Definitely a hard book to read and keep up with due to its writing. It‘s got a good storyline going for it, but there‘s so much drawn out that doesn‘t feel like it needs to be. So many extra words. I do like the scientific stuff about how mars is (expected at this time) to be living on. Everything is talked about. Half is probably politics, the large group splitting into how they want to colonize Mars.

This is so heavy it‘s difficult to read. But that‘s exactly why it needs to be read. This book is right on with how I hear people talk and react in real life situations. It‘s all here, on both sides. Which is what I think the best part about this story so far. That you‘re really getting both sides anguish. White wife of cop who shot the kid, and black news reporter. We‘ll have to see how their friendship fares in it all.
#onceuponabookclub #ouabc

This is a very heavy sounding book for coming into the holiday season. Two women, best friends from childhood, one white one black, finds themselves at odds. That bond is tested when the one woman‘s cop husband is caught up in the shooting of an unarmed black teen. So this story capitulates both woman‘s future in to the air. It sounds like a conversation on race, which neither had growing up. Sounds like a fair “today” book
#onceuponabookclub

This is Agatha‘s first Mis Marple Mystery story. As you can tell as she is barely in the story besides being said to be the cooth who lives next door to the murder location. No, I still didn‘t guess the murder, but it was slow going for me. Very misleading and round about. Generalizations galore. Enjoyable, as all her books are though. Interesting point of view being from the vicar himself - was his place the murder was done. #AgathaChristie

Actually not #AgathaChristie, but authorized by her estate. Was a good book of her type of mystery, compiling a past and present murder case. Glad the plot held together, even if it went everywhere. That‘s how mysteries go though. Supposed to confuse you. The reasoning to both had me at huh. Second; “what..?” There‘s a bunch of red herrings to go through. Can‘t compare too much between authors or you‘ll loose the story. Good, but not a standout

This was the big standalone moment for me. The rest of the book was so quick paced, some repetitive moments, caused me to skip lines a few times. Though the theme of two teenagers being caught up in a hs football game racist fight turn into protest to a riot to looting was crazy. Lena and Campbell are totally different, and I wish the book explored that more. Campbell; poor white girl. Lena; top notch black girl. Good basic book for middle school

There‘s a lot that can happen at a riot, so I‘m interested in how this book highlights the differing perspectives. When a riot breaks out at a high school football game, Lena and Campbell find themselves thrown together. Both giving different sides to this riot. Hope this book delivers on those two sides. It is a shorter book

So many feels. Zetian is kicking butt and kicking names. She‘s seeking vengeance against the world that uses girls as fodder in the war. “So the boys survive.” Anti-hero fighting an unjust system from the inside. Love triangle is very well written, especially when Yizhi spoke of sharing love. That hit differently, changes perspective greatly. The three are doing “bad things”, but that‘s because their world has done worse things for millennial

Oh My Gosh Zetian is the embodiment of an antihero. She is done with this insanely gendered and sexist futuristic world. She‘s playing out well, telling them they need her alive. Yes, I think she‘s crazy and maybe mentally ill from what society has done to her. But sure still her fighting for what she wants, no matter who tells her otherwise. She will get what she wants.

The story reminded me greatly of THE LIFE OF PI, the character being through into a sea of doubt. That the Lord has appeared to your unanswered calls - even if some answers are no. That struck the hardest, I think. The twists give a new meaning at every revelation. Good book to read right now

Refreshing original take on the little mermaid. African mermaids and their stores connected with the water in early 1400‘s. This is a dark story, close to Andersons original, yet nicely different. Did keep me engaged. It‘s one of those, you have to read it for yourselves books. I‘m not quite sure how I feel about it when done. Ending left me hanging a bit, more confused than anything. So much felt unresolved, but I guess that‘s part of the point

When you share tea a third time, you‘re family
I loved this sweet book that really took its time. The way TJ writes you can barely tell. By taking its time you really get a sense of what it means to move on. To grow. In Wallace‘s case how to be a better person. You really felt his character development. He‘s also a bi disaster. Loved mythos of Death and The Door, how they embody moving on after death. Final chapters had me in tears. I feel at ease

I felt so lost reading this book. As a pschyological thriller, I did not feel very invested. I was just confused. The ending cleared up a lot for me, brought a lot of the plot back together. But it was too late for me. This book showed a grief stricken mother and the lengths she would go to get closure. Even at the expense of others. So many twists and turns written like this does not work for me, thou it did flow alright
#OnceUponABookClub #Ouabc

This is such a cute book about the importance of fry bread in Native American culture. It‘s shown in these simple poetry like phrases and art depicting a family creating fry bread. I love this art. It‘s a great introducing children‘s book
#NativeAmerican

This was such a hilarious scene that had me cackling like crazy. I just might not be worried about death and passing if this guy may be there to greet me as the in between stop. The introduction (right after) was so sweet trying to explain to Wallace that he is indeed dead. No take back. Love this tea shop with its crazy exterior fashion and calm interior.
“Sometimes, death is a blessing, even if we don‘t realize it right away.”

Doppelgänger theme physc-thriller. Interesting premise. A grief ridden mother, who lost her husband years ago, works as a morgue makeup lady. One day she finds a body that is a mirror image of herself. What she makes of it is a search of who was this woman.
I am kinda intrigued, kinda what even is this? Thrillers aren‘t usually my forte. I like sweet stuff. Story is comparably short, gifts early on, so we‘ll have to see.
#OnceUponABookClub #Ouabc

Almost couldn‘t put it down. I feel for Margot so much; high schooler who wants to do good in a world where “boys will be boys” means no repercussions. She‘s being driven by a mad desire to correct the wrongs of the boys on her own. Which takes a bad toll on her. She‘s so hurt and angry. Yet I feel bad for her being manipulative to other people to get the job done. People are numbers to her. Wish there was a bit more to the ending to tie it up

How could you not love a book with a cover like that? Those stickers!! The book itself is yellow (rare these days). I love Margot‘s no sense attitude, though feel bad she‘s got a single friends. I feel the same with the “no point dating in hs because boys are immature” - I did that. Margot and Sammi work side on hacking phones and social media pages to delete unsolicited pics and other stuff akin between classes

So much drama. Oh my gosh. That was before thanksgiving. The story pivoted quickly between centering around Emira to Alix. Black nanny to white mother. So much going on so quick didn‘t give a lot of time to process. I didn‘t really relate to any of them, but each perspective of the two ladies was was stark in how they live. Lot of underlying issues being suppressed that affected the characters present decisions. Good for a new perspective

I love these covers so much. Absolutely gorgeous!! The paper covers AND the inside covers. #TheHouseInTheCeruleanSea was an incredible story (favorite read of 2021) so I had to jump on this #Illumicrate special edition here. My bf (whom I got into the first) wants to buddy read this one too.
This is a story about living your life. Wallace gets a visit from a reaper and finds himself trying to live his life the week between. So He sets out to live

Oh My Gosh the twists and turns in the book had me guessing and my heart pounding. Very well done mixing Koffi and Ekon‘s story with Adiah‘s. Beautifully written with such hope and heartache. All with the simple question; why not choose both your heart and your head when deciding? The mythos and rules of magic is so creative and fresh. You can tell the author wanted to rethink ideas of good v evil. Astonishing debut here
#onceuponabookclub #ouabc

It‘s always nice to get the title of the book mentioned in the book. This book is wild more so than the bizarre Night Zoo (which is terrifying more than the creatures but how it‘s set up). These three characters are spread out well in their perspectives. Although there is still a bunch of mystery amping them.
#onceuponabookclub

What a hefty story about how a lost book brought hope across time. Sort of past, present and future theme. 1400‘s Constantinople siege. 2020 public library. 2140‘s spaceship with no earth left. The journey of this story, Cloud Cuckoo Land, affects each of these 5 wildly different characters in their journeys. A bit difficult to keep track of all, but the story always continued. Stories are important. Liked these pages from the story set throughout

Everything about this story sounds intriguing. I‘ve heard only good things, let alone the enemy‘s have to work together to catch a wild beast type trope. I love the idea of a magic Night Zoo, especially in a world where magic has been striped from everyone. Also look forward to the gifts just because I like the snake on the small box blurred here. Love reptiles; wonder if that‘s the beast the teens are hunting, Shetani
#onceuponabookclub #ouabc

Do you feel better? asks Sybil. It is natural to express anger from time to time.
Why can‘t healing happen as quickly as wounding? You twist an ankle, break a bone- you can be hurt in a heartbeat. Hour by hour, week by week, year by year, the cells in your body labor to remake themselves the way they were the instant before your injury. But even then you‘re never the same: not quite.

Love the premise of the book, a machine pops up telling you what you‘d be at your highest potential and how that affected this small town. What I got was a couple having marriage issues not being able to communicate as they used to because of their readouts. This included a side plot of a teen girl and boy having trouble with whatever it was. Kinda surprised I finished this. wanted so badly to take something away from, but all I get is confused

I‘m having a lot of trouble getting through this book. The story follows three different type of people (a husband a wife and a teenage boy) perspectives as they navigate a new store machine that tells them who they would be if they were at their best potential. Yet the story is fixated on this teenage girl who wants revenge for an unknown reason. It‘s just not making sense where the story is heading. About the DNA machine? About the girl?

This is a story made up of other stories. Honestly not sure how to go through them all, roughly 5 different children across time and space. So that‘s a bit confusing. But they all connect on one central point; the story of Cloud Cuckoo Land. A story of hope against the world seemingly falling apart.
Great long book to read on a long flight to visit my boyfriend.

I loved everything about this book. Uncle Rick does it again, where Jules Vernes 20,000 Leagues under the Sea and Mysterious Island are historic fiction. (favorite classic) The Nautilus is real, and she is Ana‘s inheritance. What struck me is the no real rush of adrenaline of danger, but hurdles to overcome. The past flows effortlessly into this modern storyline. Ester, An autistic girl with trouble on volume control, is like me. She‘s important

This felt like a quicker read then previous works, yet they feel more raw and powerful. Amanda‘s poems here alternate between flowers in a gentle soft hue to a fiery burning power. As she stated ahead, this is for Persephone; goddess of spring and the underworld. This book is about reminding us how women can be soft and fierce unapologetically. And I want to be known as both soft and fierce. This poem is me; with my heart on my sleeve
#poetry

🙌🏽 🙌🏽 🙌🏽 🙌🏽 🙌🏽 🙌🏽 🙌🏽
Double standards drive me crazy. If you‘re going to make a rule or other point, make it the same!
#poetry

Love this. Love how Amanda always puts in such raw feelings into her poetry
#poetry

Honestly underwhelmed by this book. It appears to have such promise, but didn‘t feel like it had enough to it. This oncoming storm the old man and his dog weather seem to symbolize COVID coming to (mainly) New York City. This page made me think of Italy. It just felt like it was lacking it what it seems to build itself up as. The art is still beautiful and and short phases are pretty calming, but nothing too deep.

This was a really cute book reminding you to slow down and enjoy the journey. Really cute illustrations - which seem to have come first, making it not as wordy as it appears - alternating between black and white to color through the seasons. One common theme I liked was take a breathe and drink some tea. I do wish there was a bit more for a book it‘s size; not many words. Yet all humbling

Oh My Gosh the Blue Willow Bookshop always go above and beyond when they send their books. I am so excited for this book! Have been since I first heard of it - my favorite modern author writing a story about a favorite classic! Jules Vern was above his time. What I find stellar is that I know this will be a grand book. Uncle Rick has wanted to write this retelling for a decade, he‘s shared. He knows what he‘s doing
I‘m House Orca
#RiordanPresents

Tristan is angry. So angry that his magic gloves have begun acting out and catching on fire. So angry that he forgoes everything around him to chase Cotton across Chicago. So angry that he forgot himself. Just that overlaying theme itself takes up a lot of the story. Of which, the story feels a bit all over the place, Final Battle had me a little confused, but it comes together well for Tristan to learn.
#RiordanPresents

Find the pulse of the story. Let the rhythm beat like a heart, and hold on to that pulse once you got it. Don‘t change it, no matter what anybody else says. Even if they call you a liar or selfish, or say you lucky to be here, or tell you to go somewhere else if you so unhappy, you don't let it go. Then speak those words. Tell the story.
#RiordanPresents

This was a blast and a half of a sequel conclusion. Poor Ash and Madoc, the pain they encountered and the solace they find in each other. The drama and adventure and revelation twists had me nonstop reading. It just pulls you in. There‘s so much going on, but you can keep up easily. It‘s all about keeping safe your family and home. Have to point out the male non-contraceptive plant powder was fresh. The epilogue healed my heart of all that is good

The things that matter live inside us, and we protect them as we protect any other part of ourselves, with the power we‘ve been given.

It was so much fun going through each of these wildly different characters stories. All of them I‘ve met before - besides the newest one I‘ll be reading next by Grace Kim. Gum Baby‘s solo was my favorite. Really felt Gum Baby‘s, feeling she‘s always overlooked and not heard. Only complaint is that you have no idea when each story takes place in each authors Universe. Seem in the chronological book release dates as of now
#RiordanPresents

Now that we have their each individual stories set, these two get thrown together. Literally. What‘s ever so present here is that they are bonding over their trauma and how different they are from the world around them. Finding solace in each other. Cute city dates, too. It still feels like a powerful prequel to the Teen Titans we all know and love, small quirks here and there. Hopefully this continues to meeting Cyborg and StarFire. #TeenTitans

“Don't belittle your accomplishments, tiny one - the world will try to do that to you every chance it gets. Stand up strong and do what you know is best, even if no one else is standing beside you. You‘ve got something that no one else has, and it‘s going to help you come out on top, mark my words. You just gotta stick with it.” Gum Baby solo story!!
Yep, reading at the fair during a quick break. Was there roughly 14 hours #RiordanPresents

4-6 grade book about those grades fighting back against book banning in their school library. Amy Anne is a quiet child, spends all her time at the library, and reminds me so much of myself when I was younger. (I was homeschooled thou) I loved and her friends final plan for the school board. The loop around Treys mom was very well placed, and used to help the story. I felt with these children so badly it hurt. Teared up once or twice
#bannedbook

I love this librarian 📚
She‘s standing up in front of the school board to tell them off. They breached protocol because a well know and rich community member says some books shouldn‘t be allowed in the school. Which one is Amy Anne‘s favorite book. This is an elementary school book written for middle school grade. Have to remind myself about that when Amy Anne reacts in childish ways. Same with it simply coming from her point of view
#bannedbook

I felt seen, I cried, I learned... This is a book written by someone under the ace umbrella sharing stories from other aces under the umbrella. Also with discussing why people are obsessed with sex. It‘s everywhere! But as ace, we don‘t get that. The story of the religious man fighting between his feelings vs what he‘s told he‘s obligated to in marriage hit close. Same with this above quote. Feel educated to talk to my s/o much better now
#lgbtqa

I adore Suki! So happy she has gotten her moment in the spotlight. This is a dual sided graphic novel. Mainly it is her time in the boiling rock prison, but it includes how she started in the Kyoshi Warriors and why she decided to follow Avatar Aang. This is a story of the importance of community connections. Of wanting to leave their secluded island to help those in need on the mainland. She‘s building sisterhood support everywhere
#avatar

This is a simplified book for children about pregnancies. From the belly growing in the mother vs in another‘s belly. It‘s nice to see some of the many types of new mothers. Some even show siblings. This is such a nice book written in basic rhymes for children to understand. I know some of my toddlers could use this as their parents are prepping for another baby.
#classroombook

I miss this type of art in books. Story takes a small girl showing off the many things her hands can do. They can clap, help her grandmother, pray, play piano… there‘s so many wonderful things your hands can do. It‘s nice to see it simplified like this, alongside the short sentences with each picture.
#classroombook

This feels like one of those “how do dinosaurs say…” type books. But it gives a separate page for the child‘s promise to what the dragon may end up doing. That gives times for children to think what might happen next. It‘s a good book about the general rules about the level of respect in a library - which I sometimes worry is being lost.
#classroombook