Silent Souls Weeping

I heard about Silent Souls Weeping by Jane Clayson Johnson on a podcast one time and so asked for it for my birthday. I read it a couple months ago but just realized I somehow forgot to put it on this blog! The book description says, "Through the power of story, nationally recognized journalist Jane Clayson Johnson shines a light on the desperate, dark, and lonely reality faced by those who struggle with clinical depression. At once hopeful and heart-wrenching, Silent Souls Weeping examines the stigma and isolation associated with depression, as well as the dangers of perfectionistic tendencies and suicidal ideation. Beginning with an open and frank exploration of her own experience with clinical depression, the author goes on to share stories gathered from interviews with more than 150 men, women, and teens all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have suffered from depression. Within these stories is a plea to change the dialogue surrounding depression, particularly among Latter-day Saints, who face unique struggles as they try to fit a disease manifest through sorrow into a religion centered on a 'plan of happiness.'"

This book was SO GOOD. When I was only like a quarter-way into it, I already felt the need to recommend it to others. I feel like it was such an important read to either help those suffering from depression to feel less alone and more understood or to help those who don't "get" depression to gain a greater understanding of what others are going through. It was from an LDS perspective, and I just thought the book was incredibly meaningful and inspiring and helped me see better ways to help others who are suffering.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

The Best Liars in Riverview

I got The Best Liars in Riverview by Lin Thompson from the "new books" shelf at the library. The book description says, "Aubrey and Joel are like two tomato vines that grew along the same crooked fence: weird, yet the same kind of weird. But lately, even their shared weirdness seems weird. Then Joel disappears. Vanishes. Poof. The whole town is looking for him, and Aubrey was the last person to see Joel. Aubrey can’t say much, but since lies of omission are still lies, here’s what they know for sure: For the last two weeks of the school year, when sixth grade became too much, Aubrey and Joel have been building a raft in the woods. The raft was supposed to be just another part of their running away game. The raft is gone now too. Aubrey doesn’t know where Joel is, but they might know how to find him. As Aubrey, their friend Mari, and sister Teagan search along the river, Aubrey has to fess up to who they really are, all the things they never said, and the word that bully Rudy Thomas used that set all this into motion."

This was a great read. Once I got into it, I wanted to keep reading to see how things were going to turn out. I really liked the well-developed characters (Aubrey, Mari, Joel, Teagan) and was so frustrated by the bully at school and the adults at school's unwillingness to address the issues. The book also addressed issues that kids face when they are LGBTQ+, which I think is important to have in children's literature. This was one of those books where the main character child doesn't tell adults things that I wish they would, so that's always hard for me. (I want my kids to just talk to me when they have problems or need help!)

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

In the Beautiful Country

I saw In the Beautiful Country by Jane Kuo on the new book shelf at the library and thought it looked like one I'd enjoy. The book description says, "Anna can’t wait to move to the beautiful country—the Chinese name for America. Although she’s only ever known life in Taiwan, she can’t help but brag about the move to her family and friends. But the beautiful country isn’t anything like Anna pictured. Her family can only afford a cramped apartment, she’s bullied at school, and she struggles to understand a new language. On top of that, the restaurant that her parents poured their savings into is barely staying afloat. The version of America that Anna is experiencing is nothing like she imagined. How will she be able to make the beautiful country her home?"

This was a great read. It was written in verse and quick to get through, and I loved the main character, Anna. The book was pretty heavy at times and reminded me of books like Front Desk where these immigrant families come to America for a better life and find that instead, they are facing so many difficult things that it seems impossible for them to endure and survive. But things looked up by the end, and I loved that Anna and her parents were good people who sought to be kind and do the right thing (even when others didn't). I also loved the example of Terry and her family who befriended Anna and her family when no one else did. I saw that the author has a companion book to this, so I alreayd put it on hold at the library.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it....but really liked it!)

Brave Like That

I found Brave Like That by Lindsey Stoddard on the new-book shelf at the library and decided to give it a try. The book description says, "Cyrus Olson’s dad is a hero—Northfield’s former football star and now one of their finest firefighters. Everyone expects Cyrus to follow in his dad’s record-breaking footsteps, and he wishes they were right—except he’s never been brave like that. But this year, with the help of a stray dog, a few new friends, a little bit of rhythm, and a lot of nerve, he may just discover that actually…he is."

I loved this book so much! It definitely had me crying happy tears numerous times toward the end of the book. Cyrus was just such a sweet kid, and I loved seeing him navigate the challenges in front of him and trying to figure out who he was. I thought the book taught some really important lessons for kids, and I also loved all the mentions of Wonder, one of my favorite books.  I also just loved Cyrus's relationship with his grandma and thought the author did a wonderful job developing that character. Great read.

* * * (3/3 = Loved it)