Critique

A Nest for Celeste is really more a book geared toward kids at the elementary school level, but the reason I’m reviewing it here is because I’m always encouraged when I see stories that mix mediums or continue to push the boundaries of how we define a story. Such is the case here with the blend of the narration with the splendid charcoal images. The two elements mixed together brings it somewhere between graphic novel, illustrated children’s book, and standard novel. The illustrations and the placement of text augments the experience of the story, and thus the reader feels closer to the characters and the elements taking place throughout.

Secondarily, there is some social commentary interspersed about the treatment of animals and nature and our responsibility to see to the preservation of life and the beauty around us. Cole takes special care to make reference to birds throughout the book that are now extinct, and were once plentiful throughout that region of the US not more than 100 years ago. I recommend this to readers looking for a fun, quick story about a cute little mouse who has some pretty amazing adventures.

Critique

*This review contains spoilers.

First off, the given synopsis doesn’t really do justice to what this book truly is, which is a very dark journey through life under an oppressive government during the midst of war, and the psychological trauma of losing a family member who is the representation of hope and light in a family. Banner does a wonderful job of revealing the content throughout the novel, so as not to give the whole thing away immediately. However, it continues to move toward a very dark direction, and although I found myself wanting to continue reading in order to finish the story, personally, it became less enjoyable the further along I got in the book.

That’s not to say, certainly, that I don’t recommend this read, because I do, it’s just that I would definitely consider this more on the literary side of the fantasy fiction spectrum. If you’re looking for a fun, lighthearted fireside fantasy, this isn’t the book for you. However, if you’re looking for a well-written book with more of a literary bent that explores a world of magic and kingdom era war and weaponry in a more realistic way, then you will definitely enjoy this book.

Critique

As I expected from the description, this turned out to be an interesting read. The placement of a fairy myth lore into a Christian context creates something different than the typical fairy fantasy. Also, understand that when I say fairy myth lore, I’m not necessarily referring to fairies specifically in the sense of little creatures with wings, but the fairy court, fay warriors and such.

In some ways it actually reminds me a lot of Tithe by Holly Black, but in my opinion is actually better because it’s a lot less confusing and I’m not forced to employ so much willing suspension of disbelief in regards to character interaction. However, the main differences are the time periods and the target age group, plus Tithe is really a love story at it’s core, whereas The Crowfield Curse is more of an adventure/mystery. Ultimately, it’s a quick fun read, the ideas are somewhat original, and there’s a nice little glossary of terms in the back to help grasp some of the jargon words related to the life in the Abbey to give a little education.

Critique

It’s not often that I get the pleasure of reading a book that written like a tapestry or a beautiful painting. Most of the books for teens and tweens nowadays are written to be non-stop action page-turning thrillers that will sell like hotcakes. I’m not saying I don’t enjoy them, at least at some level, but I can only drink smoothies for so many meals before I want a full five-course meal.

Unfortunately, it’s often difficult to find books that have a bit more muscle to them because they’re only picked up by smaller publishing companies that don’t have the big marketing budgets to sell a million copies. Thus, I’m really pleased that Lauren Small reached out to me to review her book because I thoroughly enjoyed every word of it.

Evie and Eason feel like real people dealing with difficult circumstances and decisions that effect their past and their present. Small has done a magnificent job of weaving historical elements into the text, wars past and present, and showing the reader what sorts of comparisons exist in a “history always repeats itself” sort of way. It’s a poignant novel in many ways, especially considering that we continue to be warmongers, feeling like our slaughter of people all over the world is justified because they think differently than we do, or they threaten our way of life.

The language is beautiful, poetic, and although it’s the kind of writing that takes a long time to get through, it’s the kind of writing that a reader ought to languish, like watching Casablanca vs. reality TV. I recommend this text to readers 14+.

Critique

This collection is a treasure among poetry, not only for its rich collection of voices and poignant social commentary on being Latin in America, but for its brutal honesty and courageous content that reveals both the beautiful and horrendous aspects of American culture as well as the Latin culture that these poets have left behind. All of the voices teach educational lessons to the readers, and bring an edge about the realities of living in America that can only be told accurately through the mouths of those experiencing it.

This is an excellent read for all cultures who’ve found themselves in America, especially those who grow up in secluded suburban neighborhoods and have no concept or empathy for ‘the other’. I recommend this text to all readers, especially early teens since so few books of poetry are written for this age group.