October Wrap-Up || 2016

TL;DR

Adriana reviews four books she read in October, discussing themes of Latinx power, found family, and dark mysteries.

Transcript

Bibliophiles of the internet, my name is Adriana and today I'm here to give you the play-by-play of the books I read in October. So the theme for this blessed month was Ominous October, which I totally much stole-slash-borrowed from my good friend Penelope, from Penelope's Picks, who does this theme pretty much every year. But I just wanted to read... Read More

Key Insights

• ✊ "Labyrinth Lost" celebrates Latinx power and connectivity, but falls short in its writing style and character development.
• 🖕 "The Curiosity House: The Shrunken Head" offers a well-written middle-grade mystery that empowers characters and explores found family dynamics.
• ❓ "Remembrance" maintains consistency with the characters from the "Mediator" series and challenges adulthood myths.

Questions & Answers

Q: What were the strengths and weaknesses of "Labyrinth Lost" by Zoraida Córdova?

The author successfully created a unique fantasy world steeped in Latinx culture, celebrating Latinx power and connectivity. However, the writing style, voice, and lack of character development were disappointing, relying on clichés and recycled ideas.

Q: What makes "The Curiosity House: The Shrunken Head" by Lauren Oliver & H.C. Chester a great read?

This middle-grade mystery excels in its well-written storytelling, blending humor, darkness, and melancholy. It highlights the importance of found family, empowering characters labeled as "freaks," and embracing one's true self.

Q: How does "Remembrance" by Meg Cabot maintain consistency with the characters from the "Mediator" series?

The author's writing style remains sharp and entertaining, while portraying the characters Mia and Suze as individuals who still make mistakes and have quirks. The story dispels the myth of wisdom and perfection in adulthood.

Q: What are the strengths and weaknesses of "The Dead House" by Dawn Kurtagich?

This dark and creepy YA story effectively creates suspense through its format, with journal entries and found footage clips. However, it focuses more on plot than character development, becoming overwhelming with too many narrative threads and resembling a cheesy scary movie.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The first book was "Labyrinth Lost" by Zoraida Córdova, a story about a girl named Alex and her journey with her magical abilities, but the writing style and lack of character development were disappointing.

• "The Curiosity House: The Shrunken Head" by Lauren Oliver & H.C. Chester is a well-written middle grade mystery about a group of friends at a dime museum, highlighting the importance of found family and embracing one's true self.

• Adriana also read "Remembrance" by Meg Cabot, a continuation of the "Mediator" series, which she enjoyed for its consistent character representation and the debunking of adulthood myths.

• "The Dead House" by Dawn Kurtagich is a dark and creepy YA story about two souls residing in one body, told through case files, journal entries, and found footage clips. Although it was unsettling, the plot overshadowed character development and became cheesy.