sydneyrcruse's reviews
71 reviews

Not her best work, but okay overall!

The Glass Girl follows 15 year old Bella as she begins the journey of recovery from her addiction to alcohol. Throughout the novel, Kathleen Glasgow gives a clear picture to the reader of the struggles of sobriety. This book made me feel which is hard to find sometimes. I greatly enjoyed this read and greatly recommend!

Educated by Tara Westover is a deeply moving memoir that explores the complexities of family, identity, and the pursuit of knowledge. Westover recounts her childhood growing up in a strict, survivalist family in rural Idaho, where formal education was seen as unnecessary and even dangerous. Isolated from society, Tara’s early years were shaped by her father’s rigid beliefs and her mother’s role as a herbalist and midwife. Despite these limitations, Tara developed a thirst for education, eventually leaving her family and attending Brigham Young University at the age of 17.

The memoir is a powerful reflection on the tension between loyalty to one’s roots and the desire for personal growth. Westover’s journey from ignorance to higher learning is both inspiring and heartbreaking, as she grapples with the trauma of her upbringing, the complexities of family loyalty, and the challenges of reconciling her past with her new identity. Through vivid storytelling, Westover reveals the deep emotional cost of breaking away from her upbringing, but also the transformative power of education.

Westover’s writing is evocative and honest, capturing the emotional turmoil of navigating the boundaries between familial duty and self-liberation. The book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the life-changing potential of education. It is both an exploration of the intellectual awakening of a young woman and a poignant meditation on the consequences of growing up in a world where truth is subjective and education is seen as a threat.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this memoir and highly recommend it!

*The Crucible* by Arthur Miller is a powerful drama set during the Salem witch trials of 1692. The play explores themes of mass hysteria, the dangers of mob mentality, and the consequences of scapegoating. Miller uses the historical context of the trials as an allegory for the McCarthyism of the 1950s, during which people were similarly accused and persecuted without evidence.

At its core, *The Crucible* is a meditation on human nature, the complexities of guilt and innocence, and the destructive power of fear. The characters, particularly John Proctor, are morally complex, and Miller’s portrayal of their inner struggles adds depth to the narrative. Proctor’s journey, from a flawed man who initially attempts to save his reputation to one who ultimately sacrifices his life for the truth, is central to the play's emotional impact.

Miller’s writing is sharp and focused, creating tension throughout the play as the accusations spiral out of control. The dialogue is often intense and confrontational, heightening the sense of urgency and fear that defines the play’s atmosphere.

While *The Crucible* is an intense and tragic story, its relevance remains clear. It forces readers and audiences to confront the dangers of fear-driven decision-making and the importance of standing up for truth and justice, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.

In short, *The Crucible* is a timeless and compelling work that speaks to the destructive power of fear, the fragility of truth, and the moral choices individuals must make when society turns against them.

The Last to Let Go by Amber Smith is an exploration of grief, family secrets, and the struggle to heal after loss. The story follows 17-year-old Brooke as she navigates the aftermath of her father's death and unravels the complex dynamics within her family. Amber Smith's writing is raw and emotional, with characters who feel incredibly real, struggling with their own guilt, regret, and hope.

What I appreciated most about this book is how it doesn’t shy away from the messy, complicated aspects of loss and change. The pace is steady, allowing Brooke’s emotional journey to unfold gradually, which makes her growth all the more powerful. While the plot could feel heavy at times, the themes of resilience and finding your way forward are ultimately uplifting. Amber Smith captures the complexities of loss in a way that’s both heartbreaking and healing. Fans of character-driven stories about personal growth and family dynamics will find this a deeply impactful read.

This book was amazing! Need more thrillers with this energy. 

It got slow in the middle and kinda boring. I’m glad I powered through! Not sure if I will read the rest in this series.

Loved it! A great YA read