Book Mail Round-Up 💌
- The_Secret_Bookreview
- Jul 14
- 4 min read
This week's round-up of beautiful book mail!
I'm excited to begin sharing a roundup of the book mail I've received recently. I can't wait to delve into these books and share my thoughts through reviews!
As always, thank you to all the authors and publishers for sending these out to me! 🫶🏻
Nova Scotia House by Charlie Porter:
Nova Scotia House by Charlie Porter is a deeply moving story about love, loss, and the lasting impact of the AIDS crisis.
The book follows Johnny Grant as he reflects on his life with Jerry Field, a man he fell in love with when he was 19. Their relationship, shaped by radical philosophies and queer creativity, is forever altered by Jerry’s death and the devastation of the AIDS epidemic.
Porter’s writing is intimate and poignant, capturing both the personal grief Johnny feels and the broader loss experienced by the queer community.
As Johnny revisits his past, he must face difficult decisions about the future while honouring the love and world he shared with Jerry.
This book is a beautifully crafted tribute to love, memory, and resilience. Porter's debut is powerful, emotional, and a testament to the enduring spirit of those who lived through the AIDS crisis.
Nova Scotia House is a compelling, heartbreaking read that will resonate with anyone who has faced loss.
Thank you so much to Gavin and the team at Penguin Random House UK for sending me a finished copy! The book is out now and available to purchase.
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The Strange Case of Jane O by Karen Thompson Walker:
The Strange Case of Jane O by Karen Thompson Walker is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of the human mind and the nature of love.
The story follows Jane, a young mother who begins experiencing a series of unsettling psychological episodes, including amnesia, hallucinations, and premonitions. As her psychiatrist, Dr. Byrd, tries to unravel the mystery of her condition, Jane goes missing and is later found with no memory of what happened to her.
The narrative is told from both Jane’s and Dr. Byrd’s perspectives, giving the story a unique structure that feels like reading a clinical case study mixed with a personal journal. The writing is dry and clinical, yet precise, which adds to the intrigue and immerses the reader in the unfolding mystery.
What makes this book so compelling is its blend of genres—science fiction, mystery, suspense, and literary fiction—woven together in a way that keeps you guessing. The twists are intelligent and unexpected, and the psychological depth of the characters is fascinating.
It’s a book that challenges perceptions and keeps you hooked until the very end. Highly recommend going in blind, as the less you know, the more engaging the experience will be. This is a unique, intelligently crafted book.
Thank you so much to Flora and the team at Bonnier Books for sending me a finished copy of the book. The book is out now and available to purchase.
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Bad Manners by Amy Beashel:
Bad Manners by Amy Beashel is a gripping and unflinching exploration of power, lust, and the dark realities of a misogynistic society.
Set around a men-only charity dinner, the story exposes the uncomfortable dynamics between young waitresses and entitled men. As the night unfolds, it becomes a tale of violence, secrets, and revenge.
Beashel’s writing is sharp and intense, diving deep into themes of obsession, power, and the damage they cause to relationships. At its core, the book is driven by feminine rage, as women confront the horrors they’ve endured.
Bad Manners is a dark, compulsive read that challenges societal norms and critiques toxic masculinity. With its themes of justice and revenge, this is a book that will stay with you long after the final page.
Thank you to Alice and the team at Harper North for sending me a finished copy of the book. The book is out now and available to purchase.
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