#miaoreads — Public Fediverse posts

I finished my 100th book of the year!

White Robes and Broken Badges, audiobook. The memoir of Joe Moore, who infiltrated the KKK and exposed members of the group who were, big surprise, connected with law enforcement. Definitely worth reading although I have such a visceral negative reaction to the subject that I felt nauseous throughout.

#MiaoReads #Reading

I finished my 100th book of the year!

White Robes and Broken Badges, audiobook. The memoir of Joe Moore, who infiltrated the KKK and exposed members of the group who were, big surprise, connected with law enforcement. Definitely worth reading although I have such a visceral negative reaction to the subject that I felt nauseous throughout.

#MiaoReads #Reading

I finished nineteen books in June. I wish this meant I felt less of an urge to read as much as possible. It is all-consuming. There were several excellent books this month that deserve posts of their own.

- Hostage by Eli Sharabi, written shortly after he was freed from Hamas captivity; haunting, horrific, and also reflecting his incredible strength of will. He published it mere months after he was freed, in large part to advocate for the remaining hostages. Despite his condition after 491 days in captivity in unthinkable conditions, he devoted himself to advocating for the other hostages. The book is also dedicated to the memory of his murdered wife and two teenage daughters, and his brother who was also abducted on October 7.

Really nothing I have read can compare to that book in terms of real life stakes and significance.

#Bookstodon #Reading #MiaoReads #Books

I finished nineteen books in June. I wish this meant I felt less of an urge to read as much as possible. It is all-consuming. There were several excellent books this month that deserve posts of their own.

- Hostage by Eli Sharabi, written shortly after he was freed from Hamas captivity; haunting, horrific, and also reflecting his incredible strength of will. He published it mere months after he was freed, in large part to advocate for the remaining hostages. Despite his condition after 491 days in captivity in unthinkable conditions, he devoted himself to advocating for the other hostages. The book is also dedicated to the memory of his murdered wife and two teenage daughters, and his brother who was also abducted on October 7.

Really nothing I have read can compare to that book in terms of real life stakes and significance.

#Bookstodon #Reading #MiaoReads #Books

I finished sixteen books in May, mostly audio.

Some highlights:
- finished book four of the Bone Season by Samantha Shannon, a dystopian near-futuristic fantasy; fast-paced and interesting, I’m liking the series more as I go along;
- A day of fallen night: magnificent and epic, I love it as much as I love The Priory of the Orange Tree, which is to say a lot;
- Not your all-American girl: a heartwarming middle grade book about a Jewish Chinese American girl in the 1980s denied a leading role in a school musical because of bigotry; perfect collaboration between authors Madelyn Rosenberg and Wendy Wan-Long Shang;
- five middle grade novels total; the Sherlock Society by James Ponti was also good, an intelligent and fun little mystery adventure;
- The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo: a solid fantasy set in Spain of the Inquisition with a converso main character.

Overall, May had a higher proportion of books I enjoyed than usual.

#MiaoReads #Bookstodon #Reading #Books

I finished sixteen books in May, mostly audio.

Some highlights:
- finished book four of the Bone Season by Samantha Shannon, a dystopian near-futuristic fantasy; fast-paced and interesting, I’m liking the series more as I go along;
- A day of fallen night: magnificent and epic, I love it as much as I love The Priory of the Orange Tree, which is to say a lot;
- Not your all-American girl: a heartwarming middle grade book about a Jewish Chinese American girl in the 1980s denied a leading role in a school musical because of bigotry; perfect collaboration between authors Madelyn Rosenberg and Wendy Wan-Long Shang;
- five middle grade novels total; the Sherlock Society by James Ponti was also good, an intelligent and fun little mystery adventure;
- The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo: a solid fantasy set in Spain of the Inquisition with a converso main character.

Overall, May had a higher proportion of books I enjoyed than usual.

#MiaoReads #Bookstodon #Reading #Books

I finished seventeen books in April, including rereading Owl at Home. They were mostly audiobooks.

Highlights:
- All or nothing, Vale by Andrea Beatriz Arango, a novel in verse about a middle school fencing champion who experiences a life-changing injury and chronic pain. I read it in Spanish but it was originally written in English.

- the book of parsha essays for Exodus/Shemot by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. Excellent down to every word. I am woefully behind on keeping up with the essays through this year’s parsha cycle.

- Cemetery boys by Aiden Thomas. YA fantasy with a contemporary setting. Not nearly as dark as the setting and premise might suggest.

#Reading #Bookstodon #MiaoReads #Books

I finished seventeen books in April, including rereading Owl at Home. They were mostly audiobooks.

Highlights:
- All or nothing, Vale by Andrea Beatriz Arango, a novel in verse about a middle school fencing champion who experiences a life-changing injury and chronic pain. I read it in Spanish but it was originally written in English.

- the book of parsha essays for Exodus/Shemot by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. Excellent down to every word. I am woefully behind on keeping up with the essays through this year’s parsha cycle.

- Cemetery boys by Aiden Thomas. YA fantasy with a contemporary setting. Not nearly as dark as the setting and premise might suggest.

#Reading #Bookstodon #MiaoReads #Books

I loved so much about The Library of the Unwritten by A.J. Hackwith but it didn’t quite sparkle for me. Still, it’s a good read especially if you’re in the mood for an underworld journey and a really interesting take on the relationships of authors to their books.

#MiaoReads #Bookstodon #Reading #Books #BookReview

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/e1060b44-d529-43ca-a681-8499ec7755db

I loved so much about The Library of the Unwritten by A.J. Hackwith but it didn’t quite sparkle for me. Still, it’s a good read especially if you’re in the mood for an underworld journey and a really interesting take on the relationships of authors to their books.

#MiaoReads #Bookstodon #Reading #Books #BookReview

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/e1060b44-d529-43ca-a681-8499ec7755db

Angelica and the Bear Prince by Trung Le Nguyen (author of the Magic Fish) was beautifully rendered and heartwarming. Highly recommended!

#MiaoReads #Books #Bookstodon #GraphicNovels #Reading #BookReview

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/eb3f09c9-600b-45cc-aab5-14efdb9290bf

Angelica and the Bear Prince by Trung Le Nguyen (author of the Magic Fish) was beautifully rendered and heartwarming. Highly recommended!

#MiaoReads #Books #Bookstodon #GraphicNovels #Reading #BookReview

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/eb3f09c9-600b-45cc-aab5-14efdb9290bf

So many books! I need to write my reflections the day of or soon after I finish or I really lose momentum and fall so far behind. I have finished 41 books this year and I still need to write reflections for almost half of them. 😅 #MiaoReads

So many books! I need to write my reflections the day of or soon after I finish or I really lose momentum and fall so far behind. I have finished 41 books this year and I still need to write reflections for almost half of them. 😅 #MiaoReads

I read fewer books and fewer pages in February by quite a bit! I’m not sure what happened. Less listening time might be less time doing chores or walking places. Only ten books!

Some highlights:
- Blood in the water by Tiffany D Jackson was a great middle grade thriller
- I re-listened to The Priory of the Orange Tree and confirmed for myself that I love it so much.
- Finally read October Daye book 18. I was afraid of changing POV characters after so many books but as always with Seanan McGuire, I shouldn’t have worried.

#MiaoReads #Books #Bookstodon #Reading

I read fewer books and fewer pages in February by quite a bit! I’m not sure what happened. Less listening time might be less time doing chores or walking places. Only ten books!

Some highlights:
- Blood in the water by Tiffany D Jackson was a great middle grade thriller
- I re-listened to The Priory of the Orange Tree and confirmed for myself that I love it so much.
- Finally read October Daye book 18. I was afraid of changing POV characters after so many books but as always with Seanan McGuire, I shouldn’t have worried.

#MiaoReads #Books #Bookstodon #Reading

Adding another re-reading goal: Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit

#MiaoReads

Adding another re-reading goal: Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit

#MiaoReads

I thought I would love When the tides held the moon by Venessa Vida Kelley. I didn’t. It was okay, but kind of contrived and the naive or selfish main character grated on me. Also, in a book that seemed to go out of its way to acknowledge immigrant experiences in early twentieth century NYC, the lack of even a brief acknowledgment that Jewish girls were the primary victims of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire was striking. If I overlooked such a mention, I would be delighted - please correct me.

The cover art is gorgeous. I will always fall for gorgeous cover art.

#Books #Bookstodon #MiaoReads #StoryGraph #Fantasy #Reading

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/4ca0c6c9-383c-443b-bbd6-6f629b802efb?redirect=true

I thought I would love When the tides held the moon by Venessa Vida Kelley. I didn’t. It was okay, but kind of contrived and the naive or selfish main character grated on me. Also, in a book that seemed to go out of its way to acknowledge immigrant experiences in early twentieth century NYC, the lack of even a brief acknowledgment that Jewish girls were the primary victims of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire was striking. If I overlooked such a mention, I would be delighted - please correct me.

The cover art is gorgeous. I will always fall for gorgeous cover art.

#Books #Bookstodon #MiaoReads #StoryGraph #Fantasy #Reading

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/4ca0c6c9-383c-443b-bbd6-6f629b802efb?redirect=true

I finished 16 books in January. Alas I have only written reflections for eight of them. Here are my top reads:

- I am Malala was definitely worth reading, though I meant to read it like ten years ago
- As a Jew by Sarah Hurwitz, an important book for the present moment of American Jewry
- Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson. I’m so glad I started that series
- Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ book Covenant and Conversation corresponding to the book of Bereshit. I’m trying to read the essays in conjunction with the weekly parsha, but I’m falling behind. Every essay is exquisite!

#MiaoReads #Books #Bookstodon #Reading

I finished 16 books in January. Alas I have only written reflections for eight of them. Here are my top reads:

- I am Malala was definitely worth reading, though I meant to read it like ten years ago
- As a Jew by Sarah Hurwitz, an important book for the present moment of American Jewry
- Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson. I’m so glad I started that series
- Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ book Covenant and Conversation corresponding to the book of Bereshit. I’m trying to read the essays in conjunction with the weekly parsha, but I’m falling behind. Every essay is exquisite!

#MiaoReads #Books #Bookstodon #Reading

I remembered another goal!

- Read five books in Spanish (this year I only managed two and a bit. The choices on Libby weren’t super exciting)

#MiaoReads

I remembered another goal!

- Read five books in Spanish (this year I only managed two and a bit. The choices on Libby weren’t super exciting)

#MiaoReads

My reading goals for 2026 are:

- keep seeking out Jewish books
- be even better about finishing my book reflections (I have so many notes for unwritten reflections from this year!)
- reread Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, the Priory of the Orange Blossom, and the Amelia Peabody Egyptological series
-maintain at least the same proportion or more of non-fiction (25%)
-read the list of graphic novels I compiled from all the great suggestions from people here
- Read more poetry! This year I read one small volume and also a non-fiction book focused on poetry. I’d like to read several volumes, especially ones I bought from Ben Yehuda Press.
- read at least 20 audiobooks in Swedish, as I have done for the past few years

B”H

#Reading #Bookstodon #StoryGraph #Books #ReadingGoals #MiaoReads

My reading goals for 2026 are:

- keep seeking out Jewish books
- be even better about finishing my book reflections (I have so many notes for unwritten reflections from this year!)
- reread Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, the Priory of the Orange Blossom, and the Amelia Peabody Egyptological series
-maintain at least the same proportion or more of non-fiction (25%)
-read the list of graphic novels I compiled from all the great suggestions from people here
- Read more poetry! This year I read one small volume and also a non-fiction book focused on poetry. I’d like to read several volumes, especially ones I bought from Ben Yehuda Press.
- read at least 20 audiobooks in Swedish, as I have done for the past few years

B”H

#Reading #Bookstodon #StoryGraph #Books #ReadingGoals #MiaoReads

A few years ago I read The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood, which I got from a library sale. Imagine my surprise when it had an explicitly antisemitic plot! A middle grade children’s book published by Scholastic in 1998, and taught in schools. It is a sign of the general societal acceptance of antisemitism that has existed in this country all along.

#MiaoReads #Shakespeare #Antisemitism #Bookstodon #Book #BookReview

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2768063184

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/0d7cdc32-2417-408b-8188-98840a2272d2

A few years ago I read The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood, which I got from a library sale. Imagine my surprise when it had an explicitly antisemitic plot! A middle grade children’s book published by Scholastic in 1998, and taught in schools. It is a sign of the general societal acceptance of antisemitism that has existed in this country all along.

#MiaoReads #Shakespeare #Antisemitism #Bookstodon #Book #BookReview

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2768063184

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/0d7cdc32-2417-408b-8188-98840a2272d2

I recently finished A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft. It was beautiful but the resolution sat so poorly with me that I could not enjoy it. I was excited to see a fantasy with Jewish elements but ultimately the Jewish representation did not work for me. Warning: My review is spoilery.

#MiaoReads #BookReview #Reading #Bookstodon #Books

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/a7955ac9-981f-4890-a699-7516eb901190

I recently finished A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft. It was beautiful but the resolution sat so poorly with me that I could not enjoy it. I was excited to see a fantasy with Jewish elements but ultimately the Jewish representation did not work for me. Warning: My review is spoilery.

#MiaoReads #BookReview #Reading #Bookstodon #Books

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/a7955ac9-981f-4890-a699-7516eb901190

I finished seventeen books in October, fewer than in September. Here are some highlights:

I finally got through Remember us to life by Joanna Rubin Dranger, a graphic memoir about her attempt to reconstruct what happened to the various branches of her extended family during the Shoah. It covers a lot of ground and I learned much more about the Jewish immigrant experience in Sweden and the specifics of Sweden’s façade of neutrality during the war.

I reread a couple books, including Weave the lightning, the first in a trilogy by Corry L. Lee. The first time, I wasn’t focused enough to fully appreciate the complex magical system. Now I can finally start book two.

Here all along by Sarah Hurwitz is probably the best “about Judaism” book I’ve read. Highly recommended.

I finally caught up with the Wayward children series.

Autocracy, Inc by Anne Applebaum is essential reading for this day and age.

I may finally start posting more of my book reflections. #MiaoReads #Bookstodon #Reading

I finished seventeen books in October, fewer than in September. Here are some highlights:

I finally got through Remember us to life by Joanna Rubin Dranger, a graphic memoir about her attempt to reconstruct what happened to the various branches of her extended family during the Shoah. It covers a lot of ground and I learned much more about the Jewish immigrant experience in Sweden and the specifics of Sweden’s façade of neutrality during the war.

I reread a couple books, including Weave the lightning, the first in a trilogy by Corry L. Lee. The first time, I wasn’t focused enough to fully appreciate the complex magical system. Now I can finally start book two.

Here all along by Sarah Hurwitz is probably the best “about Judaism” book I’ve read. Highly recommended.

I finally caught up with the Wayward children series.

Autocracy, Inc by Anne Applebaum is essential reading for this day and age.

I may finally start posting more of my book reflections. #MiaoReads #Bookstodon #Reading

It was a statistical inevitability that reading so many books by the same author, one of them wouldn’t work for me. I count Seanan McGuire as one of my favorite authors to read but Overgrowth by Mira Grant just wasn’t for me even though it had all my favorite ingredients.

Warning: my review is super spoilery.

#MiaoReads #Bookstodon #BookReview #Book

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/f485a0b0-5a11-4e53-a5e5-dc3b659b7323

It was a statistical inevitability that reading so many books by the same author, one of them wouldn’t work for me. I count Seanan McGuire as one of my favorite authors to read but Overgrowth by Mira Grant just wasn’t for me even though it had all my favorite ingredients.

Warning: my review is super spoilery.

#MiaoReads #Bookstodon #BookReview #Book

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/f485a0b0-5a11-4e53-a5e5-dc3b659b7323

I read A ceiling made of eggshells by Gail Carson Levine, a novel set on the eve of the Expulsion from Spain. It was well written and I recommend it. Given that it is a middle grade book, it does justice to its subject matter. #Mazeldon #Book #BookReview #Books #Bookstodon #MiaoReads

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/f0ee4856-308c-47fb-bba7-6380b869058f

I read A ceiling made of eggshells by Gail Carson Levine, a novel set on the eve of the Expulsion from Spain. It was well written and I recommend it. Given that it is a middle grade book, it does justice to its subject matter. #Mazeldon #Book #BookReview #Books #Bookstodon #MiaoReads

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/f0ee4856-308c-47fb-bba7-6380b869058f

I don’t think I posted my review for El Iluminado by Ilan Stavans and Steve Sheinkin. It was an excellent graphic novel about the history of crypto-Jews in the American Southwest. Highly recommended.

#Mazeldon #MiaoReads #Books #Bookstodon #BookReview

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/e5ad23b8-247d-4acf-aec9-312a9d963bfb

I don’t think I posted my review for El Iluminado by Ilan Stavans and Steve Sheinkin. It was an excellent graphic novel about the history of crypto-Jews in the American Southwest. Highly recommended.

#Mazeldon #MiaoReads #Books #Bookstodon #BookReview

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/e5ad23b8-247d-4acf-aec9-312a9d963bfb

Book 107 of the year. The island of missing trees by Elif Shafak. It was beautifully written but I had mixed feelings about it. I recommend people give it a chance and see what they think. It is certainly thought-provoking.

#MiaoReads #Books #Bookstodon #BookReview

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/9a4994f1-cedc-48a9-9033-5b21d8961e1e

Book 107 of the year. The island of missing trees by Elif Shafak. It was beautifully written but I had mixed feelings about it. I recommend people give it a chance and see what they think. It is certainly thought-provoking.

#MiaoReads #Books #Bookstodon #BookReview

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/9a4994f1-cedc-48a9-9033-5b21d8961e1e

I liked The Moth Keeper by K. O’Neill. It’s not an instant favorite for me but I recommend it if you’re in the mood for a cozy graphic novel with some beautiful colors in the art.

#GraphicNovel #Books #Bookstodon #BookReview #MiaoReads

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/82b80739-6fd8-4e9f-bb37-1723fd75be04

I liked The Moth Keeper by K. O’Neill. It’s not an instant favorite for me but I recommend it if you’re in the mood for a cozy graphic novel with some beautiful colors in the art.

#GraphicNovel #Books #Bookstodon #BookReview #MiaoReads

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/82b80739-6fd8-4e9f-bb37-1723fd75be04

I didn’t like The Doorman by Chris Pavone. I’m still hoping to find a suspense novel that really grips me, but I haven’t in a while. My reading reflection turned into a bit of a rant because I didn’t like his portrayal of Jews or really much else in this book.

#MiaoReads #BookReview #Books #Bookstodon

Book 106 of the year.

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/b7cd9348-ba17-41e6-b30d-3e33b056eb40

I didn’t like The Doorman by Chris Pavone. I’m still hoping to find a suspense novel that really grips me, but I haven’t in a while. My reading reflection turned into a bit of a rant because I didn’t like his portrayal of Jews or really much else in this book.

#MiaoReads #BookReview #Books #Bookstodon

Book 106 of the year.

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/b7cd9348-ba17-41e6-b30d-3e33b056eb40

I loved Queen of the Sea by Dylan Meconis. I picked it off the library shelf on a whim and I am so glad I did. A top favorite of the year. I hope the sequel comes soon. Here is my reading reflection!

#MiaoReads #Books #Bookstodon #BookReview #GraphicNovels

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/ba539763-7c14-414d-acf2-4c4b68b9d25a

I loved Queen of the Sea by Dylan Meconis. I picked it off the library shelf on a whim and I am so glad I did. A top favorite of the year. I hope the sequel comes soon. Here is my reading reflection!

#MiaoReads #Books #Bookstodon #BookReview #GraphicNovels

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/ba539763-7c14-414d-acf2-4c4b68b9d25a

I’m sorry to say I did not like This is how you lose the time war. I can see why some people do, though. 🤷‍♀️

#Books #Bookstodon #Bookreview #MiaoReads

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/6e1c4e99-aa87-4406-b260-b384e071d199

I’m sorry to say I did not like This is how you lose the time war. I can see why some people do, though. 🤷‍♀️

#Books #Bookstodon #Bookreview #MiaoReads

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/6e1c4e99-aa87-4406-b260-b384e071d199

Mooncakes was a lovely cozy fantasy graphic novel. It was a pleasant reading experience but tried to fit too much in for the plot to be well developed. Still, I recommend it for when you’re in the mood for something light and magic-y with cats, good non-binary representation, a brief glimpse of a magical capybara, and one character who inexplicably has a bird head. (Book 96 of the year!)

#GraphicNovels #Books #Bookstodon #Bookreview #MiaoReads

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/4e46539e-ef03-429d-873a-f35183b9b0bf

Mooncakes was a lovely cozy fantasy graphic novel. It was a pleasant reading experience but tried to fit too much in for the plot to be well developed. Still, I recommend it for when you’re in the mood for something light and magic-y with cats, good non-binary representation, a brief glimpse of a magical capybara, and one character who inexplicably has a bird head. (Book 96 of the year!)

#GraphicNovels #Books #Bookstodon #Bookreview #MiaoReads

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/4e46539e-ef03-429d-873a-f35183b9b0bf

I expected to like That Inevitable Victorian Thing by E.K. Johnston, but it turned out to be a dumpster fire of unexamined pro-imperialist, pro-eugenics nonsense. I’m all for alternate histories, but they have to treat serious subject matters respectfully. The brief reference to Judaism was annoying too. The Anglican Church adopted “rabbinical thinking.” :blobcatupsidedown: Here’s my longer review.

#MiaoReads #Book #Books #Bookstodon #Reading #BookReview #StoryGraph

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/e620394b-57e0-477c-95a5-ca8a76be7baa

I expected to like That Inevitable Victorian Thing by E.K. Johnston, but it turned out to be a dumpster fire of unexamined pro-imperialist, pro-eugenics nonsense. I’m all for alternate histories, but they have to treat serious subject matters respectfully. The brief reference to Judaism was annoying too. The Anglican Church adopted “rabbinical thinking.” :blobcatupsidedown: Here’s my longer review.

#MiaoReads #Book #Books #Bookstodon #Reading #BookReview #StoryGraph

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/e620394b-57e0-477c-95a5-ca8a76be7baa