Slammed by Colleen Hoover My rating: 1 of 5 stars Initial reaction: I’m mulling over a few ways to write this review to express my thoughts, but the overarching reaction? I wish I could’ve liked this more. Sadly, with all the formulaic notations, the lack of connection with the main character (who made me want … Continue reading »
Ghost Hands by T.A. Barron My rating: 4 of 5 stars Quick, lovely read. I went to the library to look up some stories based in Argentina and found a children’s book based in Patagonia. “Ghost Hands” is written by T.A. Barron, and the beautiful, color illustrations were drawn by William Low. The tale is … Continue reading »
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell My rating: 3 of 5 stars Initial reaction: I think this book was as good as it was in terms of my reading experience because of the audiobook. I liked that part of it, but I’m a little torn on my experience of the story. Parts of it I … Continue reading »
Past Darkness by Laurel Woiwode My rating: 1 of 5 stars This is likely to be an awkward review for more reasons than one. How many people can say they’ve read a book beginning to end and felt absolutely nothing for any of the characters within a story, down to the point that many of … Continue reading »
That Time I Joined the Circus by J.J. Howard My rating: 2 of 5 stars Initial reaction: Despite an atmospheric implied promo, “That Time I Joined the Circus” really doesn’t quite match up to the mark of what the story’s about, and was a bit of a lukewarm read for me despite several problems. Lexi’s … Continue reading »
Me, Him, Them, and It by Caela Carter My rating: 3 of 5 stars Initial reaction: “Me, Him, Them, and It” was such an emotional ride. I didn’t realize how much of a punch it would be to follow Evie, a young woman who deals with the decisions surrounding her family and circle of friends … Continue reading »
Dancing in the Dark by Robyn Bavati My rating: 4 of 5 stars Initial reaction: “Dancing in the Dark” was, indubitibly, a beautifully told story of a young woman’s coming of age and quest to pursue a dream of dancing. However, in the spectrum of faith and abiding by her family’s strict rules, she has … Continue reading »
Enemy Territory by Sharon E. McKay My rating: 4 of 5 stars Initial reaction: Wow, this book was very good. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did, and I thought it was a very realistic, eye-opening look at two boys with rooted prejudices that learn to become friends over some rather … Continue reading »
The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer My rating: 5 of 5 stars Initial reaction: I’m pretty much at a loss for words at this point in time because I didn’t expect this story to grip me as much as it did. Following Matt’s journey in the course of this book was one full … Continue reading »
No Ordinary Excuse by Michelle Adams My rating: 3 of 5 stars “No Ordinary Excuse” is one of those light, fluffy reads that pretty fit firmly in the camp of children’s/middle grade fiction. It tells the story of 12-year old Gemma who forgets to do her assignment for the umpteenth time and her teacher isn’t … Continue reading »
Gingersnap by Patricia Reilly Giff My rating: 2 of 5 stars Initial reaction: Despite this being a very quick read and for a young audience, I had a very difficult time getting into this book. Not that I didn’t appreciate the characters and the storyline, but it just didn’t grab and hold me in several … Continue reading »
Six Earlier Days by David Levithan My rating: 5 of 5 stars Initial thoughts: For 37 pages of one-shot accounts, this was a powerful story, and an intriguing lead into Levithan’s “Every Day”. I felt connected to each of the six accounts, and while it was a quick read, it left a powerful impression on … Continue reading »
Real Live Boyfriends: Yes. Boyfriends, Plural. If My Life Weren’t Complicated, I Wouldn’t Be Ruby Oliver by E. Lockhart My rating: 5 of 5 stars Initial thoughts: I think the only part I’m sad about in finishing this novel is that I have to say goodbye to Ruby Oliver. Following her through this series was … Continue reading »
Saraswati’s Way by Monika Schroder My rating: 4 of 5 stars Initial reaction: Very unexpected surprise. I didn’t expect to enjoy this novel as much as I did, particularly with it being a random read that I picked up from my local library. I thought the environment and details with respect to India were a … Continue reading »
Not Exactly a Love Story by Audrey Couloumbis My rating: 3 of 5 stars Initial reaction: Very interesting story about an awkward teen growing up in the 70s who falls in love with a girl he happens to get her number and goes through a number of unfortunate mishaps along the way. I think the … Continue reading »
