Book Review: The Animals by Cary Fagan

By Melissa Khan

Living a simple life in a small quaint village, Dorn has no need for adventure. He makes his miniatures and finds ways to stay content—yet life is far from idyllic. His relationships with his cold father and philandering brother are strained, and his feelings for the beautiful schoolteacher, Ravenna, are wanting to come out.

Adventure is brought into his life when the government sponsors the “Wild Home Project,” wherein wolves, rats, minks, otters, and even bears are brought into people’s homes. Suddenly, his fellow townspeople are acting stranger than usual, and Dorn can’t quite figure out the draw of living with such danger. I was surprised that Dorn was not one of the people who initially signed up for the project and that he remained skeptical of it throughout the story. Considering the title of the novel, I expected the animals to play a bigger part. But following his perspective gives readers the feeling of being on the outside, as Dorn is, and the reader can be just as curious as he is about the strange behaviour he observes.

But when someone close to him is found dead, and a mysterious note appears at his door commissioning one of his miniatures, something changes for Dorn—could it be confidence? For the first time excitement and tragedy are fuelling him. I enjoyed the quiet shift we see in our main character and the way it is subtly woven into the story. Even at the climax, it still felt somewhat subdued. The conflict between Dorn and his brother felt like a real conversation between rival siblings, not overly dramatic but painfully impactful, even amongst the fantastical elements. Even his relationship with Ravenna was so delicate and fine, and made me question if it was really there at all. 

This book can be aptly referred to as a fairy tale, full of magic realism. A relatively quick read, I found myself intrigued in every chapter. It wasn’t the most thrilling, and I don’t think the length allowed me to really connect to any of the characters. They all seemed like sketches, not enough to really see, but as a reader I did feel somewhat attached and invested in their endings, which I thought was one of its biggest strengths. “Does Dorn live happily ever after?” will be a question I continue to ask myself.

Thank you to Book*hug Press for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Maid by Nita Prose

By Melissa Khan

Molly loves her job as a maid at the Regency Grand Hotel. Every day she takes pride in restoring rooms to a state of perfection, even when those around her have no trouble expressing that they find her more than a bit odd. The only person in her life she knows she can trust is her Gran, but in the months after her death Molly has had difficulty navigating the rules and intentions of those around her. Then one morning, while going in to clean the hotel’s wealthiest guest’s suite, Molly stumbles across a crime scene and suddenly finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation.

The investigators dismiss Molly at first, but soon her unusual behavior makes her their lead suspect. They just can’t figure out if Molly is as naïve as she seems or if her innocence is a practiced facade. Molly becomes tangled between friends and foes, and while some try to use her trusting nature against her, others prove themselves to be faithful allies.

I personally found Molly as a character to be sweet and endearing, but I also understand how frustrating one may find her. There were instances during the story when characters were clearly manipulating her and Molly was completely oblivious to their motives, and although I would cringe while reading, I actually appreciated these little moments of characterization. Molly learns throughout the story how to recognize when characters are lying to her and I liked seeing this growth.  

Not every character had negative intentions, and those who cared about Molly were easily the best part of the story. After the death of her Gran, Molly was able to create her found family, who were genuinely there to support and love her. The complex grief Molly felt from losing her grandmother was also beautifully shown in small moments throughout the story. Readers could tell how devastating her loss felt, and how unsure Molly was with how to deal with it. Which is what made me wonder why Gran, knowing how naïve Molly was, didn’t do more to ensure Molly’s security. She could have paid more attention to the nest egg she left for her, or not have kept so many secrets. But honestly, the discovery of these little secrets gave more to an otherwise simple story.

The mystery itself wasn’t complex, and the ending was resolved in a neat little package. The writing style was easy to follow which made for a light read—as light as a murder mystery can be—and leaves the reader feeling good. I found that although the resolution to the mystery was predictable, the part that kept me reading was Molly’s relationships with the other characters. I wanted to find out what happened to them and make sure they were all okay. Much like the friendships made in the novel, this story was comfortable and reliable.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Love from Mecca to Medina by S. K. Ali

By Melissa Khan

Set five years after the events of the first book, Adam and Zayneb are at a distance, both physically and emotionally. Zayneb is in her first year of law school in Chicago, struggling to keep up with her studies, her living situation, and the scathing rumours going around about her involvement in an on-campus scandal. Adam, all the way in Doha, is dealing with his MS diagnosis, the constant worry of someday losing his mobility, and his lack of a stable career.

When Adam’s dad disrupts their plans and offers to pay for Adam and Zayneb to go to Mecca to perform Umrah over the week of Thanksgiving, the two have conflicting reactions. Adam is thrilled, feeling that this could be his only chance to go while he can still walk. Zayneb is reluctant, having looked forward to spending a relaxing week alone with Adam. The two, along with an eclectic group of pilgrims, travel to Mecca for an experience of a lifetime.

While on their trip, Adam and Zayneb face many challenges as a couple, including the classic miscommunication trope—-in fact, the two hardly communicate at all. I was surprised by the number of things they failed to share. Zayneb’s lack of housing and overall mental health, and Adam’s lack of income largely contribute to their stress throughout the novel, and they never really discuss them with each other. Much of the novel is focused on Zayneb’s jealousy over Adam’s ex-love interest who happens to be travelling with them. Both of their insecurities and reasonings were well explained—almost over-explained at times—so it was frustrating as a reader to see that they knew exactly what was wrong, but yet choose not to talk to each other.

It also frustrated me how instructional this novel felt—from the over-explanation of religious practices to the simplification of Islamic ideology. It reads like a crash course for non-Muslims and strives to explain to them the “right way” of doing things. The problem with this is that Muslims are not a monolith, and although the practices of certain religious rites are standardized, a lot of what is presented as “correct” in the book is cultural.

Of course, not everyone can expect to be represented in a single story, and the practice of Islam depicted in this novel is one of the many beautiful ways Muslims choose to do so. However, with the text being written with a non-Muslim audience in mind, it leaves little room for the nuance within the Muslim experience. It saddens me to see that the culture depicted in this novel has to be explained and justified in a way that other cultures do not.

I think it’s amazing that so many ethnicities and backgrounds were represented in the novel, and I’m so happy when I see authors choose to include diversity as a natural, everyday occurrence. For this, I felt disappointed when Zayneb’s West Indian heritage wasn’t even mentioned in this sequel. For a character who cares so deeply about social issues, I find it interesting that there was no part of her culture found within the text.

Despite the criticisms I felt while reading this novel, I do think it was a cute, fluffy continuation of Adam and Zayneb’s love story. This novel may not have been written for me, but I’m sure my teenage self would have loved it, and I support the positive impact this story will have for young Muslims.

Thank you, Simon & Schuster Canada, for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: There Are Wolves Here Too by Niall Howell

By Melissa Khan

It’s 1997 and best friends Robin, Dylan, and Steph are ready to spend their first summer as teenagers the way they always have: carefree and innocent. But when their classmate’s younger sister Catherine goes missing, suddenly there’s danger everywhere. Robin tries to keep their spirits high amongst feelings of guilt and paranoia, but with the parents in the community acting strangely, and his relationship with Steph and Dylan changing in different ways, he’s more confused than ever.

The opening monologue gives the reader the opportunity for instant connection and, for that, it clicked with me immediately. Howell describes the overarching theme of the novel so succinctly and delicately hints at what’s to come. There’s this feeling of growing up in a small town that is woven throughout the passage and extends into the novel itself, which makes the reader aware of this simmering uneasiness underneath the words on the page.

I really appreciated the inclusion of the younger characters being aware of the larger events in the novel, and at the same time trying to remain innocent of it all. Robin makes keen observations about the actions and motivations of his friends and their parents and allows the reader to make the connection between what is said and what is happening on their own. It really shows the audience how much Robin is noticing, but not necessarily understanding.

The part of this novel that gives it its strength is the mystery. The characters always seem a step away from unveiling something huge, which keeps the reader on their toes. I loved how action-packed each scene was and that everything served a purpose. There was never a moment that was unnecessary or didn’t provide some additional context or clue. Robin’s constant conflict with the two main bullies in the novel, for example, was an effective distraction technique from the other, less obvious, villains. The audience is always on the lookout, knowing that Robin and his friends could be ambushed at any moment, and therefore we don’t always notice when a subtle detail is revealed.

For the majority of the novel, we watch as Robin navigates his changing adolescence amidst the tragedy of Catherine’s disappearance, and for this, the novel could have really succeeded in remaining unresolved and allowing some of the mystery to continue. Although the conclusion was certainly not as satisfying as the mystery itself, I think it was important that Catherine wasn’t used solely as a tool to propel Robin’s growth. There was a larger context to the story that Robin was simply a bystander.

I very much enjoyed everything this novel had to offer. It gives the reader a sense of participation that makes it all the more thrilling, and there’s this easy familiarity that makes it feel personal. It’s not often a reader gets to experience nostalgia for something that never happened to them.

Thank you, NeWest Press, for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: People Person by Candice Carty-Williams

By Melissa Khan

After an awkward and, in her opinion, unnecessary car ride with her four half-siblings, Dimple Pennington swore she would never call on her eldest sister Nikisha for help. So, when a confrontation with her ex-boyfriend turns violent, Dimple surprises herself by turning to Nikisha. Suddenly, all four of her estranged siblings are brought back together for a bonding experience none of them wanted. With their shared father, Cyril Pennington, showing up more often than he had in the past 30 years and her struggling YouTube channel’s overnight success, Dimple finds that having family around might not be the worst.

The beginning of this novel was hard to get into,  the pace was slow and the writing difficult. The dialogue seemed forced and uncomfortable in some parts, and the characters were immediately unlikeable. I couldn’t figure out what the title of the book could mean with characters who so clearly did not enjoy each other’s company. But as the story progressed, I found myself turning pages evermore faster.

The heart of the story, needless to say, is the beauty and importance of family. I so loved the complexity Nikisha’s character brought to the sentiment of family loyalty. Her attitude towards Dimple, and subsequently the situation all of the siblings are involved in, was prickly, at best and felt almost unnecessarily rude at times, yet, she was unwavering in her willingness to put herself into it out of a sense of duty towards a virtual stranger. It forces the audience to contemplate where the line, if any, should be drawn. Is it fair for strangers to put themselves in a dangerous situation simply because of blood? Or is it ridiculous to think you owe anyone your loyalty, regardless of your relationship with them? I found myself against Nikisha in a lot of instances, feeling like she inserted herself further into Dimple’s business than she needed to, and with a cutting remark, at that. But I softened, realizing that the trauma from her father’s absence is one she knows these strangers share.  

The most uncomfortable part of the beginning of the book, which made it difficult to keep reading, was when Dimple is told by Nikisha to switch car seats with her because she is the biggest of the group and takes up too much space. I felt tremendous empathy for this 14-year-old girl confronted with her greatest insecurity, spoken aloud to a car full of strangers. The embarrassment that carried with her into adulthood was something I felt informed so much of Dimple’s character and why she could be almost insufferable at times.

I loved how much time was spent with certain characters, but I feel the pacing of the story could have allowed there to be more exploration for the other siblings. Like Prynce’s womanizing, Danny’s troubled past, and Lizzie’s feelings of inadequacy. And although the ending also felt unsatisfying, and almost too easy, I did feel the character studies along the way made the journey worthwhile.

Thank you, Simon & Schuster Canada, for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon

By Melissa Khan

Barrett Bloom’s first day of college is disastrous, to say the least. The sheer embarrassment she faces would be enough to make anyone wish for a do-over. So, when Barrett wakes up the next morning—not in the place she fell asleep, but back in her dorm room—she’s surprised to find that it’s September 21st…again! After living through the day again and again, Barrett starts to suspect that she isn’t alone in this frozen pocket of time. She forms a tentative relationship with Miles, the snarky boy from her Physics 101 class, who she discovers has been trapped there for months. Together, the two embark on a journey through time, trying to find their way out of this infinite loop and back to their regular selves.

I’ve always been wary of Groundhog Day-type books because I worry they could become repetitive. The days as Barrett experiences them are interesting and adventurous largely due to how bold Barrett is as a character. Her humour feels authentic, and her voice is charming. From the beginning, I wanted to root for this character. Her feelings about being trapped in a time loop were realistic, whether in her incredulousness, feelings of despair, or hopefulness for all the possibilities it could bring.

The most well-paced and thought-out aspect of the novel was her relationship with Miles, who she couldn’t stand at first. He was the rude boy who humiliated her in class for seemingly no reason and slowly but steadily became closer to her than anyone else had in years. The trauma Barrett experienced from high school that isolated her in the first place didn’t feel like a plot device thrown in just to give her a personality. When the secret of what happened to her unfolded, I found myself near tears, enraged for her. And I wasn’t surprised to learn that Miles shared my reaction. Their romance was sweet and tender, and I loved watching their friendship blossom and grow.

My trick with time travel stories is not to pay too much attention to the hows and whys of what is happening and just enjoy the story for what it is. Suspension of disbelief is the name of the game. I was delighted by the banter between Barrett and Miles and their different approaches to figuring out their predicament. It was so interesting and totally didn’t send me down an existential spiral. However, I do feel like the ending could have been stronger if it didn’t rely as heavily on the “magical” element of theoretical physics. I felt not for the first time reading that some things happen a little too coincidentally, which can take away from better-explained aspects of the story.

I felt giggly reading this story. I smiled countless times as I lived each new day with these characters. It was heartwarming and funny and gave us characters who learned how to be brave and embrace the parts of them that made them unique. I encourage everyone to get to know Barrett and Miles as I did.

Thank you, Simon & Schuster Canada, for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: A Convergence of Solitudes by Anita Anand

By Melissa Khan

Young and in love, Sunil and Hima travel from Partition India to foreign Montreal. Sunil, a dreamer, knows he has so much to offer, but early signs of schizophrenia stop him from reaching his potential. Hima, frustrated with how hard her life has become since journeying away from her home, must do what she can to keep her family afloat. Their older sons have left for school, and their youngest, Rani, is left to grow up in a house and a world where she’s unsure of where she fits. Her only solace is through Sensibilité, a popular Québécois band whose political support for a free province influences their music.

Rani becomes obsessed with Serge, the group’s frontman, and is delighted when she one day stumbles upon the opportunity to babysit his adopted daughter, Mélanie. Years later, Mélanie comes to her office where she works as a guidance counsellor and the two women’s lives become tightly interconnected.

This was a surprising book for me. I did not expect the layers of meaning it could hold. The more I think about the story, the more I realize how deeply these characters could relate to each other. My favourite relationship was between Mélanie and Rani, particularly Mélanie’s ability to make Rani understand how special her family’s history is. It’s common for first-generation Canadians to take for granted the journey and sacrifice their parents made to bring them to this country and disregard the culture they left behind. I understood Rani’s impulse to consider herself Canadian, and more so Québécois. But Mélanie’s struggle with her adoption and hunger for the knowledge of where she came from was a refreshing reminder that our past, and our family’s past, stay with us.

I appreciated the parallel drawn between Partition India and the Quebec referendums. Both Sunil and Hima and Rani got to experience their country divided and the hardships that come with such political unrest. Rani’s ignorance of the struggles her parents faced was depicted so well throughout the novel.  

This novel was certainly character-driven, and I both loved and hated how disjointed the story could be at times. I found myself forgetting little details while reading, which made some of the story confusing. But I liked that it made each part of the story digestible and easy to read. There wasn’t a ton of plot necessarily but it gave a glimpse of who these characters were at that particular part in their lives.

I truly enjoyed reading A Convergence of Solitudes. It forces the reader to look at each character’s perspective and understand exactly where they are coming from. You must first understand their struggles and frustrations so that you may understand their actions. And we see through their triumphs and small moments of happiness that these are enough for a good life.

Thank you, Book*hug Press, for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: When We Lost Our Heads by Heather O'Neill

By Melissa Khan

Content Warnings: Sexual assault, Murder, Abortion

When Marie Antoine and Sadie Arnett first meet as young girls, they are instantly drawn into and repelled by each other. Marie is a privileged heiress, beautiful and fair-haired, comforted by the knowledge that she will one day inherit her family’s sugar factory. Sadie, by contrast, is dark-haired and striking, neglected by her family who are masquerading as one of the wealthy families in the Golden Mile neighbourhood. Both are wicked and aloof and find the other impossible to resist.

When an accidental murder takes place, Sadie is sent away and the friendship between the two girls is irrevocably changed. For years the two girls are separated until they are reunited as young women. Now, Marie must rise to the challenge of running her family’s sugar empire, and Sadie must learn to survive as an artist amongst the working class of Montreal. 

From the start, Marie and Sadie’s relationship is intoxicating and draws the reader in completely. They are so similar in their cold demeanours, both judging those around them and relishing their influence. It was so refreshing to see young women allowed to be ugly. Sadie’s violent tendency towards animals, for example, was alarming and brilliantly depicted her abusive family life. I wish we’d gotten to explore how this behaviour manifested in her as an adult. We see a little of how Sadie interacts with her parents after her return home, but nothing after she finds success.

I never knew what to expect next, which had me turning pages frantically to find out. The time while Sadie and Marie were apart felt drawn out, but it was important for developing their characters separately. Marie’s callousness towards the women in her factory is a complete reversal of the idealistic child who wanted to treat her workers with sweetness. Sadie’s liberation from her family allowed her to finally explore her sexuality and lean into her chosen form of artistic expression.

Towards the end of the novel, the story begins to take twists and turns that, looking back, were set up in the most subtle of ways. There is also an interesting writing style that I would consider more tell than show. We are told information about the characters plainly, which emphasizes the bluntness found within Marie and Sadie, who are not very likeable. I found it hard to connect with either character or feel much sympathy for their hardships as their stories progressed. 

This novel sends a strong message about femininity and the power of women, regardless of how they choose to use it. One of the best parts of this novel is how unapologetically female-driven it is. There is so much to unpack and sparks an excellent discussion about gender, sexuality, classism, and friendship. It encourages readers to think outside the box of the traditional “strong female character” and provides space for women to exist as people first. 

Thank you, Harper Collins Canada, for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Last Beekeeper by Siya Turabi

By Melissa Khan

Hassan, a young boy from Harikaya, Pakistan, loves nature, poetry, and his parents. His mother’s eyesight is getting worse, and Hassan knows the only thing that could keep her from losing her sight completely is the mythical black honey found in the forbidden forest in his village. But to find the bees and obtain their honey, he must first find the beekeeper. Before he can, Hassan is sent to Karachi on scholarship to stay with Mir Saab, a man he believes drove his father away. While there, he meets Mir Saab’s niece, Maryam, and becomes enamoured with life in the city. But the bees still call to him.

The Last Beekeeper is a story of a young boy’s choice between living a life he could never have dreamt for himself and the one he was always meant for. The language is atmospheric and entangles you in its magic realism. 

The historical context of the novel, set in 1974 amidst the political changes in Pakistan, provides an intense layer to this novel that without it wouldn’t be the same. Understanding the volatile shift happening between the private and publicly owned industries at the time allows readers to fully empathize with Mir Saab’s actions and how devastating the choice he made was when he was Hassan’s age. Also, recognizing the real-world existence of the species of bees Hassan is searching for allows readers to believe in the honey’s healing properties, instead of it being simply a magical solution. Before going into this novel, I wasn’t aware of these elements, and my perspective changed greatly upon learning them. The magic felt real and the stakes were higher.

Although beautifully written, there were moments throughout the story that felt like false starts, making it difficult to stay focused. An event would occur that could further the main plot, but the scene would end abruptly, or the characters would neglect to share information. Hassan’s lack of information was used to add a mystical sense of uncertainty, but it also made the story drag. Magical elements like Hassan’s ability to visit the beehive, communicate with them, or his connection with them went unexplained, leaving the reader confused. Around the midway point in the novel, I kept anticipating that something big was about to happen and was disappointed when nothing ever came from what I interpreted as foreshadowing. More conflict or substantial interactions between intertwined characters could have prevented their endings from feeling thin or underdeveloped.

I struggled at first to get into this story, which was due mainly to missing details and context. Upon completion of the novel, I’m glad I was able to finish. I think, overall, the story was decent and enjoyable. I encourage those interested in Hassan’s journey to stick through it and keep an open mind for this ambitious debut novel. 

Thank you, Harper Collins Canada, for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Once More, With Feeling by Sophie McCreesh

By Melissa Khan

Content Warnings: Drug use, Alcoholism, Depression, Addiction

If you’re a fan of messy protagonists, then Jane from Once More, With Feeling by Sophie McCreesh is the one for you. We follow Jane as she muddles through her days, hardly able to perform basic tasks like her job or staying sober. Jane’s struggle with adulthood stem from her murky childhood, which we see through a cloudy lens—little moments interspersed throughout the novel.

There is no true plot or clear motivation to the story, which can become frustrating for the reader as we wait for our main character to do something. There are long stretches of prose, full of sardonic humour, that both boast Jane’s artistic capabilities and highlight her inability to make anything of them. The absence of a storyline perfectly describes the lack of motivation found within Jane and shows just how wayward her life seems to be. She’s a girl lost in her own loneliness, which endears her to the reader.  

Spending her days under the influence of alcohol and various drugs is something I, as a reader, struggled with seeing. Her substance abuse was made more tragic by the people in her life enabling her to do so. There was the obvious manipulation by Richard, her older boyfriend, who often used Jane’s impaired judgement to his advantage. Jane’s dependence on her closest friend, Kitty, was also often exploited. She was always ready to encourage Jane’s destructive behaviours when it led to a good time but disappeared during her times of need. 

Jane’s relationship with her friend Anna, a discredited therapist she met as a child, was the one I was most invested in and shocked by. The unfolding of their dynamic was made so slowly and carefully that, by the end, the reader is confronted by the significant role Anna plays in influencing Jane’s actions, as well as who Anna is as a person.

Although the narrative is sporadic at best, the story really hit its peak during Jane and Kitty’s trip to London. There, Jane begins a spiral that is hard to recover from and it’s where readers begin to feel the true weight of what Jane is struggling with. It’s not just the gritty relatability of being young and confused, but it’s a powerful loneliness she can’t escape from.

Wild and reckless as our main character, confusing and intoxicating as the prose, this story will resonate with readers of all kinds. There’s something so unique about this story that it will have you rooting for Jane against all odds.  

Thank you, Penguin Random House Canada, for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Boy with Fire by Aparna Verma

By Melissa Khan

When I saw the Tik Tok that author Aparna Verma made about her YA science fantasy novel, The Boy With Fire, I ran to find my copy. I was drawn in by the promise of a fantasy novel full of strong and morally grey characters, fire bending, and inspired by Indian mythology. Our journey begins with Yassen Knight, an ex-assassin on the run from a dangerous rebel group. Yassen has been offered a deal, brokered by his childhood friend Samson, to serve as the princess’ sworn sword. Behind the castle walls he meets Princess Elena, almost ready to ascend the throne of Ravence, but struggling with one thing, and her father King Leo, who may be descending into madness. The story follows these three important characters as they move through the political atmosphere at court. 

The backdrop of Ravence is mystical and causes readers to become thirsty for more—and not just because it’s a vast desert. I thought the worldbuilding was decently explored, but there were certainly moments when I felt I could’ve done with more description. For a fantasy novel, I expected an intimate explanation regarding the different places within the desert kingdom and the relationship between political groups and the magical elements. There was a beautifully drawn map at the beginning of the book that I tried referencing a number of times but felt I didn’t know enough about my surroundings to utilize it fully. The writing, though melodic and enjoyable, didn’t lend itself to these more specific details. 

In particular, the fire bending aspect was something I looked forward to. I loved the moments when we see Elena research and practice her fire bending. But the importance of holding fire was not shown as clearly. I think more conversations between Elena and Leo could have provided the context this part of the story was missing. 

I was promised strong, well-rounded female characters and was not disappointed. I particularly found her in Ferma, one of Princess Elena’s guards. Did Ferma show her strength in the training room and through her fierce protection of Elena’s physical well being? Absolutely! But her real strength came from her moral character and her loving nature. She cared deeply for Elena and spoke her mind when she felt she had something important to say. I felt that Ferma was such a grounding character for both Elena and Yassen, and provided so much to both of their stories.

In general, the characters were my favourite part of the story. I was captured by their inner monologues and their sometimes-unreliable narration. There were times I didn’t know how to feel or who to trust, even when they were speaking right to me. Towards the end of the novel, I started to feel it was becoming rushed, there was so much happening at once, which left me confused and frustrated. But it came together at the bitter end with a most satisfying final goodbye and set up for a much-anticipated sequel. 

Book Review: Instamom by Chantel Guertin

By Melissa Khan

Kit Kidding is serious about living a childfree life. She’s at the height of her career as a social media influencer on Instagram, advocating for other women who share her belief that women who choose not to become mothers are just as valid as those who do. Kit is cool, confident, and totally happy being single. Until she meets handsome chef, Will MacGregor, at an influencer event and starts to feel that their one-night-stand has the potential to become something more. 

Kit and Will are thrown together on an Instagram campaign, but just as things start heating up, Kit discovers that Will has a daughter—the last thing she could have expected or desired. Kit is determined to keep their relationship strictly professional, but after spending more and more time with the two of them, Kit can’t bring herself to stay away. 

I admired Kit for advocating for women and their choice to stay childfree. Her stance wasn’t about hating kids or invalidating mothers but simply allowing women to choose something different. It’s not selfish to not want children. So, of course, with the introduction of a handsome suitor and his adorable daughter, it is expected for things to get complicated and a little messy.

Kit is forced to confront the career she’s built, the face she presents to the world, and the influence she carries. Being childfree has become Kit’s entire public persona, but is that who she is? And why did she make the choice to be childfree in the first place? Is it possible to not want children of your own but still make space for a life with a child? I went back and forth with Kit throughout the novel, trying to reconcile what the right choice would be. What compromise, if any, could there be?

I especially loved how realistic Will was. There were moments when I loved Will and moments when I thought Kit deserved better. And moments when I couldn’t decide who was right in the situation because they both had valid reasons for how they felt. Will didn’t respond to every situation “perfectly” with complete understanding to show that Kit was just overreacting; he had flaws too. It’s stated early in the novel that Will doesn’t have, nor has any interest in, social media, and this character trait doesn’t magically change overnight. I think the realistic portrayal of both characters was refreshing and enhanced the seriousness of Kit’s inevitable choice. 

I changed my mind so often in this novel, sometimes getting upset with Kit for how she rationalised her actions. I felt especially let down when it seemed that she could end up wanting kids because it felt like the novel would be saying that a character wanting a childfree life would always ultimately change their mind. But after completing the novel, I don’t think it’s saying that at all. There should be space for any person to explore, change their mind, and grow—which is what Kit is allowed to do. I recommend you check out Chantel Guertin’s novel Instamom, and maybe it’ll change your mind too.

Thank you, Penguin Random House Canada, for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

By Melissa Khan

It’s 1983, and Nina Riva is still planning on having the end of summer party she throws with her three younger siblings every year. Throughout the course of one day, we learn the history of the Riva siblings and of the bonds that tie them together in Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel Malibu Rising. Careful Nina seems to be repeating her mother’s mistakes. Brothers Jay and Hud have been keeping secrets from each other for the first time ever. Talented Kit is struggling with her identity. And having a famous absentee father is not helping any of them.

Interwoven with the present day are excerpts from the past, from Mick and June’s first date to their first child to the first time he walked away. And the aftermath of these decisions is written in such heartbreaking detail. The first part of the novel switches between chapters from the present and the past, with each sibling’s perspective progressing from the start of their day leading up to the start of the party. Flashback chapters mostly centre on moments through the lens of their mother. With these changing perspectives, we start to form a picture of the family and their relationships with one another. 

The second part begins at the start of the party and includes shorter chapters from the perspectives of other guests at the party. These outside views show us the siblings in another light, one that proves how drastically different of an image one can portray. We also begin to learn through flashback chapters how the siblings moved into adulthood, which I felt did a good job of bridging the gap between these characters as children to who they are in the present day. 

I think the changing perspective between chapters was a great way to paint the picture of Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit. I loved hearing how their shared history affected them differently. However, I felt at times that we didn’t get enough to really sink our teeth into the characters. I would have loved to read more about Jay and Kit specifically, there was so much more to get out of their storylines, and I wish we got to spend more time with them. There were moments when Jay’s actions felt out of character, and I would have loved to see it corrected or explained. Kit’s struggle with her identity and future was raw and complicated and could have benefitted from getting more than a struggle with how to dress or who to kiss.

I felt so much sadness reading this novel. It was everything I expected from Reid, a beautiful, complicated story that got me to empathize with every character I encountered. If you were a fan of any of Reid’s previous work, I would highly recommend checking this one out as well. It will leave you feeling hopeful and sad and eager for more!

Thank you, Penguin Random House Canada, for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: A Separate Peace by John Knowles

By Melissa Khan

A friend who knows how much I enjoy dark academia recommended me this book, and I was sold instantly. The story begins with Gene, a man in his thirties reflecting on his time at a New Hampshire all-boys boarding school in the midst of World War II, seeking forgiveness for the role he played in the tragic event that occurred the summer before his senior year. 

That summer Gene and his best friend Phineas become closer than ever. Finny, the undisputed leader of their duo, holds a strong influence over Gene. He’s charming, athletic, and universally loved, all things Gene is not, and Gene can seldom resist him. In a clouded moment of jealousy and frustration, Gene makes a decision that betrays his friendship with Phineas and burdens him with a secret guilt that he is forced to carry. 

I had such a good time reading this book and believe it’s an American classic for a reason. The darkness is so subtle that you almost can’t tell it’s there. Gene and Phineas’ friendship survives the events by the river, but it’s clear that the power dynamics, though not shifted, have changed. Rather than Gene’s obedience coming from his love for Phineas, it derives from fear. His need to prove his loyalty leads Gene to go along with Phineas’s wildest requests. For instance, Gene trains diligently for the 1944 Olympics at Phineas’s insistence, as Finny believes the war is a hoax. 

This in particular stood out to me because it’s clear how blind Gene’s loyalty is to Phineas, and how strong his determination is to prove their friendship. Although he knows and believes in the reality of the war, Gene allows Phineas to continue the belief that it is all an elaborate lie. I think it’s clear as readers what the true motivation is behind Phineas’ belief, and we are proven correct later in the novel, but this revelation comes as a surprise to Gene. This loyalty also causes Gene to become defensive against his fellow classmates when the question of what truly happened that day by the river arises, and Phineas himself is confronted again by Gene’s unfathomable actions. 

Although quite simple, the language is beautiful and easy to follow. I loved most the languid flow of the prose, leaning into the haziness of summer and the chill of the subsequent winter. The effect of war on these young men is shown brilliantly through the backdrop of World War II. The struggle they face between finding their role in the fight, and choosing between enlisting and the draft, leads to poignant moments and reflections. 

I think at times the subtlety that we see in this novel can cause the point to be missed entirely. And I think for that it does this story a disservice. But this story was so beautiful, and the title A Separate Peace incredibly apt. I urge anyone with literary appreciation to read this novel.

Book Review: The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

By Melissa Khan

I picked up The Starless Sea with great expectations, thinking that a story about stories was one I couldn’t not enjoy. The story follows Zachary Ezra Rawlins, a graduate student studying video game narratives, just shy of his 25th birthday. While browsing the fiction section of his campus library, Zachary finds a “cloth-covered, wine-coloured volume” called Sweet Sorrows, with no author listed. When Zachary takes the book home and begins to read, he finds a story from his childhood told within the pages. This spurs Zachary on his quest to discover where the book came from and how he came to be in it. 

His journey takes him to Manhattan and a mysterious costume party where he meets a man, Dorian, and a woman, Mirabel, and discovers the existence of a secret society that knows a suspicious amount about him. Zachary doesn’t know what is going on and soon finds himself in an underground library that feels like a dream. Doors are opened, keys turn hands, and there’s a low buzzing throughout it all. 

After having read and reread certain passages, I’m not entirely sure what, in a story about stories, the plot of this book was. I felt like Alice down the rabbit hole, except there was no satisfaction or method in the madness. Zachary’s story felt oddly unfinished, and the characters underdeveloped. The story flipped between the main storyline and excerpts from various books, which left little time to get to know the characters enough to feel invested in their struggles. When romance was introduced between the characters, I felt blindsided with no build-up. I would’ve loved to understand why Zachary’s story was in Sweet Sorrows or why he was prophesized to sail the Starless Sea, but unfortunately, it felt like things were just happening. 

Towards the end of the novel, we get to hear from one of Zachary’s friends who notices him missing and goes on her own journey to find him. Although it was introduced late in the novel, I think this storyline was the most interesting.

I did sink into the lyricism of the prose. I let it flow over me like honey, sticky sweet and indulgent. Any lover of literature would enjoy the mystique of the language, the literary references, and the worldbuilding. The Starless Sea itself seems like a magical and twisted place. 

Eleanor, in the novel, says it best, “Books are always better when read rather than explained.” This book was complicated and difficult to describe, and although disappointed with the plot and some of the characters, I still found myself unable to put it down. Whether that was because I was hoping and searching for something to satisfy what I felt it was lacking, or because the writing was so beautiful, I’m not sure. But I don’t regret sailing across The Starless Sea, and I hope if you give it a chance, you won’t either.