gwstoryqueen32's reviews
81 reviews

Herzog by Saul Bellow

emotional reflective slow-paced

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

3.5

Despite Ceaușescu: A Collection of Romanian Art by Frances Tyler

adventurous hopeful informative inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

5.0

Exquisite and colorful Romanian art!
Readers will enjoy this exploration of these Romanian art pieces and the history behind developing this wonderful collection. Vivid photographs bring this art to life! Great for art connoisseurs and art lovers!

Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers by Georgina Warren

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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? N/A

5.0

Editorial Reviews "Georgina Warren seeks to defy the perception of the wicked stepmother in her new book, "Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers." Maybe it is time to trade-in Cinderella for one of the many inspiring stories in her collection and see stepmothers portrayed in a whole new light?!"
- - Laura Jenkins, podcast host, In The Blend, Australia

"Georgina Warren's debut collection is a delightful departure from the weary figure of the "wicked stepmother." In twelve original fairy tales, stepmothers take the redemptive center stage as loving family guardians and encouraging mentors. Drawing inspiration from her own connection with her stepmother, Warren's writing is fresh, imaginative, and heartfelt; her stories are entertaining and charming remakes of stories of the blended family."
- - Michelle LaFrance, writer, Hill Rag Magazine, Washington DC

"It takes great strength to share your personal feelings. Georgina Warren has made her readers richer by elegantly reworking the customary fairytale villainess into an object of admiration."
- - Mary Bird, contributor, The Georgetowner, Washington DC

The Fresco by Sheri S. Tepper

5.0

The Short Drop by Matthew FitzSimmons

5.0

I found this thriller to have strong pacing. As a former student that took English classes with the author, I can appreciate how the narrative keeps all the elements tightened and he knows just when to increase tension. There are plot twists to keep the reader engaged and the climax leaves a deep impact. Overall, a highly recommended read.

Black No More by George S. Schuyler

5.0

I fully enjoyed this book and I appreciated the themes presented. If it were possible to change another person's color, people would still find ways to categorize and vilify anyone identified as a minority. The grandfather clauses discussed in the later half of the book brought a new level of surreal absurdity to it. This book is in the same class as Kafka's Metamorphosis and Ionesco's Rhinoceros, a tragic exploration of human bias.

Bras & Broomsticks by Sarah Mlynowski

5.0

I thought this story offered a unique alternative perspective in the teen witch genre. In any other story, Miri would have been the central character. By shifting the focus on her older sister Rachel, readers can identify with her wants and desires to be exceptional and not "exceptionally adjacent." All the issues our teen protagonist experiences are relatable, peer pressure, divorce, family visits in separate homes and wishing for a more perfect "A-list" life. Ultimately, the story shows that power must be used responsibly and that people shouldn't use magic to erase their daily problems, otherwise they risk losing their humanity.

Frogs & French Kisses by Sarah Mlynowski

5.0

Once again, we are back with Rachel and Miri on another wild adventure! So many things have changed now that their mother has jumped back in the dating pool (and magic pool) and Rachel is trying to figure out how to attend prom when her sister causes an accident with a spell, not to mention having a boyfriend accidentally charmed into loving her. The story offers further elaboration on Rachel and Miri's mother and her decision to give up magic and raise her children with an ordinary life. Ultimately this magical family must learn to moderate their use of power and that consent matters in relationships.

Spells & Sleeping Bags by Sarah Mlynowski

5.0

If you haven't read the first two books, stop right now and come back when you are finished because I'm about to dive in! Now that Rachel has gained her own magical powers, she has a lot to learn about being a witch. Rachel and Miri have been enrolled in summer camp and the experience offers many lessons about stepping out of your comfort zone and appreciating the life you have. Even if it seems like someone has everything better than you, there are still many people that might envy what you have and do anything to get that life for themselves. Rachel and Miri have to reevaluate their relationship now that they both have magic and they have many lessons to learn in between campfire songs, swimming lessons and more spells!

Parties & Potions by Sarah Mlynowski

5.0

I was happy to discover that Book 3 was not the last book in the series, for there is more to tell about Rachel and Miri! Now the two sisters are discovering a wider community of witches and warlocks and Rachel is struggling to figure out how to divide her time between her ordinary life with her school friends, her dad and stepmother, and the magic life she shares with her sister, her mom and their new magical friends. Rachel is now considering whether she wants to keep her ordinary boyfriend or be with someone magical like her. All the pros and cons of "coming out" as a witch are mentioned and weighed, her class is reading The Crucible, one classmate is mocked for openly identifying as a witch, Rachel doesn't want to ruin her relationships if they all believe the "wicked witch" stereotype, some hard choices must be made, but Rachel is now discovering herself and what she needs in her future.