Reviews

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling

jenmangler's review against another edition

3.0

Despite having a loving, supportive network of friends and family, Aven struggles with the transition to high school. It's not always easy to tell the people who love you what's going on, and I appreciate that Bowling discusses that in this 2nd book of the series. I really loved getting to know Zion's family better. They're awesome!

bookswithbailee9's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

metalmama's review

adventurous emotional funny hopeful 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? Yes

4.0

avavoors02's review against another edition

3.0

I didn't enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed the first one.

reader4evr's review against another edition

5.0

Loved this as much as Insignificant! Aven is the best.

sonitryon's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

shaunie991's review against another edition

2.0

DNF @ 63%

The first book was cute, but this one just wasn’t working for me…

lediamond4's review against another edition

emotional funny inspiring sad 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? Yes

3.0

Once again, this as very sweet. Aven is such a good character and I love her and her friends so much. They’re realistic and the bond they have with one another is the best part of the story. I missed their interactions together (Connor being absent for most the book was unexpected and disappointing) but I understand that it was a plot point and an important  part of the lesson for Aven.  

tirzad's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

laurenabayne's review against another edition

4.5

It's rare to find a middle grade series that fully grows with its readers. The readers who first fell in love with Aven in Insignificant get the chance to grow with her in Momentous as she navigates freshman year of high school. She deals with first love, first heartbreak, first jealousies, and first kisses, all with her signature humor. Even her outlook has grown up: instead of Henry being a minor worry, he takes a central role in the subplot, related to Aven's increasing understanding of the world around her. 

In a publishing sphere dominated by YA that leans towards NA, it is refreshing to find a middle grade to YA crossover that is poignant, realistic, and joyful. More like this in the world, please!