Sandra

Update: Ugg, i don't know. Not a bad book But I still do not understand why many over hyped this book. It is still lack luster for me. I'm just gonna rate it three stars and leave it at that.


It has been a long time since I have actually read the book, but from what I can remember. I never understood the hype for this book. It was decent in my opinion, but I never finished it because I got bored with it.
I will read it again an will update the review. But read the book if your intrested in reading it.

At this current time, I will have to say I will just stick with the opera.

Honestly it's not a bad book, just outdated. Only read the book because one of my classes required it to be read. I recommend if you have to read it, start it early. It is on the boring side.

I would like to thank everyone that allowed me to read this book in exchange for a review.
It is very and I mean very well organized and it makes it easy to understand what is being discussed in the book. I had no prior knowledge and noticed that it was detailed. Many will be able to comprehend Emerging Global Cities. I enjoyed this and the contents of the book.

Cute little book, needs work though.

Update 2024:

I still do not know how I'm supposed to feel about Crank.

But... In my opinion I feel as though It's a powerful book for older middle schoolers/high schoolers to read. This book is one of few books that have touched upon heavy topics relating to teens in a way that they could relate too.

As for me, i think my biggest issue I have with these books is the fact I hate the formatting of them. It annoys me and waste paper.

Was I captivated by this book? No, and the reason for that is my personal experience (witnessing and living with) with someone on “crank”.


Older review:

When I was a teenager this book was popular because it just came out. I have attempted to read it many times and each time it has failed to captivate me. I always felt like I had read a different book than the ones that loved it.

sigh
I don't know.

It was interesting but dry at the same time. I am glad I am done with this book.

Another book that my kiddo picked up from the library. We enjoyed Winter is Here by Kevin Henkes. Lovely illustrations.
The story is pleasant and can be easily read by children. It does not have any deeper meaning but it does brilliantly describe winter. As someone who has experienced winter in Maine, I must say my favorite aspect of this book was how Kevin described winter at night and how it is a “deep blue”.
My child enjoyed the illustration of the little cotton-ball snowman on the table near the end of the book. So... we are now making cotton-ball snowmen.

I am not a religious person but the Seven Clues book is an enjoyable book for kids that are at that stage where they are starting to question everything and you want them to see from different perspectives.

I get dark romance books, I even read dark romance books. However, there is a very find line between dark romance and t0rt*re p**n.
The trigger warning that I found on the author website does not truly reflect the contents of this book.

Putting my personal opinion aside (for now), I will have to say this book is one of the better children's books (late elementary/early middle school) that have been written and I have read.

I see the overall message that said author is trying to convey. However, I feel as though it could have been polished more in some areas. But... overall good.

The art work is simple and not overwhelming with too many colors, characters, and details. Which is nice in children's books.

As for the characters and plot. There are certain aspects within these categories that bother me due to what I experience in that work environment with said author. So, with the utmost respect I do not believe I can provide an efficient critique in these two areas due to working with this author.

The length of the book is in a happy-medium spot. It is not one of those short book that can be read in 3 minutes. It is also not one of those books that take 45 minutes to read and in the process the kid is becoming restless.

Just not my cup of tea for a book. Decent but not for me.

sigh
It could have been one of those good textbooks.

But...

It was more of a hassle to understand what is going on in each chapter.

It has a weird shift. First it will provide information, define terminology, etc (typically college textbook). Then out of nowhere it shifts into a story, scenario, or something. It is easy to miss and by the time you notice, you are already half way done with the chapter.

Most of the information within the book is just repeat information from other classes that I have taken. So, if this is the first SCS class then this book will benefit you.

I do however like the “straight to the point” aspect of the book. I just do not like the strange shifts that I have seen.

I normally rate all my college books 3 stars to be fair and unbiased

Short and quick to read, my child only liked the hearts on the page. Nothing really special about this book.

I first would like to say thank you Netgalley and Michelle Barry for providing me with a copy in exchange for a review.

Let us start:

Myra is a misfit that is having a hard time fitting in at school on the moon. It is assumed she will follow in her parent's footsteps, but she seems not interested. Eventually, she discovers a secret garden (which felt cliche given that we already have a whole book about a secret garden written for children. This is where I took away a star) hidden in an abandoned classroom, behind its walls. Thus, changing her life. She learns that her talent lays with plants but is not sure how long she can hide the fact that she lacks the same abilities as her parents. . Plants and plant magic can no longer be trusted. But due to the crisis, something must be done. So, Myra with the help of others to revive the garden, even though it is a dangerous endeavor.

Overall, the book is good for the group it is marketed towards. Myra is relatable because she does not know where she fits in and later discovers who she is and who she wants to become.

Not sure how to rate comics due to how fast they read.
But... I was cleaning out an older house and came across this. Before I left for the day I picked it up and read it.
From my perspective, it is interesting.

It's cute and my kid liked it.

A sweet little book, with adorable illustrations. That is vibrant and colorful. Every memory we make with one another should be treasured and those memories will always be with us.

It's 2.5 ⭐️.

I do not believe I was the targeted audience for Yellowface.

There are many positive aspects within this story that I enjoyed. However, this book felt... lackluster. Even that word doesn't describe what I'm feeling.

Anyway...

I was bored and annoyed. Which that could be because every week since December of 2021... me entering the book community I have seen these exact Twitter conflicts play out. Sheshh, I've even seen them play out on TikTok.

So, why do we need a book about it? Like... enough with the chaos.

The author has talent and a way with words but this did not showcase that talent.

Also, I can't stand this redemption arc situation. Nah... I get both girls did wrong in the book but what the FMC did was ten times worse.

But... that's just my opinion and everyone has one.

Thank you to NetGalley and ECW Press Audio for providing me with an audiobook copy of Stars of Mount Quixx.

The Stars of Mount Quixx reminds me of another book titled Alice in Wonderland.


Celina Sinden was the narrator and she did a wonderful job of keeping me engaged with the plot. She brought this story to life. If it was not for the wonderful narration I do not think I would have finished this book.
The Stars of Mount Quixx has a magical and whimsical feeling about it. However, there is something missing from the story. For me, it was not the characters. I enjoyed them.
The plot was more juvenile than I was expecting it to be.

Overall, not a bad book and not badly written. I did enjoy it but I do not believe that this is a young-adult book. I would allow children of that age range to read this book.

Fun book and easy for a 6-year-old to read.

First, thank you NetGalley for providing me with a copy for an honest review.Secondly, it must be pointed out that The Call of Cassandra Rose has some heavy topics within the book. I will be listing the trigger warnings to help my fellow readers out. TW/CW:1 Sex SceneAbuse (physical, mental, emotional, verbal)Suggested Hints of past child abuseSelf-injurious behavior (Self-harm: Suicide Ideation Self-Harm Cutting Scars)Drug Use: (Drug Addiction Alcoholism Alcohol/Drug Withdrawal/Drugging Someone Against Their Will)Eating Disorder (forced upon by someone else)PregnancyDeathEscalating Violence: ( Described Blood Graphic Violence)Kidnapping/Hostage Situation/Stockholm SyndromeConfrontation of Abuser Nightmares about Traumatic EventsTerminal illness/sickness guilt tripping/gaslightingmanipulationI might be missing some but this is what I can remember.Now, there was a stereotype within the book that should also be mentioned:There is a house cleaner/nanny that is Hispanic/Latino. Often when this character was mentioned, she was used as a filler character. Which she also filled many typical stereotypes. I have mixed feelings about this area.Anyway,This story is a mental thriller that is rather suspenseful in many areas. For me, it was rather hard to put down because I wanted to know what would happen to Mrs. Clarke as she battles the demons of her past and present. I do not remember much of the world-building but what I imagined throughout the story was the rich/fancy side of New York, City. Now, that I reflect upon the world-building or scene-building, there was not much there. Which is fine. I am always thrilled when I can imagine the place instead of having the author describe it for us.The Main Character is named Anabelle, we follow her around as she tries to understand and heal from her past. She has a son named Joshua and is married to a rich man. Her past is rather dark and she was doing good until she started getting calls from her mother. Those calls made her spiral into bad habits. She also started to become paranoid about her husband. Is he cheating and if so with who?...Mr. Clarke:He is rich. Has a great job and loves his child. Without giving away too much. He was predictable and typical.Mrs. Anabelle Clarke is full of fear, self-doubt, and low self-esteem. She has no friends, she ran away from home at a young age. Anabelle loves her son and would do anything for him. So, she enlisted her trust in a hypnotherapist named Cassandra Rose. Will Cassandra Rose help Anabelle?Cassandra Rose:Without spoiling the book, she is a hypnotherapist that is willing to help.Overall, the book was good but also predictable. I knew that (insert character here) was involved as so as I saw those text messages she sent during the weekend. The characters are somewhat relatable in different aspects. Some aspects were unrelatable and cheesy. The background stories follow the same relatable and unrelatable areas.The story has twists and turns but for me, it was not because of (insert name here). It was because of some of the scene descriptions, depicting the events as they are unfolding. I say this is a good debut novel.

Thank you, NetGalley for providing me with this book to read.

A Dino-Valentine's Day is a sweet read, with an adorable rhyming scheme.
It is a fast read (one can read this to their child in less than an hour).
It has a great message of including everyone so no one feels left out.
The illustrations are also adorable.
It also feels complete, unlike other children's books I have read.

I don't like rating memoirs but I am putting 5 stars because many should read it.

I... I don't even know what to say. It is heartbreaking what she went through and wonderful that Britney is sharing her personal journey. Britney is a very strong person

I am still processing all of it. I finished it at 6 p.m. EST.