Merida's Updates en-US Mon, 20 May 2024 05:53:31 -0700 60 Merida's Updates 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg AuthorBlogPost24777676 Mon, 20 May 2024 05:53:31 -0700 <![CDATA[Merida Johns wrote a blog post: Three Cool Benefits of Micro Steps]]> /author_blog_posts/24777676-three-cool-benefits-of-micro-steps Review5520307559 Sun, 30 Apr 2023 08:40:49 -0700 <![CDATA[Merida added 'Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend']]> /review/show/5520307559 Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks Merida gave 5 stars to Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend (Hardcover) by Matthew Dicks
bookshelves: fiction
Many of us have had one (or maybe more) imaginary friends and can still recall their names, their appearance, and the comfort they brought us. And yes, I had fun with mine! So, it is unsurprising that The Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend brought back some great memories.
But beyond my personal association with make-believe companions, this story served plenty of laughter, compassion, and suspense, provided a deeper understanding and appreciation of autism, and revealed the complexity of relationships. Amusing and engaging the story will resurrect the child in you—and add the phrase “Bonus Poop� to your vocabulary. ]]>
Review5520296556 Sun, 30 Apr 2023 08:34:56 -0700 <![CDATA[Merida added 'The Second Home']]> /review/show/5520296556 The Second Home by Christina Clancy Merida gave 5 stars to The Second Home (Hardcover) by Christina Clancy
bookshelves: women-s-fiction, mystery-and-thrillers
Perhaps your family has a second home—a cabin in the woods, a cottage by the beach, a getaway near a river . . . filled with memories of carefree days, family adventures, relationships, and even sibling drama!
Christina Clancy brings all these memories together on a roller coaster ride of family dynamics: love, competitiveness, miscommunication, intrigue, deceit, and more. Clancy carefully crafts the story in three points of view in third-person narrative, allowing the reader an unusual insight into the thoughts, feelings, and growth of three siblings from their teenage years through adulthood. As a reader and writer, I welcomed Clancy’s departure from the usual first-person narrative and was fascinated with the seamless integration of the three POVs. The Second Home is a terrific family saga that details the strength of relationships, loss, trauma, and the power of forgiveness and one whose family members I will remember for some time.
]]>
Comment260723592 Sun, 30 Apr 2023 08:28:34 -0700 <![CDATA[Merida commented on Charlotte's review of Flawless Witness Flower Girl Novella Sequel]]> /review/show/5517424748 Charlotte's review of Flawless Witness Flower Girl Novella Sequel
by Merida Johns

Thank you for your thoughtful review of Flawless Witness and recommendation as book group worthy. ]]>
Rating609065685 Sun, 30 Apr 2023 08:26:34 -0700 <![CDATA[Merida Johns liked a review]]> /
Flawless Witness Flower Girl Novella Sequel by Merida Johns
"Oh, the feels

Trigger warning for this short, powerful book. There's abuse, emotional trauma, mention of suicide and stalking.

Flawless Witness is eye opening for both victims of a narcissist and people who have managed to avoid this kind of relationship. It opens the reader's mind to looking a little deeper when talking to people.
It reminded me of a short relationship I had with a man like that, controlling, always playing the victim and self-centred......just like Jonathan.
Suzanna is great, she's relatable and down to earth. The questions she asks herself and how she works her way through things shows the strength of character she has. Also how important a good support network is.

A thought provoking read that I'd recommend for daytime reading so there's plenty of thinking time. Also, book group worthy, would make for fantastic conversations."
]]>