Some books entertain you while you’re reading them and then disappear from your mind a few days later. Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke is not one of those books.
This story leaves you with such an unsettling feeling that it lingers long after you finish. Not because it is shocking in an over-the-top way, but because so much of it feels uncomfortably believable.
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WhyYesteryearFeels So Disturbing
This is not satire in the humorous sense, but there is something addictive about it. It has that can’t-look-away quality where you are watching everything unravel while already knowing it is not going to end well.
The novel takes a hard look at social media culture, influencer dynamics, and the way audiences can be manipulated so easily. That part honestly felt a little too real at times. You can clearly see the parallels to influencer culture and online personalities, which is probably why I can also understand why some readers may feel uncomfortable reading it.
But I think that discomfort is the point.
The Main Character Is Meant to Make You Uncomfortable
The main character is not written to be liked, and she does not follow the typical arc of growth or redemption that readers often expect. Instead, she spirals deeper into her own mindset, which somehow makes her both frustrating and impossible to look away from.
You keep hoping for a moment of clarity or change, but it never fully comes.
What makes the character so compelling is that she exists in this uncomfortable space between villain and victim. The story hints at how mental health struggles, distorted self-perception, narcissistic tendencies, and postpartum mental health issues can intertwine in ways that become difficult to separate from one another. Nothing feels simple or easily explained, and I think that complexity is what makes the story hit so hard.
The Real Message BehindYesteryear
What stood out to me most was the message underneath everything else.
Authenticity is not what drives attention online. Social media thrives on performance, perception, and whatever keeps people watching. The book really forces you to think about the relationship between influencers and their audiences, and whether any of it is actually genuine.
That is what makes the story feel so unsettling.
It leaves you questioning the role of the audience itself. As people who follow, watch, engage with, and emotionally invest in influencers, are we just observers, or are we part of the cycle too? At what point does consuming this kind of content start affecting us more than we realize?
In a strange way, the audience may actually be the real victim.
Final Thoughts onYesteryear
This is definitely not a light or feel-good read, but if you enjoy books that challenge your perspective and leave you thinking long after the final page, Yesteryear absolutely does that.
The most unsettling part is not even the story itself. It is the way it makes you question your own reaction to it. Are you disturbed by the character, or by how realistic parts of it actually feel? That tension feels completely intentional, and honestly, that is what makes this book so memorable.
April brought a little bit of everything. I took a few road trips to visit family for Easter, which felt so nice, and ended the month with a fun staycation that I can’t wait to share more about in the coming weeks.
In between all of that, there was plenty of time in the kitchen, some creative book club moments, and a few things I’ve been loving lately.
And I have a little freebie for you this month too.
Free May Bookmark Printable
If you’re reading along or just want something cute to mark your place, I made a May-themed printable bookmark for you.
It’s simple, keeps track of what your reading for the month, and perfect to tuck into whatever you’re currently reading.
April Round Up Recipes to Try
If you made anything this month, it has to be this one. My matzo crack with chocolate is one of those recipes that disappears way too fast. It’s that perfect mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy. Think buttery toffee layered over crisp matzo with melted chocolate on top. It’s simple, addictive, and always a hit.
And if you’re in your bread era right now, this one is a must. This pull-apart olive focaccia uses an easy shortcut method, no kneading, no stress, just fluffy, flavorful bread that looks impressive but is actually super doable.
It’s centered around a podcast, which made it even more fun to pair with a craft. I leaned into the theme and made a DIY earbud case, bedazzled, patched, and completely personalized. It felt like the perfect mix of creative and practical.
If you’ve been wanting a low-pressure creative night, this is such a good one.
What I’m Loving This April Round
Simply Earth Face Care Maker Kit I’ve been having so much fun with this. You can make 20 different products from one kit, things like cleansers, masks, and scrubs, all with step-by-step guidance so it actually feels doable.
If you’ve ever wanted to try making your own skincare but didn’t know where to start, this is a really easy way in.
I’m officially on month two with Effecty and wanted to share a real update.
I’ve noticed:
more steady energy throughout the day
better focus, especially in the afternoon slump
just feeling more like myself again
I also like how simple the whole process has been. Everything is handled online, the instructions are clear, and it’s been easy to stay consistent from home. It fits into real life, which matters.
If you love pairing your latest read with something creative, this month’s Pages & Projects pick might be one of my favorites yet. We read This Story Might Save Your Life and leaned all the way into the podcast theme with a craft that felt both fun and actually useful, DIY earbud cases.
Because if a story centers around podcasts, what better way to bring it to life than creating something you’ll use while listening?
Why This DIY Earbud Case Craft Is Perfect for Book Club
This Story Might Save Your Life pulls you into the world of storytelling through audio, secrets, and connection. Podcasts are such a big part of the vibe, so designing custom earbud cases felt like the perfect extension of that theme.
It’s practical, personal, and honestly, a little therapeutic. Exactly the kind of low-pressure creativity I love for book club nights.
What We Made: Bedazzled & Patched Earbud Cases
We took plain earbud cases and turned them into mini works of art using:
Each one ended up totally different, which made it even more fun to see everyone’s personality come through.
How to Make Your Own Earbud Case
This is one of those crafts that looks impressive but is actually super simple.
Step 1: Clean your case Wipe it down so everything sticks properly.
Step 2: Plan your design Lay out your patches or gems before gluing. This saves you from “why did I do that” moments later.
Step 3: Glue + place Use a strong adhesive and carefully place each piece. Tweezers help a lot here, especially with rhinestones.
Step 4: Let it dry Give it a few hours (or overnight if you can) so everything stays put.
Step 5: Show it off Attach it to your bag, toss it in your car, or bring it to your next book club.
Why This Works for Book Club
This craft checked all the boxes:
Easy to set up
No strict rules or perfection needed
Gives everyone something to do while chatting
You leave with something cute and functional
It also naturally sparked conversation about the podcast elements in the book, which made the discussion feel more interactive without forcing it.
Make It Your Own
If you want to take this idea even further, you could:
Match your design to your favorite character
Use colors that reflect the tone of the story
Add initials or symbols inspired by key moments
Or keep it simple and just go full sparkle. No wrong answers here.
FAQ: Pages & Projects Craft Night
Do I need a specific type of earbud case? Nope. Any silicone or hard plastic case works.
What glue works best? A strong craft glue like E6000 or Gorilla Glue gel works best for long-lasting hold.
Is this kid-friendly? Yes, just swap strong glue for something safer if little hands are involved.
Keep the Pages & Projects Series Going
This series has quickly become one of my favorite ways to connect reading with creativity. It makes book club feel less like homework and more like an experience.
If you try this craft or want more ideas for pairing books with DIYs, I’ve got more coming.
The story follows Benny Abbott and Joy Moore, best friends and co-hosts of a popular podcast built around stories of people who made it through the unthinkable. Their dynamic is magnetic, and everything about their lives feels carefully constructed, at least on the surface. The illusion quickly unravels when Benny arrives one morning to record and finds Joy and her husband, Xander, missing.
What follows is a slow-building unraveling of truth. It is told through layers that shift between the present-day investigation, the rise of Benny and Joy’s podcast, and pieces of Joy’s own writing. As Benny tries to make sense of what happened, he also finds himself under suspicion, forcing him to confront not just the mystery of their disappearance, but the reality of his relationships with both Joy and Xander.
As the story moves forward, it becomes less about solving a single moment and more about understanding everything that led up to it. Secrets, emotional avoidance, and complicated love sit at the center. It makes you question what is real, and how well anyone can truly know the people closest to them.
A Mix of Genres That Keeps You Guessing
I do love a good best friends to lovers trope and will always root for a HEA, so I went into parts of this hoping for that kind of payoff. But I struggled a bit because I could not fully figure out what this book wanted to be.
It moves between romance and something much darker, and while that can work, here it left me feeling unsure of where I was supposed to land as a reader.
The Theme That Stuck With Me
One of the biggest themes that stood out to me was emotional avoidance. So much of what happens could have been avoided if the characters had been honest with themselves from the beginning, and that tension stayed with me the entire story.
It really makes you think about how easily things can spiral when feelings are not addressed head-on.
Let’s Talk About Xander
There were moments where I could understand Xander’s feelings toward Joy and Benny, because there was clearly love there. But that understanding kept getting overshadowed by his behavior.
I found myself sitting in that gray area for a while, questioning what I was witnessing. By the end, that gray area disappears. Xander’s actions cross a clear line, and for me, there was no justification for what he did to Joy.
The Ending
The ending felt a bit like a deus ex machina. It wrapped things up in a way that felt slightly too convenient, which left me unsatisfied and questioning if I missed something.
I actually went back and reread the final chapters because of that. Everything connects, but it did not fully land emotionally for me.
Audiobook vs Reading
I listened to this as an audiobook and would absolutely recommend that format over reading. It added another layer to the emotional tension and made the experience feel more immersive.
There is something about homemade bread that feels extra special, but let’s be honest, most of us do not have time to knead dough from scratch. That is exactly why I fell in love with this pull apart olive focaccia.
It gives you all the cozy, bakery-style vibes without the complicated steps. Think soft, fluffy bread with crispy edges, briny olives, and melty feta in every bite.
This recipe was inspired by a version I saw on Food Dolls and I adapted it into more of a focaccia-style pull apart loaf that is perfect for busy weeknights, hosting, or even a cozy snack board.
Why You’ll Love This Pull Apart Olive Focaccia
This is one of those recipes you will keep coming back to because:
It uses store-bought dough for a shortcut
No kneading required
Packed with bold Mediterranean flavor
Perfect for appetizers, soups, or charcuterie boards
Kid-friendly, but still feels elevated
Using pre-made dinner rolls makes this recipe quick and approachable while still delivering that soft inside and golden crust everyone loves .
Ingredients You’ll Need
12 frozen dinner rolls, thawed but still cold
1/4 cup sliced Kalamata olives
1/4 cup green olives
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons olive oil
Non-stick cooking spray
This combo creates the perfect balance of salty, tangy, and herby flavors. Mixing different olives adds depth and keeps every bite interesting .
How to Make Pull Apart Olive Focaccia
1. Prep your pan
Spray a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Add the dough
Place the dinner rolls into the pan. They should be snug but not overly packed.
3. Layer in the flavor
Nestle the olives and sun-dried tomatoes in between the dough pieces.
4. Let it rise
Cover with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for about 3 to 4 hours, until it puffs up above the pan.
5. Add toppings
Sprinkle feta cheese and oregano over the top, then drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake
Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Serve
Let it cool slightly, then pull apart and serve warm.
As it bakes, the dough rises and the flavors melt together into a soft, pull-apart bread with a crispy exterior .
Tips for the Best Focaccia-Style Texture
Let it rise fully, this is key for fluffy bread
Drizzle extra olive oil for that classic focaccia feel
Use a mix of olives for the best flavor
Cover loosely while rising to prevent drying out
Easy Variations
Make this recipe your own depending on what you have on hand:
Swap olives for roasted red peppers or artichokes
Add mozzarella for extra cheesiness
Try pepperoni and Italian seasoning for a pizza version
Add red pepper flakes for a little heat
How to Serve
This pull apart olive focaccia is perfect for:
Charcuterie boards
Soup nights
Holiday appetizers
A quick side for pasta dinners
It is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor, basically everything you want in a comfort food bread.
Storing Leftovers
Because of the cheese, store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm again .
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble everything and let it rise when you are ready to bake.
Can I use homemade dough?
Absolutely. If you have time, homemade focaccia dough will work beautifully.
What makes this “focaccia style”?
The olive oil, toppings, and fluffy interior give it that classic focaccia vibe, just with a shortcut method.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture
If motherhood has you stressed and you feel like you’ve lost your creativity, I am here to help! Here you will find easy recipes, simple DIY’s, affordable styles, and what to read next. I believe we all have a creative side, some of us just need a little help to find it. I will help inspire you to have creative expression without standards.
