Welcome to Litsy!

Like other books set in WWII Philippines, parts of this book is brutal. The treatment the soldiers received from the Japanese was horrendous and this book does not sugar coat any of it. Specifically, the scenes on the warship were the stuff of nightmares.

I liked that the story was told from the perspectives of the two main characters, Sam and Sarah.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2025/01/15/review-hold-strong/

The story was well executed. It tackled the complex issue of gentrification (specifically in a Chinatown context) in an accessible way. At the end of the book, there were a few pages with background information on Chinatowns, gentrification, community activism, and a short note on the language used (Chinese dialogue is used throughout the story).

Full Review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2025/01/09/review-noodle-bao/

The story is reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. Both stories revolve around a girl who is lost in a fantasy world and meets all kinds of interesting folks along the way. It‘s a simple plot line that works so well.

The cast of characters really made this an enjoyable read. The Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion were all so lovable!

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2025/01/07/review-the-wizard-of-oz/

This book is such a hidden gem!

It showcases 50 different “hidden” libraries from all around the world (plus outer space). Every library profile tells you how to find it (if applicable, some are no longer around and some are not open to the public). Also, all the photos have captions which I appreciated.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2025/01/05/review-hidden-libraries/

This was such a cute and sweet read!

Plot wise, there really isn‘t much going on. It‘s about 2 girls who are dating but are keeping it a secret from everyone. Most of the story consists of semi-awkward moments of them hiding their relationship. I didn‘t mind the lack of plot. The slower pace worked well for the story.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2025/01/02/review-rainbows-after-storms-vol-...

Happy new Year from Italy!!!!!

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The story is very engaging and I liked the way it was told. Having the author tell his story to a boy on the playground was clever. It kept the story interesting and made his story feel even more personal. Throughout the graphic novel there were small parts of just prose, which was an effective storytelling tool.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2024/12/28/review-the-boy-and-the-man/

This book is very similar to the dog version. It follows a similar layout and article scheme, just with cats instead of dogs. The title, Catwalk Style, was perfect. I can‘t think of a better title for a cat fashion magazine.

The photos were fun and really captured a fashion magazine feel. I actually thought the photos were even better in this one!

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2024/12/24/review-catwalk-style/

This was such a fun parody book!

The book is essentially a magazine written by dogs which is such a cool concept. The title, Doggy Style, was perfect. I loved the use of a famous innuendo as the title.

The pictures were entertaining and had an editorial, high fashion feel to them. I enjoyed the articles about dogs, especially the one with canine facts.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2024/12/24/review-doggy-style/

The story is so adorable and hilarious. I laughed out loud many times. The Herdmans are a mischievous (but humorous) group of kids. The message behind the story was very cute. I loved that the town grew to like the Herdmans and their antics, and that the Herdmans were able to be part of a community and learn more about the story of Christmas.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2024/12/21/review-the-best-christmas-pageant...