The storyline is fairly simple (basically the main character is in search of a boyfriend), but I didn‘t mind. Less is more in this case.

As for the characters, I really liked the love interest, Eiji. He was so sweet and protective towards the main character.

The best part of this book was definitely the art style. It was so dreamy.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2024/05/02/review-kimi-ni-todoke-from-me-to-...

First off, there‘s so much Filipino representation in this book. I loved it. The book captures so much of Filipino culture and family life. As a Filipino American, I found it very relatable (especially in regards to how stubborn Filipino mothers can be).

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2024/04/09/review-the-five-stages-of-courtin...

Like her memoir, Dolly‘s responses to her readers are very conversational. Reading them feels like talking to an old friend. Her advice is very practical and real, but she‘s never judgmental. She seems to really understand what her readers are asking and gives relatable advice.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2024/04/01/review-dear-dolly/

What a tragic yet captivating tale!

I added this book to my “To Read” shelf on Goodreads way back in March of 2015. Now 9 years later I finally read it and I‘m so glad I did.

There is nothing happy about this story, but it‘s beautiful and intriguing in its own way. Immediately upon starting, I was pulled right into the story.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2024/03/26/review-madame-bovary/

What a gem of a book!

I am personally not a fan of positive affirmations. They‘re just not my thing and I find them overly optimistic. Disappointing affirmations are more up my alley so I ended up loving this book.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2024/03/18/review-disappointing-affirmations...

What an insightful look into the world of Barbie!

This book was originally published in the 90s, but this edition has a new preface which does discuss the Barbie movie. In the preface, the author also discusses that she left the book unchanged so it‘s a large reflection of the 90s.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2024/03/12/review-forever-barbie/

What a wonderful way to end the trilogy!

This book, like the previous two, was fast paced and filled with romance, magic, and adventure. The story picks up where book 2 ended and from there becomes a real page turner. There was never a dull moment and grips you right from the start.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2024/03/09/review-the-emerald-fairy-and-the-...

What a wonderful collection of essays on reading!

This book is a collection of personal essays on the impact of books and reading on the author‘s life. I found many of them relatable. One of my favorites was “To Break The Rules” (pg. 65) which discusses how there is no right way to be a “Good Reader.” We should read how and what we want. I wholeheartedly agree!

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2024/02/28/review-why-we-read/

This book destroyed me in the best possible way.

The last 100 or so pages of the book were insane. A lot of crazy stuff went down. At one point, I was nervous to keep reading because I was a little scared to know what was going to happen next. The book definitely ended on a massive OMG moment.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2024/02/24/review-magnolia-parks-the-long-wa...

This was a lovely collection of classic love poems!

The selection of authors was expected. It features classic love poets such as Shakespeare, Dickinson, and Byron. I‘m not that familiar with classic poetry (I read more modern poetry), so I cannot speak too much on the selection of poems.

As with almost all poetry collections, some poems stood out more than others.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2024/02/12/review-love-poems/

This was such a fun and empowering story!

I love fashion and I grew up in the Silicon Valley so naturally I loved the premise and thought it was executed well. The portrayal of the fashion industry and the tech industry felt current and tackled issues commonly seen in today‘s world (for example, influencers photoshopping their photos before posting them).

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2024/02/09/review-valley-verified/

I was a philosophy major in college so naturally I was excited to read this.

This was a very practical guide on stoicism and how to incorporate it into your everyday life. The author does a good job breaking down the philosophy of stoics in an easy to follow way, while also including quotes from the stoics themselves.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2024/01/30/review-reasons-not-to-worry/

What a heartwarming graphic novel!

I absolutely loved the friendship dynamic between the 3 friends. It felt realistic and I liked how supportive they were of each another. Their friendship with their neighbor was also well done. I liked how she became a mentor to the girls and how the girls also helped her out.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2024/01/27/review-a-career-in-books/

This is the sequel to the author‘s first book, Diary of a Contemporary Woman, which I enjoyed. I liked this book, but it wasn‘t as good as its predecessor.

The book didn‘t feel as polished. It felt rough and could have been edited more. The pacing was also a little off. Some scenes were super short and others felt dragged out.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2024/01/26/review-angelique/

What a wild ride!

The story is kind of absurd. It‘s about an assassin who specializes in poison enlisting the help of a marriage swindler to help him find someone to marry. Crazy concept, but it‘s so fun.

There‘s a good balance of action and humor.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2024/01/16/review-marriage-toxin-vol-1-marri...

I enjoyed the fables and the morals/lessons they displayed. Many of them resonated with me and made me stop and think. There were some repeat fables (the same story with the same characters and morals just written slightly different), but as a whole it was an expansive collection.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2024/01/11/review-aesops-fables-illustrated/

I was so excited to read this because it is based on Filipino mythology. I‘m Filipino and this is the first book I‘ve seen that draws from Filipino mythology. It did not disappoint.

The incorporation of Filipino mythology and culture were wonderfully done. There‘s no denying the Filipino influence.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/12/30/review-the-encantos-daughter/

I loved Magnolia Parks so naturally I couldn‘t wait to read this one. This book was very different from Magnolia Parks, but just as crazy (in a good way).

Like Magnolia Parks, the relationships in this book are very complicated and messy, but incredibly addicting to read. I read the last 200 pages in one day.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/12/29/review-daisy-haites-magnolia-park...

This was a very fun inside look into the world of TV fashion!

The book showcases a wide range of television shows, spanning all decades and genres. It is divided into different chapters based on style (ex. period shows, working women, and glamour to name a few). This organizational method worked so well (way better than it would be if it were chronological).

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/12/13/review-dressing-the-part/

I really enjoyed the way the story was told. It was broken up into 5 acts and was told from the point of view of Elliot, an (incredibly) unreliable narrator. Having Elliot tell the story was the perfect choice. I liked how conversational his narration was. It made the story more engaging. Every act revealed something new and the twists were revealed at a good pace.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/10/28/review-the-fury/

Going into the story, I didn‘t have any particular expectations because I am not familiar with Amethyst and Gemworld. But after reading this, I‘m thinking I should start looking into her and Gemworld because she‘s pretty cool and Gemworld sounds like an amazing place.

The artwork and style were so cute. It worked perfectly for a younger audience.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/10/24/review-amethyst-princess-of-gemwo...

This book was like Gossip Girl meets Sally Rooney. Parts of it were light hearted rich people drama, but when it came to Magnolia and BJ‘s relationship, there was a lot of intense emotional depth. Magnolia and BJ have a toxic and codependent relationship that was just so fascinating and addicting to read.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/10/23/review-magnolia-parks-magnolia-pa...

The best part of the story is the use of Filipino culture. It‘s so representative of it, particularly how nosy and meddling some Filipino ninangs and titas can be.

I also loved the characters. Lila, her friends, her family. I adored them all! They really made this a “cozy” mystery.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/10/13/review-murder-and-mamon-tita-rosi...

The story was so moving; it even made me tear up at some points. The heart of it was centered on grief and loss. I loved how the book explored those topics. It emphasized the different types of loss and how everyone moves on at their own pace and in their own way. The journey varies from person to person.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/10/10/review-sea-glass-memories-seahave...

I was a little confused at the beginning, mainly because of the characters that are introduced all at once, but once I got into the story it all became much clearer.

The plot of this book is just crazy and that‘s the genius of it. I don‘t know how Emily Bronte came up with this story but it‘s insane. The more I read, the wilder it got. My mind is still reeling

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/10/07/review-wuthering-heights/

Going into this book, I didn‘t know what to expect. I didn‘t know much about Krypton, other than the fact it is Superman‘s birthplace. But once I started reading it, I was very intrigued!

I‘ve read many of DC‘s graphic novels for young adults, and this one leans more on the action packed side. It is full of adventure and there is never a dull moment.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/09/27/review-house-of-el-house-of-el-1/

The story is so fun and whimsical and it just made me feel so nostalgic. Pooh and all is friends are so endearing and I love every single one of them (Eeyore being my fav). I was surprised to discover that Tigger is not in this book; he appears in the sequel. I was so charmed by all the characters that I actually didn‘t notice his absence until the last chapter.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/09/21/review-winnie-the-pooh/

This book centers on the Herbana Witch, which is a type of witch who is connected to nature. The book is divided up into the 4 seasons and provides witchy information on plants, animals, and activities to do during each season. It was highly informative and I learned a lot of new things, especially regarding the properties of certain plants.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/09/18/review-herbana-witch/

I am such a huge fan of Lang Leav, so I knew I had to read this book. I thought this was such a poignant and impactful story.

The writing style is gorgeous. Lang Leav is a wonderful poet so it‘s no surprise her prose is just as beautiful.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/09/17/review-other-were-emeralds/

Since this is an epistolary novel, it is told almost entirely through emails and text exchanges. I am a huge fan of epistolary books, and the format worked so well for this story. The book is about two people who meet on an online dating website, so telling the story this way made perfect sense.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/09/13/review-authentically-izzy-skymar-...

At just under 150 pages, this book was short but still so powerful!

The book is separated into 2 parts. The first part focuses on the main character, Takako, and her life working at the bookshop, which I found very charming and cute. If you‘re a bookworm and a bibliophile, this part will definitely resonate with you!

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/08/30/review-days-at-the-morisaki-books...

As for the storyline, there really isn‘t much of a plot. It‘s more of a character study that serves as an origin story for Swamp Thing. If you‘re looking for an exciting superhero read, this book isn‘t it. The majority of the novel focuses on the twins and their relationship.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/08/29/review-swamp-thing/

It is so evident how well researched this book was. The book features one of the most comprehensive bibliographies I‘ve ever seen (it even includes unpublished works).

Florence was such a remarkable woman. I‘m in awe of all things she did and how she persevered through so much pain and suffering. I‘m so glad her story has finally been told.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/08/23/review-the-indomitable-florence-f...

Jane Eyre is one of my all time favorite books so naturally I was eager to read this. It did not disappoint!

The author did a fantastic job adapting the classic story to fit modern times. It was evident that the author really understood and appreciated the source material. The author did the original story justice and really captured the spirit of Jane Eyre.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/08/21/review-jane-edward/

I loved everything about this book!

This book is written by Carol Spencer, who was one of the Barbie fashion designers, and chronicles her tenure at Mattel. Prior to reading this book, I had no idea who she was. I enjoyed learning about her career and the behind the scenes look at how Barbie fashions were created and the process it took to make them.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/08/14/review-dressing-barbie/

I love that this book explores all of the main character‘s identities. Bobby is not only Filipino American, but also gay and lower income. He‘s also a huge comic book nerd. All of his identities intersect in a real and authentic way.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/07/31/review-chasing-pacquiao/

I absolutely adored this little book!

This book was written by Christian Dior in 1954 so naturally parts are outdated. For example, there is a lot of discussion on frocks.

That being said, there is still relevant advice. The overall theme of the book is elegance and accentuating what makes you look good, which is still useful in today‘s world.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/04/06/review-the-little-dictionary-of-f...

This was such a fun guide featuring the ladies of the Marvel Universe!

I am a huge Marvel fan so I knew I had to read this book. My all time favorite superhero is Squirrel Girl and she is included in this book.

Each hero gets about 4 pages dedicated to her; complete with a biography and fun facts. I loved that everyone got an equal amount of attention.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/03/22/review-powers-of-a-girl/

This book serves as a prequel to the Disney movie, Cinderella, and explores how Drizella and Anastasia became evil stepsisters.

The plot was well executed. The story is fairly basic, but it works. It highlights how the sisters weren‘t born being evil, they became evil.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/03/20/review-the-wicked-ones-dark-ascen...

The story centers on the classic fake dating trope, so a lot of it is predictable.

Everything about this book was super adorable and sweet. I loved all of Eliza and Caz‘s interactions. They really brought out the best in each other and most importantly, helped each other grow and develop.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/03/03/review-this-time-its-real/

This was such a magical read!

This book perfectly encapsulates the wonder and excitement of falling in love with The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. It reminded me of just how enchanting the world of Narnia is and gave me a huge wave of nostalgia.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/02/16/review-once-upon-a-wardrobe/

This was such a fun read!

I love that the book focused on Meg instead of Hercules. Meg is one of my favorite Disney characters and is so underrated. This book not only gave Meg her own story, but also dove into her past and showed more of her relationship with Hercules that we didn‘t see in the movie.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/02/12/review-go-the-distance-twisted-ta...

This was a very insightful read!

What I liked the most about this book was how accessible it is. It‘s written in a very clear and concise way which makes it easy to follow and absorb.

The advice in the book is very practical and doable. Nothing feels out of reach or too hard to do. The anecdotes from real life people also make the advice more relatable.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/02/07/review-take-command/

What a fantastic follow up to the first book! I loved the first one and was not disappointed by its sequel.

This book picks up where the first one left off and is full of nonstop action and adventure. It is just as faced paced as the previous book.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/01/24/review-the-lady-of-the-mirrored-l...

What a luxurious book! But that is no surprise considering this is a book from the iconic brand, Hermès. I should expect nothing less from the fashion house.

The book is beautifully made. It has a gorgeous linen cover in the brand‘s iconic orange. The pages inside are so thick. I don‘t think I‘ve ever seen a book with pages this thick.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2023/01/06/review-heavenly-days/

This book took me by surprise (in a good way)!

I loved how fast paced the book was. There was never a dull moment. Sometimes fantasy books can take a while to get into the story, but this book dove right in. I was flipping through the pages just wanting to know what would happen next.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2022/12/28/review-the-wild-rose-and-the-sea-...

I was really impressed with this retelling! I know a lot of people take issue with the Twisted Tales Disney series because it follows the movie too closely, so I was worried that this new Disney Prince series would be similar. Fortunately, this book does add a lot more to the movie. Eric gets an entire backstory which gives him much more depth.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2022/10/07/review-prince-of-song-sea-princes...

I was very excited to read this book because I love the premise. Unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations.

My main critique is that the book is too long. The book is roughly 370 pages, but could have been whittled down to around 300. The book is very light on events that drive the plot forward.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2022/09/28/review-blame-it-on-the-brontes/

Since this is an anthology, there is something for everyone. There is a lot of diversity from the types of women to their accomplishments. The art styles also vary! I enjoyed seeing all the different types of art. All the contributors are either female or nonbinary which adds to the inspiring narrative of the collection.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2022/09/24/review-wonderful-women-of-the-wor...

I loved the premise of the book, but it ultimately fell a little short of my expectations.

My main issue with the book is the pacing. It is very slow. Getting through the first half of the book was a struggle. Once I was about halfway through, the pace (luckily) picked up.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2022/09/23/review-bloomsbury-girls/