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katietotallybooked's reviews
741 reviews
Black Water: Family, Legacy and Blood Memory by David A. Robertson
4.0
After meeting David A Robertson in December 2023 at an Author event my library hosted, I was anxious to read his catalogue of works. I started with Black Water because I wanted to knowabout him and his history.
This was an enjoyable and intriguing audiobook to listen to. David A narrates it himself, which is always a bonus when listening to an audiobook. I learned more about indigenous culture and Cree history and how his upbringing without an emphasis on this part of his identity impacted him.
This is an important and valuable book to visit in print or via audiobook for any Canadian reader. You will learn something new about Indigenous culture and history and you will be impacted by David A’s story and the story of his parents and grandparents.
Iz the Apocalypse by Susan Currie
3.0
I was intrigued to pick this up because of the musical theme. As a child and teenager, I played piano and violin. I was involved in music clubs and orchestras at school, and I took private piano lessons. It was a daydream to attend a music school or have this be a larger part of my education.
While reading my first book by Susan Currie I was captivated by Iz as a female protagonist. She is strong-willed and good intentioned. I was rooting her from Chapter 6 onwards as I could feel how badly she wanted to attend the Metier School and her natural talent translated well off the page.
I think the author did a great job of bringing the challenges of growing up in the foster care system to light. Other main themes included found family, and also abuse, anxiety, panic, mental illness, trauma, PTSD (which weren’t addressed in a heavy way in my opinion - rather lightly touched on and included).
My critique of this book is that it would be very hard for a reader who has no musical background to grasp a lot of the terminology and concepts presented by the theme. I don’t think I could recommend this book to a wide range of YA readers because of that. However, it would be an enjoyable read with a soft romance and a demonstration of varying family and friend relationships for a YA reader interested in music.
While reading my first book by Susan Currie I was captivated by Iz as a female protagonist. She is strong-willed and good intentioned. I was rooting her from Chapter 6 onwards as I could feel how badly she wanted to attend the Metier School and her natural talent translated well off the page.
I think the author did a great job of bringing the challenges of growing up in the foster care system to light. Other main themes included found family, and also abuse, anxiety, panic, mental illness, trauma, PTSD (which weren’t addressed in a heavy way in my opinion - rather lightly touched on and included).
My critique of this book is that it would be very hard for a reader who has no musical background to grasp a lot of the terminology and concepts presented by the theme. I don’t think I could recommend this book to a wide range of YA readers because of that. However, it would be an enjoyable read with a soft romance and a demonstration of varying family and friend relationships for a YA reader interested in music.
What Wild Women Do by Karma Brown
4.0
There is not a single doubt in my mind about saying that Karma Brown is on my list of favourite authors because I enjoyed this book so much.
I loved the dual timeline. I loved how Karma wove the story of Eddie Calloway into Rowan’s present day. I enjoyed the writing. It was vivid, yet simplistic and it flowed so well. She brought the setting to life with her words and I could picture the breathtaking scenery of the Adirondack mountains.
I think anyone who enjoys stories about women, especially strong ones, would enjoy this. It’s a bonus if you are a historical fiction fan too.
I savoured my reading experience with this one and I can’t wait to see what Karma Brown writes next.
I loved the dual timeline. I loved how Karma wove the story of Eddie Calloway into Rowan’s present day. I enjoyed the writing. It was vivid, yet simplistic and it flowed so well. She brought the setting to life with her words and I could picture the breathtaking scenery of the Adirondack mountains.
I think anyone who enjoys stories about women, especially strong ones, would enjoy this. It’s a bonus if you are a historical fiction fan too.
I savoured my reading experience with this one and I can’t wait to see what Karma Brown writes next.
Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemian
5.0
Only This Beautiful Moment is a beautiful story from start to finish. I learned so much about Iranian culture and history, including that of the queer Iranian community.
This intergenerational story set in both Tehran and Los Angeles follows Moud, Moud’s father Saeed, and Moud’s grandfather Bobby (three men in the same Iranian family) at the age of 17/18 when each character is coming of age and gaining an understanding of their family’s history and culture, and of themselves.
The writing is authentic and transportive. I was completely moved by this character-driven, multiple perspective story. It is an ode to family history and the bonds that connect us, the secrets that impact us, and all of the moments that make someone who they are.
This intergenerational story set in both Tehran and Los Angeles follows Moud, Moud’s father Saeed, and Moud’s grandfather Bobby (three men in the same Iranian family) at the age of 17/18 when each character is coming of age and gaining an understanding of their family’s history and culture, and of themselves.
The writing is authentic and transportive. I was completely moved by this character-driven, multiple perspective story. It is an ode to family history and the bonds that connect us, the secrets that impact us, and all of the moments that make someone who they are.
The Strangers by Margaret Peterson Haddix
2.5
I didn't overly enjoy it and I also didn't overly dislike it. I actually couldn't stop thinking about how it reminded me of a Series of Unfortunate Events. I feel both have similar writing tones, although I haven't re-read a Series of Unfortunate Events as an adult. I enjoyed the mystery elements, and I enjoyed the sibling dynamics. I think what I didn't enjoy was the multi-verse elements. I found it very confusing to follow. This added a sci-fi element to the book and that just doesn't often appeal to me. The book felt very fall-like so it was a fitting seasonal read. I pictured dreary grey skies and no leaves on the trees. Even the cover reminds me of Fall weather.
As a Youth Librarian I will recommend this to young readers who are interested in mysteries and can handle a book that is intricately plotted. There is a lot to unpack in this books - kidnapping, secret rooms and the multi-verse. Plus that cliff hanger ending will keep young readers who are enjoying it hooked and wanting to read book #2 immediately. Not to mention that Haddix has an extensive backlist so she is a great author to dive into for a reader looking for something new.
As a Youth Librarian I will recommend this to young readers who are interested in mysteries and can handle a book that is intricately plotted. There is a lot to unpack in this books - kidnapping, secret rooms and the multi-verse. Plus that cliff hanger ending will keep young readers who are enjoying it hooked and wanting to read book #2 immediately. Not to mention that Haddix has an extensive backlist so she is a great author to dive into for a reader looking for something new.
The Kindest Lie by Nancy Johnson
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Hello Stranger by Katherine Center
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.
I am not liking the tone of her writing, and I just don’t care about the characters at this point. It’s like reading a stupid romantic comedy movie.