Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories

 

I have already written a blog post about Wonder, written by R.J. Palacio, a few months ago, but now I am reviewing the companion of it, Auggie & Me. 

Auggie & Me is actually three short stories—The Julian Chapter, Pluto, and Shingaling. Each is told from the perspective of someone who’s crossed paths with Auggie. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about reading more from side characters and I expected it to be more repetitive because it is three sides of similar stories. However, each one brought something fresh. 

Julian’s story was probably the most unexpected to me because he was portrayed as the main bully in Wonder. Based on his actions in the first book, I didn’t think I’d feel any sympathy for him, but seeing his backstory gave me a new light and view. In his chapter, the readers learn about his fears, insecurities, and the pressure he felt from his parents. Especially, his grandmother’s story about her own childhood experience during the Holocaust helps him realize the importance of kindness and acceptance.

Christopher’s story (Pluto) was kind of heartwarming and possibly relatable to people; it was about old friendships and how the dynamics changed as Auggie and him grew up. Christopher and Auggie had been best friends since they were little, and they shared a lot of good memories in Wonder. But as they got older, especially when Christopher moved to a new town and started a new public school, their bond started to fade a bit. It wasn't because they didn’t care about each other, but because life naturally pulled them in different directions.

Then there’s Shingaling, told by Charlotte; I loved how it explored the middle school social scene. It reminded me how complicated being a kid can be, especially when you’re trying to do the right thing in a world full of cliques, unspoken rules, and drama.

Overall, I liked that the book didn't feel like an unnecessary afterthought or just a spin-off. It seemed like the author, R.J. Palacio, wanted it to feel intentional; she really wanted us to understand that everyone has their own background and story. It introduces mature themes to elementary and middle school kids and is a great lesson. I definitely recommend reading this book!

-Chloe L.

Rereading Painted Devils by Margaret Owen

 

Since Holy Terrors, the third and final book of Maragret Owen’s Little Thieves trilogy, came out two weeks ago, I decided I should reread the second book, Painted Devils, to catch up on the story. This blog post will have spoilers for the end of Little Thieves. 

After they had overthrown a tyrant, cleared Vanja’s names, and reinstated the true Gisele von Flabrig you-get-the-idea as Margravine of Bóern, everything returned to how it should be. Or it should have. Because, after overthrowing a tyrant, clearing her name, and reinstating the true Margravine of Boerne, after having the chance to have a normal life, Vanja ran away. Because that’s all she knows how to do.

Vanja disappeared to a small village called Hagendorn, where she started a cult and became a prophet for a god that doesn’t exist… all by accident. Now stuck in this town who worships the Scarlet Maiden, a being she made up from some old drunkard’s song, it seems her life just can’t get any worse. But of course, it does, because turns out, if enough people believe in something for long enough, it becomes real. And then claims that junior prefect ex-boyfriend you-ran-away-from-at-the-end-of-last-book-because-you’re-scared-of-attachment as a sacrifice. Forced to break the claim, Vanja must wander back into her past, reunited with shadows of her memories, and face the devils painted on the walls. 

I have read Painted Devils three times (I don’t have a problem I swear), and trust me when I say it gets better every time I read it. This series is one that I believe can never get old, I have loved it every time I’ve read it. I really do recommend this series for anyone who likes fantasy, or anyone who thinks they would like fantasy, because these books by Margaret Owen are just that good. However, I would proceed with caution if you’re uncomfortable with the mentions of sex, because while this is not a smutty novel, the characters do talk about the idea of sex a fair amount. But that’s enough from me, until next time (where I will probably be gushing about Holy Terrors), and thank you for reading.

Innocent until proven guilty, or is it the other way around?

Recently, I’ve been reading a book that a few other people on these blogs have been talking about. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is written by Holly Jackson and published in 2019! I just realized coincidentally that it was published on my birthday, too (WOW). This book has 400 pages that I’ve been reading over the past few weeks. A heads up there will be some context given before I yap about my thoughts! (If you want to skip the context go to the second to last paragraph).

To begin, we have 2 primary characters that are named Pip (Pippa), and Ravi. There are many other characters as well but the story is set in Pip’s perspective with Ravi as her partner. In 2019, the murder of Andie Bell made headlines in the area of Fairview Connecticut. A slightly off-topic fact, but it is solely in the U.S. copies of AGGGTM that it is set in Connecticut. Everywhere else the story takes place in a fictional town in England. Ravi’s younger brother, Sal Singh, was convicted of Andie’s murder. Between Pip and Ravi, both are trying to gain justice for Sal. Many of the residents living in Fairview believe that Sal is a murderer and they also drag that along with Ravi as well. Simple things such as them saying he is a murderer’s brother take a toll on Ravi because he truly believes his brother would never murder someone.

Pip builds a friendship with Ravi and over time more people are aware of her project, Pip introduces herself often to question people who may have been involved or even have any information about the case. The storyline follows this process incredibly well saying that the reader is quite literally reading Pip’s project as she types it. There are quite a few twists and turns within this case Pip is studying, but a lot of information is revealed concluding Andie had everyone around her fooled about the person she is. 

Now that I’ve given some basic information about the idea of this book, it’s time for me to talk about my thoughts. Overall the book had me sitting there flipping page after page, I believe this is one of my favorite reads from this year! Following Pip’s life along with her project was thoroughly written, with lots of additional details discluding the project. I’d like to say if you enjoy reading mystery mixed with crime, then you would like this book!! A lot of my friends recommended it to me which overall led to me reading it so I’d also say it is pretty well-liked by a bunch of people. 

To sum it up, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a thoroughly detailed book. I think everyone should get a chance to read at least a little bit of it at least once. Holly did a very good job at writing this book with plenty of detail that draws a reader in. Additionally, I’d give it a 9.5/10! I believe that’s everything I have to say for now, so I’ll see you guys in 5 weeks! Bye!!

-Chloé B. 🦆 

The Handmaids Tale

 

“That was when they suspended the Constitution. They said it would be temporary. There wasn't even any rioting in the streets. People stayed home at night, watching television, looking for some direction. There wasn't even an enemy you could put your finger on.”

- Margret Atwood, The Handmaids Tale

    The Handmaids Tale is a book that speaks on women's oppression in the context of the bible. As all books speaking on such topics go, it isn't quite happy. I'll try to be as non-spoilery as possible, but it's somewhat hard.

    The story is about Offred. It isn't her real name, but names are used for handmaids. 

“I want to be held and told my name. I want to be valued, in ways that I am not; I want to be more than valuable. I repeat my former name; remind myself of what I once could do, how others saw me. I want to steal something.” 

There are four-plus-one classes of women: The Wives, in blue, who are married to the commanders; the Marthas, usually used as maids or cooks; the Aunts, the women who teach the name of God in re-education centers; and Handmaids, the women who are meant to go out and get groceries, as well as help repopulate Gilead (previously America) during a war. There are also unwomen, infertile or otherwise compromised women (including but not limited to secular women, women in menopause, and rebel women).

    These women are surveyed by the eyes at all times, and the handmaids must wear wings after leaving their reeducation center. The wings keep them from straying from their duties outside, as well as to keep others from seeing their face. They walk in twos, and no women at all are allowed to read. The bible is read to them by their commander once  month. Scrabble is considered illegal goods for them.

“Knowing was a temptation. What you don't know won't tempt you.”

    Reeducation centers are set up by Aunts and Commanders to help Handmaids learn how to do what they are meant in their new world, while Angels guard them. You are not given much context on Angels.

“There is more than one kind of freedom," said Aunt Lydia. "Freedom to and freedom from. In the days of anarchy, it was freedom to. Now you are being given freedom from. Don't underrate it.”

I won't say much more, as any more would lead to spoilers. I cannot recommend this book enough, it's incredible and harrowing. I could give so much analysis of what it could mean, but it would ruin the book. Truly, read it. The only analysis I give will be this:

The Constitution has been removed from the White House website. The only way to access it from the site is the wayback machine.

-Elanor 

Rebel by Marie Lu

Rebel by Marie Lu is the thrilling conclusion to her Legend series and it did not disappoint! I wrote my previous blog about Legend, the first book, and ever since then, I was eagerly anticipating how June and Day's story would come to a close. It had a perfect blend of action and emotion, all within a new dystopian setting.

Quick Summary: 

Rebel picks up after the events of Champion, with June and Day now apart, each at the center of a new struggle. The Republic of America, where June is working as a high-ranking government official, is in a fragile state. On the other hand, Day is finding a new life in Antarctica, where he is working as a secret police agent. He is still trying to heal from his past wounds and step into a new role. They’re both grappling with deconstructing worlds.

Unlike the previous books in the series that alternated perspectives of June and Day, in this book, we get a viewpoint from Day’s younger brother, Eden. Though Eden was depicted as a young, struggling character in other books, this book displays his growth and wrestling with his role in the world. He faces challenges of his own and asks himself questions about family, the true reality of both of his worlds (Antarctica and the Republic of America), and the political situation they are now stuck in. The tension between the need to protect loved ones and the desire for justice for the greater good is a common theme present throughout the novel.

My Thoughts:

Overall, I really enjoyed the book! June and Day were both already well-established characters by now, and this book concludes their story. Both Day and June have grown into strong individuals and leaders while facing a new struggle in morals and ethics. Both of their journeys, especially Day’s, felt like a natural progression, and I feel like Marie Lu, the author, exhibited their character arc smoothly.

However, the standout character in this book for me was Eden. As the younger brother, he has always been in Day’s shadow, with Day being extremely protective over his last family member. But in Rebel, he steps into the spotlight. Eden struggled with what it means to be his own person, separate from his older brother’s legacy, and he kept secrets from Day, becoming an individual, struggling with his own issues. Hearing a new perspective added a fresh, unique lens on the aftermath of the Republic’s revolution and continual choices that shaped the world. 

The pacing of Rebel was just right, and it didn’t really feel rushed. Maybe I will check out Marie Lu’s other novels!

Year of the Reaper - A Review

 

    I’ve finally begun to work through all the books I need to read. I got Year of the Reaper as a gift about a year ago and didn’t actually read it until last month, so yeah, baby steps. And, while I have my qualms with the ending of Makiia Lucier’s book, I did find it a rather enjoyable read all in all. But before we get into my review, here’s a quick summary of the premise:

    Three years ago, Lord Cassia was taken prisoner. As one of the many victims of the feud between the kingdoms of Oliveras and Brisa, he has seen hell. A victim of the Brisan labor camps, of gruesome abuse from his captors, and as the lone survivor of the plague that freed him, all he wants is to return home to his brother; to return to his peaceful life now that the war is over.

But, peace doesn’t await him upon his return.

Of course not. If it did, we wouldn’t have a story.

Instead, he uncovers a plot to assassinate the queen, and those closest to her, including the brother he went through hell to return to.

I actually really enjoyed the tone and setting of this story. Oliveras and Brisa have such care put into their history and conflict, leading to a lot of geopolitical depth that I live for in my fantasy novels. It truly feels like a new world. Additionally, I think Lucier did a wonderful job portraying this kingdom trying to recover from a conflict, both the plague and war, instead of showing it dealing with that conflict. I feel like so many fantasy novels tend to only focus on the conflict itself, such as the wars, famine, or plague, having the characters battle with the conflict directly. It was just a nice change of pace to get to experience a story about the healing and recovery a country has to do after such devastating conflict and destruction; and this theme of healing is very well portrayed through our main character Cas, which leads me to another point.

I adored the characters of this novel. They had so much substance to them that made them so well rounded. One of the best examples of this book’s characters is Lena. (Quick warning here, the rest of the review does include a few spoilers). We are first introduced to Lena when she tries to steal Cas’s horse and fails, getting herself stuck in a tree while running from a rabid lynx. Not much later, we are introduced to her as the king’s sister; but she is so much more than that. As it turns out, she’s only the king’s half sister, they had the same father, but her mother was a concubine to the king and she was raised by her grandfather, a historian. Her dream is to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps, and that comes first before anything, even being a love interest to Cas.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. It had some fun plot twists that I didn’t see coming, great characters, and a setting that was rather different than the ones I’m used to seeing. So even though the ending felt a little rushed, I’d still recommend the book to someone looking for something a little different. But that’s all from me. Thank you for reading, and, until next time!

-Abigail Makela

Isolation at its finest.

     Hi guys! Today I will be discussing Shatter Me, this specific book was written in 2011 by Tahereh Mafi. There will be minimal spoilers in this post, but there will be warnings if a small one comes up! In the past I’ve stayed away from dystopian novels for no reason but Shatter Me was recommended to me by some friends who were hoping I’d read it. To be honest, I’m very glad I did because it also got me out of a reading slump that I was stuck in for a while. 

         

The novel begins with Juliette (the MC) stating that she has been in an asylum for 264 days. No human contact, no speaking for any reason. Just her with her thoughts in a cell. It was kind of crazy putting that into perspective. Relatively quickly we got an idea of what her time in the asylum was like; usually a daily routine with burning bowls of food. She gets a cell mate which developed into a slow friendship building off of trust. Like I said Juliette hasn’t experienced any actual human interaction for a long time so gaining another person living with her is an extreme adaptation on her part. As time goes on, we learn her cellmate's name is Adam and he will play an important role later on in the story. I know this small description sounds boring, but it gets so much better the more you read, the plot twists and detailed descriptions help the reader depict the setting and other characters through Juliette’s perspective.  

    

It should also be noted that there are smaller books referred to as novellas which have I guess filler information in them, they aren’t necessary to read before reading the next book, but they are helpful. As of right now Shatter Me has 6 books in its series (Shatter Me happens to be the 1st book and name of the series), and a 7th book will be available in a couple of months. I’ve read the entire series, and I will say the plot twists that come with each book, and the new characters/backstories being revealed draws the attention of the reader. It was really hard to put these books down to be honest. Reading one after another until the series was finished. Overall Mafi put a lot of work and thought into the series, and I would most definitely recommend more people to read the 1st book if they are interested in the genres dystopian fiction or romance. Overall, I think that might be enough yapping from me, but thank you for reading my blog post!! 

 

-Chloe B. 🦆