Rosh ~catching up slowly~’s Comments (group member since Mar 06, 2022)

Rosh ~catching up slowly~’s comments from the Aussie Readers group.

Spell Bound by F.T. Lukens

I rarely enjoy YA Fantasy. This was one pleasant exception.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Two amazing graphic nonfiction works for adults: one calming, one infuriating.

The calming one:
Homebody: A Graphic Memoir of Gender Identity Exploration by Theo Parish

An amazing memoir about a nonbinary person who learnt to be comfortable in their own skin.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The aggravating one:
Guantanamo Voices: True Accounts from the World’s Most Infamous Prison edited by Sarah Mirk

This inside look at one of the most infamous prisons in the world got me fuming.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Pony Confidential by Christina Lynch

Yet another equine book, but this one is for adults. Read this to meet a pony search for the girl who destroyed his life! Illogical but hilarious! 😅
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Some great options for middle-graders:
1. Stormy Normy Goes Reining by Leisa Fail

For horse-loving youngsters. This Aussie writer loves horses, and it shows in her books.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

2. Seven: Distracted Detective by Rachel Pattinson

This teen mystery is a bit long, but gripping.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

3. How to Talk to Your Succulent by Zoe Persico

This MG graphic novel is a wonderful option for teens dealing with grief.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Book of Lost Hours by Hayley Gelfuso

A historical speculative fiction with some outstanding themes and characters. I really enjoyed this one!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Through Each Tomorrow by Gabrielle Meyer

The sixth book of the brilliant Timeless series. Historical fiction combined with time travel in a mesmerising way.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Storyteller by Deborah Hext.

This middle-grade fantasy had much promise, but the execution was abysmal. Very disappointing.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Custodians of Wonder: Ancient Customs, Profound Traditions, and the Last People Keeping Them Alive by Eliot Stein

An insightful nonfiction work covering some 'last practices' around the world.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Cat's Tales: Feline Fairy Tales and Folklore by Charlie Creed

An excellent gift option for cat lovers of all ages during this festive season!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Orphanland by Lauren Fischer

A middle-grade mystery covering some really dark themes. Was a mixed experience for me, but I am again an outlier.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Heart the Lover by Lily King

I am a bit of an outlier for this anticipated title, but the male leads and the overdramatic final section didn't work for me. It has a surprise connection to Writers & Lovers
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Writers & Lovers by Lily King

A literary fiction that turns into commercial fiction in the final quarter or so. I liked it but didn't love it.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Parts 1 and 2 of a 'feminist comic' by Emma. Translated from French, these cover several issues relevant not just to women but to everyone. The first volume worked better for me, but both books would be great options for a thought-provoking read.

1. The Mental Load: A Feminist Comic

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

2. The Emotional Load: And Other Invisible Stuff

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Beasts Beneath the Winds: Tales of Southeast Asia’s Mythical Creatures edited by Hanna Alkaf

A collection of cryptid stories from South-East Asia aiming at middle-graders. Unfortunately, this was more about the kids than the cryptids, though there were a few gems too.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Some middle-grade and YA graphic novels for your consideration. All were mid-range for me.

1. Invisible Emmie by Terri Libenson

A middle-grade story. Worked decently but the stereotypes created some big red flags.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

2. Squished by Megan Wagner Lloyd

Again for middle graders, highlighting the struggles of a large family. Decent enough, but the depth was missing.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

3. Angelica and the Bear Prince by Trung Le Nguyen

A YA story. Missed out on one important danger element, but has some nice themes.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

All This Could Be Yours by Hank Phillippi Ryan

I expected far better from this book, considering the author's reputation. What a disappointment!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Waseem by Lilas Taha

An OwnVoices literary fiction about a disabled Palestinian refugee and his journey towards love. the pacing is a bit wonky, but the plot is quite good.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Layers: A Memoir by Pénélope Bagieu

Loved this anecdotal graphic memoir translated from French.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Smaller and Smaller Circles by F.H. Batacan

A *historical* (1990s) crime mystery set in the Philippines. The investigating duo are priests, which makes this an unusual crime drama.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Homeseeking by Karissa Chen

This dual-timeline novel contains one of the cleverest plot developments I have seen. Much recommended to OwnVoices historical fiction fans.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...