meganshallx's reviews
610 reviews

The True Deceiver by Tove Jansson

reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

I picked this up because of the Books Unbound Podcast. At first glance this book appears to be deceptively simple. But I think I will need to read it again to truly appreciate it. 

Lies, Damned Lies: A personal exploration of the impact of colonisation by Claire G. Coleman

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

This should be a required read for all Australians no scratch that for everyone worldwide.

The Deep & Dark Blue by Niki Smith

adventurous dark 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

3.5

This is a a fast paced graphic novel with a message of acceptance. 

The Baker & the Bard by Fern Haught

inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

3.0

This book was very cute and cosy. The stakes are very low to basically non existent, so it is a lovely read.

The art style is beautiful. 

I would say while anyone could enjoy this it would suit younger readers (middle grade).

The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer

challenging dark emotional funny informative medium-paced

3.0

Comfort Food by Ellen van Neerven

reflective medium-paced

2.5

Poetry is so difficult to review as it is so subjective. This collection just wasn’t for me. 

The Skin and Its Girl by Sarah Cypher
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.

I would have continued for the story. 
However, the perspective and style of telling the story was not working for me. I also found the pacing was too slow for me. 

Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

I agree with the tenets of this book and would not hesitate to recommend this book. However, there is a lot of repetition in this book. To the point that multiple times when listening I thought I had accidentally skipped backwards and was re-listening. 

The Magic Pudding by Norman Lindsay

adventurous funny informative lighthearted medium-paced

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

5.0

Aboriginal Country by Lisa Bellear

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

This poetry collection is full of emotion, truth that people want to turn away from and should be in the canon of great Australian writing. 

Some of the stand outs for me are:
Aboriginal Country
Ruby was never seen again
Mr Prime Minister (of Australia)
Who hears our children’s cries
Message Failed