fullybookedpenguin's reviews
129 reviews

Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

Charley by Joan G. Robinson

adventurous lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

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Content Warnings

Minor: Drug use, Sexual assault, Suicide, Murder, and Sexual harassment

The dog dies.

The Hidden Staircase by Carolyn Keene

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Nancy's detective skills in this case would make the Scooby Doo crew proud, as she tries to figure out the mysterious, spooky happenings at Twin Elms mansion. On top of tracking down the ghost, she also juggles concerns for her father, Carson, who is being threatened over lawyer matters and then suddenly disappears~
I really enjoyed following our teen detective as she travelled across the countryside and searched the nooks and crannie of the old mansion.
Definitely recommend this quick fun read.

Trixie Belden and the Secret of the Mansion by Julie Campbell

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

My first reread of Trixie Belden since I was a teenager and the characters are still as lovable as I remember. Some of the themes are a lot more serious to the adult mind too, especially Honey and Jim's background. I truly do adore these books.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Injury/Injury detail

Five on a Treasure Island by Enid Blyton

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

The Secret Seven by Enid Blyton, Enid Blyton

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

The Swamp Robber by Paul Hutchens

adventurous hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5

The Mystery of the Burnt Cottage by Enid Blyton

lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

This is my first reread as an adult and I got to say this book wasn't as liked this read through.
It's amazing how many spelling mistakes are in this book.
There is racism which is I guess was prevalent during the time period, but is as distasteful as it always has and will be.
My Dad was reading it with me, and we had to stop reading to keep asking, "What about Carrie? Where is baby Carrie tho?" As she was so often forgotten that it became a joking concern to us.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Racism