Title: None of This Is True
Author: Lisa Jewell
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Rating: 5 stars

None of This Is True is a thriller that follows Alix Summers and Josie Fair as Alix creates a podcast based on Josie’s strange life. As the book progresses, we learn that Josie’s life story may not be as it seems and that their podcast may actually fit under the true crime category. Alix must confront that she doesn’t truly know Josie or her extremely dark history. Instead of physically reading this book, I listened to it as an audiobook–this is one book I would recommend to only listen to the audiobook. Since the story is based around a podcast, the audiobook has moments where its production is just like a podcast. I felt like I was listening to a podcast but also hearing all the behind-the-scenes. Overall, the audiobook creates a great experience with its sound effects, unique structure, and great narrators. And, as is common to the thriller genre, the book ends with an amazing twist I never could have guessed. Although thrillers all feel similar, this one felt unique, and I think that Jewell did a great job of creating a realistic and original story. I would recommend this book to anyone who is new to audiobooks or is a lover of podcasts.

Title: James
Author: Percival Everett
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 5 stars

This book is a prime example of amazing writing and storytelling. Not only is it my favorite book of the year, but it may also be one of my favorite books of all time. James is a retelling of the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn told from Jim’s perspective. The only regret I have about this book is that I didn’t read Huck Finn beforehand. However, since the story was new to me, I devoured this book in almost one sitting. The way Everett writes is unique and touching–he manages to make his complex narrative accessible to any reader by writing in a simple yet beautiful way. Throughout Jim and Huck’s journey, I found myself laughing, gasping, and crying. I think this book is such an important companion to Twain’s original novel. I am not a fan of historical fiction, but this book changed my life and also my perspective on the value of reading about slavery in 2024. Although presented in different ways, many of the issues and conflicts Jim encounters still occur in modern society. If you are looking for an easy intro into historical fiction, are a lover of classics, or want a heart-wrenching story, I would pick up this novel.

Title: The Act of Disappearing
Author: Nathan Gower
Genre: Mystery/Historical Fiction
Rating: 5 stars

This is Nathan Gower’s debut novel, and what a fantastic debut it was. The story is told from dual perspectives. One is Julia White, an author who, in the present-day, tries to discover the story behind a photograph of a woman jumping from a train bridge holding a baby. The second perspective is set in 1960s Kentucky as we follow the family of the woman in that photo. This is not normally a book I would pick up–however, it is set in Henderson, Kentucky (my hometown), and the author went to the same high school as me! This story is gripping and tragic and there is really nothing upbeat about this story–I wish I could think of a way to make this it sound more fun. The mixed narrative of both Julia and the other characters is nothing short of mysterious, which I think is what made me enjoy it so much. Yes, the story was sad, but the mystery of who the woman in the photograph was and what led her to that bridge kept me on the edge of my seat. I also listened to the audiobook version of this book, and it was phenomenal. The narrators brought the characters to life, which really immersed me in both the present-day story as well as the 60’s. If you read the book, you can also drive about 15 minutes across the bridge to Henderson and see the bridge and town that the book is based on! I would recommend this book to fans of heart-rending mysteries and anyone slightly familiar with Henderson, Kentucky.

Title: Project Hail Mary Author: Andy Weir
Genre: Science Fiction
Rating: 5 stars

Project Hail Mary is yet another book I never imagined picking up. The novel is a sci-fi story that follows Ryland Grace, a teacher who wakes up in space and can’t remember how he got there. He quickly learns that his fellow crewmates are dead and that he must act fast to save the entire universe all by himself. The best part about this book is a second character that comes along. I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to spoil the story, but this character is what made this a 5-star read for me. Andy Weir has a way of writing his characters so that they all are lovable. Throughout the whole story, you want them to succeed in their missions because you can feel the stakes of their failure. Not only are the characters well-written, but so, too, is the suspenseful plot. Weir slowly reveals what Ryland is doing in space, how he got there, and what exactly he needs to accomplish. The story unfolds at a slow enough pace to keep you interested but the writing flows in a seamlessly rapid way that I found myself reading this book in almost one day. I was hesitant to read this book because I never read sci-fi novels but, because this book was recommended to me by so many people, I gave it a chance. Since then, I have found a love for science fiction stories. The setting feels far enough away such that you can escape real-world problems, though it is still close enough to home to make the story feel realistic and relatable. If, like me, you think you would never enjoy a sci-fi book, try this one. I would recommend this story to anyone who wants to try out the genre or who really loves a good friendship.

Title: Butcher and Blackbird
Author: Brynne Weaver
Genre: Romance
Rating: 5 stars

If you are on “BookTok”, you might have seen people talking about Butcher and Blackbird. This novel by Brynne Weaver is a dark romance in which two serial killers fall in love. The story is sexy, gory, funny, and suspenseful–you really get it all with this book. Romances are hit or miss for me; I am not a huge fan of sappy love stories where the couple breaks up five times and then ends up crying and kissing in the rain. This book was not that at all. Both characters were very lovable and didn’t have toxic traits like many romance main characters tend to have—except for the serial killer part. As to be expected in a book about two such people, this story was graphic. Killings and mutilations were described in detail, as well as multiple sex scenes. I will put a disclaimer on this recommendation and say that you should read and take into account the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book. Overall, I thought the book was well written and had enough non-romance elements to keep me hooked while also producing a really nice love story. I never thought I would describe a gruesome story about two serial killers as sweet, but here I am, doing just that.