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rjsetserauthor's reviews
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Animalia by Shauna C. Murphy
adventurous
fast-paced
3.5
"Life is dangerous. Embrace it — if you don't, you won't live."
I am very careful about comparing books to bestsellers and classics, because that can create unfair expectations for debut books. However, Animalia is very much meant for the audience that loves Harry Potter and prestigious types of magic schools. There are so many similarities between Animalia and Harry Potter, in fact, that I had a difficult time *not* comparing them, because the similarities truly aren't subtle. So if you've read Harry Potter, it's almost a given that you'll compare the two. However, it's not, by any means, a "copy" of Harry Potter.
That being said, I loved the framework of Animalia, and the characters were so special. It's a nail-biting story that keeps you flipping the pages late into the night, and it's perfect for winter time reading. My main reason for 3 stars is because the framework is absolutely there but the execution is a bit lacking. Animalia is a solid story, but I had to back up and re-read pages very often because scene transitions and setting discrepancies caught me off guard. The dialogue is also pretty choppy, and some character responses don't always make sense when they're talking to each other. As I said, the framework for the story is without a doubt 5 stars, which is why I finished the book, but I do wish a good developmental editor had their hands in this one because the issues that clogged the reading flow would've been easy fixes.
Overall, I will absolutely be following this author's future releases because I loved Sunday and her story. And I do recommend Animalia as a fun middle-grade adventure set in the snowy North, but I was just disappointed that the writing flow kept jolting me out of the story.
I received this book from the author/publisher via NetGalley. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
I am very careful about comparing books to bestsellers and classics, because that can create unfair expectations for debut books. However, Animalia is very much meant for the audience that loves Harry Potter and prestigious types of magic schools. There are so many similarities between Animalia and Harry Potter, in fact, that I had a difficult time *not* comparing them, because the similarities truly aren't subtle. So if you've read Harry Potter, it's almost a given that you'll compare the two. However, it's not, by any means, a "copy" of Harry Potter.
That being said, I loved the framework of Animalia, and the characters were so special. It's a nail-biting story that keeps you flipping the pages late into the night, and it's perfect for winter time reading. My main reason for 3 stars is because the framework is absolutely there but the execution is a bit lacking. Animalia is a solid story, but I had to back up and re-read pages very often because scene transitions and setting discrepancies caught me off guard. The dialogue is also pretty choppy, and some character responses don't always make sense when they're talking to each other. As I said, the framework for the story is without a doubt 5 stars, which is why I finished the book, but I do wish a good developmental editor had their hands in this one because the issues that clogged the reading flow would've been easy fixes.
Overall, I will absolutely be following this author's future releases because I loved Sunday and her story. And I do recommend Animalia as a fun middle-grade adventure set in the snowy North, but I was just disappointed that the writing flow kept jolting me out of the story.
I received this book from the author/publisher via NetGalley. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
Where Fireflies Sleep by Karen A. Wyle
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
Where Fireflies Sleep is a cozy bedtime story that snapshots a sweet moment between a daughter and her dad.
Perfect for an audience under 6 years old, this book beautifully captures the childlike wonder of fireflies and the sentimental moment for the dad. The illustrations match the cozy feel of the story so well. This would be such a sweet book to read aloud before bedtime, or even while sitting on the porch waiting for fireflies.
I received this book from the author. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
Perfect for an audience under 6 years old, this book beautifully captures the childlike wonder of fireflies and the sentimental moment for the dad. The illustrations match the cozy feel of the story so well. This would be such a sweet book to read aloud before bedtime, or even while sitting on the porch waiting for fireflies.
I received this book from the author. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
Fotinoula and the Christmas Goblin by R. G. Fraser-Green
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
I expected "cozy Christmas spooks" and this book definitely delivered!
It's currently June, but I don't care, I loved this wintery adventure. The primary audience is middle grade (Fotinoula is 11), so I will be reviewing this book from that perspective and for parents/guardians/teachers to recommend to kiddos at their discretions. Mild spoilers will be mentioned throughout this review, but I will keep them vague and hide them if necessary.
First off, educational opportunity is abundant. There is an incredibly helpful glossary for pronunciations of Greek words and names, along with a brief description of what the word is/means. These descriptions are presented in a way that is easy to understand and memorable while also challenging the reader to flex those brain muscles! I feel like I learned a bit of Greek, which is always fun. Fotinoula and the Christmas Goblin leans heavily into Greek folklore, so there is mention of Athena and other Greek gods, as well as a mixture of Christian theology (praying & "the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost"), on top of the legends and magic of the Christmas Goblin. The story itself entwines primarily Greek culture (food, holiday traditions, character names, history, etc.) so if you need a story heavily set in Greece for educational purposes, I highly recommend this one!
As for the story, it is a spooky Christmas book, but I would deem it appropriate for middle graders (8-12), with awareness that it is spooky. It's not gory, but the main character deals with a curse that gives her nightmares and she lives in fear that her sister (4 years old) will be taken by the Christmas Goblin. There's stories of this happening before throughout the book and, again, it's not gory, but it might frighten some young readers. The Christmas Goblins are mostly pranksters, so nothing too sinister - other than the fact that they want to turn little kids into more goblins. Overall, it feels sort of like Home Alone (1990 Christmas film), but if the robbers were goblins.
Content disclaimers: No cursing. No romance. No gore. Just some mild spooks and creepy settings.
It's currently June, but I don't care, I loved this wintery adventure. The primary audience is middle grade (Fotinoula is 11), so I will be reviewing this book from that perspective and for parents/guardians/teachers to recommend to kiddos at their discretions. Mild spoilers will be mentioned throughout this review, but I will keep them vague and hide them if necessary.
First off, educational opportunity is abundant. There is an incredibly helpful glossary for pronunciations of Greek words and names, along with a brief description of what the word is/means. These descriptions are presented in a way that is easy to understand and memorable while also challenging the reader to flex those brain muscles! I feel like I learned a bit of Greek, which is always fun. Fotinoula and the Christmas Goblin leans heavily into Greek folklore, so there is mention of Athena and other Greek gods, as well as a mixture of Christian theology (praying & "the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost"), on top of the legends and magic of the Christmas Goblin. The story itself entwines primarily Greek culture (food, holiday traditions, character names, history, etc.) so if you need a story heavily set in Greece for educational purposes, I highly recommend this one!
As for the story, it is a spooky Christmas book, but I would deem it appropriate for middle graders (8-12), with awareness that it is spooky. It's not gory, but the main character deals with a curse that gives her nightmares and she lives in fear that her sister (4 years old) will be taken by the Christmas Goblin. There's stories of this happening before throughout the book and, again, it's not gory, but it might frighten some young readers. The Christmas Goblins are mostly pranksters, so nothing too sinister -
Content disclaimers: No cursing. No romance. No gore. Just some mild spooks and creepy settings.
The Princess and the Fawn by Danielle Hughes
Did not finish book. Stopped at 11%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 11%.
I think I started reading it on Kindle Unlimited and it was taken off because I can't find the book on my kindle ANYWHERE. Ah well *shrugs*.
The Word Dancer by Maxine Rose Schur
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
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
"'One word,' thought Wynnfrith, 'cannot ever really describe a person. One word is never enough.'"
The Word Dancer is a darling of a book! I didn't expect to be swept away by a middle grade book as quickly as I was, yet once I sat down to start it, I had no choice but to read the entire story in one sitting! It feels so much like a fairytale; with the way it's written, the fast pace of the story, the bite-sized chapters, the witty dialogue, and the almost parable style of presenting greater themes just felt so familiar and cozy. The writing style instantly transports you into their world.
Wynnfrith reminded me of Wendy, from Peter Pan, in how she spoke with fantastic patience to young Prince Oliver (very similarly to Wendy talking to the Lost Boys). I loved the way the characters spoke to each other in that fairytale style of dialogue. And on the note of dialogue, I was in stitches at some of the comments. Mistress Peache... you have to meet her! She's a top tier character.
The theme of how powerful words are was stunningly entwined throughout the story. There were so many instances where a scene or a conversation would have made a great lesson companion for kids; and I think that parable style of storytelling is why the messages worked so well with this story. Teachers, you need to this one!
"'A word has not the power to fright,' he said, 'for it only has the power you give it. Little Lass, let your fearsome words fall as dry leaves.'"
My one caution towards this book is that there is a lot of name-calling between the "good guys" and "bad guys". There's nothing that I flagged as inappropriate, most of the name-calling is pretty hysterical and primarily made-up words and phrases; however, if you've got a youngster who has a name-calling habit that you're trying to break, be aware that this one has a doozy of fun phrases that might be repeated (seriously, I want to start using some of these and I'm a mature adult).
And I can't close this review without a nod to the wisest king there ever was. Below, my favorite quote from The Word Dancer:
"You see, a prison was never needed nor ever used when King Goodliwink reigned. Instead, he used his little dungeon to store his overflow of books."
Content disclaimers: Some mention of grossness (snot, pimples, spit, etc) from the villains. Some mention of spooks and nightmares, not graphic. Some mention of loss of parents.
The Word Dancer is a darling of a book! I didn't expect to be swept away by a middle grade book as quickly as I was, yet once I sat down to start it, I had no choice but to read the entire story in one sitting! It feels so much like a fairytale; with the way it's written, the fast pace of the story, the bite-sized chapters, the witty dialogue, and the almost parable style of presenting greater themes just felt so familiar and cozy. The writing style instantly transports you into their world.
Wynnfrith reminded me of Wendy, from Peter Pan, in how she spoke with fantastic patience to young Prince Oliver (very similarly to Wendy talking to the Lost Boys). I loved the way the characters spoke to each other in that fairytale style of dialogue. And on the note of dialogue, I was in stitches at some of the comments. Mistress Peache... you have to meet her! She's a top tier character.
The theme of how powerful words are was stunningly entwined throughout the story. There were so many instances where a scene or a conversation would have made a great lesson companion for kids; and I think that parable style of storytelling is why the messages worked so well with this story. Teachers, you need to this one!
"'A word has not the power to fright,' he said, 'for it only has the power you give it. Little Lass, let your fearsome words fall as dry leaves.'"
My one caution towards this book is that there is a lot of name-calling between the "good guys" and "bad guys". There's nothing that I flagged as inappropriate, most of the name-calling is pretty hysterical and primarily made-up words and phrases; however, if you've got a youngster who has a name-calling habit that you're trying to break, be aware that this one has a doozy of fun phrases that might be repeated (seriously, I want to start using some of these and I'm a mature adult).
And I can't close this review without a nod to the wisest king there ever was. Below, my favorite quote from The Word Dancer:
"You see, a prison was never needed nor ever used when King Goodliwink reigned. Instead, he used his little dungeon to store his overflow of books."
Content disclaimers: Some mention of grossness (snot, pimples, spit, etc) from the villains. Some mention of spooks and nightmares, not graphic. Some mention of loss of parents.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
The Adventures of Mr. Fuzzy Ears: The Mystery of the Missing Bunnies by Donna Carr Roberts
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
Mr. Fuzzy Ears is a beautifully illustrated, puppy adventure where Officer Fuzzy Ears employs his energy to track down some missing bunnies!
The wording of the story does seem a bit advanced for it's target readership and it may lose the attention of young listeners, but overall it's a fun story. I have mixed feelings about the very obvious disdain towards technology in the story. On one hand, I thought it was a cute way to introduce to kids how much they might miss while remaining inside on ipads or video games, but there was an implication that I didn't care for where a character calls the bunnies "stupid" for wanting to use the technology in the first place and I would have a hard time reading that conversation aloud to kids. For one, I don't want to provide kids with rude phrases by saying it aloud myself (even if it is in a story) and two, I just didn't like how harsh that was. Ipads are cool. Video games are cool. Kids aren't stupid for wanting to play on them (and neither are parents for allowing their parents to play), we just need to exercise restraint and learn to implement balance. So I like the heart of that message, but it was executed rather brashly and obviously.
Overall, it's a fun little story. Other than the disapproval of screen time and the encouragement for playing outside and being creative, there's not much educational value. Even with Mr. Fuzzy Ears joining the police force, the police comments are kept at stereotypes (such as eating a police donut). So, it's cute and would make for a fun read aloud (at parental discretion).
The wording of the story does seem a bit advanced for it's target readership and it may lose the attention of young listeners, but overall it's a fun story. I have mixed feelings about the very obvious disdain towards technology in the story. On one hand, I thought it was a cute way to introduce to kids how much they might miss while remaining inside on ipads or video games, but there was an implication that I didn't care for where a character calls the bunnies "stupid" for wanting to use the technology in the first place and I would have a hard time reading that conversation aloud to kids. For one, I don't want to provide kids with rude phrases by saying it aloud myself (even if it is in a story) and two, I just didn't like how harsh that was. Ipads are cool. Video games are cool. Kids aren't stupid for wanting to play on them (and neither are parents for allowing their parents to play), we just need to exercise restraint and learn to implement balance. So I like the heart of that message, but it was executed rather brashly and obviously.
Overall, it's a fun little story. Other than the disapproval of screen time and the encouragement for playing outside and being creative, there's not much educational value. Even with Mr. Fuzzy Ears joining the police force, the police comments are kept at stereotypes (such as eating a police donut). So, it's cute and would make for a fun read aloud (at parental discretion).
Saints and Monsters by Ellen McGinty
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
"Sisters are worth fighting for."
The spirit of Saints and Monsters is unmatched with its dragon hearts, princess sisters deeply passionate for their queendom, and a storyline filled with assassins and political intrigue. It's a fast-paced adventure that will keep readers wondering what will happen!
I love how Meera is a main character with physical disabilities, as I feel that there are very few heroic fantasy stories given to this topic of representation. However, I do wish the story had highlighted her disability a lot more realistically and made the story more challenging for her. But because of the fast paced storyline, her disability seemed to come off as a mild inconvenience and insecurity, rather than the core of her life. Her maneuverability and speed throughout the story did not match what we would expect of a heroine with a deeply crooked and deformed back. She was able to outrun and outswim able-bodied male warriors, stab a dragon with a dagger, and not to mention how often she escaped agile assassins with little to no training. I loved her spunk and fearless attitude because she didn't stop to let her disability prevent her from doing what was right, but I do wish that her strengths would've offset her physical weaknesses rather than contradicted them, because most of the time I forgot that she was supposed to be disabled until she mentioned a pain in her back or something minor.
Overall, though, it's a fun story with meaningful messages of overcoming weaknesses and doing what's right. There are a few mildly detailed action scenes and plenty of assassination attempts. There's no cursing or vulgar language. And the romance is limited to a few mild kisses, nothing more on-page or implied.
I received this book from the author. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
The spirit of Saints and Monsters is unmatched with its dragon hearts, princess sisters deeply passionate for their queendom, and a storyline filled with assassins and political intrigue. It's a fast-paced adventure that will keep readers wondering what will happen!
I love how Meera is a main character with physical disabilities, as I feel that there are very few heroic fantasy stories given to this topic of representation. However, I do wish the story had highlighted her disability a lot more realistically and made the story more challenging for her. But because of the fast paced storyline, her disability seemed to come off as a mild inconvenience and insecurity, rather than the core of her life. Her maneuverability and speed throughout the story did not match what we would expect of a heroine with a deeply crooked and deformed back. She was able to outrun and outswim able-bodied male warriors, stab a dragon with a dagger, and not to mention how often she escaped agile assassins with little to no training. I loved her spunk and fearless attitude because she didn't stop to let her disability prevent her from doing what was right, but I do wish that her strengths would've offset her physical weaknesses rather than contradicted them, because most of the time I forgot that she was supposed to be disabled until she mentioned a pain in her back or something minor.
Overall, though, it's a fun story with meaningful messages of overcoming weaknesses and doing what's right. There are a few mildly detailed action scenes and plenty of assassination attempts. There's no cursing or vulgar language. And the romance is limited to a few mild kisses, nothing more on-page or implied.
I received this book from the author. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
Fog Crest by Abigail Hammond
hopeful
mysterious
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
"You're not blunt. You're straightforward. There's a difference...it's a good thing."
Fog Crest was such a cozy, mysterious, and fun book to read in stormy weather! It has the perfect mix of creepy and tense while also being mysterious and hopeful. It's the type of story that makes you want to binge it in one sitting.
While there is a bit of a romance sideplot, I think what I loved the most about Fog Crest is the focus on female friendships. Nat, Josie, and Marie have complicated pasts and they make poor decisions, like everyone does, and they have to communicate and work through those experiences. Our society loves to pit women against each other and encourage fighting or "writing off" women who make mistakes, rather than talking through the reasons why and extending forgiveness. Fog Crest displays such a beautiful example of character growth and female friendships. I genuinely loved every character!
Abigail Hammond is quickly becoming one of my auto-buy authors. I highly recommend her books if you're looking for stories that are filled with cozy spooks and hope-filled characters.
Content: Some mild gore and spooks. No cursing. Very mild on-page romance (only a kiss), but there is mention of toxic past relationships that may be triggering for some readers (gaslighting, blackmailing, etc). Also mention of drugs and gang membership.
I received this book from the author. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
Fog Crest was such a cozy, mysterious, and fun book to read in stormy weather! It has the perfect mix of creepy and tense while also being mysterious and hopeful. It's the type of story that makes you want to binge it in one sitting.
While there is a bit of a romance sideplot, I think what I loved the most about Fog Crest is the focus on female friendships. Nat, Josie, and Marie have complicated pasts and they make poor decisions, like everyone does, and they have to communicate and work through those experiences. Our society loves to pit women against each other and encourage fighting or "writing off" women who make mistakes, rather than talking through the reasons why and extending forgiveness. Fog Crest displays such a beautiful example of character growth and female friendships. I genuinely loved every character!
Abigail Hammond is quickly becoming one of my auto-buy authors. I highly recommend her books if you're looking for stories that are filled with cozy spooks and hope-filled characters.
Content: Some mild gore and spooks. No cursing. Very mild on-page romance (only a kiss), but there is mention of toxic past relationships that may be triggering for some readers (gaslighting, blackmailing, etc). Also mention of drugs and gang membership.
I received this book from the author. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
Content Warnings
Minor: Gore, Toxic relationship, Murder, Gaslighting
Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
"Book lovers can spot a wrapped book a mile away."
This was a beautiful and fun book! Zoey, Charlotte, Mac, and Oliver kept me laughing, feeling comforted, and fully engaged in their story. It was simple, but in a complimentary way. The story and characters had such a depth to them without making you feel bogged down by their pasts or struggles. It was such a beautiful way of portraying the complexities of people and how, when you find the right people, those struggles that typically isolate you can have the same power to knit you together and create strong bonds. I loved how natural the communication was for these broken people and it just felt so much like "finally" finding people who will stay on your side through thick and thin. Zoey and Charlotte's friendship was so comforting and healthy, too. Exactly what female friendships should be.
The mysterious undertones kept me flipping the pages. The food--oh my goodness. I would buy a cookbook of recipes from this book (and other Allen books!). Since finishing Other Birds, I've started The Girl Who Chased the Moon (also by Sarah Addison Allen) and her food descriptions set my mouth to watering.
The romance was so sweet and comforting, too. The kind that makes you feel like watching your best friend fall in love with someone who is PERFECT for them. There are several mentions of casual s3x from background characters but there's nothing shown on page. Overall, I adored this book and as I mentioned above, I immediately started another book by this author because I wanted more. This would be a great summer read!
This was a beautiful and fun book! Zoey, Charlotte, Mac, and Oliver kept me laughing, feeling comforted, and fully engaged in their story. It was simple, but in a complimentary way. The story and characters had such a depth to them without making you feel bogged down by their pasts or struggles. It was such a beautiful way of portraying the complexities of people and how, when you find the right people, those struggles that typically isolate you can have the same power to knit you together and create strong bonds. I loved how natural the communication was for these broken people and it just felt so much like "finally" finding people who will stay on your side through thick and thin. Zoey and Charlotte's friendship was so comforting and healthy, too. Exactly what female friendships should be.
The mysterious undertones kept me flipping the pages. The food--oh my goodness. I would buy a cookbook of recipes from this book (and other Allen books!). Since finishing Other Birds, I've started The Girl Who Chased the Moon (also by Sarah Addison Allen) and her food descriptions set my mouth to watering.
The romance was so sweet and comforting, too. The kind that makes you feel like watching your best friend fall in love with someone who is PERFECT for them. There are several mentions of casual s3x from background characters but there's nothing shown on page. Overall, I adored this book and as I mentioned above, I immediately started another book by this author because I wanted more. This would be a great summer read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Abandonment
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child death
Content/trigger warnings: Little to no cursing. No spice. No gore. There are a few heavy topics about one character escaping a cult where a child died. A couple of characters deal with the mental illness of being abused (sexually) as children. One character grows up with a narcissistic and mentally ill mother and there are several sad and complicated conversations dealing with that.
The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure by William Goldman
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
"True love is the best thing in the world, except for cough drops."
After growing up with the movie and still watching it several times a year, quoting "I'm not a witch, I'm your wife" quite often to my husband, and randomly exclaiming "Anyone want a peanut?" throughout my days; I've finally read the book. And I can't believe that it took me so long to do so.
This is a work of satirical art and I haven't laughed this hard at a book in I don't even know how long. That being said, do not take this book seriously. You can't, or you'll walk away from it deeply offended and irritated. I've never had a work of fiction make me question my reality, but here we are. I won't include spoilers in case you'd like to experience the brilliance of Goldman's 25th and 30th anniversary introductions for yourself, but just know: he got me.
The Princess Bride is meant to be read aloud and I want to immediately start it with my husband. That being said, however, there were a few things that would make me hesitant to read aloud to kids without interjecting (as Goldman's father often did with him). The main thing being how often Buttercup gets slapped and it being okay. Once again, this is satire and it is humorously exaggerating the toxic masculinity and helpless femininity tropes and I believe it's supposed to make you uncomfortable (because that's what satire does), but as I mentioned earlier if you take it seriously, you will walk away from this book offended.
Overall, this is a book that any lover of the movie needs to experience at least once! I wasn't expecting the book to be too vastly different from the movie, but it is. They are each works of art and I can't say that either is "better" than the other. If you love the movie, you also need to read the book, but only because there is more to the story than you could possibly imagine! As it is, this book is so unique and unlike any other (that comes to my mind) that I can't rate it anything but 5 stars, but I do recommend it with caution: you need to understand satire.
Content warnings: Cursing: one use of "SOB" and occasional minor words. No gore, very minor action. And only a couple mention of kisses. Other warnings would include some intense nightmares, animal cruelty, and various discriminations.
After growing up with the movie and still watching it several times a year, quoting "I'm not a witch, I'm your wife" quite often to my husband, and randomly exclaiming "Anyone want a peanut?" throughout my days; I've finally read the book. And I can't believe that it took me so long to do so.
This is a work of satirical art and I haven't laughed this hard at a book in I don't even know how long. That being said, do not take this book seriously. You can't, or you'll walk away from it deeply offended and irritated. I've never had a work of fiction make me question my reality, but here we are. I won't include spoilers in case you'd like to experience the brilliance of Goldman's 25th and 30th anniversary introductions for yourself, but just know: he got me.
The Princess Bride is meant to be read aloud and I want to immediately start it with my husband. That being said, however, there were a few things that would make me hesitant to read aloud to kids without interjecting (as Goldman's father often did with him). The main thing being how often Buttercup gets slapped and it being okay. Once again, this is satire and it is humorously exaggerating the toxic masculinity and helpless femininity tropes and I believe it's supposed to make you uncomfortable (because that's what satire does), but as I mentioned earlier if you take it seriously, you will walk away from this book offended.
Overall, this is a book that any lover of the movie needs to experience at least once! I wasn't expecting the book to be too vastly different from the movie, but it is. They are each works of art and I can't say that either is "better" than the other. If you love the movie, you also need to read the book, but only because there is more to the story than you could possibly imagine! As it is, this book is so unique and unlike any other (that comes to my mind) that I can't rate it anything but 5 stars, but I do recommend it with caution: you need to understand satire.
Content warnings: Cursing: one use of "SOB" and occasional minor words. No gore, very minor action. And only a couple mention of kisses. Other warnings would include some intense nightmares, animal cruelty, and various discriminations.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body shaming, Bullying, Torture
Minor: Child death, Suicide