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bennysbooks's reviews
664 reviews
Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
4.0
This was unbelievably cozy, and I'm glad I read it leading up to the holidays. While a pretty straightforward retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairytale, McKinley's sumptuous descriptions brought the atmosphere of the Beast's castle to life. But even before that, in the first half of the book, the sense of dedication built into the fabric of Beauty's family, and their willingness to work, trust one another, and build a new life together was so comforting.
I wish I had read this as a pre-teen or teen; I think it would have been an instant favourite back then. As an adult I craved a little more internality, a little more tension. Nevertheless, it wasn't written for adults, so I can't fault the book for that, and I'm so happy to have finally encountered it.
I wish I had read this as a pre-teen or teen; I think it would have been an instant favourite back then. As an adult I craved a little more internality, a little more tension. Nevertheless, it wasn't written for adults, so I can't fault the book for that, and I'm so happy to have finally encountered it.
Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann
This was much more delightful than I was anticipating, but in the strangest way. I originally borrowed it from the library because my kid and I are very into Maurice Sendak's art right now, but I was surprised to find myself getting into the story as well (the 6-year old did not, he asked me to continue without him). If you like offbeat, kinda creepy children's classics, you might enjoy this. The ballet was based off of a different version by Dumas, which I guess was a bit of a sanitized/smoothed retelling.
Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher
4.25
Charming as heck. I loved Toadling and her monstrous family. I always find my heart falls for these Kingfisher novellas, but my brain wishes for slightly more... bite? Especially in the endings. Nevertheless, they make me happy.
Two Sherpas by Sebastián MartÃnez Daniell
Not sure how I would rate this. There were so many moments of brilliance, moments that made me gasp and want to read bits aloud to my partner. And then there were bits that I felt were overwritten and superfluous (mostly about the Old Sherpa's past). I believe this is a debut, and so my takeaway is that this author has an incredible talent which needs a little help (experience? guidance? editing?)
It's not quite a favourite book, but one I want to keep around and return to nonetheless.
It's not quite a favourite book, but one I want to keep around and return to nonetheless.
The Mystery of the Painted Fan by Linda Trinh
5.0
My local indie bookstore recently created a display of books that have been shadowbanned by our city's catholic school board. My partner took our son to pick one out, and he chose this book. We loved it!
After reading, I'm guessing it's been banned because one character mentions a GSA, and because the main character is a kid who likes pink and dancing, and is looking for/finds acceptance from family and friends. Having grown up in catholic schools, it seems to me that this book warm-heartedly teaches children the very values catholic schools *claim* to hold dear. Yet because the kindness and acceptance being practiced is directed at a kid whose interests display a possible proximity to queerness, it is deemed inappropriate for children. Which is why these schools need to be defunded. As a nonbinary adult, I can say with confidence that if I'd had access to books as a child that even hinted that gender nonconformity existed in any meaningful way, I could have saved myself years of struggle. But the growing religious fanatics on the right would prefer that kids like me continue to struggle. Which is lovely.
It is also a fantastic introduction to Vietnamese culture, as it highlights Vietnamese holidays, garments, art, language, and ancestor worship. My kid loved learning about the Vietnamese zodiac through the fan, and we watched some videos of fan dances after finishing the book.
Anyway, definitely recommend this one. My kid gave it his 5 star approval, and has now asked if we can read every book in the series.
After reading, I'm guessing it's been banned because one character mentions a GSA, and because the main character is a kid who likes pink and dancing, and is looking for/finds acceptance from family and friends. Having grown up in catholic schools, it seems to me that this book warm-heartedly teaches children the very values catholic schools *claim* to hold dear. Yet because the kindness and acceptance being practiced is directed at a kid whose interests display a possible proximity to queerness, it is deemed inappropriate for children. Which is why these schools need to be defunded. As a nonbinary adult, I can say with confidence that if I'd had access to books as a child that even hinted that gender nonconformity existed in any meaningful way, I could have saved myself years of struggle. But the growing religious fanatics on the right would prefer that kids like me continue to struggle. Which is lovely.
It is also a fantastic introduction to Vietnamese culture, as it highlights Vietnamese holidays, garments, art, language, and ancestor worship. My kid loved learning about the Vietnamese zodiac through the fan, and we watched some videos of fan dances after finishing the book.
Anyway, definitely recommend this one. My kid gave it his 5 star approval, and has now asked if we can read every book in the series.
The Lottery and Other Stories by Shirley Jackson
4.0
Quite a few standouts in here. Stories that I re-read immediately, or read aloud to my partner, because I just needed to revel in them a little longer. The rest fluctuated in quality for me; most were above average to average, but even when average they were still interesting enough to maintain my stamina throughout the collection, which can be a challenge with short stories. On the whole, it felt fairly easy to get through. If you've enjoyed Jackson's work in the past it's definitely worth a read.
Standouts:
The Intoxicated
The Renegade
After You, My Dear Alphonse
Flower Garden
Colloquy
The Lottery
Standouts:
The Intoxicated
The Renegade
After You, My Dear Alphonse
Flower Garden
Colloquy
The Lottery
In the Company of Witches by Auralee Wallace
2.75
It was fine, I get why people like it. I can't pinpoint why it didn't work for me, except probably just a combination of preferences and timing.