I think I wanted to love this one so much more! It wasn't a bad book, but I expected a little more from both these authors. CW: racism, Islamophobia, I think I wanted to love this one so much more! It wasn't a bad book, but I expected a little more from both these authors. CW: racism, Islamophobia, death of a child, grief
Four Eids and a Funeral at it's core is a love story about two young adults who have lost their connection for an unknown reason. Tiwa and Said were close growing up and spent a great deal of time together at their local Islamic Center; however, when Said goes to boarding school the two lose a connection. It's only through the death of their hometown librarian that the two are forced to reconnect with each other and work to save the Islamic Center after it burns down.
What Worked: I'm not Muslim so I can't speak to how other members of the Muslim community feel about the representation in the book; however, I appreciated that YA is getting another book that focuses on celebrations and religions outside of the Judeo-Christian sphere. Overall, we're starting to see a lot more representation regarding Eid in children's literature and I love that. There were a few conversations that Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Adiba Jaigirdar had throughout the course of the novel that I appreciated including Tiwa's experience as a Black Muslim, the grief that the family experiences after the death of her brother, the importance of the Islamic Community Center, as well as navigating familial relationships. Although the topics could have been discussed at greater length, it was nice to see them included in the text.
What Didn't Work: The pacing of this one felt a little off in some areas. There are flashbacks of Tiwa and Said during their childhood including previous Eid's that were celebrated together, but they felt surface level especially the one that should have connected Said to Tiwa's experience of familial loss and grief. It prevented me from being able to connect to their relationship as friends and their blooming relationships as something that is more than friends. The reveal was probably the biggest disappointment of the book. There is a very specific reason why Tiwa and Said stop communicating when he's off at boarding school. Eventually readers are clued into that reason and it just didn't work well. It was outside forces at play and the justification for why there was any interference wasn't plotted well. It didn't make me root for Tiwa and Said or become more invested in their relationship. Unfortunately, I was more invested in them as individuals than as companions.
Overall, this was a solid read. It was slightly disappointing, but there were specific elements that I did enjoy and I would be interested in seeing these two pair up again for another novel....more
I would be lying if I didn't say that this was a bit of disappointment. I think I was looking for something a little different and this isn't what I gI would be lying if I didn't say that this was a bit of disappointment. I think I was looking for something a little different and this isn't what I got with this particular title. CW: sexual assault.
How to Excavate a Heart follows the relationship between two Jewish queer girls: Shani and May. The first time they meet it's because Shani's mom almost hits May with her car. Shani is in town to a complete a month-long paleoichthyology internship. The two meet again while Shani completes a dog walking job, slowly become friends, and they find themselves growing romantic feelings for each other.
What Worked: The development of the side characters was exceptional! I really enjoyed Beatrice more than the main characters. She was fresh, exciting, and fun! While I was annoyed by the way in which Shani would become completed immersed in a relationship in unhealthy ways, I did think that it was a realistic portrayal of the experiences of those still in their teens. Although Shani is college age during the course of this novel, these feelings are realistic and are something that a lot people struggle with.
What Didn't Work:Shani was not a likeable character. AT ALL. Her lack of communication with her mom and with May really bothered me especially the moment where May was extremely transparent about her struggles with her dad and her sexuality. Their romance also happened rather quickly and in a way that just didn't always add up. They didn't have the opportunity to get to know each other well enough to make that romance work in any way shape or form. And finally, that last drop in the story, the reason why Shani is hesitant about sexual content caught me so off guard and felt so ill placed in the context of the entire story.
Overall, this wasn't a bad read, but it wasn't what I expected and I wanted so much more....more
This is a cute and charming sapphic romance! 3.5 Stars. CW: fatphobia, colorism, anti-Asian social media posts directly discussed on page, racism
The DThis is a cute and charming sapphic romance! 3.5 Stars. CW: fatphobia, colorism, anti-Asian social media posts directly discussed on page, racism
The Dos and Donuts of Love is the first time that I've read a book from Adiba Jaigirdar and it did not disappoint. It contains two of my favorite elements: sapphic romance and food! The story follows main character Shireen who has entered Ireland's junior baking show to win money that will assist her family in keeping their donut business afloat. Unfortunately, when she arrives at the baking show she learns that she must work closely with her ex-gf. Even more ironic, this ex-gf's family runs a donut business that is the direct rival of Shireen's family donut business. What ensues is a fun, food filled romance about trusting/loving yourself and maybe finding love for the second time.
What Worked: THE GLORIOUS FOOD! I'm a huge foodie so it should have been no surprise to a single individual that a baking show would completely and totally enthrall me. Jaigirdar did a wonderful job incorporating specific and detailed parts of the show that made it feel as though readers were really "watching" something like The Great British Bake Off. I found the writing to be seamless, accessible, and enjoyable. Jaigirdar also did a great job addressing fatphobia that exists in Bangladeshi communities. As described in her authors note, Jaigirdar points out the irony in family and community members encouraging someone to eat only to tear them down for their size at the same exact time. There were also great conversations related to racism against the Asian community especially those who have migrated to and placed roots down in places like Ireland. Shireen also had an AMAZING network of humans that supported her through every trial and tribulation. From her best friend to her parents to one of the judges, there wasn't a moment where I felt like she was fighting external or internal battles alone.
What Didn't Work: The character development could have used a little more work. While I don't disagree with the sentiments of Shireen not being the most likeable character, I need (no, I implore) adult readers to remember that we are not the target demographic. It is completely normal and developmentally appropriate for teen characters to be self-centered. Now, I do think that Jaigirdar could have done more to make the second chance romance more believable. The characters weren't given enough time to work through their issues to make the romance a total sell. It happened too fast, and people do not change that quickly. Also, what was up with the audiobook? The main character was born in Ireland yet had an American accent. But the side character had an Irish accent? It made absolutely no sense.
Overall, this was a good book and I'm looking forward to reading more books by Adiba Jaigirdar.
We Got the Beat is a hard book title to say without singing the song. Try it. I dare you. I've been trying to make my through as many of the YA 2024 nWe Got the Beat is a hard book title to say without singing the song. Try it. I dare you. I've been trying to make my through as many of the YA 2024 new releases as possible and this one was next on the docket. While I did have an okay time reading this one, I think that it suffered from lack of tension and character development.
We Got the Beat follows main character Jordan who is attempting to score it big with her high school newspaper and become editor. Unfortunately, instead of getting the editor position she is assigned to cover the high school volleyball team. On that team is former friend turned rival Mackenzie. Jordan sees this as opportunity to get revenge on Mackenzie for dropping her as a friend freshmen year. Fortunately, things don't go as planned when the two spend more time together and Jordan learns that their "rivalry" might simply be a laundry list of miscommunications.
What Worked: This was an easy book to consume. I think if readers go into this one anticipating a light, cute, and fluffy romance they will have a great time. I particularly loved that Jordan was a book nerd that was comfortable in her queerness and body size. While I appreciate all body positivity, it's nice to dive into a YA book that immediately emphasizes that the main character's journey will not center on their body weight. It's great to see plus size characters on page that are already comfortable in their skin.
What Didn't Work: The characters were so perfect that they felt one dimensional and untrue to the teen experience. While it was great to see communication and healthy relationship dynamics, it felt very surface level. In fact, it's the primary reason why I was unable to completely by into the relationship between Jordan and Mackenzie. They were some what interesting as individuals; however, their compatibility felt stifled. To be rivals, there was little to no tension which led to an anti-climatic resolution. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that they were able to get things worked out and Jordan came to some critical realizations, but the character development lacked the necessary oomph that I need to buy into a narrative.
Overall, this was a solid read. I think that a lot of readers will probably enjoy this one; however, the simplicity of the story took away from my reading experience....more
Rules for Rule Breaking wasn't a new favorite for me, but it includes some fun elements that will be appealing to teen readers.
The story follows mainRules for Rule Breaking wasn't a new favorite for me, but it includes some fun elements that will be appealing to teen readers.
The story follows main characters Bobby and Winter who have known each other since childhood, but find themselves in constant competition that has developed into a bitter rivalry. Due to a recent break-up (Bobby's girlfriend breaks up with him), their parents decide it might be good for the two of them to take a road trip together to do a college campus tour. What starts off as a rough adventure full of rules quickly turns into a unforgettable trip and an unexpected romance.
What Works: Tucker did a good job bringing up familial relationships and expectations that are deeply connected to the Asian experience. Bobby and Winter both feel pressures that ultimately connect them more than divide them. There were also some really great points of banter between Bobby and Winter. They genuinely do not get along so it was an interesting experience as a reader to watch the evolution of their relationship and how they eventually begin to find common ground. The road trip element was also fun and I could see how that could be rewarding/exciting for readers that are on the cusp of graduating and attending college.
What Didn't Work: Unfortunately, I found this book to be underdeveloped/immature in the sense that it doesn't do much beyond scratching the surface. Tucker introduces some pretty complex topics (as mentioned in the previous section) and I wish that more time was spent developing those aspects of the book to provide a more well rounded narrative. So much time is spent on the romance between the two characters that the overall plot feels weak. It doesn't feel like much happened which is disappointing considering the potential. This doesn't mean it was a bad book, but Tucker had the opportunity to make more of an impact with relatable characters and experiences. Unfortunately, the story failed to reach that mark. Also, it's rather interesting because the authorial tone of this book falls on the spectrum of a younger teen audience, but the age of the characters and some of the content appear to target an older audience. Part me questions whether Tucker had difficulty in determining what age demographic of teens would be interested in picking this story.
Overall, a light story that missed out on some potential. As other reviewers have stated before me, it's a solid choice if a reader is looking for a light contemporary romance....more
4.5 Stars. Almost a perfect book that was done so well. If you're looking for more of my thoughts on this one, be sure to check out my video: https://4.5 Stars. Almost a perfect book that was done so well. If you're looking for more of my thoughts on this one, be sure to check out my video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQPAw......more
It's my first time reading Gabe Cole Novoa and I can't wait to check out more of their works. This was a Pride and Prejudice retelling done right! CW:It's my first time reading Gabe Cole Novoa and I can't wait to check out more of their works. This was a Pride and Prejudice retelling done right! CW: misogyny, misgendering, use of dead name, transphobia. 4.5 Stars
Most Ardently is the newest release in the classic remixed series and the one that I was most excited for because it's a Pride and Prejudice retelling. It follows a similar narrative as the original text but focuses on a trans main character by the name of Oliver.
What Worked: SO MUCH! I'm a huge fan of Pride and Prejudice and I haven't found a retelling yet that captures the essence of the original text while also having some feeling of originality. I appreciated that Novoa was able to capture the original personalities of each of the characters while addressing social issues that were relevant to Oliver as a character. I was worried that Oliver wouldn't receive the same support that Elizabeth experiences with her father and sister, but it's no different for him. Publishing has an issue with pushing narratives that focus heavily on struggle and trauma, but Novoa created the perfect balance of addressing the transphobia and homophobia while giving Oliver a strong support system. I also appreciated the historical aspects that were woven into the text. While Novoa does take some liberties with the text, we cannot deny that there was a queer community that existed during this time. Reading the authors note at the end will provide better context. The writing was beautiful, and the pacing was superb creating such a cute and endearing romance between Oliver and Darcy. I just wanted a little bit more of their relationship.
Overall, a great read and I'm definitely looking forward to checking out more by Novoa....more
This was my first book by Mason Deaver. It was a cute YA contemporary romance with a spin on cupid lore. I definitely will be checking out more of MasThis was my first book by Mason Deaver. It was a cute YA contemporary romance with a spin on cupid lore. I definitely will be checking out more of Mason's works in the future. 3.5 stars.
Okay, Cupid is a YA contemporary romance that follows non-binary character Jude who works as a cupid. Prior to the beginning of this novel, Jude had already gotten into trouble for falling in love with a human. This time around, they are determined to prove that they can handle their job without getting involved. Their next assignment places them at a high school where they are responsible for bringing back together two close friends who had a major fallout. Unfortunately, as Jude begins to get to know Huy things don't go exactly as planned.
What Worked: This was a lighthearted and fun contemporary romance that made me feel some serious emotions towards the end. Mason Deaver wove in some really interesting conversations about societal expectations, being queer, and just being a teenager. They made sure that Okay, Cupid was a queer/trans story filled with joy and love. While readers are introduced to Huy and some of the feelings he has about being the first trans student to do a number of things at school, nothing about this book felt like a struggle. It touches on important issues in regard to the queer/trans community without showcasing endless amounts of trauma. While I don't share the same identity as either one of the characters, it was nice to see such positive and happy representation. I also enjoyed the character development in Jude. They question their purpose in life in way that will be refreshing for a teen audience. It's about choosing one's own path instead of continuously trying to fulfill the role that others have set forth for you.
What Didn't Work: This book has some fantastical elements that were in particular interest to me. The whole idea of cupids that walk the Earth as humans was intriguing; however, we get very little information about this community and their background. I think that had Deaver explored this a little more, readers would have gotten a more well-developed perspective of the world itself. I also felt like this one was a little slow in the beginning. It took a while before I was hooked in and felt immersed in the world and the characters.
Overall, this was a solid YA book and I'm definitely looking forward to checking out more books from Mason Deaver in the future....more
Tiktok got this one right. The writing was beautiful, poetic, and thoughtful. Romantasy isn't really a genre that I've explored, but this one WOW. 4.5
Tiktok got this one right. The writing was beautiful, poetic, and thoughtful. Romantasy isn't really a genre that I've explored, but this one did it for me. I will say that it was almost a 5 star read, but the book lacked the world building that I was looking especially because Rebecca Ross made the world sound so intriguing. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book which releases in December. Here is the link to the video where I discuss the book in more detail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73_P6......more
I wasn't sure what I was expecting from this one since I didn't read the synopsis, but it was an okay read. I think that if you're looking for BridgerI wasn't sure what I was expecting from this one since I didn't read the synopsis, but it was an okay read. I think that if you're looking for Bridgerton vibes, but YA style this will be up your alley. It's also a loose retelling of Sense and Sensibility.
Rosewood: A Midsummer Meet Cute is a mix between a YA romance, retelling, and realistic fiction that follows main character Eila who is passionate about the representation of women and gender roles in all forms of media. Things get interesting when her sister gets them spots in a regency camp that has them competing for roles on the well known TV show Rosewood (think Bridgerton). While there, Eila meets Rahul who makes her experience emotions that push against her typically behavior of using her head above her heart. What ensues is a tale of chaos and first love while breaking every stereotype when one thinks of regency romance.
What Worked: The representation in this one was great and didn't feel forced or "check-boxy." Honestly, I'm not even sure that's a word. The queer rep as well as having brown kids front and center competing for roles in a regency era TV show breaks the mold on what we typically expect when we think about that time period. I also appreciated and adored the relationship between Eila and Millika. Since the loss of their father, Eila has put it on her shoulders to step up and protect/shield her sister from everything. In response, Millika makes some moves that allow Eila to focus on herself for once. It's clear that they have a close bond and love each other dearly. I also enjoyed the weaving in of Austen and Shakespeare quotes that brought Eila and Rahul closer together.
What Didn't Work: There was too much going on in this novel to the point that it felt chaotic. The excess tropes and drama gave me whiplash. If the author would have stuck with one major issue that drove the plot, I would have enjoyed this a lot more. Honestly, part of me felt as though I couldn't keep up. I also felt like this one tried a little too hard to be like Bridgerton. The conversations around representation are valid. Many regency books and adaptations make it seem as though only White people existed. Nevertheless, this read like a Bridgerton adaptation for YA readers at times and I didn't like that. There were even "narration" scenes reminiscent of the Lady Whistledown interludes in Bridgerton. I just feel like this could have been great commentary on representation without the direct connection to Bridgerton.
Overall, this was a solid read. I know that Sayantani DasGupta writes middle grade books as well so I may be checking out some of those....more
You know what!? I was pleasantly surprised by this one. The cover is gorgeous and I thought the synopsis sounded fun, but this was one that I kept thiYou know what!? I was pleasantly surprised by this one. The cover is gorgeous and I thought the synopsis sounded fun, but this was one that I kept thinking about while I wasn't reading it. It wasn't perfect, but I had a good time. CW: underage drinking, microaggressions experienced by main character
A Whole Song and Dance is a YA contemporary/realistic fiction book that follows main character Nasrin who has just been accepted into NYU's Tisch School of Arts. While this is exciting considering their acceptance rate, Nasrin is unable to tell her parents who expect her to get a degree in business. What ensues is a chaotic and fun narrative detailing Nasin's double life. Not only does she have to find the courage to tell her parents about her passion, but she also has to figure out how to live life while being true to herself.
What Worked: Nasrin is a hilarious and realistic narrator. It's clear that she is passionate about musical theater and wants to share that passion with her parents. There were moments when she literally made me laugh out loud in reaction to the absurd and chaotic things that were happening with her family. I also appreciated that Tash made Nasrin an imperfect character that needed to do a lot of self-reflection and growth. Of course there are issues because Nasrin is lying to her parents, but she also struggles with how to balance relationships with friends at school. She's created this endless cycle of lying and, in some ways, becomes extremely self-centered. I loved that she was held accountable for her actions by both her best friend and her love interest. She also had to realize that all roles aren't good roles. Opportunities present themselves, but they cause her to not only experience some microaggressions, but also cause an imbalance in her professional and personal life. I also loved the relationship that Nasrin has with her parents. Granted there was an inevitable fallout due to her lying, but Tash forces them to eventually communicate and admit where they all made mistakes along the way. Nasrin also experiences the making of a cute relationship. They're cute because it's clear that they enjoy each other, but due to their rocky and often hostile initial interactions, they're confused on how to move forward with their relationship. It was a nice addition to the overall story and doesn't overtake/shadow over the issues in the rest of the story.
What Didn't Work: Nasrin has a cousin that comes to live in New York that is from Iran. When she arrives she creates conflict for Nasrin and has little regard for how Nasrin lives her life. Her preference is to party and skip class. Granted, I think that Tash does a good job explaining why Nasrin is trying to just "live life" while in New York instead of going to school, but I couldn't get past all the negative things she does to Tish. From blackmailing her, to forcing her to sit in on her classes, to intentionally going out on a date with someone Nasrin was clearly interested in, there wasn't enough explanation for me at the end. I know why she enjoyed partying, but the explanation for her behavior toward Nasrin didn't work for me....more
Joya Goffney never misses. That's it. That's the review because I don't even have the words to describe how beautiful this book is and how I honored IJoya Goffney never misses. That's it. That's the review because I don't even have the words to describe how beautiful this book is and how I honored I feel to have read it....more
Surprisingly, I thought that I was going to dislike this especially because it focuses on a young girl altering herself for a teenage boy, but this waSurprisingly, I thought that I was going to dislike this especially because it focuses on a young girl altering herself for a teenage boy, but this was done well.
Love Is a Revolution primarily focuses on main character, Nala Robertson, who finds herself falling in love with Tye after attending a spoken word event held by a local organization that her sister-cousin-friend Imani is a part of. Instead of being true to herself, Nala makes the decision to alter various things about her personality to encourage a relationship between herself and Tye. What follows is a hard lesson about falling in love, heartbreak, family, and staying true to oneself.
What Worked: Renee Watson has such beautiful, lyrical writing that made reading this book a breeze. I was captivated by every word, every sentence. There were nods to Jamaican family dynamics and culture that I absolutely loved as well. Surprisingly, I both loved and disliked the character development. Nala is changing herself for a guy and reading her lie to him over and over again was frustrating; HOWEVER, I am not the target audience for this book. When I took a brief second and viewed this story through the lens of teenagers, I realized that this is a story that I would have appreciated growing up. A plus size Black teen that isn't ashamed of her body, but still experiences insecurities in ways that are normal for teenagers. Most of us have changed ourselves in some way hoping to fit in and gain acceptance. Things are no different for Nala. She feels left out of the circle of secondary characters who throw themselves into activism when Nala would rather spend her free time watching movies. Naturally, when she grows feelings for Tye, who is an active member in this circle of friends, Nala doesn't feel like she's up to what would be considered his personal standards. But instead of it being in looks, it's about perceived intelligence through the lens of activism. Lately, there has been an increase in activism in young adult communities. I appreciate that Watson tackles this idea that activism can take place in a variety of ways and sometimes it's okay to JUST be a KID/TEENAGER. As a parent, I fear, sometimes, that we push younger generations to be the change they want to see so heavily that they burn themselves out and forget to enjoy life. Nala brings that balance to the table. She wants to make change, but she also recognizes the importance of simply enjoying friends and family. Nala is by no means a perfect character. She's not always likeable and she can be frustrating, BUT she's still growing. She's a teenager trying to not only find her voice, but also her place in her community. I loved seeing her grow and shift into this person that is actively aware of the decisions that she makes in regard to herself and others. And major props to Watson for the nods to Lucille Clifton. I really appreciated that.
Overall, this was a good book. I know that it won't work for everyone especially for adults, but I really appreciated the commentary that Watson made throughout the story....more
Almost a perfect book for me! I really enjoyed this one. Between the humor and the great character development, this isn't one that you want to miss iAlmost a perfect book for me! I really enjoyed this one. Between the humor and the great character development, this isn't one that you want to miss if you're a fan of YA romantic comedies. 4.5 Stars
Chloe and the Kaishao Boys initially caught my attention because of the cover; however, I became even more intrigued once I read the summary! The book follows Chole who is finally accepted to USC after being waitlisted. Unlike a lot of her family members, Chloe is interested in studying animation instead of working in the family business. While planning for her debut on her 18th birthday, Chloe's father takes it upon himself to set up several kaishao's without Chloe really understanding why especially since she's about to move all the way to California. What follows is a fun, heart-wrenching, and beautiful story about family, first love, and following your dreams.
What Worked: SO MANY THINGS! From the family dynamics to the cultural explorations, this is one that I couldn't put down. There was so much that I didn't know about the intersection of those that identify as both Chinese and Filipino. Through the development of Chloe's character, Mae Coyiuto introduces characters to the complexity in that identification and how it impacts some of the characters in the book. While this is a rom-com, I found that family relationships were centered more than relationships and it worked perfectly. Chloe's mother and father are separated. While her mother lives in the US, Chloe and her father made the decision to remain in Manila. This creates an interesting dynamic where Chloe has to face how she views the relationship she has with each of her parents in relationship to her decision to attend college overseas. As a parent, I understood Chloe's father's reasoning for setting up so many kaishaos. When everything comes full circle at the end of the book, my heart was pulled in so many directions. While there were so many feelings about Chloe moving away, it was nice to see how supportive her family truly was about her following her dreams. And watching Chloe go through with each Kaishao was FUNNY! They were unexpected and interesting. Chloe not only learns a lot about first love, but also about loving and putting herself first. I even loved the relationship that Chloe has with her best friend Cia. It was pure and realistic and added to all of the elements that made this book amazing.
What Didn't Work: This is more of a me problem, but I'm not a huge fan of pop culture references. Chloe and Cia love Beyonce and the book is full of references to her. While I have consistently enjoyed Beyonce's music, I was not excited to see her throughout the entire novel. For some odd reason, I always feels like pop culture references date books prematurely. Clearly, I still loved this book, but I couldn't give it a full five for this writing choice.
Overall, this is one that I highly recommend! It was fun to read and I found myself rooting for Chloe the entire time. I learned so much about Chinese-Filipino culture and I'm pretty excited to see more from this author in the future. Definitely give this one a read....more
This is the second book that I've read by Camryn Garrett and it was a solid read. It wasn't as strong as Off the Record, but still good. If you're looThis is the second book that I've read by Camryn Garrett and it was a solid read. It wasn't as strong as Off the Record, but still good. If you're looking for a fun and sometimes emotional contemporary book that focuses on a queer Black teen then I would recommend checking this out. CW: stereotyping of Black students, racism, homophobia, queerphobia, abandonment of parental figure. 3.5 Stars
Friday I'm in Love follows 16 year old Mahalia Harris (yes, she is named for the gospel singer) who wants nothing more than to have a sweet 16 party like her best friend Naomi. Instead of going with a sweet 16, Mahalia decides that she wants to have a coming out party. However, unlike Naomi, Mahalia and her mother do not have as much money. To help with the cost, Mahalia commits to saving certain amounts of money for a deposit on a location and other supplies. While doing this, she gets distracted by a new girl at school, Siobhan, who's just come to the States from Ireland. What ensues is a charming book about finding oneself in the midst of chaos.
What Worked: There were a lot elements about this book that I enjoyed. There were some great conversations related to the intersection of being Black and queer and how it may impact one's faith. Garrett never fails to handle this conversations with care and passion. Mahalia is not out to her mom and struggles greatly with the history of her faith. It makes for an interesting dynamic between the two because Mahalia's mother is extremely religious and heavily depends on her faith to get them through their most difficult moments. There was also this interesting dynamic related to socioeconomic status and how it impacts teenagers. Mahalia and her mother don't have much and it impacts Mahalia socially and personally. Readers see this tension build between her and Naomi due to their difference in socioeconomic status. When Mahalia is tasked with taking over more household responsibilities due to the lack of funds, readers begin to see how it affects her schoolwork, her stress levels, and more. It's a reminder that it's not only adults who are severely impacted by finances or lack thereof. Lastly, I enjoyed a few of the relationships in this book. Mahalia and Siobhan were charming. It was clear that the two had chemistry, but it took a while for them to figure out where they stood. And Mahalia and her mom had this great dynamic at all. They weren't perfect and they didn't always get along, but there was support and love in their relationship that I really enjoyed.
What Didn't Work: There were some interesting issues that occurred between Naomi and Mahalia that made me feel like there were some unresolved romantic feelings between the two. I don't think that was the intention, but it read that way so when they come to their conflict resolution it felt like pieces and parts of the narrative were missing. I also felt like there were some unresolved conflicts with Mahalia's dad. He pretty much is absent for some time and it's due to the fact he believes that he wanted to give Mahalia "the choice" to see him on her terms. He apologizes, but then goes back to doing some really weird stuff that had to do with balancing his new family and his relationship with Mahalia. Honestly, this part of the story felt a little underdeveloped. If Garrett was going to introduce this conflict, I think that it should have gone a little deeper. It just felt a little surface level to me. And lastly, there are a lot of pop culture references in this book. I loved Mahalia's passion for music and most of the references worked, but it sometimes it was a little much for the narrative.
Overall, this was a solid read. It definitely reads for a younger YA audience even though the characters are 16. I actually appreciated this because it's hard to recommend some YA books to younger readers in terms of accessibility. I don't think this is Garrett's strongest work, but I definitely see myself reading more of their books in the future....more
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