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thebookworm_queen's reviews
223 reviews
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I found this book difficult to read because it was too sad. I ended up taking a long break after the first 2 parts as the emotional turmoil the main character Charlie was going through was just too much. I had expected this to be a coming of age story about a young man who didn't quite fit in in high school and although that is part of the story the other part is darker and filled with some heavy topics that I found difficult to read through. So please read with care as I know this a popular book and for good reason, but it's not for everyone. Although I think there is an important message within this book I do think that the topics like abusive relationships, child abuse, suicide, & homophobia should have been discussed more in depth within the book and with more care for young readers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Suicide
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, and Alcohol
Minor: Cursing, Death, Drug use, and Abortion
Flying Witch, Volume 2 by Chihiro Ishizuka
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Such a sweet and light hearted series. Nothing too serious or complicated, it's something that you can sit back with a cup a tea and melt into the beautiful scenery and laugh at the little mischief the gang gets into.
Truly, Madly, Deeply by Alexandria Bellefleur
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
If I could I would have put that the characters are ABSOLUTELY 10000000% lovable. Collin is "a walking green flag" as Trulys dad put it ever so sweetly. Also the banter was the absolute between these two, I had goosebumps. I will definitely be rereading. One last thing the narration was amazing!
I just wish we knew more a out what happened to some of the side characters I'm hopeful that maybe we get more stories and this is just beginning.
I just wish we knew more a out what happened to some of the side characters I'm hopeful that maybe we get more stories and this is just beginning.
Broken Web by Lori M. Lee
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Brace yourself I wrote more of a rant versus a review:
I wanted to love it but I still felt confused as far as the world and the magic system. Don't know if it's because I was listening to the audio version it I never had to rewind so many times in a book to get a basic understanding. Also kind of annoyed with the main character. I kept waiting for her to embrace the monster in her and actually use her powers, book 2 felt like a repeat of book 1. She's still just as clueless and afraid, it's like all of her inner growth from book 1 was forgotten.
There were also moments of expla ation that I thought were unnecessary, like he was upset because of blah blah and I would think of course he is I just read that I would be upset too. It just felt repetitive. And the ending was just like no duh??
I'm realllllllyyyyyyyy hoping for book 3 to be a solid conclusion because I actually like some of the characters and I think they deserve better. There's potential I can see it and I'm hopeful but wary going into book 3.
I wanted to love it but I still felt confused as far as the world and the magic system. Don't know if it's because I was listening to the audio version it I never had to rewind so many times in a book to get a basic understanding. Also kind of annoyed with the main character. I kept waiting for her to embrace the monster in her and actually use her powers, book 2 felt like a repeat of book 1. She's still just as clueless and afraid, it's like all of her inner growth from book 1 was forgotten.
There were also moments of expla ation that I thought were unnecessary, like he was upset because of blah blah and I would think of course he is I just read that I would be upset too. It just felt repetitive. And the ending was just like no duh??
I'm realllllllyyyyyyyy hoping for book 3 to be a solid conclusion because I actually like some of the characters and I think they deserve better. There's potential I can see it and I'm hopeful but wary going into book 3.
Forest of Souls by Lori M. Lee
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A dark fantasy filled with elemental magic, love it! My favorite part of the story are the friendships. The two of them are funny and butt kicking warriors. There is also an amazing world created with an interestingaguc system that is a bit difficult to follow at times but I am ready to see what is next in book 2!
The Girl, The Ring, and the Baseball Bat by Camille Gomera-Tavarez
For a playlist head over to my blog for the link!
https://thebookwormqueen.com/book-tour-the-girl-the-ring-the-baseball-bat-by-camille-gomera-tavarez/2024/
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Trigger Warning: Racism, Classism, Cursing, Alcohol, Homophobia, Sexual Harassment
Thank you to Hear Our Voices and Levine Querido for the free ebook and audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
As an audiobook: 4 stars
As an audiobook: 4 stars
As an ebook: 3 stars
The best part of the book was its' audio version.
"TGTRATBB" is an outstanding audiobook. It features multiple voice actors who palpably put their souls into their words and create vivid personalities. Through the voice actors I found myself laughing and cheering on the Talisman crew. During pivotal moments of the book there were drum beats or a celestial piano that accompanied the chapters, it was a sweet surprise. Had the plot of the story been able to keep up with its audio performance this could have been a five star read.
Points are made, but...
Gomez-Tavarez created a great cast of characters ranging from Afro-Latinx representation to LGBTQIA+ community representation and set them on a canvas of a school that criminalizes its Brown and Black students. The plot was easy enough to follow: Rosie Rojas is a hard working student who is unable to make it into her dream school due to the lack of support from her school. They hold her accountable of an incident from her past and are also criminalizing her because of her race. Through new friendships and a magical jacket Rosie reconsiders her goals as well as the power structure of the school and of society.
Powerful points are made about the structures of public schools in underserved communities. About how young girls of color are over sexualized. How there is a lot of pressure placed on young adults, but very little guidance is provided by the adults who are paid to help them. It's a book that teens can relate to as they understand that feeling of uncertainty, but the overall digestibility is a 3 on a 5 point scale.
Three is a crowd.
The story is powerful and encourages readers to think about complex things like racism, classism, and sexism. A lot of "isms". A young reader may be overwhelmed by these concepts due to the delivery of this content. Telling a story from three perspectives is fun, but also complex and it may have taken away from the overall quality of the story.
As I read, I became excited as a mystery developed. When Rosie finds out about her mothers secret past which leads her to her talisman. I thought: "Great, here we go! This is when it gets good." *Cue the confusion.* I am left wondering if the pace is going to pick up? Are the dots going to be connected?
Basically we are told about this problem, Rosie has the potential to fix it, but there's a detour. The characters Caro and Zeke still need to catch up and readers have to read their storyline. I was waiting for point A to connect to point B. Instead, I found myself going to A to A.a to A.b to A.c and so on.
The characters are well developed and are very lovable, but the story dragged and the resolution is rushed.
Key Take-Aways.
Positive:
- Well Developed Characters
- Wonderful Representation:
- Intergenerational Families
- Afro-Latinx
- LGBTQIA+
- Amazing Audio
Negative:
- Slow Pacing
- Unclear Resolution
If you like books like: "A Cuban Girls Guide to Tea and Tomorrow" by Laura Taylor Namey or "American Street" by Ibi Zoboi then I'd recommend "The Girl, The Ring, & the Baseball Bat" by Camille Gomera-Tavarez .
For a playlist head over to my blog for the link!
https://thebookwormqueen.com/book-tour-the-girl-the-ring-the-baseball-bat-by-camille-gomera-tavarez/2024/
The Girl, the Ring, and the Baseball Bat by Camille Gomera-Tavarez
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Vol. 3 by Kanehito Yamada, Tsukasa Abe
adventurous
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Cruzita and the Mariacheros by Ashley Granillo
4 stars for Cruzita!
A debut that is as sweet as a fluffy concha fresh out of the oven. Rich in Mexican American culture; experience a summer in CA from Lupes' Panaderia and learn about Mexican American music (icons and the sources that inspired them). Learn about what it means to be a friend. Young readers will love Cruzita; she is funny, determined, and caring. Readers wont be able to put down this book as they follow her through her musical journey where she learns about her culture and embraces a new melody.
I did not want to stop reading "Cruzita and the Mariacheros".
It was a comfort to read, as well as a learning experience. I have mentioned before in previous reviews, but in case you're new here: 1. Hi! 2 . I am Mexican American and like the main character, Cruzita, have always struggled with speaking Spanish.
The language seems to eternally bind us (Latine folk) and divide us, as we alienate those who don't know enough or don't speak it at all. Having a book like this is important because it tells readers it's okay. If you don't know Spanish, that's okay. If you're unfamiliar with a Mexican pop-star, that's okay. If you claim to be Mexican American or Latina/e/x, then that is it. You do not need to prove to anyone that you are "insert ethnicity or race or whatever" enough because you are enough. This is a big theme in Cruzita, she doesn't speak Spanish well and is not familiar with mariachi music. With the help of her teacher, new friends and family members she embraces her culture and loves it now that she knows more about it.
Those who do not identify as Latinx/e/a/o will still love the story as it has the perfect summer feel with adorable and relatable characters that any music loving reader would enjoy reading about. It's not just about Cruzita learning about her culture, but about her learning what friendship really is. It can help young readers understand the importance of supporting your friends and how to respect their culture.
I cannot recommend this book enough for young readers (ages 11-14). If you are looking for a book that tells the story about a modern Mexican American story that is about music, family bonds, and friendship written by a Mexican American author, look no further.
Read-a-likes would include books like “Maizy Chen's Last Chance” by Lisa Yee.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4 stars for Cruzita!
A debut that is as sweet as a fluffy concha fresh out of the oven. Rich in Mexican American culture; experience a summer in CA from Lupes' Panaderia and learn about Mexican American music (icons and the sources that inspired them). Learn about what it means to be a friend. Young readers will love Cruzita; she is funny, determined, and caring. Readers wont be able to put down this book as they follow her through her musical journey where she learns about her culture and embraces a new melody.
I did not want to stop reading "Cruzita and the Mariacheros".
It was a comfort to read, as well as a learning experience. I have mentioned before in previous reviews, but in case you're new here: 1. Hi! 2 . I am Mexican American and like the main character, Cruzita, have always struggled with speaking Spanish.
The language seems to eternally bind us (Latine folk) and divide us, as we alienate those who don't know enough or don't speak it at all. Having a book like this is important because it tells readers it's okay. If you don't know Spanish, that's okay. If you're unfamiliar with a Mexican pop-star, that's okay. If you claim to be Mexican American or Latina/e/x, then that is it. You do not need to prove to anyone that you are "insert ethnicity or race or whatever" enough because you are enough. This is a big theme in Cruzita, she doesn't speak Spanish well and is not familiar with mariachi music. With the help of her teacher, new friends and family members she embraces her culture and loves it now that she knows more about it.
Those who do not identify as Latinx/e/a/o will still love the story as it has the perfect summer feel with adorable and relatable characters that any music loving reader would enjoy reading about. It's not just about Cruzita learning about her culture, but about her learning what friendship really is. It can help young readers understand the importance of supporting your friends and how to respect their culture.
I cannot recommend this book enough for young readers (ages 11-14). If you are looking for a book that tells the story about a modern Mexican American story that is about music, family bonds, and friendship written by a Mexican American author, look no further.
Read-a-likes would include books like “Maizy Chen's Last Chance” by Lisa Yee.
To see the mood board I created be sure to check out my blog here:
https://thebookwormqueen.com/book-tour-cruzita-and-the-mariacheros-by-ashley-granillo/2024/
https://thebookwormqueen.com/book-tour-cruzita-and-the-mariacheros-by-ashley-granillo/2024/
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Bullying and Racism