Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this amazing e-arc, "Catalog of Desire and Disappearance". The author's writing style was incredible, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story of self-discovery and passion. I give it 4 stars!

I appreciate having had an opportunity to read and review this book. The appeal of this particular book was not evident to me, and if I cannot file a generally positive review I prefer simply to advise the publisher to that effect and file no review at all.

This book was sent to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest rate and review.

I absolutely loved this book. It was such a well thought out plot with interesting and deep characters, historically realistic in the stories of the characters and just overall a heart wrenching book about love and sexual freedom. There is representation of the LGBTQ community which I think is so important in books like these that cover topics spanning from relationships to politics and everything in between. I felt connected to and invested in the characters (main and side) throughout and truly enjoyed learning about the events recounted in the diary. The ending was the most perfect end for this book and leaves it on such a bittersweet note.

One criticism I have is that the font didn’t change when switching from Gabriella’s letters to Ana’s thoughts and feelings at the time of reading them so it was hard to identify unless the names were mentioned. Other than this I had an incredible experience with this book and would highly recommend for anyone wanting something that isn’t quite restricted to one genre!

Told in two timelines, the mind of a single, reaching 30's library worker and the diary of a woman from 1980's East Berlin who was an undercover sex educator and adult store owner. The differences between these two characters could not be much larger - a wise and confident woman, unknowingly teaching a young, socially awkward seemingly naive woman about life, love, and all the feelings that come with them.

The description of the book had me intrigued, but the beginning felt slow and much like the main character, mundane. However, with the introduction of the diary writer, the book picked up which lead me to finish it in one sitting.

I'm personally a lover of stories told in dual time-lines and from multiple characters and this book delivered on both. The entire time I read , I envisioned how well it would translate onto the big screen and am hopeful that one day it happens!

I had a few personal issues with some of the language used being inappropriate in today's culture, especially as they were not crucial to the telling of the story.

Charming, thought-provoking, and mysterious, Catalog of Desire and Disappearance was a quick and enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more from Ana Cruz and would love a sequel that dives deeper into the life of the diary writer.

3.5/5