marywjensen's reviews
644 reviews

Orange World and Other Stories by Karen Russell

adventurous mysterious reflective fast-paced

4.0

The definition of weird fiction. Most of these are normal world with one element of the strange, whether that be ghosts, tree spirit parasites, or bargains with the devil. All the characters and worlds felt real. Very creative stories.

Nothing Special, Volume 2 by Katie Cook

adventurous funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

5.0

So good! More please. Already preordered volume 3.

Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between) by Lauren Graham

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

Really enjoyed listening to Lauren Graham talk about her life and time with Gilmore Girls. Makes me want to rewatch the show! I will also be checking out her novel.

The Final Case by David Guterson

challenging slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? No

2.0

Long winding texts that didn't seem to have a purpose. I mean sentences and paragraphs that filled entire pages, one character or thought rambling. More about the relationship between father and son than the actual case.
A short book but a long read.

Through the Elder Woods by Katie Cook

adventurous funny lighthearted

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

This is a fantastic book. Love the art, the characters. A quirky, loveable crew. Read the entire book in one sitting. 

Barnaby Unboxed! by Eric Fan, Terry Fan, The Fan Brothers, Devin Fan

adventurous hopeful sad

5.0

Poor Barnaby got replaced by the new shiny thing. But all things need love and he finds unexpected friends. Love the Fan brothers' books as always.

The Mermaid Atlas: Merfolk of the World by Anna Claybourne

informative

5.0

Very informative look at mermaids and other water spirits from around the world. Lots of pictures and great descriptions. I learned a lot.

An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson

challenging dark mysterious sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Beanie the Bansheenie by Eoin Colfer

adventurous hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

I loved getting to learn about the folklore of the Banshees, but then delighted as Colfer turned it around and Beanie is a very unique bansheenie. Lovely art and story, of songs and love.

My Little Pony: 40th Anniversary Celebration—The Deluxe Edition by Sam Maggs, Jeremy Whitley

hopeful inspiring reflective

4.0

This is three stories that celebrate My Little Pony over the years. One is about friends that play with their ponies and are struggling with the move to middle school. The second is the newest generation of ponies finding books about the original ponies. And the third is a nostalgic connection between a girl who loves MLP who learns her aunt also had ponies. Always about friendship and magic. Great way to connect the generations and celebrate 40 years of MLP. I had original ponies and remember watching the movies, and have enjoyed each new version. I am glad new people are still enjoying ponies today.