Two Dogs and a Book

Whistle: A New Gotham City Hero  by  E. Lockhart My rating:  3 of 5 stars WHISTLE by E. Lockhart is an interesting graphic novel that follows the journey of Willow Zimmerman, a 16-year-old girl who is struggling to make ends meet while taking care of her mother, who has been diagnosed with cancer. Willow's life changes drastically when she reconnects with her estranged "uncle" Edward, who provides her with the means to afford medical treatment for her mother. However, as she becomes more involved in Edward's illegal activities, Willow's relationships with those she cares about are strained. The story takes a supernatural turn when Willow and a Great Dane named Lebowitz, gain powers after a violent encounter with Killer Croc. The newfound abilities give Willow the chance to make a difference in her community, but she must decide whether to stay loyal to Edward or stand up against his corrupt actions. This graphic novel will appeal to a young audience. It was great ...

The Magician's Daughter  by  H.G. Parry My rating:  3 of 5 stars THE MAGICIAN'S DAUGHTER by H.G. Parry is a captivating novel set in 1912, where magic has almost vanished from the world. The book follows the story of Biddy, an orphan who has grown up on the legendary island of Hy-Brasil, a place hidden by magic and home to a lone magician, Rowan. As her seventeenth birthday approaches, Biddy, Rowan and his familiar, Hutch travel to London to set a trap to capture a mage and attempt to restore magic in the world. Biddy's journey takes her from the safety of her childhood to the poorhouses of Whitechapel, a secret castle beneath the streets of London, and the ruins of an ancient civilization. Along the way, she questions everything she has ever known about Rowan, her origins, and the cost of restoring lost magic. Parry's vivid descriptions of Hy-Brasil and the characters Biddy encounters make for a mesmerizing read. #bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram ...

Lucky  by  Marissa Stapley My rating:  4 of 5 stars This is a captivating tale of a young woman's journey towards redemption and self-discovery. The story is a gripping mix of crime, love, family, and personal growth that keeps the reader engaged until the very end. Lucky Armstrong is a relatable protagonist, a tough but vulnerable character who finds herself in a predicament when a lottery ticket she buys turns out to be worth millions. The book explores her struggles to come to terms with her past, reconcile with her father, and find her mother, all while avoiding capture for her crimes. The themes of personal redemption and the complexity of being good are explored in a thought-provoking manner. Overall, LUCKY is a well-crafted novel that showcases Ms. Stapley's talent as a writer. It is a compelling story that will appeal to anyone who enjoys a good crime thriller with a strong emotional core. #bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofi...

STFU: The Power of Keeping Your Mouth Shut in an Endlessly Noisy World  by  Dan Lyons My rating:  4 of 5 stars One of my goals this year is to read more non-fiction or self-help books. I was happy to get a copy of THE POWER OF KEEPING YOUR MOUTH SHUT IN AN ENDLESSLY NOISY WORLD by Dan Lyons for review. This book is prescriptive, informative, and highly readable. It offers actionable tips for improving communication skills in all areas of life, from the workplace to personal relationships. Lyons's writing style is engaging and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with his ideas and apply them to their own lives. Overall, THE POWER OF KEEPING YOUR MOUTH SHUT IN AN ENDLESSLY NOISY WORLD is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to improve their communication skills and become a better listener. It offers a fresh perspective on the importance of silence and will leave readers feeling empowered and inspired to take control of their conversations. #bookstadog #p...

Over My Dead Body  by  Sweeney Boo My rating:  4 of 5 stars OVER MY DEAD BODY by Sweeney Boo is an awesome YA graphic novel that delves into the mysterious disappearance of Noreen, Abby's mentee, at the Younwity Hidden Institute of Witchcraft. The graphic novel is filled with suspense, as Abby uncovers more secrets and begins to unravel the mysteries surrounding Noreen's disappearance. The illustrations are captivating, with bold lines and bright colors that bring the story to life. As Abby follows the trail of clues, she discovers that Noreen's disappearance is linked to another girl who went missing years ago. This graphic novel has witchcraft, ghosts, spells, and evil creatures and combines elements of mystery, fantasy, and friendship to create a compelling story. The plot twists keep the reader engaged until the very end, with a satisfying conclusion that ties up all loose ends. #bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #books...

Chaotic Good  by  Sabrina Benaim My rating:  4 of 5 stars CHAOTIC GOOD by Sabrina Benaim is a collection of poems that explores themes of mental health, relationships, and personal growth. The audiobook version features the author's own voice and is divided into 13 tracks, each containing several poems. One standout poem from the collection is "The Most Inspiring Girl in Toronto," which explores the pressures of social media and the performative nature of online personas. The poem is a powerful commentary on the unrealistic expectations placed on young women and the toll it takes on their mental health. Throughout the collection, Benaim's writing is raw, honest, and deeply personal. She uses vivid imagery and metaphors to explore complex emotions and experiences, making the poems both relatable and deeply affecting. Overall, CHAOTIC GOOD is a compelling and thought-provoking collection of poetry that offers a unique perspective on contemporary issues. The audiobook ve...

Beach Read  by  Emily Henry My rating:  5 of 5 stars BEACH READ by Emily Henry is my new favourite book by this author. The story follows two writers, Augustus Everett and January Andrews, who are struggling with writer's block and are forced to spend the summer living in neighboring beach houses. Despite their differences, they strike a deal to help each other overcome their creative ruts, and in doing so, they find themselves falling for each other. Their banter is witty and entertaining, and the chemistry between them is palpable and hot. The novel also deals with more serious themes such as loss, grief, and forgiveness, which adds depth to the story. I related to January’s feelings about her father’s death. I am still missing mine a lot. Overall, BEACH READ is a sexy and heartwarming novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. Emily Henry has created a wonderful story that is both funny and emotional, and it is sure to leave readers with a smile on their face. #books...

Liar City: A Novel  by  Allie Therin My rating:  4 of 5 stars LIAR CITY is the first book in a new LGBTQ fantasy series entitled Sugar & Vice by Allie Therin. The book follows the story of Reece, an empath who receives anonymous calls warning him that his detective sister, Jamey, is in danger. The calls are from Grayson, also known as The Dead Man, a government agent rumored to deal exclusively in cases involving empathy. As the two dig deeper into the gruesome murder of an anti-empathy senator, they find themselves embroiled in a dangerous web of secrets and lies that puts Reece and Jamey's lives in jeopardy. The plot is well-crafted, and the characters are vividly drawn, with Reece and Grayson's partnership providing an intriguing dynamic. Overall, LIAR CITY is a fast-paced and exciting read that will appeal to fans of crime thrillers and urban fantasy. The novel's unique blend of supernatural elements and crime drama make it a standout in its genre. I am looking fo...

Crumbs  by  Danie Stirling My rating:  3 of 5 stars CRUMBS by Danie Stirling is a graphic novel that tells the story of Ray, a young seer who falls in love with Laurie, a barista with dreams of becoming a musician. The magical town setting and the bakery that offers treats to help people achieve their dreams add a charming touch to the story. The illustrations are beautifully done and add to the overall magical feel of the book. However, some readers might find the plot to be a bit slow-paced and the character development to be lacking. Overall, CRUMBS is a sweet and enjoyable coming-of-age story that will appeal to fans of romance and fantasy. #bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookaholic #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #crumbs #daniestirling #clarionbo...

Good Dog, Bad Cop  by  David Rosenfelt My rating:  4 of 5 stars In GOOD DOG, BAD COP, David Rosenfelt delivers another exciting installment in the K Team series. The story follows the team's investigation into a cold case involving the death of Jimmy Dietrich, Corey Douglas's former mentor. With his signature humor and flair for mystery, Rosenfelt crafts a compelling plot that delivers punch after punch. What sets this book apart from other crime novels is the presence of dogs. The K Team includes a group of talented canines, such as a German Shepherd named Simon Garfunkel, who retired from the Paterson Police Department at the same time as Corey and who plays a vital role in the investigation. #bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookaholic #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommu...

Behind Closed Doors  by  B.A. Paris My rating:  5 of 5 stars BEHIND CLOSED DOORS by B.A. Paris is a psychological thriller of the nightmarish kind. The novel tells the story of Grace, a woman who seems to have it all: a handsome and successful husband, a beautiful home, and a fulfilling life. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that her life is far from perfect. The book alternates between the present day and the past, slowly revealing the horrifying truth about Grace's marriage to Jack. As the tension builds, it becomes clear that Jack is not the man he appears to be, and that Grace is in grave danger. Paris has created a gripping and suspenseful novel that explores the themes of domestic abuse and control. The writing is fast-paced and compelling, and the characters are well-drawn and believable. The end is done and satisfying. #bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove ...

Girl on Fire  by  Alicia Keys My rating:  4 of 5 stars GIRL ON FIRE by Alicia Keys, and co-written by Andrew Weiner, is a gripping coming-of-age young adult graphic novel that tells the story of Lolo, a teenager who discovers she has supernatural abilities. As Lolo tries to navigate her new powers and her connection to Michael, a fellow teen with ties to the drug world, she finds herself having to fight a drug dealer with powers of his own who has taken her brother James and is threatening her father’s business. The illustrations by Brittney Williams are stunning and enhance the action-packed storyline. GIRL ON FIRE is a thrilling and empowering read that will leave readers rooting for Lolo and her fiery spirit. #bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookaholic #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookr...

The Librarian of Burned Books  by  Brianna Labuskes My rating:  4 of 5 stars THE LIBRARIAN OF BURNED BOOKS by Brianna Labuskes is a powerful and captivating historical novel that follows the lives of three women during a tumultuous period in history. Labuskes expertly weaves together the stories of Althea James, Hannah Brecht, and Vivian Childs, showcasing their bravery and resilience in the face of oppression and censorship. The novel takes readers on a journey through Nazi Germany, Paris, and the United States, as the three women navigate the challenges of war and censorship. Ms. Labuskes does an excellent job of bringing each character to life, providing rich and detailed backgrounds that make them relatable and engaging. #bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookaholic #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbooks...

Miracle  by  Karen S. Chow My rating:  4 of 5 stars MIRACLE by Karen S. Chow is a poignant middle-grade novel about a young girl's journey through grief after losing her father. The author masterfully captures the complex emotions of the protagonist, Amie, as she navigates through a difficult time in her life. The story is heartwarming and uplifting, as Amie learns to cope with her loss and finds healing with the help of her mother and friends. Chow's writing style is simple yet effective, making the book accessible to young readers while still conveying the depth of Amie's emotions. The story is infused with music and each chapter is titled with a music term which relates to the feelings Amie is experiencing. Overall, MIRACLE is a beautiful book that teaches readers to recognise the importance of family and community in times of hardship. #bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlo...

Ladycastle  by  Delilah S. Dawson My rating:  4 of 5 stars I needed a quick read to get me out of my reading slump. I picked up LADYCASTLE by Delilah S. Dawson, Ashley A. Woods (Illustrator), Becca Farrow (Illustrator), Rebecca Nalty (Colorist), Jim Campbell (Letterer). What a fantastic graphic novel about woman empowerment. I loved the bad-arse female characters. I love their strength of character, their intelligence, and their vulnerability. This is a very quick read filled with beautiful illustrations. It would have been a perfect rating if the creators had added a LGBTQ2S+ element to the story. I would have expected it in a town made of women only. Otherwise, it is a great story of good vs evil and finding freedom after years of oppression. #bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookaholic #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcana...

Too Wrong to Be Right  by  Melonie Johnson My rating:  4 of 5 stars TOO WRONG TO BE RIGHT by Melonie Johnson is an awesome contemporary romance novel that will make readers laugh, swoon, and root for the main characters. I truly enjoyed it. The main characters are beautifully flawed and the connection between them is steamy. I also love the hedgehog and the cockatoo; they were fun elements in the story. The story is well paced, and the romantic scenes are tastefully done. Overall, TOO WRONG TO BE RIGHT is a delightful and enjoyable read that will satisfy romance fans. #bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookaholic #readersofinstagram #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #toowrongtoberight #2Wrong2bRight #meloniejohnson #stmartinsgriffin #stmartinspress #raincoastbooks #SMPRomance #SMPInflue...

Arch-Conspirator  by  Veronica Roth My rating:  4 of 5 stars I just finished ARCH-CONSPIRATOR by Veronica Roth and can’t stop thinking about this book. It is a short and quick read, but it is packed with so much to digest. This is a retelling of the story of Antigone. I did not know her story and had to Google it to educate myself. Ms. Roth did a great job at keeping the essence of the story and infusing her own flavour into it as well. ARCH-CONSPIRATOR is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and anyone who values the importance of defying authority to restore justice. #bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookaholic #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #archconspirator #veronicaroth #torbooks #raincoastbooks #dystopianbooks #retellings #bookreview View al...

VenCo  by  Cherie Dimaline My rating:  2 of 5 stars I saw lots of love for VENCO by Cherie Dimaline. It was just ok for me. The witchy story lacked magic and felt disorganised. If this book is the first in a new series, then I am ok with this. It would set the foundation for the next books. If it is not, then what was the point of this story? I will keep my fingers crossed that this is not the beginning and the end of Lucky. #bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookaholic #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #venco #cheriedimaline #fantasynovel #bookreview View all my reviews

The Little Wartime Library  by  Kate Thompson My rating:  4 of 5 stars THE LITTLE WARTIME LIBRARY by Kate Thompson is a story of resilience, courage, sacrifice, and love. I enjoyed the well-crafted characters and the well-researched historical story. This book is based on true events. I did not know that many Londoners took refuge in the Bethnal Green Tube Station to survive and that a secret community thrived with thousands of bunk beds, a nursery, a café, a theatre, and a library. Through the characters’ eyes, the reader is transported to a time when books were a source of solace and escape from the hardships of war. The novel beautifully portrays the power of literature to bring people together and provide hope in the darkest of times. There is also a mention of Canada’s help to bring new books to the underground library. This book was at times heartbreaking and did not shy from the war atrocities. Ms. Thompson's writing is evocative and vivid, immersing the reader in ...

Exes and O's  by  Amy Lea My rating:  4 of 5 stars The Pooches & Pages Book Club discussed the cute romcom EXES & O’S by Amy Lea last night. I enjoyed this book so much. I love the emotionally damaged characters who get a chance to find their soulmate. Trevor Metcalfe was definitely dreamy and sexy, although he was a bit too perfect for me. Tara Chen is a romance book influencer. Bookstagrammers will relate to that aspect of her life. She is a fun and generous soul, and a perpetual optimist. This “friends to lovers” romance is a great read with a few steamy moments. I absolutely recommend it! #bookstadog #poodles #doodles #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #books #booklover #bookish #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #exesandos #amylea #berkleyromance #romancenovel #bookreview #poochesandpages ...

Lifetime Passes  by  Terry Blas My rating:  4 of 5 stars The graphic novel LIFETIME PASSES by Terry Blass and Claudia Aguirre is a fun story about trying to get lifetime passes for an amusement park. At first, the intent of the group of teenagers was selfish, but they soon discovered that their plan was egotistical and had a change of heart. I love the interaction between the teens and the seniors. The art style is vibrant and expressive, perfectly capturing the whimsy of the amusement park setting. LIFETIME PASSES is a fun and uplifting read that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. #bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookaholic #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #lifetimepasses #terryblas #claudiaaguirre #abramsbooks #graphicnovel #bookreview Vie...

The Family Upstairs  by  Lisa Jewell My rating:  3 of 5 stars I just finished THE FAMILY UPSTAIRS by Lisa Jewell. Ms. Jewell has a talent for creating suspenseful and compelling stories that keep you hooked from beginning to end. This book explores themes of family, identity, and the impact of the past on the present. It is dark and unsettling, with themes of abuse, manipulation, and betrayal. The narrative is told from multiple perspectives, adding depth and complexity to the story. That complexity was that the story was sometimes confusing, and it was hard to keep track of the characters. The ending was too open and I guess I have to read the next book to really get the full picture and get answers to my questions. #bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookaholic #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #...

Seven Percent of Ro Devereux  by  Ellen O'Clover My rating:  4 of 5 stars It has been a while since I read a YA book and it was time I did so. SEVEN PERCENT OF RO DEVEREUX by Ellen O’Clover was intelligent, frustrating, and satisfying at the same time. I enjoyed the technological aspect of the story and the well-crafted characters. Ro’s relationship with her elderly neighbour was touching and her relationship with her mother was heartbreaking. The story line was similar to Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen. This cute “enemies to lovers” story is a great start for this author and I am looking forward to reading more books by her. #bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookaholic #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #sevenpercentofrodevereux #ellenoclover #harpercol...