What are you reading? Imposter by Bradeigh Godfrey

Noelia's contribution

 The Book

Source: Amazon

Imposter by Bradeigh Godfrey

The story begins with the sisters' reunión after three years of separation, Lilian and Rosie, following the death of their parents. Rosie has a secret to share with Lillian, but before she can reveal it, a car accident leaves them on the brink of death. Lilian survives unscathed, but Rosie suffers a traumatic brain injury named Capgras delusion, which leaves her unable to recognise her sister Lilian and her fiancé. 

One of the best aspects is its complex, believable characters, each with unique personalities, motivations, and backstories. Lilian's role is that of the older sister and primary caregiver to Rose. She has shouldered sugbufucabt responsibilities, putting Rosie's needs before her own. This burden has taken a toll on Lilian's life, affecting her académic and personal pursuits. However, Rosie's role is different. Rosie's desire for love and connection drives many of her actions and decisions, as she looks for relationships that provide her with a sense of security and stability. 

Moreover, the use of Rosie's diaries as a narrative device provides a unique glimpse into Rosie's inner world, offering a deeply personal and intimate perspective on her thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The diaries are a powerful tool and key element for character development, allowing the reader to connect with Rosie on a deeper level and understand her complexities. 

On the other hand, the author's decision to include Capgras síndrome in the story is understandable. However, the narrative's pacing could improve by balancing information with plot advancement.

To sum up, I highly recommend "Imposter" for book clubs, particularly due to Rosie's diaries, which spark thought-provoking discussions about loneliness, dependency and toxic relationships. These tgenes can lead to a Deep and enriching conversation among book club members. 

The Author 

Bradeigh Godfrey lives in Utah with her husband and four children. Despite her busy schedule, she is an active member of the literary community, engaging with readers and writers on platforms like Goodreads and Instagram.

The author earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her residency at the University of Utah and has worked as a chief resident. Her research focuses on topics like hyperhidrosis in amputees and prosthetic use, demonstrating her expertise in her field.

As a physician is passionate about improving the quality of life and wellness of veterans through research, teaching, and clinical work. Her work is a testament to her dedication and compassion.

She has written two psychological thrillers, "Imposter" (2022) and "The Followers" (2023), which explore complex themes such as sisterhood, secrets, and the neuroscience of memory and trauma.

In addition to her psychological thrillers, Godfrey co-writes romantic women's fiction under the pen name Ali Brady. Her notable works include "The Beach Trap" and "The Comeback Summer". Her writing showcases her versatility and range as an author.

What are you reading? Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

 Rosa Serrano's contribution

Dear friends,

This is my recommendation for a good nice summer read. Where the crawdads sing By Delia Owens 

What's is about?

For years, rumors of the "Marsh Girl" have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina. There's also a film, though the book is much more enriching. The perfect story for those who have an eye for beauty, for those who love nature. 

The book

Source: Amazon

Delia Owens’ Where the Crawdads Sing is a haunting and lyrical debut that blends mystery, romance, and a deep reverence for nature. Set in the marshlands of North Carolina, the story follows Kya Clark, the "Marsh Girl," who grows up isolated from society after being abandoned by her family. As she learns to survive alone, the natural world becomes both her teacher and her sanctuary. Years later, Kya becomes the prime suspect in a murder case that shakes the nearby town. Owens weaves a dual timeline, shifting between Kya’s coming-of-age and the investigation, gradually revealing how they intersect. With evocative prose and richly drawn landscapes, the novel explores themes of loneliness, resilience, prejudice, and the healing power of connection. Both a poignant portrait of a misunderstood girl and a gripping whodunit, Where the Crawdads Sing is a moving and unforgettable read.

The Author

Delia Owens is an American author and zoologist best known for her bestselling debut novel Where the Crawdads Sing. Born in Georgia in 1949, Owens developed a deep love for nature early in life. She earned a degree in zoology from the University of Georgia and later obtained a Ph.D. in animal behavior from the University of California, Davis.

Before turning to fiction, Owens spent over two decades working as a wildlife scientist in Africa. Alongside her then-husband Mark Owens, she conducted extensive research on elephants, lions, and other wildlife in remote regions of Botswana and Zambia. Their conservation work led to several acclaimed nonfiction books, including Cry of the Kalahari (1984), The Eye of the Elephant (1992), and Secrets of the Savanna (2006). These works highlight both the beauty and challenges of African wildlife conservation.

Where the Crawdads Sing, published in 2018, marked Owens’s transition to fiction and became a global phenomenon. The novel spent over 150 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and was adapted into a film in 2022. Owens’s writing is celebrated for its lyrical style, emotional depth, and profound connection to the natural world—traits clearly influenced by her scientific background.

 

Links

> Wikipedia - Where the Crawdads Sing 

If you want to know more about the film based on this book, below is the official trailer published on YouTube.

YouTube - WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING - Official Trailer (HD)

What are you reading? The Handmaid’s Tale (1985) by Margaret ATWOOD

 Ana Melendo's contribution

The book

Source: Amazon

Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale.

I’ve first discovered the series thanks to my oldest daughter, but soon when I’ve finished to watch the fourth or the fifth episode, I want to know more about it and then I’ve seen it was based on a book of the great Canadian writer Margaret ATWOOD.

I like very much dystopian stories, so I decided to read it. The novel seems to me much more interesting because of all the details it gives about that society, the different categories of people that existed in it, the way they took the power, which kind of society they wanted to establish, why they decided to fight for it. The most worrying is its resemblance to a certain current government.

In 2019, M. ATWOOD wrote a second part titled The Testaments: this one sheds even more light on the story and it is as entertaining as the first part. If you like dystopian novels, you surely love this one.

If you know other books like this one, please, tell it here.

The Author

Source: Wikipedia

Margaret Atwood is a celebrated Canadian author, poet, and literary critic, widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of our time. Born in Ottawa in 1939, Atwood has published more than fifty books of fiction, poetry, and essays. Her work often explores themes such as gender, power, identity, and the environment, with a distinctive voice that blends sharp intellect and imaginative storytelling.

Atwood gained international acclaim with her 1985 novel The Handmaid’s Tale, a dystopian vision of a theocratic regime that strips women of their rights. The book became a cultural touchstone, resonating with readers across generations and sparking renewed interest with the award-winning television adaptation in 2017. It has been translated into over forty languages and is widely studied in schools and universities.

The impact of The Handmaid’s Tale on Atwood’s career has been profound, elevating her to global prominence and cementing her status as a powerful voice in feminist and speculative fiction. In 2019, she published The Testaments, a sequel that won the Booker Prize, shared with Bernardine Evaristo. Through her work, Atwood continues to challenge, provoke, and inspire readers worldwide.

“Ignoring isn’t the same as ignorance, you have to work at it.”

— Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale

If you want to know more about the series based on this book, below is the official trailer published on YouTube.

YouTube - Official trailer

What are you reading? Before You And Me by Brooke Beyfuss

 Noelia's Contribution

The Book

Before You Found Me by Brooke Beyfuss is the last novel I read. I'm torn about whether to recommend it or not, as the opening chapters pull you in and keep you on the edge of your seat! The latest chapters are predictable and a bit boring.

The novel follows Rowan, a young woman trying to heal from her traumatic experience with domestic violence. One fateful day, she crosses paths with Gabriel, a ten-year-old boy abused at the hands of his father. In a moment of fierce resolve, she makes a split-second decision that will change their lives forever.

The opening chapters draw you in, prompting you to think deeply about how to safeguard someone in danger. From this compelling starting point, the book takes you on a journey through the intricate web of family dynamics. It reveals that modern relationships and unconventional family structures can be just as profound and meaningful as traditional ones, challenging our perceptions of what family truly means.

The heart of this story beats strongly through the development of its main character and the richness of its dialogue. The conversations are layered and thought-provoking, filled with understanding and genuine affection that mirror the evolving dynamics of their relationship as they navigate various struggles. This compelling aspect of the book pulls readers in, offering a captivating glimpse into the character's thoughts, emotions, and internal conflicts, making them feel deeply connected to their journey.

The central theme of the novel is undeniably captivating; however, it falls short in emphasizing the therapeutic process, which may downplay the critical importance of seeking help for serious psychological issues. Last but not least, the narrative occasionally resorts to predictable romantic tropes, making the reading of this book a bit heavy and tedious.

The Author

Brooke Beyfuss is a freelance writer living in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, with her husband, daughter, an incredibly energetic dog, and three cats. She graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and comparative literature. Brooke has written extensively on a variety of intriguing topics. Her debut novel, After We Were Stolen, was featured in Bustle magazine, presented at the 2022 Kansas Book Festival, and selected as a Fall ’22 Hoopla Book Club pick.