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goldentortoisebeetle's reviews
281 reviews
Spooky Lakes: 25 Strange and Mysterious Lakes That Dot Our Planet by Geo Rutherford
this book is HUGE and WONDERFUL and I WANT IT FOR MY BIRTHDAY
Only: The Bird Who Liked Being Alone by Airlie Anderson
A great book about celebrating independence, being alone, and negotiating relationships.
Phoebe's Diary by Phoebe Wahl
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
This book was very relatable as someone who was also a constantly lovestruck fat teenage girl. I remember how everything felt like the biggest deal and that I was the center of the universe. I can tell my aromantic friends would be flabbergasted by this experience and find this book borderline unreadable.
The author and I's experiences with dating / drugs / drama diverged pretty early, but it's interesting to see what my life could have been like if I had walked that path. Although they would have been markedly different no matter what, as this story is VERY pacific northwest. I also thought the discussions around desire and embodiment were interesting. I took a picture of the page "Everyone says I'm cute as a button. But... nobody wants to FUCK a button!!!" Classic fat girl problem.
I like how she often returns to her inner artist's compass. I like her description of "Our Town" moments. I loved her cringey letter to her favorite teacher. I liked that the story ended in a way that feels unfinished - that felt realistic both to diaries and to real life. A good book in that when I put it down I kept thinking about when I could pick it up again.
The author and I's experiences with dating / drugs / drama diverged pretty early, but it's interesting to see what my life could have been like if I had walked that path. Although they would have been markedly different no matter what, as this story is VERY pacific northwest. I also thought the discussions around desire and embodiment were interesting. I took a picture of the page "Everyone says I'm cute as a button. But... nobody wants to FUCK a button!!!" Classic fat girl problem.
I like how she often returns to her inner artist's compass. I like her description of "Our Town" moments. I loved her cringey letter to her favorite teacher. I liked that the story ended in a way that feels unfinished - that felt realistic both to diaries and to real life. A good book in that when I put it down I kept thinking about when I could pick it up again.
Garfield at Large: His 1st Book by Jim Davis
I grew up with Garfield, especially these first few books. They are all still really good. I feel like I understand my dad's sense of humor so much more, reading these as an adult.
A Voice in the Storm by Karl James Mountford
We love a book that teaches kids big feelings are ok!!!
Witch Poems by Daisy Wallace, Trina Schart Hyman
I don't really care for witch lore but this book was fun all the same. Some of the poems were tedious but others were quite funny. TSH draws great spooky pictures!
How Does It Feel to Be Old? by Norma Farber
A good book for grandparents/grandchildren, I wish I'd had it as a kid. It's also worth a read for anyone contemplating life and aging. The art is deeply gorgeous.
A Child's Calendar by John Updike
Very cute and reflective. I like calendar books that talk about weather, light, etc as opposed to holidays. This has both, but it's a good balance. I also like the blended family.