Friday, April 22, 2022

Book Reviews From Our Young Adult Community

Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

"Charlotte Davis is in pieces. At seventeen she's already lost more than most people lose in a lifetime. But she's learned how to forget. The broken glass washes away the sorrow until there is nothing but calm." -- Goodreads

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

What I thought about the book: It truly is an amazing book. It's well written, and is an accurate depiction of thoughts, feelings, and emotions caused by trauma/mental illness.

What I learned from this book: I learned to feel less alone and less stuck in my feelings. I don't think I really learned anything else.

I believe this book would appeal to: People who have struggled with or are currently struggling with mental illness/self harm.

Explanation for my rating: The book gives hope to the reader without setting unrealistic expectations.

This book review was brought to you courtesy of an anonymous person in our YA community.


Killing November by Adriana Mather

"It's a school completely off the grid, hidden by dense forest and surrounded by traps. There's no electricity, no internet, and an eye-for-an-eye punishment system. Classes include everything from Knife-Throwing and Poisons to the Art of Deception and Historical Analysis. And all of the students are children of the world's most elite strategists - training to become assassins, counselors, spies, and master impersonators." -- Goodreads

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

I believe this book would appeal to: People who enjoy books that are fast paced, mysterious, that have a lot of thrilling moments, and are exciting.

Explanation for my rating: There is an amazing mystery to follow and the author uses very good wording. You start to feel like you know the characters.

This book review was brought to you courtesy of Adrianna in our YA community.


Bad Island by Stanley Donwood

"A wild seascape, a distant island, a full moon. Gradually the island grows nearer until we land on a primeval wilderness, rich in vegetation and huge, strange beasts. Time passes and things do not go well for the island." -- Goodreads

My Rating: 1 of 5 stars

What I thought about the book: I disliked this book. The characters were uninteresting, except for an animal loving little girl, whose snake died. She carried around its body, which I found disturbing. The plot was very confusing.

What I learned from this book: I learned that authors should pay attention to their characters and make sure they're interesting.

I believe this book would appeal to: People who enjoy graphic novels with lots of action.

Explanation for my rating: The characters were uninteresting and the plot was confusing.

This book review was brought to you courtesy of an anonymous person in our YA community.