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Ali A (82 KP) rated Hello (from Here) in Books

Sep 14, 2021  
Hello (from Here)
Hello (from Here)
Chandler Baker, Wesley King | 2021 | Young Adult (YA)
5
6.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Trigger Warnings: Covid-19, death of a parent, AIDS, generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks,

Max and Jonah bump into each over at the grocery store right when the Covid-19 lockdown was beginning in California. Max's part-time job as a personal shopper begins to transform into a bit of a nightmare and Jonah's pre-existing anxiety disorder is becoming a daily struggle. Can the two come together even though they must stay apart? Hello (from Here) jumps into the first two months of the quarantine and the love lives and two teenagers trying to figure out this new world.

This wasn't my favorite book on the planet, but I still enjoyed it nonetheless. I will also keep it on my shelves and possibly come back to it another time (when the Corona Virus isn't still running wild). Like most who have reviewed this book, I feel like it may have been too soon.

The main characters were okay, but not amazing, I did find them a little whiny towards the end... Olivia, Jonah's sister, was probably my favorite out of everybody and I'd kind of like to hear some more of her story! Also Arlo and his story! Kate and Jonah's "step-parent replacing late parent" trope was shown well in the novel. I thought the development of their relationship was well handled and realistic. I was happy with the end result for them.

I also thought the anxiety disorder representation was handled well in this novel too. As someone with anxiety who has had panic attacks (though not quite like Jonah's), I felt like one could still understand what he was going through, especially in his current situation.

I feel like this novel fell short - mostly by tackling too much all at once. I felt a little anticlimactic by the time I closed it. So many things were brought up: important issues and themes, but then were finished limply in the end. (view spoiler).

The cheating storyline was just - bleh. It wasn't needed and was more of a distraction. I also felt like it didn't make much sense for how the character had been acting throughout the whole storyline.

Overall, I feel like this was just too soon. I'm sure it will be good in a few years time though, when we weren't all still going through the same pandemic.
  
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Kyera (8 KP) rated The King's Locket in Books

Feb 1, 2018  
TK
The King's Locket
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The King's Locket is a lovely story about family and forgiveness. Throughout the short text, there are illustrations of important moments that children can marvel at. This is a book that a parent would need to read to their child, as there are some words that would be challenging for younger readers and require explanation. Overall, it was a cute story and I would definitely read it to my younger cousin when I babysit for her. I think she would enjoy the tale very much. I would probably rate it a 4.5/5 mostly because a child couldn't read it by themselves (although nightly reading to a child is important) thus it felt a little above a child's level at times.
  
AS
Adoption Stories: Real Life Experiences
Ann Morris | 2016
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
MoMo’s Book Diary recommends Ann Morris’ “Adopting – The Real Story” as a fascinating 5 star read for anyone with an interest in adoption.

Ann Morris has updated her earlier book The Adoption Experience which was published in 1999. I found this an emotional and highly insightful book which shares a wide range of voices and experiences, good and bad, but anyone considering adoption would find this a very useful tool.

Adoption touches so many people on a daily basis, be it as birth parent, adoptee or adopter. Processes may have changed over the years but human feelings are still as raw and scary as ever - on all fronts.

I would like to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book ahead of publication.
  
The Night Olivia Fell
The Night Olivia Fell
Christina McDonald | 2019 | Mystery, Thriller
10
9.3 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
How far will a mother's love go?
As a mother, simply reading the description of this book tore my heart out and I knew I had to pick it up... I'm so glad I did. A fabulous read - heartbreaking and tragic but I could not put it down!?

Abi wakes to the call no parent should get - that her daughter Olivia has been in a tragic accident. Having always felt so close to her daughter, Abi begins a search for answers after finding out that everything she knew about Olivia is a lie.

How far will a mother's love go? To the ends of the earth of course....

My first book by this author and I'll surely be back for more!!