I finished this delight today, and I’m so glad it gave me a chance to switch things up. A STARLET’S SECRET TO A SENSATIONAL AFTERLIFE, by Kendall KulpI finished this delight today, and I’m so glad it gave me a chance to switch things up. A STARLET’S SECRET TO A SENSATIONAL AFTERLIFE, by Kendall Kulper, is not necessarily something I would have grabbed at this point in my reading life, but I’m so lucky an advance copy got sent to me and the blurb pulled me in. The post-Great Depression setting and plucky main character reminded me of THE DIVINERS, but where that series is so deeply complex, this book gives you a straightforward paranormal adventure with a hearty helping of feminism, romance, and some representation of marginalized groups. I rarely read advance copies I don’t request, but this was a wonderful surprise and super enjoyable. ...more
I read this entire galley in a single sitting and finished with tears pouring down my cheeks. This book is blunt and beautiful. There are literally a I read this entire galley in a single sitting and finished with tears pouring down my cheeks. This book is blunt and beautiful. There are literally a dozen people I want to buy copies for. I love the concept that this book was originally going to be for a YA audience until it was realized that a middle grade book would catch young people as their identities were developing and they needed the message the most.
Ellie fat and relentlessly bullied for her size. Her biggest tormentor? Her mother. With the help of a talk therapist, Ellie realizes she does not deserve this treatment (an extremely difficult first step) and begins to stand up for herself.
I love that this is not a linear process. Some ways of defending feel good. Some don't. Some people apologize and aren't forgiven immediately. There is more than one fat character (even though that part is a little vague). It's brutal to read this, especially if you are a fat person who has dealt with some of these comments and actions. HOWEVER, there is catharsis here. I wish I had read it younger....more
I didn't think the Vanderbeekers could get sweeter. Over the moon to revisit these characters and watch them grow. I didn't think the Vanderbeekers could get sweeter. Over the moon to revisit these characters and watch them grow. ...more
I enjoyed this story with a message that boils down very neatly to "be who you are, even if it goes against the roles laid out for you." A family withI enjoyed this story with a message that boils down very neatly to "be who you are, even if it goes against the roles laid out for you." A family with magic that sticks tightly to gender roles is confronted by an outside evil, and the key to their safety lies in a boy who has always longed to cultivate his gift for "female" magic. My biggest complaint was that it read a little short- I wanted more of the magical word and the MC's interactions with his human friend. Definitely adding this to my elementary school library! ...more
My first thought was "woah, tough stuff in an early chapter book!" My second thought was "real stuff in an early chapter book." I love how SonnenblickMy first thought was "woah, tough stuff in an early chapter book!" My second thought was "real stuff in an early chapter book." I love how Sonnenblick gives many characters a range of morality, letting likable characters show faults and giving easy villains depth. ...more
Intersectional feminism, zines, female friendships, high school badassery- it comes out just in time for back to school, which feels perfect. In the rIntersectional feminism, zines, female friendships, high school badassery- it comes out just in time for back to school, which feels perfect. In the running for my fave of 2017. (One of the few books I loved so much that I preordered even though I had the galley in hand. The preorder campaign is sweet as hell.)...more
Pros and cons abound with this little handbook. Before anything gets started, the authors make it clear that this book is not about witches in a histoPros and cons abound with this little handbook. Before anything gets started, the authors make it clear that this book is not about witches in a historical or religious sense. They've basically used the word "witch" as a stand in for "modern woman," and while I am totally okay with that, I wonder if people who practice Wicca or claim the term "witch" in a solemn way would feel as open to it.
Some of the spells seem very silly, especially after the authors have made it clear that this is not necessarily a book that deals with actual mysticism. After reading several, I kind of accepted that everything in this book is something you can take or leave depending on how it strikes you, and I feel like the authors meant it that way.
For me, the historical anecdotes were BY FAR the most interesting part of the book. Page-long stories about famous women who were known as witches and the bullshit they had to deal with with are peppered through the book, and I was always disappointed when they were over.
In all, I enjoyed this book MUCH MORE after I stopped trying to read it through and let myself flip around, stopping where it caught my eye. Little charts explaining the properties of gemstones and essential oils made me smile, and the illustrations are freaking perfect (I could stare at the cover all day). My largest reservation remains use of language and labels surrounding witchcraft, but I am not an expert, and I'm not sure if the authors had sensitivity readers (actual witches) checking for appropriation. ...more
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