Titanic by Nicola Pierce is a history book that, to me, doesn’t read like a history book (in a good way!). Published by Nimbus publications, I found this book had lots of facts. It followed a timeline I could understand, and I learned a lot without being overwhelmed or having that “yawn” feeling as I’m reading.

Going into this book I already had a good amount of knowledge about the Titanic. I knew a lot about the sequence of events that led to the sinking, the aftermath, and the search for it after it sank. What I didn’t know too awful much about was the people. Which is where this book comes into play.

This book hits on the many walks of life who boarded the ship - the rich and famous, the less well known, and the regular families. I find there are so many Titanic books, yet this one is set apart because it focuses on the stories of the people, and not just the story of the ship.

I recommend this book if you are interested in a read that is easy to follow but factual. This book follows a chronological timeline which makes it (in my opinion) a read that you can really focus into. The Titanic is a topic that will truly never forgotten, so if you’re going to read any book I definitely recommend this one!

Heartbreak Homes
By: Jo Treggari
Frankie and her best friend Jessa are heading to a party at an unfinished home in the deserted subdivision of Heartwood Homes. Frankie is wary about going as it is being hosted by Malcom Bradley whom is not only Jessa’s crush but is basically the jerky rich boy stereotype. Frankie only goes to support here best bud but ends up meeting an old friend Martin. Martin and his father moved across town shortly after his father lost everything. He hadn’t heard from his old school friends since he left. When he received the invitation he decided it was a great opportunity to reconnect with them again. Once he gets there he realizes his old friends aren’t the same as they used to be, but he still tries to make the best of the evening. Cara the leader of a homeless group of girls also live on an unfinished property in the Heartwood Homes subdivision. When they hear about the party Cara can’t help but see this as a great opportunity for her group to snag food, clothing and other things as the rich wouldn’t notice it missing while they are all drunk. During the party Frankie and Martin stumble upon a dead body. Now Frankie, Martin and Cara need to work together, whether they want to or not, to help figure out who the murderer is.
I really liked this book. The different points of view were great as they let the reader learn more about each character, and I got to see how each character felt as the story went on. I felt that the story was well written and went into many issue that some young adults may face such as being part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, what it’s like to live on the streets, and the consequences of bad decisions! I give this book a 5/5

https://arielaonthego.com/in-search-of-puffins-book-review/

I didn’t really know what to expect with this book. I think part of me half expected short stories, but I was treated to the next best thing. Real life memories of a woman who had just lost her husband. Her journey through grief, how she navigated that, and her fondest memories of her life. Firstly, when it comes to any nonfiction story or autobiography or memoir, I’ve heard critics say that “not everything is worthy of being in a book”, and these little moments that the author writes about can be… well, normal everyday moments. The guiding theme of this book is a walkthrough between stories of loss, light and flight. So the author carefully arranges her experiences and thoughts into memories. It’s a really sad book, but it’s so interesting. As a younger reader who has not experienced any of the things she has, it’s really a new world to me. I love opening myself up to what people older than me are saying. There are so many life lessons to be learned from those older than you. I find that in this book. Really, I find that it’s a wonderfully compiled recount of experiences, and how you can be broken into what feels like a million different pieces and still come out okay.

I think there are many different people that can relate to this book, find comfort in it, and really enjoy it. The writing is good, it’s interesting, every time I was reading this book I found myself reading multiple chapters at a time. I think this book is really interesting and meaningful for what it is. Not everyone can put out a story of their life and be brave enough to have people read it. This truly feels like a diary entry, where you are walked through her thoughts through every stage of life. It’s very interesting!

I would recommend this book to anyone who is going through a similar experience of losing a loved one, or anyone that likes to read memoirs and be opened up to the stories of other people.

At first, the title made me nervous about picking up the book, but looks like Lesley Crewe never fails to amaze me!

Death and Other Inconveniences by Lesley Crewe surprised me in the best way. From the very first piece, the book feels sharp, witty, and slightly uncomfortable, but that is exactly how it grasps my attention outside my comfort. Crewe looks at death not as something dramatic or far away, but as an awkward, everyday interruption that people quietly learn to live with.

Throughout the book, Crewe tells stories about people dealing with aging, loss, and the uncomfortable realities that come with knowing life is temporary. These situations are not dramatic or exaggerated, but they feel familiar and realistic. The characters face small disruptions, realizations, and moments of reflection that slowly reveal how death influences the way they live. This storytelling approach makes the book feel personal and relatable.

What I most enjoyed was the balance between humor and seriousness, which goes with every other book by Lesley Crewe. She knows how to make me smile, laugh, cry, think, and feel all at the same time.

I would recommend Death and Other Inconveniences to readers who enjoy thoughtful writing with a playful, dark sense of humor. The book doesn’t try to give clear answers or comfort. Instead, it simply invites you to think.

A Sure Cure for Witchcraft
By: Laura Best
Lilli is living in Germany and the year is 1752. People are starting to drift away from the notion that witches exist. Although Lilli’s Vater still believes in witches, that doesn’t stop her from hanging out with her Mutter’s friend Alisz. Alisz is a skilled healer with plants. In some people’s eyes Alisz skills can be seen as witchcraft. Alisz has been teaching Lilli how to be a healer since she was five years old. They both really enjoy spending time with each other. Lilli’s family is moving to the New World and she and Alisz are trying to keep their friendship together. 267 years later in 2019, a girl named Lilly is starting to experience dreams that feel very real which even have her friend Alice in them. Lilly is trying to figure out the meaning behind her new dreams. Are these present day friends linked to these girls of the past?
This was a good book. It was really interesting to see how knowledge about specific types of plants could be seen as witchcraft back then. I do wish we got to see more of “present day” Lilly but none the less I really enjoyed the book. I also liked how the author spelt words like mother and father as mutter and vater to subtlety show that past Lilli wasn’t speaking English. I rate this book a 4/5.