jenwestpfahl's reviews
299 reviews

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

emotional inspiring fast-paced

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

5.0

This is a beautiful, elegant story about loss, fear, waiting, love, self identity. It’s a quick read. I read it over two hours in one day. Really great illustrations too.

Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward

emotional fast-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

4.5

This book went a direction I wasn’t really expecting but it was very compelling. I like Ward’s writing style.

The House at Riverton by Kate Morton

emotional slow-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

3.5

I was expecting a little more mystery and suspense but it was a good emotional tale of life’s choices leading people down a path they don’t necessarily want to go.

The Collectors by Jacqueline West

adventurous medium-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

3.5

Always hard to rate middle grade books but this was enjoyable and my 6th grader loved it. We will read the sequel together.

The Ickabog by J.K. Rowling

lighthearted slow-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? Yes

4.0

A fun read with my 11yo. She absolutely loved it.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

5.0

I’ve read several trail adventure books and this was by far my favorite. I felt like I was right there with Cheryl, seeing and feeling what she did. 

Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson

lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.5

Nothing memorable here, but it’s a quick enjoyable light romance.

Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again by Rachel Held Evans

informative inspiring medium-paced

4.5

Really thought-provoking essays and stories about  the Bible and it’s different types of storytelling. I highly recommend this boom if you read the Bible regularly or are diving into a Bible study. 

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

hopeful mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.5

This is a delightful book. Both simple and deep at the same time. Sweet and endearing. I highly recommend it.

Thin Is the New Happy by Valerie Frankel

4.0