songcatchers's reviews
808 reviews

'“It’s February of a leap year,” he said. “Nothing makes sense till March.”'

Seductive and time-bendy. Modern-day Harlem is superimposed over the 1920s Harlem Renaissance, with its jazz music and speakeasies. The way Ricki and Ezra are brought together through time is romantic, mysterious, and a little magical. And there are some great side characters!

'Hadn’t she been drawn to Harlem, too? The same way Ezra claimed to be pulled back every February of every leap year.'

'Because life isn’t fair, and you can’t make people like you. But you can get revenge.'

What an explosive conclusion to this Poe inspired duology! Stunning, no-holds-barred carnage. Amontillado, Ohio is the setting of disappeared parents, a prowling panther, and '...tigers, marijuana, and dead girls, oh my!' This author doesn't pull any punches, and that's why she's become my favorite for YA thrillers.

'What I need is to not have Felicity Turnado’s blood on my hands. I need a panther put back in his cage and for my wounds to close.'

'When in doubt, cause chaos. That’s the motto of terriers everywhere, and it’s always served us well.'

Toto has a voice, and he's not afraid to use it! This Dorothy and Toto come from a modern-day Kansas with 'pocket screens', Netflix, and Tik Tok. Their time in Oz is charmingly familiar, though, while also being different and fresh. Toto is brave, scrappy, and hilarious. Whether he's a Good Dog or Bad Dog, he's very lovable, and I enjoyed seeing the world through his puppy dog eyes.

'What is it with this place? I wanted to scream but chose not to— barely. Why is everything a goddamn side quest?'

'Books are always better when read rather than explained.'

This book is wonderful and weird and full of magic and mystery. The rich storytelling had me sinking down into the labyrinthine depths right along with Zachary. Some incredible imagery has been painted in my mind and will be stuck there for a very long time, I'm sure, because this book isn't like the others.

'"Everyone wants the stars. Everyone wishes to grasp that which exists out of reach. To hold the extraordinary in their hands and keep the remarkable in their pockets."'

'It should have been obvious what they were, but then I wasn’t looking for the incredible buried in the ordinary.'

Epic and awesome. A glorious love story that expresses the powerful bonds between family and pack. Set in modern-day Green Creek, Oregon with werewolves, witches, and humans and their complicated relationships. Emotional and extraordinary. I'm so glad this is a series because even after more than 500 pages, I'm not ready to leave these characters. 

'He said, “There are things far greater out there than you or I, Ox. Both good and bad. The world is bigger than you could possibly imagine..."'

'“My name is Cassidy Blake,” I say softly. “I’m twelve years old. Last year, I stole from Death. I lived when I should have died. I stayed when I should have gone. I survived once, and I’ll survive again.'

Humid cemeteries, haunted hotels, jazzy funerals, and parades. New Orleans feels like such a weird and wonderful blend of life and death and the perfect setting for this adventure that blends the same. I agree with Cass's ghostly bff; '“Ten out of ten for atmosphere,”'. This completes a fantastic middle grade trilogy that is quite spooky but also has so much heart. And now I want a beignet.

'"My name is Cassidy Blake,” I say again. “And I will not be dragged into the dark.”'

'You may think you’ve never heard of Hallmark, VT, but that’s not true. There’s a whole channel that makes Christmas movies based on the happenings of our little town.'

So. Much. Fun. The way these short stories are interconnected reminded me of a Christmas version of the movie Trick 'r Treat (2007). Each one starts like a tropey Hallmark movie, and just when you start to feel the warm fuzzies, surprise! This is equal parts festive joy and deranged horrors, and unlike any other holiday book I've read.

'Hallmark is truly an amazing place. That is… until now.'

Plot is too loose. Not enough of a story to sink into.

'It is a genial, festive season, and we love to muse upon graves, and dead bodies, and murders, and blood.' - Told After Supper by Jerome K. Jerome

These classic ghostly tales set around Christmastime were written between 1868 and 1955. I enjoyed the writing and the variety in this collection, from the spooky to the sentimental to the uncanny. They are full of atmosphere and perfect for reading cozied up with a blanket by the warm glow of Christmas lights.

'It is nice to choose to be frightened, when one need not be.' - Green Holly by Elizabeth

'“Hello, I am ROZZUM unit 7134, but you may call me Roz...."'

I adored every minute of this quiet, sweet (sometimes bittersweet) story. Roz and her son Brightbill are unforgettable, and their story and the story of all the animals on this wild island brought me a lot of joy. When I turned the last page, I wanted to hug the author in appreciation.

'“Mama! Mama!” peeped the gosling. “I am not your mother,” said the robot.'