Publisher: Random House Children's Books

And I Darken by Kiersten White

Characters: 9, the main characters and the side characters were well-developed, acted in accordance with their complex desires and fears, and were clearly shaped by childhood traumas (much like real people). I could describe each one to someone and I felt sympathetic toward each of the three MCs. Atmosphere: 9, I could easily picture both the dramatic mountain ranges of Wallachia and the domed spires and spice-scented air of Edirne, and was immersed enough to read “just one more chapter” constantly. Writing: 8, I really liked how well the writing style flowed and the author’s ability to explore contradictory, complex […]

Posted July 1, 2022 by bethwyrm in Book Review / 2 Comments

House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

Characters: 9, each had a distinct voice, motive, fear, etc. and I had no trouble telling them apart (even the triplets)- a feat, considering how many primary and secondary characters are in this. Atmosphere: 10, I could picture it perfectly, down to the scents, and felt fully immersed while reading. Writing: 9, the prose flowed well, descriptions weren’t overly florid, the worldbuilding was exactly the right amount and delivered not as a data dump. Plot: 10, I could not put this book down. I stayed up until 1am several nights because I needed to find out what happened next. And […]

Posted February 17, 2022 by bethwyrm in Book Review / 0 Comments

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

I listened to this audiobook during a long roadtrip to DC for a work project, and I’m so very glad I did! It’s both poignant and hilarious, dealing with that complicated time in life when something you thought you fundamentally understood turns out to be quicksand beneath you. I know this happens in youth, but it also happens throughout our lives…and in fact, I’ve been grappling with it since late 2019, so it felt extra impactful to me. In Evie’s case, it’s a disillusionment about romantic love, as well as questioning her father and everything she’s believed him to be. […]

Posted September 3, 2021 by bethwyrm in Book Review / 2 Comments

Crying Laughing by Lance Rubin

I enjoy comedy (standup, improv, and sketch), but I haven’t made a study of it so some of the references in this book flew over my head. But most of this book hit right in the feels. Winnie’s voice feels authentic to a typical smart teen (with anxiety) and I loved her family’s dynamic. In particular, I was cracking up at Mr. Martinez’s mixed-signals message (which was so spot-on to a lot of the performances I had in high school marching band, drama, etc.) and related heavily to Winnie’s own sense of being adrift when her home life began to […]

Posted July 23, 2021 by bethwyrm in Book Review / 0 Comments