TESSA TALKS BOOKS

The Good, The Bad, and the Auntie’s by Jesse Q. Sutanto

• One-word review: hilarious
• Emojis: 🤭😅🤣
• Rating: 5🌟s

My thoughts:

The Good, The Bad, and the Aunties had me in stitches throughout my reading journey. The dynamic between the sisters (the aunties) is a riot, their interactions brimming with humor. The cultural nuances, particularly when juxtaposed with Western perspectives, add a layer of comedy that is universally enjoyable.

I was captivated by the depiction of Indonesia. Sutanto’s vivid and detailed writing allowed me to explore a new country from the comfort of my reading nook. It’s a modern, affluent landscape, which contrasts with my previous perception of it as a resort-like destination. Also, the Chinese New Year celebration was a cultural feast, enriching my understanding of this significant event.

Meddy is a compelling character. Raised in the US by her mom and the Aunties, she deeply understands her family’s beliefs and traditions. Meddy and her new husband, Nathan, serve as cultural bridges, helping Western readers navigate the contrast between their lifestyle and the traditional life of Chinese and Indonesian peoples.

I was very sad to see that this is the last book in the series. Meddy is starting a new chapter in her life, and I would have loved to see how it plays out for all. They are just such a fun family, and everyone needs a little fun in their lives.

When I’m Her by Sarah Zachrich Jeng

• One-word review: Mind-blowing
• Emojis: 🤨😰🤯
• Rating: 4.5 🌟s

My thoughts:

When I’m Her is a fantastic thrill ride! It’s mind-blowing with twists and turns, sci-fi elements, and questionable narrators. I couldn’t put it down, even late into the night.

The sci-fi element, at first, seemed a bit too’ Freaky Friday’ for my taste. However, the suspense it created – the ability to switch minds with someone using an experimental device – was intriguing. It required a leap of faith, but the resulting thrill ride was worth it.

What truly resonated with me was the authentic portrayal of female friendships and the complexities within. The story’s exploration of Mary and Elizabeth’s relationship and the timeline of changes it underwent felt real and relatable.

This story is a rollercoaster of suspense, with a conclusion that will leave you in shock. The whodunit aspect was unexpected, filled with twists, turns, and red herrings. It’s a masterpiece that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

A Haunting in the Arctic by C. J. Cooke

• One-word review: Tragic
• Emojis: 🤨😰🤯
• Rating: 4 🌟s

My thoughts:

A Haunting in the Arctic is a beautifully tragic story that held me in its grip from beginning to end. The story is told mainly in a dual timeline – a 1901 story featuring Nicky, who finds herself on a whaling vessel after being attacked in the street, and a current-day timeline featuring Dominique, who is filming the same boat (as in the 1901 timeline) that has since run aground and is slated to be pulled out to sea and allowed to sink.

I loved the Selkie Wife folklore that is threaded throughout the story. It’s just the perfect fit for this story, which is shockingly challenging and disturbing but ultimately heart-wrenching. I was fascinated by learning about the folklore and watching it play out in this story.

Both timelines’ stories are as harsh as the environment, which is vividly detailed and almost gothic in its oppressive atmospheric feel. I had to speed-read through quite a few more brutal scenes. Still, I’m so glad I stuck with it because the ending, which brought it all together – the two timelines and the various side stories – touched my heart profoundly.

A Haunting in the Arctic is beautifully written, heart-wrenchingly authentic, and delightfully crafted in the most challenging and perfect ways.