Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

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Justification

I was gifted an ARC copy of this by my mentor and chose it when I saw it was on the list of honors for the Printz Award.

Response

Strange the Dreamer is one of the most beautiful books I have read in awhile. Taylor's worldbuilding is amazing and so engrossing. (d) I was so pleasantly surprised by how she meshed a beautifully written story with very astute examinations of controversial topics like rape, slavery, and healing from trauma.

(f) As entertainment, this was one of those books that I could not put down and was constantly desperate to return to any time I had to sleep or work. As I read, I felt like I could truly visualize the characters, especially Sarai and her siblings. Even the non-central characters were endearing and easy to become invested in. 

(g) I had previously read Daughter of Smoke and Bone and find myself liking Strange the Dreamer infinitely better, despite both being excellent stories. I am already planning on purchasing another copy to keep in my classroom library and I loaned my copy to my best friend to read. I think that anyone who enjoys elaborate world building and fantasy would love to read Strange the Dreamer.

Conclusion

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and struggled with not immediately picking up the sequel because I still had things I needed to read before digging into that one. It is a beautiful book and one I foresee enjoying repeatedly.

Citation

Taylor, L. (2017). Strange the Dreamer. New York: Little, Brown and Company.

Requirement:  Michael L. Printz Award (Honor 2018)