camiandkitread's reviews
301 reviews

Interpreting Food at Museums and Historic Sites by Michelle Moon

informative slow-paced

4.0

 “Interpreting Food at Museums and Historic Sites” offers readers a lot of food for thought, if you pardon the egregious pun. 

 

Foodways is an often overlooked interpretation tactic, taken for granted by staff and visitors. However, Moon explained it best in the introduction: “…food interpretation elevates our humanity…We all eat, and in following the pathways of food production, we discover interconnectedness.” 

 

It’s definitely a dry read and best to be tackled in small bites, but Michelle Moon offers a comprehensive history of food—from the earliest days of Jamestown to the invention of the modern supermarket—and gives a medley of interpretation suggestions. 

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

adventurous funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

 “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” the fourth book in J.K. Rowling's acclaimed series, shifts the focus onto the overarching plot of Voldemort’s return. The book weaves together a story that combines Harry’s dangerous new challenges, school-related drama, and a deeper, darker mystery involving missing people and ominous connections to Voldemort. The tone of the series continues to darken as the story introduces Voldemort’s most fervent followers, the Death Eaters. Despite this, Rowling maintains her signature humor with witty dialogues and quirky side characters, ensuring that the book remains appropriate for middle-grade readers. 

 

One of the more amusing aspects of this book is Harry’s casual approach to the Triwizard Tournament tasks. Despite having ample time and resources to prepare, Harry often downplays the challenges, only to scramble for solutions as the deadlines approach. This attitude adds a touch of realism and humor, reflecting the procrastination tendencies common among teens and tweens.

 

Rowling also excelled in portraying a straining friendship between Harry and Ron Weasley. Ron’s feelings of jealousy and inadequacy, which began at home with five older brothers and worsened next to Harry’s fame as The Boy Who Lived, are depicted with surprising authenticity. 

As someone who also experienced being second fiddle to several close friends, I found Ron’s struggles particularly relatable and his eventual reconciliation with Harry equally satisfying and heartwarming. 

 

“The Goblet of Fire” might be a middle book, but it doesn’t suffer from middle book syndrome at all. Rowling ensured that readers had ample plot to satisfy them while also continuing to set up the next stage of her story. 

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

adventurous funny mysterious sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" is another thrilling installment in J.K. Rowling's beloved series. It was my childhood best friend’s most favorite Harry Potter book, so I always have a soft spot for it even though it was never one of my favorites. There’s a nostalgic charm in revisiting this book, which continues to build on the darker tone introduced in “The Chamber of Secrets” while still being accessible and engaging for middle-grade readers. 

 

In “The Prisoner of Azkaban,” the themes of love, loss, and redemption are explored with greater depth. The book not only reveals more about the tragic past of Harry’s parents but also provides insight into the terrifying era under Voldemort's rise in power. This exploration of darker themes adds a layer of emotional depth that sets it apart from the earlier books. The book still features a lot of the same humor as the previous two books, which helps lighten the material for readers while still paving the way for more intense themes in the later books. 

 

The book begins to fill in significant gaps regarding the events that led to the death of Harry’s parents and the impact of those events on the wizarding world. The introduction of Sirius Black and Remus Lupin, along with the backstory of the Marauders, adds richness to the series' lore. I was particularly captivated by this part of the story, and always hoped there would be a prequel series based on the Marauders’ era. Okay, I’m still holding out hope. 

Blue by Joyce Moyer Hostetter

emotional funny hopeful informative sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

“Blue” provides a fascinating glimpse into rural North Carolina in 1944. It captures daily life during this period, touching on aspects like rationing, farming, and the impact of World War II on families missing male relatives. The book particularly focuses on themes of racial inequality and the polio epidemic. 

The book highlights "the miracle of Hickory," a real event where a summer camp was rapidly converted into a hospital to address a severe polio outbreak in Hickory, North Carolina. In just three days, the hospital was fully outfitted and staffed. The swift and generous response from both the government and the local community, all driven by a desire for the children's recovery, is a central theme. 

Although the writing can be somewhat uneven at times, Moyer Hostetter does a commendable job of weaving historical elements into the story. The book effectively conveys the resilience and solidarity of the community while also showing the prejudice against African Americans that was unsettlingly commonplace during the time. The historical context is made accessible and appropriate for young readers. Moyer Hostetter's ability to blend historical facts with narrative storytelling provides a meaningful learning experience, even if the prose occasionally feels disjointed. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child death, Death, and Racism

Minor: War and Injury/Injury detail

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, read by Stephen Fry by Stephen Fry, J.K. Rowling

adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

When I first read "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," it ended up being my second favorite Harry Potter book, so I was very excited to revisit it during my reread. The second installment in the beloved franchise strikes that balance between whimsy and suspense. The book delivers that trademark blend of charming magical realism and spookiness, demonstrating J.K. Rowling’s talent for crafting an entertaining middle-grade novel.

In “The Chamber of Secrets," Rowling builds off the charm of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.” The sequel not only maintains the whimsical tone of the first book but also raises the stakes with a more intense and eerie storyline. The sense of danger feels heightened, making the mysteries of the titular Chamber of Secrets more compelling. Additionally, Rowling excels at portraying the authentic experiences of twelve-year-olds, capturing their awkwardness around crushes, frustration with exams, and disappointment over canceled events. These relatable moments are woven seamlessly into the larger, more dramatic narrative of students being petrified by a mysterious creature, making the world of Hogwarts feel both magical and real.

Women in the Valley of the Kings: The Untold Story of Women Egyptologists in the Gilded Age by Kathleen Sheppard

adventurous informative slow-paced

3.25

 In “Women in the Valley of the Kings: The Untold Story of Women Egyptologists in the Gilded Age,” Kathleen Sheppard reveals the pivotal yet overlooked role women made to the field of Egyptology. Long before the “rockstars” like Howard Carter, many women pioneered the field, including Amelia Edwards, Maggie Benson, Margaret Murray, and others. Sheppard’s book details the challenges these women faced and their significant achievements, including groundbreaking excavations and academic advancements. By focusing on their stories, Sheppard offers a compelling revision of the traditional Egyptology narrative, celebrating the courage and expertise of these trailblazing women who profoundly influenced the study of ancient Egypt. 

 

“Women in the Valley of the Kings” is organized into seven chapters, each focusing on a different woman who helped develop the field of Egyptology. The chapters are arranged chronologically, providing readers with a structured narrative that highlights the evolving contributions of these trailblazing women. There is some overlap and interactions between of the women, which Sheppard notes. Each chapter really dives into the personal experiences, challenges, and achievements of its subject, offering a rich and detailed account of their impact on the field. Sheppard’s thorough research and in-depth exploration reveal the thankless roles these women played in the academic and archaeological fields. 

 

The book is undoubtedly a valuable addition to both Egyptology and women's history, some readers might find certain chapters a bit dry, with a tone that can occasionally feel more formal than engaging. Despite this, Sheppard's expertise and dedication to uncovering these untold stories shine through. Her work is a compelling testament to the resilience and accomplishments of these early female Egyptologists. For anyone with an interest in Egyptology or the contributions of women in academia and archaeology, “Women in the Valley of the Kings” is a great fit.

I received a digital ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

Five Survive by Holly Jackson

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 “Five Survive” starts off slowly, introducing its protagonist, Red, who echoes Holly Jackson's other heroines—highly intelligent, somewhat quirky, and grappling with social dynamics within a close-knit friend group. This setup might seem like a retread of Jackson’s other works, but it sets the stage for the tension that ramps up as the story unfolds. 

As the narrative picks up pace, Jackson demonstrates her skill in creating a gripping and suspenseful plot within the confines of a small space—just 31 feet. The interactions among a diverse cast of characters is handled adeptly, with Jackson balancing the dynamics and delivering a mix of predictable and surprising twists. The high stakes keeps the reader engaged, making it a nail-biting experience despite its slow start. 

Although “Five Survive” may not reach the same intensity as “The Reappearance of Rachel Price” or the same cleverness of “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” it remains an engaging listen, particularly effective as an audiobook enjoyed on a dark, stormy night. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail

Percy Jackson's Greek Gods by Rick Riordan

funny informative fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

 “Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods” by Rick Riordan is a fun romp through Greek mythology, served up with the trademark humor that fans of the Percy Jackson series love. Narrated by Percy himself, the book tackles complex mythological tales into entertaining and accessible stories for younger readers. Riordan’s witty and borderline irreverent style infuses each myth with a fresh sense of fun, making the ancient gods and their antics come alive in a way that’s both educational and hilarious (not to mention more age appropriate). Percy's snarky commentary ensure that readers are not only engaged but also thoroughly entertained as they learn about the rich tapestry of Greek mythology. 

This book is a fantastic introduction for younger audiences to the often intricate and sometimes dark world of Greek myths. It's an excellent way for kids to get excited about mythology while enjoying Percy's characteristic humor. “Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods” serves as a great educational tool that maintains the lighthearted spirit of Riordan’s popular series and will hopefully spark an interest in learning more about ancient history. 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Body shaming, Bullying, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Blood, Cannibalism, Stalking, Murder, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail

Harry Potter And The Philosophers Stone by J.K. Rowling

adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Revisiting “Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone” as an adult is like rediscovering a old friend. J.K. Rowling’s novel, while crafted for a younger audience, weaves a story that also resonates with older readers. The magic of Hogwarts—along with the engaging adventures of Harry, Hermione, and Ron—are just as captivating they were the first time. Rowling’s world is immersive and her characters are endearingly vivid, making it easy to get lost in the charm of the story. 

The true strength of the book lies in its ability to balance simplicity with depth. As a children's book, it delivers its themes of friendship, bravery, and self-discovery with a straightforwardness that makes it accessible. For adults, revisiting Harry Potter offers a charming escape and a reminder of the pure, unadulterated wonder that often fades with age. For grown-ups, Rowling’s ability to craft such a meaningful and enjoyable narrative for all ages speaks to the enduring magic of her work. 

But hey, maybe that’s just nostalgia talking. 😉 

Anarchist's Guide to Historic House Museums by Deborah E. Ryan, Franklin D. Vagnone

informative slow-paced

4.0

"Anarchist's Guide to Historic House Museums" is an excellent resource not only for those who work at HHMs but in museums and historic sites as well. There's a wealth of suggestions on how to make your site more engaging to visitors and how to move beyond the stuffy "old ways."

Published in 2016, there are several areas of the book that are already outdated or suggestions that should perhaps be more carefully considered (interacting directly with objects, such as sitting at a desk and using a pen) in a post-covid world. Despite this, it has excellent points on WHY the general public don't "appreciate" HHMs and HOW to change that. Most importantly, the suggestions are all actionable and mostly cost effective, as long as you have leadership willing to make a change.