jesy's reviews
44 reviews

Dancing with Butterflies by Reyna Grande

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative reflective 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

She starts slow but it's worth finishing. So many hard moments that you can relate to, or know someone who went through something similar. Real, raw, relatable and, the unfortunate part of that is it makes it predictable but, I was ok with it. 

Grande weaving in Baile folklórico was stellar - I loved every second of those descriptions and relationships they built in the company. As a kid who couldn't afford it, but dreamnt being a part of that community, I really appreciated the storyline and it really tugged on my childhood dreams. 

A Dream Called Home by Reyna Grande

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

5.0

A beautiful, beautiful memoir. Relatable, eye opening, and a great read after finishing Across A Hundred Mountains.  

The Devil's Daughter by Katee Robert

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

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

3.25

I wanted to love it but it missed the mark. I  eally needed/wanted more cult and less romance. Also...am I wrong or was Eden an FBI agent who was 17ish?!? 🤔

Hilo Book 2: Saving the Whole Wide World by Judd Winick

adventurous emotional lighthearted fast-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

5.0

Loving the Hilo series, so far book 2 is the favorite! Great cliffhanger for the kiddos. 

If You Would Have Told Me by John Stamos

adventurous emotional funny informative lighthearted reflective relaxing sad fast-paced

4.25

Loved listening to this one, finished it quickly. The man's voice is soothing. 

While I feel that the book lacked depth, It also served as a window into Stamos' life. He touched on so many different topics/situations and it felt a little scattered but this really sounds like a memoir that Billy, his son, will enjoy when Dad has passed. I can respect leaving a treasure like that for your kid; kind of like the treasure his mom left for him. ( I'm starting to save my love notes and letters to my kids today!) 

By listening to the memoir, you can feel the love that he has for his family, mentors, friends, and colleagues but there are also points where it feels like he is apologizing for others simply because they never did. I'm not sure how I feel about that yet. I really enjoyed the stories around Full House and the Beach Boys, afterall I am guilty for only ever recognizing Stamos as Uncle Jesse. 

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

5.0

Such a great read; I love how Jet points out how much she learned during her fami y's hardships. As someone who comes from a diff cult background, I hate when people automatically assume that I don't have the intelligence or experiences just because I didn't grow up like they did. Jet points out the richness of all she learned, how she turned it into a pathway to her own success and is grateful for that aspect of her life. I found my myself being so proud of her and her siblings as I listenef to this memoir - then, I thought of how proud of myself I am too. 

Loved every second of this audiobook. 

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense 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

5.0

Grab tissues. 

The story about love found during absolute tribulation is so profound. A tale of friendship, family, survival, humble heros, and  unexpected strength during a time of disgusting tragedy. I couldn't put it down. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death and Violence

Moderate: Physical abuse, Death of parent, Sexual assault, Racism, Religious bigotry, Rape, Pregnancy, Death, Violence, War, and Torture

One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A great family read  that exposed our kids to how the foster care system should work. Unfortunately, we also know that many placements are not as loving as portrayed in this novel. Opened a door for us to discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly. We also made sure to talk about the fact that they may not actually know their classmates home situations and that being understanding, supportive, and watching our words are all powerful ways to help people endure tough times. 

The kids take (11 & 6 year olds):
A really sad book. Interesting to learn about real life situations that can happen to kids. Liked how the kid learned about family, friends, and siblings when she didn't have that experience before. 

Court of the Vampire Queen by Katee Robert

adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced

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

2.5

3 books in one; part 1 was fantastic - character was a little annoying but plot and spice were great. Couldn't put it down. Part 2 was erotica on every other page - Soo much that it got repetitive and boring. Part 3 got better but it had already lost my attention and took me much longer that anticipated to finish. Definitely not my favorite Katee Robert book. 

Border Hacker: A Tale of Treachery, Trafficking, and Two Friends on the Run by Axel Kirschner, Axel Kirschner, Levi Vonk, Levi Vonk

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative reflective tense fast-paced

4.5

A shocking story that brings to light just how invisible immigrants can feel during their journey north. Many political aspects in this book that explain and a jaw dropping story of one particular immigrant and the anthropologist who follows him. But the book - part of the  proceeds will go to the immigrant as a compensation for his story!