SPL_Brittany's Completed Shelf
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SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added Feb 06, 2024
Summary:
Welcome to Glitch Academy, a place where those who are born with the ability to travel through time learn how to become Glitchers, time-travelling operatives who prevent fellow time-travelling criminals from altering history. Regan and Elliot are Glitchers-in-training that have been at the Academy since their birth. Regan thinks Elliot is a know-it-all with zero social skills, and Elliot thinks Regan is the entitled daughter of the commander, with a princess complex. When Regan receives a mysterious note from her future self, the two must set aside their past and work together to decipher its clues, travel across space and time to escape detection and arrest, in order to save the future.
Leap through time with this fast-paced, action-packed, time-travelling middle grade adventure novel. Martin's novel is a delightful blend of science and historical fiction, with an engaging plot and well-developed characters. Told through the alternating perspectives of Elliot and Regan, it is a novel with friendship at its heart, that is sure to appeal to readers who enjoy historical based mysteries and dystopian fiction.Welcome to Glitch Academy, a place where those who are born with the ability to travel through time learn how to become Glitchers, time-travelling operatives who prevent fellow time-travelling criminals from altering history. Regan and Elliot are…
What the River KnowsWhat the River Knows, BookA Novel
by Ibañez, IsabelBook - 2023 | First editionBook, 2023. First edition
SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added Jan 26, 2024
SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added Dec 06, 2023
The Last Devil to DieThe Last Devil to Die, Book
by Osman, RichardBook - 2023 | First United States editionBook, 2023. First United States edition
SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added Oct 31, 2023
The Art ThiefThe Art Thief, BookA True Story of Love, Crime, and A Dangerous Obsession
by Finkel, MichaelBook - 2023 | First editionBook, 2023. First edition
SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added Oct 19, 2023
Summary:
The Art Thief written by Michael Finkel, is a true crime account of the most prolific art thief in Europe - Stéphane Breitwieser. The French master thief along with his partner Anne-Catherine Kleinklaus, are reported to have stolen over 200 pieces of art during 1995 and 2001 from museums and castles throughout Europe. Unlike most thieves, he never stole for money, despite the total valuation of stolen items at over 2 billion dollars, the items were never sold, they were displayed in Breitwiesers’ attic where he could admire them to his heart’s content.
Drawing on art theory, psychology reports, and extensive interviews from court documents, Finkel attempts to get into the mind of a thief as he researches Breitwiesers’ motivation and his insatiable hunger for possessing beautiful and rare objects. Finkel writes a fast-paced and compelling read that increases in suspense chapter by chapter with each additional heist leading to a surprise ending that will shock readers.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy true crime, art history, and non-fiction that reads like fiction.The Art Thief written by Michael Finkel, is a true crime account of the most prolific art thief in Europe - Stéphane Breitwieser. The French master thief along with his partner Anne-Catherine Kleinklaus, are reported to have stolen over 200 pieces…
SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added Oct 02, 2023
Summary:
Seventeen-year-old Ross Quest has spent her whole life as a master thief travelling the globe and completing daring heists alongside her mother. Dreaming of a life that is more than the next heist, Ross secretly plans to escape from her family and the only life she knows... That is until her plans go awry and she must enter the Thieves Gambit to save her mother's life.
Kayvion Lewis's writes a fast-paced, emotionally-packed, high-octane read that is cinematic in its scope. A blend of Inheritance Games meets Ocean's Eleven, it is a compelling read that is filled with a delightful cast of characters, vivid imagery and plot twists. Readers who have previously enjoyed The Hunger Games, Inheritance Games, and Six of Crows are sure to enjoy in this debut novel, soon to be made into a feature film.Seventeen-year-old Ross Quest has spent her whole life as a master thief travelling the globe and completing daring heists alongside her mother. Dreaming of a life that is more than the next heist, Ross secretly plans to escape from her family and…
Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for MurderersVera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers, Book
by Sutanto, Jesse Q.Book - 2023 | Berkley hardcover editionBook, 2023. Berkley hardcover edition
Added Aug 02, 2023
Comment:
Put the kettle on there's a mystery brewing!
Meet Vera Wong - Tea shop owner, matchmaker and ... amateur sleuth?
Vera Wong is a lonely old lady of *ahem* a certain age, who lives alone above her forgotten tea shop in the middle of San Fransisco's Chinatown. One morning she wakes up and discovers a body in the middle of her tea shop. Knowing she'll do a better job than the police possibly could, Vera decides it is up to her to catch the killer.
Jessie Sutanto writes a delightful lighthearted cozy mystery filled charming cast of characters, that is a combination of Knives Out meets Kim's Convenience. A heartwarming read featuring a mature protagonist, that is sure to delight readers. My only suggestion is that you don't read this on an empty stomach - filled with richly detailed descriptions of Vera's culinary delights, this book will definitely make readers hungry.Put the kettle on there's a mystery brewing!
Meet Vera Wong - Tea shop owner, matchmaker and ... amateur sleuth?
Vera Wong is a lonely old lady of *ahem* a certain age, who lives alone above her forgotten tea shop in the middle of San Fransisco's…
SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added May 30, 2023
Summary:
It is summer time in Sunny Town, and the mischievous bunnies are back - this time in a boat!
On a lovely summer’s day, the animals of Sunny Town are all enjoying their time at the beach, that is until the bunnies arrive in their speedboat and bring havoc wherever they go - both inland and at sea. With each page the mischievous bunnies get into more trouble, what will they do next?
Ardagh writes a delightful rhyming picture book where each page is briming with lively and colourful imagery. Full of chaos and fun that will have young readers laugh out loud, and enjoy pouring over all the detailed images on each page. A silly and amusing story told in a whimsical tone that is perfect for the summer.It is summer time in Sunny Town, and the mischievous bunnies are back - this time in a boat!
On a lovely summer’s day, the animals of Sunny Town are all enjoying their time at the beach, that is until the bunnies arrive in their speedboat and…
SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added Apr 25, 2023
The Man Who Died TwiceThe Man Who Died Twice, Book
by Osman, RichardBook - 2021 | First North American editionBook, 2021. First North American edition
SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added Apr 25, 2023
Love From Mecca to MedinaLove From Mecca to Medina, Book
by Ali, S. K.Book - 2022 | First editionBook, 2022. First edition
SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added Mar 28, 2023
Comment:
Adam and Zayneb. Perfectly matched. Painfully apart.
Adam is working in Doha, Qatar making a map of the Hijra - a historic migration from Mecca to Medina. With work opportunities being sparse, Adam is increasingly concerned with where his next paycheck will come from. Across the ocean in Chicago, Zayneb, is working to complete her education. Between her studies, extracurricular activities and a challenging frenemy situation, her life of late has become quite miserable.
Opportunity knocks, and a chance arises for the couple to reunite and spend Thanksgiving week together on the Umrah - a pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina - in Saudi Arabia. The course of true love never runs smooth, and as they journey together, each are faced with their own challenges that force them to reexamine their relationship, and decide if they are willing to persevere and find their way back to each other.
Fans of S. K Ali's "Love from A-Z", will enjoy revisiting the relationship between Adam and Zayneb as they strive to find their way back to one another while they embark on the trip of a lifetime. Told through alternating perspectives, it is a novel that explores faith, love and the human condition.Adam and Zayneb. Perfectly matched. Painfully apart.
Adam is working in Doha, Qatar making a map of the Hijra - a historic migration from Mecca to Medina. With work opportunities being sparse, Adam is increasingly concerned with where his next…
SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added Jan 06, 2023
Comment:
A novel of one girl's quest to find herself, to do what she loves and break the cycle of female oppression in Argentina.
Camila, a seventeen-year old girl from Rosario, Argentina, leads a double life. At home, Camila lives in the shadow of her brother who is a professional football player, has an overly cautious and protective mother and an abusive father. On the field, Camila is the fierce football captain of the Eva Maria Futbol club, and has dreams of playing football professionally. All Camila wants is to remove the expectations her parents and society have of her, and instead live a life that is hers, a life that she can make for herself and be proud of. When her team qualifies for a major tournament requiring parental permission, Camila sees this as her big chance to live her life and break out of the cycle of oppression she finds herself in. Will she be able to remove the barriers surrounding her, and pursue her dreams?
Mendez writes an atmospheric and compelling novel, transporting the reader into the cultural life of Argentina. Filled with vibrant and rich details and well-developed characters, the reader is transported to the football stands, city streets, and family life that is Camila's world. One can easily see Mendez's love of football throughout the novel, and by the passion Camila has for the game. A strong female protagonist and a moving story that will linger the reader long after it is finished.A novel of one girl's quest to find herself, to do what she loves and break the cycle of female oppression in Argentina.
Camila, a seventeen-year old girl from Rosario, Argentina, leads a double life. At home, Camila lives in the shadow of her…
The MeasureThe Measure, BookA Novel
by Erlick, NikkiBook - 2022 | First editionBook, 2022. First edition
SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added Oct 29, 2022
Comment:
Imagine a small box arrives on your doorstep addressed to you with the message inscribed, "the measure of your life lies within". Would you open it?
This moral dilemma plays out in The Measure, when every adult across the globe over the age of 22 receives a small box inside of which, is a piece of fabric that indicates the length of your life. In an instant the world is thrown into a collective frenzy. Where did these boxes come from? What are the moral, political and societal implications of knowing the length of your life, or of someone else? As society comes together and pulls apart, everyone faces the same shocking choice: Do they wish to know how long they’ll live? And if so, what will they do with that knowledge?
An engaging and thought-provoking read, told through the perspectives of 8 characters, and how their decision to open or keep their boxes closed effects their lives, and the lives of those they interact with. Quality versus quantity of life, discrimination based on one's string length, and privacy, are just a few of the myriad of potential themes for discussion in this novel. This novel is well suited for book clubs, as well as those who enjoy philosophy, and books that ask "the big questions" about life.Imagine a small box arrives on your doorstep addressed to you with the message inscribed, "the measure of your life lies within". Would you open it?
This moral dilemma plays out in The Measure, when every adult across the globe over the age of 22…
The Paris ApartmentThe Paris Apartment, BookA Novel
by Foley, LucyBook - 2022 | First U.S. editionBook, 2022. First U.S. edition
SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added Sep 21, 2022
Spiritual MachinesSpiritual Machines, Music CD2
by Our Lady Peace (Musical group)Music CD - 2022Music CD, 2022
SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added Jul 20, 2022
Comment:
Loved this album!
SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added Jul 20, 2022
Comment:
Emma loves her husband Leo and their young daughter Ruby: she’d do anything for them. But almost everything she's told them about herself is a lie. She might just have got away with it, if it weren’t for her husband’s job. Leo is an obituary writer; Emma a well-known marine biologist. When she suffers a serious illness, Leo copes by doing what he knows best – researching and writing about his wife’s life. But as he starts to unravel the truth, he discovers the woman he loves doesn’t really exist. Even her name isn’t real.
An intricately plotted and heart-wrenchingly suspenseful domestic fiction novel. An engaging novel told through multiple perspectives and timelines that is full of twists and turns.Emma loves her husband Leo and their young daughter Ruby: she’d do anything for them. But almost everything she's told them about herself is a lie. She might just have got away with it, if it weren’t for her husband’s job. Leo is an obituary writer;…
The Woman in the LibraryThe Woman in the Library, BookA Novel
by Gentill, SulariBook - 2022Book, 2022
SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added Jul 15, 2022
Comment:
Australian author 'Freddie' is writing in Boston Public Library's reading room when she hears a woman's scream. This bonds her to her table's neighbours, and between the 4 of them they work together to solve the crime of the woman in the library. In between these chapters, there are letters between Australian author Hannah and Leo, an aspiring author. Their relationship takes a dark turn as the novel progresses. Intricately plotted, and stylistically complex, it is a novel within a novel, within a novel, that may appeal to some readers. For me, Hannah and Leo's story detracted from the main plot of the novel, and felt a bit "ho hum", in comparison to the characters in the other story. While I appreciate the undertaking of this concept, it for me it didn't translate as well on the page. This novel will appeal to readers who enjoy going down rabbit holes, but for me it wasn't a good match.Australian author 'Freddie' is writing in Boston Public Library's reading room when she hears a woman's scream. This bonds her to her table's neighbours, and between the 4 of them they work together to solve the crime of the woman in the library. In…
SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added Jul 15, 2022
Comment:
Fast paced, atmospheric read, filled with rich details and a wonderful cast of characters that encapsulates the lifestyle of the rich and famous during the 60s. Told through the eyes of Claire aka CeCe, who leaves her small village in UK, journeys to London and through the people she meets, ends up at Talitha and Paul Getty's Moroccan Mansion. This novel would appeal to those who have enjoyed 'Daisy Jones and the Six'.Fast paced, atmospheric read, filled with rich details and a wonderful cast of characters that encapsulates the lifestyle of the rich and famous during the 60s. Told through the eyes of Claire aka CeCe, who leaves her small village in UK, journeys…
Woman of LightWoman of Light, BookA Novel
by Fajardo-Anstine, KaliBook - 2022 | Frist editionBook, 2022. Frist edition
SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added Jul 06, 2022
The Unsinkable Greta JamesThe Unsinkable Greta James, BookA Novel
by Smith, Jennifer E.Book - 2022 | First editionBook, 2022. First edition
SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added Jul 04, 2022
MemphisMemphis, BookA Novel
by Stringfellow, Tara M.Book - 2022 | First editionBook, 2022. First edition
SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added Jun 20, 2022
Comment:
A sweeping character-driven, family saga, told through multiple perspectives and timelines of three generations of women from a tight knit Memphis community. A compelling read detailing the joys, sorrows and trials of this family, based on the authors own family history.A sweeping character-driven, family saga, told through multiple perspectives and timelines of three generations of women from a tight knit Memphis community. A compelling read detailing the joys, sorrows and trials of this family, based on the…
SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added Jun 20, 2022
Comment:
Told through the eyes of two princesses of Crete - Ariadne and Phaedra, Saint breathes life into her retelling of the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. The most famous part of this mythology, Ariadne helping Theseus kill the minotaur and escape the Labryinth, is only the beginning of this sweeping tale that will set off consequences neither sister could have imagined, as one will become the Queen of Athens, the other, the wife of a god. Both sisters will come to realize that they have no true place of agency in the games played out between gods and heroes. A leisurely paced, character driven novel that is filled with rich details and locales. This novel will appeal to those who have enjoyed Circe, Women of Sparta and Medea.Told through the eyes of two princesses of Crete - Ariadne and Phaedra, Saint breathes life into her retelling of the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. The most famous part of this mythology, Ariadne helping Theseus kill the minotaur and…
One Italian SummerOne Italian Summer, BookA Novel
by Serle, RebeccaBook - 2022 | First Atria Books hardcover editionBook, 2022. First Atria Books hardcover edition
SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added Jun 15, 2022
Comment:
Struggling with the recent loss of her mother, Katy is feeling unmoored. Carol wasn't just her mom, she was her best friend, confidant, and best source for all the right answers. Katy feels completely unprepared to make a decision without her. Struggling with grief and marriage troubles, Katy decides to take the mother-daughter trip they had planned to the Amalfi Coast, to Positano, the magical city Carol spent the summer before she met Katy's father.
As soon as she steps foot on the Amalfi Coast, Katy begins to feel her mother's spirit. Buoyed by the stunning waters, beautiful cliffsides, delightful residents, and delectable food, Katy feels herself coming back to life. And then Carol appears - in the flesh, sun tanned and thirty years old. Somehow, impossibly, Katy has gotten her mother back. Over the course of her summer, Katy gets to know Carol, not as her mother, but as the young woman before her.
Despite its heavy themes, it is a surprisingly a upbeat, faced paced and heartwarming read. Serle fills her novel with wonderfully descriptive settings along the Amalfi Coast that will appeal to any armchair traveler. It is an enjoyable, escapist summer read that you can enjoy at home on the porch, poolside or beach.Struggling with the recent loss of her mother, Katy is feeling unmoored. Carol wasn't just her mom, she was her best friend, confidant, and best source for all the right answers. Katy feels completely unprepared to make a decision without her.…
Olga Dies DreamingOlga Dies Dreaming, Book
by Gonzalez, XochitlBook - 2022 | First U.S. editionBook, 2022. First U.S. edition
SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added Jun 11, 2022
Comment:
Debut author Xochitl Gonzalez writes a character driven novel that begins as chick lit and quickly morphs into the sphere of literary fiction. Olga, a Latina wedding planner to societies elite and her brother Prieto, a New York congressman, are still dealing with the after effects of losing their father to AIDS, along with a mother who abandoned them 27 years ago to pursue a militant cause in Puerto Rico. While both are well known in society, their private lives are a mess. The arrival of Hurricane Maria is the catalyst that will force each of them to come to terms with, and confront their past.
Gonzalez writes an intricately plotted and culturally diverse novel tackling topics such as politics, coercion, identity, public versus private life, and love in all its iterations. Told through the eyes of both Olga, Prieto and through letters over the course of two decades - their mother. There is much to unpack in this novel, perhaps a little too much, however, this would make a good book club read as there is plenty for discussion. Soon to be adapted as a series for Hulu.Debut author Xochitl Gonzalez writes a character driven novel that begins as chick lit and quickly morphs into the sphere of literary fiction. Olga, a Latina wedding planner to societies elite and her brother Prieto, a New York congressman, are…
Backyard HarvestBackyard Harvest, Book
by Whittingham, JoBook - 2011 | 1st American ed. --Book, 2011. 1st American ed. --
SPL_Brittany's rating:
Added May 31, 2022
Comment:
As someone who is new to gardening vegetables, herbs and fruits, I found this a helpful guide to track what I should be planting, harvesting and maintaining in my garden month by month. While there is much to learn, this was a good resource for me to begin understanding the process.As someone who is new to gardening vegetables, herbs and fruits, I found this a helpful guide to track what I should be planting, harvesting and maintaining in my garden month by month. While there is much to learn, this was a good resource for me…
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