emmiemerereads's reviews
190 reviews

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

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hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This classic children's book is a wonderful work of fiction that even adults would love. I've read it several times over the years and enjoy it every time. Unlike many of the classics, I find the language easy to read. It doesn't feel like you're reading something from more than 110 years ago.
The Secret Garden is a sweet story with still-relevant themes of self love and self confidence, acceptance, and belonging.
Where They Last Saw Her by Marcie R. Rendon

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emotional informative sad tense fast-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? No

4.0

Galatea by Madeline Miller

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sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This is a super short retelling of “the woman” from Pygmalion. It’s more like reading one chapter from an anthology than a whole book. The amazing Madeline Miller is on point, as usual. I loved her afterword, detailing more about the original story, retellings, and what the deeper meanings are truly about. Don’t hesitate to read this!
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

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challenging dark emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Somehow I’ve never read this book so I jumped at the chance when I was gifted a copy by BookBrowse. The book is described as the story of a young Black girl named Pecola who desperately wants the blond hair and blue eyes she associates with beauty. While Pecola is supposed to be the main character, she barely shows up in the book and is not the book’s narrator (who instead is another child, Claudia). Instead, we’re offered the stories of Pecola’s parents, as well as the parents of Claudia and her sister Frieda - and how their parents’ upbringing, experiences, and parenting styles led to the girls’ view on self beauty.

It’s incredibly sad to think of any child (or adult) doubting their own self worth because of societal values, and specifically something as beautiful as skin color. I can relate on other levels and certainly as a parent of a child who similarly struggles.

Morrison’s writing is lovely and poetic though, for me, challenging. I did not understand the ending and ended up spending a bit of time online learning more. It then all came together but I would have liked to have been able to decipher that myself.

All in all, I’m glad to have read The Bluest Eye
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Plays Well with Others by Sophie Brickman

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 47%.
Too boring. Half way through and I’m still waiting to get to the point.
An Italian Secret Island by Victoria Springfield

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hopeful inspiring lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Recently dumped and out of work, Alessia travels with her grandmother Ornella from England to Ornella’s birthplace of Ischia, Italy. While Alessia explores living on the island, takes stock of what matters and learns how to slow down, the death of a classic Italian actress opens old wounds and threatens to expose Ornella’s past secrets.

An Italian Island Secret is sweet story, in which you’ll come to care about the characters and want to hop the next plane to Italy. If you can get past unnecessary verbiage that adds nothing to the story, the author’s fantastic imagery puts you right there in town. I’ve never been to Italy and felt like I knew each road and place the characters visited. And the food descriptions! My mouth was watering and I could almost taste the dishes.

I enjoyed getting to know Alessia and Ornella, and was equally interested in the supporting characters. There were some smart subplots that could absolutely make for sequels!

The book has an interesting storyline but unfortunately was scattered and, at times, confusing. Still, I was able to push through and overall enjoyed the book. I haven’t read from this author before but would definitely be willing to read from her again.

I was given a digital ARC of this book by Boldwood Books in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.
Fagin the Thief by Allison Epstein

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challenging dark sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Fagin the Thief is a reimagining of Oliver Twist, from the perspective of Jacob Fagin - the best pickpocket in London. I completely missed that when I first read the description, and was just drawn to the story. I’ve never read Oliver Twist and all I know about it is the “please sir, I want some more” line I remember from some kind of parody.

For me, the book but it wasn’t an easy read. Between chapters varying in times and the various characters, there wasn’t an even flow. I was bored with the story at times and couldn’t figure out where it was going.

The antisemitism in the book was prevalent and seemed overused. I know it was true to the time, and the author’s note explained the origin of it from Oliver Twist. That being said, it was almost distracting and took my focus away from the rest of the story.

I’m fairly certain I was at a disadvantage not knowing the characters and their stories. This book may be better suited to someone familiar with Oliver Twist.

This book wasn’t for me but I’d definitely read more from the author.

TY BookBrowse and NetGalley for the digital ARC!
Pink Glass Houses by Asha Elias

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I knew I’d like this right from the start. I was dying over these crazy parents and the legit adult peer pressure that was felt by all the characters at some point. The book takes place in Miami but, living in a community with a bunch of entitled jerks and wannabes, I get it. 

The storyline was extreme and purposely over the top; credit to the author for keeping it fun at the same time.

Elias’ writing had a great flow. At times it seemed like you were in conversation with her. I’m betting she’s just as fun to talk to in real life, and I absolutely want to hang with her!
The Christmas Countdown by Holly Cassidy

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lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Snow is Falling by Sarah Bennett

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lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5