Hello, lovely readers! February was an erratic month—probably the new normal, both for my reading and life in America. For the reading, I’m still finding focus to be a problem, but when I have been able to home in on the page I’ve been rewarded by some lovely character study novels.
The larger issue is, as it’s been for a while now, my ability to write about the books I’ve read. I’ve tried numerous solutions to consistently write and post reviews, but they’re not working. I’m not sure what’s next, but I appreciate your patience when weeks go by with no new content.
The Dollhouse Academy by Margarita Montimore
Published by Flatiron Books
Publication date: February 11, 2025
Bookshop
All Grace and Ramona have ever wanted is to become stars. Their favorite TV show is the iconic long-running In the Dollhouse. When their small act gets them invited to attend this prestigious star making institution they’re ecstatic, but once there their friendship becomes strained. The Dollhouse Academy is a contemporary revisiting of the Hollywood studio system that flourished from the 1920s through the 1950s and how dysfunctional and corrosive that system was for the young people who fed it. The book succeeds as light, fast reading with a plot that leaks at points, but stays afloat well enough to make the premise plausibly disturbing.
Let’s Call Her Barbie by Renee Rosen: Review to follow
This is a Love Story by Jessica Soffer: My review
Vantage Point by Sara Sligar
Published by MCD
Publication date: January 14, 2025
I gave this supposed thriller two chances but at 40% I pulled the plug. The publisher’s synopsis of Vantage Point uses the word “brimming” to explain the impact of its tension and yet I’m not getting any of that. What I’m getting is a deeply troubled woman with an eating disorder and her loving, but arrogant brother who’s running for the Senate, all ensconced in incredible wealth and a family curse. And yet none of it came together in any kind of way to provide momentum or sustain interest.
The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis: My review
Kate & Frida by Kim Fay: Review to follow
Too Soon by Betty Shamieh
Published by Avid Reader Press
Publication date: January 28, 2025
I started reading Too Soon and by 10% knew that I was not the audience for this style of work. It’s about a Palestinian-American theater director and while I appreciate her outspokenness about her sexuality and her defense of her homeland this is true contemporary fiction with a very strident, unfiltered tone. Far too much anatomical slang and scatological humor as well as explicit sex. It’s just not my thing, but this could be great reading for someone with a different mindset.
The Heart of Winter by Jonathan Evison: Review to follow
There you have it, February reading wrapped up. How was your reading month? Any great escapes?
This post contains affiliate links to Bookshop.org which means if you click on a link and make a purchase of any kind, I get a small commission (at no cost to you).
*I received free copies of these books from Flatiron Books, in exchange for an honest review.*
Yeah the politics and atmosphere are hell right now, so it’s tough to read & write reviews. I think the narcissist is trying to crush Canada’s economy but we won’t go lightly up here. I hope we can help Ukraine too and Greenland? Everything is so worrisome. And everyday is a new outrage. It’s exhausting. What a psycho.
I think The Safekeep helped me escape a bit and Alderton’s Good Material. I will keep searching for other book escapes, while exercising myself in the gym to a frazzle. Stay occupied.
Sigh. I have several Canadian friends and all have said the gloves are off. They’re angry. I’m glad and hope you resist wherever you can. I’m with you on working out- love it, but I can’t do it all day every day!