Welcome to Erica Talks Books. Here I review books--new and old, as well as those yet to be released.
I read books across the board, but I do have favorite categories. That being said, you'll notice that some genres on my site are packed full of books, while others are a bit starved for attention. I unabashedly confess that nowadays I tend to prefer my books with an extra large helping of magic, wonder and whimsy, served with a hearty dash of inspiration.
I'm a huge fan of chai, so this book immediately drew me in with its title. It is filled with great illustrations. And the inclusion of a recipe at the back is a lovely touch. The story, however, felt a little off to me. The opening drags and could have been trimmed to create a tighter, more coherent read. The ending was a big gross, but children will likely find it hilarious..
I loved this book so much. I'm not usually a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope, but the character development was so well done, and I was so thoroughly invested in this book, that it didn't even occur to me that it was an enemies-to-lovers book until after I finished it. Great worldbuilding. Lots of action. Tons of tension and intrigue. Lots of steamy naughtiness... Speaking of which, more often than not, I find erotic scenes in novels to be uninspired filler. But for this book... I was so there for it. The delivery sung to my soul!And underneath all that awesomeness, the book is also filled with genuine depth, vulnerability, and a special nod to artists. A great read that is filled with both heat and heart.
Lofty thematic ambitions. This graphic novel explores the origin of banshees through a lens of desperate love and the struggle to break free from outdated social conventions.
What a great book! My first thoughts were immediately focused on the richly detailed illustrations. They are lovely, and a cornerstone of the whole book. In fact, the whole aesthetic layout of this book is excellent.
Wow. What a weird mind-trip of a book. It's dark and edgy, gritty and layered. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just say that this is a story about seizing what's important in life—living life to its fullest and not being afraid to step outside your comfort zone, so that you don't pass away with regrets.
Gloam is a hauntingly atmospheric book that celebrates the power of sibling bonds and the unexpected family that can be found in a step-parent. It’s a great choice for readers who enjoy a story that skillfully combines both physical and psychological horror.
Wowza! I love this graphic novel so much. This is a surprisingly deep installment in the series, moving beyond pure fantasy to deliver a powerful story about self-discovery, the future of love, and the horrors of bigotry.
This is a fantastic canning cookbook! I learned so much from it and am now genuinely excited for the canning season.
Beautiful and evocative photography. Bryan Sansivero’s portraits of deserted homes range from the hauntingly ethereal to the strangely unsettling, with each one telling a silent story.
A beautiful tribute to Indigenous storytelling and teachings. This book has great art and a captivating story. At the back of the book there is even a moon calendar, with all the different moons and their corresponding months.
Oh, how I loved this book! I'll be honest: the beginning is a challenge. It throws a lot of information at you, making for a confusing start. The ending is also an abrupt cliffhanger that offers no immediate resolutions. But the reading experience packed between those two points is so breathtakingly good that it earns all five stars from me.
What a delightful read! The Space Cat is a cute, sweet, and genuinely funny graphic novel packed with fast-paced action and laugh-out-loud moments.
