We may have been given complimentary copies and/or access for review purposes to any books, products, and/or any other visual or audio media mentioned below. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.
Books: Every Step She Takes, It Girl & Big Nobody
Me - Every Step She Takes by Alson Cochrun is such a great book!
Cochrun is a master at crafting characters who feel entirely well-rounded and real. I fell in love with both Sadie and Mal as soon as they were introduced, and that love only continued to grow throughout the book. These characters have unique personalities, motivations, interests, goals, quirks, and flaws, and we get to know them so well. By the time I finished reading, it felt like they were my friends. I personally related to Sadie a lot from her anxious thoughts, to her nervous rambling, to her awkwardness, to her fear of being incorrigibly behind in life, and it’s always special to find a character who makes you feel seen.
Although I didn’t have as much in common with Mal, I resonated with certain tendencies of her too. I think most people, like me, will relate to aspects of Mal or Sadie, if not both. Even if not, they were both so endearing and likable that I can’t imagine wanting anything but the best for them. Each of them was dealing with their own respective troubles throughout the book– for Sadie, coming to terms with her sexuality in her mid-thirties and learning to live for herself in front of other people, and for Mal, grieving the loss of the father whom she’d been estranged from for years and learning to face her problems head-on instead of running from them. Each of their personal journeys was fleshed out and well-balanced with the romance, and it was so rewarding to see how each of them grew by the end.
The relationship happened quickly. The majority of the book took place over just two weeks; however, their chemistry was so strong and their feelings developed so naturally that nothing ever felt rushed or insta-lovey. These two fit together so well. Mal brought out Sadie's adventurous side, and Sadie brought out Mal's vulnerability. They were so supportive and encouraging of each other. The banter was also very cute, and I just loved seeing these two together. I also loved that they helped each other work through their respective personal struggles, both intentionally and not, and neither of them was presented as a cure-all for the other’s problems.
This story was more character-driven than plot-driven, but it was enjoyable following their trek along the Camino de Santiago. Their adventures throughout the journey were entertaining, and Sadie and Mal’s tour guide and tourmates, while not the most fleshed-out side characters, each had distinct personalities and contributed to the story in a positive and fun way. The bond that formed between the whole group was really sweet as well.
This book was funny, romantic, and moving. It contained a beautiful romance between two people who learned to love themselves and their lives while falling in love with each other. It was a reminder that each of our lives follows its own unique timeline, and it’s never too late to embrace who you are and go after the life you want.
If you enjoy stories about falling in love, self-discovery, community– especially queer community, or travel, I’d highly recommend this book. If you’ve enjoyed other books by Alison Cochrun I’d highly recommend this book. If you love romance, especially sapphic romance, I’d highly recommend this book. If you’re a fan of Casey McQuiston’s writing style, I’d highly recommend this book. I find Cochrun's writing to be similar to theirs in many ways. Basically, I loved this book, and I think anyone who enjoys authentic characters, meaningful relationships, and important messages and themes should read it. I am very eagerly awaiting whatever this author does next!
Mom - Today, I recommend It Girl by Allison Pataki. Evelyn Nesbit was a beautiful model and actress in the early 20th Century. She was at the center of the so-called "crime of the century," in which her husband, a railroad tycoon, Harry Thaw, murdered her lover, Stanford White, a renowned architect known for designing the original Madison Square Garden, among other things. This book is a loose retelling of her life story, but with a twist.
Evelyn Talbot and her family are destitute after the death of her father. After being forced to quit school and get a job in a shop, she is discovered and recruited as a model. She soon becomes her family's primary breadwinner. However, as she quickly rises in her career and eventually becomes a beloved performer, not everything is as rosy as it seems. Eventually, everything comes to a head and she finds herself at the center of the ultimate scandal.
Reading this book is a reminder that the grass is not always greener on the other side, and just because someone's life seems charmed, that may not actually be the case. From the outside looking in, Evelyn Talbot's life seems worthy of envy. She is not only beautiful and beloved, but also has an incredibly successful career. However, as she is clearly surrounded by people who claim to care about her but never really have her best interest at heart, she is an extremely sympathetic character whom the reader can't help but root for.
Even her mother is more interested in status and wealth than her own daughter. She could give the worst of stage mothers a run for their money. In fact, mothers in this story don't fare well; the other main one is also a bad mother. While Evelyn's mother doesn't care about her daughter enough, Mrs. Thorne, the matriarch of a wealthy railroad family, cares about her son too much. As a result, both seek to control their children for their own purposes and are cold and uncaring rather than warm and loving.
Men don't fare well in this book either. They are either controlling creeps or simpering cowards. Evelyn deserves so much better. Thankfully, she is a plucky character with admirable inner strength that allows her to persevere despite whatever life (or, particularly, the men in her life) throws at her.
The book can be hard to read at times, though, because sometimes it feels like it's all just too much and you don't want to see Evelyn suffer anymore (which only makes you feel more sorry for the real Evelyn Nesbit, who did not possess half as much strength and perseverance). However, it is all worth it in the end because the book has one of the most satisfying endings of any book ever.
Today, I also recommend Big Nobody by Alex Kadis. After the death of her mother and younger brothers, Connie is left alone with her controlling father, whom she blames for their deaths and literally wants to kill. Other than planning ways to accomplish this, she spends most of her time talking to the rock posters that adorn her walls. Her only social outlet is the weekly get-togethers with their community of fellow Greek immigrants, where the bright spot in her life is sneaking cigarettes and more with her friend, Vas.
This book is described as extremely funny, but it is more sad than funny. Connie is saddled with a horribly abusive father who clearly has no regard for her welfare but just wants to control her. The indignities she suffers at his hands are heartbreaking.
However, the book's salvation and Connie's as well is the brash and boisterous Greek community that she is part of. They are a quirky lot with an abundance of heart who mostly actually do have her best interests at heart, even if she doesn't always see it or let them help her. They elevate this book from a depressing story of abuse to an inspiring one about finding one's people and one's place in the world.
Movie: Out of the Darkness: Heavy is the Crown Vol 2
Today, we are talking about Out of Darkness: Heavy is the Crown Vol 2. This documentary is the sequel to the earlier film, Out of the Darkness: Heavy is the Crown Vol. 1, which we discussed in an early post and which covers the history of the African people. This film delves into the origin of the world's religions. It is thoughtful and raises some important issues about religions in general. However, with a running time of over two hours, it eventually becomes tedious and less engaging.
And that's our view. Every Step She Takes was published on September 2, 2025, It Girl and Big Nobody both published today. Out of Darkness: Heavy is the Crown Vol 2. is available on DVD or digitally for purchase or rental.
Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.
All images except film images used in this post are our own. Film images have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or PR firms. Address any concerns regarding image usage here.
Posts
