Odder by Katherine Applegate

09 Jul 2024 Leave a comment

by Amy in 4 Stars, Junior Fiction Tags: , , , ,

Published: 20 September 2022Goodreads badge
Publisher: Feiwel Friends
Pages: 272
Format: Paperback
Genre: Fiction
★   ★   ★   ★ – 4 Stars

Meet Odder, the Queen of Play:

Nobody has her moves.
She doesn’t just swim to the bottom,
she dive-bombs.
She doesn’t just somersault,
she triple-doughnuts.
She doesn’t just ride the waves,
she makes them.

Odder spends her days off the coast of central California, practicing her underwater acrobatics and spinning the quirky stories for which she’s known. She’s a fearless daredevil, curious to a fault. But when Odder comes face-to-face with a hungry great white shark, her life takes a dramatic turn, one that will challenge everything she believes about herself—and about the humans who hope to save her.

Inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers.

I only knew Applegate from her incredible Animorphs series so I was surprised when I came across this book. It is a beautifully told story. It looks like a big book but since it’s told in verse it’s a fairly quick read, but at the same time it is one you can easily take your time with.

It is amazing how Applegate can tell such a beautiful story of an otter’s life with so few words, but each one is important and captures the right mood and tone. The world under the waves, the actions, instincts, and dangers of an otter’s life are told beautifully. You don’t need paragraphs of descriptions about the ocean or what it feels like tow swim through the water, Applegate captures it with a few lines and you’re immediately there alongside Odder and her friends, experiencing the underwater world for the first time.

Verse reads completely different than poetry, and of course separate again from prose. The lyrical nature makes the words flow, and it feels melodic as you read. The short sentences and the limited words don’t hinder understanding at all and Applegate chooses the right words to capture mood, tone, and action perfectly.

There is heartbreak, love, and joy and I continued to be amazed how such a beautiful and complex story could be told in such an apparently simple style. You really don’t need it to be a novel though, free verse is lyrical, flowing and perfect to feel like you are riding the ocean waves, and swimming sleekly through water like an otter.

Applegate brings Odder to life so well as we experience her thoughts and her desires. Her curiosity at the world around her and her love for the ocean captivates you and you get to experience what life as an otter would be like. We understand other otters through her perspective and even understand the humans through Odder’s observations and experience.

Odder is a sea otter, I have only seen river otters in the zoo so I was picturing that the entire time, despite the adorable cover picture which gives you an indication of what Odder looks like. There is also a scattering of pencil illustrations throughout. Santoso’s illustrations are gorgeous and bring another level of beauty to this book and complement Applegate’s poetic words.

I was surprised to find myself becoming emotional towards the end. Seeing Odder grow up, see her life change as she lives in the sea, experiences danger and loss, as well as her time being cared for by humans. It’s a journey for her but also for the reader and those around her. After you’ve gone on this journey with her you feel proud of her resilience and achievements. And the fact she can still find hope after giving up was surprisingly impactful. Applegate pulls some incredible emotional punches through so few words. It truly is an art.

You can purchase Odder via the following

QBD | Booktopia | Blackwell’s

Dymocks | Wordery | Angus and Robinson

 Fishpond | Amazon | Amazon Aust | Audible

Books I Can’t Stop Thinking About

04 Jul 2024 Leave a comment

by Amy in Rambles Tags: , , , , , , ,

This might be better than my top five lists because there is a huge difference between books that have a lasting impact and those that I gave five stars. No, I can’t explain why.

Having reviewed so many books, and read so many books, it’s always fascinating to see which ones won’t leave me. While I can simply adore some books at the time, it doesn’t mean I will think about them long after.

I planned to put this out in my ten year celebrations but with this that and whatever now we’re here. This is the list of books that I still find myself thinking about years after. The ones I felt moved by, were beautifully written, had an amazing story or concept, or were unique and intriguing and I’m incredibly glad I was able to read them and surprised they are still floating around in my mind.

Tears of the River by Gordon Rottman

This is a great YA book that is full of action and adventure, a great main character and wonderfully written. Rottman captures imagery very well and I remember feeling tense and anxious as I read some of the action scenes in this book. Karen is a great character and she handles the adventure and stress more than I think I would.

Yellow by Megan Jacobson

This book broke my heart obviously, and I love it dearly all these years later. It is sweet, full of heart, but also about self discovery. The emotional impact it had on me at the time was profound and I resonated with Kirra’s story a lot so it holds a special place in my heart.

Freak of Nature by Julia Crane

The idea of Kaitlyn is always in my head when thinking about sentient robots and cybernetics and things like that. I always want her abilities to regulate her body and her emotions. It’s an ideal skill to have. The reality Crane created is fascinating and Kaitlyn is a great character to explore it with. Being cybernetic and robotic while also being emotionally human is a great idea to explore.

Lightning Tracks by A. A. Kinsela

I always wanted to go back to this world but I have been unable to see evidence they continued with the series. Fantasy set in Australia with culture and history combined it was beautiful and I long for more.

Looking for Alaska by John Green

What can I say? It’s Alaska for goodness sake. It will never be TFiOS because in my opinion people obsessed over the wrong book. Alaska is my TFiOS and no one will ever take her from me. This book, ugh, my god.

Soulless by Gail Carriger

When I find a great retelling or alternate history story I long to be part of that world. I would love a reality where vampires and werewolves were real and simply living in society, helping out the Victorians with security and other services while still having the traditional elements of their mythology. Not to mention the joys of a fully steampunk Victorian era with all that entails.

See You Yesterday by Rachel  Lynn Solomon

The creativity of Solomon’s story stays with me always. I find myself thinking about plot points and how unique this time loop story has been told. I love the characters and I love the ending. The characters are wonderful and I am always keen to return to their lives and watch them escape their fates.

Royals by Tegan Bennett Daylight

Another one that has been cemented in my mind for the creativity of the plot as well as a phenomenal execution. It’s mystical, it’s forced proximity, I love that everyone grows and bonds, but at the same time also hate each other a little. It’s the kind of story that draws you in with questions and Bennett Daylight leaves you wanting more.

 

There’s definitely more I could list, specific books in series that were magnificent or other books that I always go on about. But that is a different kind of great. These ones really stuck with me and that I find myself thinking about surprisingly often. If there are any books that have stayed with you long after you’ve read them, not necessarily five star ones, but those that had interesting characters or concepts that resonated feel free to let me know in the comments.

The Pronoun Book by Chris Ayala-Kronos

14 Jun 2024 Leave a comment

by Amy in 2 Stars, LGBTQIA, The Picture Book Corner Tags: , , , , ,

Published: 27th October 2015Goodreads badge
Publisher: Clarion Books
Illustrator: Melita Tirado
Pages: 26
Format: Picture Book
★   ★  – 2 Stars

They, she, he . . . all together, us! Join along in this vibrant board book’s joyful celebration of people and their pronouns.
How do you know what someone wants to be called? Ask!
This lively board book features eye-catching illustrations of a diverse cast of people and simple text that introduces their pronouns, perfect for readers both young and old.

This is no nonsense picture book. Technically it isn’t a story, it’s basically a PSA in book form. That isn’t to say it’s bad or ineffectual. It’s basically a book that says if you want to know what to call someone: ask. End book. But then there are a few pages of examples through illustrations of the different types of people that you may meet and the pronouns they may use.

I think it’s a bit simplified to call it a celebration of people and their pronouns when there are basically no words in this book besides she, he, and they. No extra text explaining anything until you get to the resources and notes at the very end. Nothing reminding people that you can’t assume based on appearance, don’t ignore requests, or listen when people correct you and don’t feel bad we’re all learning. Something might have been more helpful than a few pages that are picture book sized posters of nothing.

I’m sure it’s still a good basic intro book, but there would have to be so many conversations as a result. Which again, is great, I love books that start conversations, but it is a lot easier if that is aided by the book. Having a page of notes and resources at the end is something that could happen with any book that had a real story attached to it. Even this one with a few more words would do.

Overall, it was fine, but it’s weird to call it a book. It could be a poster on the wall and illicit the same conversation. If you want a better book about pronouns for kids a better option would be What Are Your Words by Katherine Locke which you can watch a video of it being read here.

You can purchase The Pronoun Book via the following

QBD | Booktopia | Blackwell’s

Wordery | Angus and Robinson

 Fishpond | Amazon Aust

Long Lost Review: Act Cool by Tobly McSmith

13 Jun 2024 Leave a comment

by Amy in 3 Stars, Audiobook, LGBTQIA, Long Lost Reviews, Young Adult Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Long Lost Reviews is a monthly meme created by Ally over at Ally’s Appraisals which is posted on the second Thursday of every month. The aim is to start tackling your review backlog. Whether it’s an in-depth analysis of how it affected your life, one sentence stating that you only remember the ending, or that you have no recollection of reading the book at all. 

Published: 7 September 2021 (print)/7 September 2021 (audio)
Publisher: Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins Publishers
Pages: 352/9 hrs and 36 mins
Narrator: Shaan Dasani
Format: Audiobook
Genre: Young Adult
★   ★   ★ – 3 Stars

A trans teen walks the fine line between doing whatever it takes for his acting dream and staying true to himself in this moving, thought-provoking YA novel from the acclaimed author of Stay Gold.

Aspiring actor August Greene just landed a coveted spot at the prestigious School of Performing Arts in New York. There’s only one problem: His conservative parents won’t accept that he’s transgender. And to stay with his aunt in the city, August must promise them he won’t transition.

August is convinced he can play the part his parents want while acting cool and confident in the company of his talented new friends.

But who is August when the lights go down? And where will he turn when the roles start hitting a little too close to home?

It is hard to like August at the start. His show off style and desire to stand out and be noticed is grating but as you get to know him you see where he’s coming from and why he’s chosen to put on these various personas. August’s different personas is a clear way he adapts who he is for the people he is around. It’s also a great way to show even though August thinks he knows who he is, he still hasn’t quite figured it out.

He has great character growth and the different characters he interacts with help bring out different sides of him, as well as shape his character to the reader. We see more of him around different people and see his active decisions in his behaviour, coupled with the knowledge we already have of his past.

Other characters are great, well rounded, and real. Mr Daniels is a tough teacher who wants to make sure August is there for the right reasons, while his aunt is supportive in a way his other family isn’t. The plot is slow, it takes time getting going but it does eventually build to a pivotal moment. The slow reveal about different experiences August has had help you understand him as you go along, and it shifts how you feel towards him too. His goal to reinvent himself balances against his need to belong and his need for security and friendship which McSmith manages well.

This is a great found family novel, and one I didn’t mind being set in a school setting. The unique location of the acting school was a fresh focus of American YA and it is a great exploration of different aspects of hobbies and passions. Dasani does a good job as narrator, August’s voice comes through and it’s easy to get immersed in the story.

It has great representation but it wasn’t an amazing book. I liked it, it had its moments, and it is sure to resonate with someone or expose them to a different kind of story which is all you can hope in a book. There’s a few content warnings like transphobia, dead naming, as well as the prospect of conversion therapy but it’s important to include as it paints a realistic picture of the real world situations people like August go through and is a great mirror up to some people and their opinions.

You can purchase Act Cool via the following

QBD | Booktopia | Dymocks

Wordery | Angus and Robinson | Blackwell’s

 Fishpond | Amazon | Amazon Aust | Audible

1200th Post

11 Jun 2024 Leave a comment

by Amy in Rambles Tags: , ,

A few days ago, as I was looking up old posts to reference for another blog post, I came across one where I was celebrating my 600th post. It was a wild flashback to 2017 and at the end of the post I pondered where I would be in another 600. I thought to myself, obviously I immediately forgot about that once I posted it and have probably passed that new milestone now, what with the more regular schedule I had been on in past years than those early ones. I checked and what do you know, I was on 1198. You couldn’t have planned this better.

I checked my schedule and I had 5 posts planned, the second one being my 1200th. I didn’t want it to be the 1200th so a swift change was in order. Technically my 1200th post is now about being the 1200th post but I am still counting it. I will not wax lyrical, I always find myself carrying on which I’m reigning back. But this time I will stop to say that 1200 is an impressive feat. Unsurprising given I have been here 12 years, but at the same time that feels like waaaay too many posts.

Looking at the numbers I actually must have posted more in the first 600 than after. Roughly in four years I did 600, whereas it took about seven to do the same amount. In that first time I did do four (I think), month long celebrations where I posted every single day. I also briefly posted on Sundays so despite often not posting for months on end, it all worked out? I dunno, numbers are weird and it’s best not to think about them.

Somehow 600 and 1200 became pinnacle moments instead of 500 or 1000, probably because I did miss the 500th and aimed for the next one. I don’t want to say where the 1800th post is going to land me but I think anything from here on end is some kind of achievement.

To those who have been here since post one I am eternally grateful, for those who came in at 100, 500, 1000, or 1195 I am also incredibly grateful you have chosen to come on this bookish journey with me.

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