Whichwood

This was a really fun book! I didn't read the story preceding this one, but luckily it wasn't necessary in order to understand everything that transpired here!Assuming you read the synopsis, which does a great job of covering the gyst of the story, I'll just add some of my observations!The story is written from the perspective of somebody (not sure if it's the author's persona, or if it's a character to be revealed in a future story in this series) who is speaking directly to the reader. I've read similar formatting in other books, where the authors make side comments to us, and it's usually an annoying distraction from the plot. However, it worked really well here, because most of the side comments were funny, and always provided further explanations or revelations about the situations. I thought it was a really creative approach, and looking back, I can't imagine being able to enjoy reading this in any other format! The chapter titles were even pretty clever!I admire any author who can provide a smooth flowing plot based on a magical and otherworldly environment. It can be difficult to understand and keep up with the nuances of these foreign worlds, but I felt like this wildly imaginative story was very easy to follow! That's not to say there weren't any plot holes here and there. Almost every event made complete sense, but I can see a few of the situations playing out a little differently based on what I would consider to be a more logical approach. I don't want to give any specific examples because they'd be spoilers, and (since I can be picky) they might not even be things that bother other readers!I love the characters and the focus that was placed on describing how they evolved from their initial personas. This is a teen's level of reading, so there's no innapropriate language or graphic content. As I menationed, you don't need to read the first book to enjoy this one. Plus, it seems like there will be another, but luckily there are no cliffhangers with this ending.This story wasn't perfect, but it was so amazing, that my 4.5 rating rounds it up to a 5, which I think is fair. It seems long, but I read it in 2 sittings since it was very easy to get wrapped up wanting to know what happens next! I plan on reading the first story, and I look forward to any others in the future!!Highly recommended if you enjoy adventure, a sci-fi/folklore type setting and overall great storytelling!

Whichwood is a companion book to Furthermore, but even though it is not necessary to read the first book to enjoy Whichwood, not only do I recommend it, but so does the narrator! I absolutely loved Bronson Pinchot’s telling of this tale. You may recognize that name from the wildly successful 80s TV show Perfect Strangers, yup that’s him! He also narrates Furthermore as well, so another reason to read both! He was just so pleasant to listen to and his narration was so engaging. The way he breaks the fourth wall to speak to the readers resonates way more on audio than on paper.Let’s start by saying this is a beautiful, yet very dark, story about respecting our culture, history, and family. The value of having friends, as well as the benefits of working together. The morals that unfurl within this lyrical story are poignant and resonate for any age of reader.Laylee is a mordeshoor, which is a magical profession that helps prepare the dead to move on to the Otherwhere. However, she inherits this gift too early, after her father goes in search of a way to deal with his grief after Laylee’s mother passes away. Now as months have passed, the magic and the exhaustion is killing her. She is also starving due to the prejudice of the town.The townspeople are all afraid of Laylee, as they have forgotten her importance to the community. Without Laylee, the dead would never move on, and instead they would become ravenous ghosts who might just tear the skin off the living in order to cross back into the world. Yeah, I did mention the story is a pretty dark and at times deep.Luckily for Laylee, Alice, from Ferenwood (Furthermore), is sent to Whichwood to complete her task for her Surrender (coming of age for magical folks). Alice is tasked to use her own talent to save Laylee, and even though she has no idea what to do, she starts by helping Laylee get through some of her tasks. We are taken through the intense work that has Laylee exhausted, and we also get to see the beautiful side of her magic as well.There are some very dark and intense scenes but I think they are very important for the story. But if you are looking at this review for your younger child, make sure you are available to talk to them about themes of death, grief, and the paranormal.Tahereh creates such an bright, yet dark world full of color and magic. Her descriptions are so vivid and I felt like I was watching a movie while listening to this perfect audiobook. Highly recommend for a spooky read this fall.

Absolutely beautiful and magically creative. Each page is a gift.

I kind of liked Furthermore more than Whichwood but I really enjoyed this one! You don't have to read Furthermore first in order to read Whichwood but I would do it.I absolutely adore the characters, they are such precious beings, and the writing is so beautiful. The whole world and the magic is beautifully described. Though, it kind of doesn't really feel like a middle grade school book. Especially, one chapter of the book. That was so disgusting.Anyway, I am a big fan of Tahereh books but she should focus more on the Shatter Me series ;) I can't wait until Restore Me comes out.

Me compré el libro por la autora, que me encanta, aunque no es tan tan adolescente. Y no está mal, la autora no falla.

Good to read this book, my daughter enjoyed it.

Una historia realmente única, nunca había leído algo parecido a esto, Tahereh Mafi nunca decepciona con sus historias. Muero por continuar con la saga Shatter Me.