This has been my favourite of the trilogy. I think this largely has to do with the book feeling as if everything has come full circle, but also becausThis has been my favourite of the trilogy. I think this largely has to do with the book feeling as if everything has come full circle, but also because Karen McManus has done a great job of building and developing these characters, and giving them a conclusive ending in this one. It feels complete -- and there's no better ending for a series than that.
But now that the series is finished D: Where am I going to go for my teen high school drama with a side of murder now? ...more
This is an early age YA book (13-15 years I'd guess) which was described as horror but feels more school mystery vibes with light horror elements to iThis is an early age YA book (13-15 years I'd guess) which was described as horror but feels more school mystery vibes with light horror elements to it.
The first half had creepy elements and I liked them, but then the vibe changed up quite a bit to something more mystery and puzzle focused. And I felt less engaged.
I liked our main character a lot, and how she grew from her flaws. I do think some of the secondary characters needed more time or development.
The teachers played a role in this as well as the students, which was refreshing! But sometimes I got confused between who was who when it came to the adults. Probably because they aren't given first names and are only referred to as Mr. X or Ms. X
The ending was nice and snappy. Things wrapped up well enough. By that point though, I was less engaged than I like to be at the end of a book....more
I learned so much from this. About myself. About other people and the patterns we fall into. And there is so much in here that I'm keeping and taking I learned so much from this. About myself. About other people and the patterns we fall into. And there is so much in here that I'm keeping and taking away. To help me along in my everyday, and to help me better understand those around me.
It busts a lot of "therapy myths" which actually made the concept of therapy sound so much more approachable to a naturally untrusting and suspicious person like me. And it helps you know what to expect when you go into therapy, in case that is an element of what is holding you back from going for it.
I also really appreciated Gottlieb's honesty in this one, and hearing about her own rollercoasters. It was fun seeing her pyscho-analysing her own experience on the other side of the chair, seeing as she is a therapist herself as well.
I know character development isn't a thing when it comes to real people, but you can't help but root for the people in these case studies. And you get to feel that sense of a journey experienced alongside them, and Lori, at the end of the book.
It really brings the human element to the forefront of this book. And it never ceases to amaze me that sometimes you can find a strong contester for your best books of the year list so late into the game. I do not hesitate to claim this is one of those books which have changed me and (hopefully) will make me a better person to be around in the long time [although I do like to think that I'm not necessarily a bad person to be around right now. But I can get even better!]...more
I knew this was a short story collection. I like short stories. I knew cats were involved. I just... didn't know the cats would actually have POVs. I I knew this was a short story collection. I like short stories. I knew cats were involved. I just... didn't know the cats would actually have POVs. I know the internet is going to come for me, but I just don't love cats that much ...more
A pretty good graphic novel with paranormal and creepy elements to it, while also not being too scary! And we get a sapphic relationship as well (one A pretty good graphic novel with paranormal and creepy elements to it, while also not being too scary! And we get a sapphic relationship as well (one of them is bisexual, the other person doesn't specify).
I liked the artwork and I liked the colours.
The "something is mysteriously off" about this small town vibes were immaculate.
The first half is a bit slow... but I did like the opportunity to get to know our characters. And the ending does pick up the pace on the paranormal front.
The ending tied up a bit too neatly but I believe the ending, which is the most important thing. And it was a solid way to finish.
A good enough time. My favourite thing about it was the atmosphere....more
The introduction alone had me thinking about standards of beauty in the past, as well as how that has changed in the present day and why. I have seen The introduction alone had me thinking about standards of beauty in the past, as well as how that has changed in the present day and why. I have seen this discussion a lot, but here there was an acute focus on the rise of social media, and how that has made us conflate terms like body positivity, body normativity and whether or how our perceptions of bodies have shifted as we not only see 'edited' and perfected bodies, but so many more bodies on a daily basis than we ever have before.
Dabiri talks about history, her own experience and also manages to give some steps on what you can do at the end to reclaim your unruly and individual perception of beauty.
I think it's good to remember that this is an essay. It's short, and it has got its parts to it, but it isn't going to be as groundbreaking for some who are already on their beauty reclamation journey as it isn't a novel length book which could perhaps, make the space and time to do that. Instead, it's a good one for prompting people on their way who are at the beginning of that journey. (Or, haven't started it yet).
I enjoyed it! And I can see it being one I would give to other people who may gently need it. ...more
This book has gorgeous illustrations in cool colours that suit the story, and beautiful endpapers as well. It feels very much like a fairytale-esque aThis book has gorgeous illustrations in cool colours that suit the story, and beautiful endpapers as well. It feels very much like a fairytale-esque all ages story.
It's a beautiful and magic infused description of not only grief when you're in the midst of those emotions, but also what comes next after the initial grieving period is over.
Could not get enough of this novella. The duo in this were great. Please, pretty please, can this be the first in a series?
I loved the duo's banter, tCould not get enough of this novella. The duo in this were great. Please, pretty please, can this be the first in a series?
I loved the duo's banter, their easy trade off in dialogue and how both men were always on the same page. That friendship and loyalty was lovely to read.
Tilda tags along for this job they are hired for, and I loved how she was integrated into their group and portrayed.
The world building was solid. I very quickly and easily got to grips with how being undead works and how they exist in this world.
I thought the solution to this particular job was going to be easier than it was, and I appreciate it pleasntly surprising me on that front. Even if it isn't the most ground breaking of plots either.
The writing style is quite stripped back and dialogue heavy, which isn't my usual style. But it is a testament to the characterisation that once I got used to it, I didn't mind the writing style one bit....more
A nice picture book with a fairytale feel to it about kindness and nature. I'm all for picture books which show children how to enjoy nature, creepy cA nice picture book with a fairytale feel to it about kindness and nature. I'm all for picture books which show children how to enjoy nature, creepy crawlies and that there is no need to be afraid of them.
The artwork was nice.
It was a good read but it didn't strike me as much as some other picture books have. I wasn't too sure about the storyline and what it wanted us to take away from the story as a reader....more
It took me a while to get used to the writing style (no speech marks) but then I was fully settled into the writing and appreciated this story.
I hadnIt took me a while to get used to the writing style (no speech marks) but then I was fully settled into the writing and appreciated this story.
I hadn't read a book focusing on queerness set in Korea before, and this was so enlightening as to how the culture and experience differs because of the location.
The complex mother daughter relationship was so well portrayed. Also, how can I attain said girlfriend's endless grace and patience? Please, I need it.
I also appreciate that whenever a character spouts homophobia (especially the mother) we don't get to know what she says, just that she said some 'bad or despicable things.' I appreciate this. We don't need to know the ins and outs of homophobia (and the queer people who want to read this book don't have to be triggered) to appreciate what the novel is doing.
The themes of growing older, having to try and change your perspective at such an age and feeling impending death... it was so close to the bone. And truthfully, it's a perspective I haven't read much about (or think too much about, being the young person that I am). Which made this both refreshing and insightful....more
A beautiful picture book with animal characters. There's metaphor around friendship & shadows (for depression), and being friends with someone who is A beautiful picture book with animal characters. There's metaphor around friendship & shadows (for depression), and being friends with someone who is struggling.
The metaphor was handled perfectly. It was subtle. It can help children even if it never uses the words mental health or depression. It showed how depression can change someone's actions, and how it's okay to feel hurt by them. But how you can also still be there for them nonetheless.
A classic with sapphic vampires. This did vampires before Dracula, and you can so clearly see where Bram Stoker got his inspiration from.
It's gothic A classic with sapphic vampires. This did vampires before Dracula, and you can so clearly see where Bram Stoker got his inspiration from.
It's gothic through and through. I loved the slow unfolding of events that reaches a rush of an ending. The ending is quite easily solved though ...more
Younger children will most likely enjoy the creepiness of this one. It has a lot of the classic haunting elements. But for me as an adult reader, it wYounger children will most likely enjoy the creepiness of this one. It has a lot of the classic haunting elements. But for me as an adult reader, it was a middling book. I can't fault it for too much, but I can't praise it for anything unique either.
My favourite part was when all the paranormal hunting gadgets were revealed and explained. It reminded me of the spy novels I used to read a child where they'd get their gadgets for the mission ahead. And the sci-fi fan reader in me perked up a little.
I'm not really a fan of the fart jokes... we need to move on from this humour for children ...more
Hannah Gold is such a treasure. I love her writing. She does a brilliant job of keeping things simple and to the point, but also manages to pen beautiHannah Gold is such a treasure. I love her writing. She does a brilliant job of keeping things simple and to the point, but also manages to pen beautiful sentences too.
The longing, protectiveness, hurt and also love that our main character carries is so well communicated on the page and in his characterisation. Especially the way children sometimes misplace their emotions to help them get through their day to day.
There were lots of good facts about whales for child readers to enjoy. As well as environmentalism and animal preservation moments too.
I've read many Arthur Miller plays at this point, and he never disappoints I've read many Arthur Miller plays at this point, and he never disappoints ...more
Sometimes I struggle to find horror actually scary, but this chilled me to my core.
It's one of those 'wait for it...' books. One of those weirdly strSometimes I struggle to find horror actually scary, but this chilled me to my core.
It's one of those 'wait for it...' books. One of those weirdly strange, slightly abstract books. I'd call it Annihilation meets Paradise Lost if asked to describe it compared to other books.
It did a great job of penning the indescribable horror that some queer people face when surrounded by unseen/anonymous homophobia... in a way that reaches the emotions of those of us outside of that experience too.
This was a good read. I really liked our main character, Lib. I liked how she interacted with the child but also really appreciated her vivacity.
ThisThis was a good read. I really liked our main character, Lib. I liked how she interacted with the child but also really appreciated her vivacity.
This is set in historical Ireland, and I appreciated how much the setting and time period was woven into the story. The myths and magics they believed in, as well as how they lived, was endlessly interesting to me.
I love me some good religious themes & imagery in my books, and this did that well. There was a lot of testing / questioning some of the religious practices woven into these families lives. And I was happy with that. (I may have faith myself, but I'm not very ritualistic, that is mostly what this book was prodding at).
The plot reveals are done well. While I could see where everything was going and predicted what could be called the twists -- I appreciated the emotion underlying every turn and watching it all unfold. It felt realistic, fitting and reflected the choices that I would've made too. So I was satisfied....more
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