I gave this book one extra star than I planned on because the ending was OK. The jumping around in time throughout the book, as well as the stilted conversations, really detracted from the story. The flashbacks in the story weren't the problem so much, although the use of italics for both a flashback and the characters' thoughts was also confusing. It was the progression in the story that was more the problem. It was hard to figure out how much time had passed in the story from one chapter to another. On top of all that, I have quite a lot of experience with the main character's problem in the story, and her thoughts just didn't feel authentic at all. It was a classic example of the author telling, not showing.
The last Battle of the Books book! That's two consecutive years of reading all the books!
Shockingly, I am able to meditate! I never would have believed it before reading this book. I read this at just the right time to help me get through a rough patch. If you think you don't have time to meditate, you need this more than anyone!
Another great Battle of the Books book! I'm trying to read them all again this year.
I enjoyed the diversity of the characters included in this book as well as the main character channeling his grief and frustration into creative pursuits!
As a teacher, I have the authority to assign homework. I hereby declare this required reading. If it doesn't make you think and at least tear up a little, you must surrender your humanity card.
Yes! Every woman should read this book. Even the women who need to learn to say "no" should read it. The book was enlightening and funny.
I didn't love the story, but you've got to love that the kids would come away from reading this having learned a thing or two about the Revolutionary War, right?
It's a rare form of torture, but listening to someone from the New Jersey area say, "Mirror" repeatedly is a very effective means of torture. "Mirrah." Ugh!
Another book about an orphan that I enjoyed. What is it about orphans? Their struggle to make it on their own? It's a common theme in books and Disney movies! I'll think about that when I have more time on my hands. A quite enjoyable read overall.
FANTASTIC! I think people who aren't normally science fiction fans will enjoy this book. It's just a great story!
Alright, after reading Turtles All the Way Down and this, I've had my fill of teenage angst for a while. Both were really good books though!
I really wanted to like this more. I'll give another one of her books a shot. There wasn't much of a plot and the prose was simple. I think that's what was intended. Not my cup of tea.
I was listening to this and thinking, "Why haven't I read this author before now?" Turns out, I had. The Rosie Project, which I also really liked. I loved the writing, the characters, the plot. I might have liked it more, but the songs that were woven throughout the book were mostly unknown to me. Having that context would have added a little something extra to the experience of the book. Disclaimer: I am not a big music person. I guessing most people would know the songs.
I thoroughly recommend not reading this book, even though you see everyone else reading it. I didn't like the underdeveloped characters. I didn't like the story. I didn't like the writing. I don't like that I actually finished the book.
The book provides great strategies for teachers to use with each of the five pillars of reading, and describes the pillars by comparing them to threads of a tapestry. Anything but a sports analogy!
Lots of good stuff going on here. Engaging characters and plot. Funny, sad, romantic.
A very interesting read. Extremely relevant at the moment.
I really couldn't stand most of the characters in this book, but the plot carried on in an engaging way with some redemption towards the end. Generally an enjoyable read.
I wasn't sure about this one at the beginning, (not that I am at all judgmental, obviously ; ) obviously) but I ended up just loving this!
This book had a great dystopian type plot. I can totally see myself continuing this series. I give it a bonus point for great female main characters of color; both the heroine and the antagonist. It's about time the characters in books reflect what kids actually look like as well as their personalities!