Take a photo of a barcode or cover
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Racism
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Racism
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a reread from my Childhood and it made me realize why I loved this book so much. While the beginning has some questionable language about class and race (as to be expected of an older book) it's message is beautiful. Reading at different ages and phases in life reveals extra messages and the beautiful complexity of these characters stuck in a partially unknown time of our modern day... Yet the events and lessons and feelings and conversations doesn't feel that outdated besides the language shift.
I adore the characters and the magic they bring to the story. I adore the descriptions of nature and growing friendship. I adore the hope in the impossible and the magical. I adore a feel good story in the midst of everyday tragedy. No wonder I would read this year after year growing up... It was beautiful and gave me hope. Very few books actually make me emotional to the point of crying, but if I'd taken the time to read it straight in one sitting I probably would have.
If you don't know if you'd like classics or think they're too hard or boring then I BEG YOU TO READ THE SECRET GARDEN. Because at first it is a cruel indifference that quickly turns to kindness. God I love this book and hope that everyone gets the chance to read it. Devour it. And let it sit within your soul as you grow.
I adore the characters and the magic they bring to the story. I adore the descriptions of nature and growing friendship. I adore the hope in the impossible and the magical. I adore a feel good story in the midst of everyday tragedy. No wonder I would read this year after year growing up... It was beautiful and gave me hope. Very few books actually make me emotional to the point of crying, but if I'd taken the time to read it straight in one sitting I probably would have.
If you don't know if you'd like classics or think they're too hard or boring then I BEG YOU TO READ THE SECRET GARDEN. Because at first it is a cruel indifference that quickly turns to kindness. God I love this book and hope that everyone gets the chance to read it. Devour it. And let it sit within your soul as you grow.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Body shaming, Chronic illness, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Grief, Medical trauma, Abandonment, Colonisation
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Nostalgia is strong for me and this book. But it is a classic for a reason.
Content Warnings
Minor: Ableism, Domestic abuse, Racism
It's not bad for a book written by a white woman in 1911. There is mention of the above, but is not shown.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Death of parent
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Racism
I REALLY loved the beginning of this book. I loved how flawed the main character was and her arc throughout the book.
The ending was extremely disappointing, though. I didn't like the discussions about disability and illness. The conclusion of the story gave the impression that disabled people could only be loved or tolerated if they are rid of their disability.
The ending was extremely disappointing, though. I didn't like the discussions about disability and illness. The conclusion of the story gave the impression that disabled people could only be loved or tolerated if they are rid of their disability.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Racism
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I revisited this story because I wanted a quick read and I remembered how it drew inspiration from the Bronte novels. However, I’d forgotten it’s affirmation about the powers of nature and the healing in mind and body spending time outdoors can bring. Though it is a children’s story, it is a complex and engaging narrative about parents abdicating responsibility and children finding healing in nature and in each other. It’s like a reverse version of the garden of Eden, though without a serpent. It reflects some of the attitudes of it’s time towards race, colonialism, and physical abilities. There is a bittersweet element at the end when Colin says he will live forever but as a reader you know the First World War is only a few years away.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness, Racial slurs, Colonisation
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, Classism
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Racism, Classism
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Confinement, Terminal illness, Grief, Death of parent, Classism