helendipietro's reviews
240 reviews

Untypical: How the World Isn't Built for Autistic People and What We Should All Do About it by Pete Wharmby

hopeful informative inspiring reflective

4.0

Gin and Phonics: My Journey Through Middle-Class Motherhood (via the Occasional Pub) by Clara Batten

lighthearted slow-paced

2.0

I really didn’t get on with this but persevered to finish it because I hate DNFing books! I thought it must get better but this one just didn’t do it for me! I had high hopes from the title and thought it was going to be hilarious. The comedy and writing style wasn’t for me.

Rental Person Who Does Nothing: a Memoir by Shoji Morimoto

reflective slow-paced

3.0

Written very matter of factly which fits the ‘do nothing’ approach, this book is a series of a tweets and short reflections from a ghost writer. The whole concept of a ‘Rental Person’ to be hired just to be there for free is such an interesting one and I just kept thinking how sad it really was that people needed it. It could solve a lot of  problems caused by loneliness. Rental person had some good yet short reflections on friendship, AI, introspection, Japanese culture, and money. It does feel very repetitive and basic as a reading experience though. 

A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.

Started on holiday but then forgot to carry on! Must revisit! 

Rich Woman: A Book on Investing for Women, Take Charge Of Your Money, Take Charge Of Your Life by Robert T. Kiyosaki, Sharon L. Lechter, Kim Kiyosaki
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.

Might come back to it?

The Skeleton Key by Erin Kelly

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.0

A really clever and intriguing set up, developed characters and some unexpected twists! This was a great book but I found it too long/ drawn out to be 5*. 

Tyger by SF Said

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.0

This book is an enthralling adventure that combines Blakeian mythology, magic and the power of imagination to tell a story that stays with you. 🐯

The story is a dark, magical tale set in a dystopian London where Empire never ended and so some difficult themes are explored, albeit age appropriately. It follows the difficult lives of two children, Adam and Zadie. Adam's life changes forever the day he stumbles upon a wonderful  creature - Tyger.  This is a cleverly layered book full of emotion and I would recommend it for children in Year 5, 6 and beyond!

S. F Said was inspired by William Blake's poem 'Tyger' which I remember teaching to my Year 6 class. It's a poem that excited and engaged him as this 'Tyger' wasn't any ordinary 'tiger'.

Plus the illustrations from Dave McKean are transporting!🥰

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Colonisation and Xenophobia

Minor: Child death

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-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

Cute, cozy vibes but I wasn’t overally wowed by this one. It had some nice reflections on life and my favourite part was when Takako and Momoko went on their trip together. I loved the descriptions of the mountain they climbed and their differences in attitudes. I also loved how Satoru and Takako helped each other to develop and grow. 


There are lots of relatable parts too: 

“It’s once I’m alone, mulling things over, that I can figure out what on earth I’m actually feeling.”

“It’s important to stand still sometimes. Think of it as a little rest in this long journey of your life. This is your harbour. And your boat is just dropping anchor here for a little while. And after you’re well rested, you can set sail again.”

“It’s only in second hand books that you can savour encounters like this, connections that transcend time.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling
Did not finish book. Stopped at 12%.

I’ll revisit maybe at Christmas! 

Moonstruck, Vol. 1: Magic to Brew by Grace Ellis

funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.0

Loved the colour scheme, the artwork, most of the characters and the overall cuteness of this volume. I switched form 4 * to 3 * but I think the 3* fits my own enjoyment of my reading experience. I didn’t love the magazine extracts dotted through as it really took you out of the story and the art was so different it felt a bit garish! 
Some of the action was rushed and I think some parts could have benefitted hugely from being just a tad longer to get to know the characters more and understand the plot. Overall though I did enjoy it!