Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (★★☆☆☆ 1/2)
Print • Library • Science Fiction • 2010
Short summary: At 31, Kathy reconnects with childhood friends Ruth and Tommy and reflects on their sheltered upbringing at Hailsham, gradually confronting the disturbing truth about their past and the purpose of their lives.
I picked up this book after hearing it recommended on the Zero to Well Read podcast, where one host said it was the one book she wished everyone would read from all the books they discussed in 2025. I’ll be honest: it didn’t fully land for me. I considered abandoning it after 50 pages, but kept going because I wanted to understand the hype. I can see why people love this book so much. After finishing the book, I listened to the Zero to Well Read episode where they discussed Never Let Me Go, and it definitely gave me a different appreciation for what Ishiguro did. I just found the novel to be very slow and deeply sad. I prefer books with more plot, and this one leans heavily on character and atmosphere. It won’t be making my favorites list, but I’m still glad I finally read it.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (★★★★★)
Print • Owned (indie bookstore) • Contemporary Romance • 2019
Short summary: The son of the first female U.S. president is forced to stage a fake friendship with his rival, Prince Henry of England, to avoid a political scandal—only for their relationship to turn real and threaten both a reelection campaign and international diplomacy.
This is one of my all-time favorite romances, and I hadn’t reread it since my first read in 2019. Thankfully, it holds up, and I’d still consider it an all-time favorite! I love Alex and Henry so, so much. Their banter is perfect, their rapport is so fun, and their love story is genuinely sweet in a way that still gives me heart eyes. I also love how beautifully queer this story is—Alex and Henry are supported by their parents without it being treated like a scandal, just two people who deserve to be loved and happy. And I, once again, appreciated reading an alternate reality where the U.S. elected its first female president instead of a reality TV star, which somehow feels even more poignant in these dark times. This romance is funny, heartfelt, and I want the best for Alex and Henry always.
Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto (★★★★☆)
Audiobook • Libby • Mystery • 2025
Short synopsis: When a mysterious influencer’s unidentifiable body surfaces, meddlesome teashop owner Vera Wong eagerly dives into the case to cure her growing boredom with a murder-free life.
This is the second book in the Vera Wong series, and I’m not tired of Vera’s schtick yet! I adore this meddlesome woman and her insistence on feeding everyone she loves. In this story, we’re introduced to a new cast of characters pulled into Vera’s orbit by way of a new murder investigation, and there is just something about Vera that brings people together. She can be exhausting at times, but ultimately, her heart is always in the right place. She truly wants the best for those around her! While this mystery didn’t feel quite as high-stakes as the first, I still loved being back in Vera’s teahouse and following along as she pieced everything together. These books are best on audio, so I highly recommend that format!
What are you reading?
Well now I feel vindicated for DNF’ing Never Let Me Go! And I have a pretty high tolerance for slow, character-driven novels. Maybe I will try it again when I am retired and have all the time in the world.
I’m reading “More Than Enough” now by Anna Quindlen. She’s an auto-read author for me and I am really enjoying the book!
It might be a book to try again at some other time, but then again, there are just so many OTHER books you could be reading!
I love Anna Quindlen – I need to become a completionist with her works.
I loved Remains of the Day so much, I was so disappointed by Never Let Me Go. I DNF, and I stand by that decision.
A gay romance with Prince Harry? I love it. I wonder if he loves it? Hopefully he finds it fun and cheeky.
I love Vera Wong. I love how she dealt with the school principal and the bra issue. I also am a fan of the audio format for these books, the narrator is great. I’ll admit to getting a LITTLE tired of the descriptions of comforting food, but hey, that’s Vera’s love language, so it tracks.
I don’t know if Prince Henry in Red, White & Royal Blue was fashioned after Prince Harry – he has more of a Prince William vibe to him, but maybe I’m reading that wrong!
Vera is EVERYTHING. I agree with you about the food descriptions, but I always find food descriptions kinda boring lol.
Never Let Me Go is on my TBR – too bad you didn’t like it. I will report back (whenever I read it, it might be a while!)
I hope you like it a lot more than I did! I can see the appeal, but it just wasn’t my vibe.
Hmmm! I read several Ishiguro books a long time ago, and I can’t remember if this was one of them. Back in those days I enjoyed books like this, but I don’t think I would enjoy it so much now.
I have no desire to read Red White and Royal Blue, BUT I know it’s a beloved favorite of a lot of people. Who knows- I might even enjoy it if I gave it a chance. But I’ll just stick with my mysteries. : )
I’d be curious how you would feel about Never Let Me Go! I feel like you can hang with these types of books a lot more than I can, ha.
I love Ishiguro’s book When We Were Orphans- it’s one of my favorite books. And I also loved Buried Giant. But all his other books fall flat for me and leave me kind of cold, including Never Let Me Go. I think his disaffected, almost naive, prose style really works for me sometimes and sometimes I just find it frustrating. Like I want his narrators to have a bit more self awareness.
Ohhh, interesting! I’ll have to look into When We Were Orphans since it’s one of your faves!
I read Never Let Me Go in 2010. Apparently I didn’t care for it based on the last lines in my blog review: Read this at your own peril. You’ve been warned.
I really like 2010 NGS. LOL.
I LOVE THIS. Haaaa. I agree wholeheartedly with 2010 NGS!
I’ve heard of the Wong books, but I haven’t read any of them. I am also someone who insists on feeding everyone that I love. Ha. I think I’ll skip the Never Let Me Go book after reading Engie’s comment about her 2010 self. I’m reading The Story of a Heart right now. It’s hard to put down, but since I read in bed at night – I’m not able to read nonstop. I’m thinking I need an additional book to bring to Florida. Can’t wait!
You might find a lot of things to love about Vera Wong – I wish she could feed me and brew me the perfect cup of tea!