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The Odds
From the author that gave us THE GLASS WITCH comes a whimsical exploration of disability that is equal parts SCOOBY-DOO and A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS.
Begonia has waited her whole life to be adequately odd.
Sure, she’s the only child resident of a floundering nursing home, has fifty-three magical grandparents, and suffers from debilitating chronic pain, but Begonia doesn’t have an Oddity yet—her magical quirk—which makes her an outsider even among the oddballs. Worst of all, if her powers don’t arrive by her eleventh birthday, she’ll be exiled, losing the only home and family she’s ever known.
When Begonia learns there’s a magical object that can reveal her Oddity, she’ll lie, sneak, steal, and even brave the soul-sucking ghoul attacking the residents one by one to find it. But along her quest, she might discover more than she bargained for: the dangers of letting abilities—and disabilities—define her.
Begonia has waited her whole life to be adequately odd.
Sure, she’s the only child resident of a floundering nursing home, has fifty-three magical grandparents, and suffers from debilitating chronic pain, but Begonia doesn’t have an Oddity yet—her magical quirk—which makes her an outsider even among the oddballs. Worst of all, if her powers don’t arrive by her eleventh birthday, she’ll be exiled, losing the only home and family she’s ever known.
When Begonia learns there’s a magical object that can reveal her Oddity, she’ll lie, sneak, steal, and even brave the soul-sucking ghoul attacking the residents one by one to find it. But along her quest, she might discover more than she bargained for: the dangers of letting abilities—and disabilities—define her.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published September 19, 2023
6 people are currently reading
2797 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Puckett
4 books236 followersLindsay lives in a tiny apartment in Ohio where there are too many books, just the right amount of pet hair, and never enough house plants.
She has a Bachelor's in psychology and enjoys creating videos for her YouTube channel where she shares her publication journey and helps other writers along their own.
YouTube: Lindsay Puckett
Instagram: lindsayjmp
Twitter: puckett_lindsay
Website: authorlindsaypuckett.com
She has a Bachelor's in psychology and enjoys creating videos for her YouTube channel where she shares her publication journey and helps other writers along their own.
YouTube: Lindsay Puckett
Instagram: lindsayjmp
Twitter: puckett_lindsay
Website: authorlindsaypuckett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 17, 2022
Hello! I wanted to leave a quick but important note (as the author!) about THE ODDS.
Content warnings include ableist language and some mildly scary scenes.
This is the book of my heart in so many ways. It's ridiculously kooky and fun and (in my maybe biased opinion) incredibly heartwarming. Perfect for those who love the whimsy of NEVERMOOR, but want a spooky-kooky THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA/ADDAMS FAMILY twist.
But most of all, it's a reflection of my journey with disability acceptance. A book I really wish I had when I was eleven, and hope will bring self-love to all who need it.
So from the bottom of my Odd little heart--I hope you enjoy!
Content warnings include ableist language and some mildly scary scenes.
This is the book of my heart in so many ways. It's ridiculously kooky and fun and (in my maybe biased opinion) incredibly heartwarming. Perfect for those who love the whimsy of NEVERMOOR, but want a spooky-kooky THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA/ADDAMS FAMILY twist.
But most of all, it's a reflection of my journey with disability acceptance. A book I really wish I had when I was eleven, and hope will bring self-love to all who need it.
So from the bottom of my Odd little heart--I hope you enjoy!
January 23, 2024
4.25, you should read this
October 21, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up
The Odds is a fun and spooky paranormal story about a girl with chronic pain living in a magical retirement home and hoping to get her own "oddity" before her 11th birthday. Otherwise, her family and her memory will all be stripped away from her. This is a great middle grade story that has ghosts that aren't too scary and a prickly heroine who isn't all that nice, but feels real because she's dealing with so much pain and fear of the future. She has to work with a boy she finds annoying, but he really wants to be her friend. The story is pretty twisty for the audience it's written for, though adults might see some things coming. A great book to pick up in time for Halloween! I received a copy of this book for review from the author who is an internet friend, all opinions are my own.
The Odds is a fun and spooky paranormal story about a girl with chronic pain living in a magical retirement home and hoping to get her own "oddity" before her 11th birthday. Otherwise, her family and her memory will all be stripped away from her. This is a great middle grade story that has ghosts that aren't too scary and a prickly heroine who isn't all that nice, but feels real because she's dealing with so much pain and fear of the future. She has to work with a boy she finds annoying, but he really wants to be her friend. The story is pretty twisty for the audience it's written for, though adults might see some things coming. A great book to pick up in time for Halloween! I received a copy of this book for review from the author who is an internet friend, all opinions are my own.
September 20, 2023
I absolutely adored Lindsay Puckett’s first book, so my expectations for The Odds were pretty high. I am so pleased to say that this book surpassed all of those expectations. I haven’t genuinely enjoyed a story this much in such a long time. I loved everything from the narration style to our prickly main character to just how delightfully ODD this story was. I laughed out loud many times. And on top of the fun, kooky storyline— the disability rep made me so happy. As a disabled adult who was a disabled kid, I wish I had a character like Begonia back then. 100000 stars ⭐️
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2024
5 star
Cover 5; Characters 5; Plot 4; Pace 5; Engagement 5; Worldbuilding 5; Readability 5; Theme 5; Enjoyment 5; cry*
First let me throw in the disclaimer that the author is a friend, as always feel free to take my review however you wish.
Y'all. This book. I am in tears. The beauty behind the theme of this one really hit me hard. Being odd, being *enough* is definitely something most of us struggle with and somehow it's always the mid-grade books that really pack a punch when it comes to helping you figure out that you're worth something.
The plot twist of this book had me so upset I cried. Like, not the villain reveal (though that too was A+) but the plot twist? I nearly fell out of my chair. Literally yelled out loud "Lindsay, how you going to do me dirty like this?"
This book was fun in all of the best ways. Full of adventure and weirdness and growing up. If you know me, you know one of my favorite parts of book is when they include old people with pizzazz and this book had like 50 of them. All of Bug's grandparents were so much fun to read!
And don't even get me started on Bus and Bug. They were the most ridiculously fun characters. Begonia is definitely prickly, but she's still a fun character. Bus is kind and helpful and really seems to be going through it but is still willing to help Bug save her home.
The narration style? Loved every second of it. This book reads like someone reading you a story aloud and adding in their own commentary throughout and it was one of the must fun things I've read in a long time.
This book also deals with Begonia's chronic disability and I think it's great for children who have a chronic disability to be able to see themselves in a story. The way Bug's family loves her no matter her condition and how they handle others who treat her poorly is just an absolutely beautiful thing.
If I could give this book a thousand stars I would.
Cover 5; Characters 5; Plot 4; Pace 5; Engagement 5; Worldbuilding 5; Readability 5; Theme 5; Enjoyment 5; cry*
First let me throw in the disclaimer that the author is a friend, as always feel free to take my review however you wish.
Y'all. This book. I am in tears. The beauty behind the theme of this one really hit me hard. Being odd, being *enough* is definitely something most of us struggle with and somehow it's always the mid-grade books that really pack a punch when it comes to helping you figure out that you're worth something.
The plot twist of this book had me so upset I cried. Like, not the villain reveal (though that too was A+) but the plot twist? I nearly fell out of my chair. Literally yelled out loud "Lindsay, how you going to do me dirty like this?"
This book was fun in all of the best ways. Full of adventure and weirdness and growing up. If you know me, you know one of my favorite parts of book is when they include old people with pizzazz and this book had like 50 of them. All of Bug's grandparents were so much fun to read!
And don't even get me started on Bus and Bug. They were the most ridiculously fun characters. Begonia is definitely prickly, but she's still a fun character. Bus is kind and helpful and really seems to be going through it but is still willing to help Bug save her home.
The narration style? Loved every second of it. This book reads like someone reading you a story aloud and adding in their own commentary throughout and it was one of the must fun things I've read in a long time.
This book also deals with Begonia's chronic disability and I think it's great for children who have a chronic disability to be able to see themselves in a story. The way Bug's family loves her no matter her condition and how they handle others who treat her poorly is just an absolutely beautiful thing.
If I could give this book a thousand stars I would.
June 11, 2024
In the whole year of 2024, there has been neither a thriller nor paranormal story that had a series of twists that hit me as hard as the twists in this middle grade story! I bought the book to share with my middle school age sister in law because we both have chronic migraine disorders, and this was great representation, an incredible story, and genuinely creepy in the best way!
October 1, 2023
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TLDR
ＴＬＤＲ
🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 - ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀꜱ
🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 - ᴘʟᴏᴛ
🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 - ꜱᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑 - ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢ
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑 - ᴘᴀᴄɪɴɢ
🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 - ᴇɴᴅɪɴɢ
°
🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 - ꜰɪɴᴀʟ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ
-
The Odds is for those kids. The ones that are a little bit different. The ones that lean a little bit macabre. Packed with ghosts and graveyards, coffins and carnivorous plants, talking trees and a touch of magic, The Odds is definitely for those kids.
Begonia is a complex child. She spends much of the book considering her chronic pain to be her greatest weakest, but through a journey of growth and self-discovery, realises it's the thing that makes her strong.
I really enjoyed that this is a kids' book set in a care home. Puckett does a great job of making each resident distinct, not just through their Oddity, but their personality too.
I think the most important thing about this book though is its message. learning to accept and love oneself through disability. Self-acceptance is an important thing at that age, and I really do feel the author does a solid job of conveying this message.
Full Review
Plot
It's spooky season, which means trying to consume as many spooky, kooky, or scary books as possible. And this one was certainly a lot of fun. It's the kind of book I would've loved as a kid, when I used to search the bookshop shelves for anything that felt like the Addam's Family or Lemony Snicket.
The Odds is for those kids. The ones that are a little bit different. The ones that lean a little bit macabre.
Packed with ghosts and graveyards, coffins and carnivorous plants, talking trees and a touch of magic, The Odds is definitely for those kids.
The mystery running throughout the story was a lot of fun. It did actually keep me guessing as to who the true bad guy was, and while the person revealed to be the villain was on my suspect list, it still somewhat came as a surprise.
The plot twist was huge. Really took me by surprise to the point where I was in denial, assuming the villain was lying. But no, that plot twist was real. Nuts! Really good and actually made a lot of sense when looking back on certain hints.
The ending was quite lovely too. I may or may not have teared up a little bit.
Characters
Begonia goes through quite the character arc. We're told from the very beginning that she's not a very nice little girl, and it's true. Begonia is mean, sneaky, and a thief. She regularly insults her new friend Bass and has a complete lack of regard for his feelings.
However, Begonia is a complex child. She suffers from chronic migraines and spends most of her life weathering the storm until the next bout of debilitating pain. She spends much of the book considering her chronic pain to be her greatest weakest, but through a journey of growth and self-discovery, realises it's the thing that makes her strong.
Bass made a great side character. His personality is the opposite of Begonia, making them that perfect combination of the grumpy/sunshine trope. He's so optimistic and upbeat. This whole thing is just one big adventure to him. He's a very sweet boy. All he wants is a friend
Setting
I really enjoyed that this is a kids' book set in a care home (old people's home as we called them as kids here in the UK). I remember when I was a kid visiting my grandad in a home, I used to love seeing him, but I was always a little scared. I don't know why I was scared of the old people, but a book like this would've been fantastic for my younger self. It really showcases that there's nothing to fear and that elderly people are amazing and wise and funny. Puckett does a great job of making each resident distinct, not just through their Oddity, but their personality too. And it's very apparent how much each of these elders means to her. They all really are her many grandparents.
And I do love a spooky house book. The house in this book seemed to be sentient too which was interesting. I might have liked to have seen this a little more, like if the house did significant things to help Begonia and Bass. Would've been super cool if the house itself was a character.
Writing Style
This one felt a little younger than the Glass Witch, aimed perhaps at a slightly younger audience. Although both are middle-grade, there was something about the Glass Witch that felt impressively mature for its age category, though I may just get this impression based on how whimsical and whacky The Odds is.
I also really like how diverse and inclusive Puckett's books are. It's a breath of fresh air.
I think the most important thing about this book though is its message. learning to accept and love oneself, much like the themes of The Glass Witch, except instead of learning to love your appearance, this is about learning to love ourselves through disability. I think this is the kind of book all kids, not just disabled kids, need to read. Self-acceptance is an important thing at that age, and I really do feel the author does a solid job of conveying this message.
Final Impression
A very fun and utterly whacky read. This may not be the perfect read for everyone, just based on its sheer kookiness, but this will certainly feel right at home with a very particular group of kids, and it's books like these that'll help mould those kids into wonderfully eccentric adults. And that's not such a bad thing at all, is it?
TLDR
ＴＬＤＲ
🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 - ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀꜱ
🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 - ᴘʟᴏᴛ
🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 - ꜱᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑 - ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢ
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑 - ᴘᴀᴄɪɴɢ
🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 - ᴇɴᴅɪɴɢ
°
🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 - ꜰɪɴᴀʟ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ
-
The Odds is for those kids. The ones that are a little bit different. The ones that lean a little bit macabre. Packed with ghosts and graveyards, coffins and carnivorous plants, talking trees and a touch of magic, The Odds is definitely for those kids.
Begonia is a complex child. She spends much of the book considering her chronic pain to be her greatest weakest, but through a journey of growth and self-discovery, realises it's the thing that makes her strong.
I really enjoyed that this is a kids' book set in a care home. Puckett does a great job of making each resident distinct, not just through their Oddity, but their personality too.
I think the most important thing about this book though is its message. learning to accept and love oneself through disability. Self-acceptance is an important thing at that age, and I really do feel the author does a solid job of conveying this message.
Full Review
Plot
It's spooky season, which means trying to consume as many spooky, kooky, or scary books as possible. And this one was certainly a lot of fun. It's the kind of book I would've loved as a kid, when I used to search the bookshop shelves for anything that felt like the Addam's Family or Lemony Snicket.
The Odds is for those kids. The ones that are a little bit different. The ones that lean a little bit macabre.
Packed with ghosts and graveyards, coffins and carnivorous plants, talking trees and a touch of magic, The Odds is definitely for those kids.
The mystery running throughout the story was a lot of fun. It did actually keep me guessing as to who the true bad guy was, and while the person revealed to be the villain was on my suspect list, it still somewhat came as a surprise.
The plot twist was huge. Really took me by surprise to the point where I was in denial, assuming the villain was lying. But no, that plot twist was real. Nuts! Really good and actually made a lot of sense when looking back on certain hints.
The ending was quite lovely too. I may or may not have teared up a little bit.
Characters
Begonia goes through quite the character arc. We're told from the very beginning that she's not a very nice little girl, and it's true. Begonia is mean, sneaky, and a thief. She regularly insults her new friend Bass and has a complete lack of regard for his feelings.
However, Begonia is a complex child. She suffers from chronic migraines and spends most of her life weathering the storm until the next bout of debilitating pain. She spends much of the book considering her chronic pain to be her greatest weakest, but through a journey of growth and self-discovery, realises it's the thing that makes her strong.
Bass made a great side character. His personality is the opposite of Begonia, making them that perfect combination of the grumpy/sunshine trope. He's so optimistic and upbeat. This whole thing is just one big adventure to him. He's a very sweet boy. All he wants is a friend
Setting
I really enjoyed that this is a kids' book set in a care home (old people's home as we called them as kids here in the UK). I remember when I was a kid visiting my grandad in a home, I used to love seeing him, but I was always a little scared. I don't know why I was scared of the old people, but a book like this would've been fantastic for my younger self. It really showcases that there's nothing to fear and that elderly people are amazing and wise and funny. Puckett does a great job of making each resident distinct, not just through their Oddity, but their personality too. And it's very apparent how much each of these elders means to her. They all really are her many grandparents.
And I do love a spooky house book. The house in this book seemed to be sentient too which was interesting. I might have liked to have seen this a little more, like if the house did significant things to help Begonia and Bass. Would've been super cool if the house itself was a character.
Writing Style
This one felt a little younger than the Glass Witch, aimed perhaps at a slightly younger audience. Although both are middle-grade, there was something about the Glass Witch that felt impressively mature for its age category, though I may just get this impression based on how whimsical and whacky The Odds is.
I also really like how diverse and inclusive Puckett's books are. It's a breath of fresh air.
I think the most important thing about this book though is its message. learning to accept and love oneself, much like the themes of The Glass Witch, except instead of learning to love your appearance, this is about learning to love ourselves through disability. I think this is the kind of book all kids, not just disabled kids, need to read. Self-acceptance is an important thing at that age, and I really do feel the author does a solid job of conveying this message.
Final Impression
A very fun and utterly whacky read. This may not be the perfect read for everyone, just based on its sheer kookiness, but this will certainly feel right at home with a very particular group of kids, and it's books like these that'll help mould those kids into wonderfully eccentric adults. And that's not such a bad thing at all, is it?
July 4, 2023
It’s been so long since a middle grade book made me laugh (and cry) in the way this one did. I was unprepared for the rollercoaster of Begonia’s journey and hope many children (and adults) get a chance to read The Odds. Thank you Lindsay for sending me the ARC and everyone should definitely follow her on YouTube because she is the best at motivating and encouraging other authors! Hope one day I get the pleasure of being able to send her an ARC of my own!
December 31, 2023
This is a truly original and wholesome story.
I adored this novel and all of its themes, prose, and various magically ODD creatures that appeared through its entirety.
The characters growth throughout the whole book was marvelous; no one was left out or forgotten.
I highly recommend this book, and would love to see it on the big screen some day!
I adored this novel and all of its themes, prose, and various magically ODD creatures that appeared through its entirety.
The characters growth throughout the whole book was marvelous; no one was left out or forgotten.
I highly recommend this book, and would love to see it on the big screen some day!
December 20, 2023
The idea of a magical old-folks home drew me in, but the unique narrative voice had me hooked from chapter one. It had me laughing out loud right off the bat, and I loved the creativity Lindsay has for her characterization, metaphors, and the like. Everything about it was a mood.
June 23, 2024
Lindsay is so talented! She has a way of building quirky worlds and endearing, awkward characters that capture your heart from page 1. It never fails that I’m left in a puddle of tears after reading one of her books (happy, sweet tears). This story is equally unique, zany, and heartwarming. I love how much of Lindsay’s whacky personality shines through her “odd” characters. If you follow her YouTube channel, you’ll recognize her off the wall humor straight away. You can tell she pours herself into every aspect of her creations, which makes me love her books all the more.
As a migraine sufferer myself it was validating to see a character with the same struggles I face daily who ultimately found a way to see the blessings in her life beyond the pain she endures. Begonia models for all of us how to overcome whatever plagues us to find a way to live in the moment and relish the joys in our lives however great or small they are. We are more than the problems we carry and greater than the obstacles on our path.
If you loved Lindsay’s first book, The Glass Witch, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with this one, too. This one is full of whimsical characters with unique magical gifts. I seriously don’t know how she comes up with some of these ideas!! Can’t wait to read what she writes next!
As a migraine sufferer myself it was validating to see a character with the same struggles I face daily who ultimately found a way to see the blessings in her life beyond the pain she endures. Begonia models for all of us how to overcome whatever plagues us to find a way to live in the moment and relish the joys in our lives however great or small they are. We are more than the problems we carry and greater than the obstacles on our path.
If you loved Lindsay’s first book, The Glass Witch, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with this one, too. This one is full of whimsical characters with unique magical gifts. I seriously don’t know how she comes up with some of these ideas!! Can’t wait to read what she writes next!
September 14, 2024
This was so silly and cute! Definitely gave the Lemony Snicket vibes as promised. I keep telling myself I want to get into more middle grade books, and I think this is the book that will finally push me to commit to that!
For a 260 page story, this was an emotional rollercoaster. I laughed out loud so many times from the goofy puns and nursing home/haunted manor hijinks, then was tearing up at the end because of how beautifully everything wrapped up.
This isn't the first work aimed at children that tackles the idea of not being enough, to exist in a world where everyone has a gift that makes them special except you. But Lindsay Puckett couples this trope with a disabled protagonist suffering from chronic migraines and it adds a whole new layer to this type of story. When people talk about wanting more books from authors from marginalized groups, this is why. The disability rep in this book is as authentic as it gets. Too often disabled people are excluded from conversations about diversity and inclusion and I just really hope this book finds success with the kids out there who relate to Begonia.
For a 260 page story, this was an emotional rollercoaster. I laughed out loud so many times from the goofy puns and nursing home/haunted manor hijinks, then was tearing up at the end because of how beautifully everything wrapped up.
This isn't the first work aimed at children that tackles the idea of not being enough, to exist in a world where everyone has a gift that makes them special except you. But Lindsay Puckett couples this trope with a disabled protagonist suffering from chronic migraines and it adds a whole new layer to this type of story. When people talk about wanting more books from authors from marginalized groups, this is why. The disability rep in this book is as authentic as it gets. Too often disabled people are excluded from conversations about diversity and inclusion and I just really hope this book finds success with the kids out there who relate to Begonia.
June 14, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Begonia Hollowmoor has been raised in a nursing home by owner David, who is an inventor and orphan himself. It doesn't hurt having 58 grandparents to raise you, even if they do have some limited mobility. When the home is in danger of going out of business, since Mr. Schmood and Mrs. Pingleton want to open a haunted resort on the premesis, Begonia knows she needs to act. Aided by the grandson of one of the residents, Barnabas Montgomery (who wants to be called Bass), Begonia tries to find a way to harness the capabilities of the residents as well as the house itself to find a way to keep it open. This is complicated by the fact that she is still waiting to get her "odd" ability, and the society revolves around who does and does not have these abilities.
This was similar to this author's The Glass Witch, and I love that it addresses ableism. It was on the quirkier side of the spectrum with the unusual names and world building that was intricate and a bit convoluted.
Begonia Hollowmoor has been raised in a nursing home by owner David, who is an inventor and orphan himself. It doesn't hurt having 58 grandparents to raise you, even if they do have some limited mobility. When the home is in danger of going out of business, since Mr. Schmood and Mrs. Pingleton want to open a haunted resort on the premesis, Begonia knows she needs to act. Aided by the grandson of one of the residents, Barnabas Montgomery (who wants to be called Bass), Begonia tries to find a way to harness the capabilities of the residents as well as the house itself to find a way to keep it open. This is complicated by the fact that she is still waiting to get her "odd" ability, and the society revolves around who does and does not have these abilities.
This was similar to this author's The Glass Witch, and I love that it addresses ableism. It was on the quirkier side of the spectrum with the unusual names and world building that was intricate and a bit convoluted.
August 30, 2024
Some novels try to be clever and pull off a good twist. Some try to be heartwarming. Some try to be original and creative. Some try to be hilarious. Rarely does one book pull off one of those, much less all. Then you read The Odds.
I adored everything about this book. The way the mystery unfolded, constantly keeping me guessing, and in the end, truly shocking me, the way prickly Begonia managed to ooze into my heart and take over, and the way I laughed and cried in turn. Puckett has a way of adding humor in perfect ways throughout. I loved the manor and all the grandparents. This is a stunning follow up to her debut, The Glass Witch, and cements her as an author who can spin a tale that's perfect for kids and adults alike.
I adored everything about this book. The way the mystery unfolded, constantly keeping me guessing, and in the end, truly shocking me, the way prickly Begonia managed to ooze into my heart and take over, and the way I laughed and cried in turn. Puckett has a way of adding humor in perfect ways throughout. I loved the manor and all the grandparents. This is a stunning follow up to her debut, The Glass Witch, and cements her as an author who can spin a tale that's perfect for kids and adults alike.
September 24, 2023
Odd-acious in the BEST way possible! From the first sentence Lindsay Puckett goes all in with The Odds. Begonia, the main character, is immediately lovable in spite of herself. If it tells you anything, there is no question that Begonia and Neil Gaiman’s beloved Coraline would have been fast friends. The nursing home setting sounds like it would be, well, odd, but in this off-kilter world it’s perfect. The Odds speaks directly about family, disability, and empowerment, all of it navigated using a sense of fun and twisted humor that will charm you throughout. Plus, there are dust bunnies!! Highly recommended.
Read
October 13, 2023I only read the first 70 pages, so I won't give a star rating. This book really wasn't up my alley. I am someone that has a really hard time getting through books with unlikeable main characters, and Begonia truly is awful. She steals everything with no remorse (even stealing from people she claims to care about) and is rude, disrespectful, and just down right MEAN. All of these aspects of her character make it very hard to root for her or even care about her journey, so I dnf'd.
I am very much not the age of the intended audience, but I enjoy fun MG reads every now and then. However, this one just didn't do it for me. I disliked Begonia too much.
I am very much not the age of the intended audience, but I enjoy fun MG reads every now and then. However, this one just didn't do it for me. I disliked Begonia too much.
May 31, 2025
Begonia is a prickly and not very nice narrator but I appreciate that because it's more real that way when we understand the stress and fear she lives with. I also appreciated the disability rep, especially in a middle grade, because all ages should see themselves represented and I'm also a chronic pain girlie! This was just a sweet, fun, but also spooky paranormal story and I loved the twists and some I didn't even guess we're coming, so it's not entirely predictable. Lindsay Puckett knows how to write unique, riveting stories and I can't wait for her next book.
October 19, 2023
Wow this was such an incredible book. I loved Begonia's journey and it was so twisty and turn-y--it kept me on my toes! I also loved Puckett's writing style. She made the whole story very quirky and warm, and put in a lot of good silliness and humor too. The emotional beats hit hard and I totally sympathized with Begonia.
I also loved the style choice for the narration. I loved the fourth wall-breaking and the strong voice. Overall it was just a great time and really hit my heart!
I also loved the style choice for the narration. I loved the fourth wall-breaking and the strong voice. Overall it was just a great time and really hit my heart!
November 7, 2023
This is one of those rare books with sentences so sparkling and witty that you'll find yourself flagging down random passersby so you can read bits of it aloud to them. The snark and the darkness are reminiscent of Lemony Snicket, the creepily whimsical setting has notes of Eva Ibbotson and Roald Dahl, and the tender poignancy and unique magic give it a Natalie Lloyd flavor. All in all, it was so delicious I could barely resist sinking my teeth into the binding.
January 16, 2024
Great characters, good humor. The plot got a little convoluted towards the end. Some stuff didn’t make sense from early in the book once something is revealed later, but I won’t go into it. All in all an extraordinary sophomore effort. I really enjoyed reading this one. Looking forward to the next book from this author.
June 16, 2024
What a fantastic, kooky, and odd book. Lindsay Puckett’s writing feels like a warm beverage on a cold night or like being wrapped up in a pre-warmed towel after a shower.
I loved every second of this book and will carry Begonia and Bass around with me <3
I loved every second of this book and will carry Begonia and Bass around with me <3
January 1, 2025
Ooooh man, this is a vast improvement over this author's first book! It's more vibrant, more emotional, and overall just more fun and creative. I loved the exploration of disability and the MC's many, many grandparents.
September 24, 2023
What a selfish, mean child. This one wasn't for me.
November 8, 2023
I read this because I’ve followed the authors publication journey and I wanted to support her. This is a delightful middle grade read that actually packs an emotional punch. Def recommend!
December 9, 2023
great for its audience, not really for me.
April 27, 2024
What a great book! Fun read for a YA with lovely prose.
did-not-finish
July 7, 2024Got to chapter 7/28%. Wanted to like it but wasn’t enjoying myself. I think in particular the Lemony Snicket–type narrator was grating on my nerves.
May 27, 2025
What a plot twist. No for real tho its interesting when a main character is unlikeable. Its not that she is a bitch or anything, its more of a kid trying to some attention while also being a ghost.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2025
Spooky and sweet.
September 13, 2025
Very cute.
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