Hmmm. Speculative fiction? Entertainment Weekly said it was "Hunger Games meets Squid Games." I didn't get that at all. Human kind is living in a new iHmmm. Speculative fiction? Entertainment Weekly said it was "Hunger Games meets Squid Games." I didn't get that at all. Human kind is living in a new ice age (possible or probable in our future?) and entertainment for the masses living in the cold world is the lives of those privileged enough to live in the Snowglobe. This is a Korean novel translated to English so the names may be difficult for some but don't let that stop you because it's worth reading....more
This one's bizarre. In a good way. Great representation of "the darkness."This one's bizarre. In a good way. Great representation of "the darkness."...more
I liked this book more than other reviewers mainly, I think, because it was a fast read and held my interest. Great literature, no, but, even thought I liked this book more than other reviewers mainly, I think, because it was a fast read and held my interest. Great literature, no, but, even thought the plot was a little shallow, it was exciting and certainly kept moving. The end, that had some people yelling foul, was very nostalgic for this 80s child. I both hated AND loved it.
Merged review:
I liked this book more than other reviewers mainly, I think, because it was a fast read and held my interest. Great literature, no, but, even thought the plot was a little shallow, it was exciting and certainly kept moving. The end, that had some people yelling foul, was very nostalgic for this 80s child. I both hated AND loved it....more
So, I'm in love with this book. A creepy and dark tale about having the ability to change the world by removing those who have wronged you. Or is it? So, I'm in love with this book. A creepy and dark tale about having the ability to change the world by removing those who have wronged you. Or is it? More deeply, it's about taking responsibility, owning your mistakes, and taking the consequences for your actions. The Worlds We Leave Behind is at times deeply philosophical and heart-breakingly poignant but worth the time. Even adults could use this little reminder....more
I thoroughly enjoyed reading more stories about some of the best and worst characters in the Arc of a Scythe series. Most of these shorts added insighI thoroughly enjoyed reading more stories about some of the best and worst characters in the Arc of a Scythe series. Most of these shorts added insight into their psyches. Tell me you didn't wonder how Scythe Goddard got so nasty? It was great to revisit this world....more
This book was originally published in 1937 as a part of an educational series on philosophy and ethics told in story form to children. Sounds awful buThis book was originally published in 1937 as a part of an educational series on philosophy and ethics told in story form to children. Sounds awful but, I was blown away by the beauty and depth of the lessons taught. It's as relevant to day as it was in 1937, maybe more so, and will resonate with anyone looking to be a better human being. ...more
Enjoyed this book. While maybe not the most original story it reads like Jodi Piccoult for the younger crowd. EVERY character has problems and secretsEnjoyed this book. While maybe not the most original story it reads like Jodi Piccoult for the younger crowd. EVERY character has problems and secrets that they keep swallowing down until they become a jagged little pill stuck in their throats. LOTS are deep subjects in here....more
A decent and fast paced YA novel. I wouldn't tell you not to read it because, for the most part, I enjoyed it. Having read about a million o*spoilers*
A decent and fast paced YA novel. I wouldn't tell you not to read it because, for the most part, I enjoyed it. Having read about a million or so books in my lifetime however, I found enough annoyances to only give it three stars. First, there were so many hints and teasers that I knew what was going on and what was going to happen looooong before it did. Second, There was such urgency in their actions because they were being hunted but the text referred to them resting for hours, taking a long time on tasks. This might not bother anyone else but, for me at least, it took me out of the immediacy of their peril. Seems like they had all the time in the world to sleep in the place they were just attacked...might those things come back and attack again, maybe sooner and not after your three hour nap? It was still enjoyable and six years ago one of the authors said they were working on other parts of the story. But, six year ago...shrug. ...more
First the positives: A creepy midgrade novel which included themes of resiliency, friendship, and loyalty. Interesting enough to keep one's attention,First the positives: A creepy midgrade novel which included themes of resiliency, friendship, and loyalty. Interesting enough to keep one's attention, and face paced enough to not get boring. But...the negatives: Face paced at the expense of character development. I was left with the desire for more backstory to explain some things. And, while the ending was a particularly nice little twist, I wanted more answers than were provided. All in all, a decent read....more
“Does everybody make somebody feel like a nobody?”
Told in verse, Starfish is the heart wrenching account of Ellie, a young girl who doesn’t fit society’“Does everybody make somebody feel like a nobody?”
Told in verse, Starfish is the heart wrenching account of Ellie, a young girl who doesn’t fit society’s standard body type. Thin. Bullied at school, by complete strangers in public, and at home, she creates The Fat Girl Rues and tries to be as invisible as possible. Don’t let anyone see you eat. Don’t laugh or the fat will jiggle. The book is a Printz Honor Book about body positivity, standing up for yourself, and learning to love the you that you are not who others think you should be. A powerful message for everyone to hear....more
There is so much right with this book. It's beautifully written, the characters are interesting, the story is engaging, and the lessons taught are timThere is so much right with this book. It's beautifully written, the characters are interesting, the story is engaging, and the lessons taught are timeless. It all boils down to these simple things in the end: to love and to be loved....more
I received this book as a part of the Publisher's Weekly Grab a Galley competition and was asked to give a review.
The story is about a little cloud whI received this book as a part of the Publisher's Weekly Grab a Galley competition and was asked to give a review.
The story is about a little cloud who develops some wanderlust and decides to see the world. He has a wonderful time but, eventually, realizes there's just no place like home. The story demonstrates the importance of clouds and the "jobs" they perform. It is beautifully illustrated with mirror images on each spread, soft on one side and bold on the other.
However, some of the rhymes are forced in meter and disrupt the flow and lyrical feel of the text. The capitol city of Peru is misspelled. With a little more editing this could have been a very cute book to share. As it stands, I would not include a book in the library or in a classroom with that large of an error....more
There was so much wrong with this book that any moments of laugh-out-loud humor and the small lessons learned at the end were overshadowed by animal cThere was so much wrong with this book that any moments of laugh-out-loud humor and the small lessons learned at the end were overshadowed by animal cruelty portrayed as humor, a willfully ignorant protagonist and terrible friend who takes no responsibility for his actions and has what could be considered a narcissistic personality and not immaturity, making him no different than the villain of the story.
Touted as a book of short stories, Brian Selznick's Kaleidoscope is, to me, less short stories and more a study on the nature of love, friendship and Touted as a book of short stories, Brian Selznick's Kaleidoscope is, to me, less short stories and more a study on the nature of love, friendship and loss. Like a kaleidoscope whose pieces rearrange into unique patterns with every turn, it beautifully explores the relationship of two boys through space and time, exploring fact and fantasy. It reminded me of Cloud Atlas. It is a book for the reader that wants a contemplative read....more
Laden...
