It has been months since my last read. I simply haven't been in the right mood to read or even listen to an audiobook. I've been binge-watching variouIt has been months since my last read. I simply haven't been in the right mood to read or even listen to an audiobook. I've been binge-watching various TV shows and loving it. Randomly yesterday I decided to google verse novels, and this was at the top of the list so here we are, review at the ready.
This is an ownvoice verse novel about a 13-year-old girl learning what it means to be neurodivergent. She has tried to follow 'rules' that will make her 'normal' in other people's eyes, despite how much they hurt her. She lashes out one day when facing sensory overload and the school community demands she be removed for the safety of other students.
The writing is simple and has more of a prose feel as opposed to poetry. I enjoyed the simplicity of the storytelling and also the odd occasion when Meg plays with the white spaces on the page. I think this book is important, informative, and uplifting. A lovely celebration of how beautifully different we all are....more
An enjoyable YA LGBTQIA retelling of a Jane Austen classic. Loved the art style in this graphic novel! Cade and his family were adorable and I thoughtAn enjoyable YA LGBTQIA retelling of a Jane Austen classic. Loved the art style in this graphic novel! Cade and his family were adorable and I thought the dynamics were well captured in this format. There are a lot of issues covered in this book but they are done so in a relatable and respectful way. I suspect Henry's story is a fairly common one in terms of his father refusing to accept his sexuality.
Not a tatty second hand copy which is what I usually prefer. But a brand spanking new one. $40 I bought the audiobook.
Then I bought the actual book.
Not a tatty second hand copy which is what I usually prefer. But a brand spanking new one. $40 NZ dollars worth of absolute gold!
I will now read it with a pencil in my hand to make notes and underline parts. Imagine writing in a book! It will be a first for me. But it simply begs to have parts highlighted or notes made in the margins about how certain aspects of the system will work for me.
I will then continue to talk about this book with everyone (sorry not sorry random person in book shop).
This is not new content and James says that himself and he references a lot of other research. Apparently he has cherry picked examples that suit his needs. Apparently he has taken some of these examples out of context. It also isn't spectacular writing. I really don't care about all of that because the practical tips will work for me. I have a jar by my bed which is steadily being filled with tokens as a testament to the fact that I am developing new helpful habits. My teen daughter has even has implemented one of the strategies!
Won't work for everyone but exactly what I need in my life.
3.5 Stars! Loved the art in this YA graphic novel! The concept of having your heart removed so you don't feel is also fascinating. The message felt ver3.5 Stars! Loved the art in this YA graphic novel! The concept of having your heart removed so you don't feel is also fascinating. The message felt very pointed in parts but overall this was a great dystopia that reminded me a bit of Delirium by Lauren Oliver....more
Anxiety and intrusive thoughts were really well captured in this YA novel. It does deal with some heavy issues as Brynn's mother is worried she has suAnxiety and intrusive thoughts were really well captured in this YA novel. It does deal with some heavy issues as Brynn's mother is worried she has suicidal thoughts. Her father's fear was well written as he tries to find a workable arrangement that respects Brynn's independence but keeps her safe. I'm not sure how I felt about the mystery element of the story as I didn't really like the secondary character so couldn't understand the connection between the girls.
A powerful graphic novel with some really distressing moments. I am unsure who I would recommend this to as whilst it was good, it was also very dark A powerful graphic novel with some really distressing moments. I am unsure who I would recommend this to as whilst it was good, it was also very dark and painful. Please read the hidden content warning if you work in a library where young people may wish to borrow this. The mother is verbally, emotionally and physically abusive and dealing with her own inner demons. This amazingly powerful book definitely needs to be vetted before being purchased for a school library.
(view spoiler)[The main character overdoses in the bath and the image shows her conscious in the bath with the pill bottle floating in the water. It also has a sequence of pictures where the main character is picking anxiously at the skin around her nails and making them bleed. They are close ups of the hands. (hide spoiler)]...more
Wow wow wow! That was a brilliant but rough read. I loved the art style with it's dark images crowding around our main characters revealing their inneWow wow wow! That was a brilliant but rough read. I loved the art style with it's dark images crowding around our main characters revealing their inner fears about themselves. It deals with two main issues: that of being an adopted Korean born child in a small closed minded community in rural USA, and then also it follows the main character exploring their gender identity. I really appreciated the author's notes at the end too....more
This was a bit of a frustrating YA mystery read. Told in dual timelines we learn about a group of girls at a summer camp and how they were tr1.5 Stars
This was a bit of a frustrating YA mystery read. Told in dual timelines we learn about a group of girls at a summer camp and how they were treated by one of the camp leaders. It was a weird story and at no point did I care about what had happened and who had done what. There were weird relationships that made for uncomfortable reading. Not for me....more
3.5 Stars rounded up to 4 because of the great concept!
I love a good 'final girl' slasher book and this one delivered on murder most gruesome. I enjoy3.5 Stars rounded up to 4 because of the great concept!
I love a good 'final girl' slasher book and this one delivered on murder most gruesome. I enjoyed the supernatural elements as they were a bit creepy. Some good tension and big cast of characters, some of whom I hoped would meet a bloody end, and others I want to live. Whilst there was a predictable "villain" I still got a bit of a shock at one part. Fun times in this YA horror/thriller people!...more
Such a good follow up. Loved all the Greek mythology and magical powers. Excellent cast of characters and I felt like I knew them all and was investedSuch a good follow up. Loved all the Greek mythology and magical powers. Excellent cast of characters and I felt like I knew them all and was invested in their story....more
I am so far behind with reviews and even adding books I have read so my reviews are going to be short and snappy. This YA contemporary fantas4.5 Stars
I am so far behind with reviews and even adding books I have read so my reviews are going to be short and snappy. This YA contemporary fantasy was slow to start but then became so good I moved straight onto book two. Amazing audiobook narration. Heaps of intrigue and atmosphere. Thoroughly recommend.
I'm going straight in with a hidden spoiler. You have been warned. (view spoiler)[This is one of the best origin stories I have read. (hide spoiler)]I'm going straight in with a hidden spoiler. You have been warned. (view spoiler)[This is one of the best origin stories I have read. (hide spoiler)] Now that spoiler coupled with the blurb will tell you everything you need to know about this wonderfully dark magical tale. I so wanted there to be a sequel but the story has already been told. Hopefully a new dark spin more akin to the original? Go on, Kristi. You know you want to. This has to be the most cryptic review I've written. Anyhoo, I really enjoyed this and look forward to reading more from this author....more
Cover aside, this is an excellent middle school/intermediate historical novel. I was instantly engaged by the special abilities of the main charactersCover aside, this is an excellent middle school/intermediate historical novel. I was instantly engaged by the special abilities of the main characters. The difficulties of being a gold miner were well written and captured the atmosphere and attitudes of the time period without reading like an encyclopaedia. There were some really despicable villains and I definitely became invested in the outcome. Thoroughly recommend for NZ intermediate libraries. ...more
A layered and tense thriller. I was really invested but at the same time uncomfortable. The story follows the search for a missing child and 3.5 Stars
A layered and tense thriller. I was really invested but at the same time uncomfortable. The story follows the search for a missing child and I am a parent so I felt yucky and stressed throughout the whole novel. Therefore, whilst I can appreciate the writing and the complex plot I didn't 'enjoy' it....more
I did enjoy aspects of this book but Madhuri was not a very endearing main character. She was quite unpleasant at times so couldn't get behin2.5 Stars
I did enjoy aspects of this book but Madhuri was not a very endearing main character. She was quite unpleasant at times so couldn't get behind the romance with Arjun. Just okay for me....more
I love when you read a book that feels open, honest and raw. They usually hurt a bit too. This one had some laugh out loud moments and some 'Preach siI love when you read a book that feels open, honest and raw. They usually hurt a bit too. This one had some laugh out loud moments and some 'Preach sister!' moments. It won't be for everyone as it felt like my mind was in an industrial dryer. Going round and round without a sense of direction but knowing that the cycle will end soon....more
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