At about the 30% point I was hooked and had to see the book out but good grief, this went in some questionable directions. 

One of the best debuts I've read in a long time, but absolutely gut-wrenching at times.

Phew, this one was a doozy. This one is very dark compared to most of the other Gamache books, but also absorbing and hard to put down.

Tremendous exploration of love (platonic and romantic), loyalty, aging, and ownership. I found some parts a bit tedious but overall it was compelling.

This lovely and somewhat bittersweet book in verse would be great for children interested in marine mammals or before visiting an aquarium. It explores themes like wildness vs. captivity, endangered species, and accepting reality and change by showing instead of telling.

I'd describe this one as “quietly brimming with observations.” At times it felt like a book mourning what life could have been but ended with some openness.

I'm not sure I loved the twist to this one (compared to the first book), but still very heartwarming and enjoyable.

Charming and heartfelt!

A touch overdone at times and I thought some of the moving pieces going backwards and forwards felt a little forced - but I loved the internal reckonings and characters that developed.

Overly convoluted, and character development and plot lines seemed to start and stop in fits with no rhyme or reason.

5 stars for enjoyment! And isn't that what reading is all about? This one is bonkers and I couldn't put it down.

3.5 stars rounded up. I was so excited for this one! And it was entertaining, and a nice mental escape. But it was also a little over-explained and the conflicts/family secrets felt obvious to everyone but Melody.

A very solid debut and one that covers a time period and region that hasn't been well-addressed in historical fiction until recently. I felt kept at arm's length for most of the book though, and had a hard time connecting with the characters as I felt there might be an opportunity to.

Devoured this basically in one sitting - please tell me there's a sequel coming!!

3.5 stars but I definitely am continuing with this series. Also, you do not need to read the first book (can be read as a standalone).

Conflicted on this one – it was a fast read, and I thought there were parts that were quite satisfying, but I felt like I wanted more layers before we started to figure things out.