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bookish_selkie
The latest installment in Amanda Lovelace’s poetry collection, shine your icy crown, is absolutely stunning. The collection glitters with beautiful art, short and sweet poems, and an elegant balance between the voice of a younger vs bigger sister. I like that you can really interpret the voice of the big sister however you want: a friend, sister, kind inner voice? My favorite poems were the ones which encouraged bravery, kindness (to yourself and others), and independence. This would be an excellent collection for someone looking to learn more about poetry or for a Lovelace fan. Shine your icy crown releases on January 26, 2021. Thank you to Amanda Lovelace, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“Piranesi. It is what he calls me. Which is strange because as far as I remember it is not my name.”
What a simple and complex story. I love when a story plays with my expectations and completely unravels them. Upon opening Piranesi, I had the sense that I’d secretly entered a museum after hours. To open this book is to enter into a silent realm. The light is hazy and in the dim light you can see a row of unusual statues facing you. A minotaur looms, children play, and a king stands in deep thought. In the distance, the sound of waves ripple and an albatross circles overhead.
Piranesi is a peaceful, deep, and simple tale all at once. Reminiscent of Erin Morgenstern’s The Starless Sea, I felt completely transported and connected to Piranesi and his quest for knowledge. Putting together the truth of what happened almost feels like a thriller, unsure who to trust or who to believe. I don’t want to say too much more, but I hope you get the chance to meet Piranesi. This is a delightfully imaginative story and I know I will have to reread it soon!
What a simple and complex story. I love when a story plays with my expectations and completely unravels them. Upon opening Piranesi, I had the sense that I’d secretly entered a museum after hours. To open this book is to enter into a silent realm. The light is hazy and in the dim light you can see a row of unusual statues facing you. A minotaur looms, children play, and a king stands in deep thought. In the distance, the sound of waves ripple and an albatross circles overhead.
Piranesi is a peaceful, deep, and simple tale all at once. Reminiscent of Erin Morgenstern’s The Starless Sea, I felt completely transported and connected to Piranesi and his quest for knowledge. Putting together the truth of what happened almost feels like a thriller, unsure who to trust or who to believe. I don’t want to say too much more, but I hope you get the chance to meet Piranesi. This is a delightfully imaginative story and I know I will have to reread it soon!
The World Between Blinks was so clever and fun! Such a fantastic book and definitely one I will be recommending to students or anyone looking for a well-told story. Pitched for 8-12 year olds, discerning adults will also enjoy (and I certainly did!). So much detailed historical research is included; I learned a lot and appreciated how seamlessly everything was woven together. If you’re worried you missed anything, you can check out the glossary at the back which explains any historical references.
The world feels like such a magical place to be. While there’s strong currents of adventure and wonder, throughout it all cousins Jake and Marisol need to get back home before it’s too late. I loved how the relationship between the cousins changes and deepens throughout the story as they work together to leave the World Between Blinks. This was a bright, fun adventure that came to me right when I needed it.
The World Between Blinks has some profound lessons about grief and loss that are handled elegantly. The writing is simply superb, from the world-building to the sensory-filled descriptions. It’s the perfect middle-grade escape! If you’ve ever wished you could visit a Frost Fair on the Thames, meet Amelia Earhart, or hang out with one of the last Tasmanian tigers then you need to check out The World Between Blinks.
The world feels like such a magical place to be. While there’s strong currents of adventure and wonder, throughout it all cousins Jake and Marisol need to get back home before it’s too late. I loved how the relationship between the cousins changes and deepens throughout the story as they work together to leave the World Between Blinks. This was a bright, fun adventure that came to me right when I needed it.
The World Between Blinks has some profound lessons about grief and loss that are handled elegantly. The writing is simply superb, from the world-building to the sensory-filled descriptions. It’s the perfect middle-grade escape! If you’ve ever wished you could visit a Frost Fair on the Thames, meet Amelia Earhart, or hang out with one of the last Tasmanian tigers then you need to check out The World Between Blinks.
“And aren’t we all a little bit in love with our best friends?”
MY. HEART. This book absolutely devastated me and I adored it. Still thinking about how beautifully loss and grief in friendship was portrayed. So this book…it had me from the title, the first line, my first introduction to Cleo. Cleo and Layla are best friends, until one day they’re not. Why? Using flashbacks from then and scenes from the now, the mystery of how a friendship unraveled is carefully revealed.
Never a dull moment, I stayed up way too late to read the ending. While this is a story about grief and loss, there are so many moments of joy and the beginning of new friendships. This book feels so real and raw, with every sentence a delicately crafted piece of art. If you’ve ever found yourself grieving a lost friendship, you’ll be able to relate to Cleo and her journey. I would seriously recommend this book for anyone, whatever age you are. Also, there’s great stuttering rep (which I normally don’t see enough of in YA).
Woodfolk writes complex and relatable friendship, heartbreak, grieving, and ultimately healing. Please go read this and then we can talk about how incredible it is! I know that it’s one I’ll be rereading, recommending, and thinking about for a long time. So don’t miss out and go grab a copy of this beautifully devastating book!!
MY. HEART. This book absolutely devastated me and I adored it. Still thinking about how beautifully loss and grief in friendship was portrayed. So this book…it had me from the title, the first line, my first introduction to Cleo. Cleo and Layla are best friends, until one day they’re not. Why? Using flashbacks from then and scenes from the now, the mystery of how a friendship unraveled is carefully revealed.
Never a dull moment, I stayed up way too late to read the ending. While this is a story about grief and loss, there are so many moments of joy and the beginning of new friendships. This book feels so real and raw, with every sentence a delicately crafted piece of art. If you’ve ever found yourself grieving a lost friendship, you’ll be able to relate to Cleo and her journey. I would seriously recommend this book for anyone, whatever age you are. Also, there’s great stuttering rep (which I normally don’t see enough of in YA).
Woodfolk writes complex and relatable friendship, heartbreak, grieving, and ultimately healing. Please go read this and then we can talk about how incredible it is! I know that it’s one I’ll be rereading, recommending, and thinking about for a long time. So don’t miss out and go grab a copy of this beautifully devastating book!!
“My heart is my compass.”
What a read!! This book is action-packed. I feel like that term is thrown around a lot, but there truly is never a dull moment in Blood Heir, a debut novel from Amélie Wen Zhao. Fun fact: I was so excited to read this book I spent 292 pages reading Ramson’s name as: Ransom. -facepalm-
I love the story of Anastasia, so that immediately caught my interest! But Amélie quickly makes it all her own, telling a creative and poignant tale. The witty dialogue, plot twists, and fabulous descriptions made this hard to put down. This is a story about choices: good, bad, and morally grey. The action, betrayal, cool magic system, and wit of this book completely hooked me. I’m already excited for the next book in this series, as the story is far from over when you reach the last page!
What a read!! This book is action-packed. I feel like that term is thrown around a lot, but there truly is never a dull moment in Blood Heir, a debut novel from Amélie Wen Zhao. Fun fact: I was so excited to read this book I spent 292 pages reading Ramson’s name as: Ransom. -facepalm-
I love the story of Anastasia, so that immediately caught my interest! But Amélie quickly makes it all her own, telling a creative and poignant tale. The witty dialogue, plot twists, and fabulous descriptions made this hard to put down. This is a story about choices: good, bad, and morally grey. The action, betrayal, cool magic system, and wit of this book completely hooked me. I’m already excited for the next book in this series, as the story is far from over when you reach the last page!
In Love & Pajamas is as cozy and lovely as the title. I’ve followed Catana and her stories online previously, but you don’t need any prior knowledge to enjoy this collection! These comics are perfect, bite-sized, and always hilariously relatable. With themes of sweetness and connection throughout, Catana draws specific situations that manage to be both funny and heartwarming. I would highly recommend this! In Love & Pajamas releases on February 2, 2021. Thank you to Catana Chetwynd, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.