Xine Segalas

Mixed Feelings

Revisado: 05-20-25

The Amalfi Curse blends historical intrigue with myth and mystery, but didn’t fully deliver for me. I was drawn to the Positano setting—having been there, I hoped to be transported. While the cliffs and dark waters are mentioned, the sensory magic of the Amalfi Coast felt underdeveloped. I never quite felt immersed.

The 1800s storyline was the stronger of the two, with a gothic tone that held my attention. The present-day plot, centered on Haven, fell flat—I couldn’t connect with her, and her choices often frustrated me.

The curse element, rooted in cultural superstition, worked well and added tension. The pacing was solid, and the audiobook narration helped bring both timelines to life. But overall, this was a mixed read—ambitious in scope, but emotionally uneven.

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Layered, Lush, and Smart

Revisado: 05-17-25

Have you ever finished book and thought - that was a great book - but there was just something missing? The Library Thief is a beautifully layered and intricate novel, filled with unexpected twists and a compelling mystery that kept me engaged throughout. Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, it weaves together themes of race, gender, survival, and the power of books in an immersive and thought-provoking way.

Florence, a bookbinder’s daughter, is cast out after a scandal and takes on the task of restoring an estate’s rare book collection at Rose Hall. But the more she works, the more secrets she uncovers—especially surrounding the late Lady Belfield. The novel is rich in detail, capturing not only the Gothic atmosphere of the house but also the constraints of Victorian society, particularly for women and people of color.

There are a lot of themes running around this book. Its exploration of historical realities, identity, and the weight of the past was nuanced and well-executed. The writing was strong, the pacing well-managed, and the story full of surprises. But, there was something about the characters that felt somewhat staid and distant, which I believe was intentional—a reflection of the rigid, emotionally restrained world they inhabited. That said, it made it harder to truly connect with Florence or the others. I rooted for her, and I felt bad for her, but I never deeply cared for her. Cora Kirk does a beautiful job of narrating the audiobook.

Despite that missing emotional spark, The Library Thief is a strong, intelligent, and well-crafted novel—one that kept me thinking long after I finished. If you enjoy historical fiction with a layered mystery and social commentary, it’s definitely worth a read. 4.5 stars.

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A Muddled Mystery

Revisado: 05-17-25

As part of my journey to read all of Agatha Christie's works in order, The Mystery of the Blue Train was an enjoyable listen, though not a standout among her mysteries. The premise—a murder aboard a luxury train—had the potential for classic Christie intrigue, but for me, the story was slowed down by uneven pacing and a heavy focus on subplots that pulled attention away from the central mystery.

While Hercule Poirot's sharp wit and deductive skills are always a delight, I found myself less invested in the surrounding characters and their motivations compared to other Christie novels I’ve read. The resolution was satisfying, but it lacked the impact and cleverness of some of her more famous works.

Having read Death on the Nile and Murder on the Orient Express years ago, I can say this one didn’t leave as strong an impression. However, it’s still worth a read for fans of Christie, especially those who appreciate the variety and evolution of her mysteries over time. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4

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Building a Home, Rebuilding a Life

Revisado: 05-17-25

House Lessons: Renovating a Life by Erica Bauermeister is a wonderful memoir that weaves together the physical act of renovating a home with the emotional and personal renovations we all undergo. I am currently in the midst of my own renovation, and I found this book incredibly relatable and informative—I learned so much about the building process, and I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at times.

Bauermeister brings warmth, wit, and insight to every stage of the project, making it a fun and thoughtful read. Highly recommended for anyone who has lived through—or is about to embark on—a renovation. You'll find comfort, camaraderie, and perhaps even a few surprises within these pages.

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Edge-of-Your-Seat Capri Thriller

Revisado: 05-17-25

Saltwater by Katy Hays is amazing! There are as many twists and turns in this riveting family mystery as there are on the roads of Capri. At each turn, I was floored—again and again.

The story is set on the stunning island of Capri—an island rich in history, beauty, and death. I love Capri, and each time a familiar hotel, restaurant, or sight was mentioned, memories flooded back. Hays nails the flavors and vibe of one of the chicest places on Earth.

This is an exciting and compelling thriller rooted in the dynamics of a cutthroat family guarding secrets... but not the ones you expect. The characters are all well-drawn and believable. I especially loved the multi-POV narration—it totally works. It kept me on the edge of my seat, constantly engaged and guessing.

The narration by Allyson Ryan, Cassandra Campbell, and Carlotta Brentan was spectacular—each voice perfectly matched the tone of the story.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves thrillers that transport you to exotic places and keep you guessing until the very end.

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Dreams, Data & Dystopia—A Thought-Provoking Listen

Revisado: 03-29-25

The Dream Hotel is a haunting, high-concept story that explores the terrifying idea of your dreams being monitored, manipulated, and used against you. Laila Lalami takes our daily reality—clicking “agree” without reading the fine print—and spins it into a sharp, timely critique of surveillance, consent, and control.

The narration by Frankie Corzo and Barton Caplan is excellent. Both bring clarity, tone, and tension to a layered story that shifts between consciousness and dreamscape with ease. Their performances added depth to the experience and kept me engaged throughout.

While I found the premise fascinating and disturbingly relevant, I felt somewhat emotionally detached from the characters—possibly by design, as the story mirrors the feeling of being inside a dream. That detachment was the only thing that kept it from being a full five stars for me.

If you enjoy speculative fiction that makes you think—and you’re drawn to stories that question how much privacy we truly have—this is well worth the listen.

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Brilliant Stories, Misplaced Musical Interludes

Revisado: 12-31-24

Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri is a masterful collection of short stories that showcases her incredible ability to create complex characters and provide vivid snapshots of Indian life. Her prose is elegant and deeply moving, with each story offering a unique exploration of identity, culture, and human relationships.

The narration by Matilda Novak was excellent and added to the emotional depth of the stories. However, the audiobook production included musical interludes that felt oddly placed and unnecessary. The music didn’t add anything to the experience and occasionally disrupted the flow, making it harder to stay immersed in the stories.

Despite this minor issue, Lahiri’s storytelling remains powerful and unforgettable. I highly recommend this collection for anyone who enjoys character-driven narratives, though I might suggest reading it in print to fully appreciate her artistry.

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Riveting and Original

Revisado: 12-28-24

The Miranda Obsession is a truly captivating Audible Original that took me completely by surprise. This incredible true story, which I had never heard of before, is brought to life with such finesse that it feels like stepping into a world of intrigue and emotional depth. The combination of fascinating subject matter and top-notch production makes this one of the most unique and memorable audio experiences I’ve ever had.

The story explores themes of connection, identity, and the power of voice in such a compelling way that I couldn’t stop listening. It’s a perfect blend of fun and riveting storytelling, keeping me hooked from start to finish. The production quality is superb, immersing you in the narrative with a seamless mix of voices, pacing, and atmosphere that feels almost cinematic.

I was especially struck by how original and layered this story is. It’s not just entertaining—it’s thought-provoking, offering a glimpse into human vulnerability and the lengths we’ll go to find connection. Whether you’re drawn to true stories, enjoy a beautifully produced audio experience, or are just looking for something completely fresh and unexpected, The Miranda Obsession delivers on every level.

This Audible Original is an absolute gem, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

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Timeless Reflections with a Personal Touch

Revisado: 11-23-24

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran is a beautifully written exploration of life’s universal themes, from love and work to joy and sorrow. The poetic prose is both elegant and contemplative, offering moments of profound wisdom that invite deep reflection. Some essays resonated more strongly with me than others, but even the less impactful ones carried a lyrical quality that made them worth pondering. Riz Ahmed’s narration in the audiobook brought an added layer of warmth and serenity, making the experience feel intimate and meditative.

While not every reflection struck a personal chord, the book as a whole is timeless in its relevance and soothing in its insights. It’s a treasure to revisit when in need of inspiration or calm, and its gentle, spiritual tone is likely to offer something new with each reading. A beautiful work that encourages introspection and appreciation for life’s complexities.

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Layers of Love, Resilience, and Transformation

Revisado: 11-21-24

Wish You Were Here is a deeply moving and beautifully crafted story that captures the complexities of love, resilience, and self-discovery. From the first chapter, Jodi Picoult draws you into a richly detailed world, blending art, science, and personal growth in a way that feels both intimate and universal. The story unfolds with emotional depth, exploring themes of connection and transformation during times of profound uncertainty.

Picoult’s attention to detail and thoughtful storytelling really stand out in this novel. The narrative feels both authentic and timely, which makes it easy to connect with. As an artist, I was especially drawn to the discussions about art and its role in healing—they really hit home for me. Her exploration of the brain and its complexities was just as fascinating. This story has so many layers, and it raises some profound questions about what truly matters in life. It’s easily one of Picoult’s most thought-provoking works.

The audiobook narration by Marin Ireland is phenomenal, bringing warmth and nuance to the characters and enhancing the overall experience. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven stories with emotional depth and those looking for a thoughtful exploration of how we grow through life’s challenges. Wish You Were Here is a must-read/listen that will linger in your thoughts long after finishing the story.

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