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jlennidorner's reviews
320 reviews
Stacey's Mistake: a Graphic Novel by Ann M. Martin, Ellen T. Crenshaw
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I enjoyed this book, though not as much as the others in the series. The title mistake was not being understanding enough of the feelings and perceptions of others. (Especially about NYC and how old friends don't always blend with new ones.) This is my honest and unbiased review.
I'd recommend it to young readers who are going to invite their friends from a different type of community (urban, suburban, rural) to their own. Or those looking for a way to help adults help with community projects, such as saving a theater.
I loved it when they got seventeen tickets for the carousel. It was easy to read the whole book in under an hour. The book was a happily-ever-after, meaningful, fun, entertaining, and has diverse characters. One child does briefly go missing, but it turns out fine, and another child nearly vomits.
The theme is to be considerate of others. The setting of NYC, especially as a tourist, comes through well.
I'd recommend it to young readers who are going to invite their friends from a different type of community (urban, suburban, rural) to their own. Or those looking for a way to help adults help with community projects, such as saving a theater.
I loved it when they got seventeen tickets for the carousel. It was easy to read the whole book in under an hour. The book was a happily-ever-after, meaningful, fun, entertaining, and has diverse characters. One child does briefly go missing, but it turns out fine, and another child nearly vomits.
The theme is to be considerate of others. The setting of NYC, especially as a tourist, comes through well.
Content Warnings
Minor: Vomit and Toxic friendship
A child goes missing for a few moments, but is soon found and is okay.
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
adventurous
inspiring
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? No
5.0
This short fiction was highly enjoyable and very fast-paced. It wove real culture and science fiction together perfectly. The main character is easy to root for because she's such an outsider and so deeply devoted to her love of learning. I got this book on June 15, 2022, and I am so glad I took an hour to finally read it. This is my honest and unbiased review.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves to learn, enjoys science fiction, and wants a great read with a Himba main character from Namibia (Namib) in Southern Africa. In the book, her people have many brilliant advancements and a strong connection to the earth. There is a passage about her hair that feels so deeply meaningful to me and is an excellent summary of her values:
{Heru touches her hair} "You have exactly twenty-one," he said. "And they're braided in tessellating triangles. Is it some sort of code?"
I wanted to tell him that there was a code, that the pattern spoke my family's bloodline, culture, and history. That my father had designed the code and my mother and aunties had shown me how to braid it into my hair.
It's that beautiful? I would give this book five stars on that passage alone. This is what a good diverse book should do, show how even something as easily overlooked as hair can hold such a deep meaning and reveal a great deal about someone. Binti describes herself as having dark skin and extra-bushy hair because her father's side has the blood of the Desert People.
The best science fiction description in this book, to me, was the ship. "Third Fish was a Miri 12, a type of ship closely related to a shrimp." Space travel inside a living creature that had been genetically enhanced for travel. The ship, being a living beast, makes sounds and quakes because it has functional bowels. A living ship is a beautiful concept. I do not read a lot of scifi, but this really caught my attention.
This opens with immediate action. Then, just as the story seems to settle for a moment, there's an unexpected twist full of heart-pounding action. Eventually, Binti has to make a choice. I do wish it had been a more well-informed decision, that she knew what she'd actually sacrifice, that the Meduse were more forthcoming. They believe humans only understand violence.
A mirror to society, to a real-life issue, is presented in a discussion as to whether a museum or university should keep a prestigious and high-valued piece or return it to the people to whom it belongs.
This feels like it could be realistic fiction in the future. Math lovers will especially enjoy parts of this story. As all goals are met, there is a happily-ever-after (or happy for now). There is a chilling scene with violence. It's action-packed, fast-paced, and has many plot twists. The story felt mostly unpredictable. It was very fun, entertaining, and informative to me.
Content Warnings
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Racism, Blood, Cultural appropriation, Classism, Hate crime, Murder, and Violence
Shattered by C. Lee McKenzie
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.0
This book was an emotional powerhouse. I've followed this author for years, have read four other books by her, and share membership in several online communities with C. Lee McKenzie. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion. I won a paperback copy of this book in November 2021.
This is listed as a Teen and YA book in the disabilities category. I can imagine recommending this to former coworkers and friends, such as physical therapists who would pass it along to teen patients struggling to adapt to their new reality.
A bright, sunshiny character who is recovering from a life-altering injury, one of those optimistic types who joyfully tackles every challenge life offers, plays the mentor and new best friend. The main character is Libby, who experiences pain, devastation, heartbreak, and hopelessness. Her dreams and goals are taken away, her boyfriend dumps her, and her friends fade away. There's about a fifth of the book where everyone wants her to be strong, overcome, and buck up. But she's not made of sunshine and hope, she's devastated and afraid. It's the more frequent reaction to such trauma. However, the first third of the book is hard, it packs an emotional punch (more so if the feelings are identifiable). In the next chunk of the book, Libby grows and gradually gets adjusted. It isn't until nearly the end that she isn't weighed down and held back. There's a happy enough ending full of hope and possibilities. The ending chapter really ties everything together and is kind of a "where are they now" type of ending.
It also has a mystery woven in, the whodunit of the on-purpose accident which puts her in a wheelchair. Those chapters, each called "The Arrangement," are in third-person so as to not give away who did it. I honestly thought I knew, and I was "right-adjacent," but there was one aspect I hadn't considered. The guilty party not only makes sense, but serves as a wonderful reflection of the growth and change of another character.
It also has a mystery woven in, the whodunit of the on-purpose accident which puts her in a wheelchair. Those chapters, each called "The Arrangement," are in third-person so as to not give away who did it. I honestly thought I knew, and I was "right-adjacent," but there was one aspect I hadn't considered. The guilty party not only makes sense, but serves as a wonderful reflection of the growth and change of another character.
This does feel like realistic fiction. There are some romantic parts, but it isn't central to the plot. Libby is more focused on her sporting goals and regaining control of her life than on romance. It is complex and somewhat inspirational. The author feels like an authority on rowing.
Sit-ski was a new term I learned from this book. I live near a few ski resorts (Pocono Mountains in PA) and confess I never knew about any such options.
The title is definitely used in the book, and twice around the end the title really clicks. The cover is very artistic. I like the skier who is sort of blurred on the upper left. (I have the cover with dark blue hues with white accents and words.) Shattered may upset some readers in the first third as Libby is very depressed. There's a pet cat who lives well through the whole book. Some readers may have strong feelings about the various parenting styles in this book. The only possible typos I found were "Then his eyes met nine," {mine} and "She knew what the next three words were" {I knew}, so I would say this book is well-edited.
I believe the theme is one of perseverance, with a sprinkling of patriotism, a heap of friendship and family, and a dash of love. Some of the settings did come alive, mainly the outdoors. The mystery element does hold a mirror up to society in a way I cannot explain without spoiling the book. The Bechdel-Wallace test is certainly passed, as there are named female characters with whom Libby speaks to about subjects that are not men.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Juliana Lopez is Fu*king Fire: 21 Boys Later... by Dori Aleman-Medina
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Hmmmm, enjoyed this book, I did.
“Pass on what you have learned. Strength, mastery, hmm… but weakness, folly, failure, also. Yes, failure, most of all. The greatest teacher, failure is.” - Master Yoda, Star Wars quote
The Star Wars fandom is part of this novel, so it feels appropriate to use a quote from one of the movies that ties to a lesson in the book.
I'm also a gamer, like the main characters (though I've never played their favorite mentioned game, not the actual one, anyway). I knew right away what the gamertag was about (though I didn't know about the tattoo reference at that point).
Juliana's parents were 16 when she was born. It becomes clear that she was unwanted. Her biological father barely exists in her life, her mother is resentful and neglectful. The step-father is a trigger-warning and is hinted at throughout the book. None of those three are main characters, but all of them are why Juliana is who and how she is, which is the internal conflict.
But she is strong. There's a scene where someone much larger gets in her face, but she doesn't back down. She does not cower or back away. She keeps much of her pain locked inside.
There's a part that reminded me of the song "Livin' La Vida Loca" by Ricky Martin. It's when Chris shows up and is talking to Daniel about Juliana while she's out at the cupcake table.
Missing the idea of what you want someone to be, rather than missing the actual person. It's more common these days, perhaps, to leave negative people, including toxic family members. That's part of this story.
Umbrella tattoos often symbolize shelter, planning, or overcoming difficulties. Semicolon tattoos are generally signifiers of survival, especially from suicide or mental illness. (Neither of those symbols are explained in the book, but they do appear.)
I was fascinated that this is a romance book, and the main characters reach a point where they agree they want their relationship to be more romantic, to try more "typical" dating. And then it skips right over Valentine's Day! I flipped back twice to make sure I didn't imagine the time jump.
This is my honest and unbiased review. I borrowed this book while at my cousin's. (She knows the author. My connection with the author is the interview I conducted for the Operation Awesome blog.)
This is a great romance novel for anyone who enjoys a main character who isn't neurotypical, and who has survived a dark past. There's found-family and some biological family. Straight and LGBTQIA+ characters. Young women who really want children. Excellent read for gamers, geeks, music lovers (especially 80s rap and hip-hop). And Juliana reads, which I love. We need more books with characters who read, in my opinion. The characters all feel very real and fleshed out. They're like people I actually know.
Different chapters are from a different first-person point of view. I am usually frustrated by that type of storytelling, but the author does a fantastic job of it here, and flow is not stifled by it. Bravo. I don't read many romance books, or much Latinx literature, but I really enjoyed this one.
What really kept me turning pages was the way the background was revealed. Everything is hinted out, and then the past unfolds and how it reflects the present is clear. The ending shows the HEA/HFN, and it's clear it was journey to get to that, so it's very satisfying. Like making a chocolate cake from scratch. By the way, in the story, chocolate cake refers to actual 🎂 chocolate cake (not a different sexual innuendo).
I would absolutely read another book from this author, especially if it comes from this series. I'm still unsure what the "21 Boys Later" means, as that exact number didn't seem to be part of the story. Though it might have been implied?
Some words that describe books realistic fiction, happily-ever-after, romantic, sometimes a tear-jerker, controversial, some plot twists, inspirational, fun, and entertaining. It's diverse in that it is Latinx and the culture is very much part of the story, and also that's there's beautiful LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
Without a doubt, the setting is a character in this book. It absolutely comes alive and is present in the story. Plus, the setting brings out character development. Four of my stars are based on my general enjoyment, the fifth star is earned by the setting and how well it is sculpted and integrated in this novel.
The title is almost brought up multiple times. And then, finally, near the end, the exact title is used and it's wonderful.
Triggers:
"Black coffee... a dash of cream to make that pretty Latina color." - There's an ongoing debate about the appropriateness of using foods and beverages when describing skin color; however, note that the author is Latina. #OwnVoices
There is cursing (the title should have told you that), mental illness, panic attacks, self-harm, suicide, self-harm/ cutting, addiction, alcohol, some drug use, a bit of blood, mention of infidelity and violated trust, and an adult video is viewed without consent.
I saw only two or three possible misspellings. The author does have a different style of comma usage than those to which I am most accustomed. I'm fairly certain two end-quote marks went missing. Otherwise, it's very well-written and edited.
Juliana's favorite color is orange. My own main character, Xavier, in my Existence series, his favorite character is orange. (https://www.instagram.com/p/CsH4M4tLIs1 I noted this on Instagram as I was reading. Last two images of the post.)
I was emotionally struck by this book because of all that the characters have endured. Even minor characters have complexity written in.
It holds a mirror up to society in that it shows how challenging life can be for an unwanted child, even if one parent pays for a good education. There's more to life, to family and parenting, than just money. Teen pregnancy is a minor theme, yet there's a strong statement bleeding through Juliana.
“Pass on what you have learned. Strength, mastery, hmm… but weakness, folly, failure, also. Yes, failure, most of all. The greatest teacher, failure is.” - Master Yoda, Star Wars quote
The Star Wars fandom is part of this novel, so it feels appropriate to use a quote from one of the movies that ties to a lesson in the book.
I'm also a gamer, like the main characters (though I've never played their favorite mentioned game, not the actual one, anyway). I knew right away what the gamertag was about (though I didn't know about the tattoo reference at that point).
Juliana's parents were 16 when she was born. It becomes clear that she was unwanted. Her biological father barely exists in her life, her mother is resentful and neglectful. The step-father is a trigger-warning and is hinted at throughout the book. None of those three are main characters, but all of them are why Juliana is who and how she is, which is the internal conflict.
But she is strong. There's a scene where someone much larger gets in her face, but she doesn't back down. She does not cower or back away. She keeps much of her pain locked inside.
There's a part that reminded me of the song "Livin' La Vida Loca" by Ricky Martin. It's when Chris shows up and is talking to Daniel about Juliana while she's out at the cupcake table.
Missing the idea of what you want someone to be, rather than missing the actual person. It's more common these days, perhaps, to leave negative people, including toxic family members. That's part of this story.
Umbrella tattoos often symbolize shelter, planning, or overcoming difficulties. Semicolon tattoos are generally signifiers of survival, especially from suicide or mental illness. (Neither of those symbols are explained in the book, but they do appear.)
I was fascinated that this is a romance book, and the main characters reach a point where they agree they want their relationship to be more romantic, to try more "typical" dating. And then it skips right over Valentine's Day! I flipped back twice to make sure I didn't imagine the time jump.
This is my honest and unbiased review. I borrowed this book while at my cousin's. (She knows the author. My connection with the author is the interview I conducted for the Operation Awesome blog.)
This is a great romance novel for anyone who enjoys a main character who isn't neurotypical, and who has survived a dark past. There's found-family and some biological family. Straight and LGBTQIA+ characters. Young women who really want children. Excellent read for gamers, geeks, music lovers (especially 80s rap and hip-hop). And Juliana reads, which I love. We need more books with characters who read, in my opinion. The characters all feel very real and fleshed out. They're like people I actually know.
Different chapters are from a different first-person point of view. I am usually frustrated by that type of storytelling, but the author does a fantastic job of it here, and flow is not stifled by it. Bravo. I don't read many romance books, or much Latinx literature, but I really enjoyed this one.
What really kept me turning pages was the way the background was revealed. Everything is hinted out, and then the past unfolds and how it reflects the present is clear. The ending shows the HEA/HFN, and it's clear it was journey to get to that, so it's very satisfying. Like making a chocolate cake from scratch. By the way, in the story, chocolate cake refers to actual 🎂 chocolate cake (not a different sexual innuendo).
I would absolutely read another book from this author, especially if it comes from this series. I'm still unsure what the "21 Boys Later" means, as that exact number didn't seem to be part of the story. Though it might have been implied?
Some words that describe books realistic fiction, happily-ever-after, romantic, sometimes a tear-jerker, controversial, some plot twists, inspirational, fun, and entertaining. It's diverse in that it is Latinx and the culture is very much part of the story, and also that's there's beautiful LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
Without a doubt, the setting is a character in this book. It absolutely comes alive and is present in the story. Plus, the setting brings out character development. Four of my stars are based on my general enjoyment, the fifth star is earned by the setting and how well it is sculpted and integrated in this novel.
The title is almost brought up multiple times. And then, finally, near the end, the exact title is used and it's wonderful.
Triggers:
"Black coffee... a dash of cream to make that pretty Latina color." - There's an ongoing debate about the appropriateness of using foods and beverages when describing skin color; however, note that the author is Latina. #OwnVoices
There is cursing (the title should have told you that), mental illness, panic attacks, self-harm, suicide, self-harm/ cutting, addiction, alcohol, some drug use, a bit of blood, mention of infidelity and violated trust, and an adult video is viewed without consent.
I saw only two or three possible misspellings. The author does have a different style of comma usage than those to which I am most accustomed. I'm fairly certain two end-quote marks went missing. Otherwise, it's very well-written and edited.
Juliana's favorite color is orange. My own main character, Xavier, in my Existence series, his favorite character is orange. (https://www.instagram.com/p/CsH4M4tLIs1 I noted this on Instagram as I was reading. Last two images of the post.)
I was emotionally struck by this book because of all that the characters have endured. Even minor characters have complexity written in.
It holds a mirror up to society in that it shows how challenging life can be for an unwanted child, even if one parent pays for a good education. There's more to life, to family and parenting, than just money. Teen pregnancy is a minor theme, yet there's a strong statement bleeding through Juliana.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Self harm, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, Panic attacks/disorders, and Cursing
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Suicide, Alcohol, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Pedophilia
Minor: Blood, Classism, Infidelity, Pregnancy, and Drug use
A sex video is viewed without consent.
Excuse Me While I Disappear: Tales of Midlife Mayhem by Laurie Notaro
medium-paced
3.0
This was a First Reads free book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
I like the dinosaur on the cover. I am NOT the target audience for this book, as I am not a Caucasian woman over fifty. I do, however, love a good Philadelphia cheesesteak, and am Gen X.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, Classism, and Body shaming
Theft idealization
Mary Anne's Bad Luck Mystery by Cynthia Yuan Cheng, Ann M. Martin
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A medium-paced story with a discussion of superstition and trickery.
'As small as a mustard seed' was a common expression in ancient times. “It is not necessary to have great faith; even a small faith is enough..." While that quote is not in the book, there is a reference to a mustard seed being a symbol of faith. (No denomination is mentioned in the book. Just a general reference to having any faith at all in absolutely anything or anyone.)
Mary Anne is being pranked. There's also a chain letter. (In the US, chain letters are illegal if they request money or other items of value and promise a substantial return to the participants.) The one mentioned in the book doesn't request anything, it just spreads good or bad luck.
I've enjoyed other books in this series considerably more, even though Mary Anne is my favorite character.
'As small as a mustard seed' was a common expression in ancient times. “It is not necessary to have great faith; even a small faith is enough..." While that quote is not in the book, there is a reference to a mustard seed being a symbol of faith. (No denomination is mentioned in the book. Just a general reference to having any faith at all in absolutely anything or anyone.)
Mary Anne is being pranked. There's also a chain letter. (In the US, chain letters are illegal if they request money or other items of value and promise a substantial return to the participants.) The one mentioned in the book doesn't request anything, it just spreads good or bad luck.
I've enjoyed other books in this series considerably more, even though Mary Anne is my favorite character.
Jessi's Secret Language by Ann M. Martin, Chan Chau
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? No
5.0
The copyright page sets the tone by mentioning that Deaf is a proper noun when related to a person. Even if you haven't read the other books in the series, this one is very enjoyable and valuable. It talks about the isolation a child can feel when unable to communicate with others, especially their family.
As the fictional world here is light-hearted and good, the young children in the neighborhood all opt to learn ASL to help the Deaf kid feel included. If you're looking for a "faith in humanity restored" kind of novel, this book is for you. Representation matters. We need more books like this one.
As the fictional world here is light-hearted and good, the young children in the neighborhood all opt to learn ASL to help the Deaf kid feel included. If you're looking for a "faith in humanity restored" kind of novel, this book is for you. Representation matters. We need more books like this one.
The Blue Bar by Damyanti Biswas
dark
mysterious
tense
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
This dark Police Procedural mystery-suspense has a good amount of tension and a medium pace. Chapters are subtitled with the name of the POV character (no subtitle means it's the POV of the antagonist). It is set in India, and the characters show the diversity of that country.
"A bar girl is a woman who is paid to entertain patrons in a bar, either individually or, in some cases, as a performer." - Wikipedia
A bar girl is not a prostitute, though some also do that job. There may also be human trafficking going on. A bar girl is also not a stripper. (I cannot find information on the comparison of a burlesque dancer.)
"Striptease is out of the question, table dancing an unimagined horror of Western promiscuity. Women who entertain men in India's nightclubs are supposed to do so more or less fully clothed, with a vague nod to an ancient art of suggestion." - sfgate.com
Though I have no mental visual of what a bar girl is, and no cultural reference, I was able to conclude from the story that someone with that job is discriminated against and is offered no respect by the people of India, that they become unwanted outcasts who are shunned.
The Blue Bar is where the main characters meet. The cover shows the midnight blue-colored sequins of a saree. The female main character, Tara (Noyontara Mondal), is wearing one, along with a silver blouse with a two-string back that shows off her midriff, a blue petticoat, a shawl, and silver heels. She then takes off the shawl and has to pose wearing this outfit. (It's possible this is supposed to be humiliating, despite being fully dressed. Perhaps it's a lack of modesty in public? This is an example where my lack of cultural knowledge hindered the fullest potential enjoyment of this novel.) Tara is a bar girl. She is doing what is called "night work" in that first chapter, work beyond her bar girl job which she was offered because of her position as a bar girl.
Arnav is the male main character. He became a police officer (inspector) after his sister Asha was raped and, consequently, committed suicide after the crime was covered up. He and Tara had a relationship of some kind, but she left, vanishing from the city, and he didn't go looking for her.
"Could a policeman and a bar girl make a home together? Impossible. No one would accept it." - Tara (Thought by the character.)
I do not read a lot of mystery books, or police procedurals. I have limited knowledge about the culture of India (based mostly from a handful of friends who live/d there and some movies/tv). I'm sure there are some subtle nuances that I missed or didn't understand. Yet I enjoyed reading the book because it is well written and I grew attached to Tara's story. Though "bar girl" is somewhat a choice (as quitting happens in this book), I could best relate to her because she's an outcast and I know what that's like. The significance of "three minutes" is revealed in Chapter 64. The antagonist reminded me of Thomas Harris' Hannibal Lecter character-- no cannibalism, but the way the character thinks, feels the police are idiots, and hides in plain sight are reminiscent of that character. It's also obvious the antagonist is very wealthy. The book holds a mirror up to society because there are multiple dead females and, if not for Arnav, their murders would go unsolved because they aren't important enough to society to spend money having the police investigate properly. Discrimination allowed a killer to keep killing because the victims weren't important enough. (Though, with a slightly different ending, it could be a whole other story.)
The sapphire with the M or W threw me off the "whodunnit" trail. I also glossed over the memory that explained the term "Item Number" is what a director calls a female dancing in short clothing in a raunchy Hindi film-- it's in Chapter 12.
The book has a well-written viewpoint on how the police function in India. It feels incredibly well-researched.
"As the crow flew" -- There's a measurement I haven't heard used in some time. I love it, though I've only known older people to use it. Good to see it coming back.
"Fourteen years was the term of a life imprisonment in India." -- That's something I learned from this book and never would have guessed. (In the USA, life means until they're dead, though parole might happen after 25 years in some cases. Of course, everything has loopholes and exceptions.)
This novel mentioned Diwali as the night of good over evil, of light over darkness. Interestingly, the same day I read that line, it was an answer on Celebrity Jeopardy! This book was free on Amazon Kindle First Reads in December 2022. This author and I have followed each others' blogs for years. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
A great quote from the book:
"In Mumbai, everyone performs for someone else."
Trigger warnings should include child sexual assault, cutting, body dismemberment resulting in death, and torture. There is a car "accident" when someone is run off the road. It is strongly suggested that one character has a physically abusive relationship. Tara's father sold her for alcohol. Several chapters include a kidnapping. There's a shooting outside the police station (at the police, not all survive). Controversial gang violence is included. A character has cancer and is getting chemotherapy. There is a fire. Someone becomes paralyzed. There is always violence in books of mystery/crime genre, and this is no exception. The theme feels like this novel is about how adults can mess a kid up, and adulthood shows how well someone adjusted from childhood traumas.
I hope the next book explores Zoya more. It feels like the ending left her with a raw deal. This book is realistic fiction with a "happily-for-now" ending.
The Blue Bar is where the main characters meet. The cover shows the midnight blue-colored sequins of a saree. The female main character, Tara (Noyontara Mondal), is wearing one, along with a silver blouse with a two-string back that shows off her midriff, a blue petticoat, a shawl, and silver heels. She then takes off the shawl and has to pose wearing this outfit. (It's possible this is supposed to be humiliating, despite being fully dressed. Perhaps it's a lack of modesty in public? This is an example where my lack of cultural knowledge hindered the fullest potential enjoyment of this novel.) Tara is a bar girl. She is doing what is called "night work" in that first chapter, work beyond her bar girl job which she was offered because of her position as a bar girl.
Arnav is the male main character. He became a police officer (inspector) after his sister Asha was raped and, consequently, committed suicide after the crime was covered up. He and Tara had a relationship of some kind, but she left, vanishing from the city, and he didn't go looking for her.
"Could a policeman and a bar girl make a home together? Impossible. No one would accept it." - Tara (Thought by the character.)
I do not read a lot of mystery books, or police procedurals. I have limited knowledge about the culture of India (based mostly from a handful of friends who live/d there and some movies/tv). I'm sure there are some subtle nuances that I missed or didn't understand. Yet I enjoyed reading the book because it is well written and I grew attached to Tara's story. Though "bar girl" is somewhat a choice (as quitting happens in this book), I could best relate to her because she's an outcast and I know what that's like. The significance of "three minutes" is revealed in Chapter 64. The antagonist reminded me of Thomas Harris' Hannibal Lecter character-- no cannibalism, but the way the character thinks, feels the police are idiots, and hides in plain sight are reminiscent of that character. It's also obvious the antagonist is very wealthy. The book holds a mirror up to society because there are multiple dead females and, if not for Arnav, their murders would go unsolved because they aren't important enough to society to spend money having the police investigate properly. Discrimination allowed a killer to keep killing because the victims weren't important enough. (Though, with a slightly different ending, it could be a whole other story.)
The sapphire with the M or W threw me off the "whodunnit" trail. I also glossed over the memory that explained the term "Item Number" is what a director calls a female dancing in short clothing in a raunchy Hindi film-- it's in Chapter 12.
The book has a well-written viewpoint on how the police function in India. It feels incredibly well-researched.
"As the crow flew" -- There's a measurement I haven't heard used in some time. I love it, though I've only known older people to use it. Good to see it coming back.
"Fourteen years was the term of a life imprisonment in India." -- That's something I learned from this book and never would have guessed. (In the USA, life means until they're dead, though parole might happen after 25 years in some cases. Of course, everything has loopholes and exceptions.)
This novel mentioned Diwali as the night of good over evil, of light over darkness. Interestingly, the same day I read that line, it was an answer on Celebrity Jeopardy! This book was free on Amazon Kindle First Reads in December 2022. This author and I have followed each others' blogs for years. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
A great quote from the book:
"In Mumbai, everyone performs for someone else."
Trigger warnings should include child sexual assault, cutting, body dismemberment resulting in death, and torture. There is a car "accident" when someone is run off the road. It is strongly suggested that one character has a physically abusive relationship. Tara's father sold her for alcohol. Several chapters include a kidnapping. There's a shooting outside the police station (at the police, not all survive). Controversial gang violence is included. A character has cancer and is getting chemotherapy. There is a fire. Someone becomes paralyzed. There is always violence in books of mystery/crime genre, and this is no exception. The theme feels like this novel is about how adults can mess a kid up, and adulthood shows how well someone adjusted from childhood traumas.
I hope the next book explores Zoya more. It feels like the ending left her with a raw deal. This book is realistic fiction with a "happily-for-now" ending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Body horror, Alcohol, Confinement, Car accident, Death, Racism, Infidelity, Domestic abuse, Self harm, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Violence, Torture, and Bullying
Minor: Abandonment and Suicide
Good-bye Stacey, Good-bye by Gabriela Epstein, Ann M. Martin
emotional
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
4.0
Another great book adapted to Graphix/ Graphic form. My friend and I have been reading these editions for fun and blasts to the past. Stacey's family is moving. The Club makes an effort to find a way for her to stay, but it isn't possible. They give her the best send-off they can. Goodbyes are hard, so this was a tear-jerker. It also makes the series slightly less diverse, because Stacey has diabetes, and now her character won't be there. With such wonderful characters, it's difficult when one moves away. But that is how things often happen in real life.
Kristy and the Snobs: A Graphic Novel (Baby-sitters Club #10) by Ann M. Martin, Chan Chau
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Another great book adapted to Graphix/ Graphic form. My friend and I have been reading these editions for fun and blasts to the past. This one is harder because of the dog. Though, of course, there is always a happy ending. Or as happy as things can be in difficult circumstances. This book teaches the value of turning competition into an ally, how more than one business of the same sort can co-exist. It's also about adapting to a new environment, such as a bigger house and extended family.