Rachel Reads & Reviews

Sharing books for everyone

  • The School for Good and Evil: A Crystal of Time Review

    Remember in the last review when I said that I thought I knew the villain. . .

    Yeah, I was so wrong.

    Once again, Chainani subverts all my expectations as the Snake and the Lion switch sides (or do they?) just as all the rest of the Evers are scrambling to fight back against a new kind of Evil. An Evil that doesn’t follow Never or Ever rules, whose unpredictable nature has everyone questioning their own.

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  • I enjoy Emily Starr

    I reread Emily of New Moon last month and I must say, Anne Shirley gets all the fame but I believe Emily should be the one that is praised.

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  • The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Review

    This book was certainly full of surprises.

    I’ll admit, I didn’t read this when it first came out because it seemed unnecessary. I mean who wanted a book about President Snow? And about yet another District 12 tribute, especially as we already know what will happen?

    But those low expectations were probably a good thing as it blew me out of the water when Collins dives into the man behind the monster.

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  • June Books

    Friday I’m in Love by Camryn Garret

    Mahira always wanted a sweet sixteen, was promised one but socioeconomic difficulties made the big event fall through. But inspired by her best friend’s Sweet 16 and her annoyance with the required “coming out” convention as a life changing announcement rather than a celebration-Mahira decides to make it a party. A party to celebrate queerness as a wonderful mode of life and perhaps get the new girl she has her eye on. . .

    As usual, Garrett combines important topics with moments of joy whether it be familial, friendship or in romance. It’s a love letter to rom-coms although I admit I missed several references like Maid in Manhatten and Love, Simon. It’s also feels more realistic than her previous novel in how Mahira can sometimes be unlikable, her life really feels hopeless with obstacles popping up everytime she gtes close to her dream. This allows the happy ending to feel more triumphant and gives Garrett a chance to discuss the intersections of queerness with blackness, religion and queerness, and socioeconomic status in relation to self preception.

    However, on the note of Mahira being unlikable, it sort of dampened my enjoyment of the novel. She can be selfish especially with money concerns. It was realistic as teenagers can be irrational and unlikable but I wished there had been more growth from her in financial literacy. Even as she saved for her party, she only worked as hard as she needed to yet complained when her boss noticed her slacking off, how she was losing money by wasting them on superfluous things and getting defensive when her friend pointed out that she might have to think more about her financial plan to make her party a success.

    Mahira also felt creepy in regards to her crush on the new girl, Siobhan. She has, like a one minute conversation with Siobhan at a party and then can’t get over it. Then it turns out, Siobhan has moved to her school and she already has a boyfriend. That doesn’t stop Mahira from thinking that Siobhan can do better and that she desperately wished Siobhan would fall for her. Mahira even acknowledged her creepiness and how she was acting like Edward Cullen yet she continued to do it!

    Part of her plan is just settling for friendship (even though she knows in her heart that she wouldn’t be able to handle just a friendship) and she hangs out with Siobhan at a dog park and one sentence stood out to me in that Mahira hadn’t thought Siobhan was someone who liked dogs or dog parks. Um. . . you only know this girl for like one class period, how can you assume anything. As for thinking Siobhan could do better than her bf, yes he’s a jerk and ignorant, but if Siobhan was dating him, maybe there was a chane Siobhan is ignorant or shares some of his beliefs too?

    Even though Mahira and Siobhan did have some good moments (particularly one walk on the beach), I felt like Mahira put her on a pedestal and Sioban just jerked her around so. . . yeah didn’t ship it.

    There was also a familial subplot with Mahira’s absentee Dad that felt unfinished. In fact, it was superfluous and so felt more jarring there wasn’t any resolution to it. Like most of the book, Mahira is concerned of how her mother will react to her coming out, but has no thoughts of her father. He isn’t even at her party at the end but her stepmother and half-siblings are. So is he homophobic? Mahira didn’t seem to care one way or the other but it still was confusing. Garrett also added another conflict with Mahira fighting her friend that also felt glossed over ontop of all the other mini subplots which made it very crowded.

    So not my favorite of Garrett’s novels and it’s kinda cheesy, but it may perfect for those who like rom coms. 

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  • Ranking the Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place

    This delightfully Snicket-esque series was fun to reread even as an adult as Penelope Lumely’s adventures with the feral Ashton children are filled with humor, wit, and mystery.

    1. The Unmapped Sea: The Incorrigible Children seem to have met their match with the savage Bubshkinov children. So with six wild kids Penelope definately has her hands full as she and Simon try to puzzle out the real meaning to Grandfather Pudge’s riddle and how it relates to the wolfish curse of the Ashtons. The madcap sea shanties, Alexander in the throes of a crush and the ridiculous farce Lady Constance believes that their sea side vacation is actually a trick for a surprise Italian getaway all put this at the top for me.
    2. The Long-Lost Home: This is a thrilling finale as many of the series’ secrets and mysteries are unraveled from Penelope and the children’s true origins, the rift of the Ashton family and where everyone will end up. It’s whimsical as Penelope’s journey from Russia to England contrasts with the children using all the knowledge their Lumawoo imparted to them to solve the family curse themselves.
    3. The Mysterious Howling: A great introduction that sets the tone for the series while planting the themes of the importance of reading, education, and a good sense of humor. I loved meeting all the characters especially the distinct personalities of the kids.
    4. The Interrupted Tale: Bringing the kids to her alma matar’s CAKE seminary, Penelope finds out Agatha’s Swanburne’s Academy for Poor Girls is in danger of being closed down and converted to a school fit for Oliver Twist. Determined to stop the closure, it turns out the shifty Edward Ashton is part of the troubles as the solution to the riddle seems to be part of Agatha’s documents. Seeing all the creative(ly boring in some cases) lectures offered combined with the surprise announcement of Lady Constanc, and Lord Fredrick confiding/relying on Penelope makes it a memorable read.
    5. The Hidden Gallery: I was surprised that this ended lower on the ranking since this is where the mystery really begins thanks to Madam Inesco’s prophetic warning-“The hunt is on!” Plus the suspicion that Edward Ashton is not really dead, and the chaotic rendition of Simon’s play (that I believe is loosely based on the Pirates of Penzance) made me really take notice of the continuous nature of the series.
    6. The Unseen Guest: The only reason that this gets last place is because as exciting as an ostrich hunt should be, I’ve never gotten into it. And the fear Penelope has that Alexander, Beaowulf and Cassiopia may return to their wild ways never feels urgent as it should be as it is a forgone conclusion that they’d want to stay with their Lumawoo.
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  • The School for Good and Evil: Quests for Glory Review

    Ah yes, the Camelot Years. Agatha, Tedros and Sophie had thought that they completed their fairytale but a new evil is rising and everything that they thought was true is about to be undone.

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  • An Island Princess Starts a Scandal Review

    The second book is always interesting to read as you may encounter sophmore slump after the dazzling debut or it exceeds expectations. Herrera’s novel, of course, is the latter as it is just as layered and wonderful as the first in Las Leonas series. Anyone who loves historical romance should go read it and this time, I’ll try to keep the gushing to less than three pages as the wildest Leona sets out for a summer of shameless debauchery and finds true love instead.

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  • Ranking The Friendship Ring

    This 1998-2000 series precisely disects, and relives to the messiness of friendship and adolescence. As the first protagonist introduces the series, seventh grade is where hormones hit you and you end up crying on the bathroom floor over nothing. Something Zoe Grandon thought she’d never do. But then again, she never thought she’d get a crush on her neighbor, Tommy Levitt nor want CJ Hurley to share friendship rings with her so badly. And it is that friendship ring that starts the desires and drama for the friend group.

    1. Not That I Care: The third book is unique as it only takes place during one class period in Morgan’s life instead of over several days as with the other girls. Morgan causes the most drama. Of course, it stems from insecurity and a generally aggressive attitude that makes even her good-intentioned acts come across as snarky and manipulative. Plus her home life is not the best either with her immature Dad running off to be an actor, her Mom’s short temper and the low-income situation. The ‘Bring Yourself in a Sack’ project that has been the center of the previous two books is used to its full extent as Morgan freaks out about how personal each item is and flashesback to their significence and thus relates to the present day. It was a fascinating and unique way to give insight to Morgan.
    2. If Only You Know: The first book introduces Zoe Grandon, the friendliest and most well-adjusted girl in the grade. In fact, she and her family are considered so stinking happy and perfect, they could be a sitcom. Even Zoe believes that about herself but as her older sisters warn her, hormones will change her to someone she doesn’t know. It’s true and Vail paints a painful relatable picture of how everything feels so important and fragile in Zoe’s life. Zoe feels on top of the world yet horribly insecure, mood varying wildly that she feels out of control all the time and the gossip of girl world only makes it worse. It’s a great introduction and shows Vail’s expertise in teasing out all the very real feelings.
    3. Popularity Contest: The book serves as an nice full circle moment to the series. While nothing is quite resolved (especially on the Olivia end), Zoe realizes several important things about friendship like honesty and communication (not that it solves everything) as well as likability which Zoe has struggled throughout the series.
    4. What Are Friends For: Olivia has been on the fringes of the series, and the friend group which she acknowledges. She tends to put off the other girls with her moral righteousness and intellectualism. In fact, she finds most of the girls in her class, and her friends to be ridiculous with their preoccupation with popularity, primping and boys. She prides herself with asserting her individuality and not falling for such shallow concepts. Then she gets a crush and everything turns upside down where she almost considers backing off her morals to fit in and even getting to know Morgan? While I found Olivia to be a little bit unbelievably precocious, she was such a unique protagonist with a defined personality that it kept me invested. I only wish her arc could have been touched upon more in the last book.
    5. Please, Please, Please: CJ’s book is good as shows the hidden steel and rebellion under the shy ballerina. While she has intense talent, and a vicarious stage mother, CJ doesn’t want to be a prodigy, she wants to blend in and hates the thought that others see her as stuck-up for her ‘specialness.’ Her story was engaging, fast-paced and complex especially in relation to her mother. It simply comes second to last because I found the others more intriguing.
    6. Fill in the Blank: This seems to be a companion book rather than part of the series. Even the internet is confused as some websites say this is #6, others say it’s #5. I lean to companion because it breaks away from the circle of girls to focus on Tommy Levitt. While it is interesting to see his side of the story (and how totally clueless he is) and some very funny observations, it did feel very disconnected from the rest, and I wished a little more depth from him and how he regards masculinity but then again, he’s a teenage boy so I really shouldn’t be expecting such reflection from him.
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  • Ranking Wondergirls

    No, no, not the Kpop group from the 2000s Wonder Girls. I’m talking about the early 2000s book series from Scholastic by Jillian Brooks. It’s generic as it’s all about four girls and their ups and downs in the ever complicated girl world of friendship but it’s a solid series I believe like a disney sitcom. Predictable but entertaining enough with good lessons.

    1. And the Winner Is. . .: Amanda is running for class president despite her fears of public speaking. But that’s okay because she has her friends by her side and a solid campaign platform until a major rift forms when the school suggests cutting the arts funding for soccer. Now, it’s friends vs friends and the whole thing becomes a popularity contest. This one comes first because I enjoy Amanda’s character the most and I found her platform and her speech to be very well written. And though I found her friends were being harsh when they turned against her for missing a few meetups to work, I once again found it to be a reasonable rift, highlighting the series’ focus on realism.
    2. Perfect Harmony: Traci and Felicia head to the Chicago with the rest of the orchestra for the state semi finales, a competition Traci is dreading since she still hasn’t been able to master the piece. That is, until a cool boy from a rival orchestra teaches her a technique. . . and he may have a crush on her?! Problem is, cool boy is bad news but Traci can’t seem to see it. There is a bit of romance in this book, but in a slow burn sort of way since everyone is in sixth grade but I enjoyed the sweet build up between Ryan and Traci. Yes, there was another friendship conflict (a fact thankfully acknowledged by Traci who accidentally adds to the fire in her attempts not to fight) but doesn’t come across as overwrought or annoying. It even has some mother-daughter bonding.
    3. The Makeover: When Felicia feels bummed over her dad’s new girlfriend, Arielle decides to help her with a makeover, beauty wise and confidence-wise. But then Felicia supplants Arielle as the most popular girl in school! Arielle is a decent friend in this book which is great as the previous ones displayed her selfishness and toxicity in full force. Arielle actually tries to be nice, and though her flaws (selfishness, vainity, pride) still get in the way, it comes across less harshly as it did before. Plus the reunion between Arielle and Felicia was super heartwarming.
    4. Growing Pains: The debate over the arts vs sports budget continues and Amanda makes a stand for the non-funded arts program to show the school board (and her friends) why the arts are necessary. Still relatable to today’s world, Amanda’s book is once again a favorite and I enjoyed the continued progression of everyone’s characters. Can’t say more because of spoilers but it’s good.
    5. New Girl: The first book in the series introduces Traci, the titular new girl, to Wonder Lake, IL where she’s excited to now be with her summer friend, Felicia all year round. But Felicia seems more interested in being popular and being friends with Amanda and Arielle. The latter whom Traci clashes right away on the soccer field. Predictable but a good beginning in establishing all the characters’ personalities, relationships and setting up continuing themes.
    6. Birthday Blues: Felicia’s one wish for her birthday is for her parents to get back together and when her dad seemingly breaking up with his girlfriend, her wish may just come true. Yes, it was glaringly obvious that it wouldn’t, but I think it would be relatable for kids of divorce to still wish for a reunion especially as Felicia sees how amicable her parents are; so her desperate desires did seem realistic as they used selective clues.
    7. Troublemaker: Felicia’s first book reveals she’s more than a former shy girl, showing her anxieties and insecurities as she tries to maintain her new circle. And ends up getting everyone in trouble when they help her try to break up her dad and girlfriend. This gets last place because I just felt the girls were so irrational snide to the girlfriend. I get that they’re only twelve but I found it mean-spirited.
    8. Team Player: This book comes last because it shows Arielle at her worst, and most selfish, and she doesn’t even learn as she continues to excuse herself and her attempts to become unselfish are still rooted in making herself look good so it’s more performative than selfless. So yeah, I guess it’s only good because you can admire the progression from here to The Makeover.
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  • Top 5 Disney Girls

    Released in the late 90s, this children’s series by Gabrielle Charbonnet (pen name of Cate Tiernan, author of the fantasy Sweeps series among others involving witches,w warlocks and wiccan for adults) follows the adventures of six girls living in Orlando, Florida who have a big secret. Not only do their lives echo their fav Disney princesses, but they are Disney Princesses.

    It brought me immediately to that wonderful imagination of childhood and wonder as the girls are convinced of their “real” identities, using it as a guide to see magic everywhere they are, to be kind to others, and solve their problems through the magic of friendship. Schmaltzy but adorable.

    I also really enjoyed the combination of the girls’ imagination and the ambiguity that there maybe is a bit of magic in their lives even as adults may dismiss it as a coincidence or overzealous fantasy.

    Each of the girls is unique, harboring the traits of each Disney princess (Jasmine, Belle, Snow White, Ariel, Pocohontas, Cinderella) but in a more realistic way that relates to the current experiences in 90s Florida.

    Plus it has some interesting 90s slang I never heard of like ‘get glossy’ and ‘blow my hair back’ which. . . yeah, I can see why they have not stayed in the mainstream.

    Anyway, let’s get to it, my top 5 favorites.

    1. One Pet Too Many: Paula is my favorite of the girls, not only as the eldest but as someone who is an animal-lover, mature and mellow. She’s the peace-maker of the group and wears her heart on her sleeve, at least when it comes to her animal rescues so she’s heartbroken that her parents won’t let her keep an injured armadillo she rescued. So, like in any good kid sitcom, she hides it in her closet. There’s a good lesson here about friendship (as one of the subplots is Ariel’s seeming allergic reaction to all of Paula’s pets and the fur that’s on all her clothes) as well as nature and freedom.
    2. Cinderella’s Castle: Ella is still adjusting to her new life with her stepfamily (not cruel as in the movie, but she doesn’t click with them as she imagined she would) and her newfound realization that she is. . . . kinda boring. She wants to shake things up and not be old, dependable Ella. First with a new wardrobe, then by bringing a fantastic cake for the class party. Unfortunately, her masterpiece isn’t working out as she wants which is driving organized, perfectionist Ella crazy. Charbonnet draws an interesting arc for Ella as she realizes that she is partly to blame for her uncomfortableness with her stepfamily, still stuck in the idea of doing all the work herself just as she had done when it was just she and her Dad. Ella has to learn to embrace her family and accept their help as much as she takes her friends’ help.
    3. Beauty’s Revenge: Isabelle’s beast is no handsome prince but her annoying next door neighbor. Kenny has played pranks on Isabelle and her friends all her life, but unfortunately, their parents are friends and Isabelle’s parents commit the greatest betrayal when they have a chicken pox Kenny stay over for a week while his parents go on a business trip. Living in close quarters with Kenny is the worst and spurs Isabelle to commit some pranks of her own. I’ll admit, Isabelle’s plan was sort of ingenious and funny, but the resolution between the two is nicely tied in with the class’ ancestors project. They emerge from the experience with . . . well not a new friendship but a trice but who knows how long that’ll last.
    4. And Sleepy Makes Seven: This one gets on the list because it was the first one I read after finding it in a used bookstore in Madrid. Yukiko already has five siblings, all boys, and she desperately wants her new sibling to be a sister. It’s a cliche plot but it was engaging enough with its sweet friendship and magic to make me remember and finally urge me to buy the rest of the series.
    5. Adventure in Walt Disney World: The super special features the POV of all the girls when they get a surprise trip to the Disney Institute. But impulsive Ariel accidentally mixes up the forms and the girls end up in classes they have no interest in (shy Ella in improv, pacifist Paula learning karate, Jasmine learning storytelling etc.). But Paula urges them that this might be a magic test and that they should step out of their comfort zones. Which they do, and they all discover something new about their abilities and what they believe they could do. It has all the adventure as the title suggests in the happiest place on Earth with fun descriptions of the different, classes, rides and whatnot. Unfortunately, it gets number five because even though it’s longer than the other books, it still felt surface level and I wished it had been longer to see the girls growing more in each of their classes.
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