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chapkip's reviews
235 reviews
Blackout by Nicola Yoon, Dhonielle Clayton, Ashley Woodfolk, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
super cute and easy read! I’m a sucker for a good “it happened in one day” type story and even more so when all of the characters lives are interconnected. Nella’s chapter in particular had me smiling like a fool
The Man With No Shadow by Bonnie Quinn
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
4.5
This was such a fun read! I can easily tell why it gained so much attention in the original subreddit where it was written, if I had stumbled across it online I would have been hooked.
Fearbook Club by Richard Hamilton
funny
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
Fearbook Club is a surprisingly deep graphic novel about being different and coping with fear. I was impressed with the commentary that was made through the story and the overall moral that was driven home. I did find the plot a little choppy and hard to follow at times. From one panel to another things would happen so quickly that I felt as if I was missing something. All of the main characters were introduced one after another without much time to process the cast or what each person would offer the story. However, that also kept the comic feeling fast-paced, which was entertaining. I do believe that this book and its message will resonate with a lot of kids, and I’m happy for those who will find it when they need to feel seen.
The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand
challenging
reflective
sad
5.0
I went to a high school where there was at least one student suicide every year. There have been two suicides within my own family, though I was too young at those times to remember, I do know the gaping hole that they’ve left. It is an unavoidable part of my life.
The Last Time We Say Goodbye is a beautiful story about grief, guilt, and the impact that is left when someone takes their own life. I feel fortunate to have found the book and experience the catharsis that comes with reading it. This is one that will stick with me for a very long time.
The Last Time We Say Goodbye is a beautiful story about grief, guilt, and the impact that is left when someone takes their own life. I feel fortunate to have found the book and experience the catharsis that comes with reading it. This is one that will stick with me for a very long time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Night Cry by Borja González
4.0
I’d like to thank NetGalley for an arc of this unique graphic novel.
The art in Night Cry is stunning and what initially drew me in to read it. The story is a little silly and a little strange, somehow laced with longing. The eerie atmosphere is definitely what I expected when picking up a book about a witch but what caught me off guard was the depth of emotion in so few pages. I wouldn’t really recommend this for anyone who likes to be guided explicitly through a narrative. However, if you enjoy finding your own meaning in simple, easy-to-read works this is one for you.
The art in Night Cry is stunning and what initially drew me in to read it. The story is a little silly and a little strange, somehow laced with longing. The eerie atmosphere is definitely what I expected when picking up a book about a witch but what caught me off guard was the depth of emotion in so few pages. I wouldn’t really recommend this for anyone who likes to be guided explicitly through a narrative. However, if you enjoy finding your own meaning in simple, easy-to-read works this is one for you.
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic by Sonja Thomas, Lilly Workneh, Jestine Ware, CaShawn Thompson, Diana Odero
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley for an arc of this title!
This book is fantastic. The writing is perfect for all-ages. It gives just enough description of each of the incredible women featured to educate the reader and inspire them to do further research on their favorites. I could easily picture this book being used in schools, or read together as a family. Even though it is meant for young readers, I still found it super engaging and learned so much! The illustrations are gorgeous as well. It is so special to see all of the artists’ collaboration efforts to make a cohesive book while maintaining their own styles. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone.
This book is fantastic. The writing is perfect for all-ages. It gives just enough description of each of the incredible women featured to educate the reader and inspire them to do further research on their favorites. I could easily picture this book being used in schools, or read together as a family. Even though it is meant for young readers, I still found it super engaging and learned so much! The illustrations are gorgeous as well. It is so special to see all of the artists’ collaboration efforts to make a cohesive book while maintaining their own styles. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone.
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by David Levithan, Rachel Cohn
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
2.75
I think if I’d read this book when it was first published and I was in the target demographic range I would have really enjoyed it. However, as it was I found the characters to he over-the-top in an annoying way. Lily was juvenile to a fault and Dash’s pretentiousness had me wanting to root against him. The premise of this book is cute and intriguing but the execution was not for me.
Vanishing Monuments by John Elizabeth Stintzi
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book is stunning and unique. Though the pacing is intentionally slow, the writing is so lovely that I enjoyed taking my time working through it. The novel touches on deeply personal and complex matters through the main character’s reflections in a way that was obviously handled with care. Stintzi does a fantastic job of making sure not to alienate readers without sacrificing any of the nuance of this story. It will not be a book for everybody but I sincerely hope that those who read it will be touched. Thank you to Netgalley for advanced access to the audiobook in exchange for an honest review! The narration was wonderful.