The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon

I am a fan of Grace Lin, so I got her new book The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon from the library. The book description says, "Jin is a Stone Lion—one of the guardians of the Old City Gate who is charged to watch over humans and protect the Sacred Sphere. But to Jin, those boring duties feel like a waste of time.
What isn’t a waste of time? Perfecting his zuqiu kick, scoring a Golden Goal, and becoming the most legendary player of all the spirit world. But when Jin’s perfect kick accidentally knocks the Sacred Sphere out through the gate, he has no choice but to run after it, tumbling out of the realm he calls home and into the human world as the gate closes behind him. Stuck outside the gate, Jin must find help from unlikely allies, including a girl who can hear a mysterious voice and a worm who claims he is a dragon. Together, they must find the sphere and return it to the world beyond the gate…or risk losing everything."

This book was surprisingly hard for me to get into. It just was a slow read for me that I kind of had to force myself to keep reading. Because I know Grace Lin's books were great, I didn't want to give up on it so kept plugging along. I got more into it by the last 2/3 of the book and then was interested to see how things would come together. I liked the main characters (Jin, Lulu, and Worm) and thought it was fun to have all the Chinese folklore guiding the book. I also really liked the illustrations. I do think this would be a fun read aloud with kids. 

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

Hotel Balzaar

I've been on hold for Kate DiCamillo's new book Hotel Balzaar and got it from the library this week. It's another "Norendy Tale," so basically a companion book in the same world as Puppets of Spelhorst. The book description reads, "At the Hotel Balzaar, Marta’s mother rises before the sun, puts on her uniform, and instructs Marta to roam as she will but quietly, invisibly—like a little mouse. While her mother cleans rooms, Marta slips down the back staircase to the grand lobby to chat with the bellman, study the painting of an angel’s wing over the fireplace, and watch a cat chase a mouse around the face of the grandfather clock, all the while dreaming of the return of her soldier father, who has gone missing. One day, a mysterious countess with a parrot checks in, promising a story—in fact, seven stories in all, each to be told in its proper order. As the stories unfold, Marta begins to wonder: could the secret to her father’s disappearance lie in the countess’s tales?"

I enjoyed this book. The small girl living in a hotel gave me the happy vibes of Eloise and A Gentleman in Moscow, both stories I really enjoy. I loved Marta as a character and her relationship with the countess and how things all tied together in the end. It was a short and sweet story and just the classic feel of the Kate DiCamillo writing style.

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

The House in the Cerulean Sea

I read The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune at the recommendation of my friend Hilary. The book description says, "Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages. When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he's given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days. But the children aren’t the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn."

This was a great book. I haven't read a book in awhile with such good character development. I LOVED these characters. At the beginning, it was just Linus, and I just loved him. Then I met Arthur and the children, and each of them was just so delightful and endearing in their own ways. The story was engaging, and while there were a few spots that seemed a little tell-y (vs. show-y), I didn't mind it too much. I loved the book's message about accepting and loving the children, and it was definitely a happily-ever-after type ending. I thought it was a fun read, and I plan to read the sequel when it comes out.

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

The Twits

Ollie and I are continuing reading Roald Dahl books and just finished The Twits. The book description says, "Mr. and Mrs. Twit are the smelliest, nastiest, ugliest people in the world. They hate everything—except playing mean jokes on each other, catching unsuspecting birds to put in their bird pies, and making their caged monkeys, the Muggle-Wumps, stand on their heads all day. But the Muggle-Wumps have had enough. With the help of Roly-Poly Bird, they set out to get some well-deserved revenge."

This was one of the Roald Dahl books I enjoyed slightly less. It was just weird with Mr. and Mrs. Twit repeatedly doing mean things to each other, so there wasn't much to enjoy in that. Ollie did enjoy the story and often wanted to read more, and he correctly predicted how the animals got revenge on the Twits, which was fun. Quentin Blake's illustrations are always super well done and add a lot to the story.

Rating: * (1/3 = It was okay)

George's Marvelous Medicine

I read George's Marvelous Medicine by Roald Dahl to my 7-year-old as he continues his interest in all things Roald Dahl. This book description says, "George is alone in the house with Grandma. The most horrid, grizzly old grunion of a grandma ever. She needs something stronger than her usual medicine to cure her grouchiness. A special grandma medicine, a remedy for everything. And George knows just what to put into it. Grandma's in for the surprise of her life—and so is George, when he sees the results of his mixture!"

This was a super goofy book. My son was SUPER engaged and always wanted me to keep reading more chapters. I thought the book was pretty weird and felt like I had to give my son a disclaimer to make sure he knew never to do what George did (putting a bunch of random cleaners/chemicals and things all together in a pot--and then feeding it to someone). But of course in classic Roald Dahl style, the book was funny and well written and an interesting story.

Rating: * (1/3 = It was okay)

Kenny and the Dragon

I read Kenny and the Dragon by Tony DiTerlizzi for consideration for a one book one school program at my son's elementary school for next year. The book description says, "Kenny is a little rabbit with a very big problem. His two best friends are heading into a battle of legendary proportions—with each other! In one corner there’s Grahame, a well-read and cultured dragon with sophisticated tastes. In the other there’s George, a retired knight and dragon slayer who would be content to spend the rest of his days in his bookshop. Neither really wants to fight, but the village townsfolk are set on removing Grahame from their midst and calling George out of retirement. Can Kenny avert disaster?"

I loved this book! I thought it was such a fun read and is the perfect type of book for what we are looking for (which was so refreshing that I think it made me love the book even more). The book was super engaging with fun, likable characters, an exciting storyline, and great vocabulary. There are also fun pictures throughout. This would be a fun family read aloud for sure, so if we don't use it for our school program, I'd love to read it with my kids anyway.

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

Once Upon a Broken Heart

I read Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber for a new book club some friends at church started. (I'm already in a book club with other friends at church, but this is a group of young moms who I guess wanted a different vibe of a book club, so I figured I'd try it out sometimes too when I can fit it in.) The book description reads, "For as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has believed in true love and happy endings . . . until she learns that the love of her life will marry another. Desperate to stop the wedding and to heal her wounded heart, Evangeline strikes a deal with the charismatic, but wicked, Prince of Hearts. In exchange for his help, he asks for three kisses, to be given at the time and place of his choosing. But after Evangeline’s first promised kiss, she learns that bargaining with an immortal is a dangerous game ― and that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than she’d pledged. He has plans for Evangeline, plans that will either end in the greatest happily ever after, or the most exquisite tragedy."

This was a silly but fun read. I haven't read a book like this in a long time (like a YA romance with sappy stuff throughout), and it made me laugh sometimes just because of how silly certain things were. But the story was definitely engaging and made me want to keep reading, and there were some fun and unique storylines. I thought the characters were fun to get to know and figure out. I did think the author had the main character overexplain all of her choices, which I guess was good since I would have been questioning her choices if not, but I don't know if I loved that style. Unfortunately, the author ended the book completely inconclusively, making the story feed right into book 2. (I probably won't read it but will have a friend summarize books 2 and 3 for me because I definitely want to know what happens.)

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

Matilda

Our family listened to Matilda by Roald Dahl on audiobook on our recent road trip. We thought it'd be fun since my daughter was recently in the musical at school. The book description of Matilda says, "Matilda is a sweet, exceptional young girl, but her parents think she's just a nuisance. She expects school to be different but there she has to face Miss Trunchbull, a menacing, kid-hating headmistress. When Matilda is attacked by the Trunchbull she suddenly discovers she has a remarkable power with which to fight back. It'll take a superhuman genius to give Miss Trunchbull what she deserves and Matilda may be just the one to do it!"

This was a fun book to listen to. I loved the narrator and all her voices, and while listening, I looked up who it was--and it was actress Kate Winslet! I'm sure I've read Matilda in the past (as a child or something), but I didn't really remember it. It was fun to compare it to the 90s movie and to the musical. (Like there's a scene with a parrot that's in neither. Or there are a lot of lines from the book that are the exact same in the musical.) I enjoyed the read but probably won't say "loved" it since it wasn't fresh and novel.

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

Elf Dog & Owl Head

I got Elf Dog & Owl Head by M.T. Anderson from the library after seeing it won a Newbery honor this year. The book description says, "Clay has had his fill of home life. A global plague has brought the world to a screeching halt, and with little to look forward to but a summer of video-calling friends, vying with annoying sisters for the family computer, and tuning out his parents’ financial worries, he’s only too happy to retreat to the woods. From the moment the elegant little dog with the ornate collar appears like an apparition among the trees, Clay sees something uncanny in her. With this mysterious Elphinore as guide, he’ll glimpse ancient secrets folded all but invisibly into the forest. Each day the dog leads Clay down paths he never knew existed, deeper into the unknown. But they aren’t alone in their surreal adventures. There are traps and terrors in the woods, too, and if Clay isn’t careful, he might stray off the path and lose his way forever."

This book took me a little bit to get through at first, but once I got toward the end, I was definitely engaged and interested in finishing. I thought it was fun that the book took place during the pandemic (relatable for kids nowadays), and there was lots of unique fantasy and adventure. I also liked that the book had some illustrations throughout. In the end, I was happy with how the author tied things up, and I think the book had some good subtle messages about family and friendship. I think this would be a read aloud that my kids would really enjoy and be super into.

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

The Eyes and the Impossible

I got The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers from the library after seeing it won the Newbery Medal this year. The book description reads, "Johannes, a free dog, lives in an urban park by the sea. His job is to be the Eyes—to see everything that happens within the park and report back to the park’s elders, three ancient Bison. His friends—a seagull, a raccoon, a squirrel, and a pelican—work with him as the Assistant Eyes, observing the humans and other animals who share the park and making sure the Equilibrium is in balance. But changes are afoot. More humans, including Trouble Travelers, arrive in the park. A new building, containing mysterious and hypnotic rectangles, goes up. And then there are the goats—an actual boatload of goats—who appear, along with a shocking revelation that changes Johannes’s view of the world."

I loved this book so much! The book engaged me pretty much right away and just had the best characters (all animals). I loved the story and found myself laughing out loud several times and tearing up at the end. It was just a beautiful story with characters you're rooting for the entire time, and it's a story that makes you want to keep reading. Highly recommend this one. I'm passing it onto my husband and daughter next.

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

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Ollie and I are continuing on our Roald Dahl kick, so I read him Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The book description says, "Willy Wonka's famous chocolate factory is opening at last! But only five lucky children will be allowed inside. And the winners are: Augustus Gloop, an enormously fat boy whose hobby is eating; Veruca Salt, a spoiled-rotten brat whose parents are wrapped around her little finger; Violet Beauregarde, a dim-witted gum-chewer with the fastest jaws around; Mike Teavee, a toy pistol-toting gangster-in-training who is obsessed with television; and Charlie Bucket, Our Hero, a boy who is honest and kind, brave and true, and good and ready for the wildest time of his life!"

This was such a great read. I know the story well, but Ollie didn't know pretty much anything except for Willy Wonka from the new Wonka movie (a prequel story). So it was so fun to read together. The story was engaging and entertaining, and Ollie and I both enjoyed it all the way through. I am excited for us to watch the classic movie from my childhood now. I liked how this book introduced 6-year-old Ollie to some hard things in life (like a family not having enough money to buy food and being hungry) but also had a nice happily ever after.

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

Fantastic Mr. Fox

I read Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl to Ollie this past week. Ollie wrote a letter to a favorite author/illustrator (Kevin Sherry) and got a letter back that included a recommendation of Roald Dahl books. So Ollie wanted to give one a try--so I figured we'd start with this nice short one. The book description reads, "Someone's been stealing from the three meanest farmers around, and they know the identity of the thief—it's Fantastic Mr. Fox! Working alone they could never catch him; but now fat Boggis, squat Bunce, and skinny Bean have joined forces, and they have Mr. Fox and his family surrounded. What they don't know is that they're not dealing with just any fox—Mr. Fox would rather die than surrender. Only the most fantastic plan can save him now."

This was such a fun read. Ollie loved it from the start and was always happy to keep reading more chapters. The illustrations matched perfectly with the text, and I loved the goofy characters and clever ideas of Mr. Fox. Glad we read this one.

* * * (3/3 = Loved it)

The Midnight Library

I've had The Midnight Library by Matt Haig on my to-read list for awhile but finally had the push to read it when some friends formed a new book club with this as the first book. The book description says, "Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice at any point in your life. While we all wonder how our lives might have been, what if you had the chance to go to the library and see for yourself? Would any of these other lives truly be better? In The Midnight Library, Matt Haig's enchanting blockbuster novel, Nora Seed finds herself faced with this decision. Faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a different career, undoing old breakups, realizing her dreams of becoming a glaciologist; she must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place."

This was a great read that kept me interested throughout. I loved the premise of the book and loved following Nora as she discovered things about herself and about life. Throughout the book, I was enjoying it and was like, yeah, I like this book, but I particularly loved the ending and how the author brought things together and just taught a beautiful lesson about what makes life worth living and about the difference we make to others in the small and simple things we do. The big downside for me in this book was that there was quite a bit of bad language throughout. But I really enjoyed the characters and the story and the message.

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

The Magical Imperfect

I saw The Magical Imperfect on the middle school list for Virginia's Readers' Choice and thought it looked like a book I'd enjoy. The book description reads, "Etan has stopped speaking since his mother left. His father and grandfather don’t know how to help him. His friends have given up on him. When Etan is asked to deliver a grocery order to the outskirts of town, he realizes he’s at the home of Malia Agbayani, also known as the Creature. Malia stopped going to school when her acute eczema spread to her face, and the bullying became too much. As the two become friends, other kids tease Etan for knowing the Creature. But he believes he might have a cure for Malia’s condition, if only he can convince his family and hers to believe it too. Even if it works, will these two outcasts find where they fit in?"

This was a nice read. I really liked the premise of the book and liked both main characters. It was cool how the book was based in real history (a World Series, earthquake, etc.) I also liked that the book introduced some important issues (mental health struggles, selective mutism, bullying, losing/finding faith during difficult times, etc.).

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

The Puppets of Spelhorst

I follow Kate DiCamillo on Facebook and saw she was writing a new book so was already in line on hold for The Puppets of Spelhorst when it came out this month. The book description says, "Shut up in a trunk by a taciturn old sea captain with a secret, five friends—a king, a wolf, a girl, a boy, and an owl—bicker, boast, and comfort one another in the dark. Individually, they dream of song and light, freedom and flight, purpose and glory, but they all agree they are part of a larger story, bound each to each by chance, bonded by the heart’s mysteries. When at last their shared fate arrives, landing them on a mantel in a blue room in the home of two little girls, the truth is more astonishing than any of them could have imagined."

This was a nice, quick read with well-developed characters (puppets) that made me chuckle. It was classic Kate DiCamillo with beautiful writing that somehow just puts you in the mood of the story by the words alone. The book overall wasn't super eventful or monumental but it was a sweet read that could be a good read aloud with my kids. It sounds like this is going to be a trilogy of Norendy Tales books, so I'll likely read the others when they come out too.

* * (2/3 = Liked it)

One Book One School

I am part of a committee at my son's elementary school to select a book for a One Book, One School program. (Basically, every student/family gets a copy of one specific book and reads it over the course of a month, and the school does activities connected to the book throughout the month. It's a little bit of a process to choose the book because it needs to appeal to grades K-6, not be controversial in any way, be relatively short, etc.) So, in helping select the book, I read a bunch of our short list books and figured I'd document them here:

The Water Horse by Dick King-Smith

Book description: When eight-year-old Kirstie brings home a strange egg from the Scottish shore, her family never expects it to hatch. But the next day, Kirstie discovers a baby sea monster swimming in her bathtub! Part horse, part toad, part turtle, and part crocodile, he's the oddest-looking creature Kirstie's family has ever seen. Only Kirstie's grandfather knows what the beastie really is: a Water Horse! This lovable creature is the perfect pet. The only trouble is, he can't stop growing. He gets bigger. And Bigger. And BIGGER. Before long, he's outgrown every loch in sight. Will they ever find a home that's large enough for their Water Horse?

My thoughts: This book was super fun! I thought it would definitely appeal to all ages, and it was an engaging story. If this one isn't picked for the school, I'll read it aloud to my kids.

The Secret School by Avi

Book description: More than anything, Ida Bidson wants to become a teacher. To do that, she must finish eighth grade, then go on to high school. But her dream falters when the one-room school in her remote Colorado town shuts down. Her only hope is to keep the school open without anyone finding out. Yet even a secret school needs a teacher. Ida can't be it. . . . Or can she?

My thoughts: This was another great read. I didn't think it was as good for younger grades, but I thought Emmeline would have fun with this story. It was a great story.

Future Hero by Remi Blackwood

Book description: Jarell has never quite known where he belongs. He’s ignored at home and teased at school for wanting to draw instead of playing sports with the other boys. The only place he’s ever felt truly at ease is his local barbershop where the owner hangs Jarell’s art up on the walls. When Jarell discovers a hidden portal in the barbershop, he’s transported to a magical world that’s unlike anything he’s seen before. But it’s not just the powerful gods and dangerous creatures that makes this world different―it’s that everyone believes Jarell is the hero they’ve been waiting for.

My thoughts: This was a fun read. It was a super short fantasy book, which isn't something I've really read before. Like the book was short, but the authors packed a lot of action in there. It had a nice character arc as well. This one also didn't seem quite as good for younger grades (K/1).

Stella Diaz Has Something to Say by Angela Dominguez

Book description: Stella Díaz loves marine animals, especially her betta fish, Pancho. But Stella Díaz is not a betta fish. Betta fish like to be alone, while Stella loves spending time with her mom and brother and her best friend Jenny. Trouble is, Jenny is in another class this year, and Stella feels very lonely. When a new boy arrives in Stella's class, she really wants to be his friend, but sometimes Stella accidentally speaks Spanish instead of English and pronounces words wrong, which makes her turn roja. Plus, she has to speak in front of her whole class for a big presentation at school! But she better get over her fears soon, because Stella Díaz has something to say!

My thoughts: I've read this book before, but it's been forever, and it must have been when I wasn't updating this blog. This is a sweet book and definitely a fun one for grades 2-4 (but I didn't think it would be a good fit for this one book program).

The Show Must Go On by Kate Klise

Book description: When Sir Sidney, a kindly old circus owner, becomes too tired to travel with his show, he places a Help Wanted ad in the newspaper. Enter Barnabas Brambles: “I have a degree in lion taming from the University of Piccadilly Circus.” But does Leo the lion need taming? Will Elsa the elephant still get her gourmet peanuts? And what will Brambles say when he discovers Bert and Gert--two mice who travel with the circus on popcorn cleanup patrol? Brambles has big plans: More cities! More shows! No more free popcorn. Soon he’s made a big mess of Sir Sidney’s Circus, but Leo, Elsa, Bert, Gert, and the rest of the performers agree: The Show Must Go On!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this book and thought both my kids would have fun with it if we read it aloud together. Some others on the committee thought the book wasn't as good for the teacher read aloud videos and such since the book has a lot of pictures, so we're not going with this one. But I thought it was a really fun story that kids would enjoy.

The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney

Book description: You can learn a lot about life by observing another species. That’s what Humphrey was told when he was first brought to Room 26. And boy, is it true! In addition to having FUN-FUN-FUN in class, each weekend this amazing hamster gets to sleep over with a different student, like Lower-Your-Voice-A.J. and Speak-Up-Sayeh. Soon Humphrey learns to read, write, and even shoot rubber bands (only in self-defense, of course). With lots of friends to help, adventures to enjoy, and a cage with a lock-that-doesn’t- lock, Humphrey's life is almost perfect. If only the teacher, Mrs. Brisbane, wasn’t out to get him!

My thoughts: I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It was entertaining and engaging and sweet, and I definitely think Ollie would enjoy this one. I thought the story was clever--it kinda reminded me of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. Fun read!

The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo

Book description: When a fortuneteller's tent appears in the market square of the city of Baltese, orphan Peter Augustus Duchene knows the questions that he needs to ask: Does his sister still live? And if so, how can he find her? The fortuneteller's mysterious answer (an elephant! An elephant will lead him there!) sets off a chain of events so remarkable, so impossible, that you will hardly dare to believe it’s true.

My thoughts: This is another one that I've read before, but it must have been when I wasn't updating the blog. But like all of Kate DiCamillo's books, this is a beautiful read. And while it's definitely "meant" for the older grades, I totally think younger kids could follow it and enjoy it--and adults will love it too. This is a great book.

Hummingbird

I saw Hummingbird by Natalie Lloyd received a Schneider Family Book Award this year (which honors an author for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences). The book description says, "Twelve-year-old homeschooled Olive is tired of being seen as 'fragile' just because she has osteogenesis imperfecta (otherwise known as brittle bone disease) so she's thrilled when she finally convinces her parents to let her attend Macklemore Elementary. Olive can't wait to go to a traditional school and make the friends she's always longed for, until a disastrous first day dashes her hopes of ever fitting in. Then Olive hears whispers about a magical, wish-granting hummingbird that supposedly lives near Macklemore. It'll be the solution to all her problems! If she can find the bird and prove herself worthy, the creature will make her most desperate, secret wish come true. When it becomes clear that she can't solve the mystery on her own, Olive teams up with some unlikely allies who help her learn the truth about the bird. And on the way, she just might learn that our fragile places lead us to the most wonderful magic of all . . ."

This was a good read. It was a little slow for me until closer to the end, and I found myself a little confused by the genre (was it realistic fiction or fantasy?), which was distracting. (But by the end I figured out it was a little bit of both--magical realism.) But I loved Olive from the start and thought she was just a wonderful character. I thought the author did a great job with so making so many of the characters so likeable, including Olive's parents, Grace, and Hatch. I really loved the ending of the book and how things fell together; I may have shed a tear or two. I also loved reading the author's note at the end and learning that the author has OI just like Olive. I really loved the author's description of her journey of creating Olive's character in the book. I think I'll recommend this book to my 12-year-old daughter.

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

The Last Mapmaker

I saw The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat on a list of newish books that could be possible 2022 Newbery winners and decided to give it a read since I enjoyed other books by the author. The book description reads, "As assistant to Mangkon’s most celebrated mapmaker, twelve-year-old Sai plays the part of a well-bred young lady with a glittering future. In reality, her father is a conman—and in a kingdom where the status of one’s ancestors dictates their social position, the truth could ruin her. Sai seizes the chance to join an expedition to chart the southern seas, but she isn’t the only one aboard with secrets. When Sai learns that the ship might be heading for the fabled Sunderlands—a land of dragons, dangers, and riches beyond imagining—she must weigh the cost of her dreams."

This was a great story. It was a little bit of a slow read for me, and it wasn't until the very end that I actually couldn't put the book down. The rest of the book, I wasn't especially engaged and so had to kinda encourage myself to keep reading. But I definitely loved the characters (Sai, Paiyoon, even Mud) and enjoyed the story, especially how things came together in the end and the lessons Sai learns about herself. The author created a whole new world, which made it a fun fantasy and adventure book.

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

Remarkably Bright Creatures

I read Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt for my book club with friends at church. The book description says, "After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago. Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors—until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova. Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late."

I feel like the description doesn't really capture the full story of this book, but what a great read! I was so engaged that I finished the book in just three days. I just couldn't stand the not-knowing and wanted to see how the characters figured things out and how things would come together. The author did an amazing job creating believable, lovable characters (including the octopus!), and I was just rooting for both Tova and Cameron. I also loved how the author seemed to care about tying up loose ends and making things end well. As I reflected on the book at the end, I saw a few plot gaps, but I feel like they were small and didn't hurt the story. I thought this was a great book with a clever plot. The only bad thing about the book was it had quite a bit of bad language. The book switched perspectives, and whenever Cameron was talking, there was a lot of bad words peppered throughout. Usually I put down books like this, but since I was doing it with a book club, I stuck with it and just kinda skimmed those parts. But I wanted to give this disclaimer for others who avoid bad language in books.

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

The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

I read The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton for my book club with friends at church. The book description says, "Aiden Bishop knows the rules. Evelyn Hardcastle will die every day until he can identify her killer and break the cycle. But every time the day begins again, Aiden wakes up in the body of a different guest at Blackheath Manor. And some of his hosts are more helpful than others."

This was a really unique book. It's one of those books that I probably would have given up on at the beginning if I weren't reading it for book club because I was just kinda confused at the beginning and couldn't quite put things together. (But I think that is kinda the point of the book.) By the end, I was super engaged and had so many questions, which made it a fun book club book. I liked the explanations that came at the end of the book that helped me finally pull things together. I also thought the author was a very talented writer with amazingly-written descriptions throughout the book. I would give more details on that, but it's been a couple months since I read this, so I've forgotten much more than what I've written here.

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