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jcljessicaj
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Other Birds, Book

by Allen, Sarah Addison
Book, 2022. Language: English
Added May 10, 2023

Comment:

I didn't expect this story to be told from various perspectives, but I do love a character piece! I enjoyed how the threads of magical realism wove in with the mystery and truly centered around finding out who the characters are while watching them figure out who they are themselves. Beautifully done!

Rhapsodic, Book

by Thalassa, Laura
Book, 2016. Language: English
Added May 03, 2023

Comment:

I loved this series! I was completely swept up in the atmosphere of the storyline because Callie and Des' relationship was just so beautiful. I really enjoyed the worldbuilding, the structure of the Otherworld, and how it connected to the human world. It was really interesting to see the conflict build as the stories went, and it kept me invested through each new development. If you're interested in a good fantasy series wrapped up with a gorgeous, sexy romance, give this series a go!

No Place for Monsters, Book

by Merritt, Kory
Book, 2020. Language: English
Added May 02, 2023

Comment:

This was a pretty quick read with lots of illustrations to accompany the story (some of them comic book style, some regular illustrations to accompany the text). The style of the illustrations does a great job of conveying the sinister feel of the story. It's scary enough for kids who want to be a bit frightened, but it's not so scary that it leaves you with the full heebie-jeebies. I also like that it's a series; there are a few things left unanswered (not enough to make the story unsatisfying), and it makes you want to see what comes next. A good option for kids who like some horror, adventure, mystery, or all three in their books. And a good option for kids who may want something at a higher reading level but are intimidated by large chunks of text.

Instructions for Dancing, Book

by Yoon, Nicola
Book, 2021. Language: English
Added Apr 18, 2023

Comment:

This was actually a lot more fun than I expected - some magical realism, a touch of tough topics, and finding your way back to love. The chapters are short, so it's an easy, quick read. As the story evolved, it was beautiful in the way it grew and the truth it holds.

The Grace Year, Book

by Liggett, Kim
Book, 2019. Language: English
Added Apr 13, 2023

Comment:

I wasn't sure about this one at first, but I found myself unexpectedly drawn into the story. It has a dystopian feel to it and, similar to other comments, similarities to The Handmaid's Tale and Lord of the Flies, with hints of Wilder Girls. The story weaves a lot of intrigue about what happens during the grace year, and the way it was slowly developed kept me curious to see how it would all play out. It kept me guessing and rethinking how I imagined the ending would play out, and I definitely didn't settle on what actually happened. I can't say I love how it all ended; I was content until the last few pages when it lost me, but I can't discount the whole book for that. Some people may love that part, and I definitely still think this one is worth the read.

Rock Paper Scissors, Book

by Feeney, Alice
Book, 2021. Language: English
Added Mar 30, 2023

Comment:

I don't want to say too much and spoil the story, but this was a really engaging and interesting, though very sinister, thriller. It ended up being quite the ride, and I found it to be very satisfying.

Gallant, Book

by Schwab, Victoria
Book, 2022. Language: English
Added Mar 20, 2023

Comment:

So intriguing and mysterious and just a bit spooky (too much for me to read it at bedtime). The art and journal entries sprinkled here and there along with the bits of story from the other side really helped keep the mysterious vibe and the curiosity alive. I really like a story that incorporates more than just the text of the story itself because it makes it that much more rich. Overall I really liked this one.

The Thirteenth Tale, Audiobook CD

by Setterfield, Diane
Audiobook CD, 2006. Language: English
Added Mar 07, 2023

Comment:

In any other time that I've picked up (or thought about picking up) this type of story, I turned quickly away from it for being too long or too dense, but this one just works. It is a slow story, but there's something enchanting about it. I loved how the tale of Vida herself was done by a different narrator, and both the narrators fit their characters really well, which takes you even deeper into the story. To really enjoy this one, you have to be open to going along for the ride and to wait patiently for the story to unfold. And it's so so worth it in the end.

The Thousandth Floor, Book

by McGee, Katharine
Book, 2016. Language: English
Added Feb 02, 2023

Comment:

I didn't realize at first that this series is by the same author as the American Royals series (which I really like), so I was excited to read more from Katharine McGee. This book has a creative setting, an interesting cast of characters, and plenty of drama all wrapped up with a bit of unease knowing that something bad is coming. I have to say, I wasn't sure how it was all going to come together (I suppose, if I was a reader that really paid attention and looked for clues, I probably could have guessed, but I prefer to go along for the ride), and the ending was riveting. Overall, I was completely sucked in by the story, and can't wait to pick up the next book.

Two's A Crowd, Book

by Ahn, Flora
Book, 2018. Language: English
Added Jan 28, 2023

Comment:

This was a delight from the very start! I found myself smiling through the whole thing and giggling at the antics and illustrations of the pups. This is a great beginning chapter book option with simple but engaging illustrations that spread out the text and a fun story that will leave the readers wanting more.

The Castle of Tangled Magic, Book

by Anderson, Sophie
Book, 2022. Language: English
Added Jan 20, 2023

Comment:

Oh, I loved this SO much! It was refreshing how in this story there was very little antagonism among any of the characters, and the main feelings they had toward one another was love and kindness and support. The climax was exciting, and the description of the world and the creatures was so well done that I could picture it all. The ending wasn't quite how I imagined, but it was genuine and beautiful. A great read for kids and adults alike!

Help! I'm A Prisoner in the Library, Book

by Clifford, Eth
Book, 1979. Language: English
Added Dec 23, 2022

Comment:

I found when I was straightening the shelves. The title caught my eye, so I had to check it out. It's a very cute and fun story with a bit of a mystery feel, and I found myself chuckling through the whole thing. I think kids who like stories about kids/real life or mysteries would really enjoy this one. The text is simple and the chapters are short, which makes it easy to digest for readers of a variety of ages.

A Very Scalzi Christmas, Book

by Scalzi, John
Book, 2019. Language: English
Added Dec 05, 2022

Comment:

This was a treat! All the stories really were short (just a few pages), which I really liked, and they were so funny, upbeat, and cheerful. It was a perfect way to set the mood for the season. Holiday fans that want something light and fun to read for the holidays, be sure to check this one out. It may even make it onto my gift giving list next year!

Cathedral of Bones, Book

by Steiger, A. J.
Book, 2021. Language: English
Added Nov 22, 2022

Comment:

I'm big on setting and characters when I read, and I found the world building in this story to be unique and appealing. The characters were complex and frustrating at times, but I couldn't help rooting for them. There were many conflicts that seemed impossible to overcome, and yet I was pleased with the way the story progressed each time. Overall, this is a great book, especially for those who like to read about magic, multiple worlds, action and adventure, and a bit of suspense.

Go Hex Yourself, Book

by Clare, Jessica
Book, 2022. Language: English
Added Nov 14, 2022

Comment:

If I could only use one word to describe this book, it'd be "delightful." What a fun, atmospheric, cozy story! I was sucked in right away and enjoyed this the whole way through. The climax was exciting, the ending was satisfying, the characters were engaging. I'm not much of a re-reader, but this is one I may need to revisit sometime.

Etta and Otto and Russell and James, BookA Novel

by Hooper, Emma
Book, 2015. Language: English
Added Nov 02, 2022

Comment:

Such an easy, engaging story that ended up being one of those books that you just want to hug in the end. I liked the separate story-lines of the "now" and the "past" for the main characters and the way they wove together throughout the book. Even though it covered some pretty heavy topics, it didn't feel heavy, and I think that just goes to show the skill of the author. Overall, I really enjoyed this one!

Ghost Squad, Book

by Ortega, Claribel A.
Book, 2020. Language: English
Added Oct 14, 2022

Comment:

It took me a couple chapters to get into this, but I'm so glad I kept reading. This was such an exciting and fun story! I think this is a book that could suit a variety of interests as it has a little bit of everything - interesting characters, genuine relationships, exciting conflict, ghosts, mystery, and adventure.

A Man Called Ove, Audiobook CD

by Backman, Fredrik
Audiobook CD, 2014. Language: English
Added Oct 14, 2022

Comment:

10/10, what a truly beautiful story! There was a real undercurrent of sorrow if you let yourself sit with it, but the way Ove keeps moving, and the way the narrator represents each character, prevents the sadness from being overwhelming to the reader/listener. I even laughed out loud many times. I was able to watch the whole thing play out in my mind like I was standing there watching them all, and I give huge props to Backman for really bringing it all to life. Rarely do I feel truly satisfied with an ending, but I thought this one was perfect.

Hotel Magnifique, Book

by Taylor, Emily J.
Book, 2022. Language: English
Added Sep 15, 2022

Comment:

What a story! The magical world building was something special and unlike anything I've read before. I really enjoyed the atmospheric allure of the hotel, and the cast of characters made the book come alive. It was an exciting ride, for sure. I really like the way it played out with the twists and turns, and there's enough left open at the end for the reader to imagine in their own way what may have come after.

This Poison Heart, Book

by Bayron, Kalynn
Book, 2021. Language: English
Added Aug 30, 2022

Comment:

Wow, this was so fantastic! I really enjoyed how the world-building, the magical structure, and who-was-who was slowly developed over the story. It left just enough mystery to feel intrigued but not too much that it felt like it dragged. I have to be honest - the ending really surprised me, and it left such a great opening for the next book. I loved how the gardening and mythological pieces were tied in to the story of a young, magically gifted girl trying to find where she fits in.

Ninja Timmy, Book

by Tamm, Henrik
Book, 2015. Language: English
Added Aug 08, 2022

Comment:

When I initially came across this book, I thought the cover looked SO COOL, so I had to check it out. It turns out the whole book is super cool! I love the mix of illustrations in the text and how the author brought his world to life through his art. The story was full of excitement, adventure, and steampunk inventions. The characters were wonderful and the world was truly magical. Definitely a fun read for any age!

Island Affair, Book

by Oliveras, Priscilla
Book, 2020. Language: English
Added Aug 04, 2022

Comment:

This was a sweet story with great chemistry and a fascinating back story to the characters, and I really enjoyed it. It was interesting to read how they were each dealing with similar yet so different situations with their own families but stood firm in supporting one another. I always struggle with the believability of being in love at the end of a week, but it does make for a good story, and, while fictional, I do root for them that it'll work out. A fun, light read perfect for summer.

An Elderly Lady Is up to No Good, BookStories

by Tursten, Helene
Book, 2018. Language: English
Added Jul 11, 2022

Comment:

I placed this on hold, and it ended up being a much smaller book than I expected, which was kind of delightful. I found the whole thing to be morbidly funny, and it's hard not to like Maud at least a little bit. I like how it's written in short stories with no real need for them to be connected. Overall a quick, fun read.

Primer, Graphic NovelA Superhero Graphic Novel

by Muro, Jennifer
Graphic Novel, 2020. Language: English
Added Jun 13, 2022

Comment:

I thoroughly enjoyed this! What a fun mix of superhero, science, bad guys, complex families, and art. The main character steals your heart straight from the beginning and never lets go. I loved watching her bravery grow and the way the people around her grew and changed (or didn't). It was so creative the way paint was used as an avenue to gift super powers. I can't wait for the next one!

Rafe, BookA Buff Male Nanny

by Weatherspoon, Rebekah
Book, 2018. Language: English
Added Jun 07, 2022

Comment:

I found this to be an absolute delight! I thought the author created a beautiful dynamic. It all felt so real and genuine, and I just loved it. The twins were perfect, the tension and chemistry between Rafe and Sloan was *chef's kiss*, and the way their personal lives and family affected the story were just right. A quick read with some SPICE.

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