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readingrobin's reviews
2148 reviews
Numb to This: Memoir of a Mass Shooting by Kindra Neely
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Going to keep this unrated as I try not to rate biographies/memoirs.
Numb To This is an especially emotional and poignant graphic novel in an age where gun violence seems to be the norm as practically every day there is some type of shooting taking place. Despite the rising violence in schools, in society, all that seems to come from the higher ups are "thoughts and prayers" and no thought towards the people affected by these tragedies or the future casualties that may come from such inaction. Neely grapples with such feelings as she navigates PTSD, suicidal thoughts, and figuring out how to go on after experiencing such a tragedy.
It's a memoir that hurts but spreads awareness. There are a few moments that are conveyed a bit oddly, such as the shooting itself. It takes a moment to realize what is actually happening, as it's a bit confusing as to whether a shooting is actually happening. It feels odd, not dramatic, just all jumbled, which I wonder if that was the intention behind portraying it in such a way.
The flow of the memoir also feels a bit off, like it sort of zig zags from each experience without much direction or even a culmination into some bigger emotions. It just goes from here to there without much in between.
As a piece meant to highlight gun violence in America, I think it's incredibly effective, especially towards teen readers.
Numb To This is an especially emotional and poignant graphic novel in an age where gun violence seems to be the norm as practically every day there is some type of shooting taking place. Despite the rising violence in schools, in society, all that seems to come from the higher ups are "thoughts and prayers" and no thought towards the people affected by these tragedies or the future casualties that may come from such inaction. Neely grapples with such feelings as she navigates PTSD, suicidal thoughts, and figuring out how to go on after experiencing such a tragedy.
It's a memoir that hurts but spreads awareness. There are a few moments that are conveyed a bit oddly, such as the shooting itself. It takes a moment to realize what is actually happening, as it's a bit confusing as to whether a shooting is actually happening. It feels odd, not dramatic, just all jumbled, which I wonder if that was the intention behind portraying it in such a way.
The flow of the memoir also feels a bit off, like it sort of zig zags from each experience without much direction or even a culmination into some bigger emotions. It just goes from here to there without much in between.
As a piece meant to highlight gun violence in America, I think it's incredibly effective, especially towards teen readers.
A Wolf for a Spell by Karah Sutton
Did not finish book. Stopped at 38%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 38%.
Got nearly halfway but I never felt settled into the book. It took too long for things to really get going and even at the midpoint it felt like things were still gearing up. I just have too much to read at this point to finish something I think I may just give a three at best.
Cracking the Bell by Geoff Herbach
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
As I work my way through reading the Lincoln Award nominees for this year, I figured I would get the sport book over with right away since they're not exactly my genre. But, much to my surprise, this is much more than just a sport book. It's about identity, grief, loss, reinvention, uncertainty, told in such a way that is moving and accessible for teens. Isaiah is such a likeable lead, prone to mistakes and messing up, but you can tell that he has a genuine desire to make things right.
The book focuses on the aftermath of a serious head injury Isaiah sustains during a game, one that may prevent him from continuing to play. After a rough childhood and the death of his sister, football gave Isaiah structure and goals and kept him out of trouble. And now, with the threat of losing the thing that gave him a second chance, he must choose between the new life he made for himself or run the risk of falling back into bad habits.
The book focuses on the aftermath of a serious head injury Isaiah sustains during a game, one that may prevent him from continuing to play. After a rough childhood and the death of his sister, football gave Isaiah structure and goals and kept him out of trouble. And now, with the threat of losing the thing that gave him a second chance, he must choose between the new life he made for himself or run the risk of falling back into bad habits.
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
4.0
This book has all the childish whimsy of a Roald Dahl classic minus all the children endangerment. I have to say that I'm always a sucker for a magical tale with a lot of heart and a lot of hope, especially when books and stories are at the center of it.
It's a very sappy, saccharine sort of book, though our characters has been through some very rough experiences. It's pure wish fulfillment, but I think we need stories like that every now and again, where everyone is happier and everything has turned out for the best. Though you know the happy ending is guaranteed whether the characters win or lose, you also know it's about the journey where they can face their fears and grow beyond them.
It's a quickly paced book, but doesn't throw too much at you at once. There is a Slugworth-esque character that appears for a chapter and then you never hear from him again. It sort of muddles the sense of conflict, which if anything is more emotional in tone here, but it resettles back into its groove quickly.
Definitely pick this one up if you're looking for something warm and uplifting.
It's a very sappy, saccharine sort of book, though our characters has been through some very rough experiences. It's pure wish fulfillment, but I think we need stories like that every now and again, where everyone is happier and everything has turned out for the best. Though you know the happy ending is guaranteed whether the characters win or lose, you also know it's about the journey where they can face their fears and grow beyond them.
It's a quickly paced book, but doesn't throw too much at you at once. There is a Slugworth-esque character that appears for a chapter and then you never hear from him again. It sort of muddles the sense of conflict, which if anything is more emotional in tone here, but it resettles back into its groove quickly.
Definitely pick this one up if you're looking for something warm and uplifting.
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Speaking as a teen librarian, I wanted to dip my toes into this series since it seems like it's a big hit with our local teens. I've previously read The Naturals, a book I didn't give the most glowing review, and Raised by Wolves, which I seemed to enjoy a lot more as a teen. I can definitely say that The Inheritance Games falls somewhere between the two, probably leaning towards The Naturals end.
I liked the protagonists waaay more in this series. While not entirely deep, they didn't feel like overused tropes and were actual characters that had clear passions and motivations. Still not a fan of love triangles, but I've learned just to grin and bear it at this point.
I can see why this series has enticed many a young adult reader. It's decently paced, the mysteries and puzzles are described and set up in an engaging way, and really you can't get more dramatic than rich people shenanigans. There is a good sense of progression, despite the short chapters and snappy writing style.
However, I wasn't much a fan of its end.I understand that there are still more mysteries to uncover, so I know the reason for Avery's inheritance can't just be "she has a good name and she helped my totally not dead son out while he's homeless." It makes for an unresolved ending, but I think that's just the nature of this story. But the reveal of Skye being behind Avery's almost murder was so anticlimactic. We just have another character drop that bombshell and then poof, Skye is out of the picture. It really killed any sense of thrill or suspense from that plot point.
I liked the protagonists waaay more in this series. While not entirely deep, they didn't feel like overused tropes and were actual characters that had clear passions and motivations. Still not a fan of love triangles, but I've learned just to grin and bear it at this point.
I can see why this series has enticed many a young adult reader. It's decently paced, the mysteries and puzzles are described and set up in an engaging way, and really you can't get more dramatic than rich people shenanigans. There is a good sense of progression, despite the short chapters and snappy writing style.
However, I wasn't much a fan of its end.
They Called Me a Lioness: A Palestinian Girl's Fight for Freedom by Dena Takruri, Ahed Tamimi
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
4.0
I never like rating peoples' personal experiences, especially when it comes to the sort of things that Ahed has lived through. The star rating is just for optics.
This is such a heartbreaking book. I knew that I had to steel myself going in, but it still hits so hard. I wanted to get a perspective on the history of and current state of the Palestine-Israel conflict and boy did I get one. It's a good starting point, though I will say there is a lot of repeating information, but the series of events flow naturally for a biography.
I would recommend it to those looking to find individual Palestinian perspectives to educate themselves on the matter.
This is such a heartbreaking book. I knew that I had to steel myself going in, but it still hits so hard. I wanted to get a perspective on the history of and current state of the Palestine-Israel conflict and boy did I get one. It's a good starting point, though I will say there is a lot of repeating information, but the series of events flow naturally for a biography.
I would recommend it to those looking to find individual Palestinian perspectives to educate themselves on the matter.
Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
What a wild ride from start to finish! Ace of Spades is a top notch thriller that will have readers constantly guessing just how far the culprit will go to besmirch the reputations of two promising students with secrets to hide.
The institutional racism/social eugenics angle was such a great realistic element to the story. It's a hard truth knowing that there are many places like this school that are extremely biased against their students of color and do nothing to help them excel or even pass a school environment. And it's not like places are subtle about it, much like here.
Also, glad no redemption for Belle. There's no coming back from setting up someone for murder because of a racist school, even if you say sowry.
Definitely worth its hype.
Definitely worth its hype.
The Goon: Bunch of Old Crap Volume 1: An Omnibus by Eric Powell
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The weirdest little comic you ever did read, but man was that a hoot! It straddles the line between absurdity and "oh wow, that was actually a bit heart breaking."
The Sandman Universe: Dead Boy Detectives by Jeff Stokely, Nimit Malavia, Pornsak Pichetshote
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
3.0
Unfamiliar by Haley Newsome
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5