https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/most-annotated-books daily 0.75 2026-01-10 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/most-annotated-books/onyxstorm monthly 0.5 2025-06-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/6ce3579d-e01e-40ef-8ba9-261a403d734e/onyx+storm.jpg Most annotated books - Onyx Storm - ☕︎☕︎ This was tough to get through. The writing felt just as weak as The Last Letter by Yarros, which I read earlier this year and also struggled with. I’m genuinely disappointed—Fourth Wing had me hooked. It wasn’t perfect, but it had enough tension, worldbuilding, and emotional momentum to keep me turning pages late into the night. Iron Flame, on the other hand, brought more cringe than chemistry, and after waiting so long for this release, it just felt like a letdown. I talked to a close friend about it—we always swap book recs without shame—and even she admitted she was embarrassed to say she was reading this one. That’s not us. We read romance, fantasy, YA, indie—whatever—and we’ve never felt the need to apologize for our tastes. But this book made us pause. That’s how off the mark it was. What’s especially frustrating is that the core story is genuinely compelling. On paper, the plot has real promise: dragons, war college, rebellion, forbidden love, magical trials—so much potential. But the execution falls flat. It reads like a draft that needed another round of edits, or maybe a more critical editorial eye from the start. The pacing is erratic, the dialogue is clunky, and the emotional beats don’t land because the characters often feel like caricatures of themselves rather than people we believe in. There’s also a strange tonal inconsistency throughout. One moment, we’re in life-or-death battles with sweeping stakes, and the next, we’re plunged into oddly juvenile banter that undercuts the tension. And I don’t mind spice in fantasy—when it works, it works—but here, it often felt forced or repetitive, like a trope checklist being ticked off rather than anything organic to the story. I kept reading because I wanted to love it. I really did. The Fourth Wing set up something big, and I was invested in seeing it through. But by the end of Iron Flame, I wasn’t just disappointed—I was tired. Tired of hoping it would click. Tired of waiting for that spark. And honestly, tired of pretending it was better than it was just because I wanted it to be. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/most-annotated-books/category/historical+fiction monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/most-annotated-books/category/memoir monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/most-annotated-books/category/murder monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/most-annotated-books/category/romance monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/most-annotated-books/category/fantasy monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/most-annotated-books/category/horror monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/most-annotated-books/category/classics monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/most-annotated-books/category/fiction monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/most-annotated-books/category/nonfiction monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/most-annotated-books/category/thriller monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/most-annotated-books/category/autobiography monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/most-annotated-books/category/adventure monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/most-annotated-books/category/mystical monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/most-annotated-books/category/mystery monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/most-annotated-books/category/humor monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/most-annotated-books/category/action monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/most-annotated-books/tag/Magic monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/most-annotated-books/tag/Fantasy monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/most-annotated-books/tag/War monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/most-annotated-books/tag/Romance monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/trailreads daily 0.75 2026-04-03 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/trailreads/desert-solitaire monthly 0.5 2026-04-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/37e6efde-e764-49cc-966d-7760ac01196a/desert+solitaire.jpg Trail Reads - Desert Solitaire - ☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎ “If my decomposing carcass helps nourish the roots of a juniper tree or the wings of a vulture—that is immortality enough for me. And as much as anyone deserves.” My husband spent weeks hunting down a rare edition of this book and gave it to me for our anniversary. It sits in my office, where I see it every day. It’s the sweetest gift I’ve ever gotten. Abbey spent two seasons as a park ranger at Arches National Monument in the late 1950s, and what he wrote from that experience is not quite a memoir, not quite nature writing, not quite philosophy, it is something wilder. It is angry and tender and hilarious and devastating. It is a love letter to the American desert that also reads as a furious warning about what we are doing to it. That warning is, if anything, more urgent now than when he wrote it, before Arches was covered in blacktop and paved. Abbey is not a comfortable writer. He will offend you and make you laugh in the same paragraph. He will describe the silence of a canyon with such precision that you will feel it in your chest, and then turn around and say something outrageous just to watch you flinch. That tension, between beauty and fury, between reverence and irreverence, is wild Utah. Five cups: essential. I say that as a Utahn, but if you love the desert, or the natural landscape, this book will feel like coming home. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/trailreads/204grddsx47vstzzwioqsgjx1tmziy monthly 0.5 2025-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/b4f8a463-0ede-4e80-b4fc-a692f1935750/The+Serviceberry.jpg Trail Reads - The Serviceberry - ☕︎☕︎☕︎ “This abundance of berries feels like a pure gift from the land. I have not earned, paid for, nor labored for them.” Robin Wall Kimmerer’s The Serviceberry is a reflection on the nature of gifts—what it means to receive freely from the land and how we, in turn, can reciprocate that generosity. This was the quickest read I’ve had in a while, but it carried a depth that stayed with me long after I put it down. Kimmerer’s words brought me back to my own relationship with the land, to the moments of quiet gratitude I’ve felt while gardening or simply walking through a place untouched by greed. The idea that nature gives without asking for payment feels both beautiful and fragile in a world that so often takes without giving back. The serviceberry, like so many of the earth’s offerings, exists in a web of reciprocity—feeding birds, animals, and humans alike. But what do we give in return? I’ve been struggling with the ongoing degradation of public lands, the relentless push to carve, drill, and extract as if there are no consequences. The idea that we can take as much as we want, from wherever we want, without thought for the future—it weighs heavily. But Kimmerer’s writing, alongside other naturalist works I’ve read this month, has helped me think about these issues in a more solvable way. So often, the destruction feels overwhelming, too massive to fight. But reciprocity offers a path forward. If we accept the gifts of the land, we must also recognize our responsibility to care for it. That care can take many forms—stewardship, advocacy, restoration, or simply teaching the next generation to see nature as kin rather than a resource. The serviceberry does not hoard its sweetness; it gives, over and over. And perhaps that is what we are called to do as well—to meet generosity with gratitude, to protect what remains, and to give back where we can. This book was a gentle but powerful reminder: we are part of this web, and our role in it matters. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/trailreads/blog-post-title-four-pghap monthly 0.5 2025-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/1740878273201-QTGSCG18I0SVG12DPPRS/9781250132147.jpg Trail Reads - The Hour of Land - ☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎ I’m a sucker for writer-naturalists—the kind of authors who don’t just describe landscapes but make you feel them, who weave personal stories with big-picture environmental thinking. So when I spotted The Hour of Land at my favorite bookstore in Moab, I snagged it without a second thought. And wow, am I glad I did. This isn’t just a book about national parks; it’s a poetic, deeply personal, and urgent meditation on why these places matter—not just as breathtaking landscapes but as battlegrounds for conservation, history, and even social justice. Terry Tempest Williams takes us on a journey through twelve national parks, from Big Bend to Gates of the Arctic, but she’s not here just to gush about the scenery (though her writing is stunning). She digs into the complicated, sometimes uncomfortable realities of public lands—who has access to them, who gets left out of the conversation, and what it really means to “protect” them in an era of climate change and corporate greed. What I love about this book is how Williams makes it so personal. She writes about her own experiences in these parks—moments of awe, loss, resistance—and ties them into the larger story of America’s relationship with its wild spaces. She’s not afraid to be emotional or political, and that’s what makes this book feel so alive. It’s part love letter, part call to action. I raise my baby on public land—I’ve changed diapers on boulders and given my son a name rooted in these landscapes—this book hit home. Williams captures something I’ve felt deep in my bones: that these places shape us, hold us, and demand something from us in return. If you’ve ever stood in a national park and felt something shift inside you, this book will resonate. It’s a celebration, a warning, and a reminder that while these lands may seem timeless, their future depends on all of us. Whether you’re a hiker, an armchair traveler, or just someone who loves good nature writing, The Hour of Land is worth your time. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/trailreads/braidingsweetgrass monthly 0.5 2025-02-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/dc90b194-f657-4b39-a22d-7fc6329ae98e/81eWtkEao%2BL._SL1500_.jpg Trail Reads - Braiding Sweetgrass - ☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎ “Action on behalf of life transforms. Because the relationship between self and the world is reciprocal, it is not a question of first getting enlightened or saved and then acting. As we work to heal the earth, the earth heals us.” With the perspective of both a botanist and a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Kimmerer weaves together Indigenous teachings and scientific understanding in a way that is both poetic and deeply insightful. At its core, Braiding Sweetgrass is a meditation on our relationship with the natural world. Through storytelling, Kimmerer illustrates how plants and animals are not just resources but teachers and kin. She shares personal experiences, from childhood memories of learning about nature to her journey as a scientist reconciling Western scientific methods with traditional ecological knowledge. Each chapter unfolds like a beautifully crafted essay, touching on themes of reciprocity, gratitude, and stewardship. My heart ached by the end of the last page. To be honest, my heart ached all the way through. This book is beautiful because it calls us back to ourselves—to humility, kindness, realness, and the reality that this life and the world around us are what we make it. This text is holy. In reading her resounding gratitude for the gifts that we have been given and deep appreciation for where the world is today, she approaches the issues of climate crisis and care for the Earth from an instinctively different worldview—one that asks us how we can show gratitude. Kimmerer’s prose is lyrical and evocative, making even the smallest details of plant life feel profound. Her reflections on the gift economy of nature—how trees, strawberries, and sweetgrass give freely—serve as a gentle but urgent call for a more sustainable and respectful way of living. Rather than treating nature as something to exploit, she encourages readers to engage with the land as a relationship of mutual care. One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to bridge worlds: science and spirituality, modernity and tradition, personal narrative and broader ecological discourse. It’s a book that invites deep reflection, making readers reconsider their place within the natural world. Ultimately, Braiding Sweetgrass is an inspiring and transformative read. It’s a must for nature lovers, environmentalists, and anyone seeking a more profound connection to the Earth. Kimmerer’s wisdom lingers long after the final page, leaving readers with a renewed sense of wonder and responsibility toward the living world. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/trailreads/tag/Nature monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/trailreads/tag/southwest monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/trailreads/tag/memoir monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/trailreads/tag/environmental monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/trailreads/tag/Memoir monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/trailreads/tag/nature monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/trailreads/tag/Conservation monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/trailreads/tag/nonfiction monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/trailreads/tag/utah monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/trailreads/tag/classic monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/trailreads/tag/science monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/trailreads/tag/Nonfiction monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/trailreads/tag/wilderness monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/trailreads/tag/Gifts monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/trailreads/tag/desert monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/trailreads/tag/national+parks monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles daily 0.75 2025-03-08 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/imagine-that monthly 0.5 2025-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/2446f9df-642b-4a14-8fb6-3e9d9f637970/91bkhVaE07L._SL1500_.jpg Littles - Imagine That - ☕︎☕︎☕︎ The story follows Hoot, Olive’s loyal sidekick, who suddenly loses his imagination and struggles to find it again. With Olive’s unwavering support, they embark on a journey to rekindle what once was, searching high and low for Hoot’s missing creativity. As they search, Olive asks, "Where did you leave it last?" and encourages Hoot to try imagining again, but he simply can't. My son Forest loves this journey—the way the two best friends work together, determined to find what Hoot has lost. It’s in their unwavering belief in each other that the magic happens. Finally, they realize that all Hoot needed was a little extra heart, a gentle nudge from a friend who believes in him fiercely enough to pull the creativity out from within. Voss’s storytelling is both whimsical and deeply touching, capturing the magic of childhood wonder and the power of friendship. His watercolor illustrations bring Hoot and Olive’s world to life with warmth and charm, they’re really beautiful splashes. The dialogue between the characters is natural and endearing, reinforcing the theme that sometimes, all we need is a little encouragement from those who believe in us. Imagine That is a must-read for anyone who cherishes heartfelt storytelling and stunning illustrations. It’s a book that inspires children to embrace their creativity and reminds us all of the joy found in simply imagining together. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/forest-bath-right-down-this-path monthly 0.5 2025-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/da93ada3-c600-40cc-83ea-026a7d86a5f2/A1vl2gOlmAL._SL1500_.jpg Littles - Forest Bath Right Down this Path - ☕︎☕︎☕︎ Some books just feel good to read, and Forest Bath Right Down This Path by Lisa Robinson is one of them. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to step outside, take a deep breath, and pay attention to the little things—like the way the trees sway or how the air smells after it rains. The story follows a young girl as she wanders through the forest, soaking in all the sights, sounds, and smells around them. The writing is simple but lyrical, and the illustrations make everything feel soft and peaceful. When I take walks in the forest with my Little, Forest, we take our time. We feel the branches, pick up rocks, collect leaves—we look for bugs and listen to birds. We slow down. This book captures that feeling perfectly, like a reminder to be present and notice the small wonders around us. My little one loves this book, and honestly, I do too. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to get outside more, to let the world quiet down for a bit, and to just be. If you love nature, or just need a book that makes you breathe a little deeper, this one is worth picking up. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/the-night-market monthly 0.5 2025-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/d9b813d4-36f1-4802-9561-5332c33d9142/81c8uDH5GAL._SL1500_.jpg Littles - The Night Market - ☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎ Some books become part of your family’s rhythm, and The Night Market by Seina Wedlick has done just that in our home. We’ve checked it out from the library three or four times now, and every time, it’s like stepping back into a familiar, glowing world of lantern-lit streets, sizzling food stalls, and the quiet magic of wandering alone at night. My little one is completely enchanted by this story. From the first page, the vibrant illustrations pull us in—rich colors, warm light, and the joyful chaos of a night market. The details make us pause: steam rising from bowls of soup, the way lanterns seem to shimmer on the page, and the quiet moments of exploration that feel just as vivid as the bustling market around them. Reading this book together is an experience. We talk about the different foods on display, imagining their tastes and smells. We point out the little things—a pet jellyfish, gold coins, the face paint on street dancers. It’s a story that engages all the senses, making it feel like we are right there, wandering through the market with her. But what makes The Night Market truly special is its heart. It’s about more than just the market—it’s about independence, curiosity, and wonder. It’s about the magic of small, everyday adventures. That’s what keeps us coming back to it again and again. I think this one has officially earned a permanent place on our bookshelf. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/5nbvqi8yo0arown8z1amtzql3rk7vh monthly 0.5 2025-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/589c8c13-3290-47db-99b5-fe6a75c6f312/81c8I4GWH5L._SL1500_.jpg Littles - Jayden’s Secret Ingredient - ☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎ Starting a garden is an adventure, and Jayden’s Secret Garden beautifully captures that magic for young readers. This story follows Jayden as he discovers the joys of growing his own food, making it the perfect read for little ones just starting their own gardening journey. The book shines with strong, relatable characters, vibrant illustrations that bring the garden to life, and a heartwarming surprise at the end. Themes of unexpected friendship and community add depth to the story, making it more than just a tale about plants—it's about connection, patience, and the joy of nurturing something from the ground up. For families looking to inspire their children to get their hands in the soil and grow their own food, Jayden’s Secret Garden is a must-read. It’s engaging, uplifting, and a wonderful way to spark excitement for gardening! https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/way-out-in-the-desert monthly 0.5 2025-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/3d222b6d-8902-4a55-a77a-d670cbdb3788/Way+Out+in+the+Desert.jpg Littles - Way Out in the Desert - ☕︎☕︎☕︎ We grabbed this one during a trip to Page, AZ, after exploring the stunning slot canyons. The rhythm of the story captures the quiet, expansive nature of the desert, making it almost feel like you’re hearing the desert’s heartbeat with every turn of the page. It’s soothing, gentle, and full of life. The cadence of the text feels like a song, slow and steady, that pulls you in and holds you there. What I love about this book is how it gently taps into the theme of motherhood without being heavy-handed. As each animal experiences the desert, they’re accompanied by their mothers—guiding, protecting, and offering a sense of security in a vast, wide-open space. As a mom, there’s something so reassuring about reading a story where the mother’s presence is so steady, just like the desert itself. It reminds me that, no matter how big the world gets, there’s always a sense of comfort and love from a mom’s embrace, even when everything around us feels so expansive and unknown. One of my favorite lines from the book is: “And they snuggled all night, where the saguaros reach to heaven.” It perfectly captures the calm and comfort that comes with being held close, no matter how vast or wild the world around you is. Whether it's in the desert or at home, it’s a beautiful reminder that love is a grounding force, offering peace in the most unexpected places. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/iiwqog5qyxc4wx4er8nwezvx6xje0w monthly 0.5 2025-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/10f131a3-b60d-42d9-a034-29b1556f40e5/The+Spice+Box.jpg Littles - The Spice Box - ☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎ The Spice Box is one of those books that feels like a warm hug, wrapping you up in family, tradition, and the beauty of shared memories. The story follows Rishi, who’s excited to cook curry with his dad using their family’s spice box when his grandma arrives from India. But this spice box isn’t just filled with fragrant spices—it holds the history and stories of Rishi’s ancestors, passed down through generations. When Rishi accidentally drops the box, he finds the courage to set things right, drawing strength from the memories of those who came before him. What I love about this book is how it shows that food isn’t just about flavors; it’s about the people and stories we carry with us. The way this family’s history is passed down through their spice box is such a beautiful reminder of how traditions live on in the little things we do together. The Spice Box is a heartwarming celebration of family, culture, and the special connections that bring us closer to those we love. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/m2iwz0haidn75yd4q985n8eilxduy2 monthly 0.5 2025-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/76570b69-7d05-414d-ad89-8d7c624a9a8d/The+Book+Itch.jpg Littles - The Book Itch - ☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎ “Words. That’s why people need our bookstore.” Some books just stick with you. The Book Itch is one of those. It tells the story of Lewis Michaux, the man behind the National Memorial African Bookstore—more than just a bookstore, it was a movement, a gathering place, a home for ideas. Michaux believed that books could change lives, and he built a place packed with “all the facts about all the Blacks all over the world.” This book is stunning, both in its message and its artwork. The illustrations feel like paintings you could stare at for ages, and the story itself is just as powerful. Michaux’s words echo throughout—his belief that “knowledge is power” is at the heart of it all. And when you see people like Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali passing through his store, you feel the impact he had. What I love most is how The Book Itch celebrates books and the people who fight to make sure everyone has access to them. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to head straight to the library (or a favorite bookstore) and lose yourself in a good book. If you love stories about history, activism, and the power of words, this one is absolutely worth picking up. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/osldecp35hxwktpefbj7rsxgrszmdl monthly 0.5 2025-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/1740262168973-HLMUD07RPC3WVOK2VYTZ/The+Girl+Who+loved+Poutine.jpg Littles - The Girl Who Loved Poutine - ☕︎☕︎☕︎ The Girl Who Loved Poutine is a joyful celebration of food, family, and tradition. Zoey is eagerly counting down to her fifth birthday—a special day she shares with her father and Canada itself. Their tradition of making poutine together takes on a fun twist when family members from across the country arrive, each bringing their own unique take on the classic dish. With so many delicious variations, how will Zoey ever choose a winner? We originally picked up this book to celebrate Canada Day, and it quickly became a favorite in our home. Growing up in Wisconsin, poutine reminds me of home—there’s something so comforting about crispy fries, rich gravy, and squeaky cheese curds. But beyond the food, this story is about what truly makes traditions special: the people we share them with. It’s a warm, engaging read that perfectly captures the joy of gathering with loved ones and celebrating the things that bring us together. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/blog-post-title-one-k9jxt monthly 0.5 2025-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/39ed4d3b-534c-4c90-95ec-ed9ace7cfbda/Stillwater+and+Koo.jpg Littles - Stillwater and Koo Save the World - ☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎ This is a thoughtful book that perfectly captures the beauty of small, everyday kindnesses. Stillwater, the wise and peaceful panda, and his nephew Koo set out to “save the world”—only to realize that simple acts of love and mindfulness can make the biggest difference. Jon J Muth’s watercolor illustrations are as calming as the story itself, creating a reading experience that feels like a deep breath. We picked up this book as part of our effort to introduce our son to Zen Buddhist ideas— as a way of thinking about mindfulness, kindness, and being present in the world. Stillwater is a wonderful guide for that, showing that wisdom doesn’t have to be complicated and that even small, thoughtful actions can have a ripple effect. This book has become a favorite in our home, a reminder that saving the world doesn’t always mean grand gestures—sometimes, it starts with a single act of kindness. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/youarehome monthly 0.5 2025-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/3458ffe8-517f-410c-8e07-0a9c49949f13/You+Are+Home.jpg Littles - You Are Home - ☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎ We picked up You Are Home outside Arches National Park, and from the very first page, it felt like the perfect souvenir—not just of that trip, but of all the time we’ve spent exploring the outdoors as a family. Evan Turk’s sweeping illustrations and poetic text beautifully capture the feeling of standing in these vast, breathtaking landscapes. Every page feels like a love letter to the national parks, reminding us that these places belong to all of us. Reading it together brings back memories of red rock canyons, towering trees, and quiet moments on the trail. It’s a book that makes us pause and appreciate the wild spaces we’re lucky to experience, and it’s one we’ll keep coming back to for years. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/2wekbumdyqa00s0jbkg07qwekfccxg monthly 0.5 2025-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/1740263750831-SPIUKT5SMHV2Z8ZBWWCH/papas+butter+chicken.jpg Littles - Papa’s Butter Chicken - ☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎ Papa’s Butter Chicken is a heartwarming story that celebrates food, family, and the bonds we share with our neighbors. The story follows a young girl and her dad as they make their favorite butter chicken and share it with their neighbors. As everyone brings their own cultural dishes for a backyard cookout, it becomes a wonderful celebration of diversity, love, and the joy of connecting over food. I love seeing how food brings everyone together in such a meaningful way. I have to mention that my picky-eating toddler, who turns his nose up at pretty much everything, somehow always has room for garlic naan and samosas. It’s like magic! Papa’s Butter Chicken perfectly captures the joy and warmth that comes with sharing meals with loved ones and neighbors. It’s a beautiful reminder that food is a powerful way to connect, learn, and celebrate each other. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/blog-post-title-three-lnmxy monthly 0.5 2025-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/1740243297872-4GBE8L5K6UW7XGI0DS24/I+am+Smoke.jpg Littles - I am Smoke - ☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎ I Am Smoke is a beautifully poetic and thought-provoking book that gives smoke a voice of its own. Through lyrical text and stunning illustrations, Henry Herz takes readers on a journey through history, science, and culture, showing the many ways smoke has been used by people across time. From sacred rituals to survival, smoke is more than just wisps in the air—it’s a storyteller, a healer, and a force of transformation. This book offers a unique perspective that invites curiosity and discussion, making it a fantastic choice for young readers who love science, history, or poetic storytelling. The blend of facts and vivid imagery makes I Am Smoke both educational and mesmerizing. It’s a book that lingers, much like the smoke itself, long after you turn the last page. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/blog-post-title-four-w2j5z monthly 0.5 2025-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/b8ce99bc-f443-488c-a169-2fe432cad00c/The+Dumpster+Kitty.jpg Littles - The Dumpster Kitty - ☕︎ ☕︎ ☕︎ ☕︎ ☕︎ This is a story about resilience, kindness, and finding a place to belong. I may be a little biased—my husband wrote and published this book shortly after our son was born—but that only makes it more special to our family. The story follows a tiny stray kitten left to fend for herself in a dumpster, navigating the challenges of a big, uncertain world. With the help of a compassionate new friend, she discovers that love and family can be found in the most unexpected places. This beautifully illustrated tale teaches young readers about empathy, hope, and the power of second chances https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Zen monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Art monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Cooking monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/fiction monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Friendships monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Science monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Outdoors monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/History monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Nonfiction monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Poetry monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/animals monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Motherhood monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Kindness monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Nigeria monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Culture monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/poetry monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Food monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Nature monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Garden monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/picture+book monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/nature monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/nonfiction monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Picture+Book monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/food monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Hiking monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/home monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Canada monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Animals monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Black+History monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/culture monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/science monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/second+chances monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Family monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Parks monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Counting monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Fiction monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/Philosophy monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/littles/tag/colorful monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time daily 0.75 2026-01-10 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/blog-post-title-three-txkzj monthly 0.5 2025-09-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/18ca5501-9b92-4943-a538-5270118b66aa/the+humans+.jpg Books I wish I could read again for the first time. - The Humans - ☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎ “Let’s not forget The Things They Do to Make Themselves Happy That Actually Make Them Miserable. This is an infinite list. It includes shopping, watching TV, taking the better job, getting the bigger house, educating their young, making their skin look mildly less old, and harboring a vague desire to believe there might be a meaning to it all.” I love this book. You know how you think your family is pretty normal, until you bring someone new around and suddenly see everything and everyone through fresh eyes? That’s the premise here, except the “someone new” is an alien, and the “family” is the entire human race. Through this outsider’s perspective, Matt Haig delivers sharp, funny, and surprisingly tender observations about what it means to be human. While science fiction isn’t usually my go-to, The Humans feels wonderfully accessible because of its present-day Earth setting. It’s humorous, heartwarming, and full of moments that stop you in your tracks with how true they feel. This is one of those sleeper novels I can easily imagine becoming a modern classic. For me, Matt Haig is a must-read author. His books make me feel understood, uplifted, and yes… human. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/blog-post-title-two-2jx75 monthly 0.5 2025-02-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/1738359427082-TJY4DGMUNS25F75EX88A/black+bird+oracle.jpg Books I wish I could read again for the first time. - The Black Bird Oracle - ☕︎☕︎☕︎ For fans of A Discovery of Witches and the All Souls series, Deborah Harkness’s return to Matthew and Diana’s world in The Black Bird Oracle comes with high expectations—and, unfortunately, a fair amount of disappointment. While the novel had its moments of intrigue, it ultimately felt more like a bloated prequel to the next book than a satisfying installment in its own right. At nearly twice the necessary length, The Black Bird Oracle meanders through plot points that should have been sharp and engaging but instead feel like unnecessary filler. Rather than showcasing meaningful character growth, Diana and Matthew seem frustratingly inconsistent—after four books of partnership, their dynamic has somehow regressed, with their relationship reading more like that of near-strangers than long-standing equals. The tension between them feels forced, rather than a natural evolution of their story. Beyond that, Harkness makes the baffling choice to discard key world-building rules established in earlier books, introducing twists that feel more like convenient shortcuts than compelling developments. The story places heavy emphasis on the importance of children, yet the twins are underdeveloped, appearing only when the plot demands it. And the character assassination of Sarah is particularly egregious—Diana, as we knew her in the original trilogy, would never have let things play out as they do here. That said, there are bright spots. Baldwin continues to be a standout character, Ysabeau’s brief appearances are a joy, and Gwyneth is a welcome addition. The idea of a house like the Old Lodge is charming, even if the execution is lacking. Ultimately, The Black Bird Oracle isn’t a bad book, but it’s not a particularly strong one either. It reads like a lengthy novella that wasn’t trimmed down enough, leaving too many unresolved threads and an overall sense of stagnation. I’ll withhold final judgment until the next book, but for now, this one is best borrowed from the library rather than purchased. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/blog-post-title-one-xdbg8 monthly 0.5 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/1761403885607-SYNIN9XMWP6FR8QBY7U9/heartless+hunter.jpg Books I wish I could read again for the first time. - Heartless Hunter - ☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎ Heartless Hunter dropped me into a world where witches once ruled, then lost everything after a revolution, and now they’re hunted like criminals. The heroine Rune, is living a double life: sparkling socialite on the surface, undercover vigilante at night (queue Opalite by Taylor Swift). She’s smart, resourceful, and really good at acting like she doesn’t have a secret. Enter Gideon. Witch-hunter. A little too good at his job, and a little too broody. Also… the brother of Rune’s best friend, Alex. Their whole relationship exists in that delicious space between will they kiss or kill? It’s very fun to watch, if slightly stressful. The story moves quickly, there’s high society political maneuvering, undercover missions, masked meets-cute (if almost getting killed counts as cute), and plenty of tension-filled banter. The world-building is easy to see without slowing down the plot, and I genuinely liked rooting for Rune as she tried to outsmart every powerful person in the room. This book is delightful, and tropey. I love witches, secret identities, and forbidden romance, and this book delivers exactly that. My only small complaint is that a few twists reveal themselves a little early, and it’s clearly setting up for the duology’s second half , so don’t expect everything to tie up neatly. But overall, this book was fun, fast, romantic in a high-stakes way, and full of characters I’m excited to read more about in the next book. I’m absolutely picking up the sequel. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/category/historical+fiction monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/category/memoir monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/category/murder monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/category/romance monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/category/fantasy monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/category/horror monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/category/classics monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/category/fiction monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/category/nonfiction monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/category/thriller monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/category/autobiography monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/category/adventure monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/category/mystical monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/category/mystery monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/category/humor monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/category/action monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/tag/Aliens monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/tag/fantasy monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/tag/fiction monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/tag/witches monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/tag/vampires monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/tag/Romance monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/tag/Fiction monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-wish-i-could-read-again-for-the-first-time/tag/Science+Fiction monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending daily 0.75 2026-04-03 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/all-the-light-we-cannot-see monthly 0.5 2026-04-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/41ce82a2-148b-4b18-a7a0-90289330d063/all+the+light+we+cannot+see.jpg Books I keep recommending - All the Light We Cannot See - ☕︎☕︎☕︎ “We rise again in the grass. In the flowers. In songs.” Anthony Doerr spent ten years writing this book, and you can feel it on every page. The prose, like the title, is filled with a warm glow, and genuinely some of the most beautiful sentences composed in contemporary fiction. The story of Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a German soldier, converging in occupied Saint-Malo during World War II is structurally ambitious and often breathtaking. So why only three cups? Because for all its beauty, the book kept me at arm's length. The non-linear structure, jumping back and forth across hundreds of tiny chapters , creates a rhythm I found more exhausting than propulsive. By the midpoint, I was more in awe of the craft than invested in the characters. It's a book I'm glad I read. It's a book I'd recommend. It's also a book I finished feeling more admiration than love. And one that I have no interest in watching the show. Three cups: gorgeous, worthy, and just a little too in love with its own architecture. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/sharkheart monthly 0.5 2025-06-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/bf507ad2-944c-40a3-a598-a059706c5459/813BoW1Gx9L._SL1500_.jpg Books I keep recommending - Shark Heart - ☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎ “He was an aimless kite in search of a string to ground him to the world, but instead, he found Wren, a great, strong wind who supported his exploration of the sky.” This is one of the strangest, most beautiful books I’ve read in a very long time. It’s your typical love story—boy meets girl, girl falls in love, boy slowly morphs into a great white shark. But Shark Heart is anything but typical. Emily Habeck takes a surreal premise and somehow makes it feel tender, grounded, and emotionally true. The novel is an exploration of love in all its forms: romantic, familial, selfless, and painful. It’s about the impossibility of holding on, and the grace it takes to let go. Habeck’s poetic storytelling and rich, dreamlike imagery make the absurd feel intimate. You sit with Wren and Lewis in their home as they navigate his transformation—not just of body, but of identity, mortality, and meaning. You feel the weight of each choice, each memory, each fleeting moment of joy or grief. The magical realism never distracts—it deepens. This book is strange in the best way. It asks you to suspend disbelief not for spectacle, but for the sake of emotional honesty. And in doing so, it leaves you changed—just a little more tender, a little more open to the wild and unpredictable shapes love can take.. read it. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/the-nightingale monthly 0.5 2026-04-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/73d6f8a2-a5f0-42ee-a74c-c62cc4181b2b/the+nightingale+.jpg Books I keep recommending - The Nightingale - ☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎ “In love we find out who we want to be, in war we find out who we are.” Two sisters. Occupied France. A war that asks impossible things of ordinary people. Kristin Hannah takes a premise that could easily collapse under its own weight and makes it feel urgent, specific, and devastating. Vianne and Isabelle are so different from each other that watching them navigate the same impossible reality from opposite ends of courage is endlessly compelling. Vianne, trying to survive quietly and protect her daughter. Isabelle, burning to fight back at any cost. Both of them right. Both of them paying for it. But it was Isabelle's story that undid me in a particular way. She guides those escaping over the Pyrenees mountains into Spain, on foot, in winter, through terrain that does not forgive mistakes. I've been to that part of France, and I can tell you: they are staggering. Beautiful and brutal and vast in a way that makes you feel very small. Reading this book, I could not stop imagining it. This is the kind of historical fiction that makes you think about how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go. It forces you into the place. It is human. Hannah has a gift for making you feel the full weight of ordinary lives caught in extraordinary circumstances. Four cups: gutting, gripping, and impossible to put down. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/rockpaperscissors monthly 0.5 2025-02-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/717df26d-cde1-4891-ae91-4060bb677414/rock+paper+scissors.jpg Books I keep recommending - Rock Paper Scissors - ☕︎☕︎☕︎ In Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney, readers are drawn into a story of self-absorbed characters and unreliable narrators, making it a psychological thriller you won’t want to put down. The story centers around Adam and Amelia Wright, a married couple whose relationship is hanging by a thread. Adam is a narcissistic, workaholic screenwriter who is charming when it suits him but otherwise distant and self-absorbed. Adding to his complexities is his neurological condition, prosopagnosia, or face blindness, which makes it impossible for him to recognize distinguishing facial features—even his own. It’s a compelling narrative device, adding to the tension and unease as Adam’s perception of reality is inherently flawed. Amelia, on the other hand, is exhausted by her husband’s indifference. He doesn’t seem interested in her life, her job, or any social connections she may have. After failed counseling sessions, a weekend getaway is proposed as a last-ditch effort to salvage their marriage. When Amelia wins a raffle for a trip to a remote chapel in the Scottish Highlands, it feels like fate—or perhaps something more sinister. The old chapel they arrive at is foreboding and cold, both literally and emotionally. It’s isolated, drafty, and eerily decorated with their bedroom set up exactly as it is at home. There’s a freezer full of meals and a well-stocked wine cellar, but the storm outside is growing more menacing, and the chapel’s secrets are just as chilling. The novel alternates between three narrators: Adam, Amelia, and a mysterious third voice, “Robin.” Feeney masterfully doles out clues through these perspectives, building layers of suspense and leaving readers to question everyone’s motives. Robin’s identity and her connection to the Wrights are revealed with a twist I didn’t see coming, even though I thought I had a strong guess. Much of the novel is spent unraveling the characters' thoughts, making it more of a psychological exploration than an action-packed thriller. The stark, snowy landscape and the eerie chapel amplify the growing tension and sense of doom. While none of the characters are particularly likable, that doesn’t detract from the story’s intrigue. In fact, the selfishness and flaws of Adam and Amelia make them feel more authentic, if not exactly sympathetic. And Bob, the dog, might just be the most endearing character of all—don’t worry, no harm comes to him! It’s a slow start, but it has incredible build. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/blog-post-title-three-nbafk monthly 0.5 2025-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/1738359450922-UAMR4O2N544S7618DPFO/Vengeful+book.jpg Books I keep recommending - Vengeful - ☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎ “Maybe we are broken. But we put ourselves back together. We survived. That’s what makes us so powerful. And as for family—well, blood is always family, but family doesn’t always have to be blood...” If Vicious was a study in the creation of monsters, Vengeful takes those monsters and lets them loose. V.E. Schwab’s sequel to her gritty, super-powered revenge saga is a sharp, electrifying tale of ambition, power, and the thin line between hero and villain. The story picks up where Vicious left off, following Victor Vale and Eli Ever—two men bound by their past, their abilities, and their ever-escalating vendetta. But this time, the world of the ExtraOrdinaries expands, introducing new players like Marcella Riggins, a woman who refuses to be underestimated. Marcella is a force, wielding her newly acquired power with deadly precision, proving that ambition and vengeance make for a lethal combination. Schwab’s writing remains as razor-sharp as ever, effortlessly balancing multiple timelines and perspectives to weave a gripping narrative. The moral ambiguity that made Vicious so compelling is still at play—no one here is truly good or evil, just different shades of ruthless. Victor continues his struggle with his failing powers, Eli remains trapped in his warped sense of righteousness, and new characters bring even more complexity to the chaos. However, while Vengeful is an intense and immersive read, it doesn’t quite pack the same punch as its predecessor. The pacing can be uneven, with certain storylines dragging while others feel underdeveloped. Marcella is a standout character, but some of the other new additions don’t get the depth they deserve. And while the themes of power and revenge remain strong, the story doesn’t hit quite as hard emotionally as Vicious did. That said, Vengeful is still a thrilling ride. Schwab’s world-building is darkly fascinating, her characters are deeply flawed and endlessly compelling, and the action is relentless. If you loved Vicious, this sequel is absolutely worth the read—even if it doesn’t surpass the original. Final Verdict: 4/5. Not quite as sharp as Vicious, but still a wickedly entertaining exploration of power, https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/blog-post-title-four-5szgm monthly 0.5 2025-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/1738359435218-ANIRZ5FX07H5QFBGHWBC/encyclopedia+of+fairies.jpg Books I keep recommending - Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries - ☕︎☕︎☕︎ This book had me hooked from the premise alone: a grumpy scholar whose best friend is her dog heads north to do field research on faeries. Sign me up. And for the first two-thirds, I was completely on board. Cambridge professor Emily Wilde is a delightfully awkward, socially inept academic who'd rather observe faeries than interact with actual people (relatable). Her adventures in Ljosland, where she charms the local faeries while managing to irritate every human in sight, were fun and immersive. She even admits she's not great with people ("I was delighted to sit in the corner with my food and a book and speak to no one"), which, honestly, same. Then comes Wendell Bambleby, her colleague/competitor, sweeping in with his effortlessly charming demeanor and a gaggle of graduate students in tow. He's elegant, insufferably knowledgeable, and... not exactly what he claims to be. But even his secrets pale in comparison to the real trouble—the faeries of Ljosland are far more dangerous than Emily anticipates. Told through Emily’s journal entries, the book has a grumpy, academic tone that I loved. She can be a bit of a pedant, but the footnotes and folklore details were fascinating, and I admire her ability to keep her wits about her in life-or-death situations. Personally, I’d be panicking, not remembering to cry a sword of tears, but hey, good for her. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm started to wane once the romance ramped up. Emily and Wendell seem like they’d be much better off as friends, but instead, we get increasing sentimentality and an unnecessary shift in Emily’s character. Suddenly, she’s in distress, and the fiercely independent scholar I enjoyed so much gets sidelined. And once I was annoyed by that, I started noticing the historical inaccuracies—this is supposed to be 1909, but the characters act like modern academics, just with cloaks. Tenure and publishing pressures weren’t really a thing yet, and Cambridge didn’t even hire its first female professor until 1939—years before it even awarded degrees to women. Little things, but they add up. Would I read a sequel? Maybe. But do I need to own this one? Nope. Also, why do books about misanthropes always end with them suddenly discovering the joys of friendship and love? Let a grump stay grumpy! https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/tag/historical+fiction monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/tag/romance monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/tag/fantasy monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/tag/fiction monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/tag/vampires monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/tag/WWII monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/tag/Romance monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/tag/war monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/tag/thriller monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/tag/fae monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/tag/sisters monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/tag/suspense monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/tag/Favorite2025 monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/tag/mystery monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/tag/pulitzer monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/tag/Fantasy monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/tag/literary+fiction monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/tag/witchy monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-i-keep-recommending/tag/women monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/compostbin daily 0.75 2026-01-10 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/compostbin/blog-post-title-two-b6cce monthly 0.5 2026-01-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/71c749e4-1512-41b5-bd96-f4430588564d/Love+and+Other+Words.jpg Compost Bin - Love and Other Words - Make it stand out ☕︎☕︎☕︎ Macy and Elliot’s coming-of-age romance was genuinely beautiful. Their friendship evolving into something deeper, especially in the wake of Macy’s loss, was tender and well-paced. The alternating timelines between past and present worked wonderfully in showing just how deeply Elliot loved her, even if the ending later made me question parts of that devotion. Some of the emotional plot twists had real potential, and the story kept me turning pages. I finished it in under 24 hours, which is always a good sign. And as someone from a big, chaotic, loving Greek family, I especially enjoyed seeing Elliot’s nearly identical family dynamic on the page. Before you read, there is a moment where Elliot has a New Year’s Eve encounter with a female character. In the scene, he was too intoxicated to know who he was with, meaning he was too intoxicated to consent. If this had happened to a female character, it would clearly be recognized as sexual assault. The lack of acknowledgement or processing around that moment was a major misstep that took the story down for me. While not integral to the story, I think it’s a needed warning. Finally, the ending wrapped up far too quickly. This was a couple that needed time, healing, and maybe even therapy, not a rushed happily-ever-after. In my head, I’ve rewritten the ending with more nuance and space for healing, which makes it easier to accept. With a stronger conclusion and more consistent character work, this could have been excellent. As is, it was good… just not great. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/compostbin/blog-post-title-two-jmxyt monthly 0.5 2025-06-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/ed50e1a4-1da8-4980-9e8d-6ef64b3cb22e/71oBxCBe2yL._SL1500_.jpg Compost Bin - Yours Truly - ☕︎☕︎☕︎ I’ve been a sucker for soft reads the last few weeks. There’s a lot going on in the world, and fiction has become a resting place—something I can slip into while running errands, earbuds in, letting myself disappear into a totally different world. Yours Truly fit that need: gentle, comforting, and full of heart. Abby Jimenez explores love, anxiety, stress, confidence, chronic illness, and the quiet strength of women in leadership roles. There’s something refreshing about a romance where the characters care for each other emotionally in real, specific ways—like handwritten letters, quiet support, and the gift of giving without expecting anything in return. Still, I gave it three cups. While the story is undeniably sweet and well-intentioned, it felt a bit too tidy. Every messy emotion or irrational response was explained or solved, like discomfort couldn’t be left alone without a lesson. My only criticism is that sometimes it’s okay to let people just be—flawed, emotional, uncomfortable. That’s part of what makes us human. If you’re looking for a feel-good story with depth and heart (and a fake-dating twist), this is a lovely escape. But if you're someone who likes a little more emotional ambiguity or room for imperfection, this one might feel a touch too neat. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/compostbin/theweddingpeople monthly 0.5 2025-06-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/08602127-0bed-4cbf-afaa-2acb5960f7ec/91EReeJwIjL._SL1500_.jpg Compost Bin - The Wedding People - ☕︎☕︎ Okay, I know. This book is beloved. A hit. The one everyone insists you have to read—you’ll love it, they say. And I’ll be totally transparent: Even after I finished it, I still recommended it to a few close friends because I knew they would love it. And they did. But me? I didn’t. I really didn’t. This book was incredibly disappointing. It starts off with the main character—oh-woe-is-me Phoebe—heading to a resort to commit suicide. But the setup makes no sense. We’re told she’s a brilliant researcher with a PhD, and yet she decides to end her life with her cat’s leftover pills. Really? And she chooses to do this in a crowded resort, where the likelihood of traumatizing the staff is sky high, all while being supposedly reclusive and pandemic-shy. None of it tracked. The novel takes serious mental illness and renders it light and breezy, like something you could solve with a good walk, a mimosa, and a stranger’s pep talk. It tries to wrap trauma in whimsy, but it ends up feeling flippant and, frankly, careless. Phoebe’s depression and suicidal ideation are treated more like quirky character traits than the devastating, complex realities they are. It reads as if the book wants credit for tackling Big Topics, but it refuses to give them the emotional weight or grounding they deserve. There’s a huge difference between writing about mental illness with levity and reducing it to plot convenience. This book, for me, veered hard into the latter. And then, of course, Phoebe falls in love. Naturally. Because why wouldn’t a hot, charming, emotionally intelligent doctor—who’s literally getting married in a few days—fall head over heels for a woman he’s just met, who spends most of the book drunk, unbathed, and emotionally closed off? It’s not just that their connection is unrealistic—it’s that the novel asks us to root for it without doing the work. There’s no real development, no chemistry that feels earned. It’s just another trope layered onto a book that already doesn’t seem to know what it wants to be: a romance? a grief memoir? a satire? a redemption arc? It touches all those bases, but never actually rounds them. This book didn’t work for me on almost any level. The characters felt like sketches, the tone was uneven, and the plot teetered between implausible and absurd. I know people love it—it hits the sweet spot for readers who enjoy a little melancholy with their magical realism—but for me, it felt like a book that wanted to be profound without being honest. And that gap was too wide to cross. This book is bad. People really love it though. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/compostbin/blog-post-title-one-ywxmr monthly 0.5 2025-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/1738359592399-RAQ9AURQHIST6OW4PBB6/the+last+letter.jpg Compost Bin - The Last Letter - ☕︎☕︎ I don’t mind an emotional book. In fact, I welcome a story that makes me feel something deeply. But there’s a fine line between an emotional read and one that feels like an endurance test. The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros? It crossed that line, stomped on it, and then set it on fire. Even with the focus on a loved one’s death, I was oddly engaged in the beginning. The setup is compelling—Ella, a single mother, raising her twins after losing her brother in combat, and Beckett, the soldier who was her brother’s best friend, stepping in to fulfill a promise. The potential was there. Unfortunately, the sheer volume of suffering packed into this book eventually wore me down. Ella is a strong, protective mother, which I love in a protagonist. But her pride and absolute refusal to forgive make her incredibly frustrating. There’s stubborn, and then there’s cutting off your nose to spite your face. She’s the latter, and it makes for a reading experience that’s more exasperating than enjoyable. Then there’s Beckett. If there’s a word beyond honorable, that’s him. He does nothing but try to support Ella, her kids, and the community while honoring his promise to his fallen friend. And how is he repaid? By constantly being treated like he has "Please Kick Me" taped to his back. Watching him repeatedly internalize the idea that he’s unworthy of love is not just painful—it’s exhausting. And then there’s the ending. The absolute emotional overkill. Any enjoyment I had was buried under the weight of yet another tragedy. Some readers might find inspiration in the trials these characters endure, but for me, the journey was just too bleak to be worth it. The writing is solid, the characters had potential, but the relentless heartbreak? It made The Last Letter a book I wish I could return unopened. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/compostbin/tag/romance monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/compostbin/tag/heartbreak monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/compostbin/tag/contemporary monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/compostbin/tag/fiction monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-that-found-me-at-the-right-time daily 0.75 2026-01-10 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-that-found-me-at-the-right-time/sevenyearslip monthly 0.5 2025-09-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/ab585500-890a-4eb1-9992-80c352539ff4/Seven+Year+Slip.jpg Books that found me at the right time - The Seven Year Slip - ☕︎☕︎☕︎ “You never commit a mundane moment to memory, thinking it'll be the last time you'll hear their voice, or see their smile, or smell their perfume. Your head never remembers the things your heart wants to in hindsight.” There’s a lot going on in the world right now, and books like this are easy to settle into. The Seven Year Slip has such a fun premise—an apartment that slips through time, giving its tenants the chance to bump into their younger selves. I loved that the magic just exists without any attempt to explain it—it makes it feel more alive and whimsical. What really stood out to me was the writing itself. Ashley Poston has such a beautiful way with words—her phrasing, her imagery, and the way she handles big themes like grief, joy, and finding your place in the world all felt authentic and moving. I’ll definitely be picking up more of her books. I also loved the balance of magical realism with the very real challenges of life, work, and happiness. The story carries a strong message about staying true to who you are while also allowing yourself to grow and change. And of course, the romance. Clementine and Iwan were a joy to read. Her work in publishing and his career as a chef made for such a fun pairing. My only small critique is that the characters weren’t flawed enough to make them real. Their connection came together a little quickly, and I found myself wishing for just a couple more chapters to deepen the relationship. Overall, this was a beautifully written, cozy read. Not perfect, but absolutely worth the time. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-that-found-me-at-the-right-time/theimpossiblelife monthly 0.5 2025-02-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/97836486-5388-4f71-8dd6-4f8beb323f4c/71vZgyo6RjL.jpg Books that found me at the right time - The Impossible Life - ☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎ “People say that love is rare. I am not so sure. What is rare is something even more desirable. Understanding. There is no point in being loved if you are not understood. They are simply loving an idea of you they have in their mind. They are in love with love. They are in love with their loving. To be understood. And not only that, but to be understood and appreciated once understood. That is what matters.” Matt Haig once again crafts a story that stays with you long after the final page. Like his other works, The Impossible Life is full of magical realism that keeps you guessing at every turn. I never quite knew where the plot was headed, but that unpredictability made it all the more exciting. One of the book’s highlights is its many references to legendary musicians and bands—Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, The Carpenters, and The Cure. For a music lover, these nods were a delightful addition, and they added emotional weight to the story’s more introspective moments. I particularly appreciated the mention of The Cure, whose underrated tracks brought their own kind of magic to the narrative. While the book was compelling overall, it wasn’t flawless. The first 30% flew by with incredible pacing and intrigue, but the story did lose some momentum later on, and a few themes became repetitive. Some readers might find the sections about ecology and environmental protection a bit heavy-handed or slow, but I respected Haig’s passion for the subject. Haig’s writing, as always, is heartfelt. Even if you don’t agree with all his perspectives, there’s no denying the sincerity behind his messages. Some may find the novel slightly preachy at points, but the core concept was thoughtful and well-executed. For those willing to dive in with an open mind and heart, The Impossible Life is a thought-provoking read with plenty of emotional and fantastical surprises. It may not be perfect, but its blend of music, magic, and meaningful themes makes it well worth your time. https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-that-found-me-at-the-right-time/tag/magical+realism monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-that-found-me-at-the-right-time/tag/fantasy monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-that-found-me-at-the-right-time/tag/fiction monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/books-that-found-me-at-the-right-time/tag/growth monthly 0.5 https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/sidebar daily 0.75 2025-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/165e13d4-0f1f-49a0-b9ba-6b7bfafe533c/C4FA5F98-2576-4105-9DF1-2FB748ACC2AA.JPEG https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/822dff78-2adb-4dfc-90c4-730a37bb4b3a/Video+Script+Docs+Banner+in+Indigo+Pink+Bold+Style.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/8f33904a-9731-4e5a-a8d5-0dc25ab510a9/2.jpg https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/read daily 0.75 2026-01-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/1738359009842-5MONR0DWRL9X1HAODRGE/toa-heftiba-ip9R11FMbV8-unsplash.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/73e9e6b0-a6c3-4e3c-846f-904c90c39132/hans-jurgen-weinhardt-FZ5nx86tP2U-unsplash.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/b69036fd-7c3b-4d98-b738-cd5142029827/olena-bohovyk-Ft_Wn-K5YH8-unsplash.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/cc2d8385-511e-4c2a-85f0-1da2c2ea8726/justin-aikin-5SslpF5zdBw-unsplash.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/1738538109961-42ONGIVV811IMX0EPWUY/florencia-viadana-1J8k0qqUfYY-unsplash.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/ce4dc2da-5833-4246-987e-2b19cb18b400/ksenia-makagonova-LuK-MuZ-yf0-unsplash.jpg https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/home daily 1.0 2026-01-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/1740888838141-AY8YZK7C96O7TBJI55WC/A1vl2gOlmAL._SL1500_.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/1740781993996-6LLF97NPQ6595J7AAF6J/81eWtkEao%2BL._SL1500_.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/4a529b06-1499-4d0b-9ce1-d2c912542c3e/donatella-d-anniballe-1Q6qGGBduY4-unsplash.jpg Home https://www.anastasiamorgan.com/story daily 0.75 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67802be72a70f84f32ff618a/94dbd1f2-2e17-4a7b-adb8-5a5196f8b07b/morganfamily25-6060.jpg