It’s been a while since I’ve done short book reviews so here it goes!

The Star Side of Bird Hill by Naomi Jackson (publisher galley): I am a sucker for stories set in Barbados and this one didn’t disappoint. Two sisters from Brooklyn are sent to live with their grandmother in Barbados when their mother’s depression threatens their way of life. A great story about coming of age and the conflicts between where you grew up and where you’re from. Buy buy buy.

 

Magonia by Maria Dahvana Headley (from Owlcrate): I wanted to like this one more than I did. A young girl who has been sick all her life learns that it is because she’s not technically from earth. The story had the potential to be great but ultimately I found it frustrating. The world building wasn’t there.

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart (from Kramer Books): A middle grade novel with all the charm of A Series of Unfortunate Events and all the wit of Harry Potter. I loved this book — I am not sure how I missed this series when it first came out but I know I can’t wait to dive into the other books ASAP.  

 

Excellent Women by Barbara Pym (from my round 2 OTSP Secret Sister): A sleepy story that reads like Emma set in London at the turn of the century. A great read for a quiet afternoon but borrow it from the library since it isn’t worth a second read.