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The River Has Roots

by Amal El-Mohtar, Review 3 of 2025

I’m not crying, you’re crying. The River Has Roots is a moving testament to the bonds of sisterhood. The writing is magical, sharp, and tender. Undoubtedly, this was one of the most stunningly narrated short stories I’ve ever encountered. I will be on the lookout for other works narrated by Gem Carmella. I would absolutely recommend this, specifically as an audiobook. As a 1.25-1.5x reader, this was the rare exception where I wanted to savor each word at 1x speed.

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A More Perfect Party

written by Juanita Tolliver, Review 2 of 2025

This book provides an interesting analysis of the impact of Shirley Chisholm’s 1972 presidential campaign told through the lens of the attendees at a fundraiser hosted by actress Diahann Carroll. Contrasting 1970s and present day campaign finance, media coverage, and activism, this book provides useful historical context for understanding our present day struggles. Tolliver’s voice, both written and as narrator of the audiobook, made it clear the passion she has for the topics covered. It would be interesting to know how the book may have been different if it had been written and published even later this year. 

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this audiobook for review purposes.

Categories: Non-fiction, History

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My Feral Romance

by Tessonja Odette, Review 25 of 2024

I listened to about 20% of this book before pausing to listen to the first in this series (A Rivalry of Hearts). I was already so invested in the characters, the witty banter, the romantic mystery so I knew I was hooked but I could not get past the many references to the couples interactions in the previous book. Good news for me though, the first book was also hilarious, spicy, and a joy to listen to. While not strictly necessary, I would absolutely recommend reading this series in order for optimal enjoyment.

This book is centered on the will they/won’t they relationship of Monty, a rake and a rascal, born into and disowned by a prominent family, and Daphne, a socially awkward 300+ year old shapeshifting fae who’s primary form was a pine marten in the previous book. Yes, it’s strange.. but it’s also heartwarming, a tiny bit violent, and quite spicy. Please read, and let me know if you do so we can discuss. 

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this audiobook for review purposes.

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Save Me, Stranger

by Erika Krouse, Review 24 of 2024

All you need to know about the premise of this collection of short stories is in the title. Each story is quite literally about strangers saving each other from a variety of perilous and/or strange situations. I found these stories unsettling as I listened to them, a testimony to the storytelling and narrators, and really satisfying to pick apart and think through later.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this audiobook for review purposes.

Content warning: nearly all of them

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The Indian Card

Who Gets to Be Native in America

by Carrie Lowry Schuettpelz, Review 23 of 2024

“What routinely fails to show up in the textbook is the modernity of Indian-ness. Native people still live and breathe. Still belly laugh and ugly cry, binge watch and cosplay, ride in Ubers and Doordash sushi. Native people walk over the same bones of settler colonialism as everyone else. We’re asked to bring a covered dish to Friendsgiving or to go in on a cabin airbnb over Columbus Day weekend.”

– Carrie Lowry Schuettpelz

This book fills in the gaps where textbooks fail. The Indian Card: Who Gets to Be Native in America is an exploration of the history of indigenous identity in the United States. Lowry Schuettpelz describes both her own relationship with her tribe and the historical context that created it. This book is a satisfying blend of policy description, history, and personal anecdotes. Most importantly, it highlights just how important seemingly small distinctions in rules and policies can have generational impacts, a timely message for those in the US.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this audiobook for review purposes.

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How to Steal a Galaxy

by Alex Revis, review 22 of 2024

Murderbot meets Oceans 11 in book two of the Chaotic Orbits series. I loved being back for another fast paced adventure with the quick witted and jaded Ada, this time with a ploy to disrupt a charity auction with mysterious and dark purpose. This is the rare instance when I wish a book was longer. Would highly recommend this and the first book in this series, Full Speed to a Crash Landing for something quick and fun.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this audiobook for review purposes.

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We Three Kings

by Kristen Bailey, Review 21 of 2024

I was so glad to see another fun holiday rom-com from Kristen Bailey after listening to Five Gold Rings last year. There’s something so charming about Bailey’s signature style and it’s perfectly suited for cozy holiday romps. The extremely questionable workplace romance aside, the banter, goofy set ups, and sweet cast of characters make this a fun seasonal read.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this audiobook for review purposes.

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The Anti-Ableism Manifesto

by Tiffany Yu, Review 20 of 2024

This is a truly wonderful introduction to anti-ableism. Each chapter includes practical everyday skills to develop and actions to take to make the world a more inclusive place. This book is informative while still being easy to listen to and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in the topic. This is also read by the author and she does a great job presenting both technical information and personal anecdotes. Would make a great DEI book club resource as well! 

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this audiobook for review purposes.

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We Will be Jaguars

by Nemonte Nenquimo, review 19 of 2024

This is a must read. Nemonte Nenquimo’s story is inspiring, challenging, and deeply human. Nenquimo’s message isn’t just about climate activism, though that’s a significant part, it’s also a moving example of how people and the environment can and do coexist in our time. This book made me uncomfortable in the way that leaves a mark for the better. I would strongly recommend listening to the audiobook as the narration of this book was exceptional. 

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this audiobook for review purposes.

Content warning: Sexual Assault, Physical abuse, Religious trauma

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How to Summon a Fairy Godmother

by Laura J Mayo, Review 18 of 2024

This Cinderella retelling puts one Theo, one of the wicked step-sisters in the spotlight and boy is it delightful. Theo is messy and complicated in a way that fantasy romance leads rarely get to be. I listened to the audio version of this and the narration was well done. If you’re a fan of fairytale retellings, the Assistant to the Villain Series, fairy/regency romance this one will tickle you. I’ll be waiting for more in this series! 

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this audiobook for review purposes.