The Memory Wall by Lev A.C. Rosen

"She saw everything as wonderful, even the bad stuff, because she could learn from it."

―The Memory Wall by Lev A.C. Rosen

Title: The Memory Wall 

Author: Lev A.C. Rosen

Page Count: 368 (Hardcover)

Synopsis:

There’s a fine line between real life and video games in this engrossing novel that’s part Kathryn Erskine’s Mockingbird, part Patrick Ness’s A Monster Calls.
 
Severkin is an elf who slinks through the shadows of Wellhall’s spiraling stone towers, plundering ancient ruins and slaying mystical monstrosities with ease.
 
He’s also a character in a video game—a character that twelve-year-old Nick Reeves plays when he needs a break from the real world. And lately, Nick has really needed a break. His mother had an “incident” at school last year, and her health has taken a turn for the worse.
 
Nick is convinced his mother’s illness has been misdiagnosed, but no one believes him. His only escape is the online world of Wellhall, where, as the elf character Severkin, he can face any problem. But when Nick finds himself fighting alongside another elf who reminds him of someone he knows in real life, his worlds begin to collide. . . .

Thoughts:

First of, FINALLY FINISHED A BOOK THIS MONTH! I was so busy that I wasn’t inspired to pick up my books. 

So...This might be a biased review because, well... I really like games and especially RPGs. The game theme is why I got the book in the first place. Bought from this year's Big Bad Wolf Books.

It was an interesting and a touching read. I enjoyed the adventures in it and I can almost see an entire book just about it~ I sometimes relate to Nick because I also get lost in the story line of the games I play. I really like when it incorporates real life historical events and myths. I was figuring out along with Nick and Severkin the entire time and genuinely felt sad when I imagine the future progression of his mom’s condition. The way he expressed his feelings also spoke to me.

While I appreciate that there’s actual story within the game, I wish the real life stories outside of it were also explored so as to know more about the other people in Nick’s life. Since the story focuses on his perspective, there wasn’t much build for the other characters. I believe that Nick’s parents as characters can still be developed for the readers to understand the depth of Alzheimer’s.

Dancer by Lorri Hewett

"She reached too far and fell to the ground. But it was better that she fall attempting something wonderful than hold back."

—Dancer  by Lorri Hewett

Title: Dancer

Author: Lorri Hewett

Page Count: 224 (Paperback)

Synopsis: 

Ballet is the most important thing in Stephanie's life. But the reality of dance is tough, and Stephanie's parents fear that she doesn't realize how few opportunities there are for black ballerinas. Then, the remarkable Miss Winnie and her handsome and talented nephew, Vance, show up in ballet class one day. Miss Winnie, a glamorous retired ballerina, takes Stephanie on as a pupil and gives her the encouragement she needs. And Stephanie begins to discover a different kind of love . . . and a different understanding of what's important.

Thoughts:

Boy am I glad I picked up this book from Booksale when I saw it.

Very easy to read and get into. Since the book touches upon dreams and the insecurities people struggle with, it can be relatable even if you’re aiming for a different future than ballet. The writing is simple but speaks to its reader well. 

"Why do I work so hard for that one moment of flight? It seems silly when I think about it, arranging my whole life around a few moments of pure joy."

"I'm sick of trying to fit in everywhere, to say the right thing, to wear the right thing. Sometimes I don't even feel like I'm me."

My heart...*cries in feels* I really appreciate Lorri Hewett's words. There are still many more that I tabbed but I'll leave it for you guys to feel on your own. 

The teeny thing that bothered me, though, is how Stephanie talks to her parents. Why does she have to shout all the time?😅 I get it that she’s frustrated but sometimes the shouting is so uncalled for. I feel for her parents. It must be so hard on them too not knowing anything or too little about what their daughter loves so much. I was glad how she at least got better at handling her emotions towards the end. 

I felt like I wanted more of a backstory from Anna and Miss Winnie. But I understand that those might shift attention from Stephanie. 

A good example of a book that can manage without too much romance in it. I’m honestly okay even if the book won’t include any. Although I think the book could still give us more, this is definitely remains a very good read. Would-recommend!