I’m not sure I’m alive still so we’ll see how I feel about this review in the morning. Oh my word.Recommendation: If you like character-driven literary novels and are feeling in the mood to both laugh and cry. Bonus points if you love art. Check content warnings if you have any big concerns.What worked for me:- Everything? A perfect 5 stars- I had already teared up by 20%, fully cried by 50%, and then just perpetually cried for the last 20%. My shirt is literally wet.- I laughed out loud so many times my husband has heard multiple random quotes from this- It’s the kind of book I had to reread sentences multiple times because they’re that good.What didn’t work for me:- IDK, nothing? There was honestly a lot of farting but I can’t complain too much about that⚠️ Content Warnings ⚠️Spice level: No sexGraphic: Child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, foster care trauma, death of a parent, cancer/deadly health issuesModerate: Self harm, suicide, drug overdose

A friend of mine recommended this book. It was fabulous. Definitely in my top five books of the year. The story is simple and sweet and alternated between the present and twenty five years ago, when four friends grew up together the year they turned 14. With a gift worth a fortune, one of the friends adds an 18 year old woman into the mix of memories past and today’s challenges. What sets this book apart is how deeply resonating each of the characters is at both fourteen and forty. Each one of the protagonists made me laugh out loud as well as made me cry. There are profound observations, pithy quotes and insanely silly, funny jokes. There is also the kindness of strangers and the cruelty of a world peopled with the broken. This book is a gift to all. If I could give it 10 stars, I would but, instead, I will just say that you should do yourself a favor and read this book!

‘25 – 4 STARSDESCRIPTION : Most people don’t even notice them—three tiny figures sitting at the end of a long pier in the corner of one of the most famous paintings in the world. Most people think it’s just a depiction of the sea. But Louisa, an aspiring artist herself, knows otherwise, and she is determined to find out the story of these three enigmatic figures. Twenty-five years earlier, in a distant seaside town, a group of teenagers find refuge from their bruising home lives by spending long summer days on an abandoned pier, telling silly jokes, sharing secrets, and committing small acts of rebellion. These lost souls find in each other a reason to get up each morning, a reason to dream, a reason to love. Out of that summer emerges a transcendent work of art, a painting that will unexpectedly be placed into eighteen-year-old Louisa’s care. She embarks on a surprise-filled cross-country journey to learn how the painting came to be and to decide what to do with it. The closer she gets to the painting’s birthplace, the more nervous she becomes about what she’ll find. Louisa is proof that happy endings don’t always take the form we expect in this stunning testament to the transformative, timeless power of friendship and art.REVIEW :The Beartown Series by this author was awesome – Beartown (Bk 1 – ‘17 – 5 Stars), Us Againts You (Bk 2 – ‘18 – 5 Stars) and The Winner (Bk #3 – ‘22 – 4 Stars).Other books by this author were all over the charts for me: Anxious People (‘20 – 3 Stars), My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry (‘15 – Read ‘17 – 2 Stars) and A Man Called Ove (‘14 – Read ‘17 – 4 Stars).Decided to try this one since I found it on sale; Sale $1.99; reg 14.99Lots of reviews compare it to Remarkable Bright Creatures, A Man Called Ove and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. The main character Louisa, reminded me of the main character Molly in The Maid by Nina Prose; inspiring, refreshing and sometimes very funny.The first 15% of this book was totally sad; foster homes, death & depression. There might have been a funny joke or statement but it didn’t stop my tears. I’ll try to push on. At 30% the sad parts have not stopped. The only thing that keeps me reading is Louisa’s opinions and statements that make me laugh outloud. At 75% my connection to all the characters kept building and building. I was getting scared for what the ending will be. The ending did feel a little rushed but I did enjoy the ride. At the end, I decided on 4 Stars; touching read of childhood memories, accepting life, adjusting to change and moving forward.

This is one of those books I didn’t just read, I savored it. I’d read other books by Fredrik Backman so I knew what a good writer he is. He introduces us to the characters in a natural way and develops them so that we see their hearts and souls and know the best things and the worst things about them all. We really get to know all of them, not just one or two main characters. This book is about humanity and is full of heart and love of humanity, as if it was written about real people who really did all these things (and maybe it was). It started great so I started reading fast, enjoying it. I slowed way down near the end because I just really didn’t want it to end. Not at all. It was a good ending, I just didn’t want it to come. The book’s that good. Oh, and all throughout are the most creative turns of phrases, what a great writer he is.

Frederik Backman accomplishes something that few writers can. He tells human stories, real flesh and blood characters with such depth that the reader almost believes he or she has known them. As in his previous novels, My Friends are revealed to us in much the same way we learn about real friends, layer by layer, story by story. I find that, just as with A Man Called Ove, Backman has the uncanny ability to make the reader laugh and cry while on the same page. Each character is inherently good, yet flawed–just as most humans are–reminding us of what it means to be human in a world that is often cruel. The astonishingly brutal environment in which these characters live lies is stark contrast to their tender hearts and the love and devotion they hold eternally for each other. Whenever I read one of his novels, I’m always surprised at every plot turn–you just can’t out-guess him! My Friends is brilliant. Understated, but brilliant. It left an emotional impact on me. Can’t recommend it highly enough.

When reviewing a book I often think of this truism: there is the truth and then there is everyone’s perception of the truth. Most if not all of us bring our own experiences and life choices to what we read as well. Hence, divergent opinions from readers about any selected book being reviewed at the time. Fortunately there are thousands upon thousands of authors writing books from which we can choose. So, then, one person may think there is too much descriptive material which slows the narrative down while another will want more. Of course some authors are better than others at writing narratives about places, clothes, food and the like but if they did not include such tangible items then we would all be reading nothing but short stories.Another divergent point is how realistic should the narrative be? In my opinion, an author has done his/her job when some facet of the human condition, whether negative or positive but certainly negative, is turned into a great read as nuanced, as wise and as powerful as THE WEDDING PEOPLE: A NOVEL by Alison Espach. Even though suicide is a serious topic and is not treated lightly in the book, it should be noted that those suffering depression have our concern and our hope for those needing it to seek help. On a positive note however, statistics show that people who were saved or rescued from the final act are grateful that they did not succeed regardless of how the “rescue” happened. Add Phoebe Stone, the MFC, to such a “literary” saved list!I try not to include spoilers but Phoebe’s intentions for checking into the exclusive Victorian Hotel have been mentioned several times already so consider that even though she meant it, she did not realize she had checked into the hotel with improper equipment for such a final act. However, regardless of her plan, the contrast is startling between her self-agonizing, self-criticism and constant worry about how others see her compared to the bombastic over-the-top, her-first-concern-is-herself, Lila, the bride. What better way to lift Phoebe up than being put in a position to help others with less weighty concerns than her own–or are they less weighty to each particular individual?Phoebe’s upbringing was so quiet and calm that she could not step outside what she assumed others thought of her, even when she was married. Once she met the crew in Lila’s wedding party, Phoebe started broadening her outlook for the first time in her life. How all this happens is a serious, laugh out loud, shed a few tears very believable fictional narrative about self discovery and self determination. Each character contributing to Phoebe’s evolution is fully presented as being different from one another with each having their own quirks, hangups and personalities. Then there is Clay, the groom, a person Phoebe could look in the eye and be totally honest with about her feelings and opinions. Phoebe’s growing relationship with each person is clever. Special note: there is a scene about a vintage car that will have readers laughing for days.Books that have stood the test of time are not compact, quick reads though many of us enjoy those too but rather are about the difficulty we have growing up then living a “normal” life (whatever that is) or that are written about unforgettable subjects i.e. the orphanages of Dickens day and then the “snake-pit” mental hospitals in the early 20th century (and do not forget the future–1984) and so on. One of the reasons so many of those books are still being read today is that they took a terrible situation and turned it into a story most of us could relate to while being grateful the situation(s) were eventually adequately resolved. I believe we will be reading this book for a long time. I loved it, read it in a day and will read it again, something I have only done one other time in all the centuries I have been an avid reader (LOL). With no hype or personal fixations, just simply my truth: the best book of the year.

This novel was set primarily in my hometown of Newport, RI, and Phoebe, the main character, is a college professor like me. That was enough to draw me in.It was the story that kept me reading, though. Unhappy woman wants to die in the Victorian inn of her dreams. Then she meets a bride living the wedding of hers. Such a creative and sometimes amusing plot moves the book along easily. A good read!

The Wedding People, by Alison Espach, is a coming-of-age (coming-to-life) comedy novel. It is the story of a suicidal protagonist who awakens to her life as an inadvertent addition to a week-long wedding party she disapproves of entirely. Her name is Phoebe, and she unexpectedly bonds with the bride. What ensues allows for revealing high humor. The loquacious and self-absorbed bride, Lila, bursts into Phoebe’s deep depression, to ask, “How do you like my hat?” In another scene, Phoebe returns clothing she borrowed from Lila’s mother and notices two bedside books: How to be Your Own Best Friend, and We Die Alone.Espach uses the week-long wedding as a character study of participants and their humanity as a platform for what might be obscured in the overreaching excess of a such a thing. Phoebe, unincluded in her own life, becomes personally involved as a foil for emotional honesty. She is sense and truth confronting a big happy day – a week, actually — dressed up like a life. Swept into it, Phoebe disapproves, pointedly and hilariously, of the whole idea. Alison Espach’s writing is funny, sharp, and smart, using humor and character development to great effect: Lila confides that her future mother-in-law mentions the bride’s dress is a little short. “That’s code…”Lila’s wealthy widowed mother: “’I fell in love with what Henry gave me. And he gave me so much. But loving someone like that doesn’t make you a better woman. Only losing them does.’” This seems a cynical comment but it is an honest appraisal of wrong judgement. It is the voice of experience, and Phoebe is listening to it. The Wedding People is filled with such occasions of unguarded sincerity. This makes for moments of poignancy as well as humor.Awakening to yourself is the undergirding theme of The Wedding People. Author Espach knows she is in territories of a dangerous stereotype. Yet, like her protagonist, Espach confronts emotional traps and rabbit holes of catastrophe to seek perspective. “Phoebe looks at her green dress. Six days ago she was ready to die in it. In some versions of this story she would already be buried in it. But in this version, Lila had it laundered by the hotel staff.” There are many ways to seek redemption.Throughout the wedding week Phoebe’s sharp mind functions like an analytic recorder, observing this contretemps and that message flashing between eyes, or wildly costly gestures unable to conceal misgiving hovering in the near and actual chaos encountered at the Newport RI. setting. Phoebe struggles to know how irony and satire carry the real message of truth. Frantic attempts to be perfect, no matter the cost, cultural fashion, or mandate, inevitably leave a wake of what it means to be human. And everybody’s truth is different.– Tom Casey

The title paints a different story than the dark beginning. Some of the writing is clever and engaging but other sections drag on and on about things not so relevant to the plot. Made it to the end which I always try to do and it redeemed itself a bit as not your usual ending trying to wrap it in a bow.

A Sizzling, Obsessive Romance That Champions an Unapologetic HeroineNavessa Allen’s Caught Up dives headfirst into the intoxicating trope of “he fell first and he fell hard,” delivering a story that is as steamy and possessive as it is surprisingly heartfelt and empowering. As the second installment in the Into The Darkness series, it offers a high-heat, high-stakes romance that hinges on a decade of secret devotion.The Rottweiler with a Single-Minded ObsessionNico”Junior” Trocci as a “Rottweiler”. He epitomizes the morally gray, “touch her and you die” hero. For ten years, Nic has been a silent, shadowy guardian in Lauren “Lo” Marchetti’s life. He is not just infatuated; he is utterly obsessed, operating from a fierce, protective instinct that compels him to eliminate any threat to her, a truth he has kept hidden from everyone, especially her. When a new danger forces his hand, he doesn’t just re-enter her life—he demolishes the door to get in, determined to claim the woman he’s considered his for a decade.The Unshakable HeroineLauren “Lo” Marchetti is the perfect counterpoint to Nic’s intensity. She is far from the girl he remembers. Lo is a formidable woman who is strong, independent, and completely unapologetic about her life and choices. One of the standout elements of Caught Up is its refreshingly positive portrayal of Lo’s profession as a camgirl. The narrative refuses to shame her, instead presenting her work as a source of empowerment, financial independence, and sexual agency.When Nic storms back into her world with his high-handed, protective declarations, she doesn’t swoon; as you noted, she puts up a fight, challenging his dominance at every turn and demanding to be seen as an equal partner, not a possession to be guarded.The VerdictCaught Up is a masterclass in chemistry and tension. The dynamic between the possessive stalker-protector and the fiercely independent heroine creates an electric current throughout the book. Their banter is sharp, their emotional connection is palpable, and the spicy scenes are frequent and integral to their relationship’s development.This book is perfect for readers who love:* The “He Fell First and Harder” Trope: Nic’s ten-year obsession is the stuff of romance legend.* Spicy, High-Heat Romances: Allen does not hold back on the steam.* Possessive, Morally Gray Heroes: If you love a hero who would burn the world down for his woman, Nic Trocci is your man.* Strong, Empowered Heroines: Lo is a true force, celebrated for her strength and lack of shame.* Mafia-Lite Romances: It has the protective, dangerous edge of a mafia story without getting bogged down in heavy criminal politics.While the stalker premise requires a suspension of disbelief typical for the genre, Allen grounds it in Nico’s genuine, unwavering devotion. The result is a profoundly satisfying and addictively steamy read that celebrates a woman’s right to own her desires and a man’s capacity for all-consuming love.

“???????????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????????????? ????????????????????. ???????????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????????????????? ???????? ???????????????? ????????????????????????, ???????? ???????????? ???????????? ???????????? ???????????????????????????????? ???????????? ???????????? ???????????????????????????????? ????????????, ???????????????????????????? ???????? ???????????? ???????? ???????????????? ???????????????????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????? ???????? ???????????? ????????????????????. ???????????? ???????? ???????????? ???????????????????????????????? ???????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????? ???????????? ???????????????????????? ???????? ????????????????????????????????, ???????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????????????????? ???????? ????????????????????????????????????. ???????????? ???????????? ???????? ????????????????????, ???????? ????????????????????, ???????????? ???? ???????????????????? ???????????????????? ???????????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????? ???????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????? ???????????????? ???????????? ???????? ???????????? ???????????? ????????.”I’m not entirely sure where to start with this book because it’s stirring up some strong opinions. People tend to either love it or hate it. Personally, I was flipping between the audiobook and the physical copy, and I have to say, the narration was exceptional. Tiddy Hamsliton, Jason June, and Kasi Hollowell truly brought the characters to life. However, I found the book less interesting than the audiobook.“????????’???? ????????????????????????????????; ???? ???????????????????????????? ???????????? ????????????????. ???????????????? ???????????????????? ???????????? ???????? ???????? ???????????????????????????????? ????????????????????.”Now, let me clarify something: if you’re expecting this book to be anything like “Lights Out,” think again. This is not that book. While “Lights Out” was a Dark Romance Rom-Com that was playful and fun, this one dives deep into Dark Romance with plenty of spice, and trust me, it sizzles with spice. I really enjoyed it once I adjusted my expectations and embraced it from a different perspective. There are definitely some humorous moments, and I appreciated the snippets of Aly and Josh with their cat. The story focuses heavily on sex work and the thrilling atmosphere of a sex club, and it’s undeniably hot! The spice? Oh, it was absolutely on point, and it made me question my views in a way I loved.“???????????????????????????????? ???? ????????????????, ???????????????????????????????? ???? ???????????????? ????????,“???????????????????????????????? ???????????? ????????????????.”???????????? ???????????????????? ???????? ???????????????????? ???????????? ???????????????????????? ???????? ???? ???????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????????? ???????? ???? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????? ????????????????????????????????The side characters, especially Lauren’s roommates, were utterly delightful—I couldn’t get enough of them! I admire what Navessa Allen set out to achieve with this book; her vision is clear and bold. However, it didn’t completely hit the mark for me. I craved a bit more plot; while I loved the spice, I typically prefer a strong storyline to go along with it. I didn’t quite feel the chemistry between Junior and Lauren that I was hoping for, but that didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. I’m giving it a solid 4-star rating, and I can’t wait to see what book 3 has in store for us!“???????????????????? ????????????????, ???????????????? ???????????????? ???? ???????????????????? ???????? ???????? ????????????????????, ???????????????????????????? ???????? ???????????????????? ???????????? ???????????? ????????????????????, ???????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????? ???????????? ???????????????????????? ????????, ???????????????????????? ????????????????. “???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????????????????????????? ???????????????? ???? ???????????? ???????? ???????????????????? ???????? ???????? ???????????????????? ???????????? ???????????????????? ????????????????????????.”???????????????? ???????????????????????? ???????????????????? ????????????????. “????????????????????, ????????????????… ?????????????????????”???????????????????????? ???????????????????? ???????????? ????????????????. “????????, ???????????? ???????????????????? ???? ???????????????????????? ???????? ???????? ????????????-????????????. ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????? ???????????????????? ???????????????????????? ???????????????? ???? ????????????????????????.”“????????, ????????,” ???? ????????????????, ???????????????????????????????? ???????????? ????????????????????????????????.“???????? ???????? ???????? ???? ???????????????????? ?????????????????????????????” ???????????? ????????????????????. “???????? ???????? ???? ???????????????? ???????????????????????? ???????? ?????????????????????????????????????”???????????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????? ???????? ???????????????? ???????????? ???????????????????? ????????????????. “????????, ????????????????????. ???????? ????????????’???? ???? ???????????????? ????????????????????????.”???? ???????????????????????????? ???????? ????????????????????. “???????????? ???????????? ???????????????????? ???????? ???????????? ????????????. ???????????? ???????????? ???????? ???? ???????????? ????????????.”

This was hot let’s start there. Junior deserved and owned his own book because he stood on business when it mattered the most. Imagine loving the love of your life from a from for 10 years while watching over her. Stalking is hot in this case when it’s done for good or betterment of others. Now for the leading lady; I applaud this woman for standing up for her career and what she believes in. Found family is seriously becoming a favorite trope for me. It was sweet seeing Josh and his girl back in this book. I would recommend this book to anyone who loved someone from a far. I gave this book 5 stars because it was the right amount of spice and the plot was great. Characters were super lovable and add their own flavor to the story.

Teddy Hamilton kept me from DNF’ing and the audio helped me push through.I wasn’t expecting Josh and Aly clones in this one, but this one lacked the fun that I had with Lights Out. I kept waiting for that literal “LOL” moment in this one. With the exception of a few moments with J&A (loved seeing them again!) and a couple of one liners from the MC’s this one was lackluster. It felt like I was reading any other mafia “dark” romance. I also found the one roommate incredibly annoying and childish. Lights Out was fun and fresh, Navessa Allen had a voice that stood out in a sea of dark romance that can sometimes blur together. I was excited to see what she would do with this and I feel like with this series she could have had so much fun and this one was just…not. I’ll read the third in the series, because of who I think it will be about, but my expectations will certainly be lower.

I’m a fan of Mr. Bargatze based on snippets of his act that have been posted on various social media platforms. This book plows a lot of the same ground featured in his sets I’ve seen on social media, but there’s also a lot of material that’s new to me. Some additional insights into his family and growing up years are pretty funny too.

Perfect for a light hearted, easy read. Just watched his special for the first time so it was fun to imagine his voice as I read. He does write just like he talks.

I love Nate on stage, but much of his humor is in his delivery and does not translate into this book, which starts out just “Meh”. However, it picks up steam and has some funny stories. But if you want a hysterically funny memoir by a comedian, read Leanne Morgan’s book “What In the World?”. It had me in stitches!

Written just as he delivers his comedy, with great humor we all can relate to.

Nate Bargatze’s stand-up routines are nothing short of HILARIOUS, but unfortunately this book did not live up to that high standard. To be fair, this book is written in the same simpleton voice that Nate uses on stage (which I find to be endearing and down-to-earth), and it is good for a few occasional giggles. However, it’s not as funny as his stand up routines.In that regard, Big Dumb Eyes reminds me of Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan (another talented funnyman who wrote an amusing –but not hilarious– book). Both comics are clean, family-friendly, and very funny, which is why I enjoy their performances on stage. However, their books didn’t make me laugh as much as I had hoped.If you are looking for a funny autobiography written by talented comedians, I strongly recommend Born Standing Up by Steve Martin and It’s Not Easy Being Me by Rodney Dangerfield. Both are excellent reads in my opinion and every bit as funny as the comics themselves.If you enjoy Nate’s silly brand of humor, then you will probably be amused by this book. Just don’t expect to be rolling on the floor with laughter.

If you’re interested in comedy this is for you

Laughed out loud throughout! Whatever ails you… Nate Bartgatze’s humor is the anecdote! perfect pick me up. I love and admire his wholesome take on humor… real humor not foul language and political agendas.

I love Nate Bargatze, but unfortunately, I was disappointed in the book. I realize it is based on his new show that is touring. But I found it disappointing as he wrote as he speaks without much change in writing style his story is interesting and endearing. The book Would have been better if he just wrote it as a story rather than the repetitiveinterjections that he uses. In his standup which I find so entertaining that I often rewatch them.