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Cleo Long!💝

@reads.cleo24

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✨ She/Her 26.
💝 Bookworm since 1999.
📚 2025 Books : 18/365.
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📕 Title: Say It Louder!: Black Voters, White Narratives, and Saving Our Democracy – A Political Analysis of Electoral Power and U.S. History

✍️ Author: Tiffany Cross

📖 Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)

This is one of those books that made me stop every few chapters just to think about what I'd read.

I finished Say It Louder! yesterday, and it gave me a lot more than I expected. I went in hoping for a thoughtful political analysis, but what I found was a compelling blend of history, personal insight, and a closer look at the role Black voters have played in shaping American democracy. Tiffany Cross has a conversational writing style that makes complex political topics feel accessible without oversimplifying them.

What stood out most to me was how she connects historical voter suppression with modern political narratives and media coverage. I also appreciated the way she explains the growing electoral influence of Black communities while challenging some of the assumptions that are often repeated in public discourse. The book is packed with research, but it never felt like I was reading a textbook. Instead, it felt like someone was connecting the dots and inviting readers to think more critically.

There were a few moments where I found myself looking up historical events afterward because the book sparked my curiosity. I always enjoy books that encourage me to keep learning after I've finished the final chapter. While a couple of sections became a bit dense with statistics, the overall message remained engaging and thought-provoking.

I settled on 4.5 stars because the pacing slowed slightly in parts, but the insights more than made up for it.

I'd recommend this to readers who enjoy political nonfiction, American history, and books that examine democracy through both historical context and contemporary events. Whether or not you agree with every perspective presented, it's the kind of book that encourages meaningful reflection and discussion.

#PoliticalNonfiction #AmericanHistory #Democracy #BlackVoices #ThoughtProvokingReads by @reads.cleo24

📕 Title: InvestiGators: Weather or Not

✍️ Author: John Patrick Green

📖 Review: I finished this yesterday, and somehow InvestiGators: Weather or Not managed to be just as ridiculous and entertaining as the earlier books in the series. I picked it up expecting a few laughs, but I ended up smiling through almost every chapter.

The mystery kicks off with the city's water mysteriously turning into milk, which is exactly the kind of wonderfully absurd premise I've come to expect from Mango and Brash. Add in the green rain, the quirky InvestiGatos, and the suspicious simian scientists, and you've got a case that's packed with surprises without ever feeling confusing. I also loved how the story mixes clever detective work with nonstop visual humor and pun-filled dialogue. There were several pages I had to reread because I noticed extra jokes hidden in the illustrations the second time around.

I actually read a few chapters with my younger cousin, and we kept interrupting each other to point out funny background details. That's one of my favorite things about this series—it works for kids, but adults will catch plenty of jokes too.

My only reason for giving it 4.5 stars instead of a full five is that the pacing gets a little chaotic near the end with so much happening at once. Still, that's a very small complaint because the energy never lets up and the ending is satisfying.

I'd definitely recommend this to young readers who enjoy graphic novels, silly mysteries, and fast-paced adventures. Fans of the previous InvestiGators books won't be disappointed, and it's another fun reminder of why Mango and Brash remain one of my favorite detective duos.

#GraphicNovel #KidsBooks #InvestiGators #MysteryAdventure #BookReview by @reads.cleo24

📕 Title: A Simple Guide to Being Alive

✍️ Author: David M.L. Rabin MD PhD

📖 Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)

This book felt less like a self-help manual and more like a calm conversation I didn't realize I needed.

I finished A Simple Guide to Being Alive yesterday, and it left me feeling surprisingly grounded. I've read plenty of books about productivity and mental wellness, but I appreciated that this one doesn't constantly push you to "do more." Instead, Dr. David Rabin focuses on something much simpler—understanding your nervous system and learning why feeling safe is often the first step toward feeling better.

One of my favorite parts was how he explains anxiety as a signal rather than an enemy. That shift in perspective really stuck with me. I also liked the practical reminders about the power of simple things like deep breathing, laughter, and even a genuine 20-second hug. None of it felt preachy or overly complicated. The science is there, but it's presented in a way that's easy to follow, with enough humor to keep the book from becoming too heavy.

I actually caught myself putting the book down a couple of times just to try one of the breathing exercises before continuing. It's rare for me to pause while reading, but this one encouraged me to slow down instead of racing to the next chapter.

The reason I'm giving it 4.5 stars instead of a full five is that a few ideas are revisited more than once, making certain sections feel a little repetitive. Even so, the overall message is thoughtful, compassionate, and refreshingly practical.

I'd recommend this to anyone who's been feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or simply looking for a healthier relationship with stress. It's an easy, meaningful read that offers realistic tools without pretending there's a quick fix.

#MentalWellness #SelfHelpBooks #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth #WellnessReads by @reads.cleo24

📕 Title: Unico: Awakening

✍️ Author: Samuel Sattin

📖 Review: I opened *Unico: Awakening* expecting a charming fantasy adventure, but I wasn't prepared for how much heart, emotion, and gorgeous artwork it would pack into a single volume.

I finished it yesterday, and it immediately reminded me why classic stories can endure across generations. The story follows Unico, a young unicorn who has lost his memories and finds himself in a strange new world. Along the way, he forms an unlikely friendship with Chloe, a clever watch cat, and their relationship quickly became one of my favorite parts of the book. Their interactions are funny, sweet, and surprisingly touching.

The artwork deserves special mention. Every page is vibrant and expressive, making the world feel magical while still carrying an undercurrent of danger. I also loved how the story balances adventure with deeper themes like kindness, friendship, and the consequences of even well-intentioned actions. The presence of Venus and her pursuit of Unico adds tension without overwhelming the book's sense of wonder.

As someone who grew up reading graphic novels and fantasy stories, this felt like a blend of a classic fairy tale and a modern all-ages adventure. More than once, I found myself pausing just to admire the illustrations before moving on to the next page.

The reason I'm giving it 4.5 stars instead of a full five is that the story ends just as I felt fully immersed in the world, leaving me eager for the next installment. That's not really a flaw—it just means I wanted more.

I'd highly recommend *Unico: Awakening* to fans of manga, graphic novels, fantasy adventures, and readers who enjoy stories with memorable characters and beautiful artwork. Whether you're familiar with Unico or discovering him for the first time, this is a wonderful introduction to a magical world.

#Unico #GraphicNovel #MangaReads #FantasyAdventure #BookReview by @reads.cleo24

📕 Title: "Brimstone (Fae & Alchemy)"

✍️ Author: " Callie Hart"

📚 Book Review: Brimstone by Callie Hart is a breathtaking fantasy romance that raises the stakes in every possible way, delivering an unforgettable blend of action, intrigue, and emotional depth. As the latest installment in the Fae & Alchemy series, this novel expands its richly imagined world while pushing its beloved characters into even greater danger.

The story follows Saeris Fane, the newly crowned ruler of the vampire court, who must navigate the immense responsibilities of leadership while confronting the consequences of her growing power. Torn between duty and personal desire, Saeris faces impossible choices that could determine the fate of entire realms. Alongside her stands Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate, a warrior burdened by promises, loyalty, and a looming threat that endangers everything he holds dear.

Callie Hart masterfully combines immersive world-building with compelling character development, creating a narrative that feels both epic in scope and deeply personal. The chemistry between Saeris and Fisher adds emotional weight to the story, while the constant twists and escalating dangers keep readers fully invested.

For fans of fantasy romance, powerful heroines, and high-stakes adventure, Brimstone is an absolute must-read and a worthy addition to any fantasy lover’s bookshelf.

✨#books #bookstagram #book #booklover #reading by @reads.cleo24

📕 Title: The Man Who Stole the Gods

✍️ Author: Matthew Campbell

📖 Review: I picked this book up thinking it would be a straightforward true-crime story, but it turned out to be an eye-opening mix of history, investigation, and cultural loss.

I finished *The Man Who Stole the Gods* yesterday, and I was completely absorbed by the story from the start. Matthew Campbell takes readers from the ancient temples of Cambodia to some of the world's most prestigious museums and auction houses, showing how priceless Khmer artifacts were removed from their original homes and funneled into the international art market.

What fascinated me most was the story of Douglas Latchford and the elaborate network surrounding the trafficking of Cambodian antiquities. The book also provides valuable context about the Khmer Empire and the significance of these artifacts, which made the stakes feel much larger than a typical crime story. I especially appreciated the sections that explored the efforts to return stolen treasures to Cambodia and restore pieces of the country's cultural heritage.

As someone who enjoys both history and investigative journalism, this felt like the perfect combination of the two. At times it reminded me of an art-world thriller, except the events actually happened. More than once I found myself searching online for photos of the temples and statues mentioned in the book because I wanted to better understand what had been lost.

The reason I'm giving it 4.5 stars instead of a full five is that some of the legal and art-market details occasionally slowed the pace. Still, those details are important to understanding the full scope of the story.

I'd highly recommend *The Man Who Stole the Gods* to readers who enjoy true crime, world history, archaeology, investigative reporting, or stories about the recovery of stolen cultural treasures. It's a compelling and often shocking read that stayed with me long after I turned the final page.

#TrueCrimeBooks #HistoryBooks #InvestigativeJournalism #CambodiaHistory #NonfictionReads by @reads.cleo24

📕 Title: How to Rule the World: An Education in Power at Stanford University

✍️ Author: Theo Baker

📖 Review: I picked up *How to Rule the World* expecting a book about Stanford, but it ended up feeling more like a real-life investigative thriller.

I finished it yesterday, and I honestly had a hard time putting it down. Theo Baker does more than tell the story of his time at Stanford—he pulls back the curtain on a culture of ambition, privilege, power, and influence that most people only hear about from a distance. What makes the book especially compelling is that it's told from the perspective of a freshman student who unexpectedly finds himself pursuing a story with enormous consequences.

A few things really stood out to me. First, the behind-the-scenes look at Stanford's startup culture, secretive networks, and the way future business and tech leaders are cultivated was fascinating. Second, Baker's account of tracking sources, following leads, and navigating pressure while investigating allegations involving Stanford's president kept the tension high throughout. Finally, I appreciated how the book explores the broader question of who gets access to power and how institutions protect themselves.

As someone who enjoys investigative journalism, this reminded me of the best newsroom stories I've read—part campus memoir, part corporate exposé, and part coming-of-age story. More than once, I found myself reading "just one more chapter" before bed and then realizing an hour had passed.

The reason I'm giving it 4.5 stars instead of a full five is that some sections focusing on Stanford's internal culture felt a little repetitive. Still, that's a minor issue in an otherwise engaging and thought-provoking book.

I'd highly recommend *How to Rule the World* to readers interested in higher education, Silicon Valley, investigative journalism, technology, and modern power structures. If you enjoy nonfiction that reads like a page-turner, this book is absolutely worth your time.

#InvestigativeJournalism #Stanford #SiliconValley #NonfictionBooks #BookReview by @reads.cleo24

📕 Title: Whatever Happened to Cadence Rhymer (The Invisible Society Chronicles Book 1)

✍️ Author: William Tooker

📖 Review: Some books sneak up on you, and Whatever Happened to Cadence Rhymer was definitely one of those for me.

I finished it yesterday, and what stuck with me most was the relationship between Rick Bohannon and Sera. Rick’s the calm, steady presence who seems to keep things from completely falling apart, while Sera carries a very different kind of energy and emotional weight. Their friendship—and the way the characters gradually become something closer to a family—gave the story much more heart than I expected going in.

The urban fantasy setting also worked well for me because it doesn’t feel like the usual polished, heroic version of the genre. There’s danger, violence, difficult choices, and plenty of moments where things get messy. At the same time, the book has a surprisingly funny streak. I actually laughed in places where I wasn’t expecting to, which helped balance some of the darker material.

The mystery surrounding Cadence Rhymer is obviously the hook, but I found myself more invested in the characters and their reasons for sticking together. There’s a strong sense that everyone is carrying something they don’t necessarily know how to talk about. The combination of supernatural trouble, emotional scars, and found-family dynamics reminded me why I enjoy character-driven fantasy in the first place.

I also liked that the story doesn’t try to make its characters perfectly heroic. They make mistakes, they get hurt, and sometimes they react badly. That made them feel much more believable to me.

I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy gritty urban fantasy, supernatural mysteries, found-family stories, and emotionally complicated characters. If you like indie fantasy that balances humor with darker themes, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try.

#WhateverHappenedToCadenceRhymer #UrbanFantasy #IndieFantasy #FoundFamily #BookReview by @reads.cleo24

📕Title: "Icebreaker: A Novel (The Maple Hills Series)"

✍️Author: "Hannah Grace"

📚Book Review: Hannah Grace’s Icebreaker is a captivating sports romance that brings together the intense worlds of competitive figure skating and college hockey. The story follows Anastasia Allen, a determined skater with her sights set on Team USA, and Nate Hawkins, the disciplined captain of the hockey team who is focused on leading his squad to success. When a rink-sharing mishap forces their two worlds to collide, rivalry quickly turns into undeniable chemistry.

Grace delivers a compelling enemies-to-lovers narrative filled with witty banter, emotional tension, and slow-burn attraction. Anastasia is a fiercely driven protagonist whose ambition and discipline make her relatable, while Nate’s grounded personality and quiet strength create the perfect contrast. As circumstances push them closer together, both characters are forced to confront their assumptions about each other and themselves.

Beyond romance, Icebreaker explores themes of ambition, teamwork, and vulnerability under pressure. The college sports setting adds energy and realism, making the story even more engaging.

With its addictive storyline, strong character development, and heartfelt romance, Icebreaker is a must-read for fans of sports romance. It is a perfect blend of passion, humor, and emotional depth that deserves a spot on every contemporary romance reader’s bookshelf.

✨#books #bookstagram #book #booklover #reading by @reads.cleo24

📕 Title: Carnival Nightmare: A Dark Stalker Romance

✍️ Author: Selena Winters

📖 Review: I finished Carnival Nightmare yesterday, and it was one of those dark romances that immediately pulls you into its atmosphere and doesn't let go until the final page.

The carnival setting was easily one of my favorite parts of the book. The neon lights, eerie attractions, and constant sense that something dangerous was lurking around every corner created a creepy, dreamlike backdrop that fit the story perfectly. It felt like stepping into a funhouse where you know something is wrong, but you can't stop moving forward.

Cade is definitely not your typical romantic lead. He's obsessive, unsettling, and completely consumed by his fixation, which makes him both fascinating and terrifying. What I appreciated most was that the author doesn't try to soften the darker aspects of his character. The psychological tension between Cade and the heroine kept me hooked, and I found myself constantly wondering what would happen next.

Another thing that stood out was the way reality and illusion seemed to blur throughout the story. There were moments when I felt just as uncertain as the main character, which added to the suspense. Despite being a novella, the pacing is strong, and the story moves quickly without feeling rushed.

The only reason I'm giving it 4.5 stars instead of a full five is that I would have loved a little more time with the characters and world. The carnival itself was so intriguing that I wasn't quite ready to leave when the story ended.

I'd recommend Carnival Nightmare to readers who enjoy dark stalker romances, morally questionable characters, psychological suspense, and gothic carnival vibes. Just be sure to check the content warnings beforehand. If you're a fan of dark romance with an unsettling atmosphere and plenty of tension, this is definitely worth reading.

⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)

#CarnivalNightmare #SelenaWinters #DarkRomance #StalkerRomance #BookReview by @reads.cleo24

📕 Title: Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story

✍️ Author: Jeffrey Mason

📖 Review: I finished looking through Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story yesterday, and I honestly wish I had found this journal years ago.

What makes this book special is how thoughtfully it's put together. The 300+ prompts go far beyond basic questions and encourage dads to reflect on their childhood, family traditions, life lessons, proudest achievements, and even some memories that might never come up in everyday conversation. As I flipped through the pages, I kept thinking of questions I had never thought to ask my own father.

A few months ago, my family was reminiscing about old stories at a gathering, and it struck me how many details get lost over time. This journal feels like a way to preserve those memories before they're forgotten. I especially appreciated how the prompts are structured to make storytelling feel natural rather than overwhelming. The added writing space and updated content are also nice touches that give plenty of room for thoughtful answers.

What I liked most is that this isn't just a journal—it's a keepsake. It creates an opportunity for meaningful conversations and helps capture a person's experiences, values, and perspective in their own words. Reading through it reminded me that family history isn't really about dates and events; it's about the stories behind them.

The reason I'm giving it 4.5 stars instead of a full five is that some dads who aren't naturally reflective might need a little encouragement to get started. Once they do, though, I think they'll find it rewarding.

I'd highly recommend Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story to anyone looking for a meaningful gift for a father, grandfather, or father figure. If you value family memories and want to preserve stories that might otherwise be lost, this journal is absolutely worth giving—and keeping.

⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)

#DadIWantToHearYourStory #JeffreyMason #FamilyMemories #GuidedJournal #BookReview by @reads.cleo24

📕 Title: The Correspondent: A Novel

✍️ Author: Virginia Evans

📖 Review: I closed this book yesterday with a smile on my face and a lump in my throat—it's one of those quiet stories that stays with you long after the last page.

What I loved most about The Correspondent was the way Virginia Evans builds an entire life through letters. Sybil Van Antwerp immediately felt like a real person to me: witty, intelligent, stubborn, and deeply compassionate. Her habit of writing to everyone—from family and friends to authors she admires and even university officials—made each chapter feel fresh while slowly revealing the layers of her life. I was especially drawn to the unsent letters, which added an emotional undercurrent without giving everything away too soon.

As someone who still keeps a small box of handwritten notes from friends, I found myself thinking about how different a letter feels compared to a text message. This novel reminded me that taking the time to put thoughts on paper can preserve moments in a way nothing else can. The themes of forgiveness, aging, and looking back on life's mistakes were handled with so much grace that I found myself pausing more than once to reflect before turning the page.

My only reason for giving it 4.5 stars instead of a full five is that the gentle, reflective pacing won't be for everyone. It isn't a fast-moving plot, but if you settle into its rhythm, it's incredibly rewarding.

I'd highly recommend The Correspondent to readers who enjoy literary fiction, character-driven stories, and novels about family, memory, and the enduring power of words. If you love books that quietly work their way into your heart, this one is absolutely worth your time.

#LiteraryFiction #BookLovers #CharacterDriven #EmotionalReads #BookReview by @reads.cleo24