Toni's Book Corner

Tag: reading

  • Book Review: Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

    Book Review: Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

    With all the times I have mentioned Hannah and her books on my blog, it is strange that I have only one review of her posted. The most recent book I read by her is Winter Garden, a book about The Great Terror and War in Russia.

    The story follows a dual timeline, the first one set in the present. Sisters Nina and Meredith are completely different from each other, and after the passing of their father, it feels like their family is falling apart. Their mother has been cold and distant their whole life, the only exception being when she used to tell her daughters a Russian fairy tale. Now that the three of them are left, they seem to float away from each other, except that they made their dad a promise on his deathbed: Anya would tell the fairy tale, but this time the whole story. Both sides are reluctant at first, but when Anya finally starts to talk, the whole story pours out in bits and pieces. The girls come to realise that this is no ordinary fairytale, as they slowly uncover their mother’s past in Leningrad Russia, during the siege. As they near the ending, they will discover if the heartbreak is too great to bear, or if the unveiling of the secrets will finally bring them closer together.

    For the first time ever after finishing a Kristin Hannah book, I am torn. On the one hand, the story of Meredith, Nina and their mother moved along really slowly, and though I usually like this since it gives you time to really get to know and connect with the characters, it felt a bit too slow for me. On the other hand, I was completely enraptured with the story of Leningrad, which made me fly through the book as a whole, because I always wanted to get to those parts of the story. While Hannah’s strength lies in carving out complete and rich characters and making you connect to them, Anya in the past felt like a completely different person from Anya in the present. I couldn’t connect to the woman telling the story. As we get further into the ‘fairytale’, we learn more about how she came to be like this and the trauma she went through. My heart really broke for her in that part of the story, and I understand how events like that can completely change a person.

    However, I found the ending a bit difficult to grasp. It filled me with a lot of sadness, for obvious reasons I cannot say without giving away spoilers, but also for the years lost with Nina and Meredith. The relationship with their mother has always been very cold and difficult, and though her story does give an explanation for her behaviour, I don’t feel like it makes up for it. She was able to open up to her husband, but not to her daughters until it is almost too late. Nina and Meredith show a lot of compassion and understanding for their mother after hearing what she went through, understandably so, but the book made it seem as if this erased all of their previous suffering, which I didn’t find as realistic. It all felt resolved in the end, while I think some degree of complex feelings would remain.

    That being said, this was the only thing that bothered me while reading this book, because as I said before the historical part of the novel was wonderful. The descriptions felt incredibly vivid and my heart breaks for anyone who lived through this, anyone who has family or friends who lived through this, or anyone who is going through something similar. reading books like these allow me to learn more about the world and history, which is incredibly important and gives me a better understanding of other people.

    I have not read a single Kristin Hannah book that I have not thoroughly enjoyed, and although this one is not my favourite by her, it is still no exception to this. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in this part of history and who enjoys an intense character build-up.

  • I want to get into classics: 5 tips on where to start

    I want to get into classics: 5 tips on where to start

    Classics have a reputation of being hermetic, complex and too hard to understand. There are a product of their time, and it is true that some are difficult to fully grasp without historical and political context to make the book make sense. For instance, I have read some postmodern literature during my studies, and having deconstructed, fragmented stories was a product of a disillusioned time period, but feels like a complete fever dream when reading them. While older texts are often written in less ‘fluent’ and sometimes more archaic language, many of these books we now call classics are so because they were popular at the time as well. Some were written for an intellectual elite, but many were written for and loved by the masses. After all, many books that we are reading today will become classics for the future population as well. Everyone has a different taste in books, but these books are classics for a reason, so do not let yourself get discouraged by the status they have and dip your toe in the masterpieces of the past. In this article, I will give you five tips on where to start if you want to read some classics, and I will finish off with some accessible recommendations.

    Don’t put pressure on yourself

    If you are only getting into classics or want to read more complex books, there is no need to pressure yourself in terms of understanding everything. There is no need to excavate every layer or hidden message in a book, just because other people have said there is. A book can have many layers, and if you read and enjoy it just for the plot without figuring out a possible message the author wanted to convey, that is completely fine. You read for yourself, not for anyone else.

    Familiarise yourself with the time period

    Looking up some key elements about the time period a book is either set in or written in, can make the reading experience more enjoyable. Throughout history culture, politics and customs have evolved wildly and familiarising yourself beforehand can prevent some misunderstandings. You don’t need to perform a complete research of course, but just looking up the political context, the art movement and some key elements about the daily lives can go a long way. Depending on how much this interests you, you can research as much or as little as you like.

    An ereader is your best friend

    In terms of truly understanding the wording and phrases, it can be useful to have a dictionary at hand, and reading digitally makes it much easier. You can just select the word you don’t understand and look up the meaning while reading. That way you don’t have to put down the book, grab your phone or laptop and get distracted or lose the momentum you had. There are so many beautiful editions of classic books out there, but the ebooks are often very cheap, which is another bonus.

    Read modernised versions of older classics

    Some of the most well-known classics are centuries old and only slightly resemble modern languages. A great solution is to read modernised versions of these texts, as they are accompanied by a translation in the modern language and extra explanations. The best example of this is Shakespeare, but there’s also Beowulf, the legends of King Arthur or the Iliad for example, that have been translated many times. The latter three are adventurous tales filled with bravery, magic, excitement and love. As the greatest barrier to reading these is the language, modernised text versions are the perfect solution. Poetry is also a good example of this, since there are beautiful poems written that require a bit more explanation to fully grasp and appreciate them. A personal favourite of mine is the romantic poets, for which there are many texts that give more elucidation.

    Choose a genre you enjoy

    While classics is a catch-all term for books that have stood the test of time and have gained attention and popularity or have remained so, it is not an actual genre. Within the group of classics, there are many genres extremely similar to the ones we read today. Stick with what you know, and read a classic book in the same genre as what you already know and love. Here are some examples of books in different genres, that I find accessible to get into reading classics.

    Mystery/Thriller

    Sherlock Holmes is the perfect example of an accessible mystery from the 19th century. There are many books Arthur Conan Doyle has written about this famous detective, and some are short stories which is the perfect place to start. Conan’s stories and novels are engaging, immersive and perfect for fans of mystery and thriller books.

    Similarly, Agatha Christie is one of the most accessible classic writers and she has written many mysteries. Murder on the Orient Express is arguably her most famous novel, but it is not the only one. Many of her books have been used as inspiration for other authors or other pieces of media. She has been dubbed the ‘Queen of Crime’ and with over 2 billion copies of her works sold, she is an immensely popular author. Her books are more recent than some other classics, so the way they are written is very similar to modern language and they are therefore perfect to get into classics.

    Dystopian

    There are many dystopian novels in the ever-expanding group of classics, but it is also a popular genre today. The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood is a modern classic, published in 1985 and has received many awards for its significance. It is a staple in the dystopian genre and is obvious in its messaging which makes it easy to get into, especially if you are already familiar with the dystopian genre.

    Another famous example is Animal Farm by George Orwell. Though 1984 by him is also very popular, it is longer and sometimes described as more complex, so I think Animal Farm is a better place to start. It is a very short book and uses animals to tell the historical event of the Russian Revolution and everything that followed. I do highly recommend looking this political context up before starting the book, but just knowing the basics will make you understand and appreciate Orwell’s exploration of this period.

    Magical Realism

    In stead of books I will recommend two authors for this genre, and those are Haruki Murakami and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Murakami is still active as an author today and he is considered a modern classical author because his literary work has been so often praised and is globally considered as a staple in modern literature. While I have only read Iq84 by him, and immensely enjoyed it I might add, it is one of his longest works and therefore maybe not the best to get started on his publication list. With fifteen books and multiple short story collections already out, he is still writing, so if you enjoy magical realism I am sure you will find something on his publication list that you will enjoy.

    I have never finished a Garcia Marquez book personally, because it was not my cup of tea, but I know many people who love his books and I can see why. His writing style is accessible and his novels are filled with emotions, written in the genre of magical realism, in which he is considered a master. His most popular titles are undoubtedly A Hundred Years of Solitude and Love in the Time of Cholera.

    Romance and Literary Fiction

    I have included these two genres together, because some of the books I will recommend here have elements of both. If you are a true romance fan, any Jane Austen work is the best place to start to get into classics. Her books were popular in their time because they are filled with love, affection and romance in the time they are set. While the language is a bit more archaic than today, it is still accessible and easy to get swept up in once you get into it. I can wholeheartedly recommend her books.

    Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is considered one of the most famous classics of all time, and out of all of the books I have recommended, I think this is the most accessible to get started, because it was written as a children’s book. It is a coming-of-age story about four sisters, finding their way through life. It truly has something for everything, as it is filled with family, sisterhood, friendship, grief, identity and love. While love is a prevalent theme, I wouldn’t say it is the main storyline which is why the book is not classified as a romance, but I do believe that you will enjoy this book immensely if you love love.

    Finally, I want to recommend the Great Gatsby, which despite revolving heavily round love has a more tragic tone to it. It is more literary fiction, but still perfect for romance fans as love is the driving force of the protagonist. It is also quite a short book, so it is not daunting to get into it and the beautiful story will reward you handsomely.

  • 3 Books that will make you happy

    3 Books that will make you happy

    People read for many different reasons. To escape daily life, to learn new things, to become completely immersed in another universe or even to get your adrenaline pumping from start to finish. We will crave different types of books at different times of life, and I myself have a varied book taste. However, one thing I think we can all never have enough of is some positive vibes and happiness. Therefore, I wanted to recommend some books that will make you happy when reading them. No complexities, no tough subject matter, just positive vibes.

    Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young

    Out on a Limb is a problem free romance between two characters who hook up at their best friends’ halloween party and find themselves with an unexpected pregnancy. As they figure out co-parenting and forge a deeper connection, they focus on healthy relationships and clear communication. This is the most problem-free romance I have ever read, and it is a beautiful story that will make you feel warm and happy.

    The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

    This story follows Anna and West, who get married without knowing each other while studying at UCLA to get access to subsidised family housing. Three years and a divorce later, Annie is working as an artist, living from paycheque to paycheque, when her not so ex-husband reluctantly contacts her again. Set to inherit one-hundred-million dollars, he has to first prove to his grandfather that he has been happily married for at least five years. There shouldn’t be a problem, since West has told his family he married years ago. It also shouldn’t be a problem that his family finally wants to meet his mystery wife. The problem is that there is no wife. Enter, Anna. Accompanying him on a family wedding trip, the two have to convince everyone they have been in love for years already, when in reality they hardly know the first thing about each other. If the tropical, sunny, bridal setting does not make you happy, maybe the eternal optimistic Anna will, or the way a true love starts to grow out of a lie.

    Welcome to the Hynam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum

    As I just wrote an in depth review of this book that will come out later this month, I don’t want to write about it in length yet hear. What I will say, is that this follows the main character Yeongju as she starts a bookshop. We meet characters who become involved and slowly but surely form a community together out of unlikely connections. People from different ways of life come together, offering support and advice when society can feel pressuring. It is a slow moving story, offering more comfort than plot, but making you feel reassured and happy with life as it is.

  • Favourite Book of March: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

    Favourite Book of March: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

    You may have seen this title floating around lately, either as a book cover or as a movie poster with Ryan Goslings face on it. Project Hail Mary has taken both book- and movie lovers by storm lately as the space story of the year. While the book has been out for some time now, the movie released on March … and has brought the book into the spotlight again. I encountered the title before I knew it was being made into a movie and it already peaked my interest, but when I saw the film came out soon I picked it up immediately. And while I was spoiled for choice in terms of picking a favourite book out of the ones I read in March, Project Hail Mary launched its way right to the top. By reviews I had seen before, I was pretty confident I was going to like this book, but I could not have predicted how much I was going to love this book. This sciencefiction novel takes place mostly in space, which is a topic I have never read about, and it surpassed all of my expectations. I am thoroughly impressed with Weir’s ability to create an emotional story about a setting that is so foreign to most of us, and imbue it with science that elevates the story, but in a way that is graspable for most readers. And, while I am excited to watch the movie now that is has come out, I am hesitant that it can do the book justice, because this story was truly wonderful.

    Plot

    When scientists discover a new form of life in space, the first reaction is of course elation. But excitement at the discovery quickly turns sour when it becomes clear that these micro-organisms are effectively eating the sun’s energy. This will have a mountain of negative effects on the earth’s climate, ecosystems and life, meaning human rage wouldn’t survive. The micro-organisms spread from star to star, and all solar systems fall victim to this ‘infection’, except for one star. Why is that star not infected? That is exactly what Ryland Grace is sent to find out. The only problem is that when he wakes up aboard the Hail Mary, he has no idea who he is, where he is, let alone that he is responsible for saving the entire earth. With the weight of the world on his shoulders, Ryland will have to remember the past and save the future. But maybe he is not alone in this endeavour after all.

    One of the qualities that made this book so enjoyable the whole way through, is how funny the protagonist is. Waking up alone in outer space with no idea about who or where you are? Leave it to Ryland Grace to make even this situation funny. He is also one of the most resourceful characters I have ever read about, which is arguably a great trait to have when on a space mission to save humanity. As a problem-solving mindset and a dosis of humour is probably well suited when hurtling through space on a huge ship on your own, he was the perfect main character for this book.

    I also gravely admire Weir’s ability to explain scientific topics in a way that is graspable for laymen reading this book. I felt like I could actually understand everything going on with both the space ship and the organisms, even though I have no scientific background. And even when things got too complicated, he would summarise in no uncertain terms. For instance, he would explain a lot of technical things, and then say: basically, the engine is broken. This makes the book perfect both for people who like to exercise their mind while reading and learn new things, and people who just want to enjoy the story without having to strain their brain.

    Characters

    While I have already talked about the protagonist, who takes up most of the story as he is alone in space, there were other characters explored in the flashbacks of him getting back his memory. Start is tasked with orchestrating a solution for this problem and the one who recruits Ryland for the mission. She is a morally grey character, which was very interesting to both read about and to follow along her arguments. Some of her choices were questionable, but it does make us think about the circumstances in which laws and morality should be bent. She was a powerhouse of a woman though, getting where and what she wanted, admitting she would deal with the consequences of her actions later.

    Ilyukhina was another character I enjoyed, as she had an interesting attitude towards the whole mission. All of the astronauts who volunteered to give up their own life in order to save everyone else are really admirable and it made me happy to think there would actually be people like that if a similar situation were to arise.

    !!SPOILERS!!

    (don’t read past this point if you haven’t read the book or watched the movie)

    Now, Rocky was my absolute favourite character out of all of them. When I said Ryland was a resourceful character, Rocky was even more so and the two really complemented each other, both in terms of knowledge and skill, and in terms of comfort. I thought it was wonderful to see their connection grow and find their friendship to be at the heart of what makes this novel so incredible. Their way of communicating was also interesting, and the way Rocky’s sentences were written gave him a lot of character. He is one of the things I am most excited to see adapted to screen.

    When I truly enjoy a book and more specifically its characters, I always find it a bit hard to say goodbye at the end. I really felt that with Project Hail Mary, especially since the ending was left a bit open. There was no true happy ending possible for me, as it either meant one of them would never see their own civilisation again, or that they would never see each other again. Of course, the happy ending lies in both of them saving their planets, and while I was happy to see Grace live on their planet for a few years, I couldn’t help thinking it must be so lonely to never see humans again, never feel a touch again, and never have the satisfaction of showing earth you survived against all odds. The ending leaves the possibility of him returning open, but even then he would again lose years in his travels, not being certain he would even survive, and having missed decades on earth. Perhaps this impossibility of a true happy ending is why Weir left it slightly open, but regardless I was relieved when Grace went back to save Rocky and that he managed to eventually survive on their planet. 

  • Get to know my booktaste

    Get to know my booktaste

    I have been posting on my blog for a few weeks now, and I thought it could be a good idea to expand on my personal book taste. That way, you know if my taste aligns with yours and if any recommendations I give would please you too. Preferences are so personal, that someone can recommend a book with all of their praise, but someone else can think it is the worst book they have ever read. Therefore, in this article, I will highlight the genres I enjoy reading, some of my favourite authors and books and some extra things that define my book taste. Hopefully you can still find some common ground and enjoy my future reviews and recommendations.

    Genres

    This is the most difficult category for me, since I enjoy a lot of different genres and as I get older my preferences change. Although I don’t have a favourite genre and it switches throughout the year in terms of what is going on in my personal life, I feel like lately anything fiction-adjacent has been at the top. Let me expand on this vague description. While I do occasionally read books that are fully contemporary fiction, I enjoy books with a mix of genres far more. For instance, I recently read and loved The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead (review to come), which is classified as literary fiction, contemporary fiction, music fiction and rockstar romance. Another example is Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone, which took me so completely by surprise that I cannot stop talking about it. I initially expected this to be a contemporary romance, which is not untrue, but a very prominent part of the book leans closer to emotional fiction than romance. These are the books I thoroughly enjoy. As you can find out from going through my blog, Kristin Hannah is heavily featured on here, which is because she is heavily featured on my list of favourites as well. She writes both contemporary and historical fiction, the latter one of my favourite genres as well because it allows me to travel through time and learn more about other cultures. Another genre I have discovered recently is healing fiction, but I want to dedicate an entire post on this genre soon, so I won’t expand too much on it here.

    I have always been a thriller reader as well, which I like to switch up with some heavier books to have variation between easy breezy reads and more dense books to dive into and analyse. Some of my favourite fiction authors are Riley Sager, Lucy Clarke and Freida McFadden, who have never let me down with one of their books yet.

    While I don’t read too much fantasy, I do enjoy the genre occasionally, and once I get sucked into a world I am there to stay. Sarah J. Maas is one of my all time favourite authors, and although I have never read any fantasy like her books, I have found some other great reads to sweep me away from reality for hundreds of pages at a time.

    Finally, classic books will always have a special place in my heart as well, although I believe a classic book is not the genre of the book. There are thrillers, romances, sciencefiction, satires and many other genres that make up the list of classical books. That being said, I did want to include them in books I like to read, because people often view them as a separate group. As a literary major, I have read and analysed a lot of the most ‘famous’ books, and after graduating I have slowed down in reading these. I thoroughly enjoyed delving into analyses in class and learning more about the books, authors and time periods than I ever could by reading them on my own, but I have come to realise that I don’t need to pressure myself into understanding every hidden meaning or commentary, as long as I just enjoy the book. Therefore, I have a number of classics that I haven’t yet read on my list to read soon.

    While these are the genres I read most often, I dabble in many more occasionally. I recently read Project Hail Mary, which is a sciencefiction novel and my favourite of the month. Andy Weir has now expanded my list of books to read by writing such a masterpiece, because obviously I now have to read his other books as well. I have also started to read more non-fiction lately, mostly memoirs, but I am open to exploring more.

    Authors

    This is such a difficult list to set up, because I have read and loved so many books. For the purpose of not making this article too long, I have listed the ones I thought of first and authors I have read more than one book by, the only exception is when they only have one book out yet (because I had to include Matt Coyne). I will add them in list form, because I simply cannot expand on them all if I don’t want to keep writing until tomorrow.

    • Sarah J. Maas
    • Kristin Hannah
    • Matt Coyne
    • Beth O’ Leary
    • Freida McFadden
    • Riley Sager
    • Cara Bastone
    • Jane Austen
    • Jessa Hastings
    • Jennifer Saint
    • Emily Brontë
    • Shakespeare
    • Katy Brent
    • Elin Hilderbrand
    • Fredrik Backman
    • Emily Henry
    • M.J. Alridge
    • Abby Jimenez
    • Lynette Noni
    • Louisa May Alcott

    Various

    Here are some things I love, either in books or about books without too much extra context. Firstly, I love fleshed out characters that show growth, no matter what genre they are in. When I get to connect to characters in a way that makes me sad the book is over because I miss them, I know it is a great book. What truly makes a book stand out to me besides its characters, is its depth. Lately I have been reading books that either explore some more difficult topics like grief, or show different sides of humanity when put in different situations, and these are the stories I love. Reading makes us understand other people better, because we see things we would never encounter in real life. While I enjoy some books to take me out of reality and whisk me away in a world of adventure, drama or fantasy, I also enjoy books grounded in humanity that show hopeful stories of heartfelt and true connections.

    While I can keep going, there are too many things to list and I don’t want my post to go on forever. This article is like a moment in time for me, because if I revisit this in a few years’ time, I am sure my feelings and tastes have changed once again. If after reading this article, you have any tips or recommendations for me of books you think I would love, please let me know down below.

  • Six Romance Books for Spring

    Six Romance Books for Spring

    Now that it’s officially spring, it is time to recommend some spring books to read, and today those are specifically romance books. As summer, far and winter (particularly the holidays) are more popular for books tailored to that season, I did my best to find books that really embody spring. To me, that means happy, lighthearted vibes, growth and new things. But most of all, to me spring is the season of hope and feelings that bloom. Here are my recommendations for romance books that perfectly encapsulate those exact feelings.

    Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young

    Unlike most romance novels, the love interests in Out of the Woods are already a couple at the start of the book. Bonam-Young introduces Sarah and Caleb in her first instalment of this interconnected standalone duo logy, Out on a Limb. The high school sweethearts have been married for quite a while and still love each other strongly. However, getting together at such a young age is a challenge to their own identities: where do their individualities end and where does their relationship begin? Who are they without each other? To find their way back to each other and themselves, Sarah and Caleb partake in a week-long hiking retreat to help struggling relationships. Will they find their way back, or will their love get lost in the wilderness? Spring is all about growth and hopeful new beginnings, sentiments that Out of the Woods perfectly embodies. This novel explores themes like identity, love in longer relationships and independency versus trust. Since a large part of the book also involves hiking and camping out in nature, the setting is also perfect for spring.

    First Time Caller by B.K. Borison

    Not only does First Time Caller take place in the spring, but Borison has given readers a very original romance plot with this book. Radio host of Baltimore’s romance hotline, Aiden Valentine, has lost his love for love, and his job is starting to suffer from it. That is until one night, the radio receives a call from a young girl, asking for dating advice on her mother’s behalf. Listeners go wild for the ensuing conversation between Aiden and Lucie Stone, who eventually agrees to be set up on dates for the program. But when romance starts to stir, it might not be between her and the gentlemen taking her out, but rather with the charismatic radio host who starts to dislike his own new segment more and more with each passing date. First Time Caller is often associated with Valentine’s Day, however, I think it is filled with hopeful new beginnings, and fits the spring season perfectly.

    The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

    As you may know, I cannot recommend any type of romance book without including anything by Beth O’Leary. She has some very unique concepts for her novels, and her debut, The Flatshare, is no exception. When Tiffy needs to find a new apartment to get away from her cheating ex-boyfriend, she ends up sharing a flat with Leon. The catch? The apartment only has one bedroom. The solution? Tiffy takes the flat from the evening until the morning, while Leon, who works the night shift, uses the fact during the day. The new roommates get to know each other through a series of notes, and despite never meeting each other, their connection starts to grown. The Flatshare is a lighthearted, sweet romance, that literally feels like a sunny, bright spring day.

    Swear On This Life by Renee Carlino

    Emiline works as an adjunct writing instructor in stead of having the flourishing writing career she’s always dreamed of. When a young new author suddenly gains popularity with a debut novel, she is reluctant to read it, but when she finally starts the novel, she is taken aback. Reading about the story of two childhood best friends falling in love and dreaming of a better life together sounds a little bit too familiar to be coincidental. Realising that the author has used a penname and is actually Jackson, a person from her past, she is furious that he has used that painful past to write his novel. The only way to move forward is to confront her beginnings, but is she ready to face the boy she once knew, or will the ending of their real story be an unhappy ever after? Carlino utilises flashbacks to tell both timelines, so it is not just set in one specific season or year. It is a story of second chances, staring anew and hoping for connection.

    Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

    This novel is a classic, so many people will already know it, but it is so perfectly fitted to the spring season that I had to recommend it. Set in nineteenth century England, a mother with five daughters’ main goal is to ensure they are all married to a rich and respectable husband. When a wealthy gentleman moves into the estate near them, Mrs. BEnnet is confident one of her girls will marry him. While Jane, the eldest, forms an early attachment to the newcomer, Lizzie is less impressed with his stern and unsociable friend, Mr. Darcy. The two find themselves in each others company more often than expected, and are not amiable to say the least. But, when feelings start to stir, will Mr. Darcy’s pride stand in the way of true love? Or will it be Lizzie’s prejudice that proves too strong to overcome a genuine connection? This literary masterpiece covers a budding, growing attachment between the two main characters that is parallel to the feeling spring often brings out.

    Once upon a broken heart by Stephanie Garber

    Although this is not technically a romance, Garber has written a fantasy novel where romance is an important part of the plot. Evangeline Fox is heartbroken when the love of her life is suddenly marrying her sister. To fix her devastating situation, she decides to do the one thing all the fairytales have advised against: making a deal with a Fate. She quickly realises the warnings were not unfounded when she gets increasingly tangled up in the web of plans and schemes that is Jacks, the Prince of Hearts. This whimsical romantic fantasy is filled with magic, fairytales and love, perfect for the spring season and letting your imagination run wild.

    Follow me on instagram @tonis_bookcorner

  • Book Review: Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

    Book Review: Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

    One of my reading goals this year is to read more books by Fredrik Backman, because I have enjoyed all three of the books I read by him immensely. His writing style is unique, his characters bravely vulnerable and his stories heartwarming. While I have already mentioned some of his books in my other articles, I want to write a full review on Anxious People, because it is by far my favourite and I want to read it again this year. Not only is the plot unique, but the way the characters all came together was so hopeful. In times where humanity is often so divided, books like these really matter.

    When a bank robber loses control of the situation and runs into an apartment building across the street, the robbery turns into an involuntary hostage situation. Unbeknownst to the robber, the apartment in question is currently hosting an open house for prospective buyers. With a pistol pointed at them, the people in the apartment anxiously huddle together. With police gathering outside and the unlikely group of people inside stuck in a sticky situation, who knows how this will end? But maybe people have really bad ideas sometimes, and maybe some people are lonely while others are desperate. Maybe we are all just anxious people, trying to get through life together.

    While a dry description of the plot might sound like a thriller, the way Backman goes about writing his book makes it a humorous situation. From page one you are smiling as he calls the bank robber an idiot and urges you to think about biscuits. His writing is unlike any other, and I think I would be able to read a passage and say it is written by him without knowing it in advance.

    He also manages to make even the most unlikely situation relatable, which is a real feat. One of the reasons I have loved reading my whole life, is because it gives you an insight in the minds of so many others, which offers an understanding of humanity in ways living life is unable to. For instance, the bank robber. Of course most of us would never rob a bank (at least I hope so), and while this book does not suddenly make that allright, or while not everyone would do the same if they were in that situation, Backman makes us understand why the robber did it, and makes us feel for them.

    You probably have someone in your life whom you’d do something stupid for. But obviously you would still never rob a bank. Of course not. But perhaps, though, you’ve been in love? Almost everyone has, after all. And love can make you do quite a lot of ridiculous things.

    This innate understanding of people’s motivations, even if we don’t agree with them or wouldn’t do it ourselves, is what makes this book so important and what makes Backman such a notable writer.

    His character work is also one of the main characteristics of most of his work and Anxious People is no different. There’s Anna-Lena and Roger, who have been married for a while and are trying to find ways to save their marriage, Julia and Ro who are about to become parents and are dealing with it very differently, A lonely bank manager Zara, or Estelle who seems to be pleased to just be around so many people even if she doesn’t know them. Then there is the robber, or the police agents. Every single character is well-developed and different from the others. We are given their background, what drives them and how they became the way they are. A cast of characters different in age, beliefs, past and situations, but who are thrown together into an anxious situation. I love when different storylines and characters are separately developed and then come together, which is exactly what happened in this book.

    Finally, there were many absurd elements in this book, that made the storyline extra entertaining. But what I found even more impressive is that they all made sense in the end. They were not just elements added to hook readers, but they were a true value to the storyline and contributed to making all of the pieces come together.

    I always find it difficult to write a full review on a book without giving spoilers. But, I hope I have successfully conveyed my enthusiasm and love for this book by highlighting what made it so great, and that I have convinced you to read it as well.

    Follow me on instagram @tonis_bookcorner

  • Authors I wish had more books out

    Authors I wish had more books out

    When I find a new favourite book by an author I have never read before, I always look up other books they might have written. It is no given that you will like all of their books, but the chances are high if the writing style and type of content is similar. Sometimes I am lucky enough to find a new favourite author who has a bunch of books out already, like Kristen Hannah or Freida McFadden. But often I find a debut that has no follow-up out yet, or an author with a short backlist. It does however give me new authors to follow in their growth and I alway keep an eye out to pick up on any of their new releases. In this article, I will list authors that I wish had more books out. These authors have one or two books out that I have read and enjoyed so much that I am certain I will enjoy their other books as well.

    Matt Coyne

    Here I am again, talking about Frank & Red, because it is one of my absolute favourite books and I cannot stop recommending it. If you want my full review you can read it here, but let me just repeat that this is one of the most wonderful, heartwarming books I have ever read. Frank & Red is about the unlikely friendship between a grumpy old man and a young boy, who are both going through struggles that come with different stages of life. Coyne’s character work is excellent and the way his story grips you is unparalleled, which is why I am convinced I will like any of his books. So far Frank & Red is his only adult book out, but I can’t wait to read more of his masterpieces.

    Katie Holt

    Holt’s debut novel came out in 2024 and I read it before I even saw it recommended anywhere. Not in My Book has gained some popularity and rightfully so. The plot is unique, with the protagonists who are in a writing class together not getting along at all, and as punishment having to write a book together. I enjoyed the city setting and Rosie’s Peruvian background. Her culture added depth to her character and I always love learning new things when I read. Furthermore, Aiden felt like such a mature and steady character, which I really enjoyed in this story. Rosie’s fire and Aiden’s calm matched each other perfectly and I had a really great time reading this book. Though it is Holt’s first and only book currently out, she has a new publication planned for May, so her publication list is currently expanding.

    Sonoko Machida

    The Convenience Store by the Sea is her debut novel and has many great qualities. It is similar to both Welcome to the Hynam-Dong Bookshop and Days at the Torunka Café in that they are all comforting and show the positives of slow and conscious living in stead of a fast and efficient lifestyle. The focus on human connections grounded me and made me feel very present when I was reading this book. There is a sequel out which I have not yet read, but plan to soon. I hope more of her books will appear in the future.

    Maggie Knox

    I stumbled upon Maggie Knox when I was looking for a holiday romance to get into the festive spirit a few years ago. She has two of those out, All I Want for Christmas and The Holiday Swap, and they were both so enjoyable. They were fun and festive, but not too cringe or stereotypically Hallmark and I was sad to find she has no other books published. I hope in the future she decides to put out more books, because I would love to see what else she has to write.

    Katy Brent

    I have mentioned Brent before on my blog, and she does have three books currently out with a fourth on the way. But, her books are so entertaining and humorously thrilling that I cannot put them down and want to read so many more of them.

    Hwang Bo-Reum

    Welcome to the Hynam-Dong Bookshop is a comforting read that feels like a warm hug and someone telling you that everything will be allright. This is one of the books I want to re-read this year, because I have come to really enjoy this healing fiction genre. Bo-Reum has a short story collection out, which I do plan to read, but I hope she will come out with more fiction books in the future as well.

    M.L. Rio

    I have not actually read all of the books Rio has out currently, but I read If We Were Villains and loved it so much. As a graduate in English Literary studies, the Shakespeare references that were woven throughout the entire book were a path straight to my heart and I could not put the book down. While I am not sure her short story Graveyard Shift is for me, I want to read Hot Wax as soon as possible (if only there weren’t so many great books out there). I look forward to seeing more of her work in the future.

    Follow me on instagram @tonis_bookcorner

  • Books I think are worth the hype

    Books I think are worth the hype

    With the rise of attention on books in social media, some titles have gone viral with thousands or even millions of recommendations. While tastes can differ, these are books that the majority of people (online) agree upon as being worth your time. It is either a blessing or a trap, to find a book you love just as much as anyone else, or to feel like you have been lied to. I myself have read a good amount of books that are very popular online, and have experienced both of these emotions. Some books that I read because I saw them highly recommended I heartily enjoyed, but some I did not like reading at all. Since I like to keep things positive here, I will recommend you some titles that are highly popular online, that I think deserve the praise.

    Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas

    Sarah J. Maas is one of the biggest names in the online book community, and has been for a while. With three series out, that I have all three read and can recommend to the fullest, she has recently taken the internet by storm again by announcing her two next releases. While ACOTAR is probably her most popular series, Throne of Glass is very close behind and my personal favourite. A theme with some of the book in this article is that I have read them before the got so popular, which means I read them because I liked their contents, and not just because a bunch of people online could not stop talking about them. Throne of Glass is a fantasy series about a girl who has to compete in trials to escape slavery and in stead become the king’s champion. What follows in a story that goes beyond your wildest imagination, where the stakes are high, the characters fleshed out, wonderful and brave, and where every rolling pebble eventually becomes a landslide. If there is ever a book or series where the hype is totally justified, it is this one.

    The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager

    This is one of the books that got popular in the beginning of books gaining a space online, which coincided with (and was probably a consequence of) the pandemic. The House Across the Lake is a thriller about a woman moving to a lake house to gain some peace and quiet in her life. Across the lake, her neighbours Tom and Katherine make for a good pastime, as Casey watches them with her binoculars. After saving Katherine from drowning, the two start up a friendship, but it quickly becomes clear that her neighbours don’t have the perfect marriage they want to let the world believe they have. The novel is full of twists and turns, with thrilling moments and secrets all around. It is the girls Riley Sager book I ever read, and now I read everything he publishes.

    If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia

    Julie Olivia’s book is a more recent online hit, but deserves every praise it gets. It is a small town romance that is full of depth, development and nostalgia. Set in the 1990s, Michelle moves to Vermont to temporarily take over her late mom’s bed and breakfast before her younger sister has graduated, ready to run it fulltime. Her new next-door neighbour and his two daughters are extremely helpful in finding her way around everything and make the place feel more like home. Since she is leaving in three months, friendship is all she can offer the three of them, but as that date looms closer, she has to decide if friendship is truly all she wants.

    Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings

    I have to preface this by saying it is definitely not a book for everyone, and I had my doubts after reading the first one, but the second book had me hooked to the series. The storyline follows a group of high society friends, with Magnolia and BJ as the main characters as they go through what I like to call ‘rich people drama’. The first book had a bit too much of just that for me, but from the second book on there was more plot added which kept me interested. There is a lot of drama and toxicity involved, but for the people who want to escape reality and get sucked into a different and entertaining world reminiscent of Gossip Girl, Magnolia Parks is the way to go.

    A Little Life by Hanya Yanigahara

    I actually read this book about ten years ago, before it got popular online and before there even was such a big online book community as there is now. At first I was surprised to see it recommended this much online, because it is so unlike other books I saw discussed on social media, but it is a beautiful book so I have to agree with the praise. The cover perfectly portrays the devastating heartbreak that is this story about the life of four friends living in New York City and trying to find their way through life. Jude is the main focus of the story, as he is not only finding his way like his friends, but also struggling with a traumatic past that still haunts him everyday and has left him scarred. It is a tough read, as it is over 600 pages and filled with all of the emotions a human can feel, so if that does not sound like something you would enjoy, I would not recommend it. But, for people who want an emotional book filled with friendship, love, growth and heartache, it is definitely worth the hype.

    The Nightingale Kristin Hannah

    Kristin Hannah is another author I got to know via social media recommendations, and The Nightingale is the first book I read by her because I saw people talking about it online. As you might know from previous articles, I have read nine of her books in total so far, two of which I have read twice, so I would encourage you to read any of her books. The Nightingale is set in WWII France and follows two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, as they take two completely different paths dealing with the German intruder. This powerful story shows how bravery can have different faces, how far we will go to protect the people we love and how each sister takes a different path fighting for freedom.

    The Secret History by Donna Tart

    With over a million ratings on Goodreads, it is a highly popular book and has many opinions brought out. It follows a group of pretentious friends at an elite New England college. When a new student starts and slowly befriends the group, he discovers their eccentric way of thinking and living and follows along with them. When a chain of events leads to the death of a classmate, the novel deals with the consequences of pushing the boundaries of normal morality. While the story has a slower pace and is therefore not the easiest to fly through, it is filled with characters and a plot that makes you sit with your thoughts after finishing. There are layers and themes that can be analysed and discussed, so it lends itself perfectly to read as a bookclub book. I have also seen people say they think this will be a classic in years’ time, since there is much to be discussed about it.

    The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab.

    This book I s a bit similar to the Secret History, not in the plot but in the pacing. There are slower parts where the storyline does not move along at a high speed, but that is because it is a book largely driven by characters and emotions. Addie Larue makes a deal with the devil to live forever, but because of this she is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. An indefinite life of loneliness, spanning decades, countries and cultures, spent in countless ways trying to leave her mark on the world. But then everything changes, when in a hidden bookstore, there is a young man who remembers her name. This story is so much more than meets the eye and makes you think about life in a new way. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a character driven book with magical realism and a lot of emotion.

  • Book Review: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

    Book Review: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

    It will come as no surprise that Kristin Hannah is one of my favourite authors. With nine of her books read so far and two of them twice, her writing has ensured me that I will enjoy every on of her books and that I will cry at every one of her books. It is far too difficult for me to pick a favourite out of her masterpieces, but there are two that I have read twice already, and one of them is The Great Alone. It is a beautiful story about strength and resilience, and the beauty of Alaska is highlighted in such a wild and untamed way that feels refreshing. There are many themes, metaphors and things to discuss, so let’s get into it.

    Plot

    Lenny and her parents have been moving around ever since her father has come back from the war. The country is changing and so is her father, Ernt, whose restless spirit prevents the family from finally grounding somewhere. This time, he has inherited a plot of land from a friend up in Alaska, and he promises this is the fresh start they need. Away from the politics, away from the protests, away from the people ruining the country and away from society. The land of Alaska is wild, and living there is not for the fainthearted. But slowly, the three find their way in their new environment. As they learn to live from the land and self-provide, it seems her Lenny’s father is finally happy and their new home looks to be permanent. However, beautiful and wild as Alaska is, the outside sometimes reflects the wildness from within and when winter falls, darkness is all-encompassing. As Ernt’s mental state starts to deteriorate worse than ever, Lenny and her mother realise they will soon find out what is worse: the threats from the outside, or the dangers from inside.

    Themes

    There are a few themes that are quite prevalent in the book and that are important to the plot. For instance, the opposition of community versus self-sufficiency. When the family arrives in Alaska, they come there to live away from society and provide for themselves. At the same time though, they are wholly unprepared for what it truly takes to survive in the last frontier, and heavily rely on the help of the local community. Everyone comes together, helps build sheds, shares and trades foods and materials. So although people leave the masses behind, these places have the strongest communities I have ever read about. I found it perfectly showed how quality of relations is much more important than quantity, which was portrayed beautifully with the people of Kaneq.

    Another important theme is resilience, which goes hand in hand with strength. These people have to be extremely tough to survive in extreme circumstances of darkness, cold and danger. Things don’t work from the first time, and new challenges arise every day in Alaska, which is where the people’s resilience really comes to the fore. Lenny and her mother especially deal with more than just their environment in surviving, but their strength and character makes them fit right in with the Alaskans. These two themes go hand in hand, because strong people can build an even stronger community, and a tight community with people helping and teaching each other makes for smart and resilient people.

    Finally, I found symbolism in this book, a theme that heightened the reading experience. What Phoebe said about Wuthering Heights in Friends, applies for The Great Alone as well. The wildness of the land is clearly reflected in Ernts character, made even more apparent by the clear influence of the seasons on his mental state. When the days are long and the land flourishing, he is more patient and forbearing, but when winter starts creeping up the darkness creeps inside their home as well. This connection between Ernts character and the land made it more tangible for readers and conveyed the direness of the situation Lenny and her mother found theirselves in.

    The Great Alone is another clear hit for me. It shows the strength people can find in themselves, the beauty of uncontrollable land and the unforgiving nature of, well, nature. How much forgiveness should we show the people we love, and what is the final straw that makes us say, no more? As all Kristin Hannah’s books, this is not merely a story about a family moving to Alaska, but rather a story about people coming together, building a community, and strong relationships. Beware, because it is a tearjerker, but one that will open your eyes to the beauty of the wild.