Tag Archives: magical realism

Feb22

The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch by Jacqueline Firkins

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The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch by Jacqueline Firkins

Firkins, Jacqueline. The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch. St. Martin’s Press, 2023. 352 pp. ISBN 9781250836526 $18.00.

***

Poor Imogen. She’s been dumped seventeen times and is returning to her coastal home to lick her wounds, when she encounters the One That Got Away: Eliot, back in town for his father’s funeral. He’s determined to help her crack her mother’s prophecy that she will never be first in anything she tries (hence, all the breakups–they all leave her for someone else) with a series of summery challenges to win SOMETHING.

Chapters of the present-day narrative’s experiments with games, contests, and competitions are interspersed with scenes from relationships gone wrong and Imogen’s texts with her bestie Frannie, sprinkled with humor, pathos and spice in equal measure.

The will they/won’t they is a strong pull as the author explores Imogen’s history and personality, asking the central question of whether Imogen’s mother is clairvoyant… or if Imogen just has really bad timing. Eliot doesn’t seem to believe in the curse, even as he helps Imogen to break it. To what degree is her mother’s prediction a self-fulfilling prophecy? What’s the flaw in Imogen’s selection of partners? To what degree are we responsible for the role we play in our own recurring disasters in our lives? The amount of angst in this book makes it less a romance than women’s fiction, and with the strong focus on the female protagonist, Eliot comes off less well developed and a little hero/savior complex for me. Still, it was a quick and enjoyable read.

I received a free advance reader’s review copy of #ThePredictableHeartbreaksOfImogenFinch from #NetGalley, courtesy of #StMartinsPress.

Jan28

Recipe for a Charmed Life by Rachel Linden

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Recipe for a Charmed Life by Rachel Linden

Linden, Rachel. Recipe for a Charmed Life. Berkley, 2024. 352 pp. ISBN 9780593440216. $17.00

***

I struggled to get through this, and put it down and picked it back up several times. After losing her job at a prestigious Parisian restaurant, Georgia May accepts her estranged mother’s invitation to visit her in the Pacific Northwest. There, she learns that her loss of taste may be related to her career burnout, and the cure for regaining it is to find her passion for cooking. Her mother Star thinks touring the small town’s artisan offerings in the company of handsome oyster farmer Cole might do the trick…

I’m not always a fan of mystery elements or magical realism, but I love culinary stories, and was drawn in by the beautiful, descriptive, sensory writing; the vivid setting; and my wonderings at the reason why Star abandoned her daughter as much as the will they/won’t they pull of a romance between Georgia May and Cole. Ultimately, this is a tale of forgiveness as well as love.

I received a free advance reader’s review copy of #RecipeForACharmedLife via#NetGalley, courtesy of #Berkley.

Sep23

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serles

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Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serles

Serles, Rebecca. Expiration Dates. Atria Books, 2024. 272pp. ISBN 9781982166823 $27.00

****

The fates are pulling some strings in this contemporary magical realism novel. Every time Daphne meets a new guy, a slip of paper with a name and date precede or immediately follow the first encounter. The date, it turns out, is the end date for the relationship. Daphne works as a production assistant in Los Angeles. She has a perfect boss, perfect (male) best friend, perfect parents, a new perfect boyfriend–and an imperfect body that’s failing her.

When she received a note with just the name “Jake,” she assumes it’s because he has finally met her one true love, though a double-date with her best friend and former lover Hugo might make her a little less sure. The narrative moves back and forth between the present day romance and all the other names on Daphne’s slips of paper.

The novel explores the role we play in crafting our own fate. Do the relationships actually run their course, or does Daphne direct the course of events because she knows the expiration date? Romance readers will quickly sniff out that Jake sounds too perfect to be true, and may be disappointed by the lack of spicyness. Recommended for fans of Katherine Center, Taylor Reid Jenkins, and Josie Silver.

Jun19

Always Isn’t Forever by J. C. Cervantes

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Always Isn’t Forever by J. C. Cervantes

Cervantes, J. C. Always Isn’t Forever. Penguin, 2023. 384 pp. ISBN 9780593404485 $19.99

****

Still reeling from the unexpected death by drowning of her best friend turned boyfriend Hart, Ruby is struggling to cope with senior year, a decision to sell the boat they had restored, and college decisions. The powers that be decide to give Hart another chance by reincarnating his soul into a classmate who suffered an accident; the trade off is Hart will have access to Jameson’s memories as Hart’s fade—and he may miss the chance to reconnect with Ruby and for her to realize who he really is, since he can’t actually tell anyone.

Ruby can’t figure out why she is suddenly so drawn to Jameson, who actually screwed Hart’s dad out of some money for a car repair job in the past—she just knows she feels something, and keeps agreeing to spend time with him, much to the amazement and speculation of friends and relatives. Jameson could barely carry a tune and tries to complete one of Hart’s songs; he can suddenly play football but also recalls Hart’s signature wrestling move. Jameson’s craving for — and dislike of — tortillas is bittersweet. Cervantes shows the other side of the reckless popular boy: one who also lost someone close to home and has high familial expectations to live up to.

Also getting a second chance is angel Lourdes. Serving as guide for Hart/Jameson and doing random acts of kindness (mitzvot, one might say…). Told in three points of view, Cervantes carefully constructs a boundaried universe and then has the characters look for workarounds. Pacing is good, the story will resonate with empathetic teens, and the sprinkling of spirituality seasoned with Latino/Latina culture and CA setting is a wonderful mix. Since the lovers has been saving themselves for college, there are no intimate details beyond longing and impassioned kissing.

The cover art is gorgeous, with underwater and above, and the split indicating both the rift between them and Hart/Jameson’s shared body.

I received a free advance reader’s review copy of AlwaysIsntForever from NetGalley.

Nov28

Twelve Months and a Day by Louisa Young

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Twelve Months and a Day by Louisa Young

Young, Louisa. Twelve Months and a Day. Penguin Putnam, 2023. ISBN 9780593542651. $17.00

****

More of a narrative with romantic elements, Twelve Months and a Day tells the story of two recently widowed people — and their recently deceased partners, who come together in their confusion and sorrow and develop friendships. The living one between musician Rasmas and videographer Roisin is gently and strategically nudged along by the ghostly Nico and Jay, whose presences are felt so strongly because they are literally still there, calling on help when Rasmas falls into a depressive episode, holding Roisin close in bed as she grieves. As someone open to the idea of spirit lingering, I completely bought into life after death as Young presented it.

The writing is so gorgeous–evocative, emotional, sensory. The pacing is slow in a deliberate and unhurried sense, giving plenty of space for character and plot to develop. Roisin and Rasmas share their thoughts and lives in ways they have not been able to in grief groups or with friends, mostly through email. When Rasmas makes a comeback with his band to share music he wrote for Jay, it is Roisin who is hired to be the interviewer and then documentarian.

There are few surprises but this is a highly compelling story. Fans of Josie Silver will devour this beautiful and poignant tale of what happens to love after loss, and rejoice in how love changes and goes on and clears the way for future love.

I received a free advance reader’s review copy of #TwelveMonthsAndADay from #NetGalley.

Sep27

Witcha Gonna Do by Avery Flynn

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<em>Witcha Gonna Do </em>by Avery Flynn

Flynn, Avery. Witcha Gonna Do. Berkley, 2022. 336 pp. ISBN 978-0593335215. $17.00

***
I fell in love with Cate Tiernan’s Sweep series as a young adult librarian about twenty years ago (I might or might not but definitely do still have a three-in-one compendium of the first volumes–ICYMI, the series is concerned with a magical teen who doesn’t know her heritage who gets caught up in a love triangle with two other powerful witches). I’m surprised I have not pursued more books in this vein: charming magical realism romance like The Charmed List, which I really enjoyed for its more complete, and better-paced world-building.

Witcha Gonna Do is a classic enemies to lovers romance. Tilda is an anomoly in her gifted family, and she keeps getting matched with hot, sauve Gil, who figures out pretty quickly she isn’t non-magickal, she is in fact, an amplifier. Powergrabs (and attempts to prevent them) ensue.

The voice –and language–are youthful and may not appeal to all romance readers.

I received a free advance reader’s review copy of #WitchaGonnaDo from #NetGalley

Apr11

Out of the Blue by Jason June

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Out of the Blue by Jason June

June, Jason. Out of the Blue. HarperTeen, 2022. ISBN 978-0063015203. 384 pp. $17.99

***

Merperson Crest is on a coming-of-age journey on land to help a human and earn his return to the sea — if they choose to return after experiencing the wonders of twenty-first century Los Angeles. When Crest, who goes by Ross on land, runs into recently (unceremoniously) dumped Sean, it seems their mission is to help Sean win back his ex, and Crest/Ross becomes a willing participant. Of course, there are rules: no human can find out Crest/Ross’s true nature, and if they return to the sea before the month is up, they will have to remain on land forever. Rules, of course, were made to be broken, amirite?

An accidental reveal at the Hollywood Walk of Fame results in a surprising plot twist that I didn’t see coming–well done on author Jason June, it’s difficult to pull a fast one on someone who has been reading YA romance for 35 years. The writing was a little disappointing overall. Although well-plotted using Sean’s film-making interests and Crest’s time constraints to lay out an agenda, there was a LOT of drama: characters yelling and screaming for emphasis or to TELL us emotion instead of conveying and revealing through action. There was consent in the sexual scenes, but also snapping towels and ass-smacking and a violent outburst from another student.

I’m lumping this into magical realism rather than fantasy, but the worldbuilding for under the water and in the Blue was nicely done, simple and complete. Sometimes the merperson lingo or oceanic references were a little too much, and sometimes, Crest’s/Ross’s dissing of human consumption and environmental concerns struck a didactic note (though I am by no means in disagreement with Crest/Ross’s assessments.

I especially appreciated the diversity of the cast; straight people are the anomaly and like L.A., the book is peopled with real people in all colors, shapes and sizes, and it’s mostly NBFD. I wanted to care more about Crest/Ross and Sean than I did, but the ending definitely tugged at my heartstrings. Like most fake-dating tropes, the characters of course come to care for one another (and are wildly attracted!). When they act on their instincts, it’s developmentally appropriate and safe.

I received an advance reader’s review copy of #OutOfTheBlue via #NetGalley.

Feb27

The Charmed List by Julie Abe

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The Charmed List by Julie Abe

Abe, Julie. The Charmed List. Wednesday Books, 2022. 304 pp. ISBN ‎978-1250830098. $18.99

****

This magical realism young adult friends-to enemies-to-lovers romance is utterly, well, charming. Author Abe imagines a reality where some small percentage of the population is able to pull raw magic from a source to imbibe food or potions or salves for a little something extra: a boost of confidence with your tea or quicker healing for a rash. Those with magic tend to band together in small communities and those without are oblivious but benefit.

Artist Elie is looking forward to a road trip with her non-magical bestie Lia. the magical convention she and her family will be exhibiting at is near Lia’s relatives and Elie will have a chance to accomplish the goals on her new Anti-Wallflower list. But a prank gone wrong exposes Lia to magic and one of the consequences is Elie now has to make her road-trip with her former bestie, Jack, who has become her worst enemy in the years since he lost his mother and starting licking on her.

Worst of all, Jack has seen the List, has a near-photographic memory and recall, and now has something to hold over Elie. Instead, he seems intent on helping her check off items. Something (magical?) happens on the trip down the California coast: sparks of the friendship they once had and maybe something more?

Abe writes with empathy and honesty about family and friendship, trust and betrayal, trust and vulnerability. The world she imagines and builds feels wholly believable. The beauty of California comes through and Asian-American readers may see themselves in this story.

Supporting characters, like Jack and Elie’s younger siblings (who are best friends like they used to be), and potential customers along the road, have depth and are finely drawn in few words. Even with the tropes of Forced Proximity and Just One Bed, the story is fairly chaste.

While the shift from dislike to attraction seemed pretty fast given how mean Jack was to Elie, and she may have been too quick to forgive, readers who can suspend their disbelief for magic all around us can let that go, too. The Charmed List is a sweet story and a quick read.

I received an advance reader’s review copy of #TheCharmedList from #NetGalley.

Jul28

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender

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The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender

Bender, Aimee. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake. Doubleday, 2010. 292pp. ISBN 9780385720960 $18

*****

I’m usually not a fan of magical realism, preferring straight fantasy, but I started reading the Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake this evening, went to bed, and got up an hour later to finish it, compelled to find out what happened. What a lovely, lovely book.

When Rose takes a bite of dessert one night, she not only tastes the flavor of the food, but the emotion of the baker behind it, her sad mother. And it keeps happening, to a point of distraction, until she can only eat processed, packaged food. Meanwhile, her reclusive brother has a secret of his own.

I really appreciated the palpability of the novel–the descriptions of food and how things taste, and the emotions associated with the creator of each dish Rose experiences, but also the detailing of her mother’s woodworking, the crazy things her grandmother sends in the mail, the way people smell. It’s a richly sensual book, but doesn’t feel over the top with lush writing.

The setting is not quite a character in it’s own right, but it’s diversity makes its presence the perfect backdrop for this dysfunctional family. I’ve only been to LA twice but could visualize the streets, yet didn’t feel alienated by the references I didn’t get.

The rituals defined within the story: the mother’s insomnia/sleeping in, the father’s morning horn honk, how the reader gets the story and circumstances of her parents meeting and Rose and Joseph’s birth, all appear several times, through different lens, giving a sense of Rose maturing and coming to deeper understanding of herself and her family members.

Rose’s narrative voice was entrancing for me, and one of the reasons I found this unputdownable. She is straight-forward, thoughtful, perhaps a bit flat in places–she doesn’t push for the things she wants: to be seen, by her parents, friends at school, by George–it’s a bit ironic her brother is the one with the skill he develops. I think her voice, and her sensitivity to emotions, make the novel highly appealing. I also found it an easy read in terms of pacing and language, making it highly accessible.

Jan14

Total Oblivion, More or Less by Alan DeNiro

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Total Oblivion, More or Less by Alan DeNiro

DeNiro, Alan. Total Oblivion, More or Less. Spectra, 2009. ISBN 978-0553592542 306 pp. $

***

If you take the narrator’s first sentence at face value and just go along for the ride, you’ll LOVE this surreal book that reads like Marsden’s Tomorrow When The War Began with a touch of magical realism throw in. Unidentified horseman seem to have conducted an uprising and taken over the US, which is newly divided into strange territories and factions and stricken with an odd, insect-driven plague. Teen Macy rolls with punches as she struggles to survive and maintain a family unit.