Ti: Interesting to hear your thoughts on Yesteryear. I didn’t know about the inspiration behind the novel … but the author certainly had plenty to say about it. I guess I didn’t know much about “influencers” etc. before this but it opens a window into some of that life. I liked your review.

I also checked out the inspiration behind the book, Ballerina Farms and honestly, her content is beautiful but it was also so cringe.

Hi Brona, So glad for your thoughts on Yesteryear … what a crazy, delicious & diabolical read that is! Natalie was OTT to the max. But sort of fun in a darkly funny way.
I need to hold off on Taiwan Travelogue perhaps till the fall and I’m glad you told me about the Tehran novel. I looked at that one and I think I’d like it. I’m adding it on to my fall list. Thanks for the tip.
Glad I am back on your subscriber list … i will add your site back on to mine as well. You’re always reading something good. Cheers! Hope you’ll have a nice winter there … full of good books.

I’ve heard very mixed reviews abotu Taiwan Travelogue, so not sure if I will get to it but I can highly recommend The Nights Are Quiet in Tehran with its four narrators from the same family separated by a decade each time.

Seeing your name pop up on my blog this morning made me realise that somehow your had fallen off my subscriber list, so I have fixed that again now 🙂

Hi Jinjer, you might get to Taiwan Travelogue before me – as I’ve moved it now to fall … so I will see what you think of it. You can vet it, lol. Happy reading.

Hi Jane, yes the influencer Natalie has trouble coping with “real” pioneer life, which is sort of ironic since she’s espousing that in modern life. I didn’t really know where the author was going with it … and so I kept on to find out. I don’t think it’s a book for everyone … but it had some clever moments. Cheers, have a great weekend.

Hi Judith, thanks I appreciate your kind words … about my blathering posts, lol. And think it’s fine that you are passing on Yesteryear … I don’t think it’s a novel for everyone. It’s quite a negative story on human nature. I will need something a bit uplifting after this. I hope all is well there and your summer is off to a good start, Cheers!

Hi Nicola, good to hear from you. I think the author of Yesteryear is critiquing tradwife influencer life in making the lead character so unlikable. She is bashing it in ways. I wish it were as wholesome as Little House but it is a bit the opposite. See what you think. Hmm. I agree the Little House books were so enjoyable- I read them as a kid (the boxed set!) and should revisit them. Thx for stopping by!