Willa's Bookshelf
You've read your favorite authors' books....but do you ever wonder what they're reading themselves? This is Willa R. Finnegan's "Bookshelf" where she lets you know what she thinks about other books, reviews them, and gives you just enough details to entice you to read those books yourself.
September 16, 2025
Review of CARAVAL by STEPHANIE GARBER
RATING: 4.5 STARS
Entry Written By Willa R. Finnegan
This book was really good overall. Scarlett's character was very compelling, and I just loved the circus-y vibes of the game itself. The plot was very well done, and I really enjoyed the twists and turns at the end. Stephanie Garber is a very talented writer. The only reason I knocked off half a star is because the prose got a little bit too flowery and wordy for me, a bit too "purple" if you will.
I highly recommend this book to YA lovers. "Caraval" by Stephanie Garber is not a book that I'll soon forget.
Try out this amazing read! Ask yourself these questions while you're reading.
1. How essential was Julian to the plot?
2. How do you think Legend impacted the story?
3. Why do you think Stephanie Garber decided to make all those twisty turns at the end?
4. Was the prose too flowery for you? Why or why not?
That's all from Willa's Bookshelf.
August 12, 2025
Review of THE BOOK THIEF by MARKUS ZUSAK
RATING: 5 STARS
Entry Written By Willa R. Finnegan
This book is by far my favorite book out of all the ones I've EVER read! Markus Zusak is such a gifted author, and his words will resonate with me forever. Death as the narrator was so impactful, and Liesel was one of the best characters I think I've ever read. Rudy was so funny, and I loved his character too. This was just SO GOOD overall, especially the prose and imagery. I cannot even express how wrecked I felt at the end of this book either without completely spoiling the ending.
I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. "The Book Thief" earns, and will always earn from the very bottom of my heart, a well-deserved 5 stars from me, Willa R. Finnegan.
Try out this amazing read! Ask yourself these questions while you're reading.
1. Why do you think Markus Zusak used Death as the narrator?
2. What impact do the side characters make on the story?
3. Why do you think it had to end the way it did?
4. How has this book changed your life?
That's all from Willa's Bookshelf.
May 12, 2025
Review of SUNRISE ON THE REAPING by SUZANNE COLLINS
RATING: 5 STARS
Entry Written By Willa R. Finnegan
Suzanne Collins has yet again delighted us with a fast-paced, gut-wrenching prequel to her iconic series, the Hunger Games. I have to say that I was completely blown away by how well thought out this story was. Getting to see Haymitch's perspective really opened my eyes. The stuff he goes through throughout the book was heartbreaking to me, especially toward the end. The new arena was very well done and contrasted greatly with everything that happened inside it, and to me it symbolized that evil can lurk in the most unlikely places. Louella, Maysilee, Wyatt, all of the new characters were so complex and wonderful. I also really enjoyed how Suzanne Collins wove in lots of characters from her past books; Wiress, Beetee, Mags, Plutarch, Effie, and so many others were stellar additions.
I highly recommend this book to teenagers and adults alike. "Sunrise On the Reaping" earns, and will always earn, a well-deserved 5 stars from me, Willa R. Finnegan.
Try out this amazing read! Ask yourself these questions while you're reading.
1. What role did Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven" play in the book?
2. What is the symbolism of Lenore Dove?
3. Why do you think Suzanne Collins included so many familiar characters?
4. How did Haymitch's beliefs change as the story went on?
That's all from Willa's Bookshelf.
