Rosh ~catching up slowly~’s Comments (group member since Mar 06, 2022)

Rosh ~catching up slowly~’s comments from the Aussie Readers group.

The Beasts Beneath the Winds: Tales of Southeast Asia’s Mythical Creatures edited by Hanna Alkaf

A collection of cryptid stories from South-East Asia aiming at middle-graders. Unfortunately, this was more about the kids than the cryptids, though there were a few gems too.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Some middle-grade and YA graphic novels for your consideration. All were mid-range for me.

1. Invisible Emmie by Terri Libenson

A middle-grade story. Worked decently but the stereotypes created some big red flags.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

2. Squished by Megan Wagner Lloyd

Again for middle graders, highlighting the struggles of a large family. Decent enough, but the depth was missing.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

3. Angelica and the Bear Prince by Trung Le Nguyen

A YA story. Missed out on one important danger element, but has some nice themes.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

All This Could Be Yours by Hank Phillippi Ryan

I expected far better from this book, considering the author's reputation. What a disappointment!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Waseem by Lilas Taha

An OwnVoices literary fiction about a disabled Palestinian refugee and his journey towards love. the pacing is a bit wonky, but the plot is quite good.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Layers: A Memoir by Pénélope Bagieu

Loved this anecdotal graphic memoir translated from French.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Smaller and Smaller Circles by F.H. Batacan

A *historical* (1990s) crime mystery set in the Philippines. The investigating duo are priests, which makes this an unusual crime drama.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Homeseeking by Karissa Chen

This dual-timeline novel contains one of the cleverest plot developments I have seen. Much recommended to OwnVoices historical fiction fans.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Two books from the Guardian Cats series by Nic Minnella- paranormal middle-grade fantasy. I liked the first book better, but both deliver to some extent. Good for young cat-lovers who also enjoy horror.

Book One: The Cat Who Chased Ghosts: A Feline-Fueled Middle Grade Mystery with a Supernatural Twist

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Book Two: Sybilla and the Clockmaker's Secret

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Bigfoot in Love and Other Stories by Hannah Birss

An indie collection of gentle low-fantasy stories about love and loss.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

The fifth book of the Hunger Games series, and my absolute favourite so far! Loved the way this portrayed Haymitch's story.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Trans History: A Graphic Novel: From Ancient Times to the Present Day by Alex L. Combs

A graphical nonfiction focussing on trans history over the ages. Insightful.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang by Stan Yan

This middle-grade graphic novel turned out to be a stereotypical mess. Then again, I seem to be the only one who felt this way.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

City of Jackals by Aman J. Bedi

The second book of the Ghosts of Ethuran series, and even more action-packed than the first one.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Oscar Wilde's Stories for Children

Yet another collection of Oscar Wilde's best children's stories. The language might be a hindrance for this generation, but the stories are obviously amazing.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

What Remains After a Fire: Stories by Kanza Javed

This is, by far, the best short story collection I have read in a long time, OwnVoices or otherwise.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Finally read The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

The first Hunger Games prequel turned out to be disappointing, but not as much as I had anticipated.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Storytellers by Sue Heath

A nice contemporary book exploring found family in a library. A good, cosy palate cleanser of a read.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Curious Facts About Everything: 1,500 Interesting Facts to Amaze Kids by Collins Kids

A great option for trivia fans.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Archies in India

Possibly, the worst Archies compilation, ever!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Wild for Austen: A Rebellious, Subversive, and Untamed Jane by Devoney Looser

An interesting nonfiction for Jane Austen fans. One of the many Austen books coming out this year for her 250th birth anniversary.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...