chelsealouise's reviews
342 reviews

3/5 Stars: ‘Toffee’ is a Young Adult, Poetic Contemporary by Sarah Crossan; ‘Toffee’ is a pain-filled story, but it is also hopeful and profoundly moving; laced with old hurts and small kindnesses, it’s a book that changes its reader for the better. ‘Toffee’, is told in verse, addressing several poignant and recurrent themes: belonging, identity, grief and trauma, and shaping one’s place in the world. Divided into short pieces, a page or two in length; each of these is as satisfying as a smoothed piece of sea glass, strung together to create a spectrum of pain and consolation. The sparse words reveal the artistry in every phrase. The book is saturated by the sense of secrecy.

4/5 Stars: ‘Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed’ is a Young Adult, DC Graphic Novel by Laurie Halse Anderson and illustrated by Leila del Duca; ‘Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed’ portrays Diana of Themyscira as a boisterous, gutsy, and compassionate 16-year-old trying to figure out how the world works. Anderson devises a down-to-earth plot that plays to the protagonist's strengths but does not feel the need for giant-scale superheroics. Del Duca captures the character's beauty but also gives her a note of earthiness. Diana saves the day more than once, but she's not all-powerful in the way that the adult version of her character can sometimes seem. Suspenseful, funny, and timely, ‘Tempest Tossed’ is a wild and valuable ride for newcomers and long-time fans. Trigger warning for child trafficking, but actual exploitation is not depicted. There are fistfights, gunplay, and the throwing of furniture and cars. ‘Tempest Tossed’ begins to veer away from the original Wonder Woman from DC Comics history; it is not Steve Trevor, Army Pilot, who washes up on the shores of Themyscira fresh from fighting the Nazi’s in WW2. Instead it is a male refugee, thrown from a capsizing boat of men, women and children escaping war in their home country. The novel uses its platform to tell a story which speaks to our core morality and inner strength.

5/5 Stars: ‘Salt to the Sea’ is a Young Adult, Historical Fiction by Ruta Sepetys; ‘Salt to the Sea’ is a story of humanity in the face of unthinkable horror, of love blossoming in the midst of hatred, of kindness turning strangers into family. It is set during World War II, about a little-known maritime disaster: the 1945 sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff, a German ship filled mostly with civilians trying to escape the advancing Russian (or Red) Army. Sepetys does not shy away from the horrors people faced during the war, such as references to the fact the army routinely raped women in the countries they were occupying. People are shot at, drown, and die of injuries and sickness. You learn a great deal about aspects of WWII that aren't as frequently discussed, such as the Red Army advancing, what happened to ethnic Germans in the Baltic States, and the circumstances surrounding this wartime tragedy. This powerful, gorgeously written exploration of a little-known WWII tragedy proves why Sepetys has emerged as a pre-eminent historical novelist in young adult literature. ‘Salt to the Sea’, which includes meticulously detailed author's notes, maps, and research and sources, is an ideal blend of historical facts, riveting drama, compelling characters, and suspense. Similar to when you watch ‘Titanic’ for the first time, you know the ship is doomed but not exactly how the fictional characters will fare within that tragedy. Sepetys has created three diverse characters who ultimately bond and care for each other. Once again, Sepetys adds touches of humour and romance to her history, and it works beautifully.

4/5 Stars: ‘Educating Rita’ is a New Adult, Fictional Play by Willy Russell; ‘Educating Rita’, set in the 1980s, highlights the disparities between class, education and the sexes; in particular, the struggle for working-class women – to break away from misogyny and enrich themselves intellectually, by chasing a tantalisingly academic ‘get-out-of-free card’. Except that as the play develops, this golden chalice proves increasingly empty and meaningless, as the humanity of the characters and the reality of their lives alter the promise of this ultimate fulfilment. ‘Educating Rita’ is inspirational but spiky enough to retain the rough edges that keep it grounded and realistic. It explores weighty themes (Alcoholism, Social Isolation, Suicide) but never gets bogged down in them. The relationship between Frank and Rita is initially professional and then one of firm friendship, with no overt romantic connotations needed. ‘Educating Rita’ is a love letter to learning, embracing diversity, mixing outside your social circle, and following your dreams.

4.5/5 Stars: ‘The Thin House’ is a Middle Grade, Paranormal Mystery by Jake Nickens; ‘The Thin House’ is a coming-of-age novella set in rural Louisiana, with captivating characters; a well-paced plot; and a truly commendable story. This page-turning treasure presents a unique perspective on life, fuelled by a medley of stories, monsters, and myths strung together with an ample heart. Each character is well described, each providing an underlying lesson, whether family, friendship or grief. Nickens, as an indie author, knows how to weave a story; his prose is delightful, gripping you with every page. Hopefully, there will be a sequel, enticing us with further uncovered stories of the Thin House.

DNF/5 Stars: ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ is a Young Adult, LGBT+ Contemporary by Casey McQuiston. Disclaimer: As of 2020, I shall no longer be reviewing DNF’d novels. Please do not let the low star-rating affect your decision to pick-up ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’.

3/5 Stars: ‘Girl, Serpent, Thorn’ is a Young Adult, Fantasy by Melissa Bashardoust; ‘Girl, Serpent, Thorn’ is an alluring feminist fairy tale, and a richly metaphorical story of a teen claiming her identity and her place in the world. Bashardoust draws heavily on the ancient mythology of Persia (and includes a fascinating author’s note detailing her sources); By incorporating old and middle Persian words, we’re whisked into the world of the luxurious Golvahar. Careful readers will also find motifs from fairy tales such as ‘Sleeping Beauty,’ ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ and ‘Rapunzel.’ The writing is lyrical and poetic; emanating an ethereal feel, without smothering the voice of the protagonist. Unfortunately, the plot is predictable and thin; meandering in places that felt rushed to produce an explosive ending.

4/5 Stars: ‘Heartstopper (Vol.1-3)’ is a Young Adult, LGBT+ Graphic Novel by Alice Oseman; ‘Heartstopper’ is an adorable diary of love’s gut punches as mismatched British schoolboys fumble their way towards romance. This Graphic Novel is a bound collection of a Tumblr Comic, by the same name; featuring the love story between Nick and Charlie, illustrated beautifully in a unique style, peppered with quirky little illustrations in speech bubbles to show the tone of each character – learning you with a warm feeling inside. It is brilliantly British, light-hearted and covers such a sweet romance; filled with diversity, from characters of different races to our main characters being gay and bisexual, it was a really refreshing and inclusive read. Be wary, it covers some serious topics including, but not limited to, Homophobia, Mental Health and Eating Disorders.

4/5 Stars: ‘Heartstopper (Vol.1-3)’ is a Young Adult, LGBT+ Graphic Novel by Alice Oseman; ‘Heartstopper’ is an adorable diary of love’s gut punches as mismatched British schoolboys fumble their way towards romance. This Graphic Novel is a bound collection of a Tumblr Comic, by the same name; featuring the love story between Nick and Charlie, illustrated beautifully in a unique style, peppered with quirky little illustrations in speech bubbles to show the tone of each character – learning you with a warm feeling inside. It is brilliantly British, light-hearted and covers such a sweet romance; filled with diversity, from characters of different races to our main characters being gay and bisexual, it was a really refreshing and inclusive read. Be wary, it covers some serious topics including, but not limited to, Homophobia, Mental Health and Eating Disorders.

4/5 Stars: ‘Heartstopper (Vol.1-3)’ is a Young Adult, LGBT+ Graphic Novel by Alice Oseman; ‘Heartstopper’ is an adorable diary of love’s gut punches as mismatched British schoolboys fumble their way towards romance. This Graphic Novel is a bound collection of a Tumblr Comic, by the same name; featuring the love story between Nick and Charlie, illustrated beautifully in a unique style, peppered with quirky little illustrations in speech bubbles to show the tone of each character – learning you with a warm feeling inside. It is brilliantly British, light-hearted and covers such a sweet romance; filled with diversity, from characters of different races to our main characters being gay and bisexual, it was a really refreshing and inclusive read. Be wary, it covers some serious topics including, but not limited to, Homophobia, Mental Health and Eating Disorders.