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#Magicalrealism
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haylee.roach10
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I did appreciate the ending of this novel. I felt like there was a lot of buildup to the final plot point and the discovery of the siblings. The symbolism in the forest and the way they rewrote the story was very powerful and teaches readers how to take control of what is causing them stress. It wasn't all good and it wasn't all bad. Representative of real life and the struggles people go through.

blurb
haylee.roach10

McBride did a good job at positioning mental health in a digestible way that is easily understandable for younger readers. Depression was not tip-toed around nor glorified. McBride also weaved in racial identity with mental health in a powerful way that deserves recognition. Combined with the fantastical setting, this book is a classic young adult literature novel that holds moral value and entertainment for younger audiences.

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haylee.roach10

I'm going to be honest- I did not connect with this book. It was well-written but it is not a book I would particularly choose to read in my own time. It was interesting considering it was written in verse and a good example at that. I think that listening to the audiobook did shape my overall experience. At some points the audiobook worked well and others I was wishing I had a physical copy. Although the book was not my speed I see the appeal.

review
Makaylaholton
Pickpick

I loveeed this book. I think the connection between Whimsy's magical world and her emotional reality was beautifully done. The way McBride uses fantasy elements like fairies, forests, and spells to explore topics like mental health, trauma, and healing made the story feel both whimsical and authentic. Whimsy‘s journey felt both very personal and poetic, and her bond with Faerry was one of the most touching parts of the book.

haylee.roach10 McBride did a good job world building in her novel. I do wish I had more contextual details to the fantasy world but for a stand-alone novel it was very effective. I agree that the symbolism with mental health ties to elements of the forest was very well done. It would be a great novel for students working on analysis skills and creating connections between what is said and unsaid. 4h
1 comment
review
jkmac9717
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Pickpick

A beautifully written book! I went in blind so I wasn't expecting a novel in verse at first, but I LOVED it and think it was a great medium to highlight all of the symbols, metaphors, and emotions of Whimsy and Faerry's story. I also appreciate McBride bringing in many diverse cultural allusions and practices to Whimsy's life and her healing journey that help make her HER and teach her valuable lessons. “The only way out is through.“ ❤️

haylee.roach10 I was also not expecting the novel to be written in verse but it was a good choice considering the topics of the book. Verse made it easier to discuss the topics regarding mental health in a way that ties in the fantastical world. There was a lot of symbolism in this book that moved the story along and also made it more interesting for a younger audience. It would make a great option for classroom novels for analyzing poetry and literary devices. 4h
1 comment
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jkmac9717
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One thing I loved about this book was the attention it brought to Black mental health. Unfortunately, people of color are not as widely recognized for their mental health issues because of past (and ongoing) racial prejudice, but this book highlights their struggles and journeys navigating this complex topic. The fantastical garden allegory and inclusion of Black spirituality made this discussion unique but also digestable for younger audiences!

tatumlanders I also think that we should highlight Black mental health more in literature! I remember Faerry's father claiming that Black people, specifically Black men, don't go to therapy or take medication, as if it were a way of life rather than a choice. I am deeply aware of my ignorance about that experience, and know that I need to read more books to increase my awareness. 2h
1 comment
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jkmac9717
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I noted an activity idea inspired by something from one of my classes that could work with this book too! Just like Whimsy calls upon fairy tale/myth/folklore characters with their own lessons that help her, students could research their own character, find a lesson they could teach or advice they could give for their IRL lives, and then write a letter or advice column “from“ that character. Maybe Whimsy's reflection strategy could help them too!

review
ImperfectCJ
The Husbands | Holly Gramazio
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Pickpick

I meant to read this one next month, but I picked it up and it just pulled me in. There are two things I dislike about this one. First, there's a big in-world inconsistency that I can't get past, and then there's the somewhat saccharin message, although I like how it ends, plot-wise. Those things aside, though, I quite enjoyed reading this fun and creative novel. #tob25longlist

Graywacke (I swear your cat is reading the review out loud to me.) Sounds fun. 6h
ImperfectCJ @Graywacke She does have---and voice---a lot of opinions. 😺 4h
Graywacke @ImperfectCJ good kitty! I‘m sure she has a right fresh vocabulary too. 4h
34 likes3 comments
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Creadnorthey
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Pickpick

This is a bit like the third Star Wars movie (#6 in the new canon): slightly disappointing for the diehard fan in me; it feeling a tad formulaic. There is however enough to motivate me to continue to have the stories wash over me- #4 is in the cue.

Creadnorthey Had to rewrite this post- it had drunken-sailor grammar- sorry folks, I‘ll endeavor to do better on the first try next time 😂 12h
7 likes1 comment