Scan barcode
cassroberts89's reviews
468 reviews
Breathe and Count Back from Ten by Natalia Sylvester
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is so good. It has the kind of messages I wish I had read as a teen. More later once I get my thoughts in order (and coffee)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming and Chronic illness
Minor: Cursing, Emotional abuse, and Medical content
Queen Bee by Amalie Howard
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I work at a library, and I always try to read our state’s annual juvenile/teen book selections—although I do actually enjoy most YA anyway. This was my first YA pick for this year’s choices. It did not disappoint! Was it clearly intended for teens? Yes. Was it a great hook and unputdownable? Also yes!
First, I appreciated the diversity. I also enjoyed the author’s note detailing the research she has done into the real-life diversity of regency society. I kind of wish there was more to it than varied skin tones and the occasional sari, but I’ll grant that that wasn’t the focus of the plot.
I also liked the chemistry between MC and her love interest AND that it was sort of based on a shared history and sweet childhood together. I say sort of. Of course there was the deception with her assumed identity.One thing I really struggled to get past is that not one single person recognized her. This is explained, but not well enough in my opinion. Three years is a long time, especially to a teen, but it’s simply not long enough for someone to be so wholly unrecognizable. I thought, surely, her best friend and love had already figured it out and was playing along. He couldn’t possibly be that dumb… right? But alas, he is not actually perfect. This whole silly scenario lost the book a star for me.
I do wish there had been just a little more depth to Poppy’s character. Like perhaps a bit more background giving rise to her despicable behavior, aside from simply lacking a title and feeling jealous and petty. That’s basically her whole character in a nutshell. There was some real room for explanation and growth there, especially when all sh** hits the fan at the end.
Still. I was engrossed and thoroughly entertained. I think teens and young adults will really enjoy this one!
First, I appreciated the diversity. I also enjoyed the author’s note detailing the research she has done into the real-life diversity of regency society. I kind of wish there was more to it than varied skin tones and the occasional sari, but I’ll grant that that wasn’t the focus of the plot.
I also liked the chemistry between MC and her love interest AND that it was sort of based on a shared history and sweet childhood together. I say sort of. Of course there was the deception with her assumed identity.
I do wish there had been just a little more depth to Poppy’s character. Like perhaps a bit more background giving rise to her despicable behavior, aside from simply lacking a title and feeling jealous and petty. That’s basically her whole character in a nutshell. There was some real room for explanation and growth there, especially when all sh** hits the fan at the end.
Still. I was engrossed and thoroughly entertained. I think teens and young adults will really enjoy this one!
Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I was so impressed when I found out this is Patel’s debut! It is stunning and expansive. I’m not super familiar with the Ramayana so I can’t say just how much was true to the epic or not. I’m willing to bet much of the feminist movement aspect was Patel’s invention, or was twisted to appear so. The pacing was a bit off sometimes too. Still, I am looking forward to seeing more from this author!
Side note as a parent:
This is clearly an adult novel, but I appreciated that there really isn’t anything in here that would prevent me from handing this to my kids if they were interested. There is mention of Kaikeyi visiting her husband’s rooms, but hardly any description at all of what transpires other than Kaikeyi herself seeming disinterested (my guess was either she isn’t straight or is asexual, for what it’s worth. This isn’t really relevant in the book though). I also loved that, otherwise, she and Dasharath developed a loving relationship with a healthy dose of respect.
Side note as a parent:
This is clearly an adult novel, but I appreciated that there really isn’t anything in here that would prevent me from handing this to my kids if they were interested. There is mention of Kaikeyi visiting her husband’s rooms, but hardly any description at all of what transpires other than Kaikeyi herself seeming disinterested (my guess was either she isn’t straight or is asexual, for what it’s worth. This isn’t really relevant in the book though). I also loved that, otherwise, she and Dasharath developed a loving relationship with a healthy dose of respect.
Africa Is Not a Country: Notes on a Bright Continent by Dipo Faloyin
Did not finish book. Stopped at 37%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 37%.
Had to return to library, 140 pages
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The kids and I loved this when I read it aloud for homeschool! It was just the right mix of real world friendships and kid problems, and mysterious puzzle.
Summer at Blue Sands Cove by C.P. Ward
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
This… wasn’t great. Right away, the characters felt more like caricatures. Trust the reviewers complaining about fat shaming; it’s rampant. I was just skimming from about the 20% point on. I can see why this was free during the stuff-your-kindle deal *shrug*
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia
Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
A cute and sweet and mostly-wholesome summer read about friendship with a side of first love. I enjoyed this so much! The list that Sloane leaves behind for Emily provides the perfect backdrop to structure the story. Without it, we’d just be watching a bunch of teenagers do their teenager thing.
As a parent I’m not really a fan of all the sneaking around, curfew breaking, etc. But seventeen year old Emily is a good kid, hangs out with friends who are good kids, and is fairly responsible overall. There’s a minimal amount of responsible drinking, albeit underage, a scene where she uses a fake ID to get into a bar to listen to a band sober, a long road trip without parents knowledge or consent, and a few make out sessions. No sex or even talk of sex that I recall. A few instances of a boyfriend/girlfriend cheating on their partner (kissing).
All in all, it reminds me of the mom in the Sandlot: “Get into trouble, for crying out loud! Not too much, but some.” I’d be more than happy to hand this to my older teen.
P.S. The title is perfect and fits the story well. I may have belted out Kelly Clarkson more than once after walking by and seeing the cover…
As a parent I’m not really a fan of all the sneaking around, curfew breaking, etc. But seventeen year old Emily is a good kid, hangs out with friends who are good kids, and is fairly responsible overall. There’s a minimal amount of responsible drinking, albeit underage, a scene where she uses a fake ID to get into a bar to listen to a band sober, a long road trip without parents knowledge or consent, and a few make out sessions. No sex or even talk of sex that I recall. A few instances of a boyfriend/girlfriend cheating on their partner (kissing).
All in all, it reminds me of the mom in the Sandlot: “Get into trouble, for crying out loud! Not too much, but some.” I’d be more than happy to hand this to my older teen.
P.S. The title is perfect and fits the story well. I may have belted out Kelly Clarkson more than once after walking by and seeing the cover…
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol
The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Girls I've Been by Tess Sharpe
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Finished in one day. I guess that says something! While so much of the story is a little out there, it’s definitely a page turner. The timeline is all over the place, but it’s done so well.
I’m not sure I’d hand this one to my daughter just yet (mature 13yo). There is so much going on; seek out trigger warnings and HEED them for sure. Child abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, just straight up violence, the list goes on. Most of it is closed door, especially the sexual abuse with the victim as young as 10yo, but it’s extremely clear that it is going on. It’s all far-fetched but also real enough that you’d need to follow up with some heavy conversations with your teen.
I’m not sure I’d hand this one to my daughter just yet (mature 13yo). There is so much going on; seek out trigger warnings and HEED them for sure. Child abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, just straight up violence, the list goes on. Most of it is closed door, especially the sexual abuse with the victim as young as 10yo, but it’s extremely clear that it is going on. It’s all far-fetched but also real enough that you’d need to follow up with some heavy conversations with your teen.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Sexual violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Abortion
Well Traveled by Jen DeLuca
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This last installment of the series was a little… silly? Unbelievable? Tropey? Dex was barely introduced earlier in the books as the guy who hooks up with a different girl at every fair. There’s literally nothing else we know about him going in. And by the time Dex and Lulu hook up? That’s still mostly all we know about him. Supposedly there’s so much more to him and his family just doesn’t see or expect much from him, but it’s not set up well before they just fall into bed. Nightly. For like, the entire time they’re in the camper. And then BOOM they’re in love. Not to mention it’s all wrapped up so neatly with a bow at the end. Meh. It was satisfying and cute toward the end, but I did not get nearly as much out of this one as the other three.