willowmoon92's reviews
156 reviews

Before You Knew My Name by Jacqueline Bublitz

dark emotional informative mysterious reflective sad tense slow-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

5.0

 

 This was such a heartbreaking but POWERFUL novel written so beautifully. I was in absolute pieces throughout this book....my dog was so concerned lol. This is such a heavy topic but Bublitz broke it down and wrote it in a digestable way. I love that one of the most important aspects brought up throughout the chapters is not forgetting the girls. Stop giving the murderers and such all the spotlight and Netflix documentaries. Get to know the girl and her life and dreams and everything that was taken from her. The way this book takes a while to get to the actual murder is key in this. We get to know Alice's dreams, favorite things, and plans for the future before we focus on her end. She did an excellent job at showcasing how one person's life is interconnected with so many. That life changes for everyone involved. I also appreciate that attention was drawn to how race and class are a factor in whether a person's case makes the news. The interwoven feminine aspects of what women and girls all over the world deal with are talked about so brilliantly and truly bring awareness. I loved this even though it broke me. Everyone deserves a Noah <3 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape and Murder

Minor: Cursing

A Home that Means the World by Victoria Turnbull

5.0

 

This was such a cute little book! The artwork is stunning. It follows the story of an ant family who are weavers and their journey to find a home after theirs was taken (destroyed) from them. To children, it's a story of ants, to adults it can signify the journey that many displaced people have to go through. It doesn't take extravagant things to make a house a home! 

Vincent: A Graphic Biography by Simon Elliott

4.0

 

This is a visually captivating exploration of Vincent van Gogh's life. This graphic novel dives into the hectic journey of his life all the while blending his artistic capabilities with the struggles he experienced throughout his life. This graphic novel did a great job of conveying complex emotions through its illustrations that mirrored van Gogh's own style. I love that it does not shy away from showcasing the uglier bits of his life such as his battles with mental illness, and how he struggled with isolation or poverty. Having this biography in graphic novel form is fantastic for people who find them daunting and can be especially helpful for younger readers. Getting to know his life's story allows one to view his artwork with a new lens and see them differently than before. 

It's Lonely at the Centre of the Earth by Zoe Thorogood

emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

 

This was such a raw and beautiful account of Zoe's life and what she experiences on a daily basis. I deal with depression and anxiety with having Bipolar so I found myself relating to many of Zoe's feelings. This is such a great expression of what it can be like to deal with depression and it is so relatable and moving, inspirational even. I wish that more people would put out autobiographies in comic form. The art really draws you in and helps you understand what's written even more. I hope wherever Zoe is, that they are doing well. 

The First Death by Kendra Elliot

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

 

This was SO good!!! It has been a long time since I have read a thriller/crime book where I couldn't guess what was going on let alone be shocked TWICE. I was so invested in this story and thoroughly enjoyed the writing. I am so happy at the ending and appreciate that it wasn't easily distinguishable. I also loved the little sprinkle of romance along the way as it didn't interfere with the rest of the story and felt natural to the storyline. This is book 4, but I am getting the rest of this series! 

Lute by Jennifer Marie Thorne

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad 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

5.0

 I absolutely LOVED this. Has strong vibes of the movie Midsommar but with a happy ending. This was a fantastic folk horror book and I easily read it in one sitting. I wish that there was a little bit more info on 'the shining people"/"gods." There was just the right amount of descriptive gore without it being offputting. 10/10 

Houses of the Unholy by Ed Brubaker

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This was spectacular! It had all of my favorite things. I know how huge a thing satanism/cults were in the '80s/'90sand this really showcased that satanic and conspiracy theory panic that was rampant. This was a great graphic novel that had the perfect amount of thriller, mystery, and nostalgia. I thought the artwork was very fitting for this topic as well and reminded me of vintage comic books. I hate how things turned out for Natalie, but the ending is fitting to the rest of the book. I wish it were a tad bit longer in that it explored the other members of "the cult six" a bit more. It is a great read but needs a bit of fluffing. I would definitely read more from this duo!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

World of Rot by Britt Crow-Miller

adventurous funny informative fast-paced

5.0

I absolutely enjoyed this!! As a 32-year-old, I learned SO MUCH new information on the world of decomposition. Fungi and moths are some of my favorite things however, I had NO idea about their, or butterflies,  love of poop specifically...." the liquid bits." The artwork was fantastic as well. The information within this book is explained so efficiently and is easy to understand. I also love that when necessary, the author would give examples of how to be safe about going about a certain thing or if readers should avoid it. I love that real-world problems and examples were used that many can relate to. I am a homeschooling mama and I am absolutely using this book and its activities in our curriculum this year. This is a neat topic to learn about and has plenty of hands-on experiences that everyone can do!

Spitting Gold by Carmella Lowkis

dark reflective sad 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

5.0

I  LOVED and devoured this book! I have struggled to get into anything that might be considered "historical" but I knew from the first few pages that I would love this because of how smoothly it reads. It also isn't overly historical in that you're not left confused by certain phrases or words so it's easier to read. If I have to look up the meaning of things constantly it draws me away from the story. The writing, for me at least, transports you into the story, especially with the characters, building structures, and clothing descriptions that are given. At first, I thought the book was going in the direction to be like the movie Marrowbone in that perhaps some of the Jacquinots were ghosts given the blurb of the book. I am so glad Charlotte and Florence got their happiness and I cried for Florence at her discovery. The grandfather was deserving of their fate. I was sad that the book ended as I could have read on for more! 

Sleeping Beauties: Deluxe Remastered Edition (Graphic Novel) by Alison Sampson, Stephen King, Rio Youers, Owen King

dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

This was such a....interesting novel. I have not read the actual story yet but I feel as though it being graphic novel form makes it easier to digest. This story had A LOT of characters to keep up with however, I don't think it was too overwhelming given there were photos to go with the names. This novel has strong feminist views and brings attention to diversity as well. Owen and Stephen did an excellent job taking real everyday occurrences that happen to the people in the story and our daily lives and putting a horror spin on them. I would love for more graphic novel versions of King's books!

As a side note: I have NEVER HATED anyone more than Don Peters. He infuriated me so much!