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blithesquesttoread's Reviews (480)
To start with the review, can we please take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the cover? It's sooo cute and it describes the book so damn well! Reading this book was like watching a kdrama, so full of life and meaningful message and playfulness.
Peter Lee is an eleven year old boy who is obsessed with dinosaurs and knows he wants to be a paleontologist when we grows up. There's no question about it. He has started mock excavations in the backyard, keeps up to date with any latest findings about dinosaurs and is building his knowledge base about all the scientific stuff. He loves his grandparents, parents (except when, uhum, they force him to do math... why would they do that?) and somewhere his little sis too (interpretations are open to discussion but L.B. and Peter surely have a cute relation). L.B. is full of life, I am not even kidding that girl is made up of 99.9% enthusiasm! She is a genius and knows scientific stuff that are beyond my comprehension... she seems like a walking encyclopedia. And even though she irritates Peter a lot, she cares for him very much.
Ah, I don't even know where should I begin from, this book was so wholesome to read! The family bond was refreshing to another extent. It had been a long time since I read about a family outing and one which seemed so realistic and happening that I could honestly watch the events unfold in front of my eyes. The book discusses about dementia too, in a very subtle but in your face manner. You cannot miss it but at the same time it has been handled very delicately and in an approachable manner. It has Peter standing up to bullies and cute and lovely interactions between Peter and L.B. (they are honestly cute and 100% relatable)! I loved how we see character development in Peter and how he applies his observations. It is so heartwarming to see someone so passionate about what they like, and how they are constantly developing their skills for it. Furthermore, the book had many Korean expressions and I swear I almost died reading them. I really want to learn Korean and the use of some Korean expressions here and there was so amazing! I even admired how the topic of children of immigrants barely knowing their native knowledge was brought up. Even though I am not an immigrant but to me it seemed kind of personal because I feel more comfortable with a foreign language than my native language.
Peter Lee's Notes From the Field was just so heartwarming and pleasant to read!! Honestly there's nothing like reading novels that speak to you in so many different ways!
Trigger Warnings: Dementia, Bullying, Racism, Asthma...
*Thank you netgalley and the publisher to provide me with a copy in exchange for an honest review
Peter Lee is an eleven year old boy who is obsessed with dinosaurs and knows he wants to be a paleontologist when we grows up. There's no question about it. He has started mock excavations in the backyard, keeps up to date with any latest findings about dinosaurs and is building his knowledge base about all the scientific stuff. He loves his grandparents, parents (except when, uhum, they force him to do math... why would they do that?) and somewhere his little sis too (interpretations are open to discussion but L.B. and Peter surely have a cute relation). L.B. is full of life, I am not even kidding that girl is made up of 99.9% enthusiasm! She is a genius and knows scientific stuff that are beyond my comprehension... she seems like a walking encyclopedia. And even though she irritates Peter a lot, she cares for him very much.
Ah, I don't even know where should I begin from, this book was so wholesome to read! The family bond was refreshing to another extent. It had been a long time since I read about a family outing and one which seemed so realistic and happening that I could honestly watch the events unfold in front of my eyes. The book discusses about dementia too, in a very subtle but in your face manner. You cannot miss it but at the same time it has been handled very delicately and in an approachable manner. It has Peter standing up to bullies and cute and lovely interactions between Peter and L.B. (they are honestly cute and 100% relatable)! I loved how we see character development in Peter and how he applies his observations. It is so heartwarming to see someone so passionate about what they like, and how they are constantly developing their skills for it. Furthermore, the book had many Korean expressions and I swear I almost died reading them. I really want to learn Korean and the use of some Korean expressions here and there was so amazing! I even admired how the topic of children of immigrants barely knowing their native knowledge was brought up. Even though I am not an immigrant but to me it seemed kind of personal because I feel more comfortable with a foreign language than my native language.
Peter Lee's Notes From the Field was just so heartwarming and pleasant to read!! Honestly there's nothing like reading novels that speak to you in so many different ways!
Trigger Warnings: Dementia, Bullying, Racism, Asthma...
*Thank you netgalley and the publisher to provide me with a copy in exchange for an honest review
I am SO glad that I got to read this collection by [a:Paris Cunningham|18311287|Paris Cunningham|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1613228581p2/18311287.jpg]! Thank you so much for providing me a review copy!
In general I really love to read poetry books and this one was no different! Poetry itself is so personal that I don't think I'll ever be able to rate it in terms of writing style or anything. It is generally through emotions and honestly? I went through a lot of emotions while reading this collection and the accounts and everything were so damn relatable! I'll mention few of the titles I really liked to read. Also, I love how the author made sure to have content warning in the starting on the collection. I was really happy for it!
The first title is Then Wake Me Up which was like an ode to people in general to try to maintain peace. The second title, I Don't Know seemed very personal to me, about the struggles and unhappiness that is usually found in people these days and no one knows what to do, how to be there for everyone. Here is few lines I really loved:
I just want answers and I want them soon,
I want to give their dark nights a moon,
It is hard for me to deal or find the seed,
When all I can give is not what they need
The third title, Extinct was very unique indeed. An imagination where humans are extinct or they are not. It was a title that actually made me think a lot! The fourth title, Social Media was actually really relevant to present times. It was like a general summarization of what happens on social media and how people fret about creating content there. The next title, Don't Fear The Monster, Fear the Cause' was small but conveyed such an amazing message! Okay, I kind of want to mention all the titles but I don't want to give everything away. The last poem 'Pain is Gain' felt the most personal to me, it was about creating content and getting appreciation for that content only where there is some level of pain involved. I mean whenever I sit down to write or think about reading, these are the same thoughts I have, Like whether I have to be sad in order to connect to people, if people will be able to connect as much to my content if it is happy.
The collection, together was really beautiful to read through. The poems weren't directly connected anywhere, they were surrounding on various social issues that we see going around these days. And what I loved the most was how I was able to connect to every piece in some or the other way. Really loved it!
Trigger Warnings: Self-harm, Suicide, Religion, Terrorism, Bombs, Toxic Relationships
In general I really love to read poetry books and this one was no different! Poetry itself is so personal that I don't think I'll ever be able to rate it in terms of writing style or anything. It is generally through emotions and honestly? I went through a lot of emotions while reading this collection and the accounts and everything were so damn relatable! I'll mention few of the titles I really liked to read. Also, I love how the author made sure to have content warning in the starting on the collection. I was really happy for it!
The first title is Then Wake Me Up which was like an ode to people in general to try to maintain peace. The second title, I Don't Know seemed very personal to me, about the struggles and unhappiness that is usually found in people these days and no one knows what to do, how to be there for everyone. Here is few lines I really loved:
I just want answers and I want them soon,
I want to give their dark nights a moon,
It is hard for me to deal or find the seed,
When all I can give is not what they need
The third title, Extinct was very unique indeed. An imagination where humans are extinct or they are not. It was a title that actually made me think a lot! The fourth title, Social Media was actually really relevant to present times. It was like a general summarization of what happens on social media and how people fret about creating content there. The next title, Don't Fear The Monster, Fear the Cause' was small but conveyed such an amazing message! Okay, I kind of want to mention all the titles but I don't want to give everything away. The last poem 'Pain is Gain' felt the most personal to me, it was about creating content and getting appreciation for that content only where there is some level of pain involved. I mean whenever I sit down to write or think about reading, these are the same thoughts I have, Like whether I have to be sad in order to connect to people, if people will be able to connect as much to my content if it is happy.
The collection, together was really beautiful to read through. The poems weren't directly connected anywhere, they were surrounding on various social issues that we see going around these days. And what I loved the most was how I was able to connect to every piece in some or the other way. Really loved it!
Trigger Warnings: Self-harm, Suicide, Religion, Terrorism, Bombs, Toxic Relationships
My hands are itching for the next volume... Omgggg I can't wait for it to finish publishing
Don't mind me. Inhaling this series when I should be studying
Now let me begin squealing about this book. Or shall I say try to put this bundle of emotions – from excitement to astonishment to relatability to belongingness to sadness to happiness to courage – into a few hand picked words which may or may not portray my exact feelings for this book.
To start with, I’ll be honest here, as much as I am about reading write ups and poetry by people, I am not much of a poetry book reader. More like this would be the first poetry book I ever read and I am not kidding when I say that I finished it in one sitting. That’s all it took. I started this playlist of mine and read through it and honestly, that was the best feeling ever. Poetry is something that is just meant for expression – some raw emotions that require to find a footing on a page and that is what it felt like. The foreword was what brought me in, with the writer describing how she the feeling of being wanted even after one is independent is what she hoped to convey with this book and BOOM! I was into this book from write then.
What amazed me was how each line was alive in its own self. Just something one would need to put a smile on face. Similarly, the section which dealt with the darker emotions of one self was extremely hard hitting. And the epilogue just sewed everything together very beautifully. So, here is my piece of advice: GO READ IT ASAP!
Trigger/Content Warning: Mentions of anxiety, depression, abuse, trauma, and a suicide note
*Note – I was provided a copy of this book by the caffeine book tours as a participant of the #PleasePickMeTour
To start with, I’ll be honest here, as much as I am about reading write ups and poetry by people, I am not much of a poetry book reader. More like this would be the first poetry book I ever read and I am not kidding when I say that I finished it in one sitting. That’s all it took. I started this playlist of mine and read through it and honestly, that was the best feeling ever. Poetry is something that is just meant for expression – some raw emotions that require to find a footing on a page and that is what it felt like. The foreword was what brought me in, with the writer describing how she the feeling of being wanted even after one is independent is what she hoped to convey with this book and BOOM! I was into this book from write then.
What amazed me was how each line was alive in its own self. Just something one would need to put a smile on face. Similarly, the section which dealt with the darker emotions of one self was extremely hard hitting. And the epilogue just sewed everything together very beautifully. So, here is my piece of advice: GO READ IT ASAP!
Trigger/Content Warning: Mentions of anxiety, depression, abuse, trauma, and a suicide note
*Note – I was provided a copy of this book by the caffeine book tours as a participant of the #PleasePickMeTour
I am soo excited to write a review for this novel, even though I don't know where should I begin and where should I end. Also, the joy of texting your friend randomly squealing about the book is really amazing. That's what I did for the past few days... just texting and squealing my friends to read this book. If I had to describe this book in one word, I would say it was WHOLESOME. It was just tooo cute and lovely and insightful that I couldn't help but binge read it.
Elaborating more about the plot itself, I felt like I was watching a kdrama in my head. I don't know how else to describe the experience. I was also able to figure out why was I so interested in kdramas but refused to watch practically everything else these days. I liked how there wasn't instant love present here and no usual drama in the end (the one where there's breakup and makeup and whatnot... ). Honestly if that had happened in this one, I would have given up on this book. Luckily nothing of the sort happened. For this book, I would particularly say how earnestly I wanted the book to not end but also end. I wanted it to end so that I can finally sort through my thoughts and geek about it but I didn't want it to end because, well, it was too good to end.
I usually don't write reviews like this but I can't help to go in this direction. The characters were FREAKING AMAZING!
Felipe: Oh boy, where do I start with him? This guy, right here, was really amazing. I can't count the times I laughed, said so me, then got frustrated coz of his actions... basically the generally experience while reading the book. But I want to say that I really loved his character development. It wasn't as elaborative as what you see mostly in ya contemporaries but it was by far the most realistic and beautiful one. I don't think it is always possible to get over your insecurities in a few days, even if you find someone whom you think you love. The idea is a pleasant one but it isn't so easy. Same was for Felipe. Did he realize that nothing was wrong with him? Yes. Did that mean that he was over the moon? Not always, no. But I really liked how it was a stepping stone for him to live a wholesome life.
Caio: Ohkay, I am not kidding that I was tempted to imagine him like a puppy (you'll know why when you read this book, trust me); luckily the many illustrations of them helped me to not do that. And oh, how glad I am that I didn't do that. If I have to describe Caio, I would say he would be the character I could relate to in the same way I could relate to Felipe (in certain scenarios, maybe more). I am clueless what I want to write more about him... like he was the kind of person who would gel well with practically anyone coz most of the times he was genuine and liked to think a lot before voicing out his opinions. And I liked his character development too even though it wasn't as extensive as the one of Felipe (plsss get me a book with his point of view toooo)
Now coming onto other characters, they were all sooo amazing! Felipe's mom was WOW. That's the only word I can describe her with. I would totally be good friends with her, no questions asked. Then comes Becky and her girlfriend and even though we don't see that much about them, I loved how satisfying it was to read about them. I LOVED Becky. She was just tooo sweet. And I don't wanna say more coz I might drop in spoilers which I don't wanna do.
Other thing about this book that I absolutely loved about this novel was how it explored different issues and gave us different important outlooks. There's positive outlook on therapy, there's positive outlook on having good and proper communication in order to not have any misunderstandings, there's subtle hints as to how to find that inner strength in yourself to stand up, there's discussion about honestly a lot of things. Oh and did I mention that it has good recs too? Like honestly it made me want to read books which have been on my tbr for quite some time. And it also made me take notes of movies to watch (I am not a big movie watcher...). So yes, I loved it A LOT. Honestly, I had started this on a whim and I am so glad I did. I don't know what would I have done these past few days if not read this book (I probably would have studied but who cares lol)!!
Trigger warnings: Fatphobia, Homophobia, Bullying
***
I. WANT. MORE.
Elaborating more about the plot itself, I felt like I was watching a kdrama in my head. I don't know how else to describe the experience. I was also able to figure out why was I so interested in kdramas but refused to watch practically everything else these days. I liked how there wasn't instant love present here and no usual drama in the end (the one where there's breakup and makeup and whatnot... ). Honestly if that had happened in this one, I would have given up on this book. Luckily nothing of the sort happened. For this book, I would particularly say how earnestly I wanted the book to not end but also end. I wanted it to end so that I can finally sort through my thoughts and geek about it but I didn't want it to end because, well, it was too good to end.
I usually don't write reviews like this but I can't help to go in this direction. The characters were FREAKING AMAZING!
Felipe: Oh boy, where do I start with him? This guy, right here, was really amazing. I can't count the times I laughed, said so me, then got frustrated coz of his actions... basically the generally experience while reading the book. But I want to say that I really loved his character development. It wasn't as elaborative as what you see mostly in ya contemporaries but it was by far the most realistic and beautiful one. I don't think it is always possible to get over your insecurities in a few days, even if you find someone whom you think you love. The idea is a pleasant one but it isn't so easy. Same was for Felipe. Did he realize that nothing was wrong with him? Yes. Did that mean that he was over the moon? Not always, no. But I really liked how it was a stepping stone for him to live a wholesome life.
Caio: Ohkay, I am not kidding that I was tempted to imagine him like a puppy (you'll know why when you read this book, trust me); luckily the many illustrations of them helped me to not do that. And oh, how glad I am that I didn't do that. If I have to describe Caio, I would say he would be the character I could relate to in the same way I could relate to Felipe (in certain scenarios, maybe more). I am clueless what I want to write more about him... like he was the kind of person who would gel well with practically anyone coz most of the times he was genuine and liked to think a lot before voicing out his opinions. And I liked his character development too even though it wasn't as extensive as the one of Felipe (plsss get me a book with his point of view toooo)
Now coming onto other characters, they were all sooo amazing! Felipe's mom was WOW. That's the only word I can describe her with. I would totally be good friends with her, no questions asked. Then comes Becky and her girlfriend and even though we don't see that much about them, I loved how satisfying it was to read about them. I LOVED Becky. She was just tooo sweet. And I don't wanna say more coz I might drop in spoilers which I don't wanna do.
Other thing about this book that I absolutely loved about this novel was how it explored different issues and gave us different important outlooks. There's positive outlook on therapy, there's positive outlook on having good and proper communication in order to not have any misunderstandings, there's subtle hints as to how to find that inner strength in yourself to stand up, there's discussion about honestly a lot of things. Oh and did I mention that it has good recs too? Like honestly it made me want to read books which have been on my tbr for quite some time. And it also made me take notes of movies to watch (I am not a big movie watcher...). So yes, I loved it A LOT. Honestly, I had started this on a whim and I am so glad I did. I don't know what would I have done these past few days if not read this book (I probably would have studied but who cares lol)!!
Trigger warnings: Fatphobia, Homophobia, Bullying
***
I. WANT. MORE.
What Momma Left Me is a middle grade book covering so many important things in just 220 pages. I wasn't able to stop myself from not reading it and surprisingly, I didn't get teary eyed while reading which is soo important as it can be very overwhelming for people.
Blurb: Serenity is heartbroken. Her mother is dead and her father is gone, not contacting anyone from their family. She's not prepared for the changes that are about to happen and is afraid she won't be able to engage in cooking, especially baking cakes. At first while living with her grandparents, things do look good - a friend who makes her feel connected and a boy who makes her feel seen. But when her brother, Danny, starts to go down the wrong path, the old fear set in. Will he end up like their dad? Will she end up like their mom?
***
Same old me, not knowing where to start. The writing seemed mature enough for readers of all ages. But what I want to stress here is how delicately subjects of domestic violence, suicide, and child sexual abuse were handled. Addressing these issues is not easy, even more so when it comes to books meant for young readers. Secondly, I really loved the character development throughout the book. And did I mention that it is soo poetic? That has to be the best part for me because after reading every short poem I felt more connected with the book.
Blurb: Serenity is heartbroken. Her mother is dead and her father is gone, not contacting anyone from their family. She's not prepared for the changes that are about to happen and is afraid she won't be able to engage in cooking, especially baking cakes. At first while living with her grandparents, things do look good - a friend who makes her feel connected and a boy who makes her feel seen. But when her brother, Danny, starts to go down the wrong path, the old fear set in. Will he end up like their dad? Will she end up like their mom?
***
Same old me, not knowing where to start. The writing seemed mature enough for readers of all ages. But what I want to stress here is how delicately subjects of domestic violence, suicide, and child sexual abuse were handled. Addressing these issues is not easy, even more so when it comes to books meant for young readers. Secondly, I really loved the character development throughout the book. And did I mention that it is soo poetic? That has to be the best part for me because after reading every short poem I felt more connected with the book.
Here's my list:
1. I still can't believe that I finished this book.
2. The politics stuff has definitely ignited a spark in me to look into it more.
3. It was super heavy.
4. I don't think I've enough energy to write anything. Also, I don't think I'll be able to describe this book in one word. Like don't expect me to write a short review with only a couple of words strung together to let you all know how amazing this book is.
1. I still can't believe that I finished this book.
2. The politics stuff has definitely ignited a spark in me to look into it more.
3. It was super heavy.
4. I don't think I've enough energy to write anything. Also, I don't think I'll be able to describe this book in one word. Like don't expect me to write a short review with only a couple of words strung together to let you all know how amazing this book is.