Review: A Most Magical Girl

A Most Magical Girl by Karen Foxlee
My rating: 2 of 5 stars



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Review: The Course of Human Events

The Course of Human Events by David McCullough
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: The Mothers

The Mothers by Brit Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars
Powerful, yet uncomfortable novel about choices, lies, and relationships.
Not recommended for sensitive readers.
*Fbombs

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Review: Next Year in Havana

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Marisol is returning to Cuba for the first time since her family's escape during the revolution to return her grandmother's ashes to her homeland. Marisol meets old family friends and neighbors and what was initially an excursion to write about Cuban tourism and travel, results in discovering old family secrets and ignites new political controversy.

I really liked this novel! Told is alternating voices -- both Marisol and her grandmother, Elisa - I was engage with both narratives and stories.

I knew/know absolutely nothing of the Cuban revolution or about Cuba (shame on me), other than Castro, Communism and Cuban refugees and families in Florida. While I'm sure this barely skims the surface of what actually occurred (hopefully it was accurate), I certainly know more now about Cuba than I did before.

This was our book club choice for March. Look forward to discussing it.

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Review: New Kid

New Kid by Jerry Craft
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A graphic novel within a graphic novel, Jordan is an aspiring artist, who is now a minority student in an exclusive private school. He sketches his "thoughts" in diary-like entries as he encounters issues of racism, elitism, and social awkwardness at school
A brilliant, very funny, and insightful book.
Illustrations are amazing.
Newbery award worthy.

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Review: Before She Was Harriet

Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransome
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A quick easy audio during breakfast.
The diverse voices narrating Harriet's the stages of her life were great. As were the sound effects.
But clearly this was picture book. So, yeah, missed seeing the illustrations.


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Review: Letter from Birmingham Jail

Letter from Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King Jr.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such an important, almost gospel-like, letter.
And while expertly and emotionally narrated, I can only imagine what it would have sounded like in Dr. King's voice.

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Review: Tomorrow I'll Be Brave

Tomorrow I'll Be Brave by Jessica Hische
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This may be a picture book, but the message is timeless and ageless.
The illustrations and lettering are stunning.
Tomorrow be:
Adventurous
Strong
Smart
Curious
Creative
Confident
Brave

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Review: Tidelands

Tidelands by Philippa Gregory
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I read over 300 pages of this dreadful book and decided I couldn’t read anymore. I did skip to the last 10 pages to find out what happened. Not sure I missed much in the 100 pages I skipped.

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Review: Stepsister

Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Turns out, Cinderella’s stepsister was a badass.
And it’s important to forgive.
Absolutely LOVED this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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