Just Over the Mountain by Robyn Carr

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Just Over the Mountain (Grace Valley Trilogy, #2) by Robyn Carr

Title: Just Over the Mountain
Author: Robyn Carr
Series: Grace Valley Trilogy #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 23rd March 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Mira
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: He was looking for a kinglet and a bobolink.

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Synopsis

WELCOME BACK TO GRACE VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, WHERE THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE NEVER CHANGE…

Here in this peaceful community, folks look out for one another like family, though sometimes a little too well. In a town like this, it’s hard to keep a secret – but Dr. June Hudson has managed to keep one heck of a humdinger…

Though visits from her secret lover, undercover DEA agent Jim Post, are as clandestine as they are passionate, somehow it fits with her demanding schedule as the town’s doctor – a calling that requires an innate ability to exist on caffeine, sticky buns and nerves of steel.

But how can a secret lover compete with a flesh-and-blood heartthrob from her past? June’s old flame has just returned to town after twenty years – and he’s divorced. June is seriously rattled. So when the town’s most devoted wife takes buckshot to her husband and some human bones turn up in her aunt Myrna’s backyard, she’s almost happy for the distraction.

Sooner or later, love will have its way in Grace Valley. It always does.

Thoughts

High school sweethearts are always an interesting topic. An interesting thought process – the entire centre of the whole “what if” thought. So a novel in which June has finally found a guy, but then her big “what if” returns home? It was always going to be one that drew me in… especially when there is this sense of unanswered questions and serious history rife throughout the story. And anger, because where would a history and intensity be without a sense of anger and outrage?

One of the things that I’ve loved so far about the Grace Valley Trilogy is that it actually embraces some of the more awkward, uncomfortable aspects of small town life. One of them being that everyone knows everyone. Everyone knows everyone’s business… and that high school sweetheart that you’re mad at? Well, he may just be the son of one of your best friends… this story doesn’t try and make this awkwardness and annoying factor of small town life seem trivial and kind of cute… it embraces the fact that it’s kind of shit at times, but then there are enough times that it can be amazing to make everything worthwhile.

Yet, for all of the angst in this story, it gives a great sense of closure at the end. Everything is starting to move to an ending, even if there is another whole novel to go. But, everything is being set up for that. Most of the big difficulties begin to become not-so-big and the realities of daily life become a little more important. Not to mention a number of intense medical emergencies and moments of revelation to just sweeten the pot…

If the conclusion to this series is anything like the first two books, this will definitely be one that I will read again and again and again. I’m already ranting and raving about how great this book series is to my sister, so I can’t wait to see how it all ends! Alright, I know a little bit… because I read Virgin River before I even knew that this series existed. But I still can’t wait to see how it all ends! Especially with a final scene like the one in this novel!

 <- Deep in the Valley ReviewDown by the River Review ->

Image source: Goodreads

Deep in the Valley by Robyn Carr

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for deep in the valley book cover

Title: Deep in the Valley
Author: Robyn Carr
Series: Grace Valley Trilogy #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 22nd March 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Mira
Year: 2000
5th sentence, 74th page: She parked behind the last of four law enforcement vehicles, grabbed her bag, jumped out of her truck and went straight to Tom.

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Synopsis

WELCOME TO GRACE VALLEY, CALIFORNIA – WHERE BLOOD RUNS THICKER.. .TIES ARE STRONGER… AND LOVE IS ALL THE MORE SWEET

Visitors to the town often remark about the valley’s peace and beauty – both of which are plentiful. Unlocked doors, front porches, pies cooling in the windows – this is country life at its finest. But visitors don’t always see what lies at the heart of a community. Or just beyond…

June Hudson grew up in Grace Valley, the daughter of the town doctor. leaving only to get her medical training, she returned home and followed in her father’s footsteps. Some might say she chose the easy, comfortable route… but June knows better.

For June, her emergency room is wherever she’s needed – or wherever a patient finds her. She is always on call, her work is her life and these people are her extended family. Which is a good thing, since this is a town where you should have picked your husband in the ninth grade. Grace Valley is not exactly the place to meet eligible men – until an undercover DEA agent suddenly starts appearing at all sorts of strange hours.

Everybody has secrets down in the valley. Now June has one of her own.

Thoughts

I read this after reading the first two Virgin River books (Virgin River and Shelter Mountain) and I kind of wish I had have known about the Grace Valley Trilogy first. After all, it talks about characters that you come to love in Virgin River, so you kind of know what June has in store for her future. Which made it a little less exciting. But only the teensiest, tiniest bit.

I’m from a kind of small town in Australia, so the whole eccentrics in the small towns, that slightly different, off-kilter way of viewing life… I totally get it. In fact, I had the same doctor from the time I was born (literally) until I was about fourteen, then his partner until I was twenty-two. Then I moved and whatnot… but that whole country doctor, country practice, staying in the same place with the same people. There’s a beautiful bit of nostalgia attached to that for me. Something that made me keep sinking my nose as far as I could into the pages… literally. Sometimes I couldn’t even read the pages I was getting so excited… and close.

Unlike the Virgin River books, Deep in the Valley focuses solely on June. There is the introduction of a love interest, but it’s not the full-on romance that the follow-on series is. I liked this. I’m already ridiculously attached to June, so I can’t wait to read two more books that solely feature her. And her friends and family is this ridiculously cute and quirky little town. A town that, although it is still that whole “simpler way of life” (which really isn’t, but I digress), is starting to face the changes of modern life. And I look forward to finding out how they cope with this in the next two books.

More than anything in this book, I loved, loved, loved the discussions about women’s rights. From the man beating his wife and children that no one did anything about; to the preacher who is harassing women and being laughed at… there are so many little instances that are ignored by the men throughout this book. So many instances that I’ve seen ignored in my own life. Yet, at the very end, there is a kind of wake up to how things that others think they can’t do anything about have dire consequences, and maybe, just maybe, sometimes you should actually do something to help those in your community.

 <- More Robyn Carr reviewsJust Over the Mountain Review ->

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Dragonfire is Brighter than the Ten Thousand Stars by Mark Robert Philips

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of dieselpunk book cover

Title: Dragonfire is Brighter than the Ten Thousand Stars
Author: Mark Robert Philips
In: The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk (Sean Wallace)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dieselpunk, Romance
Dates read: 21st March 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: Song had made me go over border procedure again and again, memorizing each typescript that had been inside the hemp folder.

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Synopsis

The love of his life betrayed him years ago. But, when she need him the most, he’s more than willing to risk his life to save her. And finally uncover the truth behind her betrayal.

Thoughts

This was a ridiculously sweet and surprisingly cute short story. It’s towards the end of the The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk collection. Most of the stories in this collection are a little more rough around the edges. And whilst this story is about betrayal and revolution and riots and spies… it’s also about love and I found that aspect to be incredibly sweet.

This is a slightly longer short story and one that I found incredibly hard to put down. It’s also quite hard to forget. Something about the storyline, the writing and the emotions throughout completely enthralled me and made it very difficult to forget and stop thinking about. There is just something so sweet, yet tragic about a man getting caught and forced to find his ex. The woman who he was betrayed by. Yet, there is still a sense of hope and care all throughout, even when conspiracies and suspicions are running rampant.

The ending of this short story seriously left me in my happy place. It has that riding off into the sunset feeling. But it also has a lot more closure than many of the short stories that I’ve been reading lately. The combination worked well for me and left me feeling like there was a sense of completion to the story.

<- FloodgateMountains of Green ->

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The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the complete works of william shakespeare barnes and noble

Title: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
Author: William Shakespeare
Series: Barnes and Noble Leatherbound
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Classics
Dates read: 7th – 20th March 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Collection
Publisher: Barnes and Noble
Year: 1623
5th sentence, 74th page: How now!

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Synopsis

“The plays are arranged in the chronological order of their composition.”–Table of contents footnote.
“The text used for this edition is that prepared by the late Arthur Henry Bullen for the Stratford Town Edition, to print which he founded the Shakespeare Head Press in 1904.”–Table of contents footnote.

Thoughts

I have to be honest, I skim read through this. I understand why Shakespeare is so famous. And some of his lines did stand out to me. But he’s really not to my taste. There are some classical authors that I love… and then there are some that I’m a bit “eh” about… and it turns out that Shakespeare is one of them.

I think what I love most about this book is the actual book in itself. It is just beautiful. I have literally spent hours sitting there, looking at the cover and admiring the beauty of it all. The pages are kind of reminiscent of bible pages (I’m sure there’s a technical word for it, but that’s how I see it). There is just something about the way that this book was created that takes you to another world. Transports you to the time in which Shakespeare was living and his plays were something new and exciting.

This is a great book to have on your shelves. And I’ll probably pick it up again and again as time goes on. It’s one of those collections that you can read a chunk here and there, enjoy it and move onwards. I particularly like to do this over a glass or two of wine and a very long day. There is something soothing about Shakespeare’s words that help you relax. Which is weird, because when I’m relaxed, I find it hard to concentrate on his words… all very confusing.

This is the book that everyone should have on their bookshelves. There is something timeless about Shakespeare’s works. Even if I did just skim over some of the plays and pieces. It’s the kind of book that you will pick up again and again over time. Enjoying it differently each and every run through.

<- The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan PoeDracula and Other Horror Stories ->

Image source: Barnes and Noble

Twelve Patients by Dr. Eric Manheimer, MD

Book Review, ,
Overview
Twelve Patients : Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital - Eric Manheimer

Title: Twelve Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital
Author: Dr. Eric Manheimer, MD
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Medical, Memoirs
Dates read: 4th – 20th March 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘From the cavernous echo of his cough and the darkened skin within the triangular radiation markins in black ink on his back, his lung cancer was advanced.

Synopsis

Bellevue is famous for its psych ward, but it’s much more than that.
The largest public hospital in New York City, it’s also where doctors treat everyone from the bluebloods of Park Avenue to the illegal immigrants who huddle in Chinatown’s tenements. In its way, Bellevue is a microcosm of the world – and a bellwether for the toughest issues in our country.

TWELVE PATIENTS

In this riveting book, Dr. Eric Manheimer, the hospital’s former medical director, uses stories taken from case histories to humanize hot-button issues such as immigration, obesity, teen suicide, and the cost of health care. You will get to know Jeffrey, the homeless man with the brilliant past, and Arnie, a prominent Wall Street financier, whose emergency room visit for chest pains unravels a toxic lifestyle. Dr. Manheimer takes readers from teh boardrooms where health-care budgets are debated to the emergency room on a night when New York’s stretched-to-capacity hospitals overflow – and mistakes get made.

The author is not just a doctor – he’s also a patient. After being diagnosed with throat cancer, Dr. Manheimer takes us on a tour through the shadowland between life and death.

Thoughts

When I found out that one of my new favourite series, New Amsterdam, was based on a book, I immediately jumped online and bought it (which may be why I don’t have great savings…). And once I started reading it? I was very pleasantly surprised. Not only was it as good as the TV show, in some instances it was better – something about the words really hit home as to the intensity of the social and political issues which Manheimer brings to light in each of his chapters.

From the very title, it’s pretty obvious that this book has twelve chapters, each of which focuses on its own patient. What I didn’t realise was how potent and intense each of these stories would be. Normally when I love a book this much, I just lap it up in a matter of days (sometimes hours). But because of the subject matter throughout this book, I found myself lingering over a few weeks. I thoroughly enjoyed picking this up late at night and reading a small handful of pages just before bed. Anytime that I wanted to truly think about things and how difficult the world can be, I loved to pick this up. But it wasn’t the kind of book I would just read to escape for half an hour.

Although I’m not American, many of the issues and difficulties that Manheimer brings to light in his reminiscing are still issues that are faced in Australia. Alright, some are uniquely American – we don’t really have a wall in which to keep out gangsters (there’s a number of giant oceans instead), but racism, labelling, mental health issues… these are all things that we too need to face and deal with. Aspects of our lives which are intense and difficult, but can’t just be swept under the rug. After all, we need to deal with the nastiness if we are ever to move forward and create a better future…

Twelve Patients was everything that I was expecting and more. It gave me insight not only into the social and political demographics of New York, but it also provided a great insight into the outlay of the American Health System. Which kind of terrifies me. The little I know of the Australian one is much more sound and comforting… this novel not only swept me away and enthralled me, but it also just generally filled my head with wonderful new information. Not necessarily about the mechanics of the medical system, but the emotional, social and physical drains which are placed upon people who are in the system. The mental health of people. And just how some can find themselves in the worst of situations… and survive.

<- Heart BerriesI’m Glad My Mom Died ->

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A Wife of Acorn, Leaf, and Rain by Dave Smeds

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for sirens and other daemon lovers book cover

Title: A Wife of Acorn, Leaf, and Rain
Author: Dave Smeds
In: Sirens and Other Daemon Lovers (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Death, Fae, Lust
Dates read: 18th March 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: EOS
Year: 1998
5th sentence, 74th page: But your word is enough as far as I’m concerned.

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Synopsis

He misses his wife, and a desperate attempt to get closure has him making a deal with The Outsiders. But will this beautiful doppleganger truly fill that whole in her heart?

Thoughts

I can’t imagine suddenly losing my other half. It’s actually what makes up my greatest fears – waking up one day to find out that he wasn’t part of my life anymore. So this story hit a little too close to home. And it took an interesting approach to getting over one’s grief. Hiring a fae doppelganger to take her place… it felt somewhat creepy.

Yet, as the story unfolded, I actually understood the man’s motivations WAY more than I would have liked. I can imagine wanting just one more moment with that one person that I love more than anybody else. I can understand needing just a few more moments to finally get that closure that you need.

As much as this story kind of started out creepy… it had a great sense of closure at the final conclusion. There was a sense of farewell and moving on that was healing and sweet. A great way to end a story that started out a little uncomfortably…

<- Bird CountTastings ->

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Invincible Microbe by Jim Murphy & Alison Blank

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover invincible microbe

Title: Invincible Microbe: Tuberculosis and the Never-Ending Search for a Cure
Author: Jim Murphy & Alison Blank
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Medical, Non-fiction
Dates read: 14th – 17th March 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Non-fictional text
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: There was absolutely no scientific basis for this assertion.

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Synopsis

A killer as old as the human race has been humankind’s constant, lethal companion. This killer was nameless and faceless for thousands of years, mysteriously striking in endless waves and claiming millions upon millions of lives. Then the disease was given a name – tuberculosis, or TB – and when the microscopic TB germ was finally identified, scientists hoped to conquer it. yet, in spite of medical advances and the discovery of several promising “cures”, this invincible microbe continues to change and flourish among us today.

Thoughts

I read this at the beginning of the insanity attached to COVID-19 in Australia. When toilet paper was being hoarded and people were just generally going nuts. And it kind of felt like a really good time to read about a microbe based disease. Alright, there are a lot of differences between TB and Corona, but there were also SO many similarities!

I do have a background in biology (although I focus on environmental biology), so my basic understanding of diseases such as TB and others is fairly sound. Yet, even if I didn’t have this background, I would find this book incredibly informative. Murphy and Blank are able to inform the reader about the journey of TB without getting too scientific. A great read for those who want to find out more but don’t have the science background.

The history of a prominent disease is always going to be kind of fascinating. Not just because it’s the history of an important aspect of science (discovering that microbes can in fact cause death), but also because it provides an insight into the people and cultures of the time. From the beginning of Sanitoriums and the isolation of patients to the understanding of contagions… the discovery of TB and the race to find a cure were a fascinating story.

To end out this book, the status of TB today is talked about. And, more importantly, it’s potential to mutate into an untreatable version. Something which is always a risk when dealing with a disease that can mutate. It serves as both a message of hope for the treatment in the future, and a pretty dire warning as to what could be just around the corner. A little scary, but definitely something worth thinking about. Especially in the global climate today.

 <- More medical reviewsMore non-fiction reviews ->

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It’s In His Kiss – The Second Epilogue by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the bridgertons

Title: It’s In His Kiss – The Second Epilogue
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #7.5
In: The Bridgertons (Julia Quinn)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 10th March 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: “This really should count for something,” he murmured.

Synopsis

What happened to the diamonds?

If you’ve read “It’s in His Kiss, ” you want to know. Don’t miss this charming and passionate addendum, in which Gareth proves that some things get better with age, Hyacinth gains new respect for her mother (with a daughter like Isabella she’d have to, wouldn’t she?), and everyone learns that while diamonds are lovely, sometimes tenacity is a girl’s best friend.

Thoughts

One of my Mum’s favourite things to say to me is “I hope you have a daughter just like you”. It’s also something that gets said to Hyacinth throughout It’s In His Kiss. Which of course means that the second epilogue has to be partially about the daughter she has… who is exactly like her. Just as difficult, contrary and opinionated. I also love the fact that at the very conclusion of It’s In His Kiss, Isabella is also the one to solve the big mystery. Fast forward fifteen years and Hyacinth is still driving everyone nuts with her stubbornness.

Reading this short story made me think about To Sir Phillip, With Love: The Second Epilogue. And how much fun the two strong willed cousins would have together. How much havoc they would wreak upon the family. How many circles they would run around everyone… it made me laugh out loud and more than a little dizzy.

Although I absolutely adored that this story was about Hyacinth’s daughter being exactly like her. I loved even more that after fifteen years, Hyacinth is still searching for the same treasure. Still stubbornly trying to solve a riddle. And, Isabella not only finds out and gives her Mum the closure she needs, but she also appreciates the love and commitment that both of her parents show to one another. The love and commitment that shines through their everyday lives.

<- It’s In His KissOn the Way to the Wedding ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

It’s In His Kiss by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover it's in his kiss

Title: It’s In His Kiss
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #7
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 9th – 10th March 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: And he isn’t the only one.

Synopsis

MEET OUR HERO…

Gareth St. Clair is in a bind. His father, who detests him, is determined to beggar the St. Clair estates and ruin his inheritance. Gareth’s sole bequest is an old family diary, which may or may not contain the secrets of his past… and the key to his future. The problem is—it’s written in Italian, of which Gareth speaks not a word.

MEET OUR HEROINE…

All the ton agreed: there was no one quite like Hyacinth Bridgerton. She’s fiendishly smart, devilishly outspoken, and according to Gareth, probably best in small doses. But there’s something about her—something charming and vexing—that grabs him and won’t quite let go…

MEET POOR MR. MOZART…

Or don’t. But rest assured, he’s spinning in his grave when Gareth and Hyacinth cross paths at the annual—and annually discordant—Smythe-Smith musicale. To Hyacinth, Gareth’s every word seems a dare, and she offers to translate his diary, even though her Italian is slightly less than perfect. But as they delve into the mysterious text, they discover that the answers they seek lie not in the diary, but in each other… and that there is nothing as simple—or as complicated—as a single, perfect kiss.

Thoughts

Hyacinth stands out pretty strongly in some of the other Bridgertons books. She is pushier, more independent and more outspoken than the rest of the family (which is saying something). And, considering the time in which this story is set… it’s interesting to imagine just when and how she is going to find herself a husband… it’s hard enough being an outspoken woman in this day and age… let alone Regency London. But, find one she does. And he’s just as off-kilter and fun as she is.

As a woman who is intelligent and independent, it took me a long time to find somebody to match with that. Not just someone who would love me for everything that I am, but could also stand toe to toe with me when necessary. I liked that this was a big part of the journey for Hyacinth. There’s even a moment of revelation between her and her mother as to how to find a man who can actually challenge her. Not just one that will accept her – but someone that can even occasionally beat her at her own game…

I absolutely adored the mystery throughout this story. The mystery of Gareth’s past, his grandmother… there were so many little secrets that were hidden throughout that I just loved trying to tease out and find the answers to. So many little moments that hinted at a great truth. And, although not all of the mysteries were solved at the conclusion of the novel… the adventure and the journey was absolutely fantastic.

Although this wasn’t my favourite book thus far in the series, it was my favourite relationship. There is just something about these two characters (and the relationship with Lady Danbury) that had me laughing out loud and feeling incredibly connected to these two characters. Hyacinth is so much more aware and sure of herself than the rest of the women in the series. And Gareth is so much less controlling and witty. Just something about these two that works kind of perfectly…

<- When He Was Wicked: The Second EpilogueIt’s In His Kiss: The Second Epilogue ->

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The Last, Clean, Bright Summer by Livia Llewellyn

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for the monstrous ellen datlow book cover

Title: The Last, Clean, Bright Summer
Author: Livia Llewellyn
In: The Monstrous (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Horror
Dates read: 10th March 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tachyon
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: Wides rivers of shit and afterbirth and viscera, blossoming into dark clouds as they slide under the waters.

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Synopsis

She’s returning for their yearly family reunion after her little brother died… but this time it will be different. She’s old enough to take part in the festivities… which might make this the last, clean, bright summer she’ll ever enjoy.

Thoughts

So this story is seriously disturbed.

Not what I was expecting. And certainly, something that made me seriously uncomfortable. At first I thought that this would just be a creepy story that featured the things that go bump in the night… it was so, so much more. I can’t really explain how… because that will give away the surprise, but it was definitely not what I expected. And seriously not something that I wanted.

I really, really enjoyed this short story. It gave me goosebumps, made me uncomfortable and just in general left me sitting there feeling completely weirded out. Yet, it was amazingly well written and made me think of the ways in which men and women are used and the places that they take in society. More specifically, how women are used and perceived – it was not a complimentary outlook.

It is difficult to write a review about this short story without giving anything away. It is phenomenal and engaging. Impossible to forget. But something you’ll have to read to truly understand.

<- A Wish from a BoneThe Totals ->

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