Review: Jubilee

Jubilee by Margaret Walker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a memorable book about a significant period in history. The protagonist is Vyry (short for Elvira) who was an incredibly strong woman who lived through slavery, the Civil War, emancipation from slavery, the terror of the KKK and more with grace and courage. What's more amazing is that she was based on a real woman - Margaret Walker's own great-grandmother. I listened to the audiobook and the narration was great. I highly recommend this thought-provoking book!

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Review: The Woman in Cabin 10

The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.75 stars. This was very compelling and very readable. It wasn't the most outstanding murder mystery I've read, but interesting enough to keep my attention. I liked it!

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Review: Bone, Vol, 1: Out from Boneville

Bone, Vol, 1: Out from Boneville by Jeff Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 or 3.75 stars (I rounded up this time because I felt pretty compelled to keep reading.). I liked this a lot! I picked it up (along with book 2 and 3) at a book sale randomly and didn't know anything about it. I was pleasantly surprised. I thought the story was well-done and the cast of characters were charming. I am looking forward to reading the next one!

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Review: Briar Rose

Briar Rose by Robert Coover
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is a postmodern retelling of Sleeping Beauty, but I couldn't get into it. It was short, but I didn't finish it, so I'm not sure if I should count it. I read almost half and then skimmed the rest (very, very quickly), so I'm going to count it. :)

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Review: The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting: Raising Children with Courage, Compassion, and Connection

The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting: Raising Children with Courage, Compassion, and Connection by Brené Brown
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Nothing mind-blowing, but there were a few good thought-provoking tidbits in there. The main idea is basically that it is important for parents to create a space for their children that is safe - A place where they are able to fail, be silly, and just be themselves. Parents need to model these behaviors in the home. I liked it! I just want to be intentional about being the best parent I can be to my little ones, and part of that is occasionally reading books about how I can do that. :)

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Review: Wonder Woman: Warbringer

Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars. I liked it, but it actually reminded me a lot of Rick Riordan's writing. The writing style was a little different but it had all of the same elements - a group of friends going on a journey to save the world with a deadline a few days away . . . Leigh Bardugo did a nice job with it, but I'm just a little tired of this formula. However, Wonder Woman is one of my favorite superheroes and I enjoyed this fun (if a bit predictable) book.

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Review: The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August

The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars. This was great! One of the best books I've read in a while. I think it has something that would appeal to most people - some action and adventure, some sci-fi elements, some historical fiction elements - and just a fascinating story overall with a very interesting premise. I would recommend it to most people!

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Review: Ever

Ever by Gail Carson Levine
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I've owned this book probably since I was in middle school and I've never read it. I didn't think I'd like it much, so actually giving it 3 stars was a pleasant surprise. It wasn't fantastic, but it wasn't bad either. I don't think I'll ever love Gail Carson Levine's other books nearly as much as Ella Enchanted (one of my favorite middle grade books ever!), but it was decent and kept me reading to find out what would happen.

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