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lauren_miller's reviews
754 reviews
Don't Be a Bully, Little Tiger by Rashin Kheiriyeh, Carol Roth, Carol Roth
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is such a precious little story! The definition of bully is very easy to understand and the overall message would go well with teaching of the Golden Rule. At its core, the book is about kindness and in my opinion, there can never be too many stories like this where children are concerned! I also really liked the illustrations; something about them gives me an older, nostalgic vibe, like a children's book that might have been passed down a few generations. I think this definitely has the potential to be such a book. I would definitely recommend to parents or those looking for a sweet gift for a young child.
This is such a precious little story! The definition of bully is very easy to understand and the overall message would go well with teaching of the Golden Rule. At its core, the book is about kindness and in my opinion, there can never be too many stories like this where children are concerned! I also really liked the illustrations; something about them gives me an older, nostalgic vibe, like a children's book that might have been passed down a few generations. I think this definitely has the potential to be such a book. I would definitely recommend to parents or those looking for a sweet gift for a young child.
The Little Scottish Ghost by Franz Hohler
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
2.25
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a funny little story. As I'm an adult, obviously I failed to find this scary, but I imagine young children will find the illustrations as such, which is definitely a plus. I didn't love that the illustrations were in blocks instead of taking up the whole page, and some of the blocks of text were either too large or ill-placed in my opinion. I didn't love some of the inconsistencies (i.e., little ghost phasing through walls but nearly drowning in the moat), though I recognize children likely won't pick up on those kinds of things. Most importantly though, I guess I didn't really find a message in the story—of course not every book needs a moral or message, but this one felt like it was lacking as a result. If the ending were tightened up a bit, I think this would have been a really quirky, unique story.
This was a funny little story. As I'm an adult, obviously I failed to find this scary, but I imagine young children will find the illustrations as such, which is definitely a plus. I didn't love that the illustrations were in blocks instead of taking up the whole page, and some of the blocks of text were either too large or ill-placed in my opinion. I didn't love some of the inconsistencies (i.e., little ghost phasing through walls but nearly drowning in the moat), though I recognize children likely won't pick up on those kinds of things. Most importantly though, I guess I didn't really find a message in the story—of course not every book needs a moral or message, but this one felt like it was lacking as a result. If the ending were tightened up a bit, I think this would have been a really quirky, unique story.
Finding Freedom: A Ukrainian Tale of Home by Maryna Kariuk
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is a sweet, beautifully illustrated children's book about Ukrainian heritage, evident in not only in the subject matter and art, but in the writing itself; the rhyme scheme is a bit funky by English standards, but it's understandable given that English is not the author's first language. In my opinion, this definitely adds to the charm of the book. Also, the best way to read this book is physically so you can flip between the text and the glossary in the back; pretty much all of the meaning went right over my head upon first read. This book is accessible to all children with parental/guardian guidance, but I imagine for children of Ukrainian immigrants, refugees, etc., this will be so special.
French Holiday by Sarah Ready
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book was such a fun read, but it definitely had an identity crisis about half way through. What started out as a super cute "quitting life to move to France to get over a man," lighthearted and breezy, took a turn around the romantic climax wherein the playful comparisons to gothic novels suddenly became a lot more real. It wasn't bad, per se, but felt a little off in tone. I did still enjoy the mystery element quite a bit, and when everything finally resolved, it was less dramatic (in a good way) and felt more in line with the first half of the book. And the ending is about as cliche as could be, but I didn't mind so much.
This book really shines in the characterization of the two main leads and the beautiful descriptions of Annecy + the dilapidated chateau. Everything else was a bit lacking in my opinion. The side characters were fun, but they felt 2-dimensional and like they were only there to further the plot; no real friendship vibes, unfortunately. And as I said above, the dramatic plot twist felt gimmicky, like it was trying to fit a retelling rather than being an organic shock; you don't ask someone to be in your wedding party and then suddenly drop a bomb like that just for the plot's sake. It felt so inauthentic.
Overall, I did find this an enjoyable reading experience despite its flaws, so solid 3.75 stars. I'd definitely recommend as a beach/plane read for those who enjoy getaway romances and a hint of mystery.
This book was such a fun read, but it definitely had an identity crisis about half way through. What started out as a super cute "quitting life to move to France to get over a man," lighthearted and breezy, took a turn around the romantic climax wherein the playful comparisons to gothic novels suddenly became a lot more real. It wasn't bad, per se, but felt a little off in tone. I did still enjoy the mystery element quite a bit, and when everything finally resolved, it was less dramatic (in a good way) and felt more in line with the first half of the book. And the ending is about as cliche as could be, but I didn't mind so much.
This book really shines in the characterization of the two main leads and the beautiful descriptions of Annecy + the dilapidated chateau. Everything else was a bit lacking in my opinion. The side characters were fun, but they felt 2-dimensional and like they were only there to further the plot; no real friendship vibes, unfortunately. And as I said above, the dramatic plot twist felt gimmicky, like it was trying to fit a retelling rather than being an organic shock; you don't ask someone to be in your wedding party and then suddenly drop a bomb like that just for the plot's sake. It felt so inauthentic.
Overall, I did find this an enjoyable reading experience despite its flaws, so solid 3.75 stars. I'd definitely recommend as a beach/plane read for those who enjoy getaway romances and a hint of mystery.
The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting: The Tragedy and The Glory of Growing Up by Evanna Lynch
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
this is a very hard review to write.
I absolutely adore Evanna's writing—it is visceral, evocative, creative, whimsical, playful, and honest. and because I love her voice, I found the material, as rough and heart-wrenching as it was, bearable and even at times amusing.
there is nothing amusing about the subject matter in this book. it is written by someone formerly defined by and forever to be associated with anorexia. it is not written lightly, which i think should be appreciated. it does not shy away at all; the mind of someone with an eating disorder is exactly as this book portrays—angry, ashamed, depressed, manic, obsessive, cruel, yet at the same time incredibly passionate, playful, mischievous, lively, thoughtful, sensitive, and even kind. this book is not necessarily for the disordered eaters, but for the outsiders—the parents, family, friends, colleagues, bystanders, and general public that will never truly understand what it means to be in or out of control of one's body. it is a messy and poignant look at the thought patterns, buried far beneath one's physical appearance, that dictate every aspect of a disordered eater's life with such seductive and dark finesse...
...and the reality that these thoughts never go away. an eating disorder can be treated (ethically, I pray) and the recovery label "achieved," but just like any chronic illness, will never truly leave the person.
and that's ok.
Evanna is proof that choosing recovery—making those hundreds of small decisions every day to choose health and happiness over control and "peace of mind"—is hard but possible. I respect and admire that immensely.
I admire this book a lot and hope this is not the last we've seen of Evanna as a storyteller.
5 out of 5 stars.
I absolutely adore Evanna's writing—it is visceral, evocative, creative, whimsical, playful, and honest. and because I love her voice, I found the material, as rough and heart-wrenching as it was, bearable and even at times amusing.
there is nothing amusing about the subject matter in this book. it is written by someone formerly defined by and forever to be associated with anorexia. it is not written lightly, which i think should be appreciated. it does not shy away at all; the mind of someone with an eating disorder is exactly as this book portrays—angry, ashamed, depressed, manic, obsessive, cruel, yet at the same time incredibly passionate, playful, mischievous, lively, thoughtful, sensitive, and even kind. this book is not necessarily for the disordered eaters, but for the outsiders—the parents, family, friends, colleagues, bystanders, and general public that will never truly understand what it means to be in or out of control of one's body. it is a messy and poignant look at the thought patterns, buried far beneath one's physical appearance, that dictate every aspect of a disordered eater's life with such seductive and dark finesse...
...and the reality that these thoughts never go away. an eating disorder can be treated (ethically, I pray) and the recovery label "achieved," but just like any chronic illness, will never truly leave the person.
and that's ok.
Evanna is proof that choosing recovery—making those hundreds of small decisions every day to choose health and happiness over control and "peace of mind"—is hard but possible. I respect and admire that immensely.
I admire this book a lot and hope this is not the last we've seen of Evanna as a storyteller.
5 out of 5 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Toxic friendship
Vampires, Hearts & Other Dead Things by Margie Fuston
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
this book is about many things, but at its core, its focus is grief—the crushing emotion we feel as someone we love dies and passes on into the next unknown adventure. Victoria makes it so painfully accessible to the reader, and through her suffering the reader feels seen, comforted, known. the author handled this theme with such care, and, in my opinion, balanced contemporary with fantasy beautifully; this book gives new meaning to the term "magical realism."
after finishing, my strongest thought is that I desperately hope this book reaches teenagers going through the same thing. the obsession with immortality being pit against the futility of humanity and made to lose—there is so much hope and beauty to be seen here.
5 out of 5 stars, ★★★★★
after finishing, my strongest thought is that I desperately hope this book reaches teenagers going through the same thing. the obsession with immortality being pit against the futility of humanity and made to lose—there is so much hope and beauty to be seen here.
5 out of 5 stars, ★★★★★
The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
it's odd to say, especially up against the rest of the Disney canon, but "The Black Cauldron" was one of my favorite movies as a kid. therefore, you can imagine the nostalgic joy of finally picking up the source material. it reads exactly how I imagined it would and left me duly impressed by how the folks that worked on the movie reworked Alexander's story to fit their aims. i'm so curious as to how the next volume will match and stray from memory...
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
this is one of the most beautiful books I've ever read. some of the most beautiful, evocative writing I have ever had the privilege to read. some of the most pensive and considerate thoughts I've had the privilege to ponder. some of the most vivid and warming descriptions I have ever had the privilege to imagine... this book is so special to me.
this was my first Becky Chambers book and good lord, it's just the beginning. i cannot wait to delve into more of her magic.
this was my first Becky Chambers book and good lord, it's just the beginning. i cannot wait to delve into more of her magic.
The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
this is a sweet and short graphic novel with coming of age themes like life post-divorce, exploring your sexuality, trying to maintain friendships while feeling lonely, etc., most of which were handled well. but please be aware: Trigger Warning: forced outing.
it also has a strong environmental component, which reminded me a lot of Aquicorn Cove by Kay O'Neill but with romance. i think I prefer that book more (the middle grade spin felt less messy), but this was still a nice read; i'm glad I finally got it from the library.
it also has a strong environmental component, which reminded me a lot of Aquicorn Cove by Kay O'Neill but with romance. i think I prefer that book more (the middle grade spin felt less messy), but this was still a nice read; i'm glad I finally got it from the library.
My Phony Valentine by Courtney Walsh
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
listen, it's been a long time since I read a romance SO down-to-earth and endearing as this one. both Dallas and Poppy were so pragmatic yet emotionally mature, and their chemistry was so natural and sweet; everything about their attraction felt organic and pure. they also had some decent banter, and they felt like genuinely whole people. what I mean is, they had their own hobbies and passions and social circles and felt independent; their coming together only improved upon what was already independent and healing and growing—not too many romances can say that. OH, and while they both had emotional baggage and self-esteem issues, the author wasn't too heavy handed with it. I cannot explain how much I appreciated that. it's also been ages since I read a book in one sitting... this was one to savor, for sure.
5 out of 5 stars, ★★★★★
5 out of 5 stars, ★★★★★