Genius psychohistorian Hari Seldon realizes that the Galactic Empire, resided in exclusively by capitalistic male humans, has sown the seeds of its own destruction. Intent on saving humanity (which would clearly not die out anyway bc there are billions of humans (men) EVERYWHERE), Seldon launches the Foundation, a society dedicated to minimizing the chaos of the interim between Empires.

I was incredibly engaged in this story at the beginning, but found myself losing interest as the plot became increasingly economics-centric and the stories featured similar, somewhat flat male protagonists. There is seriously not a woman to be found in this book until past page 200, and when one does appear she's vain and materialistic. Blech

There is no denying that Munro writes subtly and deftly, but I struggled to enjoy reading about the quotidian events in Del's life. Just too realistic for me!

*Recommended by Grandma Judy

DNF around page 40

Ann Hood describes her lifelong love of books and the ones that influenced her most. Morningstar is SO simply written, so basic and surface-level, that I just can't enjoy it.

DNF @ p. 18

I don't like the choppy writing style, the characters are bizarre and unbelievable, and I just can't find any likable element to attach to.

This book is so incredibly fun and cute! Not really that well-written, but such an enjoyable time nonetheless.

Lucy hates her coworker Josh...or does she?? Sexual tension abounds.

I found the main characters' abrupt mood swings pretty frustrating, and I got tired of the constant references to "games," but this novel was also full of moments that made me stop breathing. Mixed bag but I liked it.

The Night Ocean is most successful as a sort of meditation on the nature of truth via storytelling- at what point does a non-factual tale become part of the remembered canon based solely on its persistence?

In terms of plot, this novel is much less successful. La Farge establishes a mystery hook- is Marina's husband Charlie truly dead, or has he disappeared in the way that Robert Barlow, his subject, claims to have made his exit from society? Marina takes the reader on an intensive journey through Charlie's research into the lives of HP Lovecraft, Barlow, and others in an effort to make sense of Charlie's downfall. Unfortunately, there is no satisfying conclusion, and the detailed excursions into narratives that may not even be true become incredibly exhausting. Maybe that's the point, but it's annoying.

A speculative exploration of a world in which immigration becomes simplified and beyond the reach of regulation. Nadia and Saeed flee their country to escape war and end up trying to forge a better life together in other places.

This novel, while conceptually very interesting, is bogged down by long sentences and philosophical musings that distract from the character development and plot. It reads like a treatise on the effects of immigration rather than a novel. I thought it was fine, but not exceptional.

This gorgeous wordless comic book volume follows the Knight of Swords as he walks around, having adventures. I'm not totally sure what happens in the adventures or how they connect, but the imagery is absolutely astounding. Really just beautiful, colorful artwork.

I love the whimsical feeling of A Land Called Tarot. I can imagine that certain kids will love poring over the pictures, assembling them into a mental narrative or just absorbing their artistic value. In terms of being a story, this isn't one. And I'm pretty sure that it's not supposed to be. In an interview, Bertrand said, "Sometimes we yearn for closure and resolution, and sometimes all we need is going out for walk." This is a walk. A lovely, confusing, meandering walk through dimensions, portals, identities- with absolutely no explanation. It's not quite my cup of tea (I tend to prefer content with a narrative), but it will definitely find its people.

I received a digital review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss.

Interview source: https://imagecomics.com/content/view/a-land-called-tarot-beloved-island-tale-gets-hardcover-collection-this-febr#sthash.c6Ep4Gqn.dpuf

Wendell is coming to stay at Sophie's for the weekend. She's shy; he's self-assured and full of ideas for games, one of which relegates Sophie to the role of "dog" while Wendell plays mother, father, and all five children. Although their time together suffers a rocky start, Wendell and Sophie eventually find a way to enjoy each other's company.

I love all of Kevin Henkes's mouse books, and this is no exception. Wendell and Sophie are believable kid characters, and I'm floored as always by the silliness of this book and the details of the fun illustrations. This is not among my favorite mouse books, however, because I'm a little bit frustrated by the simplicity and speed of Wendell and Sophie's transition from enemies to friends, as opposed to the similar but more nuanced portrayal of this switch in [b:Chester's Way|20692|Chester's Way|Kevin Henkes|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1415584774s/20692.jpg|1705170].

Still, A Weekend with Wendell is a funny, clever story that kids will love and adults will appreciate (particularly for the expressions on Sophie's parents' faces as their young houseguest makes messes).

I'm mad as hell because I had such fond memories of this book but I read it to some kids tonight and I was struck by a sudden realization that it's maybe not so great??

The rhymes are mediocre at best, with mismatching syllables and lots of instances where you know the words don't really rhyme but you kind of let it slide.

The characters' motivations are very unclear and a little too convenient. Why does Miss Clavel want the girls associating with the sadistic kid next door? Why does Pepito do any of the mean shit he does? Why does Madeline have the power to change his behavior by telling him that he's not such a bad hat? And why does she even step in?

ALSO, for some reason I was under the impression that Pepito was bad in a silly way or something, where his behavior could be excused because he's just a kid. NOPE. He's the WORST. He tortures animals and kills chickens for fun?? Um?????????

Disappointed to have had such a negative reaction this time around!!