paperbackportals's reviews
697 reviews

Embers: One Ojibway's Meditations by Richard Wagamese

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inspiring reflective slow-paced

5.0

Beautiful reflections. 
Stateless by Elizabeth Wein

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

📖Review: Stateless by Elizabeth Wein 

This high flying adventure will have you on the edge of your seat. 

Stella North, also known as the British Rose, is the only female pilot participating in the Circus of the Air, a publicity event trying to promote peace in Europe. From day one, tensions rise as Stella witnesses a murder on her first flight. Who could be trying to undermine the intent of the event? As the event continues, secrets of the flyers are revealed and the stakes are high. 

This thrilling romp through 1937 Europe conveys the wonder of flying during this time period, while also carefully revealing the tension in Europe as history approaches WWII. Through the entire story, I could feel the powder keg of Europe through the travel of the air race and between the contestants. 

This YA historical fiction is perfect for:
▪️those curious about Europe leading into WWII
▪️those interested in bi-planes and other aviation technology
▪️readers of Alan Gratz novels 
▪️readers who love historical fiction 

I could hardly put this book down as I read it. I highly recommend this thrilling adventure. 

Thank you @penguinrandomca for a copy of this book in return for an honest review. 

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Participation by Anna Moschovakis

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challenging reflective slow-paced
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

📖Review: Participation by Anna Moschovakis 

Thank you to @zgstories and @bookhugpress for this book in return for my honest review. 

I was intrigued by the premise of Participation - a dystopian exploration of love through two rival groups. However, the style of the book was not the right fit for me. I found the nonlinear storytelling a bit too esoteric for me, but I can see how the short chapters and suspense created through limited details could create intrigue for the right reader. It is possible that I don’t have enough philosophical background to truly appreciate the story and the existential inquiry of the characters. It is creative and interesting, but the style and story was not a good fit for me. 
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Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn

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adventurous emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Amazing. Devastating. So many feelings, twists, and turns. I can’t wait to join Bree on her next adventure. I won’t say any more to avoid spoilers, but it is absolutely a second book that does not disappoint. In fact, it develops the story fabulously and I didn’t want to put it down. 
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The Cul-De-Sac War by Melissa Ferguson

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

This was a sweet enemies to lovers story. 
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Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano

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adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Fun read! Great continuation of the series!
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

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informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

A great books about writing. Inspiring and practical. 
When in Rome by Sarah Adams

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

This was a cute, light-hearted romance. Read it if you love:

☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
💁🏼‍♀️ Quirky lovable characters 
🏘️ Smalltown settings
❤️ Slow burn romance
🔥 Closed-door 
Kinauvit?: What's Your Name? The Eskimo Disc System and a Daughter's Search for her Grandmother by Norma Dunning

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informative
This personal exploration from Norma Dunning of the Inuit disc system implemented by the Canadian government is very informative. Dunning’s research and personal experience with the disc system exposes the tragic ways colonialism changed Inuit communities and separated them from their culture and rights. I highly recommend this book to learn more about the Inuit experience of the disc system. It also references so many influential Inuk. Through reading, it has sparked and encouraged further research and understanding of the Inuit experience and reclamation of their traditions in Canada. 
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Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley

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dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I really liked the integration of Ojibwe traditions, beliefs, and stories as well as Anishinaabemowin. I learned a lot and liked how Daunis integrated her Ojibwe identity in all that she did. However, I did find the content of the plot difficult and often shocking, sometimes in what seemed for the purpose of shocking, as opposed to progressing the plot. There is also a lot of content warnings for the story, so please review them before reading. 
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