The Secret Life of Writing

If I ever felt entrapped by a book, Berlin Syndrome by Melanie Joosten made sure it made the top of the list. I was drawn to this novel after watching the film version on Netflix and reading about the reviews. I found that every single book review on Berlin Syndrome noted how the two were completely different stories in a way (especially in regard to the ending), but NO ONE told me how! Curiosity got the best of me, and I am extremely glad it did. However, for those who also watched the film, be prepared to feel tortured as well for I refuse to be the first reviewer to give away spoilers on this novel. At the beginning, and based off the synopsis, I immediately connected Joosten's work to Stolen by Lucy Christopher. While the basis is similar, the overall story was told in two completely different styles which is very impressive to someone who has read very few kidnapping (I use the term lightly) pieces. Joosten's novel tells the story through both Clare and Andi's per...

If you also feel like music is the soul of the people who wrote and/or play it, Tess Gerritsen's Playing with Fire might captivate you like it did me. Similar to my last few book reviews, this review will not include any spoilers. However, unlike the others, I was drawn to this book as an impulse buy during a chocolate-and-soda run. Paired side-by-side with the present and past, the reader is viewing two separate thrillers that cause a wide range of emotions. While my interest stayed mainly with the past (I am a huge history buff and WWII-impact stories always keep me enthralled), the constant question of what the possible connection outside of the music could be between the two stories had me reading the novel in one sitting. I can honestly say I was not disappointed in how it turned out. I admit that I enjoyed reading the past part of the novel the most and could have read it as a stand-alone; however, there is the beautiful tie-up at the end that I honestly feel makes the w...