Elis

Feels like the ideas for 5 different books got crammed into one

I really enjoyed the first 2/3 of the story and then the last part felt disconnected and kind of lost me.

It's rare in my experience to find a truly character-driven children's story such as this. This story is entirely about the children (and the adults in their world from the kids' point of view), not a grand adventure, even the mystery is entirely character-centered. I love that the kids' exhibit all the insensitive honesty and ill-timed sweetness of real children.

The stories of Anna and Marnie don't shy from the harshness that can be life for young kids but do so in a way that doesn't feel like sympathy farming, but rather as honest struggles that must be faced. The book is remarkably light considering the heaviness of what the girls go through.

I think the ethos of the book is well summed up in the line "Being loved, oddly enough, is one of the things that helps us to grow up".

Such a fun read

The main issue I have with this book is superficiality. The characters are pretty flat and the intrigues of the plot are not explored in enough detail to really be eventful. I also find it uncomfortable how little weight is given to the seemingly major plot point of the characters' involvement in the slave trade, focusing exclusively on the feelings of people far removed from the reality of it and reducing the whole to a mere stumbling block for why two people can't be together.

Such a light and fluffy read for a self-help book. The illustrations are very cute and I liked the inclusion of Kim-Joy's own experiences alongside each chapter.

I expected this to be a challenging read and got hit with even more. I'll be thinking about this book for a long while.

I like that this is not a "how to" kind of book, but more an invitation to look further into whichever path calls to you. McColman's writing style is both blunt and loving and really resonated with me. A lovely introduction.

A different take on the alone in the wild story. I love the respect for traditional knowledge and the emphasis that humans are part of nature, rather than battling against it. Beautiful art-style brings out the feelings of the poignant moments without words.

Picked this up on recommendation from my rabbi & I absolutely love it. Rabbi Schachter-Shalomi maintains all of the depth of tradition packaged into short & thoughtful contemporary English translations. Very easy to follow along with.

I really like the casual way Sarah Shaw narrates this book, it feels very fitting. Well paced and presented.

DNF at 35%

The suspense was the only thing keeping me reading, everything else was a minus :(

Wonderful and at times truly creepy. I love Gaiman's writing style and hearing it read in his own voice. I especially love how he voices the rats!

I found the beginning chapters very insightful and impactful but not so much the later ones. Still one that I will definitely read again.

Love Kidd's writing style and the easy blending of magic and setting. Characters are hilarious and charming.

This would be an interesting literary read. I find I have lots of questions about world events or prevalent ideas that inspired the author.
For the story itself, it's clear there are lots of ideas being presented, but it all feels more tell than show.

Probably not a good sign that Miss Bates' ramblings were among the more enjoyable parts for me

Instant 5 stars. Quick and easy introduction to Ayurvedic understanding, very approachable.

Story could have been interesting but couldn't get past the tonedeafness and the unnecessary gross takes (ableism, racism, insinuations of r*pe & victim blaming).

Dissociative disorders are real conditions caused by severe trauma/abuse, not something that can accidentally happen as a result of meditation. It is insulting to both the survivors, and those who didn't make it, to suggest otherwise.

This is such a nostalgic book for me. The first time I read it was my dad's beaten-up paper-back and then later I found the audiobook as read by Chris Barrie. I love both versions.
For audiobook folks: Chris' impressions of his co-stars are so spot on! Even if you're not usually an audiobook fan, I do recommend you give this one a try.