mjenae's reviews
246 reviews

Fabulous premise. British boarding school? Yes ma'am. And dark academia, nonetheless. I haven't found many (by which I mean only one other) middle grade books with this setting/vibe. Then there's the searching-for-my-lost-dad trope, and the diverse characters, although they weren't as 3D as I hoped they would be.
But the execution... eh, could've been better. I kept rewriting things in my head. I had to suspend my disbelief more often than I would've liked. I don't mind unrealistic elements in a book that's supposed to be unrealistic, but this felt like the author was taking liberties because she thought her audience would be too young to care.
So, the story was great. I ate it up, and I'm planning on reading the rest of the series, too (mainly for the Latin Society and Jack). But if prose and voice are important to you, this might not be the best use of your time.

PS: Ooh, but extra points for the cover art. It's so perfect. I want the whole series just so I can look at them on my shelves.

Well, what can I say?

I LOVE IT.

I absolutely, totally love it.

It took a couple chapters for me to get into it, but when I did, I couldn't put it down. Quite literally—I've been carrying it everywhere with me for the past day or two.

Every character made me love them. Well, except for The Weed and the men in the white shirts, but they were never meant to be lovable.

When I reached chapter 39, I had to run upstairs so my family wouldn't see me crying into my fist. (There were a lot of sad and close-to-home moments—I mean, it's no secret this book is largely about suicide,

and then there's the whole thing with cancer and people dying

.) And in all the chapters after that, I couldn't stop grinning. (It was also heartwarming, and it made me laugh out loud too many times to count.)

I wish Ove were real and I'd been given the privilege to know him.

And if all of Backman's books have such a full and chaotic and diverse and heart-stealable cast of characters, I want to read every one of them right now.

Brutal. Preller does not shy away from the details. (There are even some strange thriller-ish moments—Cody murmuring "Good times, good times" in the background of every fight scene, the easy gaslighting/manipulation from the main bully, Hallenback with the odd finger gun incident.) These characters are confusing and hard, but so real. I was surprised over and over by how the author fleshed out his characters without apology or excuse—like how Griffin can be genuinely open and kind one minute and completely heartless the next, or how Eric and Mary both still make wrong choices even after they've decided to change. Friendships aren't simple and perfect, and this book illustrates that point strongly and effectively. I've never seen a middle grade book so flawed and full of truth. And on top of that, the morals are worthy and so important. I'd recommend—with caution for below age 12.

5 reasons this is now one of my favorite books of all time:

PS: I know the back cover of the book already says this, but I just have to repeat: absolutely brilliant.

I almost quit this book, it was moving sooooo slowwwwllyyy. It's the most contemporary fiction I've ever read—which means it's just following the daily lives of a family. No high stakes, unless you count about-to-lose-the-house-we've-always-lived-in "high stakes." (PS: I didn't.) Just the whole premise was very boring to me.
The children were each individual and unique, but the oldest was only 13. I did enjoy the portrayal, and I thought the characters were accurately displayed on the page—but THEY WEREN'T DOING ANYTHING. And to be honest, following the minds of kids who aren't doing anything isn't very exciting. The only reason I stuck around was because of the Bennie fiasco, which caused conflict between the two sisters. Now that kept me interested and alert.
But the rest? I just didn't care. Maybe it was the wrong time to read it. Maybe it was the narrator. (At one point she read “followed by the…” and before she could finish the sentence, my mind concluded “...pound sign.” Truly, she could've been the telephone voice.) Maybe I should've just read a physical copy instead. Whatever the case, I'm glad I finally got to the climax and resolution. That part, if anything, was lovely.

(I think part of the reason I disliked this book a little was because it's so reminiscent of the Penderwicks, which is a series I love—but it just didn't hit the same spot. So close, and yet so far. The only reason I can figure out is that this one took place in a city, and the Penderwicks take place largely in the country or town. Setting is important for me, and it's hard for me to connect with a city background.)

I didn't think I liked his devotional/adult writings as much as his childrens' books, but turns out I just hadn't given them a decent try. This book was just what I needed; it touched on a variety of different areas and events in my life. I love how Max was able to incorporate so many lessons into the 23rd Psalm. Because of this book, that part of Scripture means so much more to me now than it did a month ago.

“You should quick read The Five People You Meet in Heaven,” my sister told me when I put down my last book. “It's on my favorite books list. I don't even know why I like it so much, but I do.”

I know why she likes it, and why I love it just as much.

Mitch Albom has a new and beautiful story to tell—a comforting philosophy. He makes you stop and think with every turn of the page. And not just think about the story, but about your life and the far-reaching consequences and what everything means. He tells it in an intense and captivating style, bringing his words to life in vivid pictures, communicating emotions and important values and lessons straight to the heart.

I've never read something like this before—never. I can't even compare it to other literary works. And it's not modern or strange for its originality, it's universal and welcoming.

I expect to read this again in the future.

PS: I know I mentioned this in the content warnings, but I thought I should make a quick personal note. A good chunk of Eddie's story takes place during/in WW2, and the author does not shy away from the details. I got lightheaded just reading some of the descriptions. So if you're a sensitive reader, you might want to go into this book carefully.

Okay I'll just sit over here DYING for a sequel while you write all your other standalones, Mr. Korman.
This book wasn't nearly as character-driven as some of his novels—a lot more plot and adventure than emotion and character development—and for that reason it's not one of my favorites. But it had a very satisfying climax (except I didn't want it to end) and I grinned a lot in the last couple chapters. I'd recommend it to anyone who prefers a more lighthearted breeze of a read. It's reminiscent of his earlier books, I'd say, although heavier on the mystery than it is on the humor.

I. LOVED. IT.
What a finish.

PS: The plot's great and all, but these characters are fantastic—in case anyone's asking.

Okay, that was a twist I didn't see coming.