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dylanhenning's reviews
130 reviews
Mean Girls (Paramount) by Cara Stevens
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I appreciate that this book exists. I grew up with Mean Girls as essential pop culture viewing in the 2000’s and I’m glad to see new ways to keep this story relevant whether it be a musical adaptation or this retelling for the Millennial parents to read to their children.
That being said this isn’t super faithful to the original film. Yes it hits the major story beats but because it’s restricted by being a children’s book it can’t include the full depth of how mean the Plastics were or how hurtful the Burn Book was. Even Cady’s plot to destroy the plastics was watered down because obviously you don’t want to teach children to be mean to people in a book. Don’t even get me started on the change to the ending because again you can’t have a character get hit by a bus in a book meant for really young children.
Which leaves me wondering who is this book really for? People who have seen the 2004 film are going to realize this isn’t quite how the story went and I don’t think there’s any nuggets of wisdom in here for little kids that they couldn’t have gotten from another book.
It’s a fun novelty to have I guess but beyond that not worth your time or money.
That being said this isn’t super faithful to the original film. Yes it hits the major story beats but because it’s restricted by being a children’s book it can’t include the full depth of how mean the Plastics were or how hurtful the Burn Book was. Even Cady’s plot to destroy the plastics was watered down because obviously you don’t want to teach children to be mean to people in a book. Don’t even get me started on the change to the ending because again you can’t have a character get hit by a bus in a book meant for really young children.
Which leaves me wondering who is this book really for? People who have seen the 2004 film are going to realize this isn’t quite how the story went and I don’t think there’s any nuggets of wisdom in here for little kids that they couldn’t have gotten from another book.
It’s a fun novelty to have I guess but beyond that not worth your time or money.
Episode Thirteen by Craig DiLouie
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is incredible!
I have been saving this book for spooky season and I’m so glad I did. It was the perfect spooky read I had hoped it would be.
I won’t give any spoilers but the basic pitch is this is presented as recovered footage and texts from a paranormal investigation crew for the thirteenth episode of their reality tv series (think Ghost Hunters, etc)
Through these various journal entries and transcripts of the footage you get different perspectives on what’s happening in the book and each character brings their own opinions and actions to keep it interesting and keep things fresh.
The book moves along at a decent pace and never gets dull or stale.
The ending is absolutely wild and I’ll be thinking about it for a while to be sure!
I have been saving this book for spooky season and I’m so glad I did. It was the perfect spooky read I had hoped it would be.
I won’t give any spoilers but the basic pitch is this is presented as recovered footage and texts from a paranormal investigation crew for the thirteenth episode of their reality tv series (think Ghost Hunters, etc)
Through these various journal entries and transcripts of the footage you get different perspectives on what’s happening in the book and each character brings their own opinions and actions to keep it interesting and keep things fresh.
The book moves along at a decent pace and never gets dull or stale.
The ending is absolutely wild and I’ll be thinking about it for a while to be sure!
Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This graphic novel is just so cozy. It’s a cute story with beautiful artwork showcasing this cozy town during autumn.
There’s a cute love story between this young witch who has hearing aids and a non binary werewolf who has come back to town to deal with a demon in the woods.
I won’t go too into detail on the plot but I will say it’s a fast read that keeps things fun and interesting even when it gets a little dark.
My biggest issue with the book is there are some side plots that are set up but never get any resolution and I’m just left being line wait what happened?!
I would love to see this creative team work together again on a sequel or another story set in this world.
There’s a cute love story between this young witch who has hearing aids and a non binary werewolf who has come back to town to deal with a demon in the woods.
I won’t go too into detail on the plot but I will say it’s a fast read that keeps things fun and interesting even when it gets a little dark.
My biggest issue with the book is there are some side plots that are set up but never get any resolution and I’m just left being line wait what happened?!
I would love to see this creative team work together again on a sequel or another story set in this world.
The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I was really not sure what I was expecting going into this book. Obviously The Exorcist is an iconic horror movie that has cemented its spot in film history and pop culture.
I had seen the movie once several years ago but didn't remember a lot from it so going into this book I had little preconceived ideas of what the story was going to be.
I was immediately drawn to Blatty’s writing. He writes in such a way that you can really envision the imagery and the scene playing out in your head. He’s a masterful storyteller which I think contributes to why this book is a classic that has maintained relevance on its own in the literary world outside of the film and its own legacy.
This novel could’ve easily just been a creepy story about a demonic possession of a little girl. It certainly has that at the center of it, but the intricate layers of character development, motivations, and the themes of religion and good versus evil make this so much richer and riveting than just your run of the mill possession story.
Even if you’ve seen the movie I definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It’s a great spooky read that will definitely give you some chills but it’s also genuinely just a fantastic book.
I had seen the movie once several years ago but didn't remember a lot from it so going into this book I had little preconceived ideas of what the story was going to be.
I was immediately drawn to Blatty’s writing. He writes in such a way that you can really envision the imagery and the scene playing out in your head. He’s a masterful storyteller which I think contributes to why this book is a classic that has maintained relevance on its own in the literary world outside of the film and its own legacy.
This novel could’ve easily just been a creepy story about a demonic possession of a little girl. It certainly has that at the center of it, but the intricate layers of character development, motivations, and the themes of religion and good versus evil make this so much richer and riveting than just your run of the mill possession story.
Even if you’ve seen the movie I definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It’s a great spooky read that will definitely give you some chills but it’s also genuinely just a fantastic book.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Public statement: J.K. Rowling is a mean spirited person using her fame and influence to dehumanize and dismantle the rights of Transgender people throughout the world. Her actions and words are not only incorrect but harmful and buying new copies of her books puts more money in her pockets to give her more freedom and resources to continue her hateful and misguided crusade. The copies of the Harry Potter books I own were purchased well before her anti-trans tirade began and I encourage all of you to read ethically by either buying her books secondhand or borrowing them from your local library so no additional money goes into her pockets.
It’s been many years since I last read Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and I was wondering how it would hold up. I’m sort of surprised to say I might love this book even more than I did before if that’s possible.
Rowling’s writing skills are on full display with her witty dialogue, her beautifully descriptive scenery for the various seasons, and her mystery and intrigue will keep readers glued to the pages.
I’ve always enjoyed that this book did something different from the previously established pattern of the first two books. Voldemort still hangs over our character ms but he’s not the primary threat to our young heroes this time.
There’s a mystery unfolding as you read this book about a murderer who escapes a highly secure prison for witches and wizards. But how? and what are his intentions now that he’s free? This book takes you on an exciting journey to find those answers and provide more backstory for our cast of characters. But not everything is as it seems! Rowling has some incredibly brilliant twists and turns that makes this one of, if not the best of the Potter books.
We also plant some seeds with Snape’s backstory and lay a bit of groundwork for his redemption later in the series.
Let’s talk about a couple minor issues I had with this book. I don’t think they take away from the overall quality of the book but they’re just little personal things.
1. Too much Quidditch. It’s a fascinating sport but this book has like three chapters with full quidditch descriptions and it took time away from the more interesting parts of the book to me.
2. About five minutes after Harry finds out his godfather isn’t a mass murderer he’s super excited to move in with him! Like I get that the Dursley’s aren’t fun but you just found out Sirius is innocent about five minutes ago. Maybe give it a beat before decide to move in with the guy you thought was trying to kill you.
It’s been many years since I last read Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and I was wondering how it would hold up. I’m sort of surprised to say I might love this book even more than I did before if that’s possible.
Rowling’s writing skills are on full display with her witty dialogue, her beautifully descriptive scenery for the various seasons, and her mystery and intrigue will keep readers glued to the pages.
I’ve always enjoyed that this book did something different from the previously established pattern of the first two books. Voldemort still hangs over our character ms but he’s not the primary threat to our young heroes this time.
There’s a mystery unfolding as you read this book about a murderer who escapes a highly secure prison for witches and wizards. But how? and what are his intentions now that he’s free? This book takes you on an exciting journey to find those answers and provide more backstory for our cast of characters. But not everything is as it seems! Rowling has some incredibly brilliant twists and turns that makes this one of, if not the best of the Potter books.
We also plant some seeds with Snape’s backstory and lay a bit of groundwork for his redemption later in the series.
Let’s talk about a couple minor issues I had with this book. I don’t think they take away from the overall quality of the book but they’re just little personal things.
1. Too much Quidditch. It’s a fascinating sport but this book has like three chapters with full quidditch descriptions and it took time away from the more interesting parts of the book to me.
2. About five minutes after Harry finds out his godfather isn’t a mass murderer he’s super excited to move in with him! Like I get that the Dursley’s aren’t fun but you just found out Sirius is innocent about five minutes ago. Maybe give it a beat before decide to move in with the guy you thought was trying to kill you.
The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The fact that this story was published all the way back in 1892 is wild to me! I had read The Yellow Wallpaper years ago in middle school and I remember enjoying it and how unique it was at the time. Now that I’m older and able to understand deeper nuances I wanted to re-read it and see what I thought of it, I’m glad I did!
This short story is told from the first person perspective of a woman writing about her thoughts and experiences being confined to this room by her husband who says she has “temporary nervous depression”. He says she’s there to rest and get better and she’s not to write or do any work or go out to tire herself out further.
As she’s stuck in this room she writes in her diary first about her opinion of the room. She notes how much she hates the yellow wallpaper. As time goes on the woman sees shapes and faces and patterns in the wallpaper. She also starts describing the lengths that her husband has gone to to keep her in this room like bolting down the bed, bars on the windows, and a gate at the top of the stairs. All of which she says must have been there because of children who previously lived in the house.
This book is really fascinating. It’s clearly a piece of feminist literature that shows blatant gaslighting and manipulation by the husband. But we also see his efforts to keep her locked away have had a negative impact on her mental health.
If you haven’t read this yet you definitely should!
This short story is told from the first person perspective of a woman writing about her thoughts and experiences being confined to this room by her husband who says she has “temporary nervous depression”. He says she’s there to rest and get better and she’s not to write or do any work or go out to tire herself out further.
As she’s stuck in this room she writes in her diary first about her opinion of the room. She notes how much she hates the yellow wallpaper. As time goes on the woman sees shapes and faces and patterns in the wallpaper. She also starts describing the lengths that her husband has gone to to keep her in this room like bolting down the bed, bars on the windows, and a gate at the top of the stairs. All of which she says must have been there because of children who previously lived in the house.
This book is really fascinating. It’s clearly a piece of feminist literature that shows blatant gaslighting and manipulation by the husband. But we also see his efforts to keep her locked away have had a negative impact on her mental health.
If you haven’t read this yet you definitely should!
Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi, Vol. 3: Force War by Jan Duursema, David Michael Beck, Wes Dzioba, Dan Parsons, John Ostrander
adventurous
dark
tense
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
This volume of the Dawn of The Jedi comic jumps ahead in time and it’s better for it. They’re a year into this war and there’s so much drama and intrigue and the answers were given to questions were satisfying enough that I don’t feel like any of it was lackluster.
My one issue is it ends kind of abruptly and feels like there was definitely more story to tell but I think that has more to do with the Star Wars license reverting back to Marvel. So Dark Horse and the creative team had no choice but to tie everything up where it was.
My one issue is it ends kind of abruptly and feels like there was definitely more story to tell but I think that has more to do with the Star Wars license reverting back to Marvel. So Dark Horse and the creative team had no choice but to tie everything up where it was.
Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi, Vol. 2: Prisoner of Bogan by John Ostrander
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This volume took the story into a deeper direction. Explaining some of the lore and backstory for this time period and certain character actions. At the same time it also sets the board and the players for the next volume which looks to be a major war.
This volume didn’t go quite as far or quite as deep as I would’ve liked which is why it’s only getting a 3.5 star rating but I still think it’s better than some other Star Wars material I’ve read lately.
This volume didn’t go quite as far or quite as deep as I would’ve liked which is why it’s only getting a 3.5 star rating but I still think it’s better than some other Star Wars material I’ve read lately.
Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi, Volume 1: Force Storm by John Ostrander
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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
3.5
This was a fun story! This is more of what I expected Dawn of The Jedi: Into The Void to be. This explores some of what the ancient Je’daii were up to and introduces these mysterious dark side users called Force Hounds.
This is how you set up an interesting and compelling “start” to a sci-fi universe.
This is how you set up an interesting and compelling “start” to a sci-fi universe.
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
What to say about Days at the Morisaki Bookshop? This book started as a 5 star read. The first part of this book was so rich with descriptions and cozy writing about this woman who quits her job and ends up living upstairs in her uncles bookstore. It was wonderful to see her fall in love with reading and with the bookstore and connect with her uncle and the people in the community.
Then we get to the second part of the book and while the story is still very good it changes the narrative direction and that’s what brings the book down to a 4.5 star rating for me. A character shows up and their actions and secrets dominate the second half of the book.
This is one worth reading and I will definitely be checking out the sequel but I wish the last half of the book was more like the first half.
Then we get to the second part of the book and while the story is still very good it changes the narrative direction and that’s what brings the book down to a 4.5 star rating for me. A character shows up and their actions and secrets dominate the second half of the book.
This is one worth reading and I will definitely be checking out the sequel but I wish the last half of the book was more like the first half.