This book has an absolutely fantastic audio production. I highly recommend the audio read over the physical read. Having previously read Magoon’s middle grade works, I expected more of the same. This is not a middle grade read. Although some might categorize this as YA, I would not. I think this is an adult work that could be read by upper YA readers. My mistaken
assumptions drained my experience a little although that is all on me. Magoon tells this story through a wide variety of perspectives and mediums motivating the reader to take a hard look at their own biases and assumptions. This is a challenging read but well worth it.
I remember feeling horrified when I learned about these events in real time. Reading this thorough analysis of the contributing factors to and of the event itself in a time when events like this driven by similar horrific inhumane ideologies happen with numbing frequency felt more than a little surreal. Baker structured the narrative extremely well, leaving no doubt as to causation and future effects. I wish I could recommend this
book as solely a work of history and not also as a way to better understand the current times in the US.
I did not know until filling out my reading log that this book is a companion sequel. That being said, you do not have to read the first book prior to this one although you would likely have more context to some of the events and character motivations. Youngblood did a really good job exploring concepts of memory, memory loss, as well as familial and friendship relationships from the perspective of a middle schooler. I will
likely pick up more books from this author in the future.
This novella telling the origin story of Jack and Jill absolutely fascinated me. McGuire has immense skill with words, drawing the reader in and making them care about these characters in so few words. The length of the story fits it so well that almost makes it difficult to wonder how more details would do anything but detract from the story.
Although this book was the first of three books by Kagawa that I read this month and the ninth that I have read from her overall, I simply could not get into the story. I really struggled to connect with the characters which perplexed me because not only have I not had that trouble with other books that I have read from her but I also did not have that trouble when I read the first book in this series. This struggle to connect also
contributed to a struggle to keep details about the book in my mind. Unfortunately, this lack of engagement has contributed to my decision to DNF the series.
When I read, earlier this year, Woods’ debut, After the Forest, I unexpectedly found a potential new favorite. Her newest release tips me even further in that direction. I never would have thought to combine “The Little Mermaid” and “Cinderella” but Woods blends them so well here. I cannot wait to continue to read more from her.
