A Librarian's Take on "I Kissed Shara Wheeler" by Casey McQuiston: What I Liked and Disliked

The Allure of the Narrative

Casey McQuiston's "I Kissed Shara Wheeler" is a compelling read that delves into the complexities of young love, identity, and the pursuit of self-discovery. The narrative is imbued with a sense of urgency and emotional depth that captures the reader's attention from the get-go. McQuiston's storytelling prowess shines through, making it a standout in the young adult romance genre.

One of the most commendable aspects of the book is its nuanced portrayal of characters. Shara Wheeler is not just another love interest; she's a multi-dimensional character with her own dreams, fears, and complexities. This adds a layer of realism to the story, making it relatable to a broad spectrum of readers.

The Challenges: A Double-Edged Sword

However, the book is not without its challenges. The pacing can be a bit uneven, with some sections dragging on longer than necessary. This can be particularly taxing for readers who prefer a more streamlined narrative. Additionally, the book employs a series of flashbacks that, while enriching the story, can sometimes disrupt the flow and make it harder to follow.

Real-Life Relevance

What sets "I Kissed Shara Wheeler" apart is its relevance to real-life situations. The story tackles issues like identity, societal expectations, and the complexities of young love, which resonate with many readers. It serves as a mirror reflecting the trials and tribulations that come with navigating relationships and personal growth during one's formative years.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other books in its niche, such as "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" by Jenny Han or "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli, "I Kissed Shara Wheeler" holds its own. While the aforementioned titles focus more on the lighter aspects of young love, McQuiston's work delves deeper into the emotional and psychological facets of relationships. This gives it a unique edge, making it a must-read for those who appreciate depth in their romantic reads.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, "I Kissed Shara Wheeler" is a compelling narrative that offers a balanced mix of romance, drama, and real-life relevance. Its strengths lie in its well-developed characters and emotional depth, although it does suffer from some pacing issues and narrative complexities. Nonetheless, it's a book that leaves a lasting impression, making it a worthwhile addition to the young adult romance canon.

I hope you find this review insightful and engaging. Whether you're a college student looking for a relatable read or a parent seeking to understand the literary tastes of the younger generation, "I Kissed Shara Wheeler" offers something for everyone.

Library Management Brainstorming: Get Patrons Involved

Brainstorming is a dynamic and flexible tool that can be applied to library management. By engaging a diverse group of stakeholders in the brainstorming process, libraries can tap into a wealth of ideas that pave the way for innovative services, enhanced user experience, and efficient operations. The structured approach to brainstorming, from idea generation to selection, ensures that libraries can systematically explore and implement solutions that meet the evolving needs of their communities. Through continuous innovation and adaptability, libraries can remain vital centers for learning, creativity, and community engagement. Librarians don't need to do it alone. After all, patrons are also the ones who would benefit from improvements in the library. Hence, tapping them for ideas is a good call. Topics for Library Management Brainstorming Improving User Engagement: A library looking to increase patron visits might brainstorm ideas leading to initiatives like a community bo...

Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay also Known as the Taoist Ma-Cho Temple in San Fernando, La Union

I am a native of San Fernando and am very familiar with Macho Temple, yet I'm as confused as most tourists when it comes to the image of the holy lady enshrined there. Yes, it's a CHINESE temple, but... Many Taoist and Catholic devotees have accepted without question that mama deity Ma-Cho and our Lady of Caysasay are the same person. As the Chinese deity, she sacrificed her life while trying to save seafarers endangered by rough seas. She died at the young age of 28. However, she is also recognized as a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary by the Catholic church. All these baffling thoughts converge and don't really require any clarification as tourists and locals simply enjoy the seabreeze that permeates the hill where this lady's temple is located. Ma-Cho Temple, the first Taoist temple in the Philippines and one of the largest outside of China. Perched on a hill in downtown San Fernando, it offers breathtaking views of the South China Sea, making it an ideal h...

The Importance of Monitoring Access to Organizational Archives

In any organization, the preservation and management of archives is a task that requires meticulous attention and responsibility, particularly when it comes to monitoring who accesses these valuable records. As a record manager, one of the crucial aspects of the role is ensuring that the access to archives is both controlled and recorded. This blog post explores why it's essential for record managers to keep track of who accesses organizational archives and the benefits this control brings. By the way, I designed an Archives Log Book that can help record keepers monitor who accesses their archives, especially the ones stored on-site in boxes or file cabinets: https://www.amazon.com/Archives-Log-Book-Organizational-Unauthorized/dp/B0B35H8P6L Protecting Sensitive Information Organizational archives often contain sensitive information, which could include personal data, confidential business strategies, legal documents, and financial records. Unauthorized access to such informa...

Simple Way to Ask Library Users to Rate the Library Service

Library users do not always share their thoughts on how the librarian or school can improve their library service. In fact, some won't ever, unless prompted. Soliciting their thoughts using a suggestion box is also not as good a strategy as it is predicted to be. After all, the blank piece of paper near the suggestion box doesn't really guide the user. I also noticed that users would only use the suggestion box if they have a complaint, but not if they just want to go about their business and leave. There must be a more pro-active way to solicit users' opinion. A simple solution would be to offer a short survey to measure how successfully users were able to complete some common activities in the library. This assessment uses the Likert scale, which is typically a five, seven, or nine-point agreement scale used to measure respondents' agreement with various statements. For example, the scale can range from "very unsuccessful" to "very successful."...

The Significance of Provenance in Archive Management

Provenance refers to the origin or historical background of something, particularly documents or items within an archive. In the context of archive management, understanding and preserving the provenance of documents is crucial for several reasons. This blog post delves into why provenance information is vital in receiving, monitoring, and maintaining archives effectively. I considered the origin of documents in tracking as I was designing the Archives Log Book. Get it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Archives-Log-Book-Organizational-Unauthorized/dp/B0B35H8P6L Ensuring Authenticity and Integrity Provenance helps verify the authenticity of documents within an archive. Knowing where a document came from, who created it, and under what circumstances it was created helps establish its legitimacy and reliability. This is particularly important for historical researchers and legal experts who rely on accurate, authentic records to conduct their work. When the provenance is clear ...

La Union Tourist Spots with Funny Names: Immuki, Bimmuto, Immubet

There's a place in Balaoan La Union where tourists flock to glide through winding lagoons and go to Immuki Island. This is not just another picturesque destination in La Union; it carries a name and lore that piques curiosity and invites a deeper exploration of its unique charm. Funny Island and Lagoon Names and Their Evolution The origin of its name is very cool. The name "Immuki" originates from the Ilocano word "uki," which refers to the female genitalia. This association comes from the island's main lagoon, which, to many, resembles this part of the anatomy. The shape of this lagoon has been the subject of fascination and amusement, earning the island its distinctive name. Immuki literally means "it assumed the shape of a vagina." The playful and imaginative minds of the island’s admirers didn't stop with the main lagoon. Over time, and through generations of word-of-mouth storytelling, the other lagoons on the island also received names in...

Commuting from La Union Back to Manila

After soaking up the sun, waves, and culture in La Union, it’s time to head back to Manila. Back to real life, as they say. If you’re wondering how to make the return journey as smooth as possible, taking a bus is your best bet. Here’s a simple guide to get you back home without a hitch. Choose Your Bus Company Several bus companies operate routes from La Union to Manila, offering a variety of schedules and comfort levels. Partas Transportation Co. : Known for its extensive network and reliable service. Viron Bus Lines : Offers a comfortable ride with good schedules. Dominion Bus Lines : Provides multiple trips daily, making it a convenient option. My preference? Partas. There are buses coming in from other areas in Northern Luzon every hour, but during rush hours (Sunday night when everyone wants to get back to the city in time for the Monday workday), all the buses are packed with people. The buses that travel from La Union usually have the most number of passengers and arriving 30 m...

Why Would a Library Add I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys to Its Collection?

Ruta Sepetys' "I Must Betray You" emerges as a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of morality, loyalty, and the human condition. As a librarian and an advocate for competitive studying , I find this book to be a valuable addition to any library's young adult collection. But let's not get ahead of ourselves; let's dissect what makes this book a must-have and also consider its limitations. Why Libraries Should Add This Book First and foremost, Sepetys' storytelling prowess is evident in her nuanced characters and intricate plotlines. She doesn't shy away from exposing the grim realities of life under a totalitarian regime, making the book an excellent resource for discussions on history, ethics, and political science. For students aiming to excel academically, this book serves as a multidisciplinary gem that encourages critical thinking. Moreover, the narrative's focus on the protagonist's internal struggle with betrayal and...

Special Library Strengths

Being the librarian in an independent research and reading library dedicated to the communities of the Northern Luzon, Philippines region and their global diasporas has its ups and downs. On the plus side, our audience and guest traffic is eclectic, more so than any academic and/or school library can hope for. Eclectic they may be, but their priorities for going to the libary are nearly the same... to satisfy their curiosity and learn more about what makes this library special.

Two Life Hacks for Quick and Deliberate Learning

Life in the 21st century is fast and furious, mainly because information comes fast and is replaced by another piece of information in the blink of an eye. There are so many things to learn, but so little time to learn them. Even if you're lazy, you can't help but learn something just by watching a video or viewing an ad. Being overwhelmed by all of the knowledge swirling around us can be considered normal now. Deliberate Learning Choosing the topic you want to learn at any given time is the best thing to do in this information maelstrom. We have limited energy for work and play and then we fall asleep. Instead of squandering the time passively learning things you don't necessarily want to learn, such as when you read memes or scroll through Facebook and inadvertently stumble on gossip, be deliberate in your learning habits.

Ruby Galvez, RL

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