Notes

marina82's Notes

2026

May 17, 2026

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

Yesteryear

By Caro Claire Burke

A very dark book about a tradwife who focuses so much on her outward appearance on social media that she neglects her family. This explores the various pressures women feel to find independence, manage how they are perceived and, for the main character, to embrace conservative Christian family values and reconcile (or very willfully ignore) the many contradictions within those values.

Apr 01, 2026

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert

City of Girls

By Elizabeth Gilbert

A very quick and fun read set (mostly) in New York city in the 1940s. The story follows a very colorful cast of theater people with much more progressive lifestyles and values than are common for that time (or now). This contrasts with WWII and the loss of many young men who are fighing in this war, economic repercussions and a challenging political background. The main character is coming of age and understanding and learning to navigate the fact that her values don't align with society or her parents expectations. The storyline is easy to follow, but also touches on some big topics in feminism. I read most of this on one airplane flight.

Feb 18, 2026

All the Way to the River by Elizabeth Gilbert

All the Way to the River

Love, Loss, and Liberation

By Elizabeth Gilbert

Painful and honest. This was not an easy read, but a very good one. I learned a lot about addiction (of many types) and love.

2025

Jul 14, 2025

Quiet by Susan Cain

Quiet

By Susan Cain

Samples- This is very straightforward!

Jul 14, 2025

Sun Is a Compass by Caroline Van Hemert

Sun Is a Compass

My 4,000-Mile Journey Into the Alaskan Wilds

By Caroline Van Hemert

test notes- can't wait to read for real!

Jul 14, 2025

Very Quiet Cricket Board Book by Eric Carle

Very Quiet Cricket Board Book

By Eric Carle

Will the cricket get louder?