Wilde Blog Posts
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Most Recent Posts
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Maddie’s Reviews: Her Beautiful Life | Brianna Labuskes Psychological Thriller Review
After a difficult flare week, I turned to Brianna Labuskes’ Her Beautiful Life for the perfect psychological thriller escape. Found through Kindle Unlimited, this twist-filled suspense novel quickly became the audiobook I needed. Was it worth the listen? Click here to read my full review!
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Maddie’s Reviews: Oceans: Discover the Marine World | Clint Twist’s Nostalgic Shark & Ocean Encyclopedia
Shark Week inspired me to revisit one of my favorite childhood books, Oceans: Discover the Marine World by Clint Twist. This beautifully illustrated marine life encyclopedia fueled my fascination with sharks and the ocean for years. Sometimes the books we loved as kids leave the biggest impression. Click here to read my full review!
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Maddie’s Reviews: To Kill a Mockingbird | Harper Lee’s Timeless Classic on Justice, Racism & Courage
One of the most influential American classics ever written, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird follows Scout Finch as she grows up in Depression-era Alabama, witnessing prejudice, injustice, and extraordinary courage through her father’s example. Discover why this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel remains essential reading. Click here to read my full review!
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Maddie’s Reviews: Haunted Ocean City and Berlin | Mindie Burgoyne’s Haunted Maryland Ghost Stories
After a birthday trip to Ocean City, Maryland, I picked up Haunted Ocean City and Berlin by Mindie Burgoyne. This fascinating collection of local ghost stories blends eerie legends with the rich history of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, making it the perfect vacation read for paranormal fans. Click here to read my full review!
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Maddie’s Reviews: Project Hail Mary | Is Andy Weir’s Novel Better Than the Movie?
I watched Project Hail Mary before I ever realized it was based on a book, so for once I experienced the story completely backwards. After loving the movie, I had to see how Andy Weir’s novel compared—and I’m so glad I did. Click here to read my full review!
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Maddie’s Reviews: We | Yevgeny Zamyatin’s Dystopian Classic That Inspired 1984
Long before 1984 and Brave New World, Yevgeny Zamyatin’s We helped define the dystopian fiction genre. Banned by the Soviet Union and revolutionary in both its ideas and influence, this unforgettable novel remains essential reading for fans of classic science fiction and political literature. Click here to read my full review!
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Maddie’s Reviews: Unmasked | Paul Holes Memoir, Mastermind of the Golden State Killer Investigation
Paul Holes’ Unmasked offers a gripping true crime memoir that goes beyond forensic investigation to reveal the personal cost of solving some of America’s most infamous murder cases. Honest, compelling, and deeply human, it’s essential reading for true crime fans. Click here to read my full review!
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Maddie’s Reviews: Keeping On | The Keepers Alum Gemma Hoskins Memoir
Gemma Hoskins’ Keeping On tells the remarkable true story of her life, including but not limited to the story behind The Keepers and the decades-long search for justice for Sister Catherine Cesnik. This powerful memoir explores resilience, advocacy, and one woman’s unwavering determination to uncover the truth. Click here to read my full review!
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Maddie’s Reviews: Lord of the Flies | William Golding’s Chilling Classic on Human Nature & Civilization
William Golding’s Lord of the Flies remains one of the most unsettling classic novels ever written. Exploring human nature, civilization vs. savagery, and the darkness that can emerge when society breaks down, this unforgettable literary classic continues to provoke readers decades after its publication. Click here to read my full review!
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Maddie’s Reviews: What To Expect When You’re Expecting | Heidi Murkoff’s Essential Pregnancy Guide for First-Time Parents
As a first-time mom expecting Baby Wilde this Christmas, I finally picked up Heidi Murkoff’s famous pregnancy guide, What To Expect When You’re Expecting. From pregnancy symptoms and prenatal testing to preparing for parenthood, this trusted resource has helped answer many of my questions and ease my anxieties. Click here to read my full review!
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Maddie’s Reviews: A Separate Peace | John Knowles’ Heartbreaking WWII Coming-of-Age Classic
John Knowles’ A Separate Peace remains one of the most powerful coming-of-age novels ever written. Set during World War II, this classic explores friendship, jealousy, innocence, and loss through the unforgettable bond between Gene and Finny. Decades later, its emotional impact still resonates deeply. Click here to read my full review!
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Maddie’s Reviews: The Cay | Theodore Taylor’s Classic Survival and Friendship Novel
Theodore Taylor’s The Cay is a timeless middle grade classic that explores survival, friendship, prejudice, and personal growth during World War II. Through Phillip and Timothy’s unforgettable journey, readers witness a powerful story of redemption and courage that continues to resonate with generations. Click here to read my full review!
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Maddie’s Reviews: The Turn of the Screw | Henry James’ Gothic Horror
Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw is a chilling gothic horror novella filled with ghosts, psychological suspense, and eerie ambiguity. Set at the mysterious Bly estate, this classic ghost story leaves readers questioning what is real and what is madness. Click here to read my full review!
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Maddie’s Reviews: Where the Red Fern Grows | Wilson Rawls’ Heartbreaking Classic of Loyalty and Friendship
Few childhood novels have left as lasting an impression on me as Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. Set in the Ozark Mountains during the Great Depression, this beloved coming-of-age story explores perseverance and the unforgettable bond between a boy and his dogs. Click here to read my full review!
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Maddie’s Reviews: Persepolis | Marjane Satrapi’s Graphic Memoir of Revolution and Girlhood
Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis is a powerful graphic memoir that blends coming-of-age struggles with the realities of the Iranian Revolution. Through striking black-and-white illustrations and deeply personal storytelling, Satrapi humanizes a complex period of history while capturing the resilience, confusion, and courage of youth. Click here to read my full review!
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Maddie’s Reviews: Where the Sidewalk Ends | Shel Silverstein’s Timeless Children’s Poetry Classic
Revisiting Where the Sidewalk Ends is a nostalgic journey filled with whimsical poems, quirky illustrations, and childhood wonder. Shel Silverstein’s beloved collection remains just as charming for adults as it is for children, blending humor, imagination, and surprising depth into every page. Click here to read my full review!
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Maddie’s Reviews: The Giver | Lois Lowry’s Classic Dystopian Novel About Memory, Hope, and Humanity
Lois Lowry’s The Giver is a haunting middle grade dystopian classic about memory, sameness, beauty, and the cost of a painless society. First read by many in school, Jonas’s story still reminds readers how precious ordinary life truly is. Click here to read my full review!
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Maddie’s Reviews: Having Our Say | The Delany Sisters’ Inspiring Memoir of Black History
Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years is a powerful oral history memoir by Sadie and Bessie Delany with Amy Hill Hearth. This review revisits their Southern childhood, Harlem careers, and lasting place in Black history. Click here to read my full review!
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Maddie’s Reviews: Home Before Dark | Riley Sager’s Haunted House Thriller
Looking for a spooky long weekend read? Home Before Dark by Riley Sager delivers haunted house suspense, psychological thriller twists, and eerie family secrets inside Vermont’s mysterious Baneberry Hall. Dark, creepy, and hard to put down, this ghostly thriller is perfect for fans of atmospheric horror. Click here to read my full review!
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Maddie’s Reviews: The Dinner Party | Freida McFadden’s Pick Your Own Poison Thriller
In this review of The Dinner Party by Freida McFadden, I dive into the author’s unique “pick your own poison” thriller format and how it compares to her more traditional psychological suspense novels like The Teacher and The Housemaid. Fast-paced, twisty, and surprisingly replayable, this experimental thriller offers a completely different kind of reading experience. Click here to read my full review!