mjenae's reviews
252 reviews

Things I liked:
1. Moose. He's really smart, and I don't mean school-wise. He has a good feel for people. He's so good with Natalie, and his discernment around Piper is spot-on. He almost always handles things well (although I do wish he would've told his parents about 105).
2. His dad. He's such a strong and gentle presence. I was on the brink of tears during multiple of his talks with Moose. Just the way he handles things; you can feel his fierce love through the pages.
3. The autism representation. Natalie's story is almost a bigger part of the book than Alcatraz itself.
4. The familiar setting. I've been to the island twice, and reading this made me want to go back again, just to see it in a new light. I love reading books that take place in familiar places.

Things I disliked:
1. Piper. I'm a little miffed that she never really changes. She's fishy til the end. You never know what she's thinking, or if she's actually telling you the full truth. Plus, she's fairly toxic and manipulative, even of her parents.
2. The whole business with 105. The whole situation never really came to the light. What happened? No one knows. It felt slightly disgusting, especially Piper's whole nonchalant attitude around it. I didn't quite understand that subplot; it felt like possible sexual assault, and yet the book dealt with it so casually (other than Moose initially freaking out). I wish adults would've been notified about it. The whole incident was just too strangely vague.

All in all, though, I enjoyed the book. Took me a bit to get into, but I really loved the family relationships (most of them). I plan to read the rest of the series when I can.

Totally irresistible.
I mean, how adorable are these illustrations? I laughed and laughed at the escapist bunny named Houdini, then showed it to my siblings so they could laugh and laugh too.
This book reminds me very strongly of the Critter Club books, which I loved as a kid. Each chapter is a separate story, featuring a different POV (there is one recurring POV in this book). They are full of fabulous morals, like standing up to bullies and coping with anxiety and being inclusive and forgiving.
My little sister devours these—she's read this one at least three times within the last week alone. And after reading this, I see why. I want this whole series when I have kids. I would hand them to a 6-10 year old with absolutely no qualms.

Such fun! I love the way the styles (even the illustrative format) changed as the POVs changed. And the twist at the end made me smile and smile.

I became so connected to these characters. The voices are very strong; I could hear each character clearly when they spoke.
I got angry. I got sad. I got angry sad. And I'm so glad I read this (evidenced by the fact that this is a five star rating in spite of all the swearing on the pages). It made me laugh in the middle of my tears, which always without fail makes me fall in love.

Actually one of my favorite—possibly favorite—Judy Blume book I've read yet. Most of the kids in this book made me go a little insane—they're truly evil at times—but I like when books make me feel.
I loved the style, Jill's voice. I kept laughing and having to read the funny parts out loud to my family. I loved Jill's family, and the random facts included that had no bearing on the plot. It really felt like a story being told by an eleven-year-old.
I think I'll give it to my ten-year-old sister to read next. Every girl her age needs this book.

Update: my little sister gobbled it up, loved it, and passed it on to a friend. Success! Thanks, Judy.

Okay.
Okay.
[*steadies self on bookcase]
Um... let's just say I'm glad not all Charles Martin books are written in this fashion.
I can say this isn't quite as graphic as the previous book as far as injury detail. I was never really "grossed out."
But the absolute fury-filled revengeful hatred—it's pasted plain and clear all throughout this book. And I was so deathly disappointed in Murphy. I know it was done on purpose for the sake of character development—he learns the biggest lesson of all in the end, and I was glad to see it on the page—but the way he thought and acted in this book made me really upset.

And I wish Bones hadn't had to die for Murphy to finally see how thick-headed he was being.

Also. The ending, the scene at the well. It was very sudden, I hadn't even suspected it, and I did have to set the book down for a bit. I don't like the way it ended. I don't think it could've ended differently, but I don't like it.
Probably the most unrealistic book in the series so far, mostly because of the dialogue—no one talks like that. Also because of the emphasis it put on Frank having no heart, and then making him so passionate about his birth certificate and so heart-broken in the end—it just didn't match up. Of course I enjoyed the story because it's Charles Martin. But it made me very weary. I hope he writes something a little more lighthearted next.

It's not written very well, but there are multiple reasons I'm glad I read this.
1. Todd. I always like a middle grade character with mental health issues who's learning to deal. He was definitely my favorite character (even though I didn't get very attached to any of them).
2. The subplot with Gemma and Miles and that whole toxic friendship. I can honestly say I have never read a middle grade book that explores that kind of dynamic in a relationship (power imbalance—basically a 16-year-old using a 12-year-old as a therapist). It was extremely interesting, and something I was glad to see addressed.
3. How incredibly wholesome their foursome is. It's an enemies-to-friends journey for every single one of them, and it made me happy.

"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).