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lt_reads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
sara_hudson's review
4.0
I loved From the Desk of Zoe Washington, so I was thrilled with the release of the sequel. On Air does a wonderful job of picking up the story of Zoe and Marcus and moving it forward.
Zoe still has her irrepressible spirit, throwing herself into her job at the bakery (with Marcus), a podcast, her baking, and a new friendship. She is also navigating how ti fold Marcus into her family life with the always-spot-on help of her Grandmother. Janae adds a romance story arc with Zoe playing third wheel that is nicely done.
Readers will love hanging out with Zoe again. For me as an adult reader, this installment lacks some of the charm of the first one. Zoe learned her lessons in the first book, so she doesn't make the blunders that make the first book so charming. And, her grandmother plays a much smaller role in this book, and that relationship was so special in the first one. Nevertheless, the story is strong and the characters are a delight.
Zoe still has her irrepressible spirit, throwing herself into her job at the bakery (with Marcus), a podcast, her baking, and a new friendship. She is also navigating how ti fold Marcus into her family life with the always-spot-on help of her Grandmother. Janae adds a romance story arc with Zoe playing third wheel that is nicely done.
Readers will love hanging out with Zoe again. For me as an adult reader, this installment lacks some of the charm of the first one. Zoe learned her lessons in the first book, so she doesn't make the blunders that make the first book so charming. And, her grandmother plays a much smaller role in this book, and that relationship was so special in the first one. Nevertheless, the story is strong and the characters are a delight.
blogginboutbooks's review
4.0
I loved the first book in the Zoe Washington series, so I was all in for this sequel. There's a lot to like about it. All of the main characters in the book are warm, caring, supportive, and kind. Zoe's family is especially so. I love that her parents make a point of including Zoe's birth father in their gatherings so that she can have a relationship with him. Although there is a teensy bit of friend drama in the novel, there are no mean girl type situations, a rarity when it comes to middle-grade stories. It was refreshing not to read about bullying and catty kids for once! I also like that Zoe is so likable—she's smart, compassionate, thoughtful, and ambitious. It's easy to admire her determination and root for her success in achieving her goals.
Unfortunately, this second book in the series doesn't feel as unique and memorable as the first one. It covers a lot of territory, exploring a number of different themes, which makes it feel a bit here, there, and everywhere. I would have liked a more focused plot. The exoneree angle is definitely part of this book, but it doesn't get enough play time in my opinion. That's what makes this series unique and I would have liked to see more of it.
While I definitely enjoyed ON AIR WITH ZOE WASHINGTON, it wasn't as much of a stand-out for me as FROM THE DESK OF ZOE WASHINGTON. I'll keep reading the series, though, because I enjoy the characters, the writing, and the upbeat vibe of the series.
If I could, I would give this book 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
Unfortunately, this second book in the series doesn't feel as unique and memorable as the first one. It covers a lot of territory, exploring a number of different themes, which makes it feel a bit here, there, and everywhere. I would have liked a more focused plot. The exoneree angle is definitely part of this book, but it doesn't get enough play time in my opinion. That's what makes this series unique and I would have liked to see more of it.
While I definitely enjoyed ON AIR WITH ZOE WASHINGTON, it wasn't as much of a stand-out for me as FROM THE DESK OF ZOE WASHINGTON. I'll keep reading the series, though, because I enjoy the characters, the writing, and the upbeat vibe of the series.
If I could, I would give this book 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
It’s the sequel to From the Desk of Zoe Washington!
shade_gomes's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
cskylar's review
5.0
Book 2 is just as interesting as Book one! I love the real-world lessons represented in Zoe's story.
jackelz's review against another edition
“I needed to do better. I needed to stop judging and remember that previous offenders were like many of us—worthy of another chance.”
Zoe is such a determined young lady. Anything she puts her mind to she sees through until the end, and never gives up looking for solutions. She is such a fierce advocate and will be an inspiration for so many, young and old.
This was a perfect follow up story, because we see the truth of what life is like after prison. For those wrongfully convicted, and not. Zoe had to face her own concerns about people who have committed crimes, and these conversations are so important.
My only qualms were that the podcast elements weren’t introduced until late in the story. Since it was part of the title, I thought it would’ve been a larger part of the book overall. It was also concerning that she said where she worked during a radio interview, but she made a new friend of this so I guess it’s okay?
klemily's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75