
Welcome to “C.A. Hughes Book Reviews!”
Join me (a 20-something, bilingual, elementary school teacher) on my quest to tackle my ever-growing TBR pile and to search for stories with diverse representation that will broaden my horizons. Look below to learn more about my 2023 reading goals, the criteria I use to review what I read, and check out the “Blog” page to find my latest blog post documenting what I’ve been reading!
2023 Reading Goals and Review Criteria:
2023 Goals and Progress:
- Read 48 books:
- 34/48
- Read (at least) 20 books that I physically own:
- 15/20
- Read more long books:
- 2
- Read (at least) 5 classic novels:
- 1/5
- Read (at least) 5 books in Spanish:
- 1/5
Currently Reading:
- A Man Called Ove
- Don’t You Forget About Me
- Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain
Most Recently Enjoyed:
- Meet Cute
Running List of “Long Books” of 2023:
- Project Hail Mary
- 16 hours, 10 minutes
- The Old Drift
- 24 hours, 59 minutes
Review Criteria:
When I review the books that I finish, this is how I will structure the information and insights that I share:
- Title:
- Author:
- Year of Publication:
- Genre:
- Summary:
- Format: How did I read the book? (Paperback, audiobook, etc.)
- Themes: What were the important takeaways from the story? What messages will stick with me?
- Character Development: How did the characters grow and change throughout the story?
- Plot/Pacing: Did the story hold my attention the whole time? Was it predictable?
- Writing Style: Was there anything unique or especially engaging about the writing style or literary devices used?
- “Bingeability”: How hard was it to put down? *Note: this criteria is not necessarily a reflection of quality, but an important characteristic to note nevertheless when describing the reading experience.
- Emotional Investment: How connected did I feel to the story? To the characters?
- Windows and Mirrors: This criteria assesses the diversity of representation (of people or experiences) in a book and is totally subjective. Was it a window into someone else’s experience or a reflection (mirror) of my own?
- Overall Thoughts: My general thoughts on the book.
- Recommendation: If I recommend the book and for whom I recommend it. For children’s books, if I recommend them for children and/or classroom use.
Latest from the Blog
May Wrap-Up
Check out my reading wrap-up for the month of May!
Top 10 Tuesday: Things That Make Me Instantly Want to Read a Book
Welcome to another week of Top 10 Tuesday! Check out my latest post to see my take on this week’s prompt!
Top 10 Tuesday: The First 10 Books I Randomly Grabbed from My Shelf
Welcome to another week of Top 10 Tuesday! Check out my latest post to see my take on this week’s prompt!
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.