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Kyera (8 KP) rated Amina's Voice in Books

Feb 1, 2018  
Amina's Voice
Amina's Voice
Hena Khan | 2017 | Children, Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Amina’s Voice is a powerful middle-grade novel that I believe is so important for young readers to experience. Amina is a Pakistani-American, so we are given a wonderfully diverse, young voice to understand her world and it is so important in the current world climate. We, as a people, need to foster a sense of understanding and acceptance rather than fear and hate.

One of the events that happen in the books is heartbreaking and you wonder how people could behave in that manner. Unfortunately, these things happen in the real world and it’s dismaying to see people treat other fellow human beings in a less than honourable and respectful manner. It was so wonderful to see the community come together after the event, no matter their race or religion to help their neighbors. It is a ray of light in the darkness.

This short book follows Amina’s life from her sixth-grade classes and middle school friends to her time at the Mosque with her Muslim friends and family. The tale is honest and heartwarming, allowing us into her mind and connecting with her family. Although it is a short tale, it is no less important to read. I would highly recommend it to middle-grade readers (and really anyone else who is open to middle-grade fiction) because it is such a powerful and important read.
  
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Sarah (7800 KP) rated Night Shift in Books

Feb 23, 2020  
Night Shift
Night Shift
Stephen King | 1978 | Fiction & Poetry, Horror, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
8.4 (22 Ratings)
Book Rating
King at his best
This is one of the first Stephen King books I remember reading, probably when I was far too young at around the age of 10/11, if not earlier. I loved it then, I loved it the handful of times I've picked it up over the past 2 decades and having decided to read it again this week, I still love it.

King is my favourite author, and it's books like this that really highlight why. I've never before known an author who can bring such detail and intrigue into 20 different short stories, even those stories that are only a few pages long. He's a master storyteller and this book is a great example. Every single story is engaging and filled with horror, telling you just enough to leave you satisfied and not feeling like you're missing out and with a well developed plot and characters.

Out of these 20 short stories, I'd only highlight one of these that is maybe weaker than the rest: 'The Woman in the Room' and this isn't bad, just more that it's lacking in the horror that the rest of the stories have and it's a shame because this is the final story. But aside from this every single story is a brilliant read and if you ever want to find a place to start reading Stephen King, without tackling his major epic novels, there's no finer place to start than this.
  
The Pantomime Prince
The Pantomime Prince
Samantha SoRelle | 2022 | LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
"This is a little cracker of a book."
THE PANTOMIME PRINCE is a short but oh-so-sweet seasonal story about Teddy filling in on stage for his pregnant sister. Receiving flowers each performance is bittersweet when he longs for someone of his own but knowing the flowers are sent for his sister.

I won't go into detail about the story itself as I really don't want to ruin what is a little cracker of a book. Teddy makes his feelings known to the reader, giving me pause as my heart broke a little for him. Basil was a brilliant addition that had me laughing out loud.

My only wish would be that this was a longer story. I wish I could have delved a little deeper into the characters and their backstories. There are so many things I need to know. Samantha SoRelle did an amazing job of creating a short story that grabs your attention and characters that hold it from page to page. And for that reason, I want more. I don't think I'm ready to say goodbye to Teddy and Basil yet.

A fantastic read that is absolutely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* 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
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
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David McK (3576 KP) rated The Olympian Affair (The Cinder Spiers #2) in Books

Aug 26, 2024 (Updated Aug 26, 2024)  
The Olympian Affair (The Cinder Spiers #2)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Well, that was a long wait.

Approximately 10 years (edit: 8, to be precise) since the publication of the previous full-length entry in this series (The Aeronaut's Windlass).

So it's just as well I went back and read that recently, as well as the recently-published 'interquel' short story of Warriorborn.

I *would* advise reading that short story first, since this picks up almost immediately from the end of said story: Benedict jumps at the end of the latter, AMS Predator catches him at the start of this.

That sentence will make more sense to any who have read it.

Anyway, what we have is another full-blown Steampunk novel, with war brewing between the home Spires/nations of the world in which it is set, and with some heavy hints towards the end that it is set in 'our' world, but in the far far (and largely dystopian) future - I also got a bit of a vibe of that bit in 2005's 'King Kong' film where they are on Skull Island and surrounded by giant man-eating millipedes etc (which is why, in the story, the surface world is so feared).

Let's hope I don't have to wait so long for the next instalment

Or even for a new Harry Dresden (my favourite of Butcher's works) story

(with the author even apologising for the wait for this in his authors note at the end)
  
Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush, #1)
Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush, #1)
Becca Fitzpatrick | 2009 | Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult (YA)
10
7.6 (36 Ratings)
Book Rating
I read this book saturday/sunday, and i’ve waited a while to write the review. i wasn’t sure what to say.

obviously, everyone has heard about the Hush, Hush phenomenon. it’s everyone’s new favorite book, it’s everywhere, it’s popular. well people, there’s a reason for that.

this review is going to be different than my others in that I’m breaking my usual format. short and sweet—this will either be your new favorite book, or the dumbest book you’ve ever read in your life. I’m on the favorite side.

I mention the other side because of the twilight phenomenon. people either love it or hate it. same with Harry Potter.

My opinion: I’ll never regret spending $12.00 on this book (I bought it discounted). I’ll read it again and again and i loved it. (but remember that Patch is already taken *coughhesminecough*)

I will say this, though. I’m so excited for the sequel Crescendo. there is no cliff-hanger in this though, rest assured. I just want more of Patch ;)

I'm not writing more than this because i don't want to spoil it and i don't want to give you a preconceived idea about it. i want you to approach it with an open mind ;)
  
The One That Got Away
The One That Got Away
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The One That Got Away by Annabel Kantaria takes a terrifying peek into how you should always be cautious about meeting ex-partners at school reunions, especially that ‘one that got away’ (after a bad breakup) should you be wanting to rekindle that old flame. haha!

I’d say it is also a cautionary tale and that should make anyone considering even contemplating adultery to think twice about the consequences of playing with fire! Take George for example, who gets his fingers truly burnt when he goes after Stella despite being a married man. I loved it how he was just too conceited to see what was happening right under his very nose! But who is manipulating who? George has his own agenda.

Childhood sweethearts Stella and George have a history and they’re about to continue where it left off.

This cleverly written dark and twisted story that is probably one of the first books I have read in which I didn’t like either of the main characters, (and I think that is the point) yet I still found the story thrilling! Who to emphasise with? It’s a light read with short chapters which helped increase the speed I read this.
  
The Wise Man's Fear
The Wise Man's Fear
Patrick Rothfuss | 2015 | Fiction & Poetry
8
9.4 (17 Ratings)
Book Rating
does anyone else find it annoying when people rate books they haven't actually read yet?

update: now that I'VE read this i can review it properly. (see how that works, people? read a book THEN rate it. i know, complicated.)

i loved this book. i would have given it 5 stars but i honestly thought it was too short. there were places that Kvothe skipped over his story that, as an outsider looking in as opposed to a character in the novel (like Chronicler) we haven't heard the rumors or stories or gossip about the events. i would have LOVED to have heard the story about the shipwreck, especially the mysterious man. it was quite frustrating to have something with so much potential tossed aside. also, i would have appreciated a bit more of the trial in Imre. at least a third or fourth hand account of it, the version of the story Chronicler heard.

alternatively, the time spent with Felurian was beaten to death, in my opinion, and Kvothe's time in Ademre was a bit drawn out. probably something to do with the publisher's wanting more sex, i expect. sigh.

still, i puffy heart love this series and will probably buy it once it's all in paperback.
  
If Puppies Had Pockets
If Puppies Had Pockets
Lyn Willy | 2021 | Children
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Are you looking for an adorable book to read to your toddler or child? Well, If Puppies Had Pockets is a good one to get. It is cute and cute. It shows your child or children about some teachable moments like sharing. It can show who a puppy or dog would be willing to share and show its love to you or your children.

This book has some rhyming. What would you do if puppies had pockets? What would they have in their pockets? You could ask your child or children what they think their puppy or puppies would have in their pockets if they had them. It seems to me to be set on imagination and sharing and talking about love.

The book stood created to be held by toddlers and children. It is thick enough for them to turn the pages. It is a short and easy read; Your child can learn to read with this. The pictures are cute; I love the images in this book. Children and adults will enjoy this book. If you are a dog or animal person, this book is for you and your family. Parents should put it on their child's bookshelves, or their grandparents could get it for their grandchildren.
  
Daddy Marc's Gem (Club Sensations #2)
Daddy Marc's Gem (Club Sensations #2)
Morticia Knight | 2025 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
DADDY MARC'S GEM is the second novella in the Club Sensations series. Marc is a therapist and a Daddy, but a lonely one as he hasn't found his boy. Foster is an antiques dealer/restorer without a shop, in a place where he doesn't know anyone and was isolated before being dumped.

I loved how these two met and how it grew naturally. Foster has questions and needs answers before deciding - which is fair enough, in my opinion. Foster is also a sweetheart who has been dumped on by too many people and needs the love and affection Marc is more than happy to bestow on him.

Tate's story (Born Daddy) is mentioned during a conversation between Marc and Zane, who also makes an appearance with Ryan while Ty is only mentioned, so you don't need to have read book one to enjoy this one.

A short read but one I thoroughly enjoyed. Hot and spicy in places; loving, tender, and protective in others. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 26, 2025