Book Review: Polly Diamond and the Magic Book

Polly Diamond and the Magic Book by Alice Kuipers 4/5 Stars Publish Date: May 1st, 2018 ***I received an ARC from Chronicle Books*** Everything Polly writes in her magic book comes true. She wishes for all kinds of wacky things but doesn’t always quite get what she asked for. She has to be detailed enough when writing. This book is about changing family dynamics and appreciating things as they are. Note that this is a straightforward book meant for 1st to 2nd-grade children, so the book doesn't have a whole lot of depth. It really is "this happened, then that happened, then this unhappened, and that unhappened."  To read more of my reviews, follow or friend me on Goodreads

Book Review: Herding Cats by Sarah C. Andersen

Herding Cats by Sarah C. Andersen
Release date: March 27, 2018
4/5

***I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review***

While I enjoy reviewing books by new authors with not much of a following, I have to say how much I really love Sarah's Scribbles! Her popularity is much deserved, and much I personally relate to everyday angst (perhaps why I'm also an alt-rock girl).

Anyhow, if you follow Sarah online many of her cartoons will be familiar when you read her books. You are getting some of what she has posted online in book format. Of course, she does add extra to her books. You get a little more inside her head, and in Herding Cats she gives advice on being an artist on the internet, which can really be applied in many walks of life.

I liked this book a lot, but considering that I follow Sarah online, there was less new material for me. But I do highly recommend her. Check her out at Go Comics.

Book Review: The 11:11 Wish

The 11:11 Wish by Kim Tomsic
4/5 Stars
Publish Date: February 13, 2018

***I received this book from Edelweiss for an honest review***

Cute, sweet, and witty! With an enchanting spell and a whimsical clock, Megan Meyers is bound to reinvent herself at her new school. However, things aren't always as they seem with this magical clock. Wishes have a way of being misinterpreted and going awry.

Though Megan has many an embarrassing moment because of her wishes, she realizes it doesn't matter so much, because she made some real friends at the beginning of the year after all. This is an excellent read for children who've moved or felt like they would never fit in. The characters are relatable and amusing, and though familiar, the plot is done charmingly as the voice oozes through every page.

Great for the Disney Channel addicted child.

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Book Review: Reign of the Fallen

"Reign of the Fallen" by Sarah Glenn Marsh
5/5 Stars
Publish Date: January 23, 2018

***I received an ARC from Edelweiss for an honest review***

I loved this book so much! Odessa, an orphaned girl, makes her way gaining the respect of nobles through her necromancy magic. She brings the king and royalty back to the land of the living creating a situation where the dead reign. All magic has a cost, and the cost of bringing back the dead is the risk of creating creatures called shades. Shades destroy and have an appetite for the living.

Odessa faces loss after an encounter with one of these terrible creatures. She doesn't know how to face her emotions and only with the aid of potions can she face each new day. Unfortunately, the potions have side effects that make it hard for Odessa to do her job. Then someone comes into her life making her realize it's time to process her feelings.

My heart took so many turns through this story. I related to the characters and enjoyed the voice of the author. Sarah Glenn Marsh delivers with a fresh, sweet perspective. I love the way she expresses the main character's sexuality. I look forward to future titles from this author.

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Short Review: The First Rule of Punk

The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fun book! The voice of the girl sounds much like that of a middle schooler. Though there are moments where you get a hint of grown up author. Cute story about a girl who doesn’t want to be like her “Super Mexican” mom. She wants to be more punk rock like her American dad. The story is about how she can embrace both cultures and really live the first rule of punk.

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Happy Holidays

Hi everyone,
Hope you are having a wonderful holiday month filled with joy and being with your loved ones. Today I'm just chillaxing with the family and keeping warm in our winter wonderland.

Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Meanwhile, a little snippet of how the holidays have been around here:

My sissies and I did Secret Sisters for Christmas this year through Draw Names, and these are my only bookish gifts this year as I got a new bed (that delayed delivery until right before the New Year). My family has been enjoying their Christmas, but for privacy, I do not post about them much online. They did get a new gaming console and have been playing pretty much non-stop. Anyhoo, check out a tag from one of my "Novel Teas." Each tag has a literary quote. Kind of a fun way to drink tea. 

Book Review: Look Out for the Fitzgerald-Trouts by Esta Spalding

Look Out for the Fitzgerald-Trouts by Esta Spalding
4/5 Stars

I have to say that when I first saw the title and cover of this book I wasn't inclined to want to read it. I am one of those people who judges a book by its cover. Don't get me wrong, I like the art, it's just the subject expectation that comes with the art. The main reason I read this book, is because I'm reviewing it for an award committee. My expectations of this book were meager, and that may be why I was so pleased with it. This book is about a sibling group who's been abandoned by the adults in their lives. They basically have to take care of each other and make sure that they survive.

My favorite part of the book is when the kids are looking for a new home (because they are growing out of the car they live in) and attempt to live in an Ikea-like furniture store and claim their rooms. The characters are great as they watch out for each other and have defined characteristics. The premise of the story is sad, and the adults are total idiots, but the way they take care of one another is heartfelt, even though they don't always get along.

Overall, I really loved the story.

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