Katie's Books

I bought this book in the Madison airport on my way to Toronto for the Eras Tour, after realizing I left the other novel I was reading at home. I've read other Lauren Groff novels so I was encouraged I'd like this one, but was concerned because the blurb said the book was "part historical, part horror, part thriller, part survival tale..." I wasn't so sure about the horror and thriller elements but suspected the overall positivity of the rest of my trip could counteract anything I read on the plane which made me uneasy. I had nothing to worry about because The Vaster Wilds is full of life and energy and while I know what plot elements could be described as horror/thrilling, I disagree. This is a story about a strong girl, her will to live, and the awe-inspiring ways nature wills life forward despite inevitable deaths. The time period in which this book is set is clearly stated, but it felt timeless in most places and I easily forgot the historical setting. The gir...

This book is beautifully written, made me want to be part of the characters' world, and leaves the reader with questions about the nature of friendship and truth. In many ways, Shakespeare's Kitchen feels "of a different time" because everyone is so happy in academia. The community of support the characters enjoy feels permanent, constant, and totally tenured much like their positions. Once I realized it was set in academia, I worried it would wax poetic or present too Hallmarky, but never once did I feel it was too saccharine. The ups and downs, relationships and winding paths taken by the characters are those that anyone can experience in any walk of life, not just those in academia. Because of this, these characters and their stories came alive for me. The stories are funny, sad, wistful, curious, and fun.  However, there was a revelation near the end that I didn't love. It felt too predictable. I didn't see it coming but once it came it seemed like "o...