javalibrarian's reviews
1504 reviews

Season of Love by Helena Greer

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adventurous emotional hopeful 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? Yes

4.0

To My Trans Sisters by Charlie Craggs

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challenging emotional funny hopeful informative reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

How To Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 44%.
Too many characters, some unlikable, and many as unreliable "narrators" of their roles in the storyline.
The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

Wow ! A transcendent listen about the gift economy which nurtures us all - humanity, animals, and the planet.  Let’s hope that many listen and learn from you Robin - thank you!
Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

4.5

This 1948 Newbery Honor Winner describes a world of childhood on Chincoteague, the natural world, and a love of horses.  Humor. drama, and tension are sprinkled throughout as you get to know Paul, Maureen, their grandparents & foal, Misty. Delightful - especially the audiobook version! 
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

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emotional funny hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A swoonable sweet rom-com - Alexis & Daniel are opposites attract on steroids.  And Alexis’ best friend, Bri made me laugh out loud!
Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford

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emotional funny lighthearted reflective sad 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? Yes

4.25

You’ll be rooting for Jenny!
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken

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adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.75

A pair of children confronting an evil governess in the countryside of England with wolves all around - oh my!  Will they thwart the governess, and save their home, or not?!?
Transgender History: The Roots of Today's Revolution by Susan Stryker

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challenging emotional hopeful informative reflective sad medium-paced

4.25

Susan Stryker gives an informative overview of transgender history in the United States since 2016, and the repetition, historically, of backlash against the trans community, that always happens after any LGBTQ+ rights are passed.  She reiterates that the trans community always survives, often in community together and with allies. Given our current climate, I'm envisioning a 3rd edition in Stryker's future. 
The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted reflective sad fast-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

“Everyone lies about their lives. What would happen if you shared the truth instead? The one thing that defines you, that makes everything else about you fall into place?”
So begins the opening of this multi-layered, multiple narrated story of new friends, loves, and trying to make amends. A rollicking read!