Executed – DaneCobain.com

Title: Tell-All

Author: Chuck Palahniuk

Type: Fiction

Page Count/Review Word Count: 182

Rating 3.5/5

I can’t help feeling as though this could have been better executed, but I do like what Palahniuk was trying to do here. Considering he’s best known for more popular fiction, this one almost felt like literary fiction, and that was a nice surprise.

The story here basically follows the personal assistant of a film star who basically is responsible for every aspect of her life. At first, she comes across as irritating and overbearing, but that all changes in the second act when suddenly she discovers that her mistress’ lover is planning to kill her and to publish a tell-all memoir all about it.

Of course, there were also a couple of twists along the way – and one major one at the end – which keep you guessing as a reader, but really it’s more about the journey than the destination. I just wish that the narrator wasn’t so obsessed with name dropping brands and celebrities, but it did at least feel realistic.

Click here to buy Tell-All.

Tracy Chevalier – Girl with a Pearl Earring | Review

Title: Girl with a Pearl Earring

Author: Tracy Chevalier

Type: Fiction

Page Count/Review Word Count: 266

Rating: 5*/5

Tracy Chevalier – Girl with a Pearl Earring

I read this book because I watch a YouTuber called Hannah Tay who has an Etsy store where you can buy a mystery package of one of her favourite books. I bought it, and this is the book that arrived. And the good news is that I loved it.

This is historical fiction, except it’s written in a way that could appeal to everyone and so it’s not just for people who only read historical reads. It’s also a great read for people who are into art because it features Johannes Vermeer as a character, although one of my favourite elements of the story was the fact that it was sent in Holland.

The story itself follows a girl called Griet, the penniless daughter of a blind tile maker who’s taken on to provide household help for the painter, and we get to watch as her role gets more and more important until it all comes to a head. But I don’t want to say too much about it because I don’t want to spoil the plot.

Suffice to say that this was a beautifully written book with fantastic pacing that was just a genuine pleasure to read, and it’s easily accessible no matter what kind of reader you are. I was surprised by it, and I really couldn’t fault it. It’s just a great concept that’s well executed, and it just has that feel of a classic story. Read it.