(Before we get started, I just want to say, I delayed my writing time yesterday to finish reading this book, so it was mildly successful at its stated(Before we get started, I just want to say, I delayed my writing time yesterday to finish reading this book, so it was mildly successful at its stated goal. Though only *mildly* successful. XD )
If you’ve been following me for any amount of time, you probably already know that I’m not a happy reader of non-fiction. I’m beginning to think I was reading (er, attempting to read) the wrong type of non-fiction, but that’s a story for another time.
This book happened to be on a topic I’m highly interested in, written in a painfully humorous, satirical style, and while it claimed not to be, it ended up being very helpful. I especially felt called out by the “advice” to “make writing not fun anymore”. I fall into that sometimes, and not even on purpose. XD I also loved the balanced view of “plotting” vs. “pantsing”, and deep in this messy draft of my own, I needed the reminder of just how special a first draft is.
Best quotes: “A finished draft, no matter how flawed, is a very dangerous thing.”
“Whatever it takes to prevent you having fun, do it. Deliberately use a writing method that doesn’t work for you. Force yourself to take the draft in a direction you’re not excited about just to make it more marketable. Write while being chased by a swarm of killer bees.”
I will definitely be sharing this book with others, and I’m excited to look up a few things on the list of “Resources to Avoid”. ;)...more
Re-read This was so much fun to re-read! There were hilarious bits of dialogue I'd forgotten, and I love what Brent said about being ordinary. ;) Also,Re-read This was so much fun to re-read! There were hilarious bits of dialogue I'd forgotten, and I love what Brent said about being ordinary. ;) Also, I'm re-reading in paperbacks, and I LOVE the size and the redness of this book. <3
Original Review FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
I love how I “accidentally” hide ARCs from myself and rediscover them at the exactly perfect moment. Especially when said ARC is the perfect blend of stimulating and lighthearted, a rare find indeed. Special enough to keep me reading late into the night and grab my Kindle first thing in the morning. ;) You better believe that happened with this book. :D
I expected this novella to be hilarious and banterful (same author as The Kitten Files, after all), but I was blown away by how clever and exciting the story was. If I ever have to be in a car chase, I know just who to ride with. XD These characters definitely stole my heart in just a few pages. ;) All the Arizona references and Emily’s money concerns especially rang true for me, and I found the scenes with the coffee shop intriguing and fun. (Seriously, though, how do baristas keep all of that straight?!!) I look forward to Emily’s next adventure (and codename!).
Just a note, there was some peril and mentions of a gunshot wound, though not described. Also, a reference to a minor character “flipping someone off” and another cursing.
Best quotes: “You are without a doubt, the second-worst barista this shop has seen,” Emily said seriously, staring down at the splatter pattern made by 16 ounces of iced soy latte. “Second worst?”
When they’d entered the narrow hall and opened the freezer, Emily whispered, “Is something going on?” “You’re very perceptive.” She stared at him. “Well, are you gonna tell me what it is?” “I just did. What is going on is…you’re very perceptive.” Brent gave her a smirk.
Altogether, this was a great read. I’m sure this series and I are going to be friends. :D
Series stats so far... Codenames: three Car crashes: one Awesomeness level: 101%...more
Just to be nerdy (and because my brain will work better this way in spite of my head cold), I’m gonna review this amazing book with a few lists of my Just to be nerdy (and because my brain will work better this way in spite of my head cold), I’m gonna review this amazing book with a few lists of my own. ;)
4 Reasons I Picked Up Annie’s Life in Lists 1. I love lists. 2. The doodles are adorable. 3. The highly unusual format had me intrigued. (The whole book is literally written in lists. :D ) 4. It promised to be a sweet contemporary middle-grade book, which I’m always down for. ;)
4 Reasons I Loved This Book 1. It delivered on all of the above. 2. Annie was such a real and relatable character. :D 3. Lots of great themes of loving your family and navigating friendships. 4. Lists. :D Which could be somewhat disorienting, but I still liked it a lot.
4 Ways Annie Was So Real 1. She had things she liked and disliked about herself, without thinking about her appearance too much. 2. She was just trying to make friends… “Turns out my fear of not making friends is stronger than my fear of haunted houses.” Same. XD 3. She argued with her brother and miscommunicated with her parents but she loved them dearly. 4. She and her friends did really ordinary but special things for fun. Like snowball fights, volunteering at the the library, and memorizing old songs.
4 Reasons Annie Was So Relatable 1. She remembered random facts about people and had to withhold them so she wouldn’t freak people out. GIRL, I have this malady too. 2. She blamed herself for things. 3. She was quiet, but not shy. 4. This is just to make this list the right length. :P Are we sure Annie and I aren’t the same person?? 5. Oops. Well, anyway, she hates gym.
4 Side Characters That Were Actually Really Awesome 1. Zora. Such a queen. 2. Ted. Quintessential bro. 3. Kate, the bookworm who always hums. 4. Millie, the “old friend”.
4 Funny Things 1. The “Great Hole” incident and her aunt’s reaction. :P Also, their brothers were such sweet goofs. 2. Dad’s country life escapades. (Yes, you are supposed to wave at everyone who waves at you.) 3. The list of ways she annoys Ted. Very important. 4. That one “list” that was pretty much a trick. You’ll see.
3 Heartwarming Moments 1. When the truth comes out. 2. Walkie-talkies. <3 3. The ending. :D
4 Slightly Iffy Things 1. There was racism portrayed, and while it is treated as wrong and unthinkable, I’d suggest a discussion with younger readers. 2. Annie accidentally stabbed herself with her pencil. A little gross and also came off as kinda cool which may not be a good message. 3. Annie had an embarrassing moment where (view spoiler)[clean underwear flew out of the leg of her pants straight at a boy during a game at school (hide spoiler)]. 4. A message of this book is speaking up, but I was a little uneasy when it came off as if speaking up makes it okay to tear others down in the process. Annie “apologized” to someone in such a way that called them out in front of everyone. I would have loved a little more gentleness.
1 Content Advisory 1. A side character says there will be “h*** to pay” and another child says “heck”.
Altogether, I very much enjoyed this book, and I will be keeping an eye on this author to see what she does next. :D...more
I had vaguely registered my friends’ glowing reviews of this book, but since it had been compared to something I don’t care to read, I always passed iI had vaguely registered my friends’ glowing reviews of this book, but since it had been compared to something I don’t care to read, I always passed it by at the library. Until I found a copy at the thriftstore and decided that maybe now was the time to give it a try. ;)
Wow.
It kinda blew me away with its funness and smartness and cleanness and deepness. <3 It actually reminded me a lot of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or The Wingfeather Saga in that regard.
I LOVED the quirky tests at the beginning. Not only were they really clever and fun to read about, but that was some pretty ace character development. O.o. I found myself laughing over the hidden puns, scurrying through the intense parts, and even kinda inwardly gasping at some pretty big reveals. ;) Definitely a lot of surprises! Especially with all those “tiny” details that ended up being really important. I’m still in awe. ;) It was also really cool how each of the children, Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and even troublesome Constance, were shown as important even in their differences, and I think that’s a good lesson for us all.
Reynie was my favorite, though. His honest, Hobbit-y soul and his outlook on life were just the best. <3
Mr. Benedict was my other favorite character. Wise and zany, brave and a little broken himself… I especially loved how he guided and taught Reynie and how the children could always trust him. Something about the way he unconditionally loved them and chose them and worried over them… it got my allegorical wheels turning a little bit. ;)
The themes in this book were just another thing that makes it stand out. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the effect of media on our lives, so the message of rejecting subtle messages (often ones of panic) and being lovers of truth really hit home. ;) Also, friendship and its importance, adoption (*cries happily*), and facing fears/resisting temptation--so much. I’m seriously gonna have to reread this to properly appreciate all of the wonderful depth. <3 (And can we talk about Reynie’s struggle in “A Chess Lesson”? Because, um, that was painfully real and amazing.)
Just a note, because this book features children as secret agents, there are some scary situations and evil adults. “The Waiting Room” was a disgusting, slightly disturbing place, and one of the children is beaten up pretty badly by guards. (view spoiler)[Also, memory wiping and one metaphor that mentioned cutting someone up. (hide spoiler)]
Best quote: Reynie was crumbling, on the brink of despair. Mr. Benedict expected him to be a leader to his friends, to be smart enough to devise a plan, to be brave. But he was no kind of leader at all, he knew that now, certainly not brave, and Mr. Benedict felt very far away indeed. More and more, Mr. Curtain seemed like the real man, and Mr. Benedict like a memory from a dream.
Altogether, I loved this clean and fantasticly clever ride, and I’ll definitely be revisiting it again to absorb even further all its amazingness. :D
Also, I have so much love for the last line, those marvelous illustrations, and that red stripe down the side of the cover. <3...more
Not since The Little Prince has a book made me feel so homesick. Almost every chapter, tears came to my eyes. In fact, I just opened this book while rNot since The Little Prince has a book made me feel so homesick. Almost every chapter, tears came to my eyes. In fact, I just opened this book while reviewing it and the dedication of all things made me nearly cry again. :D But not because this is a particularly sad book either… it’s just so beautiful and complicated. Think of it as a celebration of and farewell to childhood. (And then you won’t hate the ending.) Like Peter Pan. <3
It was amazingly well written. I loved the children--their exasperating little quirks, their growing up, just how real they were even when it meant they sometimes argued without proper apologies afterward. They were one big, loyal family with cool routines and sweet traditions. It was fun to see how names of things had been kiddified from their real ones (like “oysters” as “ersters”). Marvelous writing. And there were some perfectly truffle-like descriptions in there. *sighs happily*
The main character, Jinny, was so real. Trying to do the right thing, afraid of the unknown, and full of love for her family and her Island. She got on my nerves sometimes, but in the end, I really liked her decision. I missed Deen, feared change, and questioned decisions right along with her.
Ben was such a sweetie. I liked how he enjoyed cooking for everyone and tried to take care of Jinny like a good brother should. He reminded me a lot of a boy I know, actually. Sam and Ess were my other two favorites. *giggles over that one stunt they pulled* Sam was a brave little dear, and Ess? She was a sweet little sunshine with a halo of puffy black curls. <3
This book does have a slight mystery, but once you let the characters and the themes sweep you up, you won’t wonder about it much anymore.
Just a note, a teenage girl (view spoiler)[experiences her first period and is terrified. There are some descriptions of bodily fluids related to this, but not too much. It is mostly contained in the chapter “From the Inside”, if you’re interested in skipping it. (hide spoiler)] Also, the word “Jeez” is used a few times, and the children argue sometimes.
Best quotes: “Ooof,” Jinny grunted as she set the girl down. “Ooof!” repeated Ess, for no particular reason. She giggled, as though it was a good joke.
“Don’t you want to fly?” Jinny would ask him, when she was done. Deen would shake his head, and flash her a quick bright grin. “No, I like to watch you,” he’d say. “Plus, I’m too big. You couldn’t hold me down, I don’t think. Just imagine how bad you’d feel if I flew away.”
Altogether, this book will stay with me for a long time. <3
Speculations: (view spoiler)[Oz and Jak are brothers Joon and Ess are sisters Loo is Jinny's brother Deen either said "See you soon" or "I love you" (hide spoiler)]...more
I’m an introvert. 86% on the MBTI scale, if anyone is asking.
I struggle to want to go to social events, struggle to enjoy them long while I’m there, I’m an introvert. 86% on the MBTI scale, if anyone is asking.
I struggle to want to go to social events, struggle to enjoy them long while I’m there, and am so bad at introductions I generally avoid them. I’m better at imaginary, practice conversations than real ones. I’ve grown to accept and (mostly) love this aspect of my personality, but I’ve been through times where I felt undervalued in this world and had the social skills of a baby alien.
The arts and some of the lovely and admirable people I’ve met through them have helped. The cutesy memes and entirely loveable, nerdy fictional characters have too. My parents’ support and my siblings eventually understanding that I don’t hate people just too many for too long have been a key. And the world’s most understanding and friendly extrovert and an inquisitive, thoughtful introvert adopted me as their friend for some inexplicable reason, and I’m so grateful.
But I still needed every word of this book, and I’m so glad to have read it. It gave me tips for navigating this world built for extroverts, and it reminded me again of things I’ve learned by trial and error and about why they’re important. I’ve been feeling a little extra stressed/depressed lately and had a few lightbulb moments while reading, especially in sections about self-care. (I should probably get back into journaling…)
But most importantly, this book is a scientifically-based (but not boring--there are comics and interesting stories ;) ) love letter to introverts everywhere. I cried. God made this world to be a two-sided coin personality-wise, and especially in the chapters on extrovert/introvert team-ups and introverted “powers”, I was reminded of my value. <3
I would love to time travel and hand this book to eleven-year-old Kate and tell her she’s not an alien, she is wonderful and loved, and she will learn to stretch and get to talk about the things she cares about without dying from fright. Instead, I passed it to my 14-year-old introverted sister and I’ll have it ready for my baby nephew when he’s a little older than four.
It’s that good.
(Notes: As an adult who has tried to read the scholarly masterpiece that is Quiet by Susan Cain and failed, this book was not too low of a reading level or cutesy. It was well thought out, respectful, and helpful.
If you are concerned about the handling of extroversion, I found it minimal since this is a book for introverts but respectful. Read reviews by extroverts if you would like to see how they felt about it.
There’s so much to say about this book, I’m not sure where to start. It’s funny to think that I, a writer, am freezing up at writing a review of a booThere’s so much to say about this book, I’m not sure where to start. It’s funny to think that I, a writer, am freezing up at writing a review of a book about writers. XD
Not everyone will be a novelist, but this book proved that everyone can be a writer ((view spoiler)[even Ms. Cash (hide spoiler)]). While the children in this book learned how to write (in a very organic, fun way, I might add!), I was reminded of why--to treasure current things, remember lost ones, process change and emotions, and understand other people. The children were great characters, each unique and special. Russell ended up being my favorite, but Henry’s parents were beyond adorable. ;) Lucy and her parents had a sweet, refreshing dynamic too.
As I mentioned before, Ms. Mirabel had a great teaching style. My favorite part was when she read excerpts of real books aloud in class. How I would love to have a writing teacher like that! :D
Just a note, one child expresses resentment over a new sibling, and another’s parents are temporarily separated.
Best quote: “You are a very good writer,” said Hen. Ms. Mirabel smiled. “So are you. So are all of you.”
Altogether, this is a lovely book. I cried more often than not while reading it. <3 ...more
2018 Re-read My mom read this aloud to my whole family, and we enjoyed it very much. ;) There were quite a few giggles over the metaphors, worries over2018 Re-read My mom read this aloud to my whole family, and we enjoyed it very much. ;) There were quite a few giggles over the metaphors, worries over a certain dinosaur, and some thoughtful moments over the themes. I think the octagon might have been our favorite character. ;) I was reminded again to be brave, to tie my shoelaces, and to make something new. <3
Original Review This book caught me up and flew me along on the back of a frightening, jungle green dragon. I met a little boy wearing raincoat armor, who (much like myself) was bursting with creativity and afraid to let the world see it. I met Jade (the secret agent? alien? poet? knight?), the adorable bus driver Mr. Bruce, a few adults who used to be “superheroes”, and Oscar the scientist with an art of his own. I grinned my head off over the literary references (La Muncha? Pimpernel? Bigger on the inside? Elementary?) and felt Henry’s icy cold (like a popsicle) fear when all his worst nightmares seemed to be coming true. And I cried over the beautiful thing that happened to his chivalry and how he began to think of people. This book warmed my soul and taught me it takes courage to be an artist.
Best quotes (just so you get a sample of this author’s BEAUTIFUL style :D ): “Dragons aren’t scary--well, they are, but they’re a good kind of scary. They’re the kind of scary you want to be scared of. People are the bad kind of scary, he thought. Dragons can only eat you, but people can laugh at you, and that is like being chewed to death by a smile.”
“It’s a dangerous thing to open a door. But that, after all, is the only way to find an adventure.”
“Oscar,” said Henry, gazing up at the circle of blue sky, “if this day were a chocolate-covered peanut, you would be the chocolate.” Oscar grinned. “And you would be the nut.”
Altogether, I loved this fresh, adorable, and brilliant book. (Even just looking up those quotes whetted my appetite for the descriptions and made me bawl like a baby. :P )
(Just a note to parents of small children, some of the action gets pretty intense and there are several fantastical things that happen.)...more
When I’m dead and famous, please write my biography exactly like this one. It felt like reading a scrapbook with all the photographs, newspaper clippiWhen I’m dead and famous, please write my biography exactly like this one. It felt like reading a scrapbook with all the photographs, newspaper clippings, and letters scattered throughout. The scrapbooked decorations were adorable, and the illustration style was very fun. <3 Quite the aesthetically pleasing book! My favorite part was when it showed the six different drafts of the first line for Charlotte’s Web. I quite identified with his author-ly struggle. ;) E.B. White led an enthusiastic, jam-packed life. His was a lesson in gleaning experience, joy, and wonder from every circumstance. His sense of humor was up my alley, and I love his frank yet whimsical writing style.
Since this book was written for children, the author did a good job of keeping things light and engaging. I was especially delighted to see two of my other literary favorites featured in this book. Garth Williams is my all-time favorite illustrator, and William J. Strunk is the best. I’ve personally learned a ton from The Elements of Style so it was great to hear a little more about the men behind it. Just a note that the way in which he met and married his wife is not God-honoring but kept brief and vague.
Best quote: “All that I hope to say in books, all that I ever hope to say, is that I love the world. I guess you can find that in there, if you dig around.”
Altogether, I can’t remember the last time I’ve enjoyed a biography so much! I’d definitely recommend this book to every author, artist, and booklover. ;)...more
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
I can’t caFTC DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
I can’t call myself an Austenite since my only experience of her stories has been a retelling of Persuasion and two movie/miniseries adaptations of Emma. Even so, I was excited to give this version by one of my favorite authors a try since I knew she would do a smashing job. ;)
It was aaaaammmmaaaazzzzing!!!! With just enough of the original (“Men of sense do not want silly wives”) to keep it the same dear story but plenty of new thrown in, I found it quite enjoyable. The 1930’s setting was very interesting considering we couldn’t have the dancing scene (“Will you dance with me, dear Emma?”), but I felt like it was portrayed well and the added element of the looming Great Depression added more conflict than even Emmeline herself could create. Emmeline was very lovable and very silly. Sometimes I wanted to just grab her and make her stop, and other times it was amusing how well-meaning she was. And Fredrick!!!! What a darling grump! :D Especially darling because (view spoiler)[he’s always reading and neverwears a hat and loves Emmeline in spite of herself (hide spoiler)]. And the (view spoiler)[mud scene! Ha, ha! (hide spoiler)] Matchmaking is never my favorite and gossip is awful, but it was amusing when John and Fredrick gave Emmeline a small dose of her own medicine. :D It was especially neat to understand the motives of two side characters a lot better than I ever have. (view spoiler)[Geraldine--sorry, Miss Carter was a riddle to start with. I knew Emmeline was wrong in her opinion, but I still thought Miss Carter odd. Knight’s explanation of her later made so much more sense, and I downright loved her for the talk she gave Catarina! (hide spoiler)] I never could understand why Evelyn Field (view spoiler)[married Morgan Church, but this gave a little more information about her optimistic view of him (hide spoiler)]. About three quarters through the book when all is lost and a Shakespeare play Emmeline apologizes and then… (view spoiler)[gives all the rest to God! I was so surprised and happy with this decision! Her humility and right decision to stop meddling was really good. Like, better than good (hide spoiler)]. That’s what really made the book for me! ;) Not recommended for younger readers because of the matchmaking element as well as some (view spoiler)[slightly scandalous comments made by one Morgan Church, my least favorite character (hide spoiler)].
Best quote: “If you are ever angry at him, threaten to do something to one of his books, as calling him Fred does nothing,” she said in a lighthearted tone.
“Nothing? You stand next to each other, yet act as if the other is a stranger. Did he buy a Ford?”
Altogether, it’s a keeper! ;) I will be reading it again someday!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review....more
I picked this up with the intention of reading a few pages. You know, just to check it out and see if it was any good. I read the first third that nigI picked this up with the intention of reading a few pages. You know, just to check it out and see if it was any good. I read the first third that night and finished it the next morning. I didn’t even have time to crow about it on Goodreads. In other words, it was good. ;) As soon as sweet Jia-Bo entered the story, you couldn’t pay me to quit reading. She was such a darling little fighter, and I cheered Lindy on as she worked her hardest to save her. (All the medical jargon was pretty cool, and the author did a good job of making it understandable.) But oh, the place she found Jia was horrible! And the orphanage scene… *cries* The message of God aligning our will with His is really important to me, and I loved the outcome. :D (And can we talk about how cute Nathan babysitting Jia was??!!! <3) Not recommended for younger readers because of thematic elements.
Best quote: Lindy nodded, a sigh escaping her lips. “I just needed a break from people.” “Oh, want me to leave?” She gave him a weak smile. “No. You don’t really count as people.”
Altogether, while this book was really cute and sweet, it was much more than that with some really knock-your-socks-off important themes. Definitely a new favorite. ;)...more
Confession: I waited too long to read this book. The little snatches of writing style I had seen didn’t look that good, and the description gave me thConfession: I waited too long to read this book. The little snatches of writing style I had seen didn’t look that good, and the description gave me the suspicion that it would be The Same Old Story. I was happily wrong and discovered one of the best fantasies I’ve ever read. ;) The worldbuilding was really good and not too bizarre. It felt almost like somewhere straight out of Alps with hardworking, friendly (if slightly quarrelsome) neighbors. I loved the descriptions of the desolately beautiful quarry, the persistent miri flowers (which are actually real!), and the linder rocks. Miri was a likeable heroine--not too strong-willed, smart, or timid. Just a regular, interesting girl. ;) The academy was a unique idea, and I loved how the girls used what they had learned to help their community without becoming the leaders of it. Britta was so sweet after she loosened up a little, and I liked what ended up happening with Katar.
The encouragement to reach out to people despite their unfriendliness and band together was really excellent. I nearly laughed when they used the rules of diplomacy together on Olana, and the way they helped each other through the test was pretty awesome. ;) Spring holiday sounds like a ton of fun and is just another glimpse of the close-knit community portrayed in this book. (view spoiler)[Peder is just darling! I love how their friendship developed naturally into deep care for each other, and the linder hawk was a pretty sweet gift. <3 (hide spoiler)] One character who was immensely complicated and challenged my initial opinion of him was Miri’s father. I grew to love him. The ending was really unexpected and for a split second I felt cheated. (view spoiler)[What was the academy for anyway? (hide spoiler)] But once I thought about it, I loved it. :D Love, love, loved it. That’s really how it should have turned out, and the lasting effects of the academy were their own reward. (view spoiler)[And Miri and Peder!!! *squeals* (hide spoiler)]
Not recommended for younger readers because of a slight element of romance; (view spoiler)[quarry speech, an awesome element of the story, but it’s basically telepathy (hide spoiler)]; and extreme danger to (view spoiler)[young girls at the hands of bandits although everything turns out fine with no damage (hide spoiler)]. Also, the view of God in this book subtly reflects the Mormon religion even though it is in a fantasy setting.
Best quote: (view spoiler)["Yes, I suppose so," she said with an exaggerated sigh. "But it will cost you something--one linder hawk."
Peder nodded as if impressed. "An interesting choice of payment. What ever made you think of such a thing?"
"I had one before, and it was the most... Well, actually, the most precious thing I own is the week right after I was born when my mother held me and never put me down. But the hawk was the second most precious thing. I was sorry to lose it, and if you make me another one, I promise not to get taken captive by bandits and have to use it to save my life." (hide spoiler)]
Altogether, I very much enjoyed this sweet and satisfying read! I can't wait to read the other books in this series. ;)...more
2019 Re-read I re-read this as a buddy read with Mikayla and was reminded again just how much I love this book. So many good themes. <3 It was a little2019 Re-read I re-read this as a buddy read with Mikayla and was reminded again just how much I love this book. So many good themes. <3 It was a little emotionally hard to read since I know what the sequel holds, but it was definitely worth it. ;)
Original Review I have been looking for this book for forever. Like seriously, I always check the teen section at my library and it is never there. Well, it’s never in the teen section, that is. I just found it in the children’s section this time and probably squealed out loud. :D
First off, that cover. Each time I look at it I discover more, and all of the elements meant more to me as I read the book. <3
This book has aptly been likened to The Book Thief, but since it’s for a middle-grade audience, it was a lot cleaner which was nice. ;) I’d almost classify this as historical fantasy, except there were no creatures or magic. One look at the map of that world and the events going on in it, and you’ll almost think that this is supposed to be a retelling of World War II. Except, the author made things just different enough to pique my interest and keep me guessing. I loved it. ;)
Mathilde and Megs had a sweet friendship, and I sometimes forgot they weren’t sisters. ;) Father was darling with his “Bigs, Medium, and Little”, and I liked Mother as well. I enjoyed all the other kids at “school”, especially Gunnar and Annevi. It was interesting seeing all the different characters’ talents and musing (although I was pretty sure I knew) about what Mathilde’s could be. It was pretty special how she impacted the other characters.
But the colors. The blue and the green, the colors of the world and the flag, Mathilde’s and Rainer’s colors. That was the best. <3 When someone learns to be compassionate and care for other people, there’s no telling what they’ll do. ;)
Just a note, there was a slight humanistic worldview and a mention of (view spoiler)[a school being set on fire and not everyone got out (hide spoiler)]. Also, someone does let out a breath they didn’t know they were holding, so if that irritates you… :P
Best quote: (view spoiler)[And then on the day after that, when I got up to leave, I heard behind me, “I like blue.” (hide spoiler)]
Altogether, I very much enjoyed this book, and I am eagerly looking forward to reading the sequel. <3 I wish I could make everyone read it. XD...more
I fell in love first with the author’s writing style, then with the vibey cover, and then with the story. (I even read it aloud to a sister right afteI fell in love first with the author’s writing style, then with the vibey cover, and then with the story. (I even read it aloud to a sister right after finishing it, it was that good. ;) ) Since then, it’s become one of my top favorite indie books, and I talk about it often on my blog and to anyone who will listen.
The cozy, sometimes Christmassy (yes, I’ve chosen to obsess over that part ;) ) mountain cabin setting was so accurate and beautifully descriptive, it made this country girl right at home. I loved all the characters (Justin the most of course), and Danny was hilarious.
Amy was a very interesting main character. I hadn’t read many books with the amnesia trope (still haven’t) at this point, so I was completely drawn in by her struggles and the slowly unfolding mystery. I loved seeing the Morgan family support her so well and how their ordinary faithfulness and family culture was used by God to bless her so mightily.
My favorite scene was when Amy is holding a glass of water. *chills*
CW: danger, amnesia, grief, off-screen death, speculation about if a character is an unmarried mother.
This intriguing, cozy, and wonderful Christian mystery is forever a favorite. ;)...more
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