Remarkably Bright Creatures

By Shelby Van Pelt

Fiction 

355 pages

Hardback

A loan from a friend

This book was sad and beautiful and funny and perfect. 

There are chapters from the octopus point of view, and also from the point of view of several human characters. 

first octopus page

first human page 

I thought I knew what was going to happen, but the way there was twisty enough that I stayed engaged and curious. 

Things didn't work out "perfectly" but they did work out satisfyingly. 

I read it on a friend's recommendation- probably wouldn't have picked it up for myself, but I'm glad I did read it. 

author info

Yes. I read the whole thing in one day. 

Me Before You

By Jojo Moyes 

Fiction

369 pages

Paperback

It was a really readable book. It had some romance novel clichés: the innocent, clumsy girl whose family is constantly taking advantage & the brooding, angry at the world, rich guy. 

It was also sad, and hopeful, and thoroughly engaging. 

first page

I enjoyed it. It didn't end the way I expected. I didn't expect the commentary on the power dynamics of money. 

I won't re-read, but I'll take it to school and put it on my shelf.

Castle of the Cursed

By Romina Garber

YA Fantasy 

284 pages

Owlcrate Special Edition 

front cover

endsheet and blurb

This was a great book. I didn't actually read the summary before I read the book, so some things that shouldn't have been surprising were - like vampires.

Came with some serious warnings. 

It was dark and sad, but not as "rough" as I feared it might be. 

first page

It was a satisfying book. Things came through, pulled through, were consistent without being annoying. Everything tied together well. 

Not a series!

Also, it's gorgeous. Just look how pretty! 

My Little One really loves the styling, so I'm going to let her steal it from me. 

Signed! ❤

Author letter! ❤

This book also had a bonus chapter - some key events from a different character's point of view. 

author info 

Hearts the Cut

By Kika Hatzopoulou

YA Fantasy 

326 pages

Owlcrate Special Edition 

The second in a duology. The first is Threads that Bind.

I really enjoyed these books. The reincarnation of gods and their powers was handled in an interesting way. The story started a little slow, but was well crafted. The characters were varied and detailed. The ending wasn't quite what I expected. 

first page 

author letter

a beautiful little snippet that ties in both titles 

I really liked it.

Bamboo People

By Mitali Perkins

YA fiction

Paperback

264 pages

A coworker asked if I'd be willing to read a book he was thinking of teaching next school year (for the book approval process). Of the pile he had, I selected Bamboo People because of the setting. 

I lived in Burma decades ago. 

It was a quick and easy read - the two main (boy) protagonists set in the backdrop of warfare and military oppression. They are on opposing sides of the conflict, but events bring them together. 

It was a good book. Not one I would have picked up simply for the joy of reading, but I am glad to have read it. 

first page

resources

The Power

By Naomi Alderman

Paperback

382 pages

Fiction / Dystopia

This was a little harder for me to get into. It had many disturbing and uncomfortable scenes. But they were purposeful, not gratuitous. 

It was a really good read. The characters were complex and interesting, the switch of mindsets and power dynamics was believability portrayed, and the ending was satisfying. The frame story with the publisher letters was brilliant. 

first page of the story

Masquerade of the Heart

By Katy Rose Pool 

356+ pages

Hardback

YA Fantasy 

Owlcrate Special Edition 

A really great sequel. Nice, tidy duology. 

I didn't do the full re-read of the first one, I just went back and read my blog post, the summary, and the last couple pages. Then I jumped right in to this one. Since it's YA, it wasn’t too hard to pick it right up.

back cover

It had a satisfying ending. I wasn't sure at one point how it was going to wrap up. 

It's also gorgeous. 

inside dust jacket 

front lid

front endsheet 

back endsheet

back lid

The Owlcrate is edition had an author letter bound in, a signature, and a bonus chapter. 

It also gloriously matched the first book.