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midnightmarauder's reviews
61 reviews
Leaving Atlanta by Tayari Jones
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Leaving Atlanta follows the story of three young children—LaTasha Baxter, Rodney Green, and Octavia Fuller—as they grow up in Atlanta, Georgia during the infamous Atlanta Child Murders.
The book is split into three parts, which follow each child's point of view and is written in a different narrative point of view. Tasha's point of view is written in third-person; Rodney's is written in second-person; and Octavia's is written in first-person.
This book touched on a few different issues. One of the main themes of the book is the concept of childhood innocence and how it can lead a child into varying pathways. For instance, Tasha desires to fit in with her classmates so much that it leads her into hanging with the wrong crowd. Rodney, who has anabusive father , is so fed up with his home life that when an unnamed man pretending to be a police officer pulls up beside him , he purposefully gets in the car with him, never to be seen alive again . Finally, Octavia, whose mother feels unsettled by the all the disappearances, is sent away to live with her father in a different state, in attempt to protect her from being hurt .
Another issue that was tackled in the novel is how black people are overlooked when it comes to disappearances and murders. Black children were coming up missing back to back during that time, yet very little external effort (i.e. law enforcement, government agencies, etc.) was made was spent trying to solve the cases or find the children. Most of the work done to get the children's faces on the news was made by the children's families and people within their neighborhoods.
What I liked the most about this book is that it shed light on how the children felt during that time. The feelings of the children who didn't get abducted/murdered were definitely drown out by all of the commotion. It was nice to get a glimpse into how they might've felt, being told through the fictionalized stories of Tasha, Rodney, and Octavia.
The book is split into three parts, which follow each child's point of view and is written in a different narrative point of view. Tasha's point of view is written in third-person; Rodney's is written in second-person; and Octavia's is written in first-person.
This book touched on a few different issues. One of the main themes of the book is the concept of childhood innocence and how it can lead a child into varying pathways. For instance, Tasha desires to fit in with her classmates so much that it leads her into hanging with the wrong crowd. Rodney, who has an
Another issue that was tackled in the novel is how black people are overlooked when it comes to disappearances and murders. Black children were coming up missing back to back during that time, yet very little external effort (i.e. law enforcement, government agencies, etc.) was made was spent trying to solve the cases or find the children. Most of the work done to get the children's faces on the news was made by the children's families and people within their neighborhoods.
What I liked the most about this book is that it shed light on how the children felt during that time. The feelings of the children who didn't get abducted/murdered were definitely drown out by all of the commotion. It was nice to get a glimpse into how they might've felt, being told through the fictionalized stories of Tasha, Rodney, and Octavia.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Physical abuse, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, and Classism
Minor: Drug abuse, Drug use, Pedophilia, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
Tiny Titans, Volume 1: Welcome to the Treehouse by Art Baltazar
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Tiny Titans: Welcome to the Treehouse is the first installment of the Tiny Titans series.
This was a nostalgia read for me. I remember when the series came out and I would check each volume out at my local library. I loved the art style and the jokes. I felt like a kid again as I was reading it.
This was a nostalgia read for me. I remember when the series came out and I would check each volume out at my local library. I loved the art style and the jokes. I felt like a kid again as I was reading it.
House Under Snow by Jill Bialosky
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
House Under Snow is Jill Bialosky's debut fiction novel. It follows Anna Crane, the protagonist, as she reflects on her childhood in the 70s and 80s.
There were few things that I didn't enjoy about this book. Although the prose is both heartbreaking and beautiful, the narrative was very one-sided (solely told through Anna's perspective), and often confusing. The fate of a few characters wasn't explicitly stated, which made the book sound more like a memoir than fiction. Also, the characters also weren't very likeable, nor were their issues ever seemingly resolved. For instance, Anna's memories revolve mainly around her mother, Lilly, who is a classic narcissist.
Additionally, as Anna, the protagonist, recounts her childhood, she includes the memories of her two sisters: Ruthie and Louise. However, by the end of the novel,they aren't mentioned again. On top of that, Louise is shown to be suffering with an eating disorder of some kind. It was never specified, but it sounded a lot like anorexia. That issue is never spoken about in depth. Anna mentions that it bothers her a few times within the novel, but she never speaks to her about it. I felt that that was strange.
This book took me a very long time to get through because it was so boring and nonsensical. This is my second Jill Bialosky book (the first being The Deceptions), and I liked the first one, so I hoped to enjoy this one too. I feel pretty disappointed that it was so underwhelming.
There were few things that I didn't enjoy about this book. Although the prose is both heartbreaking and beautiful, the narrative was very one-sided (solely told through Anna's perspective), and often confusing. The fate of a few characters wasn't explicitly stated, which made the book sound more like a memoir than fiction. Also, the characters also weren't very likeable, nor were their issues ever seemingly resolved. For instance, Anna's memories revolve mainly around her mother, Lilly, who is a classic narcissist.
Additionally, as Anna, the protagonist, recounts her childhood, she includes the memories of her two sisters: Ruthie and Louise. However, by the end of the novel,
This book took me a very long time to get through because it was so boring and nonsensical. This is my second Jill Bialosky book (the first being The Deceptions), and I liked the first one, so I hoped to enjoy this one too. I feel pretty disappointed that it was so underwhelming.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Confinement, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Grief, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual content
Minor: Eating disorder, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Abortion, and Death of parent
The Heartstopper Yearbook by Alice Oseman
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The Heartstopper Yearbook is kind of a behind-the- scenes look at the Heartstopper universe and the characters that exist in it.
In the book, the author talks about what inspired her to create Heartstopper. Nick and Charlie were initially characters in her very first novel, Solitaire, and in it, they were already in an established romantic relationship. Oseman talks about wanting to write a backstory on how the pair met and got into a relationship, thus sparking the idea for the series. In the book, you will find some of the first few drawings and comics Alice created about Nick and Charlie, some character descriptions that include which song they're currently listening to, and even a few mini comics featuring Mr. Farouk and Mr. Ajayi, and Tara and Darcy.
If you're a fan of the Heartstopper series, new or old, you will enjoy this book.
In the book, the author talks about what inspired her to create Heartstopper. Nick and Charlie were initially characters in her very first novel, Solitaire, and in it, they were already in an established romantic relationship. Oseman talks about wanting to write a backstory on how the pair met and got into a relationship, thus sparking the idea for the series. In the book, you will find some of the first few drawings and comics Alice created about Nick and Charlie, some character descriptions that include which song they're currently listening to, and even a few mini comics featuring Mr. Farouk and Mr. Ajayi, and Tara and Darcy.
If you're a fan of the Heartstopper series, new or old, you will enjoy this book.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying
Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Heartstopper Volume 4 is the fourth installment in the acclaimed Heartstopper series written by Alice Oseman.
In this volume, Charlie struggles with aneating disorder , which Nick suspects, but is nervous to approach him about. Nick is also dealing with his own issues; most notably, coming out to his father.
Of course, I have nothing but amazing things to say about the books in this series. I enjoyed this volume a lot. I liked seeing how strong Nick and Charlie's relationship has gotten throughout the series. The pair finallysaid I love you to each other , which made me smile so much. I also enjoyed Nick standing up to his brother and father , Tori threatening Nick's brother, David , and watching Charlie and Nick grow closer and trust each other. Additionally, I enjoyed seeing Mr. Farouk and Mr. Ajayi end up as a couple, and the little mini-comic that outlined the 'firsts' in their relationship. I would absolutely love a spin-off comic that would solely be about those two.
I am almost done with the entire series. I sort of look forward to watching the tv show as well (I'm only hesitant because of the casting :/).
In this volume, Charlie struggles with an
Of course, I have nothing but amazing things to say about the books in this series. I enjoyed this volume a lot. I liked seeing how strong Nick and Charlie's relationship has gotten throughout the series. The pair finally
I am almost done with the entire series. I sort of look forward to watching the tv show as well (I'm only hesitant because of the casting :/).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Eating disorder, Mental illness, Self harm, Grief, and Abandonment
Moderate: Biphobia, Emotional abuse, and Homophobia
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
Heartstopper Volume 3 by Alice Oseman
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Heartstopper Vol. 3 is the third installment of the acclaimed Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman.
I think this might be my favorite book in the series so far! I truly feel like the characters have successfully developed. I enjoyed seeing the reality of what coming out is like on both ends of the spectrum (i.e., some being completely accepting, others being completely ignorant and unaccepting), and also seeing the amount of support that Nick and Charlie received from their respective friends (Nick with Tara, and Charlie with Aled). I also loved all the romance that was portrayed between both Nick & Charlie and Tara & Darcy!
Overall, I never have anything bad to say about Heartstopper. It's a solid series, through and through.
I think this might be my favorite book in the series so far! I truly feel like the characters have successfully developed. I enjoyed seeing the reality of what coming out is like on both ends of the spectrum (i.e., some being completely accepting, others being completely ignorant and unaccepting), and also seeing the amount of support that Nick and Charlie received from their respective friends (Nick with Tara, and Charlie with Aled). I also loved all the romance that was portrayed between both Nick & Charlie and Tara & Darcy!
Overall, I never have anything bad to say about Heartstopper. It's a solid series, through and through.
Content Warnings
Minor: Body shaming, Bullying, Eating disorder, Self harm, and Alcohol
Heartstopper Volume 2 by Alice Oseman
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Heartstopper Vol. 2 is the second installment of the Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman.
I enjoyed this sequel a lot! The characters feel much more fleshed-out and have established their goals. I'm so glad that Nickmoved past his fear and discomfort and got with Charlie. I am also very proud of him for standing up to his gross, homophobic friend Harry and kicking his ass.
I checked out the other volumes in the series to read because I'm enjoying the series that much!
I enjoyed this sequel a lot! The characters feel much more fleshed-out and have established their goals. I'm so glad that Nick
I checked out the other volumes in the series to read because I'm enjoying the series that much!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Minor: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Tears for Water by Alicia Keys
emotional
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
4.0
Tears for Water is a collection of poetry and song lyrics from Alicia Keys' first two albums.
I don't have much to say about this book. I enjoyed the poetry, despite not being a fan of poetry at all.
I don't have much to say about this book. I enjoyed the poetry, despite not being a fan of poetry at all.
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Racism, and Sexism
Heartstopper Volume 1 by Alice Oseman
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Heartstopper follows the protagonist, Charlie Spring, as he navigates high school after being outed as gay. After being mostly shunned away by everyone and being involved in a toxic relationship with another boy, Ben, Charlie meets Nick Nelson, who he begins a romance with.
I really liked this story. I really liked the art style and I really liked all the characters (except Ben, all my homies hate Ben) I also identify greatly with the internal struggle that Charlie had to go through after being outed. I also went into toxic relationships and friendships where the other party only wanted to be seen with me when no one was watching.
Overall, I'm excited to read the rest of the series.
I really liked this story. I really liked the art style and I really liked all the characters (except Ben, all my homies hate Ben) I also identify greatly with the internal struggle that Charlie had to go through after being outed. I also went into toxic relationships and friendships where the other party only wanted to be seen with me when no one was watching.
Overall, I'm excited to read the rest of the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, Toxic relationship, and Outing
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Physical abuse
This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This One Summer follows Rose, a young teenage girl as she and her family go on their annual getaway to the fictional Awago Beach. There, Rose gets to see her longtime best friend, Windy, and the pair find out more about each other and what they want out of life.
I initially read this book because I heard it was banned due to its inclusion of LGBT characters, amongst other topics. However, there's no explicit inclusion of any LGBT characters. Allusions were made of Windy being lesbian/bisexual (ex. her saying that she doesn't want a husband; going to the 'lesbian camp'; showing slight jealousy when Rose shows interest in the boy who works at Brewster's, etc.), but it is never explicitly stated.
Other reasons why the book ended up being banned are because of the profanity and sexual comments that the children make, including Rose and Windy. They overhear two workers at Brewster's call the girl's they're hanging withsluts , and Rose and Windy begin to repeat it. Even after Rose's mom overhears the two using such language and tells them it isn't appropriate, they repeat it later on in the novel. On top of that, the two Brewster's workers actively talk about sex and one of the girls they mess around with goes on to get pregnant . Those themes make a little bit more sense as to why some parents weren't happy with the novel.
Overall, I liked the book. This is the second book I've read by the Tamaki cousins; the first one being Roaming. I do like This One Summer much better, because the characters actually feel like they have some sort of depth (albeit minor).
I initially read this book because I heard it was banned due to its inclusion of LGBT characters, amongst other topics. However, there's no explicit inclusion of any LGBT characters. Allusions were made of Windy being lesbian/bisexual (ex. her saying that she doesn't want a husband; going to the 'lesbian camp'; showing slight jealousy when Rose shows interest in the boy who works at Brewster's, etc.), but it is never explicitly stated.
Other reasons why the book ended up being banned are because of the profanity and sexual comments that the children make, including Rose and Windy. They overhear two workers at Brewster's call the girl's they're hanging with
Overall, I liked the book. This is the second book I've read by the Tamaki cousins; the first one being Roaming. I do like This One Summer much better, because the characters actually feel like they have some sort of depth (albeit minor).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Cursing, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Grief, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Suicide attempt