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A New York Tate of Mind
A New York Tate of Mind
In which this reader and explorer reviews books, muses on literary (and other) matters, and shares some of her adventures.

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My 1-5 rating system:
1 = I did not like it and would not recommend it.
2= It was fine. Read it if the subject matter interests you.
3 = I enjoyed it and would recommend it.
4 = I really liked it, and think you should read it!
5 = One of the best books I've read.
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Review: Little Eyes
4/5 stars Little Eyes, by Samanta Schweblin (2018) Translated from the Spanish by Megan McDowell (2020) Little Eyes is a creepy but...
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May 2, 20211 min read


Review: The Ladies of Grace Adieu
3/5 stars The Ladies of Grace Adieu, and Other Stories, by Susanna Clark (2006) Favorite quote from the book: “The governess was not much...
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Apr 26, 20212 min read


Review: Such a Fun Age
2/5 stars Such a Fun Age, by Kiley Reid (2019) This is a tough one to review. I think the premise is interesting and important......
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Apr 21, 20212 min read


Review: The Devil & the Dark Water
3/5 stars The Devil and the Dark Water, by Stuart Turton (2020) This murder-mystery thriller has a very Sherlock & Watson vibe, and like...
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Apr 16, 20212 min read


Review: Gods of Jade & Shadow
2/5 stars Gods of Jade and Shadow, by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (2019) This book is set in the 1920's in Mexico, but mostly it draws on...
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Apr 8, 20212 min read


Review: Piranesi
5/5 stars Piranesi, by Susanna Clark (2020) This book was such a fun mystery to unravel, and just a gorgeous story to dive into. If...
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Mar 29, 20212 min read


Review: Out of Darkness, Shining Light
2/5 stars Out of Darkness, Shining Light, by Petina Gappah (2019) This is a book of historical fiction that tells the story of the people...
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Mar 23, 20212 min read


Review: House in the Cerulean Sea
3/5 stars The House in the Cerulean Sea, by T.J. Klune (2020) This book combines the magic (and, more specifically, Ministry of Magic) of...
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Feb 25, 20212 min read


Review: Parable of the Sower / Talents
3/5 stars Parable of the Sower (1993) & Parable of the Talents (1998), by Octavia Butler Choose your leaders with wisdom and forethought....
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Feb 19, 20214 min read


Review: Nothing to See Here
4/5 stars Nothing to See Here, by Kevin Wilson (2019) My one-sentence review: This book is a rollicking good time! But I'll say more... I...
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Jan 29, 20212 min read


Review: The Library at Mount Char
4/5 stars ... I think? The Library at Mount Char, by Scott Hawkins (2015) Uhhmmm. So. THAT was weird. Honestly it's the weirdest book...
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Jan 26, 20212 min read


Review: Raybearer
4/5 stars Raybearer, by Jordan Ifueko (2020) "In the global empire of Aritsar, love-starved Tarisai is compelled by her mother to join...
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Jan 23, 20212 min read


Review: Empire of Wild
4/5 stars Empire of Wild, by Cherie Dimaline (2019) This is a really fun and unique YA fantasy/thriller... A fairytale-like story from a...
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Jan 12, 20212 min read


Review: Luster
4/5 stars Luster, by Raven Leilani (2020) This book was beautifully written, with a splash of dark humor, but also so hard to read. It's...
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Dec 30, 20202 min read


Review: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
3/5 stars The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, by Suzanne Collins (2020) Listen, I'm just a sucker for a good prequel. I enjoyed this book,...
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Dec 23, 20202 min read


Review: The Death of Vivek Oji
4/5 stars The Death of Vivek Oji, by Akwaeke Emezi (2020) The Death of Vivek Oji is heartbreaking, but so beautiful. This book was tough...
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Dec 17, 20202 min read


Review: The Nickel Boys
4/5 stars The Nickel Boys, by Colson Whitehead (2019) Tough read, but worthwhile. This is a sad story, but so well written. It is based...
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Nov 12, 20202 min read


Review: The Night Tiger
2/5 stars The Night Tiger, by Yangsze Choo (2019) This book was solidly in the camp of "OK." The narrative follows two main characters in...
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Nov 8, 20202 min read


Review: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
4/5 stars The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, by V.E. Schwab (2020) "France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a...
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Oct 30, 20202 min read


Review: We Have Always Lived in the Castle
5/5 stars We Have Always Lived in the Castle , by Shirley Jackson (1962) This October, in the run-up to Halloween, I've been watching...
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Oct 26, 20202 min read

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