A Magical World Lost

The Snow Child

By: Eowyn Ivey

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystical Realism

Pages: 386

Published: 2012

Read:  January

3 out of 5

As plenty others have mentioned, the descriptions of the scenery and the "quietness" of this novel is definitely the magical power behind it. Ivey knows the way to describe a "perfect" scene while making the visual so uniquely yours. Not only that, but I truly felt the pain of Mabel and Jack's desire to have a child of their own. It was a great story with lots of character.

Now what I didn't like...The magic of Faina just vanished with no explanation. All of a sudden she no longer had to disappear during the summer (love alone wasn't enough to convince me) and the fact that her birth child had no affliction to season change or other worldly characteristics....What happened to the magic of the story?

I understand eventually she went away because she couldn't handle it, but the magic for me was already spoiled.

a mix of mystical realism and realistic fiction

Out of the Blue

By: Sophie Cameron

Genre: YA Mystical Realism

Pages: 272

Published: 2018

Read:  May

3 out of 5

This book begins with angels falling from the sky. Most are dying as soon as they hit the ground, but Jaya has one fall right at her feet that is still alive. Even though this novel is very mystical it deals with friendship, guilt and grief as well. Jaya has to deal with the sudden death of her mother, the disappearance of her ex-girlfriend, and her own struggles with her dad. This is a great debut novel by Sophie Cameron whether you like realistic fiction or fantasy.

NOT ENOUGH ADVENTURE

Unhinged

By: A.G. Howards

Genre: YA fantasy

Pages: 387

Published: 2014

Read: September

2 out of 5

The first two books in this trilogy were back-to-back nominees for Teens’ Top Ten. Although at the beginning of Unhinged I was more engrossed than Splintered I quickly lost interest. I struggled to finish the book. The quality of writing was still there and the story wasn’t rushed, but I feel this particular adventure isn’t unique or interesting enough to be a nominee. There were no new characters introduced or any twists on Alice in Wonderland. I am not saying it’s a bad book, some may like it, but I definitely read better books that should have been nominated. My biggest issue with this award is that sequels can be nominated therefore, I’m worried that the final book, Ensnared, will make the list next year.  

A Wonderland for boys and girls alike!!

Circus Mirandus

By: Cassie Beasley

Genre: Juvenile fantasy

Pages: 304

Published: 2015

Read: August

4 out of 5

This reminded of a circus version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - what a WONDERLAND for boys and girls alike. As an adult reading the book, it reinforced how important it is to stay in touch with your own imagination and encourage others to do the same. It can be a POWERFUL thing.  Beasley not only draws out your imagination, but creates friends for you in the characters. Enter the circus and meet an elephant who does math or what about an invisible tiger - just let your imagination guide you. Micah along with his dying grandpa believe even if others in their lives feel differently. Do you?

I'm hoping Beasley will take us on another journey to Circus Mirandus again soon.

Alice in Wonderland??

Splintered

By: A. G. Howard

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 371

Published: 2013

Read: August

3 out of 5

This was a Teens’ Top Ten winner in 2014 and the sequel, Unhinged, is a nominee this year. Conclusion: Teens love it and it MUST be great. I felt this book was OK, but nothing outstanding.  It does have an interesting premise, even if not that unique: Alyssa’s, Great Great Great Grandma is Alice from Alice in Wonderland. In order to reverse the family curse placed on the females (all with names starting with ‘A’), Alyssa must go to Wonderland and fixes Alice’s messes. My favorite part of reading this book was the hilarious comparisons to the original story. Some of the characters are Rabid Rabbit, Twid sisters and Humphrey. Can you name the characters?

One of Rainbow Rowell's adult novel

Landline

By: Rainbow Rowell

Genre:  Adult fiction

Pages: 310

Published: 2014

Audiobook: 7 discs (9 hours)

Read: December

3 out of 5

Being a huge fan of Rowell, especially Eleanor and Park, I had no choice but to read this book – her latest adult fiction. And like the other ones, I listened to Landline. Her books are great on audio and this one is the same narrators as E & P.  Maybe because the narrators are the same I felt that this could have easily been a YA novel, if the characters were younger. The main characters were in their 30’s but had a magically phone that caused replays of their budding romance when they were younger. Plus, Georgie often acted like a teenager. The best part was the audio. This would be a good book for an adult who is looking for a quick, easy summer romance novel. Personally, I think I will stick with her YA novels.  

A multicultural novel with recipes

Like Water for Chocolate

By: Laura Esquivel

Genre: mystical realism

Pages: 224

Published: 1993

Read: April

2.5 out of 5

I have come to realize I should not reread books as I never seem to enjoy them as much the second time around. Either that or since the first reading, I have become exposed to that much better of books. The first time I read this novel I rated in 4 stars. While the writing itself still good and I loved how recipes were entwined with story , I had a problem with the actual story. Maybe it’s the female authors stereotyping but why must the men think they can marry someone else, but still have relations with their true love. In this story and The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom both the protagonists remained unmarried hoping one day they would be able to marry their true love. While the men married others anyway and then kept their true love on the side. In the end, I wish I wouldn’t have reread this and kept believing this was a better book.