deldc's reviews
128 reviews

an easy 5 ⭐

read this impulsively just to get my motor running again for reading 😢

what a profound little story. so much said through utility of illustrations within a few pages 👏 suits all ages.

it reminds us how our dreams and desires grow as we go, and then eventually become simpler when there's nothing left to climb just like the tree in the end.

i have other thoughts and own reflections about the giving tree herself but i'd like to keep it to myself as they're too personal. 🙂

it was a beautifully written reimagination of Peter Pan. everything was given a brand new turn of perspective from the original story -- Peter Pan, what happened to him and Wendy, to Michael, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook!, and even the playwright J.M. Barrie was given a new light -- i liked it all so much. i liked that from this idea sprung a strategy to tackle pressing issues like rape, drugs, child-abuse, and even feminism. it made the premise all the more interesting.

it also moved me as it is a story about mothers -- how they'd be willing to do anything for their children; they'd do anything they think what's right at the call of the occasion. not only mothers, actually, but also sisters like Nan, who cares and loves like a real mother. i didn't expect how timely this book would impress me, and i envied Holly for having a mother like Jane. i was surprised at how she acted as a mom in the end. i admired her from the moment she believed Holly and showed alliance to her without any doubt.

i just think that almost 3/4 of the book were too draggy and makes the reader hyperfixate on Peter when the ending was intended to be anticlimactic for him, at least, which he deserves by the way. it solidified the conviction that Peter isn't, nor any men, are the heroes of this story -- but women - mothers.

all in all, it has an intelligent and beautiful writing. i highly approve the science references -- it was accurate.

i give it a 3! :)

3.75! i only cried because who doesn't cry at weddings? i love big families too 🥺

things i liked:
- the whole assassin adventure! i enjoyed and laughed so much with their creativity 😆. i've decided to adopt it when i start my own family traditions someday. :')
- the Fox family & the Dupres, and the Farm! -- they're all easy to love, indeed. i wish i could be a part of their family 🥺, and that there's a Farm irl i could go to when i need some healing. i'm always a sucker for genuine connections 💖 it was a warm hug!

things i disliked:
- none, but i should say the pairing didn't send me much sparks. a lot of times it's because i'm annoyed with meredith and her self-centeredness lol

who would i recommend this to:
- of course, to taylor swift fans! i believe not one fan would not appreciate a book inspired by their idol's beautifully-written songs :). in fact, i listened to one of her songs mentioned towards the end, and a part of it was the reason i cried. :') the song made the wedding more textured in my imagination thus the crying 🤧 so i recommend you do that too :')

why 3.75?
- i enjoyed it and it was really good, but i think it's still missing something i couldn't put my finger on 😅

 this has been a cute ride to korean idol culture!

things i liked:
- basically everything: the character diversity, the trope! (i didn't expect i'd enjoy it), the connections 🫂 -- it all felt like a novel that came straight out of a romantic kdrama: there's a family element, authentic friendships, and love 💖

- it enlightens about idol culture in korea -- both the good and the bad parts. how the industry can be both toxic and loving at the same time: i.e: a) the toxic paparazzis, the krazy fans, dating scandals, and the training process; b) it showed how the trainees had to be apart from their biological families at a young age but also showed that despite this tragic requirement, they are able to grow up acquiring another kind - one with their bandmates, managers, purely loving fans and even their company -- it's heartwarming to see that kind of relationship possible despite its difficult journey behind; it also showed the gravity of passion and determination one can put in one's craft (not just for the idol artists but the same with classical musicians - which i also liked that axie oh managed to blend)

- i also love that i discovered few korean elements that i'd normally wouldn't be able to understand in watching a kdrama. in fact, i kept imagining this would be an even greater book if it was in pure korean if only for my lack of fluency in the language.

- also love that it tackled mixed race inclusivity, not as pressing as other books dedicated to the topic though and that's completely fine. i've learned not to expect korean-american and other marginalized writers to do that job in courtesy of miss Elaine Castillo, author of How to Read Now 😉. but i do hope more books and readers would be able to advocate this kind of important issues especially in this very foundational platform we all share. :)

who would i recommend this to?
- of course, to kpop enthusiasts!! and suckers of celebrity-noncelebrity trope!! it's giving that fan fiction/wattpad novel vibe with the kilig element of a romance kdrama because of its setting ✨ it reads like that unwritten novel i would've authored in wattpad during my highschool days lol - normally i would cringe, but this definitely submitted a better work than any imaginary novel i would've tried to write. 🤝🏼

i give this a solid 5 because it's pure enjoyment and i simply have nothing against it. =) i wouldn't hold it back for axie oh. 🫶🏼 

had so much hope for this book but its language 🤌🏼 -- at least so far, is inaccessible for me atm. would love to go back to this when i'm ready because i believe it contains a very important message for us, readers. 

i liked it! 

most especially, i admire the intentions of the author to raise awareness about mexican culture and the racial issues it currently experiences, including the mixed-race discrimination that's prominent today. she also tackled the issue of gentrification, and through it, promoted culture preservation amongst rural locations. it's a sure plus for a book that which allows me to learn new and fascinating truths about the world and society. 

i'm always drawn to stories where there's a sense of community in it. listening to this felt like i was part of that~community. i found myself enraged, heartbroken, and rejoicing with them. plus, in my head, i imagined this community to be like the one in Disney's Encanto 😅-- and i love that movie!!, so i didn't find it hard to fall in love with Barrio Logan 🩷✨ -- with its people, its tradition, history, and culture ✨

now this 😂: the spiciness 🤌🏼 i was shocked mainly because i hadn't anticipated that it would be too graphic 🙈 it was hot! hot! hot!!! 🌶️🥦 imagine listening to ramon & julieta, two human beings blessed with a hot body and structure, making love in passion 🔥 -- when i said, passion, i mean 🔥🧯🚒👨‍🚒

although, i didn't admire the first part where they couldn't help their lust 🥵 for each other, i still rooted for them.

i'm thankful that ramon didn't turn up to be so much of an 🍑hole. he made it right in the end and i salute 🫡.

i just didn't like how prejudiced the community was toward him that it affected my judgment lol but i couldn't blame them as well.

i liked it! despite its faults, i think it wouldn't be packed as a whole without them, so kudos to alana albertson for woving together this sizzling ~ yet warm little town story. 👏🏼

THE WORD IS: EXQUISITE 🤌🏼✨