shealea's reviews
622 reviews

Shugo Chara!, Vol. 5: The New Kids by Peach-Pit

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2.0

It's idiotic how all these guys are fawning over Amu. She has nothing desirable, people, nothing. Whatever.

Tadase makes me happy. That's all.
Lucy's E-journal by Jane Harrington

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3.0

Read this as a kid. Can't get over it.
Paper Towns by John Green

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I love you, John Green, but the movie adaptation of this novel completely bored me. I spent 1 hour and 49 minutes of my life watching a movie that barely had a story line, much less a compelling one. I hated all the characters. The narrative dragged on and on and on. And I struggled to swallow the fact that a group of teenagers were willing to deprive themselves of their last weeks in high school in the hopes of "rescuing" a girl who did not want to be found, did not want to be saved and did not care about anyone other than herself. I just can't take it.

I know that the novel and movie aren't 100% similar, but like I said, I've already wasted 1 hour and 49 minutes of my life. I'd rather not waste any more of my time.
Secondhand Origin Stories: Second Sentinels Book 1 by Lee Blauersouth

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5.0

(Content/Trigger warning: It should be noted that there are instances of ableism, systemic racism, and misgendering as well as content involving other sensitive issues in the book. However, these instances are addressed and corrected later on. Still, proceed with utmost caution.)

As someone who’s been waiting for the sequel to Disney’s The Incredibles for more than a decade now, I was more than eager to dive into the lives and relationships within the Sentinels. And I was certainly not disappointed. It was extremely interesting to me how ordinary family drama could play out so realistically in a family of superpowered people, albeit with much higher stakes involved.

Brimming with social and political relevance – a relevance that has been amplified by the problematic and oppressive climate we are currently facing in real life, Secondhand Origin Stories valiantly attacks globally encompassing, systemic issues, such as racism, marginalization, and inequalities across all intersections, while simultaneously navigating through more individual-centered issues, such as coming to terms with one’s identity and learning to differentiate between what defines a person and what shouldn’t.

Effective writing, impressive world-building, wonderfully intricate plot, well-delivered action sequences, and a tremendous impact that unfailingly resonates with the heart of humanity. In all seriousness, in all my years of reading, Lee Blauersouth’s incredible YA debut novel is the most underrated, underappreciated title I’ve ever encountered – and that definitely needs to change immediately. Vastly powerful and all the more empowering, Secondhand Origin Stories demands to be read, loved, and ultimately, internalized.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of Secondhand Origin Stories from the author in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Lee Blauersouth for the copy as well as for the opportunity to organize a blog tour!

Actual rating: 4.5 stars
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** Check it out: 9 reasons to make reading Secondhand Origin Stories your priority!
The Imitation Game: Alan Turing Decoded by Jim Ottaviani

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4.0

The Imitation Game film (2014) left me in tears, and so when I saw this title, I was very much interested in reading it!

And let me tell you something: this did not disappoint me at all! I don't read graphic novels very often, but I really enjoyed my reading experience with The Imitation Game. I would highly recommend this to people in search of nonfiction, historical accounts told in a wonderfully creative, visual way.

Disclosure: I received a copy of The Imitation Game from the publisher (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review.

Actual rating: 4 stars
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Big Mushy Happy Lump by Sarah Andersen

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5.0

What can I say? I have always loved Sarah Andersen's work so much!!! I love the simplicity of the illustrations and how, in spite of that, her content can still provide profound, thoughtful messages told in a delightfully humorous manner. Her scribbles speak to me at a spiritual level.

Quick disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review!

Actual rating: 5 stars
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