mjenae's reviews
245 reviews

"Child," said the Voice. "I am telling you your story, not hers. I tell no one any story but his own."
"Who are you?" asked Shasta.
"Myself," said the Voice, very deep and low so that the earth shook: and again "Myself," loud and clear and gay: and then the third time "Myself," whispered so softly you could hardly hear it, and yet it seemed to come from all around you as if the leaves rustled with it.

I think I enjoyed the first one better. (It's been so long that I can't remember exactly what it was about.) And I doubt there are actually any teachers like Mr. Terupt—humans just can't be that intuitive and self-sacrificing. It's really nice to read about one, though, and to have something to aspire for.
Since there are seven POVs and the story spans a year of events, it's extremely fast-paced. Like telling someone the story of your life but only hitting the really important parts. I didn't mind it so much, but I did feel like it hindered my ability to get invested. No sooner had one subplot started than it was resolved.
All in all, though, really good and engaging read. I'll definitely read the others when I can get ahold of them.

#tryingnottocry
This entire story (the bulk of which takes place within the span of two or three days) centers around family relationships. Deborah Wiles does a phenomenal job of displaying the connection and love on the page. I adore this family. I loved watching Peach grow on Comfort, and seeing how A. Goldie (and all the adults, for that matter) interacted with the children. (I wish every parent would model their lives after the ones in this book).
And, of course, Dismay. What's not to love about an emotional support dog at a funeral home?
I really like how Deborah focused on the relationships, even down to the tiniest details (how it felt when Comfort's her brother put his arm around her, A. Goldie dealing with Peach, Mr. Johnson standing up to go to Declaration when she started crying). The entire book was chock-full of little moments of tenderness, and it almost broke my heart (in a good way).

This is one of those books I just hugged to my chest once I closed it for the last time. I don't want it to end, but it's okay, because I know I can go back and read it again at any point. And I know even if I don't, I'll remember it for a very long time.
Jonah is one of my new all-time favorite characters, and his and Felicity's friendship ("not a crush, more like an inflate") is vying for number one on my "favorite fictional relationships" list.
Perfect summer book. So warm and welcoming.

Words I think Felicity would see around this book:
Sweet
Metaphorical magic
S u n s h i n e
Face your fears
Miracle
Revitalized
Home

I cried for about fifteen pages straight toward the end.
I loved Edmund's storyline. The others were lovely, too. I think I'm going to borrow the next book(s) from the library tomorrow.

Aslan is possibly the most lovable and true representation of God I've ever met in an allegory. I almost cried every time he spoke.
I love these character, and the story. I'm quite glad I've got a whole series to read through yet. I don't want it to end.

I am grinning so big right now.
All I can think is "VICTORY!" I want to dance around the room and yell it. Yes Melinda, oh I love you Melinda.
Wow.

That last scene with Andy Evans was absolutely perfect. I didn't see it coming, but it's exactly what needed to happen. I was scared the story would end without a resolution but what a climax.

I hope lots of people read this. I hope it helps some. Laurie Halse Anderson, you have done a great work for society.
(Oh, and did I mention I love Melinda?)

When I started reading this book, I had no idea it was a retelling of The Snow Queen, my favorite fairy tale. And then I came to the chapter about the shattered mirror and a piece that fell in a boy's eye, and I got unnecessarily excited.
So obviously I love, love, love the premise. The story made me feel like I was a kid again, poring over the big white book with Hans Andersen's name on the spine.
I was a little confused by the ending. It happened so fast and there didn't seem to be much of a resolution. But I'd definitely read it again just for the atmosphere.

Cassandra, except for the charismatic extroversion, might be me in another life. She kept recording thoughts that I thought no one else considered—like how if you dream of a good thing happening to you, it's immediately eliminated from the possibilities of the universe. Imagining a specific scene playing out determines it will never happen that way.
I picked this book up at just the right time. The book begins in the fall and ends in the fall—the England countryside setting is wrapped in fog and rain and smoky fires and peaceful nights. Not to mention the castle they literally live in. This book is the closest I've found to my ideal story atmosphere. It helped that the mood of the season where I live matched the mood of the book.
I don't usually just adore romances, but I have found that if the characters are very well-developed and interesting and relatable (these were) and the setting draws me in irrevocably (this one did), I will love anything the author has to say from the first page on out.
Needless to say—one of my new favorites.