Review – You Can Do Anything, Tyrone! by Sir Lenny Henry
Sir Lenny Henry’s “You Can Do Anything, Tyrone!” inspires kids with fun, imagination, and Grandad’s wise advice on self-belief and determination.
Tagged: Libby
Review – Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi andΒ Yusef Salaam
Punching the Air powerfully explores racial injustice and the resilience of the human spirit, as co-authored by the inspiring Yusef Salaam
Review – Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
Every Heart a Doorway was far too short because the interesting elements weren’t detailed enough and the pacing wasn’t great. All of a sudden we’re in a mystery, two minutes later the teen detectives have solved the case and we’re happy ever after for the ones who aren’t dead.
Review – All Systems Red by Martha Wells
When you find a book that resonates, is fun, interesting, engaging and well written, you can’t help but wallow in the warm glow of bookish love. Murderbot is a character that will either grow on you (before the end of chapter 1) or you will adore instantly, there are no other options.
How I was introduced to Murderbot
The name Murderbot invokes so much curiosity.Β I’m glad that I took that first step to find out more about this complex and wry personality. Looking forward to more adventures with this character.
Review – The End of Men by Christina Sweeney-Baird
Outstanding, one of the best books I’ve read this year (2021).
Not because it’s about a pandemic to which I could relate but because of the characters who were amazing in their complexity and relatability. Each one, whether reoccurring or featuring once in the narrative, realistically brought the ramifications of this catastrophe eloquently to life. The narration was spot on.
Practically perfect.
Review – Forget Me Not by Elle Terry
Calli is on her 10th new school because her mom ups and leaves town when romantic relationships ends. If that wasn’t enough to contend with Calli has Tourette syndrome. She longs for a friend and somewhere to call home.
Heartfelt, powerful, insightful and just packed full of emotion. This YA read was more than just the turmoil of the teenage years.
Review – My Name Is Leon by Kit de Waal
This version of the eighties isn’t rose tinted nostalgia. My Name is Leon is about a biracial child in care, how he gets there and how he comes to terms with the realities of his life. Tough in places, well observed and a terrific read.
Review – The Memory Police by YΕko Ogawa
There are many things to like about The Memory Police, the narrative structure, the well drawn characters and world building. Another aspect that I can’t let go unsaid was the delicate way information was revealed. I didn’t realise just how chaotic the island was until I (the reader) was invested in the story and found myself, like the islanders equally wounded by this calamitous place. But its thought provoking insight into the power and relevance of memory is what lingers and will not be easily forgotten.
Review – Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
“Hell is the absence of the people you long for”. Station Eleven shows us a world crippled by a virus and the survivors who remain in the aftermath. This is a perceptive and astute retelling of humanity struggle to come to terms with this loss and the future they have to create. A tremendous book. May’s Book of the Month.
