Book Review: Educated by Tara Westover

Title: Educated

Author: Tara Westover

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir
Pages: 352

Publisher: Random House

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"One of the most acclaimed books of our time: an unforgettable memoir about a young woman who, kept out of school, leaves her survivalist family and goes on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University.

Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, Tara Westover was seventeen the first time she set foot in a classroom. Her family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education, and no one to intervene when on of Tara's older brothers became violent. When another brother got himself into college,  Tara decided to try a new kind of life. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge University. Only then would she wonder if she'd traveled too far, if there was still a way home."

My Rating: 4/5

I had heard about this book when it was first published, but it kept getting pushed back on my TBR, and I was urged to read it after reading Yesteryear. The similarities (not social media-wise) were astounding. The use of language surrounding women, feminism, abuse, etc., was astounding. The gaslighting and manipulation that Tara Westover overcame in her hunt for knowledge and a life outside the one she knew reminds us not to take our ability to learn, research and hunt for information for granted. Her story, while heart-wrenching at times, is an important read, especially in a changing society. I would warn those with past trauma to look into trigger warnings for the book, as it is very forthcoming with her life. Finally, I have heard that her family has spoken out about the book. My simple comment is: if they were willing to gaslight and manipulate their own flesh and blood, what would stop them from doing it to the greater public? 

Sidny

Book Review: Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith by Jon Krakauer

Title: Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith

Author: Jon Krakauer

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, True Crime, History

Pages: 432

Publisher: Anchor Books

Year Published: 2003

Format: Audiobook

"A Story of Violent Faith

A multilayered, bone-chilling narrative of messianic delusion, savage violence, polygamy, and unyielding faith. This is vintage Krakauer, an utterly compelling work of nonfiction that illuminates an otherwise confounding realm of human behavior.

Jon Krakauer's literary reputation rests on insightful chronicles of lives conducted at the outer limits. In Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith, he shifts his focus from extremes of physical adventure to extremes of religious belief within our own borders. At the core of his book is an appalling double murder committed by two Mormon Fundamentalist brothers, Ron and Dan Lafferty, who insist they received a revelation from God commanding them to kill their blameless victims. Beginning with a meticulously researched account of this "divinely inspired" crime, Krakauer constructs a multilayered, bone-chilling narrative of messianic delusion, savage violence, polygamy, and unyielding faith. Along the way, he uncovers a shadowy offshoot of America's fastest-growing religion, and raises provocative questions about the nature of religious belief. 

Krakauer takes readers inside isolated communities in the American West, Canada, and Mexico, where some forty-thousand Mormon Fundamentalists believe the mainstream Mormon Church went unforgivably astray when it renounced polygamy. Defying both civil authorities and the Mormon establishment in Salt Lake City, the leaders of these outlaw sects are zealots who answer only to God. Marrying prodigiously and with virtual impunity (the leader of the largest fundamentalist church took seventy-five "plural wives," several of whom were wed to him when they were fourteen or fifteen and he was in his eighties), fundamentalist prophets exercise absolute control over the lives of their followers, and preach that any day now the world will be swept clean in a hurricane of fire, sparing only their most obedient adherents. 

Weaving the story of the Lafferty brothers and their fanatical brethren with a clear-eyed look at Mormonism's violent past, Krakauer examines the underbelly of the most successful homegrown faith in the United States, and finds a distinctly American brand of religious extremism. The result is vintage Krakauer, an utterly compelling work of nonfiction that illuminates an otherwise confounding realm of human behavior."

My Rating: 1.5/5

This book has made me think about how I go into reading. Normally, I am not one to read the descriptions of books, as I feel they often give away too much or set my expectations up in a way that are not met. But lately, for nonfiction reads, I have found myself surprised time and time again about what I end up reading, not normally in biographies or memoirs, though. For this reason, I've decided I am going to read the descriptions of books before beginning to read them. 

For example, I heard about this book online somewhere in relation to cults. After reading, I can see why it was put on the list it was in relation to cults, but it is more of a deep dive into Mormonism, the sects, and the continued beliefs that include or surround the religion. This is not what I thought I would be reading. I also didn't realize that it was quite so graphic with the crimes of the Lafferty brothers. As of right now, I don't know who I would recommend this book to, but I'm sure it is for someone, just not me. 

Finally, the layout of this novel was well done. Switching between the past of the religion and leading to the present (at the time of publication), we do see the direct correlation and cause and effect; that being said, in audiobook format it was sometimes disorienting. 

Sidny

Book Review: The Smiling Land: All Around the Circle in My Newfoundland and Labrador

Title: The Smiling Land: All Around the Circle in My Newfoundland and Labrador

Author: Alan Doyle

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir, Travel, Canada

Pages: 264

Publisher: Doubleday Canada

Year Published: 2025

Format: Audiobook

"From one of Canada's most beloved and celebrated Newfoundlanders comes a rollicking insider's guide to the province, told as only Alan Doyle can tell it.

Few Canadian musicians or authors are as synonymous with their home province as Alan Doyle is with Newfoundland. And now Alan wants to introduce the rest of the world to his home, taking readers on a freewheeling, eclectic trip through the province. From Fogo island to the Southwest Coast, Labrador to Ferryland and everywhere in-between, Alan's Newfoundland awaits.

There are plenty of stops along the way to admire the sites and take in the history and culture. Among the stops, a discussion of Newfoundland's eccentric place names, which include Horse Chops Island, Bread and Cheese Cove, and the (in)famous, Dildo. There are visits to wind-swept coastlines and towering crags, former Beothuk, Viking and Basque settlements, as well as more recent settlements, such as Foley's Shed, a jaunty live-music pub that- as its name suggests, happens to be located in some guy named Foley's shed. There are savvy insider tips, such as how to score fish and chips and a free ride by hopping into the delivery person's car as they deliver your food to your desired destination. And what tour of Alan's Newfoundland could be complete without a short history of what can best be described as 'icebregs that look like things,' an illustrious history that includes an exact replica of the Virgin Mary that once washed into St. John's harbour, and the most recent- and ar less holy- 'Dickie Berg,' which made international headlines for looking like... well, not the Virgin Mary."

My Rating: 5/5

This is the third book I've read by Alan Doyle, and boy, I wish I had read it before my trip to Newfoundland last year. This year my in-laws took a trip and they had read the book. My mother-in-law recommended it, and I loved every moment. Given the opportunity, I would love to follow this book around the circle to explore Newfoundland, which is such a special place. 

Sidny

Book Review: The Kraken's Sacrifice by Katee Robert

Title: The Kraken's Sacrifice

Author: Katee Robert

Series/Standalone: A Deal With a Demon (Book #2)

Genre: Monster Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal

Pages: 182

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2022

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Catalina only made her deal with the demon because she had nowhere else to go. The world has kicked her every chance it got, so she's all too happy to leave the realm she knows behind. What's the worst that could happen?

She doesn't anticipate being auctioned away to a kraken. 

Thane is cold and distant... but he's not unkind. Isolated as they are, Catalina finds herself seeking his company again and again. And when she finally agrees to uphold her portion of the bargain?

That's when things get really interesting.

But she only gave the demon seven years, and when the time is up, she'll have no choice but to leave behind the kraken who's stolen her heart and return to the world that doesn't want her."

My Rating: 3/5

This book follows Catalina, a girl who has some of the lowest self-esteem I've read about who sells 7 years of her life to a bargaining demon in exchange for riches. She's then given to a kraken king who has trauma of his own. They become a couple who has issues to work through, and did a mention, he's mostly made of tentacles? Don't worry they place a role. I enjoyed this book more than the first book in the series, it felt more romantic, less smutty. I'm excited to try the next one which is about a gargoye.

Sidny

Book Review: The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey

Title: The Au Pair Affair

Author: Tessa Bailey

Series/Standalone: Big Shots Series (Book #2)

Genre: Romance, Sports, Contemporary, Adult Fiction 

Pages: 384

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2024

Format: Audiobook

"A sports rom-com about a burly, surly, single dad who falls head-over-hockey-stick for his quirky live-in nanny...

Tallulah is smart, vivacious and studying to be a marine biologist. She's also twenty-six and broke. So when Burgess, a battle-scarred hockey veteran and newly single dad, offers her a job as his live-in nanny, she jumps at the opportunity to get paid while living in a super fancy neighborhood and being around Lissa, his cool but introverted tween.

Her tween charge isn't the only one who could use some help fitting in, though. According to... well, everyone except Burgess, he needs to get back on the dating scene, and adventurous Tallulah is just the girl to show him how. But as boundaries are slowly crossed and Burgess finds himself pulled between his daughter, who wants her parents back together, and his insane chemistry with Tallulah, a huge rift is formed, and Tallulah does the "right" thing- breaks her own heart and walks away.

Though Burgess knows it's for the best- he's too jaded, with too much baggage- a chance meeting, and a new push from his daughter, forces him to put everything on the line and fight to prove he learned his lessons well and is worthy of a happily ever after with Tallulah."

My Rating: 5/5

I found this second book in the series far more to my liking than the first one. Could that be because it was hockey rather than golf? Maybe. Could it be because it was a single dad? Definitely. While there was one instance I wasn't a huge fan of, overall I loved the book. The smut was well written, the characters were dynamic and interesting and the plot had stakes.

Sidny

Book Review: Devout by David Archuleta

Title: Devout

Author: David Archuleta

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Memoirs, Nonfiction

Pages: 288

Publisher: Gallery Books

Year Published: 2026

Format: Audiobook (Library)

"Three years ago American Idol alum and pop star David Archuleta found himself on the floor of his apartment, suicidal, riddled with anxiety, and pleading to a god he was no longer sure even existed. It was a crisis of faith and identity, but it was also a turning point for a man who grew up queer in the Mormon church with severe anxiety and constantly under the pressure of his overbearing manager of a father. After that night, David vowed to be his authentic self.

Of course, the journey to authenticity is never easy, which is the story Archuleta shares in Devout. From his childhood growing up in the Mormon church, to allegations of sexual abuse against his father and step-grandfather, to his time on American Idol, and how the show runners and producers mistreated their young contestants. Archuleta's memoir is filled with earnest, revelatory anecdotes from his fascinating personal and public lives. 

Not just for Archuleta's myriad fans, Devout is a universal story of hope, told with sincerity and humility. It's a salve for anyone who's felt different, questioned their faith, felt they were living inauthentically. Most importantly, its a story for anyone who's had to break yourself down in order to rebuild yourself stronger than ever, and that's everyone."

My Rating: 4/5

This book really follows David Archuleta's changing faith, confusing childhood and how the industry really treats guardians and their children. It also showcases how the industry turns a blind eye to the abuse that may be going on behind the scenes. I read this book incredibly fast because I was curious about how long he remained with the church, how he came out ,etc. I would recommend if you are someone hoping to come out within the Mormon church, or if you're wondering how his life was before, after or during Idol. 

Sidny

Review: Cults Like Us: Why Doomsday Thinking Drives America by Jane Borden

Title: Cults Like Us

Author: Jane Borden

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, History

Pages: 304

Publisher: Atria

Year Published: 2025

Format: Audiobook (Library)

"Since the Mayflower sidled up to Plymouth Rock, cult ideology- whether among the Mormons and Oneidans of old or LuLaRoe and NXIVM today- has been ingrained in the DNA of the United States. In this eye-opening book, Jane Borden argues that we got this way because we always were.

Puritan doomsday belief never went away; it just went secular and became American culture. From our fascination with cowboys and superheroes to our undying love for capitalism and violence, and our obsessions with advertising, hard work, and self-help, the United States remains a breeding ground for cult-like thinking. With compelling insight, Borden uncovers the American history you didn't get in school, including how these ideas still brainwash us today and make us a nation of easy marks for con artists and strong men. Along the way, she highlights some of the most infamous cults in this country- including the Branch Davidians and Love Has Won- as integral parts of our psyche and reflections of their times."

My Rating: 3.5/5

As someone who often watches information about cults, I find their beginning fascinating. This book, much as the summary suggests, leans on America's history to help explain why certain cults grew in America, how day-to-day thinking can be led back to the Puritans, and how it relates to cult like thinking/ behaviour. I liked that the author was quick-witted and didn't just drone about the facts, but made jokes and used a dry sense of humour to keep the points connected. It did feel as though it dragged at certain points, but that could also be because I was listening to it on audio rather than reading it with my eyes. Would recommend if you're curious, but you may want to pick up a physical copy.

Sidny

Book Review: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

Title: Yesteryear

Author: Caro Claire Burke

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Satire

Pages: 400

Publisher: Knopf

Year Published: 2026

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

"My name was Natalie Heller Mills, and I was perfect at being alive.

Natalie lives a traditional lifestyle. Her charming farmhouse is rustic, her husband a handsome cowboy, her six children each more delightful than the last. So what if there are nannies and producers behind the scenes, her kitchen hiding industrial-grade fridges and ovens, her husband the heir to a political dynasty? What Natalie's followers- all 8 million of them- don't know won't hurt them. And The Angry Women? The privileged, Ivy League, coastal elite haters who call her an antifeminist iconoclast? They're sick with jealousy. Because Natalie isn't simply living the good life, she's living the ideal- and just so happens to be building an empire from it. 

Until one morning she wakes up in a life that isn't hers. Her home, her husband, her children- they're all familiar, but something's off. Her kitchen is warmed by a sputtering fire rather than electricity, her children are dirty and strange, and her soft-handed husband is suddenly a competent farmer. Just yesterday Natalie was curating photos of homemade jam for her Instagram, and now she's expected to haul firewood and handwash clothes until her fingers bleed. Has she become the unwitting star of a ruthless reality show? Could it really be time travel? Is she being tested by God? By Satan? When Natalie suffers a brutal injury in the woods, she realizes two things: This is not her beautiful life, and she must escape by any means possible.

A gripping, electrifying novel that is as darkly funny as it is frightening. Yesteryear is a gimlet-eyed look at tradition, fame, faith, and the grand performance of womanhood."

My Rating: 5/5

This is one of those books that has changed me. We follow our main character, Natalie, who is what most would describe as a Trad Wife Influencer. On her farm, which she definitely paid for by herself and runs only with her family (except for that she doesn't). One day she wakes up in a world she doesn't recognize. Things are similar, but not the same. Her house is hers but also not (all signs of modern technology/advancements). I had heard about this book everywhere: social media, bookstores, my friends on Goodreads. EVERYWHERE. I thought to myself, how good could it really be? It was great, one of those books that you know will change you. I'm gonna be thinking about all the messaging, the uncomfortable and obvious, the hidden and more. 

Sidny

Book Review: Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey

Title: Fangirl Down

Author: Tessa Bailey

Series/Standalone: Big Shots Series (Book #1)

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, Adult Fiction

Pages: 380    

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2024

Format: Audiobook (Library Copy)

"Wells Whitaker was once golf's hottest rising star, but lately, all he has to show for his 'promising' career is a killer hangover, a collection of broken clubs, and one remaining supporter. No matter how bad he plays, the beautiful, sunny redhead is always on the sidelines. He curses, she cheers. He scowls, she smiles. But when Wells quits in a blaze of glory and his fangirl finally goes home, he knows he made the greatest mistake of his life. 

Josephine Doyle believed in the gorgeous, grumpy golfer, even when he didn't believe in himself. Yet after her throws in the towel, she begins to wonder if her faith was misplaced. Then a determined Wells shows up at her door with a wild proposal: be his new caddy, help him turn his game around, and split the prize money. And considering Josephine's professional and personal life is in shambles, she could really use the cash. 

As they travel together, spending days on the green and nights in the neighboring hotel rooms, sparks fly. Before long, they're inseparable, Wells starts winning again, and Josephine is surprised to find a sweet, thoughtful guy underneath his gruff, growly exterior. This hot man wants to brush her hair, feed her snacks, and take bubble baths together? Is this real life? But Wells is technically her boss, and an athlete falling for his fangirl would be ridiculous.. right?"

My Rating: 4/5

This book follows Josephine Doyle, who is a diabetic golf expert, which no one would expect. A self-proclaimed fangirl, and sunshine trope personified. Wells Whittaker is a grumpy trope character who fell from an all-time high in their career to rock bottom in the blink of an eye. He's also a jerk. For more than half of the book, I couldn't stand his tone, his narration, etc. The spice was good; it was surprising, but I don't think I like the narrator on these. We'll try the next one in the series and see how it's going.

Sidny

Book Review: Girl with the Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

Title: Girl with the Pearl Earring

Author: Tracy Chevalier

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult Fiction, Classic

Pages: 240

Publisher: Plume Books

Year Published: 1999

Format: Audiobook

"Winner of the 2000 Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Award! Alex Award winner! Tracy Chevalier transports readers to a bygone time and place in this richly imagined portrait of the young woman who inspired one of Vermeer's most celebrated paintings. History and fiction merge seamlessly in this luminous novel about artistic vision and sensual awakening. Girl with a Pearling Earring tells the story of sixteen-year-old Griet, whose life is transformed by her brief encounter with genius... even as she herself is immortalized in canvas and oil. "

My Rating: 2.5/5

This book was very short, quick and interesting. It painted (get it) a different time, and the idea that this story is about the girl in the painting is what drew me to it. I found that this book was just ok. Interesting in setting, fascinating in idea and I'm sure if you were an art history buff you would enjoy it. I'm just not. 

Sidny