Reviews by Andrea (69)

Andrea 2026-06-26 The First Day of Spring

Dark, Gripping, Oddly Intriguing

The First Day of Spring

This novel is an insight into the mind of a child. Not just any child. One who is neglected, starved of food and affection alike, and never given the guidance she needs. It's about a terrible thing that she did, but also about how people's unwillingness to get involved leads to it. It's about guilt, blame, fear, and learning to love. Not my kind of thing? Definitely not. But it's very well-written, and once you start, it's hard to stop. Recommended reading for those who like a little harrowing (not of the agricultural sort).

Andrea 2026-06-22 Wild Things Never Die

A Light Read With an Important Message

Wild Things Never Die

Is it great literature? No. Is it a good story? Yes. It also serves to raise awareness of the huge problem of plant poaching, especially the theft of rare succulents, with practical tips for combatting this threat to our biodiversity in the notes at the end. Although there were times when I found the main character just a little too cutesy-pie, the idea of a tannie tackling poachers while accompanied by her pet hen was amusing.

Andrea 2026-06-22 Project Hail Mary

One of the Best Science Fiction Books I've Read

Project Hail Mary

It's hard to review this book without giving away the plot. Yes, it's science fiction - and there's quite a heavy emphasis on science - perhaps a little too much. The story itself is gripping, and from what I hear, the movie version focuses more on the story than the science. I suppose most of the science doesn't make for a fast-paced story. Nevertheless, the two were good together.

Andrea 2026-06-10 Raising Hare

A relaxing read

Raising Hare

A lovely true story about a woman in England who takes on the task of raising a leveret. In doing so, she grows closer to nature than ever before and forms a very special and respectful bond with a wild creature.

Andrea 2026-06-10 Thirteen Lives Saved Aquanaut

A fascinating deep dive into the life of a cave diver

Thirteen Lives Saved Aquanaut

Discover the deeply weird and oddly wonderful world of a dedicated cave diver. It's not great literature, but what a fascinating true story it is. I can't imagine wanting to be a cave diver myself, but when I read this book, I began to see the power of adventure and discovery at work. Absolutely authentic, tragic in places, exciting in others, this is the life story of one of the divers leading the rescue effort to save 13 people trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand.

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