Book Review - Go with the Flow by Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann

 

Go with the Flow by Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann is a graphic novel that follows four high school friends who challenge period stigma and advocate for menstrual equity. Abby, Brit, Christine, and Sasha are four sophomores at Hazelton High. They are tired of not having access to period products at school. They are frustrated that the administration would rather spend money on new uniforms for the football team than invest in female health. They decide that things need to change. However, one of the girls chooses to take matters into her own hands and pushes the limits of their friendship. This leads the rest of them to question the power of their voices.

The graphic novel reminds me of the book Free Period by Ali Terese. It has very similar premises. The graphic novel is presented in a monochromatic style. The book is entertaining as it shows how the different characters navigate high school. It provides educational facts about menstrual cycles and highlights that different people are affected in various ways. While I would be open to reading more graphic novels by the authors, I would prefer they weren’t about the same subject as this graphic novel.

Book Review - The Devoted by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 

The Devoted by Suzanne Woods Fisher tells the story of a young Amish woman seeking independence and purpose while grappling with faith, family, forgiveness, and love. Ruthie Stoltzfus loves her family, but she is uncertain about her future. She isn’t sure if she wants to get baptized and remain in the faith or pursue another path since she has passed the GED. She has saved up money, but she just doesn’t know which direction to take. 

Patrick Kelly is on a journey to learn more about the Amish and to convert. He travels to Stoney Ridge, giving himself thirty days to learn the language, drive a buggy, and immerse himself in the ways of the “Plain People.” Patrick is determined to make the most of his time at Stoney Ridge, especially during the hours he spends with Ruthie, his Penn Dutch tutor. However, there is someone standing between Patrick and Ruthie. Luke Schrock, Ruthie’s next-door neighbor and ex-boyfriend, is a well-known troublemaker who is headstrong and stubborn in his rebellious ways. Nevertheless, he is determined to win Ruthie back. 

The novel is a quick and straightforward read with few plot twists or surprises. It is the third book in the series but can be enjoyed as a standalone. While I may have missed some character nuances, I was still able to follow along. The book showcases some of the “problems” within the Amish community and highlights the negative effects of excessive wealth. It was intriguing that both Ruthie and her aunt fell for men who were a bad influence while ignoring those who truly cared for them. As the saying goes, “the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.” If you are a fan of the author’s other Amish books, you might enjoy this one.

Book Review - The Partisan by Patrick Worrall

 

The Partisan by Patrick Worrall is a gripping Cold War thriller that follows two young chess prodigies entangled in a deadly game of espionage, secrets, love, and betrayal across the East and West. In the summer of 1961, the conflict between the East and West became more dangerous. Both sides fought to gain the upper hand. Yulia and Michael are two young chess prodigies from opposite ends of the world who meet at a chess tournament in London. The pair feel drawn to each other, but little do they realize that they are pawns in a perilous game.

Shadowing them is Greta, a Lithuanian resistance fighter relentlessly hunting down dangerous men across the globe. Vassily is Yulia’s bodyguard and protector during her competitions. He is also a spymaster for the USSR, known for his cunning and significant influence. He appears to be two steps ahead of everyone until Yulia meets and falls for Michael. 

I thought the novel was an okay read. There were many elements at play, making it at times difficult to keep track of everything. The narrative shifted back and forth between time and characters. I expected the main focus to be on Yulia and Michael, yet they seemed secondary at times. The book felt long-winded and overly drawn out on occasion (i.e., Yulia’s and Michael’s dull conversations). At other times, the story hinted at a deeper plot, but we received no further details or context, or it was delivered in a convoluted way. I enjoyed Greta’s storyline the most and wished the novel had primarily focused on her. I found it hard to get into the story otherwise. I would be open to reading more books by the author, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to seek them out. 

Book Review - Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

 

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix is a horror tale about a coven of rebellious teenage girls who discover real magic and the consequences that accompany it. In St. Augustine, Florida, there is a home called Wellwood House. This house is for girls who become pregnant at an inconvenient time. The girls are either unwed, too young, or considered promiscuous. The house shelters unwed mothers, allowing them to have their babies in secret and then give them up for adoption. This way, the girls can return home to their families as if nothing ever happened.

In the hot summer of 1970, fifteen-year-old Fern arrives at her new home. She is pregnant and terrified since her dad dropped her off without saying goodbye. Under the care of Miss Wellwood, she meets about a dozen other pregnant girls, like her. Rose is a hippie who insists that she will find a way to keep her baby, and they will escape to a commune together. Holly is a strangely mute girl who is barely fourteen. Zinnia is a musician who plans to marry her baby’s father.

Everything the girls do, eat, and discuss is controlled by the adults who claim to know what’s best for them and their babies. Fern meets a librarian who gives her an occult book about witchcraft. The book contains power, something the girls have never had before. As they take revenge on those who hurt them, they realize that power can easily be destroyed as it is created, and everything comes with a price.

The book was an interesting read. I thought it would go one way, but it ended up going another. I felt that the book portrayed the Wellwood house and its occupants as strict and devious individuals who wanted to hurt the girls. However, I believe they were acting in what they thought was best for babies. I was expecting them to be monsters who sold children and were using the Wellwood house as a baby factory.

I anticipated a lot more horror or frightening moments. The novel primarily focuses on the young women trying to deal with situations beyond their control. While the book does have a few moments where witchcraft takes center stage, it didn’t feel spooky or scary. Perhaps because the book started strong but then dragged, it was only towards the end that it began to get good. I would still be open to reading more books by the author, as he writes very well, and his characters are well-developed.

Book Review - Unearthed: A Lost Actress, a Forbidden Book, and a Search for Life in the Shadow of the Holocaust by Meryl Frank

 

Unearthed: A Lost Actress, a Forbidden Book, and a Search for Life in the Shadow of the Holocaust by Meryl Frank is a family memoir about a woman searching for the truth surrounding her cousin’s death.  As a child, Meryl always remembered people telling her that she resembled her cousin, Franya Winter. Meryl’s aunt Mollie was the keeper of the family’s history and stories. When Mollie passed away, she entrusted Meryl with this legacy, along with a small Yiddish book that Mollie forbade her from reading.

For many years, Meryl honored Mollie’s wishes, but she remained curious to learn more about Franya. Meryl knew that Franya was a celebrated actress in Vilna before World War II. However, there was much about Franya that Mollie chose not to share, including the circumstances of her death. The book serves as part history and part exploration of acceptance and closure.

The book was an engaging read. I learned many interesting facts about the Holocaust that I hadn’t known before. However, it was somewhat challenging to read at times due to the prevalence of death and chaos. It also felt like it sometimes detracted from learning more about Franya and Meryl’s journey.

I had expected the book to focus more on Meryl’s quest for her cousin. The author spent considerable time sharing her reflections and insights. I appreciated reading about the various connections Meryl formed during her journey. The book isn’t lengthy, but it can be quite dense to absorb in one sitting.  In the synopsis of the book, it is called the book a “thrilling mystery,” but I do not feel that this accurately depicts the content, as it is often dense with facts and slow-paced at times.

Book Review - Quickly, While They Still Have Horses: Stories by Jan Carson

 

Quickly, While They Still Have Horses: Stories by Jan Carson is a collection of short stories that focus on relationships and the lives of people in Northern Ireland. Each story has a distinct theme. In one tale, a man eagerly awaits his girlfriend's visit to his hometown, yet despite his pleas, she remains firm in her decision on not visiting his hometown. In another story, a young girl can see the ghost of a car’s former owner. Additionally, a young couple is so enamored with each other that they fail to notice their small baby making its way toward the sea.

I found the book to be an entertaining read, with some stories being humorous while others carry a darker edge. Some readers might not appreciate the tales involving the harm of small children. There were a few stories that I didn’t enjoy as much, but overall, I found the writing to be beautiful and engaging.  I liked the book and would definitely read more by the author. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it, especially since I was initially hesitant to dive in!

Book Review - Cousins in the Time of Magic by Emma Otheguy

 

Cousins in the Time of Magic by Emma Otheguy is about three cousins who discover a magical portal that transports them into the past. Jorge, Camila, and Siggy have always been told by their eccentric Tía Xia that history is filled with magic. The three cousins are very different from one another: Jorge is a daredevil, Camila is a dreamer who loves animals and spends her time reading, and Siggy is an aspiring influencer who manages to score an invite to an exclusive party. While they’ve always known their aunt to be aloof and secretive, everything changes when they discover a mysterious diamond-encrusted sword—clearly a clue to something much bigger.

As they search for answers about the sword, the trio stumbles upon a magical portal that transports them to the year 1862. They quickly learn that while the past holds many wonders, it is also filled with danger. In order to return home, they must ensure the sword is delivered to General Ignacio Zaragoza before the historic Battle of Puebla in Mexico—the event that would later inspire the Cinco de Mayo holiday. To succeed, the cousins must rely on their individual strengths and work together to protect history without accidentally changing it.

The novel was an okay read. I wasn’t familiar with General Ignacio Zaragoza or the details behind Cinco de Mayo, so I appreciated learning more about that history. I liked that the author included Latin American history and culture, and that she clarified which characters were fictionalized. However, I can’t quite pinpoint why, but nothing in the story really wowed me or made me feel invested in continuing with the rest of the series. I believe young readers who enjoy time travel adventures—especially those with a Latinx background—may connect with this story more deeply than I did. It’s a great starting point for learning about aspects of Latin American history that are often left out of traditional history books.

Book Review - This Book Might Be About Zinnia by Brittney Morris

 

This Book Might Be About Zinnia by Brittney Morris is a heartfelt coming-of-age novel that follows Zinnia on her emotional journey to find her birth mother. In 2024, Zinnia Davis is focused on writing her personal essay for her college application to Harvard. However, when an admissions representative hints that her adoption story “lacks heart,” she realizes she needs a new angle if she wants to be accepted into her dream school.

Zinnia knows very little about her birth parents—until her favorite author releases a short story titled Little Heart, about a princess with a heart-shaped birthmark on her forehead who was separated from her mother at birth. Zinnia becomes convinced that the story was written by her birth mother as a way to reach out to her.

In a parallel storyline set in 2006, teenager Tuesday Walker is struggling to return to high school after being out for months due to a medical procedure and a devastating personal loss. She copes by writing in her journal, but after a traumatic incident causes her to lose it, she finds herself reliving her grief all over again.

The novel is told through alternating perspectives between Zinnia and Tuesday. I found the book to be an okay read—it had a few twists and turns, though many were predictable. One detail that stood out to me as confusing was the part where Zinnia travels to Brooklyn (or NYC) and sleeps under houses to stay warm. As a native New Yorker, I found this unrealistic, as there aren’t homes like that in the areas mentioned. It would have made more sense if the author had said she slept on a park bench.

Aside from that minor pet peeve, the book was entertaining. At times, I was frustrated with Zinnia’s behavior—she was so laser-focused on her own goals that she overlooked what her friend Milo might have been going through. Still, the story held my interest through to the end, and I would be open to reading more books by the author.

Book Review - Growing Home by Beth Ferry

 

 Growing Home by Beth Ferry is a charming story about the pets at Number 3 Ramshorn Drive discovering the true meaning of friendship and home. Ivy, a beloved houseplant, is adored by Jillian Tupper, the daughter of the family, who showers her with love and attention—much to the dismay of the actual family pet, Toasty the goldfish. Toasty believes he should be Jillian’s favorite, not Ivy.

Toasty’s jealousy only grows when Jillian surprises Ivy with another plant: Ollie, a sweet violet who loves to sing and befriend everyone. Soon after, Arthur, a wise and curious spider, arrives. Having broken his legs, Arthur must stay at Ramshorn until he recovers. With more “rivals” in the house, Toasty becomes increasingly frustrated by the competition for Jillian’s affection.

Out of irritation, Toasty splashes the plants with water from his tank—unaware that doing so gives them magical powers. It turns out Toasty’s fishbowl is no ordinary tank, but a magical object created by an alchemist and imbued with powerful magic. If it falls into the wrong hands, it could cause great harm. So when a mysterious man begins snooping around, Toasty, Ivy, Arthur, and Ollie must put aside their differences to protect their home and the family they all love.

This book is a delightful and heartwarming read. The black-and-white illustrations are charming and well done. The story strikes a great balance of humor and heart, and it’s a joy to watch each character grow and find their voice while working together. It’s a wonderful story for young readers, with gentle lessons about friendship, family, and belonging. I’d gladly read more books by the author.

 

July 2025 Empties!

 

I can't believe it has been a few months since I did an empties post. Also, to be fair, I can't believe it is already July. I feel like the year moves so quickly and slowly at the same time. I did manage to finish a lot of goodies, let's get to it!

The Wet n Wild Hello Kitty collection had come out earlier in the year. I had gotten a few things, but my favorite was the lip mask. It had a creamy texture and smelled so good. It reminded me of cotton candy. 

The Dove Turmeric Milk and Lemon Drop soap smells amazing! I had bought a few products from their new plant milk line, and they all smell so great. The only downside is that one bar of soap was almost $6 a bar. The bar had a creamy lather, and it washed out cleanly. It left the skin feeling soft and smooth. And did I mention how great it smells? Sadly, it doesn't last longer than a standard bar of soap. 

The Sandawha Camellia Flower Cream Mask reminds me of the Fresh Lotus Mask. It is gel-based with a rose color, and it has pieces of flowers in the gel. It does look kinda of gross on skin, but it leaves skin looking brighter. It works almost as well as more expressive masks. 

I am always looking at ways to be more eco-friendly. So last year, I had bought the Myni system and forgot about it. The set comes with one bottle and two powders that you mix with water to make shower gels. I had gotten the green tea one. I can hands down say, I realize why this company is no longer around. The body wash had a slimey gooey consistency that didn't really lather, and the scent!!! It smells like hot trash. I couldn't smell it without trying to vomit. Absolutely, one of the worst-smelling thing I ever tried.

Is there anything you used this month that you would recommend? 

Book Review - Barefoot by the Sea by Roxanne St. Claire

 

Barefoot by the Sea by Roxanne St. Claire follows a woman named Tessa Galloway, who desperately wants to have a child, but life keeps getting in the way. Tessa is known as the nurturer in her friend group and is a talented gardener, managing to create a prolific and beautiful garden at the resort in Barefoot Bay. However, the one thing she wishes to grow the most remains out of her reach.

Tessa yearns to be a mother. While her friends believe that the right guy will eventually come along, Tessa is unwilling to wait. She is searching for the perfect donor and is not interested in just anyone. Her fortunes might change when the resort hires a gorgeous and charismatic new chef, John Brown, who sparks her interest and makes her wonder if she wants something more with him.

John Brown is on the run and desperate to reclaim his old life. It has been three years since he was placed in the witness protection program, forcing him to leave his toddler twins behind to keep them safe. To regain custody of his twins, he must prove that he has a stable life, which includes having a wife. John finds himself falling for Tessa, but she seeks someone who can be honest and open with her. Unfortunately for John, he harbors many secrets that could jeopardize the safety of those he loves if revealed. Will this pair find a way to achieve their desires?

This book is the fourth novel in the series, and although I read the previous book, Barefoot in the Sun, I believe I could have followed the story without reading any others in the series. I didn’t enjoy this novel. It felt like there was too much filler, and the overall storyline seemed far-fetched. I don’t understand how being married would make someone a better father. Also, why would he be unable to get his children back if the police managed to capture the bad guys?

The romance and the element of Tessa’s alleged infertility felt unbelievable, and it was annoying how everything was neatly resolved at the end. In the previous book, Tessa discusses her desire for children, so it seems odd that she assumes she is infertile without a medical diagnosis.

While the characters in this book weren’t completely insufferable, they still had their annoying moments. There was one recurring character, Zoe—the lead in the previous novel—who continued to be bothersome in this book. When Zoe noticed her friend struggling with the idea of a fake wedding, she selfishly chose not to help her. Tessa herself could be quite unbearable; she despises it when others keep secrets, yet she conveniently keeps them from her friends. The dialogue between some characters was cringe-worthy, leaving me to wonder if people truly acedlike that; it felt exaggerated and over the top.

I did enjoy Tessa's interactions with her friend’s daughter, Ashley. However, Ashley’s subplot was cute but predictable and likely unnecessary. After reading two books from this series, I've concluded that I am not a fan of the author. She tends to write implausible stories with largely annoying and obnoxious characters. If you enjoy steamy beach romances and don’t mind outlandish storylines, you might find more enjoyment in this novel than I did.

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.