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katiesbeengone's reviews
28 reviews
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
5.0
This book holds just as much charm as Legends and Lattes, a fantastic second novel by Baldree!
When I heard that Legends and Lattes was getting a prequel I was a little apprehensive, as sometimes they don't feel true to the characters you have grown to love - However, I need not have worried; Travis Baldree seems to know Viv with the familiarity of a close friend.
Viv's characterisation rang true to what I'd imagined for her youth - Rough around the edges with a soft centre that she wants to embrace but doesn't yet have the confidence and security to do so.
The new characters we meet are also beautifully written, with loveable and unique personalities - and I promise you will fall in love with them just as quickly as Viv does.
I have enjoyed both books as Audiobooks read by Baldree, and his voice is perfect for the story. He has a quality that feels just as endearing as his characters.
I'm terms of clarity, he speaks clearly and at a good, even pace, the story is easy to follow, and character voices remain consistent throughout (as expected of an experienced narrator like Baldree).
The final pages perfectly set-up a third novel, and to say I am excited to see what's next for Viv would be an understatement!
When I heard that Legends and Lattes was getting a prequel I was a little apprehensive, as sometimes they don't feel true to the characters you have grown to love - However, I need not have worried; Travis Baldree seems to know Viv with the familiarity of a close friend.
Viv's characterisation rang true to what I'd imagined for her youth - Rough around the edges with a soft centre that she wants to embrace but doesn't yet have the confidence and security to do so.
The new characters we meet are also beautifully written, with loveable and unique personalities - and I promise you will fall in love with them just as quickly as Viv does.
I have enjoyed both books as Audiobooks read by Baldree, and his voice is perfect for the story. He has a quality that feels just as endearing as his characters.
I'm terms of clarity, he speaks clearly and at a good, even pace, the story is easy to follow, and character voices remain consistent throughout (as expected of an experienced narrator like Baldree).
The final pages perfectly set-up a third novel, and to say I am excited to see what's next for Viv would be an understatement!
A Mouse Called Julian by Joe Todd-Stanton
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5*
A Pack of Your Own by Maria Nilsson Thore
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
4.0
This book is gorgeous!
The illustrations are beautifully drawn, bringing a lot of character to the pages and making the story visually pleasing.
The story also shares a lovely message about finding friends that like you for you and accepting that you won't always fit in (and that's fine!).
Some aspect are definetly there to appeal to adults, which from a marketing stand point makes sense - it is primarily adults that will be buying books for smaller humans.
I do have a couple of minor niggles (and I mean minor):
Firstly, the main character's hobbies of drinking coffee, solving crosswords and collectings antiques seemed an odd choice and children may struggle to relate to the Dachshund as a result.
And secondly, the lack of a name for any of our characters will make it harder to discuss the book with children and follow their reading comprehension.
Overall, I do love this book and will happily purchase a copy for the school library upon publication!
The illustrations are beautifully drawn, bringing a lot of character to the pages and making the story visually pleasing.
The story also shares a lovely message about finding friends that like you for you and accepting that you won't always fit in (and that's fine!).
Some aspect are definetly there to appeal to adults, which from a marketing stand point makes sense - it is primarily adults that will be buying books for smaller humans.
I do have a couple of minor niggles (and I mean minor):
Firstly, the main character's hobbies of drinking coffee, solving crosswords and collectings antiques seemed an odd choice and children may struggle to relate to the Dachshund as a result.
And secondly, the lack of a name for any of our characters will make it harder to discuss the book with children and follow their reading comprehension.
Overall, I do love this book and will happily purchase a copy for the school library upon publication!
Supper Club by Jackie Morrow
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-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
3.0
I found the premise for supper club very appealing. It focuses on the friendship of a group of girls during their final year of high school as they form what they call "Supper Club".
The art-style of the novel is visually pleasing and vibrant and found the characters to be diverse and likeable.
Unfortunately the book just didn't seem to quite find its feet, jumping between plot-points in a way that at times made it hard to follow and trivialises what are actually very hard topics.
The book's cover and description also suggested that "Supper Club" would be central to the book, however it reads more as a sub-plot with few scenes really showing how it brings the girls together and instead is used to create friction within the friendships.
Overall, it was a enjoyable and quick read with vibrant illustrations.
The art-style of the novel is visually pleasing and vibrant and found the characters to be diverse and likeable.
Unfortunately the book just didn't seem to quite find its feet, jumping between plot-points in a way that at times made it hard to follow and trivialises what are actually very hard topics.
The book's cover and description also suggested that "Supper Club" would be central to the book, however it reads more as a sub-plot with few scenes really showing how it brings the girls together and instead is used to create friction within the friendships.
Overall, it was a enjoyable and quick read with vibrant illustrations.
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
In Memoriam by Alice Winn
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Gun violence, Sexual content, Murder, War, Violence, Death, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Genocide, and Mental illness
Moderate: Alcoholism, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Bullying, Cursing, Homophobia, Alcohol, and Classism
Alone With You in the Ether by Olivie Blake
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Drug use, Addiction, Mental illness, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, and Domestic abuse
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Dysphoria, Grief, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Drug use, Drug abuse, Addiction, Child abuse, Gaslighting, Eating disorder, Cancer, Death of parent, Body shaming, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, and Vomit
Minor: Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, and Stalking
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and Sexual harassment
Daisy Chains by Lynn Vande Stouwe
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Suicide, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Murder, Child death, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Gaslighting, Bullying, Cursing, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Addiction, Alcohol, Body shaming, Grief, Mental illness, and Suicide attempt