"There are truly no words to describe the beauty that is this novel. TJ Klune creates a world and cast of characters that inspire the best in each of us. In such tumultuous times, this work creates space for community, love, recognition of bias, and side-splitting humor! Tears and peals of laughter will grace your life with this soul-touching, poignantly beautiful read~reminding us all to look closely at our long-held perceptions. Best EVER!"
Published: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) - October 19th, 2021
"In this beautifully written tale, we meet Vanja~ a seemingly self-centered, atypical heroine. However, as this masterful fantasy unfolds, we are reminded not all things are as they appear. We are reminded of the twists and turns, the barracades that appear on life's path~those that solidify, enhance, and shine forth the beauty of who we are. A must read!"
"Grace Bennett doesn't even like to read. So why does she get a job at a dusty old bookshop with a cranky proprietor? Well, it's wartime London, and Grace needss a job. She moved to the city to have a good time; instead, she as to cope with blackouts, air raids, and all the other outrages of war. Gradually, Grace learns to love books and makes something beautiful out of the old bookshop, while also becoming an air-raid warden despite her fears. It's amazing how people pull together in this story during a very awful time. Much inspiration here!"
"A powerful story of family, roots and identity. At the age of 13, Olga's mother leaves the family and later her father dies. As this incredible narrative unfolds, we see the massive power and influence of our family in who we become and the choices we make, in both their presence and immense absence~sometimes at the cost of ourselves."
"The struggle for identity, for finding our voice when all we know seems to be slipping away or not quite as we thought. A beautiful story of connection and searching for meaning, while those around us with good intentions, are seemingly unable or unwilling to truly see us as we are. A beautiful story of self-discovery and validation."
"What if Sherlock Holmes were a woman? How could she use her extraordinary mind and make a name for herself in Victorian London? This highly entertaining mystery will keep you guessing with it's many plot twists and turns. I really enjoyed seeing Holmes's learning curve after she leaves her family of origin and sets up her practice, with the help of the capable Mrs. Watson!"
With humor and wit, this timely novel explores the aspects of being an intelligent, non-conforming female in a world that above all else, refuses to see women as whole persons unto themselves. Both heartwrenching and soul soothing, this story requires us to remember the capacity of humans as individuals and the pain inflicted when who you challenge oppressive systems.
"An incredibly reimagining of the classic tale Sleeping Beauty~told from the power of being your own hero. Beautiful, strong female characters bring authenticity to themselves through connection, trial, hardship and honesty. A WONDERFUL read!"
"In this seminal work by Isabel Wilkerson we are challenged to review and learn the historical influences and ongoing impacts of caste systems in the US, India and Nazi Germany. Profound, challenging and essential, this is a must read for all of us."
"It's been a long time since I've read such a satisfying children's fantasy novel. This one is suspenseful, exciting, and magical. The author has built a very believable world you can get lost in, where the competing ruling houses are each bound to a sacred animal. Two princesses of the Bear House must go on the run with their sacred bear and his keeper before they get murdered by a scheming relative. A great middle-grade read for the adventurous!"
"A completely new approach to the classic "Achilles." I absolutely loved every aspect of this marrative as told by Miller. Powerful, poignant and vibrantly told, this work leaves one wondering the lengths we would really go for those we love~and for the legacy that we leave."
"If the world was dying of sickness, where would you find yourself? On the side of greed, self-preservation, community, hope? In a fascinating tale where appearences are deceiving, we grapple with the foundational questions of what makes humanity human."
"A powerful take on the collective and individual losses we experience through silence and oppression. Beautifully told, this tale reminds us of the importance of community and the essential aspect of knowledge and truth."