After finishing How to Build a House, I can safely sum it up in the word ‘alright’. While it is touching, can be sad, and has a good message at the end, at times I found Harper’s behavior unrealistic. For the sake of not spoiling the plot I won’t mention any examples, but she does a lot of things that aren’t explained, which then left me confused.

I did like the plot, however; the idea of it was touching, as I had said. It’s a good story of overcoming hardships and repairing relationships. But, Harper’s actions aren’t the only ones I found unrealistic. Teddy’s were sometimes too, along with a good handful of the other characters’. I didn’t get a very deep connection with them like I usually do, who also sometimes didn’t act as strongly towards certain things as much as I believe they should have.

But, maybe that’s just me being critical; at 17, I know how kids my age can react. Overall, I’d say that it is a good story for the bookworm looking for something new, but I don’t think it’ll make the best seller’s list.

I just finished The Pirate's Daughter, and I'm still thinking about the characters and the story. To me, that's always the sign of a good book. I learned a lot about Jamaica and its history, and the writing painted vivid pictures in my mind of the island, the people, the music... I had a hard time putting the book down.