Young Adult

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros I gave The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros 4 stars . This book felt less like reading a traditional novel and more like stepping into a collection of memories. Every vignette was vivid and intentional, and I loved how heavily Cisneros leaned into literary devices to bring Esperanza’s world to life. The imagery was especially powerful — I could genuinely picture the houses, the streets, and the people as if I were standing

A Heart for Christmas by Sophie Jomain I really wanted to love A Heart for Christmas: My Christmas Advent , and the concept is ultimately what earned it a solid 3 stars for me. The idea of a Christmas advent-style story—unfolding day by day with emotion, reflection, and seasonal meaning—is genuinely charming and full of potential. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t fully live up to that promise. The biggest struggle for me was how dense the story felt. For a book built aroun

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows ( 4. 75/5 stars) is a powerful, emotional conclusion to a series I’ve loved for most of my life. It’s a book filled with loss, courage, loyalty, and quiet moments that hit just as hard as the battles. I love this book for so many reasons, and every reread reminds me why this ending feels both earned and unforgettable. One of the most striking aspects of this installment is the way Harry

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling I have a definite love–hate relationship with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (4.5/5 stars). Every time I reread the series, this book hits differently—and not always in a good way. It’s brilliant, layered, and emotionally heavy, but it’s also deeply frustrating when you know exactly what’s coming next. On one hand, this book offers some of the most fascinating lore in the entire series. The deep dive into Voldemor

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (5/5 stars) is, without question, my favorite book in the entire series. It’s emotionally heavy, politically charged, and deeply character-driven in a way that makes it unforgettable. This is the book where the magic takes a backseat to grief, anger, injustice, and love—and it’s all the stronger because of it. Harry is at his most raw here. He’s angry, isolated, and overwhelme

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (4/5 stars) is a major turning point in the series, both in tone and in scope. The story expands the wizarding world in exciting ways and begins the shift from childhood adventure to something much darker and more dangerous. While this book includes many elements I truly love, it’s still probably one of my least favorite installments in the series overall. Some of the highlights are among

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (4/5 stars)deepens the magic introduced in the first book while adding a much darker, more ominous tone. On this reread, I was reminded how unsettling this installment can be—mysterious messages on the walls, whispered voices only Harry can hear, and the growing fear spreading through Hogwarts. The story expands the wizarding world in meaningful ways, introducing house-elves, Pars

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling I’ve honestly lost count of how many times I’ve read this book since it first came out—and every reread still feels like coming home. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (4/5 stars)is one of my all-time favorite introductory novels, not just because it starts an iconic series, but because of how effortlessly it pulls you into Harry’s world. This book does a beautiful job of introducing Harry’s lonely, difficult life and