Review: After You

After You by Jojo Moyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was very unsure about reading this one after reading the first one and then seeing somewhat mixed reviews. However, I am really glad I read it. I had some major issues with the first book, but this one redeemed it somewhat. I've always liked Louisa's character, I just hated the ending of Me Before You and the messages I felt it sent. The first thing I really appreciated about this book (as opposed to the last one) was that right from the beginning, Louisa is going to therapy to deal with her grief. Really, this entire book explores the grief and guilt that came from the aftermath of Will's death. It wasn't a perfect book, but I liked Louisa'a voice and her relationship with a new pivotal character. I was left feeling happy for her and curious about her future. I definitely plan to read Still Me, this summer if possible!

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Review: Blood Water Paint

Blood Water Paint by Joy McCullough
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a powerful verse novel about the strength of a young girl who was a prolific painter in the early 1600s. I don't want to get into spoilers, but suffice it to say that she suffers and struggles greatly while also demonstrating her fortitude. It was a pretty quick read, but poignant. It was a Battle of the Books 2019 pick, and I'm very glad I read it.

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Review: The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews Edwards
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A sweet story, but not really the kind of story I most enjoy right now. I think I will enjoy it a lot more when I read it to my boys in a few years. :)

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Review: Chronicles of Avonlea

Chronicles of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.75 stars. This was a sweet short story collection with all the feel-good romance and sweetness of typical L.M. Montgomery stories. There were several reconciled lovers after years of silence or quarreling, rescued orphans, etc. Some of it is a bit silly, but it made me happy to read. There were several references and short appearance of Anne as well! I can't ask for much more than that. :)

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Review: Chronicles of Avonlea

Chronicles of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars. This was a sweet short story collection with all the feel-good romance and sweetness of typical L.M. Montgomery stories. There were several reconciled lovers after years of silence or quarreling, rescued orphans, etc. Some of it is a bit silly, but it made me happy to read. There were several references and short appearance of Anne as well! I can't ask for much more than that. :)

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Review: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondō
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I listened to this audiobook while cleaning, and it definitely helped motivate me to clean and get rid of more. It was a good book to listen to under the circumstances, but I feel like I could summarize the whole book in a few sentences here and you wouldn't miss much of it. Basically, the idea is that when cleaning, you hold each item you own in your hands and ask if it brings you joy. If if makes you happy, you keep it. If not, you get rid of it. She also recommends organizing by category rather than by room and moving from non-sentimental things to things that are harder to give away (i.e. from clothes to books to photographs). There. That is basically the whole book.

Of course she gets into a bit more detail about things like how to fold clothes to save room, the uselessness of many organizational items, and that sort of thing. However, the book could have been a lot shorter. Still, it was motivating to listen to and although it made me a little bit stressed, it probably did help me get rid of more while cleaning yesterday.

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Review: Gathering Darkness

Gathering Darkness by Morgan Rhodes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.25 stars. I am so enjoying this fantasy series! Some of the plot was a bit predictable, but I really love the characters and the world-building. I also wish the characters were more diverse, but this novel finally introduced a bit more diversity. I hope that continues in the future novels! I don't want to say too much about the plot since this is the third in the series, but it is fast-paced and engaging. I had no trouble getting into the story and I couldn't put the book down! I really can't wait to read the rest of the series!

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