princessjasminefliesaway's reviews
88 reviews

trigger warnings: sexual abuse, domestic abuse + rape

two poetry books this week! if you want my opinion, my credentials are that of a "not really poetry reader since GSCEs" and admittedly, i never wanted to read some until tumblr and waterstones highly suggested two books to me. milk and honey, then the princess saves herself in this one. i've read them both and i have to say if you are a beginner into poetry, this book is pretty easy for you to get into and want to read more of. it has interesting language, darker themes that are not often explored so openly and is written by a person of colour. personally, i would like to find more modern poetry after reading this book.

*spoiler for poetry*

these have been my favourite, just in case you wanted to know:

“she was a rose
in the hands of those
who had no intention
of keeping her.”

“every revolution
starts and ends
with his lips.”

“perhaps
i don’t deserve
nice things
cause i am paying
for sins i don’t
remember.”

“it takes grace
to remain kind
in cruel situations.”

I've never read a Roald Dahl book and when I saw this one behind the till at work, I was curious and decided to give it a go. It's fast-paced, full of life, entertaining and grabs you from the very beginning till the end. A good choice for imaginative, energetic children.

However, Dahl's characterisation of the Oompa-Loompas just makes the book not worth it and while I know minor changes have been made to the text, you can't get away from the fact that the Oompa-Loompas were smuggled into the country, are experimented on by Wonka and are often talked about as if they can't speak for themselves. Rumours have circulated that Netflix is going to do another adaptation of this story and I can only hope, they do better.

Even with reading it in short bursts, I thoroughly enjoyed this poetry collection from beginning to end and put Peppernell among my newfound favourites in variety poets. Enjoyed how they were labelled in chapter themed chapters so I could flick between where my mood stood.

Shead is a talented illustrator and author using her experiences to explain and show diabetes in a unique, beautiful way for children. Bravery and heart have clearly been drawn into every page.

Charming and beautifully illustrated with kind, uplifting messages to guide you through. Handwriting is difficult to read at some points but keeps with the aesthetic of the book. A wonderful gift.

A book that wasn't my cup of hot chocolate, with too much going on at the top and not enough when you're drinking it as the same repetitive themes or metaphors are fed to you.

Completely hooked me in with the premise and main characters, left me gasping at reveals and not getting a single murder right but loving the experience of reading it all the same.

Beautiful art styles - each one so different but still keeping the cute and loveable.
I loved each story which was quick and an adventure from start to finish!
QR reader not necessary but can be used at one point in a story to give more depth which I loved.
MORE ART!