Book Review - Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

 

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds tells the story of a teenager, Will, who grapples with the decision to avenge his brother Shawn's death. Growing up in their neighborhood, Will and Shawn learned the rules of engagement: no crying, no snitching, and seek revenge.  After Shawn is brutally gunned down, Will understands what he must do. He retrieves the gun that Shawn had hidden and intends to avenge him.  While waiting for the elevator to confront the person,  he is certain of his target. But is Will completely confident? As he enters the elevator, a mysterious individual steps in and begins to question Will’s motives. The elevator stops at each floor, and someone new boards who shares their perspective on Will’s intentions. It’s a long way down, and does Will change his mind, or will he gain clarity on his course of action?

I previously read another book by the author, All American Boys, and found it enjoyable, so I decided to give this one a chance. Initially, I was surprised by its poetic verse style and felt hesitant to continue reading.  I'm glad I persevered, as the novel proved to be intriguing, and the writing style added an engaging element. The book maintained suspenseful moments, making me eager to see who else would enter the elevator with Will. Although some pages were sparse in words, their impact was profound. I would be open to exploring more works by this author.

Book Review - Barefoot in the Sun by Roxanne St. Claire

 

Barefoot in the Sun by Roxanne St. Claire tells the story of two lovers, Zoe and Oliver, who put aside their differences to find a way forward together.  

When Zoe Tamarin faces a difficult situation and has to make a choice, she always opts to run away.  She and her great-aunt Pasha have been constantly on the move since Pasha rescued Zoe from an abusive home as a child. They avoid staying in one place for too long to prevent getting too close to others and revealing their past. Currently, Zoe and Pasha are at Barefoot Bay, enjoying a sense of peace until someone from their past shows up and knows of their past.

Oliver Bradbury and his eight-year-old son, Evan, have come to Florida to start anew and bond. He never anticipated reconnecting with the woman who had broken his heart years earlier.  Oliver is eager to win Zoe’s heart again, but is he ready to go against everything he believes in? And will it be enough to keep her tethered to him?

I didn’t care for any of the characters in the book; I found them annoying and manipulative, constantly pushing people beyond their limits. Initially, I thought I would enjoy Oliver's character, but I soon felt he cared more about himself and Zoe than about his son. It seemed as if Oliver was struggling to engage with his son, making Evan feel more like a prop than a genuine character. Furthermore, I couldn’t understand why Oliver was infatuated with Zoe when she appeared quite selfish, consistently prioritizing her needs over others.

In addition to the romance, there is a mild murder mystery subplot. I hoped it would keep me engaged since the romance and characters weren’t enough. However, the murder mystery aspect felt clunky and lacked substance. It might have been better to leave it out entirely. If you enjoy over-the-top romance novels with a bit of spice, you might find this novel more appealing than I did.

Book Review - Seven Deadly Sins: The Biology of Being Human by Dr. Guy Leschziner

 

Seven Deadly Sins: The Biology of Being Human by Dr. Guy Leschziner is a nonfiction book in which a doctor recounts how the seven deadly sins (as noted in Christian theology) that people exhibit are not always caused by moral failings but can also stem from other biological factors, such as brain chemistry. Dr. Leschziner explores each sin, presenting a case or cases that he has worked on or reviewed, and details their neuroscientific and psychological foundations, along with any medical disorders that could have contributed to them.  He explains that some of these traits may arise from a person’s drive to survive and thrive in their environment.

I found the book to be an interesting read. It was a bit longer than I expected or needed, though. I felt that when Dr. Leschziner delved too deeply into scientific research and details, my eyes glazed over, and I often got lost. However, I enjoyed reading about the cases he mentioned and how they connected to each sin; these were my favorite parts of the book.  I also felt a bit conflicted. I always view people who “sinned” as doing it woefully and not as something they were “doing against their will” because of some medical issue or disorder. Putting that thought aside, it was interesting food for thought while reading each chapter. While Dr. Leschziner is a skilled writer, I don’t think I would read another one of his books, as they lean too heavily on science and medical research.

Book Review - Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

 

Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron retells the classic fairy tale. Two hundred years have passed since Cinderella found her prince and received her happy ending. To continue the tradition, all teenage girls are required to attend the Annual Ball. There, the men of the kingdom could choose a wife based on the girls' display of wealth and finery.  However, if the women are not selected after appearing at the ball three times, they are considered forfeits and are never heard from again.

Sixteen-year-old Sophia would rather marry her best friend, Erin, than be paraded in front of the male suitors. She is forced to attend against her will, and she must decide whether to flee or stay and marry someone she despises. Sophia chooses to flee and finds refuge from the King’s men in Cinderella’s mausoleum. There, she encounters one of the last known descendants of Cinderella and her stepsisters, Constance. The pair decide that they are tired of taking orders from men and living in the shadows. However, will they be able to succeed, or is there a darker force at work?

The novel was an entertaining read. I generally enjoy retellings of classic stories, as I appreciate seeing modern interpretations or new elements that challenge the perception of the original tale.  I found the novel engaging, and there were a few unexpected twists. There were some side characters I wish had received more attention, but I understood that the focus was on Sophia and Constance. I would have liked more world-building. I was a bit confused about how the King was able to rule for years without anyone noticing and why they kept on tolerating his overbearing rules. The author hinted at it when Sophia asked, but it felt insufficient to me. I would be open to reading more books by the author.

Book Review - See Loss, See Also Love: A Novel by Yukiko Tominaga

 

See Loss, See Also Love: A Novel  by Yukiko Tominaga tells the story of a Japanese woman, Kyoko, who grapples with the unexpected death of her husband, Levi. Following Levi's tragic passing, Kyoko faces the dilemma of whether to return to Japan or remain in San Francisco to raise her son. Her Jewish mother-in-law, Bubbe, encourages her to find love again and to stop being so frugal, while Kyoko’s mother urges her to embrace and celebrate her widowhood. Ultimately, the only certainty for Kyoko is her commitment to being there for her son.

The novel is divided into four sections that reflect Kyoko’s emotional states. These sections shift between the past and present, highlighting pivotal moments in her life. The book was an average read; some parts were entertaining, while others felt out of place. I was frustrated by the frequent jumps between sections, as it made the narrative feel a bit random and disjointed. Additionally, it seemed somewhat aimless, lacking a substantial story. I would have preferred if the book were a collection of unrelated short stories instead of its current format. I would consider reading other works by the author, but I wouldn’t actively seek them out.

Book Review - The Inn at Tansy Falls by Cate Woods

 

The Inn at Tansy Falls by Cate Woods follows a woman, Penelope "Nell" Swift, who travels the world to fulfill her best friend Megan Shaw’s dying wish. Their friendship endured the test of time, and they had been best friends for years until Megan’s untimely death from cancer.  After Megan’s passing, she left a note for Nell instructing her to visit her hometown of Tansy Falls and scatter her ashes.

In the letter, she outlines one activity for Nell to complete each day while in Tansy Falls. Megan hopes that Nell will fall in love with the town and find solace during her mourning.  As Nell reluctantly begins to check off items from the list, she starts to feel a connection to the people and the town, especially with one particular resident. Will Nell discover a new beginning to aid her healing?

The book offers a quick and easy read with no unexpected twists and includes some romantic elements. It provides a cozy experience with a feel-good ending and storyline. The narrative captures the fun and quirks of a small-town setting and its characters. I enjoyed reading about Nell’s daily itinerary, her connections with other characters, and her journey of healing.  I would be open to reading more works by this author.

Book Review - Her Heart's Desire by Shelley Shepard Gray

 

Her Heart's Desire by Shelley Shepard Gray follows a young woman, Mary Margaret Miller, who seeks a fresh start. Mary craves a break from her life in her small Amish community. She decides to take a bus alone to enjoy her vacation in Pinecraft, Florida. On the bus, Mary meets Betsy and Lilly, and she is delighted to connect with them.

Mary feels thrilled to have made two new friends, discovering they share a lot in common. The trio quickly bonds and decides to spend two weeks together, determined to make the most of their time. Mary feels excited when she meets Jayson Raber. He is handsome and charming and works as a carpenter. They are drawn to each other, but Jayson is hiding a secret—he is promised to another girl back home in Kentucky. Mary enjoys her newfound freedom until someone from her community unexpectedly appears in Pinecraft. She feels that her vacation, which was going perfectly, is now ruined.

I thought the book was an okay read. It didn’t have many twists and turns. I have read a few of the author’s other books, and I didn’t really like the characters in this one. The conversations and behaviors of the characters felt quite juvenile. I think Mary’s new friends, Betsy and Lilly, shouldn’t have pushed her to become friends with someone before she was ready, nor should they have expected one “I am sorry” conversation to mend years of hurt. I wish the back cover didn’t spoil Jayon’s secret, and that it was revealed to us in the story. The book features multiple storylines with different romances unfolding simultaneously. I felt that some of the storylines could have been more fleshed out. While this isn’t my favorite book by the author, I would still read more from them.

Book Review - Camp Twisted Pine by Ciera Burch

 

Camp Twisted Pine by Ciera Burch is a middle-grade horror novel about a young girl, Naomi, whose first summer camp experience is ruined by the discovery of spooky creatures abducting her fellow campers. Naomi loves everything related to being outdoors. She enjoys nature and the animals it hosts. However, rather than experiencing nature firsthand, she prefers to explore it through reading. When her parents mention that they are planning to get a divorce, they decide to send Naomi and her twin brother to summer camp while they try to work on their marriage. Naomi wants her parents to repair their relationship, but she would rather be anywhere else than at camp.

As much as Naomi tries to dislike Camp Twisted Pine, she finds herself enjoying it. Her counselors are kind, and she gets along well with her cabinmates, especially Jackie, who has a blunt personality and isn’t fond of the camp either. Jackie is hard of hearing and uses a hearing aid. The girls develop a bond as Jackie teaches Naomi sign language. Naomi values the time she and Jackie spend together, which makes Camp Twisted Pine a lot more enjoyable. However, when campers start going missing, including Jackie, Naomi must find a way to save everyone, including herself, before it’s too late.

The novel is a cute and quick read. I enjoyed reading about how Naomi and Jackie bonded and how each character emerged from their shell. I appreciated that they included the myth of the Jersey Devils, and the story had several twists that young readers might enjoy. The book features some spooky and creepy elements, making it a good introduction for young fans interested in the horror genre.

Book Review - Benny on the Case by Wesley King

 

Benny on the Case by Wesley King is about a young boy, Benny, who teams up with a new friend, Salma, to help solve a recent string of thefts that threaten to close down his home in a Newfoundland retirement community, Starflower by the Sea. Benny isn’t like the average kid his age. He has Mosaic Down syndrome, lives in a retirement home, and his best friend is an eighty-six years old named Mr. Tom.

Benny has finally convinced his mother to allow him to attend mainstream classes instead of the special courses he usually takes with other children who have special needs. The other students tease him because he is different, and Benny starts to feel alone until a new girl joins the school. Salma is new to the area, and she is also different. She is tech-savvy, speaks Arabic, plays sports with a major love for basketball, and she isn’t afraid to speak her mind.

Salma and Benny end up befriending each other, which comes in handy when Salma’s grandmother and other residents who live at the retirement home that Benny and his mother run are robbed. After the string of robberies is reported, the inspector threatens to close down the home unless they can figure out who is behind the robberies. As if Benny and Salma didn’t have enough going on, they also have to deal with the bullies at school and try to find a way for everyone to work together peacefully on a school project.

I like that the author included a small dictionary and explanations for some of the Newfoundland terminology the characters used. Some terms were easy to understand, while others I had to revisit to grasp their meanings. The novel was easy to read, with a few twists, and it was entertaining to see how Salma and Benny try to figure out the mystery while dealing with bullies.

I appreciate that the book tackled difficult topics in a heartwarming yet realistic way. For example, when a character talks about coming to terms with their past, it doesn’t come with the exact heartwarming closure we expect (i.e., the other person forgives them and reconnects the moment the other person passes). It took a few chapters before I became invested in the storyline, but I would be interested in reading more books by the author.

The Best Strangers in the World: Stories from a Life Spent Listening by Ari Shapiro

 

The Best Strangers in the World: Stories from a Life Spent Listening by Ari Shapiro is the memoir of the acclaimed NPR host. Ari discusses his childhood and coming out to his friends and family, along with his personal and professional life experiences. He shares behind-the-scenes stories of some of his popular pieces and the people he has met along the way. Ari also reflects on his time working in the White House press pool and his interactions with President Obama during travels on Air Force One, detailing how he got started.

Before reading his memoir, I wasn’t familiar with Ari Shapiro. However, I found the stories he shared about his life experiences to be engaging, even though most were unrelatable to me. I do wish he had included more fascinating stories about other people. I particularly enjoyed the last part of the book, when he discussed the individuals and their stories that had a significant impact on him. If you are a fan of Ari, you will enjoy this book, as it primarily focuses on his experiences.

Book Review - When We Had Summer by Jennifer Castle

 

When We Had Summer by Jennifer Castle is about a group of friends dealing with the death of their friend.  Every summer, four friends, Danielle, her cousin Carly, and their friends Penny and Lainie, spend their summer together at the Jersey Shore in Ocean Park Heights. They call themselves “The Summer Sisters,” and together, they complete a bucket list each summer. Carly creates the list, and they all complete the fun and sometimes silly items together, and it’s the highlight of their summer.

However, this summer, everything is going to be different because last winter, unexpectedly, Carly passed away. The remaining Summer Sisters try to come to terms with her sudden passing and the Carly-shaped hole that she left in their lives. As they try to cope, life keeps throwing more unexpected obstacles their way that might threaten to split them up for good.

Danielle has been accepted into a prestigious summer music academy in New York City. She is excited to go but feels torn when she realizes that she will be living with Carly’s parents and sister for the summer. Penny feels that her family is coming undone at home, so she decides to get a new job to distract herself. She also meets a new guy, Dex, who seems to understand her and makes her feel less alone.  Lainie’s family is selling their family bakery and moving out of Ocean Park Heights. Ocean Park Heights was the only place she knew as home, and the plan was for her to inherit the bakery when she grew older.

As the Summer Sisters are each spending the summer apart, Danielle discovers a bucket list Carly had started to create for the summer. She decides to reach out to Penny and Lainie so they can work on it together. Danielle feels that this would be the lifeline that holds them together, even if it’s just for one final summer together.

The novel was an okay read. It felt longer than it needed to be at times, and reminded me of “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” but this book wasn’t as fun. It took a bit of time for me to like the characters. While the book is geared towards young adults, I felt like the characters were a lot younger as they were acting very childish at times. Towards the end of the book, I did enjoy the characters a bit more, but not enough to read another sequel if there is one.

Book Review - Thorns, Lust, and Glory: The Betrayal of Anne Boleyn by Estelle Paranque

 

Thorns, Lust, and Glory: The Betrayal of Anne Boleyn by Estelle Paranque is about the rise and fall of Anne Boleyn. Anne Boleyn is known to be the second wife of Henry XVIII who met an unfortunate ending.  Most of her writing has been destroyed so her side of the story was rarely told, and she was often vilified. The only thing that was known for certain is that Anne was tragically executed at the Tower of London on May 19, 1536.

The book was an okay read. I thought the book would have included more details from Anne’s point of view but at times, it seems like she barely played a role in the story. It was like she was a side character. It feels like most of the focus was on Henry and Francis. I feel disappointed by this because the book seems to be billed as a book about Anne. At times, the book seemed boring, and it was very dense with details and speculation on what Anne might have said. I understand that Anne’s works were destroyed but maybe it would have been better to write this as a fictional story instead.

Book Review - Bird of a Thousand Stories by Kiyash Monsef

 

Bird of a Thousand Stories by Kiyash Monsef follows a young woman named Marjan Dastani, who is a veterinarian for magical creatures. Many of Marjan’s friends are unaware that she leads a secret double life. Only a few of her closest friends know that when she isn’t in school, she serves as a veterinarian to magical beasts and is employed by a mysterious shadow organization known as The Fells. 

During one of her recent expeditions, she encounters a mythical creature connected to the legendary Bird of a Thousand Stories. Marjan is tasked with finding and protecting this mythical being, as someone is hunting it. As she embarks on this journey, she realizes that keeping her life a secret may cost her the closeness of those she cares about.

The novel is the second book in the series, but this wasn’t evident to me until I began reading it. I was able to follow along with the story, though there were character nuances that I feel I would have grasped better with more context. I found it difficult to immerse myself in the book, as I didn’t connect with any of the characters, and the novel felt somewhat dull. However, I appreciated the sections that discussed the mythology behind the “Bird of a Thousand Stories.” I don’t think I would be inclined to read more from this author unless it were another book unrelated to this series.

Book Review - Nemesis: An Orphan X Novel by Gregg Hurwitz

 

Nemesis: An Orphan X Novel by Gregg Hurwitz is about Evan Smoak getting revenge after he finds out his best friend, Tommy Stojack, has betrayed him. Evan was a highly trained government assassin but now he lives on the fringes of society and offers his services to anyone who has been wronged. He tries to keep to himself, and only talks to a few trusted individuals. He has a strict code he calls “The Ten Commandments”, to keep him and others in line.

After a recent mission, Evan finds himself at odds with Tommy. Tommy had betrayed Evan and had broken one of the Commandments. Evan is torn on whether or not he should confront Tommy and let him face the consequences, or if Evan should let it go.

Tommy is a gifted gunsmith and has created all of Evan’s weapons and combat gear. Tommy is well known for his sniper skills. As Tommy had broken one of Evan’s rules, their friendship is torn apart, and it might lead to one of them not leaving alive. 

The novel is a part of a series. I have read one other book in the series, and I was able to read this one and follow along well. I do recommend reading the books in order as it helps with character nuances. I was a bit torn on this book. I was a fan of Evan’s in the previous book, but I didn’t like all of his choices in this novel. I felt like he tries to be a “good person” but he came off as callous and wasn’t open to giving people a second chance at redemption especially when he himself was given a second chance.  The novel was packed with action but no unexpected twists and turns. My favorite parts were Evan’s interaction with his closest friends, Tommy and Joey. I would be interested in reading more books in the series.

Book Review - The Six -- Young Readers Edition: The Untold Story of America's First Women Astronauts by Loren Grush

 

The Six -- Young Readers Edition: The Untold Story of America's First Women Astronauts by Loren Grush is about the accomplishments of the first female astronauts. When NASA first sent astronauts to the moon in the 1960s and 1970s, the agency didn’t allow women to participate. NASA claimed that only military test pilots had the skill set necessary. Women were not allowed to become test pilots either.

In the 1980s, there was a new push for women to travel into the space frontier as Russia sent the first female into space. NASA decided to make space travel more inclusive and opened its application process to women and people of color. During the application and selection process, six women scientists were picked - Sally Ride, Judith Resnik, Anna Lee Fisher, Kathy Sullivan, Shannon Lucid, and Rhea Seddon. They wanted to prove that they belonged in space and had all the necessary skills to become astronauts.

The book is written by journalist Loren Grush who depicts the struggles and journey the women went through to become the first female astronauts. The book was an interesting read, and it had a lot of information and tidbits about the astronauts that I never knew before. I knew that Sally Ride was the first female, but I knew very little about the other talented women. I also like that it included interviews from people who knew them. I liked that the book contained additional resources if readers wanted to read more about the astronauts.

Book Review - Let's Make Things Better: A Holocaust Survivor’s Message of Hope and Celebration of Life by Gidon Lev and Julie Gray

 

Let's Make Things Better: A Holocaust Survivor’s Message of Hope and Celebration of Life by Gidon Lev and Julie Gray is a biography about a child holocaust survivor and the life lessons he has learned along the way. On May 8, 1945, Gidon Lev was ten years old when he was liberated from a Nazi concentration after spending four years there with his mother. Gidon had lost twenty six family members including his beloved father and grandparents. He and his mother were the sole survivors.

Gidon was able to rise from depths of hell and despair, and was determined to build a life filled with joy, adventure, and love. He was cheerful and tried to find joy in what he believed in. Gidon also spent his time teaching youth about the Holocaust and sharing his horrifying experience with others. 

I thought the book was an okay read. I was not familiar with Gidon prior to reading the book. The book doesn’t focus a ton on Gidon’s experience at the concentration camp, instead he focuses on his experiences and life story and how he chose to imbue joy. At first I thought it was going to be too happy and go-lucky, but while I didn’t glean tons of “advice” on how to be happy and find joy, I did find some of his stories interesting and entertaining. 

Gidon had spoken about having cancer a few times and how that made him question being happy and finding joy. He spoke about his decision to have his first born child live with his ex-wife. In both situations he spoke with candor about it and didn’t make it seem that he had to be happy about a “bad” situation. He mentioned he had regrets and then spoke on how he moved forward. Sometimes, it is okay if bad things happen. 

I also like the part where he spoke about if you are not happy where you are in your life currently, to figure out where you want to be and then decide on the steps that would help accomplish your goals. I think readers who are familiar with Gidon would enjoy this book a lot more than me, but I do think if someone is interested in living a more joyous life, that they might like this book also.

Book Review - Sweet Pea Summer by Alys Murray

 

Sweet Pea Summer by Alys Murray is about high school sweethearts reconnecting later in life. Eight years ago, May Anderson made the biggest mistake of her life. She broke up with her high school boyfriend, Tom Riley, and watched him leave their hometown, Hillsboro, California, without her. She felt that moment has changed the entire trajectory of her life and it has been one of her greatest regrets. May is unprepared when she finds out that Tom is back home.

Tom would rather spend his time alone but his family’s vineyard is failing. He joins forces with May to organize the prestigious Northwest Food and Wine Festival. He hopes that the festival can help bring business to the winery. However, Tom is having a hard time putting the past behind him and working side by side with May, especially since she broke his heart years ago. May finds Tom even more irresistible than before and she can’t seem to move on. Will the pair be able to work out their differences to make the festival successful?

The book wasn’t for me.  I didn’t really care for any of the characters. I found May to be annoying. She complained that she wanted to leave Hillsboro because her entire time there she only made one friend. And then she left that one friend because of what other people (not friends) have told her. She claims that that was her biggest mistake but then she continues to make the same mistake. She doesn’t trust her friend, Annie, or even her sisters to be open with her feelings or trust them with the truth about her breakup.

I also don’t see why May is hesitant to leave the small town or how she was considered the “town’s sweetheart”, as she just seemed selfish and mostly kept to herself. I haven’t seen any examples of the town being supportive. May’s father said to her that the town was suffocating her creativity and spirit. May’s sisters seemed bland and one-dimensional. I felt like they were barely present in the story and didn’t really add much to it.

I don’t understand why Tom kept May’s secret when she seems to be betraying his trust and choosing her needs over his all the time. He kept saying it’s not his place to tell the secret but, the secret did involve him so, why wouldn’t it involve him? He also said he wanted to tell people the truth and told his grandmother but was very selective later on telling people the truth or even defending himself. 

I also didn’t understand why the two of them were pining over each other for years. I understand that they were friends and were in love but we got no glimpses of that love and tenderness since May was continuously letting Tom be used as a punching bag by the town. The novel mostly focused on their boring romance and the planning of the festival mostly happened in the back end. I felt that the story was repetitive and kept saying the same thing over and over without much happening. I had started reading another book by the author years ago and had stopped reading it because it was boring. I feel like I should have trusted my previous judgment and just skipped this one as well.

Book Review - Storm Singer by Sarwat Chadda

 

Storm Singer by Sarwat Chadda follows a young disabled girl named Nargis, who helps a stranger find his family. Twelve-year-old Nargis is a poor human living in a world ruled by fierce winged warriors known as garudas. The eagle garudas are considered royalty, and their word is law. Nargis dislikes the garudas because she knows they killed her parent, despite everyone else claiming it was bandits.

Nargis is left disabled after a childhood attempt to fly like one of the garudas. She walks with a crutch after the accident. While she appears powerless, Nargis is a spirit singer, capable of controlling the elements through song.

Nargis is persuaded to participate in a kite fight with the son of the ruler village. She attempts to use her powers to win the battle but loses control and is subsequently exiled. As she walks to her new home in the desert, she encounters an injured person. After helping him to safety, she realizes the injured boy, Mistral, is an eagle garuda.

Mistral is on a mission to return home and reclaim the throne from the usurpers. However, he needs allies and the means to get back home. Unwillingly, he enlists Nargis's help for his mission. Both Nargis and Mistral would rather not work together and would prefer to be anywhere else; however, they must join forces if they want to protect those they love.

The novel is an entertaining read, though it lacks twists or turns. I enjoyed the author’s writing style. The world-building was vibrant, and I felt as if I were there. I liked the characters and their interactions. I was curious about what would happen between Nargis and Mistral. I appreciated that this wasn’t a love story, but more about two people becoming unlikely friends in a difficult situation. I would love to read more adventures from the author!

Book Review - The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud

 

The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud is about a group of kids bonding over their love for comics. Makayla has tons of great ideas, but she struggles to put her ideas into a story. Howard loves drawing but he struggles to come up with ideas. His dad also thinks that comics are a waste of time and wants him to focus on other things.  Lynda loves drawing but she focuses on her mistakes and spends a lot of her time making sure everything is perfect. Art loves being creative and trying new things. The four students come together to learn how to make comics, using their imagination and create their comic adventures.

The graphic novel was a quick and fun read. I liked that it was both educational and fun. It was interesting learning details about comics like different drawing styles, how they are made, and other fun facts while reading about the students’ experiences with creating their masterpieces. I liked that the back of the book goes into more detail about the inspiration for the characters and educational tips. I also liked the personal stories from the authors and thought those added a bit of a heartwarming aspect to this lovely comic about friendships.

Book Review - All That Is Hidden by Rhys Bowen

 

All That Is Hidden by Rhys Bowen is about a husband and wife who try to solve the murder of a man who is accused of being corrupted. In 1907, New York, Molly Murphy Sullivan used to be a private detective. She is now content being married to her husband, Daniel, who is a police captain. They live in a small but beautiful home in Patchin Place in the West Village, which is close to her beloved friends. She is also the mother to a happy and energetic toddler, Liam, and adopted daughter, Bridie. Molly feels that she has a good life and her marriage to Daniel works well because they have a partnership where they trust and believe in each other.

On a family walk one day, Daniel surprises Molly by telling her that they will be moving into one of the fancy homes on Fifth Avenue. He also said that he is leaving his police captain job and running to be sheriff of New York. Molly is flabbergasted because she never knew of such a position, and the political party that Daniel is running for is filled with corruption and members taking kickbacks. She knows Daniel is against corruption and has fought tooth and nail to make people accountable. Daniel tells her to trust him, but Molly is unsure of how to feel with their new change of circumstances.

The novel is part of a series, but I was able to follow along and read it. There were some character nuances that I might have missed but it didn’t take away from the story. The book is a cozy mystery read. There would be pages where we would learn about Molly running her household instead of learning more about the mystery. I felt like she didn’t do much, but instead things fell into her lap. I also felt that the series is named after Molly, but she seemed to take a backseat approach to the investigation. The book felt boring to me and I thought that the book didn’t need to be as long as it was. I felt that the ending was a bit rushed and could have been more intricate and had more flair. While I did finish the book, I don’t think I would continue reading the series as there are a lot more interesting murder mysteries out there.