Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting, by Clare Pooley

40/60 | Started 08.17.23 • Finished 08.29.23 | 3 stars

I loved the premise of this book. People commuting together on a train who somehow get connected and start to invest in and have an affect on each other's lives. Problems solved, joys shared, and comforts given.

And with those words she felt their disparate worlds connect for a few seconds, and the comforting sensation of being truly seen.

While I enjoyed the characters for the most part - a variety of them and a variety of challenges to suit them - I struggled with the main character's flamboyant sexual identity. For that reason, I unfortunately would not recommend this book, though there are a number of redeeming qualities, as noted. This could have been a really great book had the author not been pushing an agenda.

The Velveteen Rabbit

The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams

39/60 | Started 08.18.23 • Finished 08.23.23 | 5 stars

My 6-year-old loved it and really liked the drawings/pictures. She liked the part about the fairy and the rabbit becoming real. I find it to be a touching story myself.

A True Home

A True Home, by Kallie George

38/60 | Started 05.19.23 • Finished 08.17.23 | 4 stars

We started this one towards the end of the 22-23 school year and though I had plans to finish it over the summer, it just didn't happen! So we picked it up again at the start of this year. I found it to be rather delightful, with whimsical animal characters, some a little ornery and some kind, and a fun little adventure to boot. I think my only real critique is that is felt a bit long? But that could just be the way we read it...

When I asked Carolyn if she liked it, she got a wistful little look in her eyes and very softly said "yeah." We might have to read the others!