Reviews

Jane on Her Own by Ursula K. Le Guin, S.D. Schindler

chamomiledaydreams's review against another edition

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4.0

I really like Jane; out of all the catwings, she's the one who stands out to me the most, in terms of personality as well as appearance. Seeing the tabbies' fur illustrated is impressive, but seeing the dark void of Jane's fur with her bright eyes in the middle always makes for a fun contrast.

Ideologically, this installment can get a little tricky. I like the theme of freedom and treating your cats with respect instead of infantilization. But I also understand the perils of letting cats wander around willy-nilly, especially in places where they can get killed (by cars) and decimate local animal populations. Having a barn cat meant to reduce the number of rats is one thing; letting a house cat slaughter birds for sport is quite another.

At any rate, I understand where Le Guin was going with this moral. Jane is adventurous and needs to stretch her (literal) wings, so for the sake of her narrative, it makes sense that she should always have a window open to come and go as she pleases. I also like how she finds a home away from the other catwings, but still makes time to visit her family and friends. It really shows how you can follow your heart and travel far, yet remain close to the people you love.

This is a lovely series, and although the second installment still holds the title of my favorite, "Jane on Her Own" isn't too shabby.

pussinbooks's review against another edition

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5.0

Le Guin shows that happy endings aren't always the same for everyone, and everyone must answer their own calling.

stellarae2000's review against another edition

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4.0

This book is probably my least favorite of the four. It’s a super sweet story but I don’t love that Jane leaves her family and decides to stay in the city. The one man was also really creepy and I did not care for him.. #janedeservedbetter.

jessereadsthings's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced

4.0

Cute!

revseminarian's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

vulnerablevibrant's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

we love a mischievous and independent queen. men suck

revee's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

4.0

mat_tobin's review against another edition

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4.0

Happened by this from a friend on twitter and bought it immediately. It's not the first in the series of these 'taking flight' (Meek) books. The stories revolve around a family of cats who have wings and live in seclusion on a farm. I laughed at how well it was written compared to endless other 'first chapter' books. It's just exquisite and clever and worldly and charming and deep and sophisticated whilst also being enjoyable and playful - just like a cat.

librovert's review against another edition

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5.0

I literally loved the Catwings books to death when I was growing up, out of the three books I had only one is still alive. They're fun, whimsical adventures for young kids just learning to read.

My future children will definitely have a set of these books on their shelves!

chronically_theo's review against another edition

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adventurous relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75