Jamie (131 KP) rated Island of the Blue Dolphins in Books
Jul 22, 2017
Island of the Blue Dolphins is based on The Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island: Juana Maria, a Nicoleño Native American left alone on San Nicolas Island for 18 years. She was the last surviving member of her tribe and died after she was rescued. This incredible story has largely been lost in the greater narrative of American history.
The story follows a young girl named Karana as she learns to survive on her own. Facing certain death, her tribe flees the island and Karana is left behind. The story has plenty of adventure as Karana fights to survive, learning how to be resourceful – hunting for food and materials for clothing, building shelters, and dealing with the local wild dogs and other dangerous creatures on the island. Where this book really shines is how the writing managed to portray Karana’s feelings of isolation and loneliness which really struck a chord with me.
The book is beautifully written and I’ve read it countless times since it was first gifted to me in elementary school. I look forward to when my own daughters grow older and I can share this story with them. This is a wonderful book for all ages that I absolutely adore. Fantastic for middle grade girls just getting into reading.
Taryn K (444 KP) rated Yarned and Dangerous (A Tangled Web Mystery) in Books
May 5, 2018
I am a crocheter and a yarn hoarder, so that could be why I didn't quite understand how Josie could consider selling the yarn shop Eb's late wife Cora left behind in favor of going back to the designer who was making her crazy in New York. She was so stifled and couldn't come up with amazing clothing designs until she started going through the inventory with a member of the local knitting group. Yet all through the book, this mental struggle between "It feels so welcoming," and "No, I'm just going to get rid of the inventory and sell it off," just bothered me, which is why it's an 8-star review and not a 9.
The villain is not immediately obvious, which I appreciated, since it's usually obvious by chapter 5 who did it, if not why they did it. I chased a few wild geese before finding out who the culprit was, so I enjoyed that.
It is a good book, as is the second book, and I'm looking forward to book 3 in the series.
Merissa (13854 KP) rated Escaping Exile (Escape Trilogy #1) in Books
Oct 19, 2018
It is for books like this, that I wish I did half stars! I have swung from 3 to 4, and back again. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and the backgrounds of those involved, I would have like a bit more detail of the era concerned. All that is really mentioned, all that is really needed to be mentioned on a tropical island mind you, is the clothing. However, I would like to know more about the era they both live in now, what their past home lives were like, things like that.
That being said, this was a thoroughly enjoyable story, with plenty of other details given, and plenty of chemistry between the two main characters. It was great to see Andrew's attitude changing, and the reasons for it. This finishes HFN, but don't panic, there are still two more installments to come.
A well paced story that is definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
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