up because I really like Hawke Eye (because archers need to stick together), and I was absolutely expecting a novel about Renner’s life. This is not the case. It was impossible to put down and fascinating, but it wasn’t about Renner’s life at all. It was all about his accident (which, because I live under a rock, I knew nothing about). In moments it’s a little (okay, a lot) graphic, and it is really, really intense. But, honestly, I’m glad that this all focuses on just those moments in Renner’s life. It was intense, intriguing and a little bit difficult to put aside. Luckily, this is also one of the shorter memoirs on my shelves, so it didn’t matter that I got ridiculously hooked.

There was something a little bit inspiring about this story. I mean, the story and survival in and of itself was going to be inspiring. But, the way that Renner is able to unflinchingly talk about his lack of odds and ability to survive was somewhat awe inspiring. I love how he talks about just focusing on the next breath, and nothing else. I hope that I never have to use this to survive such a horrific accident, but it’s not a bad reminder for when you’re having a bad or stressful day.

My Next Breath might get quite graphic in some areas, but I also love how it is so completely honest and genuine. Renner is not only facing up to and acknowledging his mortality within this, but he’s also being open about the process of recovery after a chaotic accident. After all, we talk about people surviving such things, but people don’t always talk about the mental health battles and rehab following something like this. And, not just for Renner, but also his friends and family in having to deal with this.

Renner faced a one in a million chance of survival and survived, this in and of itself is impressive. But, what I like the most about My Next Breath is how humble and kind he is about his experience. He acknowledges how lucky he is to survive. He acknowledges how challenging witnessing this was on his family. And, more than anything, he shows a constant appreciation for the life he has lived and continues to live. Not something that everyone is likely to do.

<- Anna: A Teenager on the RunA Woman in the Polar Night ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster

The Marriage Vendetta by Caroline Madden

Book Review, , ,
Overview
The Marriage Vendetta : Madden, Caroline: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: The Marriage Vendetta
Author: Caroline Madden
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Humour, Mystery
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2025

Thoughts

The Marriage Vendetta was hilarious, dark and strangely difficult to put down. I was a bit hesitant to read it to begin with, and just used it to fulfill a reading challenge prompt. But then, as the story unfolded and I was entertained more and more, well, I couldn’t put it down. This was hilarious and brilliant. And, like I mentioned, seriously dark in moments. Kind of exactly what I needed in the moment (when my own long-term relationship with the father of my children was breaking apart). An extremely cathartic book that I just could not get enough of.

One of the many things that I loved about this story, was that it kept taking me to places that I did not expect. I mean, the whole story is basically Eliza careening to one insane choice after another. But, even though I knew something wonderfully bizarre was about to show up, I still couldn’t predict it. And, again, reading this at the time in my life that I did, it actually gave me a humorous lens through which to view my own imploded relationship and all of the toxic choices that we had both made. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely didn’t go the extremes that Eliza did, but it was still a good reflection.

One of the things that hardly anyone tells you about motherhood is how much of your own sense of self and identity you lose. I love that Madden was able to explore some of this through Eliza’s fixation on her child, loss of self and struggles to find her place in life. The fact that she crossed the line into some smothering behaviours in this, and why she did so, was a really beautiful way to explore something that is challenging for many mothers, and not talked about nearly often enough. Yet, it also spoke of the deep and consuming love that Eliza has for her daughter, and how she prioritises her with all of the love in her heart.

Alongside all of the soul searching and insane shenanigans, I loved the mystery aspect of constantly trying to figure out just what Richard was up to. It was obvious that he was doing something kind of dodgy and scheming, but, as the insanity got more and more intense, it also was fun to question reality and try and figure out what was delusion, and what was real. I love that the unhinged insanity of Eliza’s therapist drove all of this, to create a beautiful, strong ending with a spin that I just did not see coming…

<- More humour booksMore mystery books ->

Image source: Amazon

Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Cinderella Is Dead: The TikTok sensation

Title: Cinderella is Dead
Author: Kalynn Bayron
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: LGBTQI, Retellings, Romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I really wanted to love this story. Everything about it drew me in. The premise, the storyline, the writing style. But, very quickly, something became a little same same for me about the reading. And, eventually, even though I kept on reading, I eventually got to a point where I wasn’t excited to open the book anymore and dive right in. Which is generally when I know this isn’t one of my favourite books.

Cinderella is Dead isn’t a book that I would suggest to others. I really struggled to love it as much as I wanted. And I really struggled to connect strongly with the characters and the overall story line. I have read so many amazing books lately, that this one just didn’t quite measure up.

Image source: Amazon

Reading Update as of Early April 2026

List, ,

It’s been a while since I’ve scheduled any reviews, because life got complicated, hectic and intense. But, I still read in the mean time. And here are (finally) all of the reviews I’ve been writing while I rebuild my world. 🙂

Series

Standalones – Novels

Standalones – Novellas

Standalones – Short stories

The Awakening by Nora Roberts

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
The Awakening: The Dragon Heart Legacy Book 1

Title: The Awakening
Author: Nora Roberts
Series: The Dragon Heart Legacy #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Fae, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed The Awakening, it did also feel like a bit of a long read. I have been reading some books on the shorter end, and there was a whole lot of world building that made this story feel just a little bit slower. Having said that, I absolutely loved this, and it was a great way to dive into my first Nora Roberts fantasy novel. Such a good experience that I plan on reading more of her works in the future. The Awakening was the very definition of a slow-burn and, although I loved it, I’m impatient and it took me a little to actually get into it at times.

One of my favourite parts of this world building was the two worlds living side by side. I seriously enjoyed how Breen is from two worlds, and she spends the entirety of this book discovering both parts of herself, plus, figuring out what it actually means to inhabit both parts of her ancestry. I loved how, rather than picking one or the other, she spends the majority of the time figuring out how to live both lives side by side. I kind of hope that some of this continues throughout the series – she’s not even contemplating giving up the people she loves for one man and one world. And, unlike some stories of this calibre, she very obviously has a full and fulfilling life before she gets dragged into her new one.

Marcus, although he is a secondary character, was one of my favourites. He is everything that a BFF should be – unquestionably supportive, but also happy to kick Breen’s butt when she needs it. I love how he is just constantly supportive and happy to go with the flow where Breen is concerned. On top of that, he absolutely dives in head first to support her. The final scene of this book perfectly demonstrates just how amazing and supportive he is, and I honestly want to read The Becoming for more Marcus than anything…

As with all good stories, there is a decent amount of angst in The Awakening. It particularly hurt my heart to read about the relationship Breen has with her mother. Yet, even though many of her actions can’t be considered to be “good”, she isn’t villainised either. She might be completely in the wrong here, but she also had her reasons, and Roberts is able to highlight this. Whilst she’s not a likeable character, she is one that can be seen with compassion and pity. I absolutely adored the nuances of all of the characters throughout this novel, but it was Breen’s mother and Breen’s relationship with her that I felt most strongly showed this.

<- More Nora RobertsThe Becoming ->

Image source: Amazon