Book Review, YA Fantasy, YA Romance

Sawkill Girls by C.L.

4 stars. Intermediate reading level, still some oversights in editing, but overall a quality piece of literature. I was happy with the queer representation. This is the first book I’ve read with an openly asexual character. She was mildly disappointing and I felt justice was not done, especially in her forced nature when all the other queer characters seemed so natural. All the same, I was impressed with the effort. The fantasy element of the story was unexpected, I only knew that it was good ya lit, and I had no idea it was fantastic at all. I loved the supernatural element. It was thrilling and real for teenagers to react the way they did. Would recommend.

Book Review, Historical Fiction

Daisy Jones & The Six by T.J.R.

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4 Stars. This book was reminiscent of a Cosmo Mag tell-all interview (minus the italicized question portion and overall, much better than Cosmo could ever be).  Almost like the table scenes in “That 70s Show” (of which I have only seen a few episodes, so this might not be the best comparison).  And at first, as a naive reader who only knew this book was highly recommended by Reese Witherspoon and GoodReads alike, I thought: cool, an interview to start the book off, I love it. Then that was the whole thing and it never ended.  HOWEVER, despite my disappointment in the format of the novel–which I thought was a meager attempt to avoiding writing fluid transitions–I found the plot intriguing and the characters relatable.  I mean, I’ve never done any drug of any kind, but I felt a connection with their heartache and anxieties etc.

We all know, maybe, that I love good characters!  And these characters had so much in common, but still had their own voices.  I love individuality.

This is an unforgettable story.  I wish it were true.  I wish the songs were real.  And I’m glad I read it in spite of my hesitation with its rising popularity.

Book Review, Fiction, Philosophy

The Yellow Wall-Paper by C.P.G

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4 stars. Barred into a room with no stimulation save the tragic pattern of shabby wall-paper.
This short story addresses important issues like an awareness of postpartum depression while addressing the ridiculousness in how women are treated like incompetent children and the bias of science against women not so very long ago.
How this story is written is akin to a diary entry, but the depth of the content makes up for its lack of literary complexity.

Book Review, Memoirs/Autobiography, Non-Fiction

Twelve Years a Slave by S.N.

5 Stars. Vivid and eloquent prose. I couldn’t put it down, like I was angry with people who interrupted me. This book hooked me in and I was terrified every moment even though I knew everything would turn out well enough in the end (or he wouldn’t have written the book, maybe). I really cannot believe people did, and still do, such horrible things to one another. This piece is a gorgeous ethnography of life in the South and thoroughly enthralling.

Book Review, Children's Fiction

Mary Poppins by P.L.T.

5 Stars. A delight to read, it makes me wish I’d read such fantastical happenings in my youth. The book was an enthralling collection of short stories involving the Banks children. Such original ideas and beautiful execution through simplicity of characters, setting, and plot. Truly a children’s literary classic. I can’t wait to continue on with this series.