Best one yet. Voldemort’s history, romantic complications, Snape, intrigue.

Maybe 2.5. I had high hopes for this book but was pretty disappointed. It was neither memoir nor self-help, but read as a list of thoughts and advice regarding the author’s very specific personal experience with anxiety, which she then applied universally to all anxious people. The odd style mixed with unnecessary name-dropping, her unawareness of her privileged perspective, and the lack of narrative direction or even clear themes even within chapters, made it a pretty disjointed read.

However, I appreciate her willingness to write about her experience and there were several bits that made me look at my anxiety in a new way, which I appreciate. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend and probably wouldn’t have finished if I hadn’t purchased it. Great cover art tho!

This just didn’t live up to the hype for me. I spent the first half trying to get into it and the second half trying to finish it. I couldn’t seem to relate to the main characters. It seemed like they lived in their own little world where no one else’s problems or lives mattered. And since several of the people in their lives were lower class and/or people of color (while they were white and upper class) this left a bad taste in my mouth. That being said, I did think the premise was really interesting and found several parts very touching.

4.5 I love a solid ending. It did feel a little gratuitous/lengthy at times but whatever it’s Harry Potter and I cried.

Totally original, a deep dive, a fever dream. Recurring themes and characters beautifully woven together. Tons of insight. More Tommy Orange books ASAP, please.

My very favorite thing about this book, from page one, was Julia. Her voice was so real and refreshing and pure, even in its unreliability. She was never for a moment anything less than herself, in all her unfiltered teenage glory, and I loved it. Highly recommended for teens and adults.

Wonderfully written middle grade book about misfit kids, ghosts and Scotland. What’s not to love?!?