Book Review: The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi

Title: The Death of Vivek Oji

Author: Akwaeke Emezi

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult Fiction, LGBT, Contemporary

Pages: 248

Publisher: Riverhead Books

Year Published: 2020

Format: Hardcover (Owned it)

"Raised by a distant father and an understanding but overprotective mother, Vivek suffers disorienting blackouts, moments of disconnection between self and surroundings. As adolescence gives way to adulthood, Vivek finds solace in friendships with the warm, boisterous daughter of the Nigerwives, foreign-born women married to Nigerian men.

But Vivek's closest bond is with Osita, the worldly, high-spirited cousin whose teasing confidence masks a guarded private life. As their relationship deepens- and Osita struggles to understand Vivek's escalating crisis- the mystery gives way to a heart-stopping act of violence in a moment of exhilarating freedom.

Propulsively readable, teeming with unforgettable characters, The Death of Vivek Oji is a novel of family and friendship that challenges expectations- a dramatic story of loss and transcendence that will move every reader."

My Rating: 1.5/5

I liked some aspects of this book. But I think that this isn't mentioned in any of the descriptions of this novel. THERE IS INCEST! Maybe this is something that other people can over look for the LGBT content, but I couldn't look past it. The story would have been better for me if it was like a family friend, not an actual family member. If you loved this book, props to you, it just wasn't for me.

Sidny

Book Review: The Reformatory by Tananarive Due

Title: The Reformatory

Author: Tananarive Due

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Historical Fiction, Thriller, Horror, Adult Fiction

Pages: 570

Publisher: S&S/Saga Press

Year Published: 2023

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Set in Jim Crow Florida, follows Robert Stephens Jr. as he's sent to a segregated reform school that is a chamber of terrors where he sees the horror of racism and injustice, for the living, and the dead.

Gracetown, Florida

June 1950

Twelve-year-old Robbie Stephens, Jr., is sentenced to six months at the Gracetown School for Boys, a reformatory, for kicking the son of the largest landowner in town in defense of his older sister, Gloria. So begins Robbie's journey further into the terrors of the Jim Crow South and the very real horror of the school they call The Reformatory.

Robbie has a talent for seeing ghosts, or haints. But what was once a comfort to him after the loss of his mother has become a window to the truth of what happens at the reformatory. Boys forced to work to remediate their so-called crimes have gone missing, but the haints Robbie sees hint at worse things. Through his friends, Redbone and Blue, Robbie is learning not just the rules but how to survive. Meanwhile, Gloria is rallying every family member and connection in Florida to find a way to get Robbie out before it's too late. 

The Reformatory is a haunting work of historical fiction written as only American Book Award-winning author Tananarive Due could, by piecing together the life of the relative her family never spoke of and bringing his tragedy and those of so many others at the infamous Dozier School for Boys to the light in this riveting novel."

My Rating: 3.75/5

This wasn't what I expected when I started reading this book. I thought for some reason that it was a horror with a smattering of Historical Fiction, and by smattering, I mean the setting (similar to This House Will Feed). I didn't realize that the author was basing this work on a family member, or how much this would read as a historical fiction, rather than supernatural horror. Obviously, there are horrific elements (basically the whole book), but not in the same writing I would expect from a horror-specific book. I plan on reading some of her reference texts to gain a better understanding of the subject matter, because I do beielve it is incredibly important to acknowledge our history as humans to help steer us to a better future.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys

Title: I Must Betray You

Author: Ruta Sepetys

Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction

Pages: 321

Publisher: Penguin

Year Published: 2022

Format: Hardcover (Own it)

"Romania, 1989. Communist regimes are crumbling across Europe. Seventeen-year-old Cristian Florescu dreams of becoming a writer, but Romanians aren't free to dream; they are bound by rules and force.

Amidst the tyrannical dictatorship of Nicolae Ceaușescu in a country governed by isolation and fear,  Cristian is blackmailed by the secret police to become an informer. He's left with only two choices: betray everyone and everything he loves- or use his position to creatively undermine the most notoriously evil dictator in Eastern Europe. 

Cristian risks everything to unmask the truth behind the regime, give voice to fellow Romanians, and expose to the world what is happening in his country. He eagerly joins the revolution to fight for change when the time arrives. But what is the cost of freedom?

A gut-wrenching, startling window into communist Romania and the citizen spy network that devastated a nation, from the number one New York Times best-selling, award-winning author of Salt to the Sea and Between Shades of Gray."

My Rating: 4/5

It's been a while since I've read a Ruta Sepetys book. This story follows our main character, Cristian, a teen who dreams of a world he's not even sure exists. In communist Romania, human rights are unheard of, and so is trust. Trust in your neighbours, friends and family. Isolation is king, well, that and their leader, Nicolae. But what happens when this teen is recruited to inform and begins to get a deeper look at what his country may lack? 

This was a book my husband and I read together. He chose this one because it wasn't something that either of us knew a lot about. One thing about this author is that she doesn't shy away from reality; she paints it in all its unforgivable light. Which was eye-opening. That being said, I had some issues with the pacing of the book. I felt a lot of the book was a lead-up, and then the main "action" was quick and not even fully over before the epilogue. I was hoping for a little more information in the revolution section of the book. I look forward to reading more from this author and seeing what else I've yet to explore from her. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Merciless by Danielle Vega

Title: The Merciless

Author: Danielle Vega

Series/Standalone: The Merciless Series (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Horror

Pages: 279

Publisher: Razorbill

Year Published: 2014

Format: Hardcover (Own It)

"Forgive us, Father, for we have sinned

Brooklyn Stevens sits in a pool of her own blood, tied and gagged. No one outside these dank basement walls knows she's here. No one can hear her scream. 

Sofia Flores knows she shouldn't have gotten involved. When she befriended Riley, Grace and Alexis on her first day at school, she admired them, with their perfect hair and their good-girl ways. They said they wanted to save Brooklyn. They wanted to help her. Sofia didn't realize they believed Brooklyn was possessed.

Now, Riley and the girls are performing an exorcism on Brooklyn- but their idea of an exorcism is closer to torture than salvation. All Sofia wants is to get out of this house. But there is no way out. Sofia can't go against the other girls... unless she wants to be next."

My Rating: 3.5/5

I've had this book on my physical TBR for a while, and I'm glad I got to it. It was an intense read, and for people looking for horror with that 2010s kind of young adult style this was perfect. I was honestly surprised by how intense the body horror was and the horror scenes overall. The characters were interesting, but I don't see myself reaching for the next book in the series at this time.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Title: Sunrise on the Reaping

Author: Suzanne Collins

Series/Standalone: Hunger Games Series (Book #0)

Genre: Dystopia, Science Fiction, Young Adult

Pages: 387

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Year Published: 2025

Format: Hardcover (Own it)

"When you've been set up to lose everything you love, what is there left to fight for?

As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.

Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.

When Haymitch's name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He's torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes; a young friend who's nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he's been set up to fail. But there's something in him that wants to fight... and have the fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena."

My Rating: 5/5

I love a prequel and seeing where characters in a main series come from and how they got where they are. I don't think that I can say this book was enjoyable because it was graphic, it was uncomfortable to think about the progression of the games. I think that the plot was incredible, fast-paced, and helped the overall arc of the story. The different easter eggs kept me guessing and wondering how this overlapped with the main series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Crown of Horns by Jeff Smith

Title: Crown of Horns

Author: Jeff Smith

Series/Standalone: Bone Series (Volume 9)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 232

Publisher: Graphix

Year Published: 2004

Format: Hardcover

"Trapped in the dungeon while the fate of the Valley is decided by two raging armies, Thorn is haunted by the dangerous and mysterious object of power known as the Crown of Horns. Guarded by dragons, the Crown of Horns is the only thing that can stop the Locust and end the war... but how, and at what price? Fone Bone believes he knows the answer, and he must decide where his heart truly lies..."

My Rating: 3/5

This series wasn't all I hoped it would be. I felt that there were too many repetitions, and while I respect it was one of the first very popular graphic novels for young adults that I interacted with it's not the best one I've read. I may still read the prequel if the urge strikes, but I'm not in a huge rush.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Unwind by Neal Shusterman

Title: Unwind

Author: Neal Shusterman

Series/Standalone: Unwind Dystology (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Science Fiction

Pages: 337

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Year Published: 2007

Format: Hardcover (Own It)

"Connor, Ris and Lev are running for their lives.

The Second Civil War was fought over reproductive rights. The chilling resolution: Life is inviolable from the moment of conception until age thirteen. Between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, however, parents can have their child "unwound," whereby all of the child's organs are transplanted into different donors, so life doesn't technically end. Connor is too difficult for his parents to control. Risa, a ward of the state, is not enough to be kept alive. And Lev is a tithe, a child conceived and raised to be unwound. Together, they may have a chance to escape and to survive."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I was surprised how this book remained so current. I was surprised that it was written in 2007 and still remained so relevant. The concept, as you first start this book, feels very extreme, but throughout this book, it becomes more and more understandable about how the world got to the point it is. The world-building is excellent. The plot is fast-paced, and the changing perspectives keep readers aware of different opinions and ways the world has perceived these new bills. While uncomfortable, I strongly recommend. The only reason I knocked off one star was the need for "romance" that all dystopians had at this time. I look forward to continuing on in this series.

Thank you for reading.

Sidny 

Book Review: The Outliers by Kimberly McCreight

Title: The Outliers

Author: Kimberly McCreight

Series/Standalone: The Outliers Series

Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller 

Pages: 336

Publisher: HarperCollins

Year Published: 2016

Format: Hardcover (Own It)

"It all starts with a text: Please, Wylie, I need your help.

Wylie hasn't heard from Cassie in over a week, not since their last fight. But that doesn't matter. Cassie's in trouble, so Wylie  decides to do what she has done so many times before: save her best friend from herself.

This time it's different, though. Instead of telling Wylie where she is, Cassie sends cryptic clues. And instead of having Wylie come by herself, Jasper shows up saying Cassie sent him to help. Trusting the guy who sent Cassie off the rails doesn't feel right, but Wylie has no choice: she has to ignore her gut instinct and go with him.

But figuring out where Cassie is goes from difficult to dangerous, fast. As Wylie and Jasper heard farther and farther north into the dense woods of Maine. Wylie struggles to control her growing sense that something is really wrong. What isn't Cassie telling them? And could finding her be only the beginning?"

My Rating: 2/5

I knew nothing about this book going in (a trend, I know) and it was odd. THe beginning I was hooked, the middle I was a little bored, and the end I was just left wondering what the hell I had read. Not necessarily in a good way. I think that this book in many ways reminded me of Maximum Ride mixed with mystery and a tinge of thriller. Needless to say, not for me and I won't be continuing with the series. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

Title: When Stars Are Scattered

Author: Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Nonfiction

Pages: 264

Publisher: Dial Books

Year Published: 2020

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Heartbreak and hope exist together in this remarkable graphic novel about growing up in a refugee camp, as told by a Somali refugee to the Newberry Honor-winning creator of Roller Girl.

Omar and his little brother, Hassan, arrived in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya, seven years ago. Their father was killed the day they left home, and they haven't seen their mother since they joined their neighbours who were fleeing to Dadaab. Now Omar is eleven and Hassan is nine, and Omar has quit school to look after his brother, who has an intellectual disability.

When Omar is given the opportunity to return to school and carve out a future for himself and Hassan, he feels torn. He loves school and could have the opportunity to earn a coveted scholarship to a North American university- and with it a visa for himself and Hassan. But is it worth the risk and heartache of leaving his vulnerable brother for hours each day?

Told in Victoria Jamieson's engaging and accessible graphic-novel style and based on Omar Mohamed's gripping true story, this book is an intimate, important look at day-to-day life in a refugee camp."

My Rating: 5/5

I am currently taking courses to get my library tech diploma, and in one of my classes we were asked to discuss a middle grade age graphic novel, one of my classmates brought forward this one. What an incredibly moving and impactful novel!? For children and adults alike this offers an inside look at what being a refugee in a camp after going through incredibly traumatic life events looks like. I would highly recommend it. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: These Are My Words by Ruby Slipperjack

Title: These Are My Words

Author: Ruby Slipperjack

Series/Standalone: Dear Canada Series 

Genre: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade

Pages: 200

Publisher: Scholastic Canada

Year Published: 2016

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Violet Pesheen is struggling to adjust to her new life at Residential School. She misses her Grandma; she has run-ins with Cree girls; at her "white" school, everyone just stares; and everything she brought has been taken from her, including her name- she is now just a number. But worst of all, she has a fear. A fear of forgetting the things she treasures most: her Anishnabe language; the names of those she knew before; and her traditional customs. A fear of forgetting who she was. 

Her notebook is the one place she can record all of her worries, and heartbreaks, and memories. And maybe, just maybe there will be hope at the end of the tunnel. 

Drawing from her own experiences at Residential School, Ruby Slipperjack creates a brave, yet heartbreaking heroine in Violet, and lets young readers glimpse into an all-too important chapter in our nation's history."

My Rating: 5/5

When I was younger I would frequently read the Dear Canada series and seeing that they have expanded the series to encompass some of Canada's less than shining moments interested me. For those who do not know Residential Schools were a cultural genocide planned to eradicate the Indigenous cultures in Canada. While we know some of the things that happened in these horrible environments we will never know all of the stories from these terrible environments. I wanted to read this to proof it for the school-age class in the childcare centre I work at. I would highly recommend reading this as it gives a look at the generational trauma that Residential Schools gave to the Indigenous people in Canada.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Lore Olympus: Volume 1

Title: Lore Olympus Volume 1

Author: Rachel Smythe

Series/Standalone: Lore Olympus Series (Vol. 1)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Mythology,

Pages: 384

Publisher: 2021

Year Published: Del Rey

Format: Hardcover (Own It)

"Experience the propulsive love story of two Greek gods- Hades and Persephone- brought to life with lavish artwork and an irresistible contemporary voice.

Scandalous gossip, wild parties, and forbidden love- witness what the gods do after dark in this stylish and contemporary reimagining of one of mythology's most well-known stories about creator Rachel Smythe. Featuring a brand-new, exclusive short story. Smythe's original Eisner-nominated web-comic Lore Olympus brings the Greek Pantheon into the modern age with this sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel."

My Rating: 5/5

I had originally read most of the comics through webtoons as they were published weekly and once they were traditionally published I was quick to buy the first volume. This series has an amazing art style, an addicting storyline and great character changes. I look forward to continuing the series and reading the physical additions. I highly recommend it, it's worth the hype.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Title: The Nightingale

Author: Kristin Hannah

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult,

Pages: 440

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Year Published: 2015

Format: Hardcover Copy (Own It)

"In love we find who we want to be.

In war we find out who we are.

FRANCE, 1939

In the quiet village of Carriveau, Vianne Maurice says good-bye to her husband, Antione as he heads for the Front. She doesn't believe that the Nazis will invade France... but invade they do, in droves of marching soldiers, in caravans of trucks and tanks, in planes that fill the skies and drop bombs upon the innocent. When a Germain captain requisitions Wianne's home, she and her daughter must live with the enemy or lose everything. Without food or money or hope, as danger escalates all around them, she is forced to make one impossible choice after another to keep her family alive.

Vianne's sister, Isabelle, is a rebellious eighteen-year-old, searching for purpose with all the reckless passion of youth. While thousands of Parisians march into the unknown terrors of war, she meets Gaetan, a partisan who believes the French can fight the Nazis from within France, and she falls in love as only the young can... completely. But when he betrays her, Isabelle joins the Resistance and never looks back, risking her life time and again to save others."

My Rating: 5/5

I'm so late to reading this book. I can't even explain why I put this off for so long, but this was one pick that was voted for in bookclub this month and I'm so grateful it was. Kristin Hannah was able to evoke so many emotions throughout this read and while you expect it to be an emotional read, she made each character feel so realistic that I couldn't help but feel things alongside them. I also thought it was interesting to see how she wove the tales of occupied France between the two siblings who had different values and you are able to see both sisters' points of view. If you have read this I'm curious how you felt about it. If you haven't, may I be another person (likely) to tell you to pick this up!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: The Moth Keeper by Kay O'Neill

Title: The Moth Keeper

Author: Kay O'Neill

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Fantasy

Pages: 265

Publisher: Random House Graphic

Year Published: 2023

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Being a Moth Keeper is a huge responsibility and a great honor, but what happens when the new Moth Keeper decides to take a break from the moon and see the sun for the first time? A middle-grade fantasy graphic novel about passion, duty, and found family.

Anya is finally a Moth Keeper, the protector of the lunar moths that allow the Night-Lily flower to bloom once a year. her village needs the flower to continue thriving and Anya is excited to prove her worth and show her thanks to her friends with her actions, but what happens when being a Moth Keeper isn't exactly what Anya thought it would be?

The nights are cold in the desert and the lunar moths live far from the village. Anya finds herself isolated and lonely. Despite Anya's dedication, she wonders what it would be like to live in the sun. Her thoughts turn into an obsession, and when Anya takes a chance to stay up during the day to feel the sun's warmth, her village and the lunar moths are left to deal with the consequences..."

My Rating: 4/5

When I put a hold on this via the library I thought that it was just a picture book and so I thought it would be perfect for the kids I work with who are obsessed with catching bugs. Imagine my surprise when I got this sweet little graphic novel with just the most adorable art style. For who it's aimed for and what it is it is such a sweet little read. I would recommend to someone in the middle-grade age range. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny 

Book Review: Walk the Edge by Katie McGarry

Title: Walk the Edge

Author: Katie McGarry

Series/Standalone: Thunder Road Trilogy (Book #2)

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Pages: 426

Publisher: Harlequin TEEN

Year Published: 2016

Format: Hardcover Copy (Own It)

"One moment of recklessness will change their worlds.

Smart. Responsible. That's seventeen-year-old Breanna's role in her large family, and heaven forbid she put a toe out of the line. Until one night of shockingly un-Breanna-like behavior puts her into a vicious cyber-bully's line of fire- and brings fellow senior Thomas 'Razor' Turner into her life.

Razor lives for the Reign of Terror motorcycle club, and good girls like Breanna just don't belong. But when he learns she's being blackmailed over a compromising picture of the two of them- a picture that turns one unexpected and beautiful moment into ugliness- he knows it's time to step outside the rules.

And so they make a pact: he'll help her track down her blackmailer, and in return she'll help him seek answers to the mystery that's haunted him- one that not even his club brothers have been willing to discuss. But the more time they spend together, the more their feelings grow. And suddenly they're both walking the edge of discovering who they really are, what they want, and where they're going from here."

My Rating: 3.5/5

I really do think that these would have been my shit when I was younger, but at my age they're just fun. Although this series does deal with very heavy topics (self-harm, depression, cyberbullying, etc.) it also has some pretty sweet romances within the motorcycle club. I liked the subplot of figuring out what was happening within the club in the past. I love the trope of the good girl falls for the bad boy, but there were more than a few moments that Razor acted in a way that was red flag, after red flag. If someone I was related too was dating a guy who punched drywall, I would not be on board with it. I'll probably keep reading the trilogy for fun, but I'm not in a huge rush to pick up the next one. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan

Title: Wicked Saints

Author: Emily A. Duncan

Series/Standalone: Something Dark and Holy (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pages: 385

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook (Own Hardcover)

"Some stories are so beautiful, so brutal, that they claw at your heart and refuse to let go. Welcome to the world of Wicked Saints- an epic, passionate novel that you won't soon forget. Prepare to meet:

A GIRL named Nadya, who hears the whisper of the gods inside her head. 

A PRINCE surrounded by desperate suitors and deadly assassins. 

A MONSTER hidden behind pale, tortured eyes- and a smile that cuts like a knife.

The paths of these three characters become entwined during a centuria-long war filled with sinners and saints, magic and mystery, and a star-crossed romance that threatens to tip the scales between dark and light... forever."

My Rating: 5/5

I would like to note that my thoughts on this book are not my thoughts on the author. When I read this book I didn't realize how controversial this author is. I don't agree with the actions she has taken this review is fully based on her work that I read. 

I really enjoyed this high fantasy-style story and I loved the characters. I think that this author played on a trope that I really enjoyed, two love interests that fill the tropes I enjoy. I also enjoyed the idea of the different magic systems. There were some plot points that I assume would be filled in the next book (I have not decided whether or not I am reading the next in the series). I enjoyed the excerpts from the Book of Saints, and I found that the audiobook was a great way to consume this story. I would recommend picking up the audiobook is your local library has a copy.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: You Are Home by Catana Chetwynd

Title: You Are Home

Author: Catana Chetwynd

Artist(s): Catana Chetwynd

Series/Standalone: Catana Comics (Book #4)

Genre: Comics, Coffee Table Book

Pages: 128

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Year Published: 2022

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Author of Little Moments of Love, Snug and In Love & Pajamas, Catana Chetwynd imparts her relationship wisdom once again with her latest collection of comics. This together, the reality of facing time apart, or even officially committing to one another-- all while shining a light on the joy those moments can offer. Catana's unmistakable illustration and writing styles make even the most mundane tasks, like mowing the lawn or deciding whose turn it is to cook dinner, seem charming. Her relatable content is elevated in a fresh and humorous way that only Catana's comics can do."

My Rating: 5/5

These little comic collections give my partner and me so much joy. Catana is able to describe so many relatable little situations you have in a long-term relationship and it helps both my husband and me feel seen. I love them and they always make us giggle together as we take turns flipping through them. I can't wait to read more of them. Would strongly recommend it.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Down Amongst the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire

Title: Down Amongst the Sticks and Bones

Author: Seanan McGuire

Series/Standalone: Wayward Children (Book #2)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Horror

Pages: 187

Publisher: Tor

Year Published: 2017

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

First Line: "People who knew Chester and Serena Wolcott socially would have placed money on the idea that the couple would never choose to have children."

"Twin sisters Jack and Jill were seventeen when they found their way home and were packed off to Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children.

This is the story of what happened first...

Jacqueline was her mother's perfect daughter- polite and quiet, always dressed as a princess. If her mother was sometimes a little strict, it's because crafting the perfect daughter takes discipline.

Jillian was her father's perfect daughter- adventurous, thrill-seeking, and a bit of a tom-boy. He really would have preferred a son, but you work with what you've got.

They were five when they learned that grown-ups can't be trusted.

They were twelve when they walked down the impossible staircase and discovered that the pretense of love can never be enough to prepare you a life filled with magic in a land filled with mad scientists and death and choices."

My Rating: 4/5

This series is so unusual and I wasn't anticipating loving the world. I didn't expect to want to binge-read as many of them as possible. So far I've already started the third one and it's been excellent. The author has such a way with atmospheric writing that even in a short amount of time it grabs your attention and sucks you in. I think that this one really helped build more about the idea of the doorways. I can't wait to read more!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: In Love & Pajamas by Catana Chetwynd

Title: In Love & Pajamas

Author: Catana Chetwynd

Artist(s): Catana Chetwynd

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Graphic Novel, Coffee Table Book, Humor

Pages: 128

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Year Published: 2021

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"When you've reached that sweatpants-wearing cozy place in your relationship, it's all in Love & Pajamas! This brand-new collection of Catan Comics presents some fan favorites and half of the book features never-before-seen comics that delight and amuse readers of all ages. Whole, sweet, feel-good humor!"

My Rating: 5/5

This was my husband's favourite of these comics that we've read together and I agree. This really sets the stage for long-term relationships. The others reminded me of times earlier in our lives, but these were so intensely us that I could hardly believe that this was somewhat universal for other couples. Fun, romantic and humour-filled. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Snug by Catana Chetwynd

Title: Snug

Author: Catana Chetwynd

Artist(s): Catana Chetwynd

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult

Pages: 136

Publisher: Andrew McMeel Publishing

Year Published:  2020

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Why bother getting out of bed when you could stay bundled up with that special someone and a book of cozy, cute comics, From the author of the bestselling, Little Moments of Love comes Snug, a collection of comics that perfectly captures the honest, playful and relatable snapshots of romantic life.

Catana Chetwynd's second book has the same charming and inviting style as her first and includes 50 percent new, never-before-shared comics. Snug is a celebration of the quirks and peculiarities of every one of us- and the magic that happens when we find our matching puzzle piece."

My Rating: 5/5

These small books about relationships and comics are excellent. I love how relatable these stories are and how much they make me giggle and look over at my husband. I can't wait to see what the third book is like. I adore these comics.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Little Moments of Love by Catana Chetwynd

Title: Little Moments of Love 

Author: Catana Chetwynd

Artist(s): Catana Chetwynd

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Graphic Novels, Comics, Romance

Pages: 148

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Year Published: 2018

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"What began as stray doodles on scraps of paper became an internet sensation when Catana Chetwynd's boyfriend shared her drawings online. Now, Catana Comics touches millions of readers with its sweet, relatable humor. Little Moments of Love collects just that- the little moments that are the best parts of being with the person you love."

My Rating: 5/5

Although this coffee table book is short it is so touching. These stories focus on relationships and weirdos which is exactly what I am lucky enough to have with my husband. These made me laugh and I remember when I first discovers these comics on Instagram. I would strongly suggest both the coffee table books and their page. Great to share with your partner.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny