shealwaysreads's reviews
842 reviews

Is it worth the read? Yes
Should you read it? Yes
Is the show better? No

Short book review.

Graphic Novel Review: "Act" by Kayla Miller

Kayla Miller’s “Act” is a vibrant graphic novel that explores themes of friendship and self-discovery, aimed at middle-grade readers aged 8 to 12. 

Plot Overview:
The story follows Olive, a young girl facing the pressures of fitting in as she auditions for a school play. Through the ups and downs of rehearsals, she learns about teamwork, stepping outside her comfort zone, and the importance of being true to herself. 

Graphics:
Miller’s illustrations are colorful and lively, capturing the characters’ emotions beautifully. The dynamic panel layouts enhance the storytelling, making it visually engaging and accessible for young readers.

Demographic Appeal:
“Act” resonates with middle-grade kids dealing with social dynamics and identity. Its relatable themes and graphic format make it perfect for both avid and reluctant readers. 

In summary, “Act” is an entertaining and insightful read that encourages kids to embrace their uniqueness and find their voice. Highly recommended!

In just a few pages, it becomes clear that the narrator, Austin Foster, embodies resilience as she introduces us to her troubled family, steeped in dark secrets and profound loss. The Foster family’s survival hinges on Austin’s unwavering strength and her commitment to a role no teenager should bear: caring for her six siblings after their mother dies during childbirth. Yet, the burdens Austin carries don’t end with her siblings; she must also manage their tobacco farm while navigating the complexities of her father’s untreated mental illness.

Set in the 1980s in the quiet town of Magnolia, South Carolina, the novel paints a vivid picture of a community filled with eccentric characters. The Fosters are a unique bunch, named after cities their mother dreamed of visiting: Boston (nicknamed Boss), Phoenix (Peg), Austin (Ox), along with twins Charlotte and Raleigh, and twins Knoxville (Knox) and Nashville (Nash). Their father, David Foster, is both a farmer and a minister, whose loving nature is overshadowed by his undiagnosed mental health struggles.

The town of Magnolia is brought to life through its colorful residents, many of whom belong to David Foster's congregation. Among them are a fortune teller rumored to be a witch doctor, an ex-con with a glass eye, an atheist with a Polish accent, the town’s ambiguous undertaker, a flirtatious woman with a fondness for blue eye shadow, and a large, impoverished farming family led by a madman. Each character plays a significant role in the Fosters' lives as the story unfolds.

No Southern fiction would be complete without a poignant love story, and *Under the Magnolias* delivers this in the form of Austin’s crush on Vance Cumberland, the mayor’s son. Although Vance reciprocates her feelings, their romance is fraught with challenges and uncertainty, as their vastly different worlds and diverging paths create a backdrop of tension. This tender love story weaves through the angst and loneliness that Austin and her siblings face as they strive to survive life with their mentally unstable father.

This novel is a powerful coming-of-age tale that evokes empathy for Austin’s sorrow, longing, and anger. As she selflessly attends to her family’s needs, we admire her tenacity while sometimes questioning her choices. Ultimately, she is a young woman grappling with the complexities of a world much more challenging than she ever imagined.

In conclusion, *Under the Magnolias* is a gripping work of Southern fiction that deserves a spot on your summer reading list or your next book club selection. You won't be disappointed by its heartfelt narrative and richly drawn charactoers.

"The Wife Who Knew Too Much" by Michelle Campbell is a psychological thriller that navigates the treacherous waters of love, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to protect their secrets. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque New England town, the story follows the lives of two women whose fates become intertwined in ways they could never have anticipated. The novel opens with a gripping premise: a seemingly perfect marriage begins to unravel when hidden truths come to light. The atmospheric setting enhances the tension, offering a beautiful yet sinister canvas that mirrors the characters' internal struggles.

Initially, I found myself completely captivated by Campbell's writing. The first half of the book flows smoothly, with well-developed characters and an intriguing plot that kept me on the edge of my seat. The pacing was just right, allowing for a deep dive into the complexities of the relationships and the backstory of the protagonist. I felt thoroughly invested in the lives of the characters and was eager to uncover the mysteries that lay ahead.

However, as I approached the conclusion, my excitement quickly waned. The ending felt rushed and jumbled, as if the author was trying to tie up loose ends in a hurry. The dialogue in these final chapters was particularly jarring, reminiscent of the awkward performances often seen in TikTok skits. Instead of the tension and drama I had been anticipating, I was met with a lack of authenticity that detracted from the overall impact of the story. It was disheartening to feel such a stark shift in quality after being so engrossed in the narrative.

I have never considered DNFing a novel so close to the finish line, but the conclusion left me feeling frustrated and disappointed. While the premise had so much potential, the execution faltered at a critical moment. For a story that started with such promise, the finale ultimately felt more like a missed opportunity rather than a satisfying resolution.

In summary, "The Wife Who Knew Too Much" boasts a strong start and an engaging premise, but it ultimately falters in its execution, especially in the latter half. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a twist, you might find the early parts of this novel enjoyable, but be prepared for an ending that may leave you feeling more bewildered than fulfilled. I give it 2 stars for the engaging beginning and setting, but the lackluster conclusion and cringe-worthy dialogue were hard to overlook.

Girl A by Abigail Dean is a gripping and emotional read that I couldn’t put down! 📚 This book follows Lex Gracie, who escaped a house of horrors and now must confront her traumatic past as she navigates through life. The storytelling is both haunting and beautiful, and Dean’s writing style is captivating. The characters are well-developed and complex, and the way the author delves into the effects of trauma and the power of resilience is truly moving. The plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat, and I found myself emotionally invested in Lex’s journey. Overall, Girl A is a powerful and thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after you finish it. Highly recommend! 🌟📖

"The Sandcastle Empire" has an intriguing premise with its dystopian setting and climate change backdrop. However, the execution of the story falls short. The pacing is uneven, with slow moments that drag on and fail to hold the reader's interest. The characters lack depth and development, making it difficult to connect with them on an emotional level.

The plot, while promising, is predictable and lacks the necessary twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. The world-building is interesting, but it is not fully explored or utilized to its full potential. The writing style is average, lacking the descriptive prose and immersive storytelling that would have elevated the reading experience.

Overall, "The Sandcastle Empire" is a mediocre read that fails to deliver on its promising premise. It lacks the depth and excitement that a good dystopian novel should have. While it may appeal to some readers who enjoy the genre, I personally would not read it again. 

I had high hopes for L.A. Weather by María Amparo Escandón, but unfortunately, I was left disappointed. The characters in the book were extremely one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with any of them. The plot felt uninspired and lackluster, with events feeling forced and unnatural. It seemed like the author was trying to cram too much into the book without fully developing any of the storylines.

Overall, L.A. Weather felt like a missed opportunity. It had the potential to be a captivating read, but instead, it fell flat. I would not recommend this book to others looking for a compelling and well-developed story.

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett delves into complex themes such as race, identity, and the impact of societal expectations. However, I found myself feeling disconnected from the characters due to the fragmented storytelling style. The shifting timelines and multiple perspectives made it challenging to fully invest in their journeys. While the novel raises important questions about the fluidity of identity and the lasting effects of family secrets, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. A thought-provoking read, but one that left me wanting more depth and emotional resonance.

Dumbo Circus Of Dreams is a magical and heartwarming novel that will transport you to the enchanting world of the circus. From the very first page, you will be captivated by the charming characters, the vibrant setting, and the touching storyline that will tug at your heartstrings.

The novel follows the journey of Dumbo, a young elephant with oversized ears, who discovers his hidden talent for flying. As he navigates the challenges and obstacles of the circus world, Dumbo learns valuable lessons about self-acceptance, friendship, and the power of believing in oneself.

With its beautiful prose and evocative imagery, Dumbo Circus Of Dreams will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. It is a story that celebrates the triumph of the underdog, the beauty of diversity, and the enduring power of hope and love.

Whether you are a fan of Disney or simply a lover of heartwarming tales, Dumbo Circus Of Dreams is a must-read. It will remind you of the magic and wonder of childhood, and leave you with a renewed sense of wonder and joy. So pick up a copy today and let yourself be swept away by the enchanting world of Dumbo Circus Of Dreams.

Short quick  to the pint review. Unless your into football, like really into then you may want to pass on this. I guess I was thinking for docu-drama and all I got was pure documentary.