kdmusings's reviews
162 reviews

Cadence and Kittenfish: A Mermaid Tale by Judith L. Roth

funny lighthearted

5.0

Beautiful illustrations!

The End by John Bray

funny reflective

5.0

High-energy illustrations and a different perspective for endings (and beginnings!) 

Poppy's House by Karla Courtney

lighthearted

Cozy, lovely vibes all around--from the story to the illustrations

I Want to Be a Vase by Julio Torres

hopeful

Probably one of the strangest picture books I've ever come across. 

Galloway: Life in a Vanishing Landscape by Patrick Laurie, Patrick Laurie
Did not finish book. Stopped at 43%.

Had to return to the library - would like to finish!

Last Christmas in Paris by Heather Webb, Hazel Gaynor

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

I would say my first preference for book genres would be historical fiction. They are informative and transport me to a time I desperately want to experience firsthand as a lover of history. This novel was timely for the holiday season and the state of our world at the moment. While we are not at war, the coronavirus pandemic rages on. I dream of connecting with the world again, traveling, and seeing long-lost friends in person.  The style this novel is written in, an exchange of letters between the two main characters, and others in their lives, made me long for such a deeply felt correspondence. Handwritten notes and letters have a way of pulling us that I think technology cannot deliver. While different time periods, it also made me want to access my great aunt's letters from WWII. While I never got to meet her, I feel a tie to her that I cannot explain. It's incredible what books can make us feel and experience, isn't it?   

There's A Ghost In This House by Oliver Jeffers

lighthearted mysterious

Mix of photographs and fun illustrations 

Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield
Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.

While her writing is descriptive and a bit flowery, it did not put me off as most slower paced books do. However, I was less interested in the multitude of characters and story threads to follow. I would like to try reading her other books. 

Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney

challenging emotional inspiring reflective sad tense

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75