Tommi Powell

THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE – Samantha Shannon

In 2012, I read a news story about a twenty-year-old student at University who was signed by Bloomsbury Publishing in a six-figure book deal. I was intrigued (and jealous). The deal was for three books in a seven books series. The first of which, THE BONE SEASON, was published in 2013. I’ve had what IContinue reading “THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE – Samantha Shannon”

CROOKED LETTER, CROOKED LETTER – Tom Franklin

It’s been a bit since I’ve read a thriller, but Tom Franklin’s CROOKED LETTER, CROOKED LETTER reminded me how much I love a good literary thriller. Published in 2010, CROOKED LETTER, CROOKED LETTER is haunting and heartbreaking in its cutting realities and unapologetic portrayal of racism and classism in the rural South. If the titleContinue reading “CROOKED LETTER, CROOKED LETTER – Tom Franklin”

The Last Kind Words Saloon – Larry McMurtry

“We don’t rent pigs.” Larry McMurtry is the man who, without knowing who I am, gave me one of the sweetest gifts when he wrote LONESOME DOVE. Published when I was toddler, the book was turned into a TV mini-series in 1989. My father recorded it, and those old VHS tapes were likely the mostContinue reading “The Last Kind Words Saloon – Larry McMurtry”

THE LUST LIZARD OF MELANCHOLY COVE – Christopher Moore

I’m no stranger to Christopher Moore and his ridiculously outrageous tall tales – he is one of a handful of authors who can make me donkey laugh out loud while reading, even in public. Shoot, just his titles give me a chuckle. (Island of the Sequined Love Nun, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’sContinue reading “THE LUST LIZARD OF MELANCHOLY COVE – Christopher Moore”

LITTLE EARTHQUAKES – Jennifer Weiner

“Little earthquake… They happen all the time. I hardly feel them anymore.” “I could have told him that nothing was safe and that no matter how careful you were and how hard you tried, there were still accidents, hidden traps, and snares. You could get killed on an airplane or crossing the street. Your marriageContinue reading “LITTLE EARTHQUAKES – Jennifer Weiner”

THE GOLDFINCH – Donna Tartt

In the 1980s, a group of kids from Bennington College emerged as the so-called “literary brat pack.” These privileged kids from the East Coast, with their booze and drug-filled delusions, were deemed “cool” and their literary talents highly praised. They were pompous and arrogant, while at the same time intentionally esoteric to create an airContinue reading “THE GOLDFINCH – Donna Tartt”

CHINA RICH GIRLFRIEND – Kevin Kwan

I recently posted on Facebook for my next reading selection out of these four from my TBR pile. The first response was for the second installment of Kevin Kwan’s decadent and delicious trilogy. CHINA RICH GIRLFRIEND is just as delightful and outrageous as CRAZY RICH ASIANS. Like any good soap opera, there are twists, turns,Continue reading “CHINA RICH GIRLFRIEND – Kevin Kwan”

Fredrik Backman – A Man Called Ove

I picked up Fredrik Backman’s A MAN CALLED OVE while in the used bookstore. I didn’t need to add to my stack of books, but I’ve never been able to turn down a book. Originally published in Swedish in 2012, A MAN CALL OVE is positively brilliant. It is so beautifully translated. Translations can beContinue reading “Fredrik Backman – A Man Called Ove”

Kwame Mbalia – TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY

The books that have written themselves on my skin and in my heart are far too many to name in this space. The point is books matter. Stories matter. When I read about Kwame Mbalia’s TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY, my pulse quickened because I was excited. When I read the book’sContinue reading “Kwame Mbalia – TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY”

CRAZY RICH ASIANS

Kevin Kwan’s CRAZY RICH ASIANS is one hell of a delicious romp, and I’m kicking myself for not going on this ride sooner. I simply could not put it down. (Rainy weekend + fuzzy socks!) The novel opens in London, 1986. Our hero, Nicholas Young is 8 and behaving himself beautifully at the Calthorpe whereContinue reading “CRAZY RICH ASIANS”