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hopevollm's reviews
1386 reviews
Early Sunday Morning: the Pearl Harbor Diary of Amber Billows, Hawaii, 1941 by Barry Denenberg
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
Another one I won’t rate but I didn’t like this as much as the last Dear America book I read. It wasn’t bad it just didn’t feel like we got to know Amber that well. She’s 12, which seems a bit young and maybe that’s why we don’t delve a ton into her life. We’re really having dinner parties with her parents and stuff. She does have one friend in Hawaii, a Japanese American girl called Kame.
The day of Pearl Harbor and the next couple are sad. The attack itself is described- and the way amber and her family react is really sad. The hospital scene is tough.
But then they just pack up and head to San Francisco. And we get a 1.5 page epilogue. We don’t even know what job Amber had as an adult? What happened to her parents. Her brother. I feel like we should have gotten more.
The day of Pearl Harbor and the next couple are sad. The attack itself is described- and the way amber and her family react is really sad. The hospital scene is tough.
But then they just pack up and head to San Francisco. And we get a 1.5 page epilogue. We don’t even know what job Amber had as an adult? What happened to her parents. Her brother. I feel like we should have gotten more.
Caught Up by Liz Tomforde
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I’m absolutely loving this world and I really liked Kai and Miller. I felt like I didn’t connect to them as much as I did to the others but they grew on me and I loved them at the end. Miller falling in love with Kai’s son Max was so sweet as well.
The kinda enemies vibes they had at the beginning were really fun and there was SO MUCH tension. I was dying for them to get together.
The kinda enemies vibes they had at the beginning were really fun and there was SO MUCH tension. I was dying for them to get together.
The Great Railroad Race: the Diary of Libby West by Kristiana Gregory
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
Realistically I don’t think I can rate this.
Anyway, Libby actually isn’t a bad character. She’s a real person. She thinks mean things and does mean things and I think even as an adult that’s relatable. I think the history is interesting, though I can’t say I ever recall learning about this. I also like getting to see a little romance. Okayyy Pete, buying a girl a book.
I will say this brings up interesting conversations. Libby says General Sherman may be the tallest man in the army but she thinks he is small after hearing he thinks that they should kill all of the Sioux. I like that she thought for herself, because her dad didn’t seem bothered. She also wonders about Native Americans having citizenship and what happens if a child is half Native American and half white. They also spend some time in Utah and her and Ellie are so interested in the Mormons there. She sees Brigham Young and thinks he’s distinguished.
I think this was interesting. I can see why I liked these so much as a child. But also like damn they are dark and dire. We get out first death in page 47. But I guess that’s reflective of the times.
Anyway, Libby actually isn’t a bad character. She’s a real person. She thinks mean things and does mean things and I think even as an adult that’s relatable. I think the history is interesting, though I can’t say I ever recall learning about this. I also like getting to see a little romance. Okayyy Pete, buying a girl a book.
I will say this brings up interesting conversations. Libby says General Sherman may be the tallest man in the army but she thinks he is small after hearing he thinks that they should kill all of the Sioux. I like that she thought for herself, because her dad didn’t seem bothered. She also wonders about Native Americans having citizenship and what happens if a child is half Native American and half white. They also spend some time in Utah and her and Ellie are so interested in the Mormons there. She sees Brigham Young and thinks he’s distinguished.
I think this was interesting. I can see why I liked these so much as a child. But also like damn they are dark and dire. We get out first death in page 47. But I guess that’s reflective of the times.
The Anxious Generation: How The Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt
Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.
Just not a vibe. Too dense and not interesting or engaging.
Once Upon a Moonlit Night by Elizabeth Hoyt
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this! I love a road trip in a romance and hippolyta and Matthew’s were fun characters to follow. She’s being upfront, he has a secret. He doesn’t believe she’s who she says she is, but he’s still going to get her to london. I loved it. And a pet mongoose!
There still manages to be drama and some craziness and that’s so great in a novella.
There still manages to be drama and some craziness and that’s so great in a novella.
Mistakes Were Made by Andy C Wareing
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
4.0
The chaos is so relatable.
Further To Fall by Catherine Cowles
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
When I started reading this I knew I recognized the names from another book!
Carter and Austin are def opposites attract. They start as enemies, then besties, then they don’t talk, then they are besties, then lovers. I was HERE FOR IT. I loved both of them so much. Once Austin decided to go for it, he was the perfect man.
The stalker element here was done really well. It was so eerie and felt like something that could really happen. I kinda knew who it was but the reveal was still so well done!
And Blue?!?! The rescue pitt Bull puppy. The sweetest boy.
Carter and Austin are def opposites attract. They start as enemies, then besties, then they don’t talk, then they are besties, then lovers. I was HERE FOR IT. I loved both of them so much. Once Austin decided to go for it, he was the perfect man.
The stalker element here was done really well. It was so eerie and felt like something that could really happen. I kinda knew who it was but the reveal was still so well done!
And Blue?!?! The rescue pitt Bull puppy. The sweetest boy.
Wake Me Up For The Elephants: Comic tales of a restless traveller by Marjory McGinn, Marjory McGinn
adventurous
medium-paced
3.0
Love a live letter to travel and to Scotland.
We're On Our Way USA by Andy C Wareing
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.5
Actually really cute and sweet