A Chest Full of Words is a fun and engaging picture book that teaches children the joy of discovering new words, understanding their meanings, and using them correctly. A lovely read for school-going children who are building their vocabulary.
Velda’s Surprise Picnic is a colorful and engaging picture book for toddlers that celebrates friendship, togetherness, and the joy of gathering rather than striving for perfection.
An American-Chinese girl travels to Taipei to learn Chinese, but her journey becomes much more than a language experience. Through Lily’s story, the book explores Taiwanese culture, Chinese history, family, identity and the differences between Mainland China and Taiwan. A story of cultural discovery, personal history and finding more about yourself through your family.
Prajakta Koli’s Too Good to Be True has a promising premise about a bookstore girl and a millionaire, but the story ultimately felt like a typical rom-com without much depth. With limited character development and few meaningful subplots, this one unfortunately didn’t work for me.
Taiwan Travelogue by Yang Shuang-zi beautifully explores Taiwan through its places, people, culture, dialects, traditions and food. I enjoyed the writing and the way the changing culture is described, though at times the detailed focus on food felt more like reading a cookbook.
This Writing Business by Susan Elkin is an honest and inspiring memoir about her journey from elementary school teacher to successful writer and journalist. Offering a glimpse into the pre-digital world of journalism and freelancing, the book explores hard work, persistence, writing discipline and the patience required to build a career. A thoughtful read for aspiring writers and anyone looking for motivation to pursue their goals.
The Perfect Gift by Sarah Bennett is a light and charming read set in a beautiful seaside town, where a film shoot brings celebrities, new friendships and unexpected complications to the community. With themes of love, family, stalking and finding where you belong, this is an enjoyable small-town story—though its simple ending left me wanting a little more.
Book review of Bookish People by Susan Coll
Book review of the seaside bookclub by Helen Rolfe
Book review of Not Safe for Work by Radhika Agrawal
Tales I read. Tales I live. Tales I write.
