jeanstehle's reviews
355 reviews

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad 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

4.5

A Work in Progress by Jarrett Lerner

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad fast-paced

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

4.0

A tender, introspective, hopeful, and moving read about a young man facing his demons. I was inspired by the messaging of friendships and kindness offering a vehicle of change, as well as the strength that comes from believing that the only thing you can control is yourself. An empowering story and opportunity for readers to develop an awareness and empathy towards anyone struggling with food consumption.

Same Page by Elly Swartz

hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

This is a fantastic book for readers ages 8-12! Swartz crafts a realistic and perfectly imperfect story about 6th grader Bess who comes face to face with injustices at her school, specifically book banning. To complicate matters, Bess' new friend, June, is connected to the challenges. 

As a middle school librarian, I would absolutely recommend this book! I loved the cast of characters and various storylines including: family relationships, changing friendships, and first crushes. But my favorite parts of the books are the way Swartz deftly crafts Bess's insights about the injustices of book bans and the necessity to give young readers the freedom to choose what they'd like to read (within reason, of course!).

This timely novel is a great antidote, and inspiration, for any young reader who wants to contribute to a just, inclusive society!

The Secret History of the Rape Kit: A True Crime Story by Pagan Kennedy

dark hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

Kennedy writes a fascinating and infuriating narrative nonfiction interweaving the unknown story of the woman behind the creation of the rape kit, Marty Goddard. Far from a dry historical retelling, this book tests the limits of our knowledge about sexual assault in our country: how it's treated, how it's ignored, and how these mores are slowly changing. I especially appreciated Kennedy bravely revealing her own painful experience of sexual assault. The ending of this book gave me the chills. We still have such a long way to go protecting survivors of sexual assault and demanding accountability from law enforcement, elected officials and the public at large.

The Faculty Lounge: A Novel by Jennifer Mathieu

funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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? No

4.0

Charming and engaging, this kaleidoscopic story follows a various teachers at different points in their career over the course of the year. A heartwarming read!

We Would Never by Tova Mirvis

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

This is a gripping literary novel with a fresh psychological twist. I’d love diving into the world of this family, and the dangers of loving too much.

Liars by Sarah Manguso

dark emotional reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

The only thing missing from this book is a trigger warning.

Here's my suggestion for the forthcoming paperback edition:

This book contains graphic and detailed descriptions of caregiving inequities, including emotional and physical labor imbalances within families, which may evoke feelings of frustration, anger, and/or resentment. Readers, particularly mothers, should be advised that these themes will deeply resonate from innumerable lived experiences. Proceed with caution (and delightful anticipation), for the reader will feel seen within the pages of this book. 

Well done, Manguso. Well [expletive] done.

Your Fathers, Where Are They? and the Prophets, Do They Live Forever? by Dave Eggers

4.0

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith

4.0

Material Girls by Elaine Dimopoulos

5.0

I just loved this novel. Dimopoulos artfully tells the story of fashion, power, and the influence of teen culture in an engaging and thought-provoking manner. I was immediately drawn to the main characters, Marla and Ivy. Both girls are projected on paths of self-discovery when they realize they do not have the power they thought they had. Art imitates life in this fast-paced, entertaining, and gripping novel. A must read.