So many wisdom!! Lots of photos were taken in the process- Optimism forever :)) This perspective of the world is one that will truly open one’s4.5 / 5
So many wisdom!! Lots of photos were taken in the process- Optimism forever :)) This perspective of the world is one that will truly open one’s eyes
This book is so raw. And it’s specified that there has been no editing- This is a unique book that has to be looked at and judged in a unique way. And for me, this book truly aligns with most of what I believe in! :) I am Happy and Lucky to have read this story about HAPPY, and to learn so much about a country that just may be my favorite in the world. (And of course I had to read this in the library, with dried strawberry banana and Milo, and some beanie boos to match! Thank the universe for the National Library - as it is pure paradise!) :D...more
This was a wonderful retelling by Bruce Coville - who by the way signed the copy for my school library - of the famous play, A Midsummer Night's DreamThis was a wonderful retelling by Bruce Coville - who by the way signed the copy for my school library - of the famous play, A Midsummer Night's Dream, by the famous writer, Shakespeare. Truly, I agree that adaptations like these will truly help children and adults alike understand the stories enough to get interested, because reading the original is much more complicated. Coville does a brilliant job in explaining it in a simple manner, yet also including the most essential aspects of the play. This was always the play that intrigued me the most, mainly due to the fae elements. I do get how Shakespeare is acclaimed, however the plot does feel a bit too cliche... Well, in the 21st century way so to speak.
Overall, I really appreciated this retelling! The idea and portrayal of it couldn't have been better. I'm curious now, to see if Shakespeare truly deserved his title. Of course, I've never examined anything too deeply about him. I do hope I enjoy the original!
P.S. the funny story is, I took this book (ooh, and before I forget, has amazing, immersive illustrations) out of the library for around half the year... And I read it in a few minutes, and now I'll return them on the last week of school. One of the conclusions to my V-est of IP treatment (quoted by the librarian)... I'll miss the library much more than the school!...more
I never thought I'd see the day, They’d take my bonny bairn away. I long-ed for her every day. Alas, she is so far away.
The Tail of Emily Windsnap is a m
I never thought I'd see the day, They’d take my bonny bairn away. I long-ed for her every day. Alas, she is so far away.
The Tail of Emily Windsnap is a middle grade fantasy about mermaids and— Need I say more?
True, this book consisted of sloppy descriptions, confusing writing, an extremely predictable and simplistic plot, and a story a twelve year old can come up with. But that’s just it. Liz Kessler has the talents of a childlike imagination, and although it's overdosed and actually feels like a book written by a child, the mermaids and the fantastical world overpowers everything for me. Though, a more enchanting setting would’ve been great. This book just felt a bit like a combination of every mermaid world there ever was. And I would’ve loved, loved this book if it had deeper layers and lots of intrigue powered by character dynamics and true, emotional backgrounds. (In other words, in The School for Good and Evil way.) But truly, this book was amazing for me. It was pure relaxation and truly kept me at the edge of the seat for something I predicted would happen, and have seen in numerous books and movies. In essence, this book may not be a sophisticated and out-of-the-world mind-blowing book, but it was one I’m happy to have read.
I connected with Emily somewhat too, and of course I felt a sense of solace with the characters that were being told in such a unique way. And there is a problem, of course, and a lovely solution. The whole thing is just magical. And exactly what I dig.
From the rainbow rocks, the heartwarming parents, the entirety of the mermaid world, Emily’s house, to the mermaid best friend, this book feels strangely familiar and so whimsical. 5/5 for the imagination! 3.5 stars for the whole book. But honestly, this book is just an exception.
“Hey, guess what, Mandy? I’m not scared of you—and I don’t care what you call me. You can’t stop me from being who I am. And you don’t get to bully me anymore, because I’m leaving…”
Oh, Emily! Please take me with you. :)
Immediate Thoughts:
The magical book I needed! It's not that the book was spectacular, but because it's about mermaids...
A bit cliché, pretty predicable, confusing writing sometimes, and had a simplistic plot. But for once, it actually doesn't matter that much to me. It's just a ride, and the type of stories I dig.
Would be a solid five star book if it was, again, written by Soman Chainani. ;)
P.S. took me a long time to read because of school, but was the perfect relaxation even if I read it during particularly boring classes!...more
This book! The memories associated with the process of burrowing this book and the journey it went through with me greatly surpasses the helpfulness oThis book! The memories associated with the process of burrowing this book and the journey it went through with me greatly surpasses the helpfulness of it. But yes, definitely words every word lover should know.
Shoutout to the librarians and my library! From your VIP :)...more
Mr Santa by Jarvis just might be the best Christmas picture book, poem, or illustrations I’ve yet to read. Although simple, this boDecember 26th, 2024
Mr Santa by Jarvis just might be the best Christmas picture book, poem, or illustrations I’ve yet to read. Although simple, this book captures the wondering of a little boy (perhaps named John) about Santa. The poem was gorgeous, catchy, and accessible. But perhaps what made this book most unforgettable was the simple, cartoon and sketch styled pictures to accompany each question. I felt the warmness of Christmas and the playfulness of all the animals, gingerbreads, and Christmas lights. This was indeed a wonderful Christmas read. A cozy one for all to enjoy, perhaps on the night of Christmas Eve.
My eyes feel sleepy, Mr Santa. How do yours feel? Yawn. Just one more question… Was it really real?
Getting to read this book is truly such a unique experience...
July 27th, 2024 - Third day at Singapore, visiting the National Library 3:27 PM: Found theGetting to read this book is truly such a unique experience...
July 27th, 2024 - Third day at Singapore, visiting the National Library 3:27 PM: Found the book. The cover! Caught my attention right away; so excited! 4:25 PM: The dedication! Caught my attention right away ;) 5:18 PM: 47 pages in yet it's time for dinner...
Couldn't return, as the trip is short and the activities list is long
But the library was pure heaven!! I just couldn't have enough of it. Leaving Singapore (and the library) felt like leaving home
So almost five months, or 150 whole days later, I'm here again. And the reason? Pretty much for the library
December 24th, 2024 4:22 PM: Found the book again!
December 26th, 2024 2:08 PM: Started Then some dinner :) 8:09 PM: 159 pages in!
December 27th, 2024 Here again! Read for hours on end on the colorful couch that is pretty much secret! Had Milo and wrote of course :)
December 29th, 2024 (Today, as I'm writing!) 2:25 PM: Started at page 271 Around 3:50 PM: We are done!! :) 4:00 PM: Returned book to it's rightful shelf. I remembered where it was so clearly by now!
Through I'm sure this isn't the first book, or the last one, I had a blast!
I think this book definitely went through a journey with me. Memories will forever ring true :)
P.S. Shelved as a true page-turner... Why do you think I came back every time? ;)...more
¡Un libro fantastico que me he gustado muchísimo! Es muy divertido puedo leer este libro tan bonito y interesante en mi clase de español y también cua¡Un libro fantastico que me he gustado muchísimo! Es muy divertido puedo leer este libro tan bonito y interesante en mi clase de español y también cuando tengo tiempo... Y hace mucho tiempo que empezó este libro - pero es un satisfactorio de verdad. Los mensajes cumplir mucho con mis valores y este me ayuda a motivar y últimamente mejorar. Sin embargo lo más importante es que este libro que ahora aunque es bastante fácil, me acompaña con mi viaje española. Por supuesto hay más libro para venir, y no veo la hora devorarse ;)
Si eres en un nivel novicio alto o intermedio bajo, o aprendí español hasta puedes tener una conversación simple pero no muy sofisticado, leer este libro sobre la identidad, y la valentía para sé tu auténtico yo.
If you're at a novice high or intermediate low level, or have learned Spanish and can even have a simple but not really sophisticated conversation, read this book about identity and the courage to be your authentic self....more
A true, and pretty engrossing YA mystery. And also, pretty disturbing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5 Stars
To be honest, I didn’t have too high hopes for this book. But it A true, and pretty engrossing YA mystery. And also, pretty disturbing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5 Stars
To be honest, I didn’t have too high hopes for this book. But it isn’t too bad! Although I didn’t enjoy the YA aspects, the mystery was captivating and the plot twist truly took me by surprise. There was a slow start but it did get more interesting. I wished there was more character development, though, but I did get to know all of the Naturals well. Besides that, I also didn’t feel any connections with the main character, Cassie.
But it was an okay book. Not the best, but not the worst either.
P.S. The best part was discussing it with the most amazing buddy, Miss Who! :)...more
This book was fun while it lasted, but now I can't seem to remember most of it- I really related to Tori, though, with her love of writing and imaginaThis book was fun while it lasted, but now I can't seem to remember most of it- I really related to Tori, though, with her love of writing and imagination :D
4 / 5 stars! Read in one sitting & on my birthday!...more
Is this the most cliche fairytale, cross-dimension book ever? Perhaps. But do I totally fall for it? Absolutely!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐/ 5 Stars
This book is honestly Is this the most cliche fairytale, cross-dimension book ever? Perhaps. But do I totally fall for it? Absolutely!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐/ 5 Stars
This book is honestly another Land of Stories. And wow, this book is really like my really unoriginal daydreams. But I guess I am a target audience.
This book was truthfully, really slow. And a hundred percent predictable. But I was glued to the pages and flew through it.
This book had a really stereotypical—and thus really relatable (see the pattern here? I think I do- Haha!)—main character. Filomena Jefferson-Cho, who is bullied and an outcast at school, **lost her best friend to a group of bullies (who turned out to be ogres),** addicted to a book series, witty and clever, and also a daydreamer. And, of course, fairytale characters such as Jack, Ali Baba, and Gretel, who make up a pleasant group of friends.
As far as the plot, it wasn’t too interesting. But it didn’t really matter—I really enjoyed getting to know other characters and learning tropes that are really common in middle grade fantasy. Hopefully I can even pick out my favorites and apply them to my own writing!
Overall, not bad! This book took me by surprise one time and sometimes it was really realistic. I honestly believe this book could happen in real life… If it didn’t already happen. ;)) ...more
Well, there’s no questioning now. Yet another popular “treasure” of a YA book is proven… not so treasure-y. At lOh dear. That wasn’t so great, was it?
Well, there’s no questioning now. Yet another popular “treasure” of a YA book is proven… not so treasure-y. At least not to me.
I am really surprised, because two things; a) it’s rated highly, also by people who have similar taste as me, and b) it’s pretty unique. At least that was what it seemed like.
The writing was beautiful—let’s say that. The character voice for each muti-POV chapter was done perfectly, and the prose was just as satisfying to read. It floats off the page, but it’s nothing too spectacular. But for me, writing isn’t the most important thing.
Because the author’s got to entertain me! I need unique, three dimensional characters, and a unique, fast-paced, and valuable plot. After all, life is too short for bad books. And it might not be for anyone else, but this book kind of could fit into the category of “bad”.
And that’s because I didn’t particularly get what I was looking for. You see, the characters are pretty much cliché, and they lack humanity. Reading this book, all the characters felt so two dimensional, and I could see the author's hard work, but it didn't work for me. They have their desires, fears, all that jazz, but they lack the reason why. And more, they don’t move the story. The story moves them. They have no choice in what to do, and what not to do.
But the plot could be good, and it could be a four star, right? Well, sorry to disappoint, but of course, it wasn’t a four star, and I think you all know the reason by now. Yup—plot. What I was promised was a fast-paced, unique, and entertaining plot, but instead, I got a plot that lacks reason and meaning. It did not include anything that made me really care for the characters and the story, and, I’ve got to admit—it’s a total cliché. From the forced magical quest, to the absent parents, to the magic who everyone despises and is trying to get rid off.
The setting was good. It reflected strongly on Nigerian culture, and was an aspect that did teach me, and was valuable. It was kind of a savior to the plot and characters, making them more distinctive. But the setting could only do so much, and it wasn’t the strongest aspect. Moreover, it makes the book more cliché, in a way, because it’s just the old tropes and a new culture that changes bits and pieces, but doesn’t matter in the end.
It wasn’t the worst, but it was super boring. So for this book, I think a two star would be okay. :[
I have never read a book so realistic, yet depressing at the same time. This is the finish-in-a-sitting kind of book, and although Wow... What a book!
I have never read a book so realistic, yet depressing at the same time. This is the finish-in-a-sitting kind of book, and although you may not be pulled in at first, I promise you will.
This is the kind of book I go out of my way to avoid, and in some ways, this wasn’t my type of book, But what surprised me was how realistic this was; every detail, wording, character. This feels like a whole new genre, An Na’s own genre.
Sure, it was slow-paced at first. There’s some Korean words that might stump readers. You didn’t get why it had meanings until the end, but when you do, a sudden rage of backstories floods over you, with so much emotions combined. This book has so much Korean culture, and after you read this book, I guarantee you will learn a few Korean words, culture, and experience the life of a girl and her family through your own eyes.
It’s very magical how An Na writes the progress of age for Young Ju, and her brother. You seem to be growing with them, and do not realize they had been so young before.
This was the saddest book I have ever read in my life, and I think it “emotionally scarred” me! Don’t worry, I usually stay away from these types of books, but this holds so much wisdom, perspective, human nature, and the whole experience of growing up.
I can see why it is not as famous as some other books, but it definitely should be a lot more known. In other words, this is an underrated book, and you should definitely try this to experience things you will never do, and find yourself living a different life. :)...more