sallenreads's reviews
104 reviews

The Shape of Thunder by Jasmine Warga

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challenging emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I Am Margaret Moore by Hannah Capin

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dark mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? N/A
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

My favorite part of I AM MARGARET MOORE is the writing -- Capin writes in such a poetic way and really brings the atmosphere of Marshall and its surroundings to life. While some readers won't connect with this particular style, I can see it being a good fit for those who enjoy darker novels in verse.

I think the pacing is also going to divide a lot of readers. From a logical standpoint, it seems like not much happens until the plot twist 2/3 through. On the other hand, the slow pacing of that first section of the book drew me in and got me invested, which made that plot twist hit that much harder. This book would probably be a better fit for readers who don't mind slower paced books, or are looking for something that feels a little more unsettling.

Ultimately, I found I AM MARGARET MOORE to be an impactful book about girls who feel silenced and that their ability to choose has been taken from them, all to protect the boys who put them in that situation in the first place. While the framing is unconventional, ultimately the book is about Margaret reclaiming her sense of self. This has potential to resonate with the readers who do connect to this book.

Thank you Wednesday Books for providing a copy for review.

Content Warnings

True or False: A CIA Analyst's Guide to Spotting Fake News by Cindy L. Otis

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informative medium-paced

5.0

Missing You by Phellip Willian

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hopeful fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This was a quick and adorable read dealing with grief and accepting change. The highlight for me was the illustrations -- the watercolors were absolutely gorgeous.

Thank you to Oni Press for providing a copy for review.

Content Warnings

Dream to Me by Megan Paasch

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emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

DREAM TO ME is a heartbreakingly raw story about grief and guilt, set against an atmospheric setting in a Pacific Northwest forest. Eva's pain and trauma were depicted sensitively, and the point she reaches with these feelings is realistic but still satisfying. Mystery readers should enjoy unraveling the Sylvan family secrets alongside Eva, and while there is romance, it doesn't overshadow the rest of the book.

Thank you to Macmillan for providing a review copy.

Content Warnings