Kind of a Big Deal

I've been a fan of Shannon Hale for years, ever since reading The Goose Girl and Princess Academy, not to mention the romantic comedy Austenland, so I try to check out almost everything she writes. But I had some trouble getting into this one at first and set it aside for about a year. It's differen......more

"We tend to think of life as all linear," Nina went on, "as if each moment, each year, has to be better than the last, and if it's not, we failed. But we're all of it at the same time. And then some. So be patient with yourself, Josie. Don't judge yourself by any one moment. Allow yourself room t......more

Despite the jumping into a book vibes, this one turned out to be a bit of chore to read. Josie is a delightful main character and having her literally fall into several different genres was a big part of what I liked about the book. Her sassy commentary on her book adventures reminded me of the Rebe......more

"My life isn't a flop. It's a comedy." Shannon Hale, a staple author during my teen years, consistently explores coming-of-age struggles that her genre underplays, this time with a magical fantasy edge. KIND OF A BIG DEAL lovingly tackles that torturous transition period between a "gifted" childhood......more

I thought this was a straightforward story about a girl who peaked in high school coming to terms with that . . . which it was . . . but it also was so much more! Josie Pie starts out both awkward and insufferable, a rare and annoying combination. But it's clear from the first that you're supposed t......more