javalibrarian's reviews
1506 reviews

Transgender History: The Roots of Today's Revolution by Susan Stryker

Go to review page

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

Go to review page

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!
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.5

Courageousness in the face of crime & callousness. Thank you Bill Furlong for your kindness & humanity.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Hazel's Theory of Evolution by Lisa Jenn Bigelow

Go to review page

emotional informative reflective sad tense 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

Family, friendship, & found family are all parts of Hazel’s life as she begins 8th grade in a new school. A love of science, animals, and writing help Hazel as she navigates new relationships and new changes in her family.
The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious reflective tense 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

5.0

Another page turner featuring all of our favorite characters and Three Pines.  Kept me guessing all the way through!
Where Wolves Don't Die by Anton Treuer

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional informative mysterious reflective sad tense 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

4.5

Ezra, you taught me much about your people (Ojibwe) and your traditions - but mostly you showed me how to be kind and to take care of those who have cared for you. Bravo Anton Treuer - please continue to write novels!
Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village by Maureen Johnson

Go to review page

dark funny mysterious medium-paced

3.75

Laugh out loud funny - love the cheeky, British style of humor!
How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted 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

4.5

So fun! A quirky & delightful cast of characters who become chosen family  & have some outrageous adventures.
The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead, Wendy Mass

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective sad 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? It's complicated

4.0

Precocious and caring kids, anthropomorphized animals, ghosts, a library and a mystery kept me guessing! Charming and emotional connections are felt throughout the entire story. I would like to revisit Martinville again, soon!
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative mysterious reflective sad 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

5.0

Unputdownable! My first, and now not my last Abby Jimenez, book. I was rooting for Emma, best friend Maddy, Justin (and his siblings) the entire time!