sarinaslibrary's reviews
34 reviews
This Is Not a Personal Statement, by Tracy Badua
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A big thanks to Harper Collins for sending me a proof!
Perla, at the age of sixteen, is graduating as a senior the hypercompetitive Monte Verde High - her life as all been planned out, from courses and what to wear, Perla knows that it will be all worth it when she gets into Delmont University - except she doesn't. Worried about her parents reaction and her future slipping away, she fakes an acceptance letter and is now staying in another students room, working for extra money, avoiding her parents questions while trying to work on her way to actually get accepted. But will her plan succeed?
From the summary of this book I was very intrigued in the story and how it would go, I was hooked by the first page and finished it in a day! I just couldn't put it down and just needed to know what was happening next.
I really felt for Perla, her parents planning her whole life, even to what she wears, and she feels like she owned them because her family worked hard to make in America, She feels like she owes them and panics when she doesn't get accepted into Delmont, even going to far to fake it all that she did get in. Following her journey, I was proud of her getting her own job and slowly speaking up against her parents. I felt anxious of when and how her secret would come out and how her parents would react.
While the story was very interesting, the ending to me was mixed. I'm glad that she fully spoke to her parents and not letting them blame her for what happened, that it was the pressure they put on her (and it was a lot!) that made her who she is, but getting banned from the university and staying at home at the end was just empty to me. I was hoping for a little epilogue where she got accepted into a different university, maybe one in another state or country to show she worked hard and made it.
Overall I really liked this book and would recommend it.
Perla, at the age of sixteen, is graduating as a senior the hypercompetitive Monte Verde High - her life as all been planned out, from courses and what to wear, Perla knows that it will be all worth it when she gets into Delmont University - except she doesn't. Worried about her parents reaction and her future slipping away, she fakes an acceptance letter and is now staying in another students room, working for extra money, avoiding her parents questions while trying to work on her way to actually get accepted. But will her plan succeed?
From the summary of this book I was very intrigued in the story and how it would go, I was hooked by the first page and finished it in a day! I just couldn't put it down and just needed to know what was happening next.
I really felt for Perla, her parents planning her whole life, even to what she wears, and she feels like she owned them because her family worked hard to make in America, She feels like she owes them and panics when she doesn't get accepted into Delmont, even going to far to fake it all that she did get in. Following her journey, I was proud of her getting her own job and slowly speaking up against her parents. I felt anxious of when and how her secret would come out and how her parents would react.
While the story was very interesting, the ending to me was mixed. I'm glad that she fully spoke to her parents and not letting them blame her for what happened, that it was the pressure they put on her (and it was a lot!) that made her who she is, but getting banned from the university and staying at home at the end was just empty to me. I was hoping for a little epilogue where she got accepted into a different university, maybe one in another state or country to show she worked hard and made it.
Overall I really liked this book and would recommend it.
The Wrong Kind of Weird, by James Ramos
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A big thanks to Harper Collins for sending me a proof.
'The Wrong King of Weird' is a fun and charming coming of age story that follows Cameron, an anime nerd just like his other friends, that feel like they are shunned from other groups at schools because they are seen as weird. But Cameron has a little secret, he's having a secret affair with one of the most popular girls in school, a group that doesn't mix with his own.
I adored reading this book, with everyone having their own interests that form into groups an with some not mixing, it defiantly feels like school no matter what age you are. You have your own little group, hold grudges against the others but have a simmer want to fit in. We follow Cameron's story through this along with his relationship with his friends and romantic partners as well.
While the story was very interesting and I thought ground breaking for kids who feel like they need to fit in or can't mix with another crowd because of different interests, it fell through at the end where Cameron gets with a girl that has the same interests as him and keeps to his group, while he managed to get a another popular girl into his anime group despite her being with the popular kids. I thought this book was about showing kids that you can different interests but still get along with different people, sadly that wasn't the case.
The only other think I didn't like was the long explanation of anime plots, I have never watched Dragon Ball Z and I don't want to read a whole plot sequences when reading this book, and I love anime.
That being said, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
'The Wrong King of Weird' is a fun and charming coming of age story that follows Cameron, an anime nerd just like his other friends, that feel like they are shunned from other groups at schools because they are seen as weird. But Cameron has a little secret, he's having a secret affair with one of the most popular girls in school, a group that doesn't mix with his own.
I adored reading this book, with everyone having their own interests that form into groups an with some not mixing, it defiantly feels like school no matter what age you are. You have your own little group, hold grudges against the others but have a simmer want to fit in. We follow Cameron's story through this along with his relationship with his friends and romantic partners as well.
While the story was very interesting and I thought ground breaking for kids who feel like they need to fit in or can't mix with another crowd because of different interests, it fell through at the end where Cameron gets with a girl that has the same interests as him and keeps to his group, while he managed to get a another popular girl into his anime group despite her being with the popular kids. I thought this book was about showing kids that you can different interests but still get along with different people, sadly that wasn't the case.
The only other think I didn't like was the long explanation of anime plots, I have never watched Dragon Ball Z and I don't want to read a whole plot sequences when reading this book, and I love anime.
That being said, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
Love in Winter Wonderland, by Abiola Bello
inspiring
fast-paced
3.0
A big thanks to NetGalley for a proof of this book.
After reading the synopsis for this book I was all for reading this and after finishing my other books and finally coming onto this one, I just couldn't wait.
Unfortunately, it wasn't as good as I hoped it would be.
It started with the first few chapters, the writing didn't get me and neither did many of the characters, but I kept reading hoping I would change my mind - instead it got worse.
Trey was the only character I really liked throughout the book, but even he didn't really feel good to me. The romance between him and Ariel it too fast and just out of no where that I felt a bit worse than Disney early romance.
The main girl Ariel isn't that good either; Trey's dad gets injured at work as she uses that to get a job there, she secretly draws Trey and herself together all romantic even though he's dating someone - she also secretly recorded him singing and let her friend post it without his knowledge and permission, and trying to get him to sing in front of a crowd when he cleary stated that he didn't want to.
Speaking of singing, there's so many cringy moments when Trey and Ariel start singing, if the writing didn't remind me of early fanfictions, then that did.
Sadly, this book just didn't do it for me.
After reading the synopsis for this book I was all for reading this and after finishing my other books and finally coming onto this one, I just couldn't wait.
Unfortunately, it wasn't as good as I hoped it would be.
It started with the first few chapters, the writing didn't get me and neither did many of the characters, but I kept reading hoping I would change my mind - instead it got worse.
Trey was the only character I really liked throughout the book, but even he didn't really feel good to me. The romance between him and Ariel it too fast and just out of no where that I felt a bit worse than Disney early romance.
The main girl Ariel isn't that good either; Trey's dad gets injured at work as she uses that to get a job there, she secretly draws Trey and herself together all romantic even though he's dating someone - she also secretly recorded him singing and let her friend post it without his knowledge and permission, and trying to get him to sing in front of a crowd when he cleary stated that he didn't want to.
Speaking of singing, there's so many cringy moments when Trey and Ariel start singing, if the writing didn't remind me of early fanfictions, then that did.
Sadly, this book just didn't do it for me.
Saving Neverland, by Abi Elphinstone
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
4.0
A big thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read a proof.
Peter Pan is one of my favourite Disney films (and I can't forget the 2005 live-action), it's such a fun story I get lost in that's full of adventure, and this book was just like that.
'Martha Pennydrop is now ten years old, and therefore a grown up, which means no more fun times. Instead she makes lists of things to do and not falling into playing with her younger brother, Scruff, who is still very much a child.
One night they are visited by Peter Pan, who needs they're help to save Neverland from Captain Hook - and Martha is the key.'
I was intrigued and hooked by the first few pages, I loved the characters in this book and the little references they had to the originally cast (Wendy, John, Michael), The Lost Boys and Tinkerbell are trapped by Captain Hook's curse so they have been replaced with other loveable characters.
The world building is jut as good with the new creatures added in as well as new magic - who doesn't love those things?
I really liked Martha's character and learning that just because you're growing up, doesn't mean you can't have fun, something that Peter Pan can't grasp his head around which makes so much sense given his character.
Any child will enjoy this book, I'm an adult who loved Peter Pan and loved this book just as much. While you get a new adventure and some new characters, you still have Peter Pan and his magical world.
Peter Pan is one of my favourite Disney films (and I can't forget the 2005 live-action), it's such a fun story I get lost in that's full of adventure, and this book was just like that.
'Martha Pennydrop is now ten years old, and therefore a grown up, which means no more fun times. Instead she makes lists of things to do and not falling into playing with her younger brother, Scruff, who is still very much a child.
One night they are visited by Peter Pan, who needs they're help to save Neverland from Captain Hook - and Martha is the key.'
I was intrigued and hooked by the first few pages, I loved the characters in this book and the little references they had to the originally cast (Wendy, John, Michael), The Lost Boys and Tinkerbell are trapped by Captain Hook's curse so they have been replaced with other loveable characters.
The world building is jut as good with the new creatures added in as well as new magic - who doesn't love those things?
I really liked Martha's character and learning that just because you're growing up, doesn't mean you can't have fun, something that Peter Pan can't grasp his head around which makes so much sense given his character.
Any child will enjoy this book, I'm an adult who loved Peter Pan and loved this book just as much. While you get a new adventure and some new characters, you still have Peter Pan and his magical world.
The Fraud Squad, by Kyla Zhao
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A huge thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read an early copy.
I can only describe this book as a love child between Crazy Rich Asians and The Devil Wears Prada.
The fame, fashion and bits of drama - and I ate it all up.
‘Samantha Song has always dreamed of writing for a high-end magazine, but that dream always seems like a fantasy to her as she and her mother have the constant struggle to male ends meet with the debt left by her deceased father.
But after going with her rich best friend, Anya Chen, to dinner, she meets Timothy Kingston - a son of one of Singapore’s elite families.
It’s an opportunity for her to infiltrate the high society world to help her achieve her dreams - and Anya and Timothy agree to help her and go along with it.’
The synopsis reminded me of little kids trying to get out of doing something they hate (cleaning, homework etc.) which made it quite funny for me, but I love the adult version better. We see what Samantha has to wear, say and do to make people believe that she fits into a high society which I loved, too many storylines gloss over it which defeats the purpose.
I really enjoyed the main characters, they do feel like best friends even though Samantha and Timothy didn’t meet that long ago. They all really helped each other and gave the other good advice.
The romance was good, no live at first sight and in love within days knowing each other. There was actual time within the romance that made it feel a little bit real and more realistic which I really appreciate.
I really like this book. I finished it really quickly because I was enjoying it so much - it’s perfect with a lovely hot drink and a cosy blanket.
I can only describe this book as a love child between Crazy Rich Asians and The Devil Wears Prada.
The fame, fashion and bits of drama - and I ate it all up.
‘Samantha Song has always dreamed of writing for a high-end magazine, but that dream always seems like a fantasy to her as she and her mother have the constant struggle to male ends meet with the debt left by her deceased father.
But after going with her rich best friend, Anya Chen, to dinner, she meets Timothy Kingston - a son of one of Singapore’s elite families.
It’s an opportunity for her to infiltrate the high society world to help her achieve her dreams - and Anya and Timothy agree to help her and go along with it.’
The synopsis reminded me of little kids trying to get out of doing something they hate (cleaning, homework etc.) which made it quite funny for me, but I love the adult version better. We see what Samantha has to wear, say and do to make people believe that she fits into a high society which I loved, too many storylines gloss over it which defeats the purpose.
I really enjoyed the main characters, they do feel like best friends even though Samantha and Timothy didn’t meet that long ago. They all really helped each other and gave the other good advice.
The romance was good, no live at first sight and in love within days knowing each other. There was actual time within the romance that made it feel a little bit real and more realistic which I really appreciate.
I really like this book. I finished it really quickly because I was enjoying it so much - it’s perfect with a lovely hot drink and a cosy blanket.
Payback's a Witch, by Lana Harper
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I've heard good things about this book, mostly that it was a good witchy book with no violence or scary stuff in it, and it was LGBTQ+ - perfect for me.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, it was written well and I enjoyed the characters. It gave perfect October witch cosy vibes and I adored it all.
The only thing I didn't like was everyone bullying Emmy a little for her leaving the town and doing her own thing outside with the humans, they didn't like that she didn't visit or call but they could have done the exact same thing to her. Her girlfriend didn't want Emmy to go back to Chicago and didn't want to what a lot of couples do which is to visit her there sometimes, Emmy even said that she would visit the town to see her again after doing her work in Chicago. Emmy was willing to travel but Taila wasn't - to me it was selfish of the character.
Overall I did enjoy the book and it's one my cosy witch books list to read in the spooky season.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, it was written well and I enjoyed the characters. It gave perfect October witch cosy vibes and I adored it all.
The only thing I didn't like was everyone bullying Emmy a little for her leaving the town and doing her own thing outside with the humans, they didn't like that she didn't visit or call but they could have done the exact same thing to her. Her girlfriend didn't want Emmy to go back to Chicago and didn't want to what a lot of couples do which is to visit her there sometimes, Emmy even said that she would visit the town to see her again after doing her work in Chicago. Emmy was willing to travel but Taila wasn't - to me it was selfish of the character.
Overall I did enjoy the book and it's one my cosy witch books list to read in the spooky season.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Cursing
The Kiss Curse, by Erin Sterling
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I absolutely adored The Ex Hex, so of course I has to get the little spin off to it.
It was fun, a little bit spooky and spicy - A perfect cozy witchy book for October which I love! I love how Gwyen is an actual good strong woman who is stubborn but doesn't let that get her into stupid situations like most strong woman characters do, which greatly annoys me.
Wells is such a fun male to read and I love how he became his own person and stood up to his Father, instead of using the useless excuse of "while his actions were bad, his means are good". I love children standing up against their parents, we need more of that.
The only thing I did like was the whole 'Baby Witches' gang, to me they were annoying - maybe it's because I find younger people annoying most of the time?
It's not as good as The Ex Hex, but it's still a fun read to cuddle up with.
It was fun, a little bit spooky and spicy - A perfect cozy witchy book for October which I love! I love how Gwyen is an actual good strong woman who is stubborn but doesn't let that get her into stupid situations like most strong woman characters do, which greatly annoys me.
Wells is such a fun male to read and I love how he became his own person and stood up to his Father, instead of using the useless excuse of "while his actions were bad, his means are good". I love children standing up against their parents, we need more of that.
The only thing I did like was the whole 'Baby Witches' gang, to me they were annoying - maybe it's because I find younger people annoying most of the time?
It's not as good as The Ex Hex, but it's still a fun read to cuddle up with.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Violence, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Minor: Torture, Blood, and Kidnapping
The Garnett Girls, by Georgina Moore
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I saw a proof of this book in my staff room and it looked quite interesting, so I decided to take it home and give it a go.
There are a lot of characters and it took me a while to separate them all and understand who's who and what thing they each have going on, after I got that out the way it was easier to read. I enjoyed the three sisters and what story each of them had and I appreciated that they were all different, just like the sisters with their personalities. It touched topic of domestic abuse and not wanting to marry which I liked very much, even better that it was dealt with in a good way.
The only character I didn't really enjoy was the mother who disregarded some her daughters feelings and only thought of herself, she didn't really apologise which left a sour taste in my mouth.
There are a lot of characters and it took me a while to separate them all and understand who's who and what thing they each have going on, after I got that out the way it was easier to read. I enjoyed the three sisters and what story each of them had and I appreciated that they were all different, just like the sisters with their personalities. It touched topic of domestic abuse and not wanting to marry which I liked very much, even better that it was dealt with in a good way.
The only character I didn't really enjoy was the mother who disregarded some her daughters feelings and only thought of herself, she didn't really apologise which left a sour taste in my mouth.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Domestic abuse, and Death
The Ex Hex, by Erin Sterling
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
5.0
While I love the season of October, it's one of my least favourite months because of Halloween the main things that are bought out is horror, thriller and gore - three things I hate.
But this book swept me up into a cosy sweater, placed me on my bed with a delicious cup of hot chocolate and wrapped me up all warm. The plot is funny, the characters are charming and I love the descriptions of the autumn season and witchy things happening.
I absolutely adore this book and can't wait for The Kissing Curse. I can't wait to share this book with my friends who are uncomfortable with the Halloween season and get them all cosy with this book.
But this book swept me up into a cosy sweater, placed me on my bed with a delicious cup of hot chocolate and wrapped me up all warm. The plot is funny, the characters are charming and I love the descriptions of the autumn season and witchy things happening.
I absolutely adore this book and can't wait for The Kissing Curse. I can't wait to share this book with my friends who are uncomfortable with the Halloween season and get them all cosy with this book.
Well, That Was Unexpected, by Jesse Q. Sutanto
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
0.0
I requested a proof of this book thinking that it was going to be a fun and laughable read, but I was horribly mistaken.
I read the first few chapters and so badly wanted to give up the book, the main characters family are so horrible - the word "boundaries" is forbidden to them. The way they treated the main characters was appalling, uncomfortable and very frustrated, especially when the kids stand up for themselves but say sorry, or their families ignore or are mean to them.
After the first few chapters I skimmed through the book, that's how much I didn't enjoy it. The LGBT was a twist I didn't see coming, I like it but it wasn't a good reason for why Sharlot's mum acted the way she did with her, it was an excuse, and a poor one.
In conclusion, really didn't like this book and I wish we had books where kids stand up to their parents & elders and to not back down.
I read the first few chapters and so badly wanted to give up the book, the main characters family are so horrible - the word "boundaries" is forbidden to them. The way they treated the main characters was appalling, uncomfortable and very frustrated, especially when the kids stand up for themselves but say sorry, or their families ignore or are mean to them.
After the first few chapters I skimmed through the book, that's how much I didn't enjoy it. The LGBT was a twist I didn't see coming, I like it but it wasn't a good reason for why Sharlot's mum acted the way she did with her, it was an excuse, and a poor one.
In conclusion, really didn't like this book and I wish we had books where kids stand up to their parents & elders and to not back down.