Laura Branch

Laura BranchLove everything about Daphne’s and Miles’ relationship and they’re both easy characters to get invested in. I also really enjoyed the themes brought up by Daphne’s tendencies to close herself off, like the difference it makes to extend yourself beyond your familiar, low risk bubble so you can make your personal sphere your own.

Laura BranchI got through this book in a couple days reading it over winter break, but I think it would be especially good in the summer as a pool book. I loved the interview narrative style and liked that it made room for some of the side characters to share their perspectives. Personally I wanted the drama to be amped up more, but the strained dynamics between characters still made for a good amount.

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Laura BranchThe plot wasn’t too crazy and sometimes the themes seemed a little too spelled out, but those are my only complaints. Belle’s life experience was very unique and her commentary on society of her time was really engaging, so I enjoyed being immersed in her perspective. I’d recommend this book to anyone interested in the nuances of how race and racism shaped lives in the early 1900s from the perspective of an ambitious, witty woman.

Laura BranchThis book would be perfect to read over the summer in a hammock or at the cabin. I enjoyed the writing, especially how the details on nature were so specific and vivid, which really helped share Kya’s perspective. The overall concept of nature vs society was also depicted really well. Another aspect of the writing I really liked was how seamlessly different perspectives were woven together. For the storyline, to me it felt like the book started a bit slow just since Kya didn’t have many other characters to interact with, but that really helped lay the context for her character traits and motives. The rest of the book was so absorbing and I flew through it. Also, I found the ending very satisfying :)