kirisuna

3.75 stars. A great conclusion to the original 5 book series. I think when I read this originally as a kid the next 3 books weren't out, so this was the entirety of the series at that time. It was a bittersweet ending, but finally one with hope. I'm so glad I re-read this series. Brought me a lot of joy and was a great palate cleanser after a few of my last unsavory reads. 

3 stars this one was better than the first of this trilogy, and I appreciate that they are a bit longer and feel more like complete stories that the original series. Once again a boy finds his footing in his life, rising to the occasion in the face of peril. I really liked the Mermaids, I think the drawing of them poking their heads out of the sea is my favorite of all. 

2.5 stars. The writing was well done. The topics and narrative incredibly triggering. This book was hard to stomach, no pun intended. I feel traumatized but can't rate it down just for that reason. This book hurt to read and I don't know if I can recommend it for that reason. Woof.

3.5 stars. I'm loving seeing Jared start to come into his own. Thinking up clever solutions to immediate problems rather than being reactive and self-deprecating. The drawings of the elves were so lovely! And his uncle might be alive!

3.5 stars. This one jumped right into the action, introducing 4 new types of creatures and placing weight of the question of why the book is so important and how the creatures know that the kids have it. Loved the drawings yet again. 

3 stars. Simon is starting to come into his own in this one as well, and Jared's anger is becoming uncontrollable. So far this is my least favorite but I understand the importance of who they introduced and of the brothers being the saviors for once.

3.25 stars. Love this series, had forgotten that there are beautiful, stylistic illustrations on almost every page. So excited to read the rest. 

5 stars. Emily Henry books are my Happy Place. This was one of the most “real” feeling of her stories that I've read so far, in that the conflicts weren't contrived or truly simple to solve. I related so strongly to someone who spent their whole life trying to be something in others eyes, believing their worth was measured in other's people happiness with them. And always choosing everyone else to the detriment of themselves — and yet STILL not succeeding in making anyone happy. Still not finding a place to belong. And then finally, finding someone who was home, someone who showed you a different version of what life could be; leading to one day choosing themselves over any other voice in their head in order to pursue THEIR happy place — unapologetically and with the determination that comes with knowing yourself.

This story took you through real stakes, real consequences, real love and pain and having to work to know yourself. It was beautifully written, as always, but i think this was her best work I've read yet. 

3.75 stars. This book was bonkers. It is so rare that I don't predict an ending, and I did not see this one coming. I love the way it's written. I love the dichotomy between Nattie's inner monologue and outer self. I appreciated reading the perspective of a mother who never really took to being a mother. Of the orthodox Christian subtext. This was an incredible, disturbing, riveting story and I can't wait to read her next book. 

I really enjoyed this one. It felt fresh and the narrative was compelling, the story had the right amount of twists and turns, and I appreciated that the point of view was from Mabel at multiple ages, with the understanding inherent at each. I will definitely be reading more of this authors work. 

.75 stars. Reading this book felt like reading three separate stories, of which none were written well either individually or together. It is a story. That's about where the positives end.

3.75 stars. I liked this story but hated the reality of it. There were some scenes that felt a little to real to those I know of from my own life or those of my female friends, but the message and purpose of this novel were well strewn throughout. The writing was great, and the twists interesting. I will definitely pick up her other works.

3.75 stars. This is a slow read, but a good one. At one point a character explains that the story itself, however long, is the point. This book embodies that. It's a well done rendition of an old trope. The writing is excellent, as always. And the stories take you through 500 years of life and the struggles those lives entail.

3 stars purely for the writing. I didn't love the twist but the writing was so well done, especially considering how many pov they had!

I think this was the best of Emily Henry's books I've read so far. It just felt.. real. Relatable. Unforced. I love her writing always, but this story captured something real for me. 5 stars.

4.6 stars. I for some reason thought this was going to be able vampires, was pleasantly surprised at the rendition on Cinderella. Hochhauser is an excellent writer with a strong voice. This novel has a strong view on the plight of women without being preachy and was an extremely enjoyable read.

2.8 stars. I like this series because archeology themed murders are unusual.

3.75 stars. The writing was excellent. The story was unique and interesting and I learned a lot about ecology. The ending made the book.

Thinking on this some more, I think this story was almost less about the people themselves than it being a universal story about survival. About the lengths that plants and animals and people go to, to propagate their species, to protect themselves, to live on. I think the reason this story is so loved is because it presents something so basic and universal, and helps us understand the beauty in the ways we (the entities of this world) work to achieve that thing. And it makes you feel this reverence for nature, for the drive to live permeating all living things, and for the balance between survival and sacrifice.

4.75 stars at least. I loved this movie and naturally wanted to read the book. My husband and I actually read it together, me the print and he the audio book. He said the narration was fantastic and immersive. I love this story even more than the movie, though I understand why they had to do things the way they did in the movie due to the limitations of visual story telling. I would recommend watching the movie first, then reading this, so you aren't disappointed.

3.8 stars. I had a hard time getting on board with this one but did enjoy it by about 46% read. Cute story, unique context, enviable dynamic (once they're being honest). Enjoyed it.

Man, I just love how Emily Henry writes banter. Can't get enough of her work. Loved this, cried the whole time. 4 stars.

This was dark but interesting. Trigger warning about adultery and violence against animals and children. I could not read before bed for those reasons. The archeological angle was interesting though. 3.2 stars.

This read like a walk in the park. I felt like I was traveling alongside the characters as they struggled and grew and dealt with the monotony of working life. I related so much to the pivots in thinking about work being the end all be all, and in each characters pursuit of individual happiness. Of the effort it took to reject beliefs about what makes you good or bad. I felt myself grow alongside them as this story progressed. This isn't an active read, but it is a good one. 3.75 stars

3.0. This writing style will not be for everyone, but it felt like my brain in a book. I enjoyed this story, even though it was just okay.

I do want to note that, as a software engineer, I never really thought of building things as a “creative pursuit” until reading this. It gave me a new perspective that I resonate strongly with and helped me understand myself better. I'm grateful for that.

2.75 stars. Wasn't what I was expecting. Was well written but just didn't steal my heart.