Read: Where the Crawdads Sing (#52-2022)

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

I'm sure by now everyone has seen the trailers (or the entire movie) that was created from this book. Main character Kya raised herself in the marshlands of North Carolina after being abandoned by her family. Known in the nearby town as "the Marsh Gil", she is isolated from the community of Barkley Cove, until she finds her life intertwined with first one local boy, and then another.  When one of the boys is found dead, Kya is the main suspect.  As the story unfolds, it threatens to reveal a great many secrets of Kya and the rest of the town.

I Read: A Psalm of Storms and Silence

A Psalm of Storms and Silence by Roseanne A. Brown

(Book 2 in the series)

Of course, I had to read the continuing story after I enjoyed the first book so much. And while I was in a very different headspace than I was a year ago reading the A Song of Wraiths and Ruin it doesn't mean that this one disappointed me.

I found it difficult to follow some of the twists and descriptions, but that's more to do with me than with the book. Every word seems carefully chosen and adds something to the totality of the story. I liked the conclusion, how it wasn't a fully happy ending but it was satisfying. It brought everything to a cohesive end but left space for further stories at the same time.

I wish Brown a continued story career. She seems destined for it.

#91-2021

I Read: Strider

Strider by Beverly Cleary

The follow-up to Dear Mr. Henshaw catching up with Leigh a few years later. He's still having some of the same difficulties and learning from each occasion. In this one, he finds a lost dog, which comes to replace the dog and family that are missing in his life. And in looking after the dog, he learns a few things and mends a few other issues in his life. 

I still think any kid could find a way to relate to Leigh.  Even as an adult there are lessons to be found in this book and it's predecessor. 

#41-2021

I Read: Dear Mr. Henshaw

Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary

Still completing the Beverly Cleary re-read. I remember this one well from my childhood. I didn't relate to Leigh, but I knew a lot of kids who could. It's a good story for any kid who feels like they don't really have anyone to talk to but creates a familiar someone through a favourite author, and then by writing in a journal. 

Leigh isn't unlike any kid in a challenging situation. And the character is someone that every kid can understand. 

#40-2021

I Read: Chain of Iron

Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare

(2nd in the Last Hours series)

Well, I'm a bit ridiculous and stayed up way too late to finish this. But it's my birthday, so I get to do whatever I want, and napping seems like a really good option for the rest of the day. After I actually get some sleep, I mean. And given how I'd looked forward to this next installment when I got within 100 pages of being finished, I couldn't just put it down. 

Spoilers below. Beware.

I Read: The Bluest Eye

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Reading Toni Morrison has been on my list of things to accomplish for quite a while. I'll admit that I picked this up because I was prompted by the various calls to diversify the voices of those we read. I didn't know why Morrison to read so I actually have three, including this one, which was the earliest of the three I picked up.

I was intrigued by the synopsis description of this one and had heard it touted as highly influential by a lot of those who spoke of it. I tend not to rely too heavily on other people's opinions because writing/reading is so subjective, but given the number of people saying it was a great novel, I decided to pick it up. 

I Read: Love, Stargirl

Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

I didn't love this as much as StarGirl. I don't know why, but I think it's because by having StarGirl as the narrator, she loses some of her mystery. She's still quirky and unique and learning to find herself and how she fits in the world, but when you can see how her mind works, and why she chooses the things she does, it takes some of the interest away from her character. 

This is written like a journal, or more specifically a really long, expanding letter to former boyfriend Leo. StarGirl says in the beginning that she'll never send it, so it's really functioning much more like a journal than a letter, but she is definitely writing it to someone. 

I Read: Stargirl

Stargirl by Jerry Spinellio

This book joined my TBR by way of a Facebook post series. I was nominated and then in turn nominated folks to post 7 favourite books over 7 days. One of my nominees is also a book lover and decided to go for 3 (or was it 4?) different sets of books, based on genre. Amazing dedication.

Anyway, this one was on his list. I'd honestly never even heard of it, but for some reason immediately decided I needed to pick it up. And I am absolutely not sorry for that.