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modernmatilda's reviews
94 reviews
Small Town, Big Magic by Hazel Beck
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I adored this small-town romance set in my real-life small town! Inspired by Main Street St. Charles, this book mentions Main Street Books, the Christmas and Halloween festivals, and the rivers; it truly captured the magic of that special place.
If you're looking for a light-hearted cozy Halloween/Fall read, this is an excellent choice.
If you're looking for a light-hearted cozy Halloween/Fall read, this is an excellent choice.
Heroine by Mindy McGinnis
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Please check content warnings on Storygraph for this title before reading (especially drug abuse, addiction, infertility, death, car accident).
This book is heavy but impactful. Handled with the care and consideration such a topic needs, Mindy McGinnis did a brilliant job bringing a personal voice to the opioid epidemic, the realities of addiction, and the complicated nuances of the fallout. Mickey's voice felt authentic and readers were able to follow her (twisted) logic as she dug a deeper and deeper hole. I REALLY appreciated that the ending did not feel preachy or happily-ever-after, but that it showed consequences and lost relationships.
10/10 would recommend, especially as a book discussion book.
This book is heavy but impactful. Handled with the care and consideration such a topic needs, Mindy McGinnis did a brilliant job bringing a personal voice to the opioid epidemic, the realities of addiction, and the complicated nuances of the fallout. Mickey's voice felt authentic and readers were able to follow her (twisted) logic as she dug a deeper and deeper hole. I REALLY appreciated that the ending did not feel preachy or happily-ever-after, but that it showed consequences and lost relationships.
10/10 would recommend, especially as a book discussion book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Moderate: Death, Medical content, Vomit, Infertility, and Toxic friendship
Across the Green Grass Fields by Seanan McGuire
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
We love the intersex representation!!
Once again, I love the Wayward Children series. If you're looking for a slightly more grown-up (but not explicit or anything) series of fairytales, Seanan McGuire's short books will enchant you. If you were a unicorn or horse kid, you'll really enjoy this one. It felt more straightforward than the others and not much really happens, but in an enjoyable light-read way.
If you're going to pick up this series, I recommend starting with Every Heart a Doorway and then proceeding to whatever book you like, no order necessary!
Once again, I love the Wayward Children series. If you're looking for a slightly more grown-up (but not explicit or anything) series of fairytales, Seanan McGuire's short books will enchant you. If you were a unicorn or horse kid, you'll really enjoy this one. It felt more straightforward than the others and not much really happens, but in an enjoyable light-read way.
If you're going to pick up this series, I recommend starting with Every Heart a Doorway and then proceeding to whatever book you like, no order necessary!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Dysphoria, Body shaming, Homophobia, Toxic friendship, Outing, and Bullying
Minor: Death
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This whole book has my whole heart. It reminded me a lot of The House in the Cerulean Sea; grump-sunshine, outsider coming to a magical home to mentor kiddos with magic powers (this time it's three witches), and a heartfelt ending that was gorgeously Hallmark worthy. I was surprised it took place more around the Winter Solstice/winter than Halloween/fall, but I ended up loving it even more for that. I cannot recommend this book enough and I think it's one of those great "crowd pleasures" that just about anyone would enjoy. Lighthearted, fantastic mental health rep, diverse, lovely, romantic (the sex scene is an 11/10) and super adorable, and just overall a perfect book.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, and Murder
Crumbs by Danie Stirling
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
I LOVE seeing graphic novels portraying healthy, complicated relationships with nuance, emotion, and whismy. I loved the characters, loved the book, and loved the world!
We Are the Song by Catherine Bakewell
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I wish I could have given younger Brittany this book because she would have eaten it UP! If you're looking for a book full of magical music, a precious protagonist who you desperately want to hug and can't help but root for, and a gorgeous gorgeous cover, pick up Cat's book. The audiobook is delightful, but I wish I had read a physical copy so I could have spent forever within the world, soaking in all the beautiful and lyrical (pun intended) writing. I discovered this book randomly from one of the author's TikToks and I'm so stinking glad I did.
PS If you're not following her on Instagram, you are missing out on all the lovely artwork, silliness, writing life, and wholesomeness of Catherine Bakewell! She is as delightful and fierce as her protagonist.
PS If you're not following her on Instagram, you are missing out on all the lovely artwork, silliness, writing life, and wholesomeness of Catherine Bakewell! She is as delightful and fierce as her protagonist.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Flash Fire by TJ Klune
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
*SCREAMS FOREVERRRRRRR*
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Homophobia, Violence, Police brutality, and Death of parent
The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
•The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune•
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Friends to lovers is better than enemies to lovers, there I said it!!
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The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune is a JOY and I enjoyed every minute of Nick and his larger-than-life (aka closer-to-home) fanfic about his local superheros/villains. Like House in the Cerulean Sea, the characters are wonderfully loveable and the plot will make you smile until bursting.
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Also, I'm quickly realizing that my favorite romance troupe is adorable, oblivious, dorky, slightly-curmudgeony main characters 😅
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This book is for anyone who has ever dreamed about being a superhero, has wanted to fall in love with a superhero, or needs a reminder that they are extraordinary enough already.
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Content warnings: homophobia, death of parent, police brutality
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Friends to lovers is better than enemies to lovers, there I said it!!
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The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune is a JOY and I enjoyed every minute of Nick and his larger-than-life (aka closer-to-home) fanfic about his local superheros/villains. Like House in the Cerulean Sea, the characters are wonderfully loveable and the plot will make you smile until bursting.
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Also, I'm quickly realizing that my favorite romance troupe is adorable, oblivious, dorky, slightly-curmudgeony main characters 😅
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This book is for anyone who has ever dreamed about being a superhero, has wanted to fall in love with a superhero, or needs a reminder that they are extraordinary enough already.
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Content warnings: homophobia, death of parent, police brutality
Content Warnings
Moderate: Police brutality, Death of parent, Homophobia, and Violence
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Reread #1 thoughts: I started rereading this book immediately after finishing it the first time and would read a chapter or two whenever I felt anxious or sad. This book is a blessing and so many of my friend have read it and that makes my heart explode. I love this book so much; it feels like the most comforting hug in the universe.
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I wish you could hear the excitement in my voice when I write that this is the BEST BOOK EVER. ABSOLUTELY EVER. I always find that it is hardest to review my top favorite books, but I will try to be calm, cool, and eloquent... Who am I kidding PLEASE READ THIS BOOK IT IS SO GOOD! *ahem*
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As a government caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, Linus Baker's job is to remain observant, objective, and distant. To everyone's surprise (even his own), Linus is given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage to report on the wellbeing of six dangerous children: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Plus their (particularly good looking) caretaker, Arthur Parnassus. Of course, Linus uncovers a few unexpected finds and surprising discoveries during his visit...
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Trust me, this book is as INCREDIBLE as it sounds! The writing is witty, the story is the perfect amount of squishy-happiness, and the characters are more adorable than they have any right to be. This found-family story is a celebration of weirdos, oddballs, and misfits; a cry for letting freak flags flags; a reminder to keep fiercely fighting for spaces for ALL.
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I wish you could hear the excitement in my voice when I write that this is the BEST BOOK EVER. ABSOLUTELY EVER. I always find that it is hardest to review my top favorite books, but I will try to be calm, cool, and eloquent... Who am I kidding PLEASE READ THIS BOOK IT IS SO GOOD! *ahem*
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As a government caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, Linus Baker's job is to remain observant, objective, and distant. To everyone's surprise (even his own), Linus is given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage to report on the wellbeing of six dangerous children: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Plus their (particularly good looking) caretaker, Arthur Parnassus. Of course, Linus uncovers a few unexpected finds and surprising discoveries during his visit...
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Trust me, this book is as INCREDIBLE as it sounds! The writing is witty, the story is the perfect amount of squishy-happiness, and the characters are more adorable than they have any right to be. This found-family story is a celebration of weirdos, oddballs, and misfits; a cry for letting freak flags flags; a reminder to keep fiercely fighting for spaces for ALL.
Breathe and Count Back from Ten by Natalia Sylvester
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book is full of heart and will forever be on my list of book recommendations, especially if you're looking for a wonderful summer read with disability rep, Peruvian-American rep, and a fierce female lead who is just so pure and good. Wonderful intersectional discussions about immigration, family obligations, disability access, representation, ableism, healthy first romances, and so much more.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Ableism, and Medical content
Minor: Toxic relationship and Sexism