Strong Looks Better Naked – Khloé Kardashian

Strong Looks Better Naked by Khloé Kardashian

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Received: Library
Published: 2015
Publisher: Regan Arts
Recommended Age: 13+
Genres & Themes: Adult, Self Help, Health, Love, Memoir, Growing Up, Celebrity Life, Family

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REVIEW:

Khloé is the Kardashian I relate to the most and am most excited about seeing appear on the screen. She is so relatable. She’s been through so much. I loved the way she opened up to us in this book. She shares her ups and downs, her journey to a healthier, stronger, more love-filled life.

Short Negative Review: I Owe You One – Sophie Kinsella

I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella

My rating: 1 of 5 stars
Received: Library
Published: 2019
Publisher: Dial Press
Recommended Age: 13+
Genres & Themes: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Family Drama, Family Business, Siblings

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REVIEW:

This is awful.

I considered giving it two stars, because I can’t believe I DARE give a Sophie Kinsella book a one-star rating. But look, reading this book is absolutely pointless.

I’m not even enjoying it. I just stopped at page 216 because it’s not fun, it’s pretty sad and I feel so, so bad for Fixie (whose name I absolutely hate).

The Shadows Between Us – Tricia Levenseller

The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Received: Raincoast Books
Published: February 25th, 2020
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Recommended Age: 13+
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Royalty, Assassination, Plotting, Secrets, Feminism, Friendship

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REVIEW:

Last semester, I took a theatre class. There was one specific scene that was very important in the play and it had to be done perfectly. When practicing, the actors started the scene with a lot of energy and really brought to life the characters and intensity of the story. But somehow, as the scene went on, the actors’ energy started fading slowly and the scene ended with a lacklustre atmosphere.

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead – Sheryl Sandberg

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Received: Library
Published: 2013
Publisher: Knopf
Recommended Age: 14+
Genres & Themes: Nonfiction, Business, Self Help, Feminism, Leadership, Growth

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REVIEW:

I am ambitious.

I want to test my limits and then I want to pulverize them. I want to dare climb the professional ladder and end up at the top. And I used to say it wasn’t because I was attracted to the idea of having power and influence.

The Plain Janes – Cecil Castellucci & Jim Rugg

The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci & Jim Rugg

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Received: Hachette Book Group Canada
Published: January 2020
Publisher: Little, Brown BFYR
Recommended Age: 12+
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Graphic Novel, Art, Friendship, Mental Health, Romance, High School

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REVIEW:

This graphic novel makes the following claim, supported by multiple events, throughout its story: that art saves. That without it, we can easily drown underwater and lose sight of the beauty that surrounds us even in bleak times.

Ali Cross – James Patterson

Ali Cross by James Patterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Hachette Book Group Canada
Published: November 2019
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Recommended Age: 8+
Genres & Themes: Middle Grade, Mystery, Friendship, Family, Gaming

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REVIEW:

This is the story of Ali Cross – Alex Cross’ young son – who wants to become a detective, just like his father, and work towards protecting his community. He thought he would have to wait much longer to follow on his father’s footsteps, but after one of his friends disappears, he decides to investigate the disappearance and won’t stop until he finds his friend.

The Defining Decade – Meg Jay

The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter—And How to Make the Most of Them Now by Meg Jay

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Hachette Book Group Canada
Published: 2012
Publisher: Twelve
Recommended Age: 16+
Genres & Themes: Adult, Nonfiction, Psychology, Work & Love, Personal Growth

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REVIEW:

This is a fascinating and informative psychology book. I couldn’t have chosen a better moment to read it – I was in the right mood for it and I needed it, besides.

I am turning twenty-three in June. I’m happy with the number and where I am currently in my life, though it’s hard to believe sometimes that I started reviewing books at sixteen and here we are today.

Boy21 – Matthew Quick

Boy21 by Matthew Quick

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Hachette Book Group Canada
Published: 2012
Publisher: Little, Brown BFYR
Recommended Age: 12+
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Sports, Romance, Death, Friendship, Crime

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REVIEW:

Never in a million years would I have seen that coming. Ever. I knew my reading of this book would be different, because while there are other YA Fiction authors who explore the themes Matthew Quick does, such as family death, loneliness or even crime, he explores them in such a unique way that I can’t help but be captivated… and befuddled.

Towers Falling – Jewell Parker Rhodes

Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Hachette Book Group Canada
Published: 2016
Publisher: Little, Brown BFYR
Recommended Age: 7+
Genres & Themes: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Friendship, School, Family History, American History

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REVIEW:

With Jewell Parker Rhodes, you don’t have to wonder. You don’t have to question whether the book is worth buying, reading, holding in your hands. There is no reason to pause and squint your eyes. Because you just know that this author will deliver a meaningful story with memorable protagonists and an affective atmosphere.

Lily the Thief – Janne Kukkonen

Lily the Thief by Janne Kukkonen

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Received: Raincoast Books
Published: November 2019
Publisher: First Second
Recommended Age: 9+
Genres & Themes: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Adventure, Supernatural

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REVIEW:

Lily is a young little thief who is tired of getting easy jobs. She wants to get the respect she thinks she deserve and challenge herself by taking on a hard job and becoming one of the great thieves of her guild.

Alas, her master does not approve of her ambitions, unable to get past the fact that she is a girl (and quite talented in the art of thievery). So she decides to work towards her goal without the blessing of the Guildmaster.