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sallenreads's reviews
99 reviews
Desert Phoenix by Suzette Bruggeman, Suzette Bruggeman
challenging
dark
hopeful
slow-paced
4.5
I absolutely loved this book. It took me some time to get through because, as other reviewers have pointed out, it's a pretty heavy story. But it was well worth it.
The level of detail in Bruggeman's descriptions made me forget that this book is supposed to be historical fiction. As a writer, I know how much research must have gone into accomplishing that, so I also applaud that effort.
I also found the characters to be well-developed. Many of them had to make really hard choices in order to survive, and their motivations were clear -- which made it easy to feel sympathetic. I also loved watching the dynamic between Tempa and Henry develop, and the end of the book honestly left me super in my feelings.
While Desert Phoenix isn't right for the students I work with, I know a lot of adult historical fiction readers who would love a book like this.
Content warnings: rape, drug abuse, suicide, violence, animal death, murder
Thank you to the author for providing a copy for review.
The level of detail in Bruggeman's descriptions made me forget that this book is supposed to be historical fiction. As a writer, I know how much research must have gone into accomplishing that, so I also applaud that effort.
I also found the characters to be well-developed. Many of them had to make really hard choices in order to survive, and their motivations were clear -- which made it easy to feel sympathetic. I also loved watching the dynamic between Tempa and Henry develop, and the end of the book honestly left me super in my feelings.
While Desert Phoenix isn't right for the students I work with, I know a lot of adult historical fiction readers who would love a book like this.
Content warnings: rape, drug abuse, suicide, violence, animal death, murder
Thank you to the author for providing a copy for review.
All Lined Up by Cora Carmack
Did not finish book. Stopped at 47%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 47%.
It could be I just wasn't in the right mood, but I just couldn't get into it the way I wanted to.
The Legend of Black Jack by A.R. Witham
Did not finish book. Stopped at 6%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 6%.
I read the first two chapters and encountered racism, classism, and fatphobia. Based on that, I feel that this is not a book that would appeal to the readers I work with.
The Shape of Thunder by Jasmine Warga
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I Am Margaret Moore by Hannah Capin
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
My favorite part of I AM MARGARET MOORE is the writing -- Capin writes in such a poetic way and really brings the atmosphere of Marshall and its surroundings to life. While some readers won't connect with this particular style, I can see it being a good fit for those who enjoy darker novels in verse.
I think the pacing is also going to divide a lot of readers. From a logical standpoint, it seems like not much happens until the plot twist 2/3 through. On the other hand, the slow pacing of that first section of the book drew me in and got me invested, which made that plot twist hit that much harder. This book would probably be a better fit for readers who don't mind slower paced books, or are looking for something that feels a little more unsettling.
Ultimately, I found I AM MARGARET MOORE to be an impactful book about girls who feel silenced and that their ability to choose has been taken from them, all to protect the boys who put them in that situation in the first place. While the framing is unconventional, ultimately the book is about Margaret reclaiming her sense of self. This has potential to resonate with the readers who do connect to this book.
Thank you Wednesday Books for providing a copy for review.
I think the pacing is also going to divide a lot of readers. From a logical standpoint, it seems like not much happens until the plot twist 2/3 through. On the other hand, the slow pacing of that first section of the book drew me in and got me invested, which made that plot twist hit that much harder. This book would probably be a better fit for readers who don't mind slower paced books, or are looking for something that feels a little more unsettling.
Ultimately, I found I AM MARGARET MOORE to be an impactful book about girls who feel silenced and that their ability to choose has been taken from them, all to protect the boys who put them in that situation in the first place. While the framing is unconventional, ultimately the book is about Margaret reclaiming her sense of self. This has potential to resonate with the readers who do connect to this book.
Thank you Wednesday Books for providing a copy for review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Death, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Rape, and Body horror
Minor: Sexual content
True or False: A CIA Analyst's Guide to Spotting Fake News by Cindy L. Otis
informative
medium-paced
5.0
Missing You by Phellip Willian
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a quick and adorable read dealing with grief and accepting change. The highlight for me was the illustrations -- the watercolors were absolutely gorgeous.
Thank you to Oni Press for providing a copy for review.
Thank you to Oni Press for providing a copy for review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Grief, Animal death, and Death of parent
Dream to Me by Megan Paasch
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
DREAM TO ME is a heartbreakingly raw story about grief and guilt, set against an atmospheric setting in a Pacific Northwest forest. Eva's pain and trauma were depicted sensitively, and the point she reaches with these feelings is realistic but still satisfying. Mystery readers should enjoy unraveling the Sylvan family secrets alongside Eva, and while there is romance, it doesn't overshadow the rest of the book.
Thank you to Macmillan for providing a review copy.
Thank you to Macmillan for providing a review copy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, and Cursing
Minor: Bullying, Death, and Injury/Injury detail