3,7 étoiles (4/10 cœurs). Ayant grandi dans une église pleine d’Africains – Camerounais, Togolais, Congolais, Béninois, etc. – cette histoire m’a semb3,7 étoiles (4/10 cœurs). Ayant grandi dans une église pleine d’Africains – Camerounais, Togolais, Congolais, Béninois, etc. – cette histoire m’a semblé réconfortante et familière. Je connais les histoires de guerre civile et de camps de réfugiés, mais je n’ai pas encore lu beaucoup de romans, voire aucun, sur ces sujets, j’ai donc apprécié ce roman court et simple.
Mamadi était un garçon très aimable, et sa « petite sœur » était adorable ! Ses parents étaient fantastiques aussi. J’adore le parcours de Papillon et la représentation canadienne… car, admettons-le, les histoires de l’ONU concernent généralement nos voisins du sud, pas nous. ;) Toute l'intrigue a tiré sur le cœur mais a également donné de l'inspiration et du courage. L'hommage de l'auteur à son collègue qui a enduré tant de souffrances mais « qu’ils n'ont jamais réussi à l'empêcher de sourire », sa simple célébration de l'espoir et de la ténacité humaine, et son retour constant à la beauté au milieu de l'horreur… c'était tellement humiliant et édifiant. Et ayant été montréalaise, la fin m'a fait plaisir. :)
Contenu : quelques mentions des horreurs que perpétue la guerre.
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3.7 stars (4/10 hearts). Having been raised in a church full of Africans—Cameroonians, Togolese, Congolese, Beninese, etc—this story felt comforting and familiar. I am familiar with stories of civil war and refugee camps, but I haven’t read many, if any, novels about them yet, so I appreciated this short, simple novel.
Mamadi was a sweet boy, and his “little sister” was adorable! His parents were fantastic too. I love Papillon’s journey, and the Canadian representation… because let’s admit it, usually U.N. stories are about our neighbours to the south, not us. ;) The whole plotline tugged at the heart but also gave inspiration and courage. The author’s tribute to his coworker who went through so much suffering but “they never managed to keep him from smiling,” his simple celebration of human hope and tenacity, and his constant return to beauty in midst of the horror… it was so humbling and uplifting. And having been a Montrealer, the ending made me happy. :)
Content: a few mentions of the horrors that war perpetuates....more
Looked cute, so I gave it a shot. The characters and plot weren’t particularly striking, and more importantly, there was no resolution to the MC losinLooked cute, so I gave it a shot. The characters and plot weren’t particularly striking, and more importantly, there was no resolution to the MC losing her granny’s valuable camera… just a sort of realization?? I don’t even remember, that’s how little the book interested me and my little brother....more
4 stars. This was my first Toni Shiloh read. I’ve heard lots of good about this author, but I’m not a huge fan of contemporary rom-coms, so I was a li4 stars. This was my first Toni Shiloh read. I’ve heard lots of good about this author, but I’m not a huge fan of contemporary rom-coms, so I was a little wary. Within the very first chapter, I was hooked!
Okay, so one “trope” I love is rich or famous people’s lives, because come on, who’s gonna refuse to experience vicariously something we could never afford? I don’t listen to pop music and I don’t know anything about it or the artists thereof, but nevertheless I really enjoyed Holiday’s character and life. For some reason I love reading about artists inventing songs. Coolest thing ever. And Holiday is just such a genuine, hilarious, kind person—I just loved her. And her arc + journey to Christ was awesome. Her friends were also very enjoyable characters, and I’d love to meet them again! I liked Jax a lot—such a nice dude!!—and Mr. Fox is intriguing… As for Emmett—he was a nice enough fellow. I don’t think Emmett was pursuing Holiday before she was saved, although he definitely swooped in for it right after… I don’t know what to think exactly of the whole situation in cold blood but reading the book, it didn’t jar me really.
The humour was certainly excellent, and I liked the plot too. I expected a little more suspense and action, but I enjoyed the book enough to not be disappointed even when it turned out a little different than I expected. There were some excellent themes, and I appreciated how the Gospel was presented. But my favourite part (besides the celebrity lifestyle) was hands down the characters and I definitely want to continue the series to see more of them!
Content: Kissing; mild attraction; mild euphemisms; mention of guys having harems, etc.
A Favourite Quote: “It’s not funny.” I threw my cloth napkin on the table. “I picked out my cutest dress and prepped my face”—I pointed to the smoky effect of my eye shadow, which had taken me more time than I’d admit to perfect—“so I could look perfect for you.” “Hey.” He reached for my hand, giving it a squeeze. “You don’t have to be perfect for me.” A Favourite Beautiful Quote: Our relationship was new and shiny, like the perfect set of heels: Empowering and affirming. A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Are you hurt?” Emmett’s voice strangled on the words. Why did he sound like that? “I’m okay. Are you?” “I could use an ambulance.”...more
5 stars. Ok, first let’s talk about how EPIC the title is. SO. FITTING. on so many levels! (Plus, have you noticed each book has an increasing amount 5 stars. Ok, first let’s talk about how EPIC the title is. SO. FITTING. on so many levels! (Plus, have you noticed each book has an increasing amount of words in the title? Book 1 has 1, book 2 has 2, etc… And they fit the individual books’ stories and feels SO well.) Next, let us admire that LOVELY cover. Thanks. And now we can discuss the excellent story.
I loved Levi and his siblings pretty early on. They’re so sweet. Jacob I can completely feel for, and Levi is so true to life. But my favourite character was Hopeful. She’s so sweet and helpful and strong, the perfect Snow White—or at least all the best traits thereof. Her father was lovely too, and Ness was the perfect Prince. I liked Samson and Wallace also, eventually. The villain is evident very early on, but somehow she’s fascinating. Mildly disturbing at the earliest, and then growing more and more so as you realize how she’s got Levi (and most everyone else) tethered…
The plot was just as enjoyable as the cast. I love how the author handled slavery and racism, the blinding of beauty, the foolishness of beauty standards (ok, that was tiny, but still), the preciousness of all people and children, and how the reaction to racism can’t be racism in return. Also, I thought she did well with the mini theme abut how a child can have a crush on a predator and completely excuse away their misdeeds.
The retelling was great, and the unexpected twists kept me nailed right to the awesome climax. (view spoiler)[ (And when I saw Hauer I screamed!!) (hide spoiler)] All in all, a hugely enjoyable ride and I’m almost sorry to be done.
Content: archaic, offensive terms for black people (always condemned); on-screen suicide.
A Favourite Quote: I’d learned to see the evil that lies behind believing your desires are worth more than someone else’s life. I’d learned that the loveliness of a face might not be matched by lovingkindness in the heart. And I’d learned that no matter how different folks look or sound or behave, they’re all the same mess of fears and hopes and wants on the inside. A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “What’re you thinking on so hard, Levi?” Lillie asked me. “I’m looking forward,” I said, slow and sleepy. “To what?” “Just forward. Instead of back.” I didn’t know how to explain myself better than that. For so long, I’d looked away from my future. Back to my parents, after they passed on. Back to Uncle Drew and Aunt Phoebe’s home after they sold it and headed west. Back to their graves after they died too. But now, I found myself looking forward, toward something coming up instead of back at where I’d already been. A Favourite Humorous Quote: “You think a gunfight during a funeral is a good idea? You think that’s what she brought you here for? She promised you easy money. Take an unarmed youngster to jail. And now, you want to complicate that? If you shoot me, there’s a hundred people here will see to it that you’re the one trussed up and delivered to the law. And if I shoot you, then you can’t collect.”...more
4.7 stars (5/10 hearts). I’ve loved this book since I read it the very first time! Beatrice is such a hardworking, inspirational girl, with her yearn 4.7 stars (5/10 hearts). I’ve loved this book since I read it the very first time! Beatrice is such a hardworking, inspirational girl, with her yearn for school and her deep sense of responsibility & help. I love hearing about the lifestyle of her people, and the help that the goat brought them. And the illustrations are so good—I love the bright colours! It’s a very encouraging, thought-provoking little story....more
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