When I tell you this is EASILY one of my favorite books of 2024 I mean it. I did not know what to expect going into this book, but it kept my attentioWhen I tell you this is EASILY one of my favorite books of 2024 I mean it. I did not know what to expect going into this book, but it kept my attention from beginning to end. CW: bullying, ableism, controlling/borderline abusive parent, financial abuse, descriptions of chronic illness.
Chronically Dolores follows main character Delores who is adjusting to life after she accidently pees on herself at school due to her chronic bladder illness called IC (Interstitial Cystitis). With no friends to hang out the summer before her freshman year of high school, the impending loss of her best friend and the relationship between her parents growing more tense on a daily basis, Dolores seems to lose all hope until she meets Terpsichore Berkenbosch-Jones. With her her assistance, Dolores is convinced she'll be able to win back her best friend. Unfortunately, things don't always go as planned and Terpsichore Berkenbosch-Jones has a thing or two to teach Dolores about true friendship, self-love, confidence, and finding one's voice.
What Worked: EVERYTHING. It's been a while since I've picked up a YA book that's made me feel such a wide variety of emotions. Wagenen who has struggled with IC and is also autistic, writes her characters with a level of authenticity that is both refreshing and unexpected. While I'm not the target audience for this novel, it is clear that Wagenen took the time to capture the experiences of teens who are not only trying to figure out the every day ups and down of life, but also those experiences that may have additional added pressures. Dolores struggles a lot through this book and I appreciated that it took some hard lessons for her character development to fully take shape. Also, the relationship between Dolores and Terpsichore was BEAUTIFUL. Although Dolores didn't necessarily begin their relationship with the best of intentions, she does recognize Terpsichore as a person who deserves to live life to the fullest extent. Terpsichore's mother was not only overprotective, but treated autism as a debilitating disease that would prevent Terpsichore from being able to interact with anyone outside the family. Dolores tries over and over to break that stereotype and pushes Terpsichore's mother to recognizer her for the amazing person that she is. The two girls learn a lot of themselves and each other through the course of their relationship.
Overall, this book was well written, fun, engaging, and REAL. There is no perfect ending for the relationship between Dolores' parents and there is no perfect ending to relationship between Terpsichore and her mother. However, it felt like an appropriate ending for such a phenomenal story. I highly recommend checking out the authors note where Wagenen describes her personal experiences and it's influence on the construction of this book. This is one that I would recommend to younger YA audiences. It's been hard to do that lately so it was nice to see a book where the character is on the younger side of YA, but still deals with things related to the teen experience....more
This was such a strange, but interesting book. It's definitely not my brand of whimsical chaos, but I can understand why younger readers would enjoy iThis was such a strange, but interesting book. It's definitely not my brand of whimsical chaos, but I can understand why younger readers would enjoy it.
The Bravest Warrior in Nefaria opens with the strangest scenario as main character Bobert Bougainvillea seems to be invisible to the rest of his classmates. He lives in the land of Nefaria where the residents are used to evil plots/schemes. Unfortunately, Bobert finds himself caught up in one related to a wizard named Max who uses a cursed gumball machine to build his very own army of children.
What Worked: This book is strange. Think literary nonsense in the vain of something Roald Dahl or Lewis Carrol would create. For some odd reason that created a sense of familiarity that I haven't come across in middle grade in a while. From the wizards spells down to the descriptions of the world itself and the names of characters, every single element was strange, but it worked. Alsaid did some interesting things with Bobert in terms of his character development. Bobert is "invisible" to his classmates and feels as though it's all related to the curse, but Alsaid explores this idea that invisibility can be a two sided street where one may have to have the courage to interact and engage with peers instead of using that invisibility as a shield. Bobert questions himself quite a bit as he attempts to help stop Max, but each element that they encounter as a group helps build his confidence and allows him to see himself and others in a new light.
What Didn't Work: This book was SLOW at times which is surprising considering it had all of the elements of a fast paced book. I think that a lot of that is closely related to the fact that Alsaid didn't encompass a lot of action throughout the book. The world building was fun and the character development was top tier, but it left a little bit of a lack luster feeling when there wasn't enough tension/conflict.
Overall, this was a solid read and I would definitely recommend this for those who love whimsical fantasy....more
Oh my friends, I wanted to love this book more than I did. I've been looking for a Jamaican inspired fantasy that really does it for me, but unfortunaOh my friends, I wanted to love this book more than I did. I've been looking for a Jamaican inspired fantasy that really does it for me, but unfortunately this wasn't it.
So Let Them Burn is the first in the Divine Traitors series, a Jamaican inspired fantasy world with dragons. This first book follows the dual perspectives of sisters Faron and Elara after the impacts of a war that affected their entire community. The stakes are raised at an international peace summit after Elara forms a bond with an enemy dragon. Desperate to save her sister, Faron turns to the gods for assistance who then make it clear that the only way to save her sister is to kill her. What follows is a story of revelations, betrayal, heartbreak, and the unbreakable bond between two sisters.
What Worked: The relationship between Faron and Elara was BEAUTIFUL. Cole did a wonderful job capturing the dedication, love, and bond shared between the two characters. They defend each other in ways that are beautiful and gut-wrenching. It's a bond that is even recognized by the gods at every twist and turn of the story. If I decide to continue with the series, I must say that I'm looking forward to the further development of their relationship based on that whirlwind of an ending. Cole also does some interesting things with the social commentary regarding colonialism as it impacts this world. I could tell that it was a nod to the British occupation of Jamaica and how it's occupation still impacts the island to this day. It reminded of my own experiences spending time with relatives that lived in Jamaica during that time. I also appreciated the emphasis on these godly beings as being imperfect. This is especially true towards the end of the book. They expect Faron and Elara to betray their sisterhood for the greater good of the world with little to no regard on how that would ultimately impact them. Cole also does an excellent job incorporating queer representation through both main characters.
What Didn't Work: Let me start by saying this is a solid debut; however, it is very clear that this is a debut. I may have come into this with higher expectations as someone who has a Jamaican parent. This inspiration of "Jamaica" for this fantasy world felt very surface level. There were moments when food references and descriptions of characters speaking Patois reminded me that this world was Jamaican inspired, but I wanted Cole to dive deeper. Sometimes I feel like authors of color are forced to write and/or edit their books in a way that appease to readers who may not be familiar with the culture. This felt that way. I also don't think that the world was fleshed out enough. It was confusing trying to decipher whether this was a modern world, a futuristics world, or a world that was based in the past due to the culmination of descriptions that felt all over the place. Cole also doesn't give us enough of the war that occurs prior to this book. It plays such a big role in the how Faron and Elara develop as characters and how the plot moves; however, it feels like readers don't get to know much about it. Sure, there are some pretty big revelations in regard to how the gods have treated their chosen ones, but I think that it would have been easier to understand Elara and Faron as individuals as well as the way that they interact with each other and their community. Also, I wanted more dragons! We got some pretty cool dragon lore and representation throughout the novel, but I selfishly wanted more.
Overall, this was a solid book. I was slightly disappointed because this was one of my anticipated releases for the year. I'm not sure whether I'll continue with the series; however, I think that some readers will really enjoy the elements of this book as well as the relationship between Elara and Faron....more
Not going to lie. I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book, but Lescure did some interesting things with a reverse immigration story that tacNot going to lie. I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book, but Lescure did some interesting things with a reverse immigration story that tackles the implications of American expats in China. CW: underage alcohol consumption, sexual assault, emotional abuse, grooming, suicidal ideation, suicide, loss of a child, parental neglect
River East, River West is told in dual perspective following two different timelines of the main characters Alva, Lu Fang, and Sloan. Beginning in 2007, readers meet Sloan's daughter Alva who desires to leave China for the United States, but settles on attending the American School in Shanghai after Sloan marries their Chinese landlord Lu Fang. What follows is an interesting insight to race, class, culture and what it means to feel "in between" different aspects of one's identity.
What Worked: Lescure is a gifted storyteller. Alva, Lu Fang, and Sloan are difficult characters to like. In fact, there were specific moments where I couldn't stand any of them; however, I never lost interest in trying to figure out what was happening next. Through them, readers learn so much about the impact of American expats in China. The way White Americans would flock to the country in order to re-define their identities socially, politically, and economically, utilizing their whiteness as a means of advancement was beautifully crafted into the characterization of Sloan. Through the dual narrative perspective of Lu Fang and Alva, readers learn more about her intentions with and treatment of the Chinese as a way to boost her own ego and position in society. In the same respect, Lescure develops the character of Lu Fang against the backdrop of cultural and economic changes in China. Dissatisfied with the results of his life, he makes decision that cause waves of unexpected upheaval. Through Lu Fang and Sloan's character development, comes the development of Alva's coming of age story both heartbreaking and devastating, but a clear picture of what it feels like to be caught between two worlds.
What Didn't Work: I did not like the characters. Alva was more bearable because her narrative felt like more of a coming of age story typical of a teenager sharing her experiences. However, Lu Fang and Sloan gave me a run for my money. There were moments where I felt for them, but others where they both disgusted me.
Overall, this was an interesting debut. I would definitely check out the content warnings, but this idea of reverse immigration worked for me....more
Whew! This book was tougher than I thought it would be! CW: colorism, racism, teen pregnancy, parental neglect, verbal abuse, mental/emotional abuse, Whew! This book was tougher than I thought it would be! CW: colorism, racism, teen pregnancy, parental neglect, verbal abuse, mental/emotional abuse, body shaming.
Shut Up, This Is Serious is a YA realistic fiction book that packs a hell of punch in unexpected ways. It follows main character Belén who is juggling the absence of her father as well as the pregnancy of her best friend Leti. As Belén attempts to help Leti deal with the experience of not only being pregnant, but also helping Leti tell her parents that the baby's father is black, she struggles with keeping up with academic expectations that will determine whether she graduates high school. Emotional and well developed, this book is a sweet, yet hard coming of age story.
What Worked: I absolutely adored the relationship between Leti and Belén. It evolves in so many different ways. Although it appears that Leti is dependent upon Belén due to her pregnancy, it eventually felt as though Belén began to need Leti more to add some sense of stability to her life. They love each other deeply and it's clear that Leti wants Belén to make smart decisions that prevents her from sharing Leti's experiences. Ixta does such a wonderful job illustrating the impact of parental abandonment whether it is physical or emotional. After her father leaves, Belén begins to perceive her mother's mental and emotional absence as abandonment as well. It sends her on a whirlwind of a spiral that Ixta beautifully addresses with the incorporation of decisions related to mental health and therapy. It's not an easy read and definitely made me emotional at times especially those moments when Belén finds herself in a physical relationship with someone who doesn't value her as a person. The robust discussions related to racism, colorism, as well as the hyper-sexualization of Black and Brown girls only elevated my reading experience of this novel. Ixta handles these topics in a realistic manner, but with care and in a way that teen readers will connect to.
Overall, this was a beautiful, engaging novel that beautifully incorporates important topics and teen experiences. I'm definitely looking forward to checking out more books from this author....more
I've been reading more adult releases this year and this one was on my radar. While it wasn't the best book, I found the characters to be intriguing.
YI've been reading more adult releases this year and this one was on my radar. While it wasn't the best book, I found the characters to be intriguing.
You Only Call When You're in Trouble follows family members Tom, Cecily, and Dorothy. Tom has been a support system for Cecily and Dorothy for years and desperately wants to be able to do something for himself. Just when he's in a place where he can focus on his major architectural project, he finds out that Cecily is under Title IX investigation with her university and Dorothy suddenly wants to reveal to Cecily the true identity of her father.
What Worked: I love a book about family mess, and this definitely has plenty of it. From the relationship that Tom has with his sister and niece to the dynamics they all share with their friends, the reveals in this book left my jaw unhinged. I also think that McCauley did a wonderful job addressing the complexity of academia. Cecily is under a Title IX investigation for an alleged inappropriate relationship with a student. The investigation is, in a lot of ways flawed, but pushes Cecily to recognize what would most benefit her in her career. There were also some hilarious moments. I'm not sure if that was the intention of McCauley, but there were moments where I found myself chuckling at the characters especially those that included Dorothy.
What Didn't Work: Like other reviewers have stated before me, I felt like there was a gap in character development. While a lot of the personality traits that we find in each character are realistic, I feel like there were some full circle moments that were missing. The book also has some pacing issues. While I was ultimately intrigued by Cecily's narrative, Tom and Dorothy fell apart for me as I got closer to the end of the novel. It's almost as if the reveal of Cecily's father slowed down the potential development of them as characters. The dynamic between Cecily and Tom is endearing and I loved how much he cared for his niece; however, he's a piece of work and is probably the least likable character out of the three of them.
Overall, a solid read and I'll be checking out more from McCauley in the future....more
What in the world? lol I mean it's never this serious.
Killing Mr. Griffin is my first book by Lois Duncan and I must say I'm rather interested in checWhat in the world? lol I mean it's never this serious.
Killing Mr. Griffin is my first book by Lois Duncan and I must say I'm rather interested in checking out the rest of her books because of her reputation as it applies to the history of young adult literature. This specific title follows a group of students who plot to kidnap their high school teacher because they feel as though he goes too hard on his students. Naturally, things begin to go left and the students are left attempting to figure out how to cover a murder that was only supposed to be a scare tactic.
What Worked: I'm not going to lie. This book was rather predictable, but it was still fun and engaging in some ways. I was blown away by the idea that this group of students would actually kidnap a teacher in order to "teach him a lesson" about being too hard on his students. Lois Duncan profiled each one of the characters to give readers an idea of their home life and their personalities which helped in developing theories on who was responsible for the series of events that occurred after the kidnapping of Mr. Griffin. I didn't think I would enjoy that authorial decision, but for some reason it worked for me as a reader. While we are supposed to be most sympathetic to Sue, I found some of the other characters to be interesting as well.
What Didn't Work: As I stated above, this book is extremely predictable. It isn't that hard to figure out who is responsible for the murders and attempted murders that occur after Mr. Griffin's death. And the lack of logic that existed in their decision making was quite frustrating at times. I know that I'm adult reader consuming this and it's very on par for decisions that a typical teenager would make, but my goodness did it grate my nerves. The treatment of mental health towards the end of the novel also didn't work for me, but I think that a lot of that has to do with the time in which this book was written (late 1970s). It also isn't the best written book in the world, but I can see people enjoying this one for entertainment value alone.
Overall, this was an okay read. I'm definitely going to check out more by Lois Duncan. It's a novel of its time, but I can see why Duncan played such a pivotal role in YA literature. This is where we begin to see a shift from those "problem" fiction books and more exploration into genre fiction. ...more
I'm hoping and praying that this at least receives a Newberry Honor. This is one of the BEST and most EMOTIONAL books that I've read in 2023. I don't I'm hoping and praying that this at least receives a Newberry Honor. This is one of the BEST and most EMOTIONAL books that I've read in 2023. I don't cry very often when I read, but this one did it. CW: school shooting, PTSD, anxiety, and grief
Simon Sort of Says follows Simon and his family as they journey to a new town after Simon's mother receives a new job. Simon is most excited about this new journey because it is located in the middle of nowhere where the residents don't watch TV, use microwaves, cellphones, or computers. It's a perfect situation because it means that Simon can escape the possibility of anyone finding out that he was the sole survivor of a school shooting at his previous elementary school. While in this new town, Simon is forced to confront a host of different things including his struggles with anxiety, grief, and survivors guilt. However, he also realizes his power to be able to move forward, his ability to love and be loved, and the importance of enjoying life without forgetting or disregarding the pain of the past.
What Worked: EVERYTHING. EVERY SINGLE THING. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book, but it did a number on my emotions. Erin Bow crafted this book in a way that made me reflect on the number of children who have lost their lives to senseless gun violence, but also the other children who have lived with the impact of witnessing the loss of their fellow peers and friends. It's important to have those conversations where we're thinking about the relentless trauma, anxiety, and survivors guilt that inflicts the individuals and their families. Not only did Bow showcase the impact on Simon, but also his parents who anxiously awaited the news of whether their son was alive or dead. As a parent, I find myself praying that I never experience those feelings. One thing that I find myself wanting to point out is this idea that Bow was able to create a balance throughout the entirety of the story. Yes, she address the struggles that Simon and his family face, but she also weaves in hope. That even in this great tragedy Simon is able to find friendship, joy, creativity. He has two amazing friends with who he experiences some pretty tough things, but the company, energy, courage, and love that they give to Simon and he gives in return is the ultimate proof that we can continue on. We never forget, a part of us will always hurt, but life can be lived after. Bow also gives us humor. There were moments where I would cry during one chapter and laugh in the next. It's the perfect illustration of the ups and downs of life. No moment whether good or bad lasts forever, but it is the culmination of these moments that make life worth living. I don't think I've ever read a novel this. It's been a while since I've read a book and then immediately had to the urge to read it again. This will easily be one of my favorite books of all time. From the tears I cried when Simon was at his lowest to the laughs I shared when his mother's funeral home accidentally lost a body, this is a book that will stay with me for an incredibly long time. Beautifully written with such vital, important messages. This is not a book that you want to miss....more
Ooo this was a super eerie, yet intriguing look at the harsh societal expectations associated with the K-Pop community as well as the implications of Ooo this was a super eerie, yet intriguing look at the harsh societal expectations associated with the K-Pop community as well as the implications of forced rigid beauty standards and femininity. Interesting concept and delivery. CW: gory scenes, self-harm, suicide
Gorgeous Gruesome Faces was not originally on my list of anticipated reads; however, after hearing a little more about the description, I became intrigued. The story follows main character Sunny Lee after her fall from grace in the K-Pop world. Not only has she lost her stardom, but she also has a fractured relationship with her former bandmate and best friend Candie. When a local workshop is hosted in their hometown, Sunny seeks out admission to the program to finally handle the traumatic incidents of her past with Candie. What ensues is more than anything Sunny Lee could have bargained for.
What Worked:Oh man, this book is creepy and atmospheric and I appreciated the tone that Linda Cheng set for the book. There were also these amazing discussions about fame and imposed femininity as well as stringent and detrimental beauty standards. Cheng had a very unique way of keeping readers engaged in the more spooky and horrific elements of the novel while also pushing back on societal standards and expectations. The inclusion of myths/lore was not something that I was anticipating, but I think that it worked well in the context of this narrative. While I can't say much about the way in which the story unravels (too many spoilers), I appreciate the way readers are able to explore the relationship dynamics between Sunny and Candie. It's not what it appears to be.
What Didn't Work: I think that this suffered from inconsistent pacing. The first half of the novel is extremely slow while the second half is fast paced in engaging. This could potentially lead to a lot of readers becoming disengaged with the text. Although the first half of the book sets the stage for the ultimate face off in the second half of the book, it was hard to feel a connection to and appreciate the slow burn at first.
Overall, this was a solid read. If you're looking for a disturbing, horrific, sapphic tale with a k-pop twist, I would recommend checking this out!...more
I read this is one sitting and if I could give zero stars I would....
I'm usually not this harsh when it comes to memoirs, but my friends I have a boneI read this is one sitting and if I could give zero stars I would....
I'm usually not this harsh when it comes to memoirs, but my friends I have a bone to pick with Jill Duggar and her homophobic/transphobic husband. Now, I picked this up because I grew up watching the Duggar family and I was curious to see how much Jill has been able to deconstruct her fundamentalist upbringing. Survey says that little to no deconstruction has occurred.
First, I applaud Jill for being able to use her voice. It takes a lot to be able to open up about the abuse she suffered at the hands of Jim Bob and her brother. To recount that and share it with the world must be difficult in a way that a lot of us don't understand. What was interesting about this read to me is that I found Derrick to be controlling as well. Not in the same capacity as Jim Bob, but still dominating in a way that is uncomfortable. It's also fascinating that not once in this book did she hold Michelle responsible for any behaviors she engaged in during their time on television and after. It is hard to deny the fact that Michelle enabled and allowed the behavior of her husband to continue in a way that was harmful to her children, yet Jill made her carry no burden of the responsibility. I'm not sure if that is because of the dynamics of their religious beliefs, but it was interesting.
Jill may be separating herself from the Duggar family, but she and her husband continue to be a reminder of why I take issue with White Evangelicalism. The way she talked about mission work gave this undertone that they "must save the poor brown people who know nothing of our Jesus." It's disgusting. And while I can recognize the traumatic situations that Jill was raised in, I can equally acknowledge the irony of her and her husband seeking empathy while he goes on transphobic tirades via Twitter. This exploration of her time on television via her family is two-fold; it serves as a space for her to voice her feelings, but at the same time it's pretty surface level. No reader should dive into this expecting big revelations. If you've kept up with the family then you'll know most of the content of this book. I find it both disgusting and deplorable the way that Jim Bob treated Jill, but I also find Derrick's behavior disgusting. More therapy and more time are needed. It'll be interesting to see where these two end up in about 10-15 years....more
This was a difficult one to rate. I'm going with to go with a 3.5
Suddenly a Murder is debut YA thriller/mystery that primarily follows the narrative oThis was a difficult one to rate. I'm going with to go with a 3.5
Suddenly a Murder is debut YA thriller/mystery that primarily follows the narrative of Isadora Morales as she heads out on a trip with other friends to celebrate graduating high school. They decide to spend time at the famous manor while completely immersing themselves in a 1920s theme. While there, Blaine, the boyfriend of Izzy's best friend, is murdered. As the characters go through intensive questioning by the police, readers are left trying to figure out who could have killed him when they all had a motive to do so.
What Worked: The writing is extremely accessible which made it an easy book to get through. I also enjoyed the 1920s theme mixed in with an atmosphere that felt like a mix of Agatha Christie and the game Clue. The reveals were actually quite shocking. Munoz did an excellent job having me believe that certain relationships existed between characters when nothing really did. It took me a while to figure out how the dots of the story connected together and who could have murdered Blaine. I appreciated the cultural and social commentary that Munoz mixed in with Izzy's storyline. It's needed and definitely mirrors the comments made by Munoz in a Publisher's Weekly interview. Munoz also made a creative decision with the writing that initially threw me off, but slowly became something that I appreciated. There are sections of the book that take place in the present and others that take place in the past. When readers work through those different sections, they'll notice that the point of view changes. The present is written in first person and the past is written in third person. It was an adjustment in the beginning, but I LOVED how this creative decision pulls the reader in and out of the story, creating a feeling of both distance and closeness as one progresses through the narrative.
What Didn't Work: I struggled with one part of the reveal and how a minor was held accountable for actions that should have been shouldered by the adult. I think that the reaction was out of anger and wanting to hold Blaine responsible for his actions; however, I think that it came off a little as victim-blaming which isn't, in my opinion, the view of the author, but a distraught character trying to process the issues caused by Blaine. I get the intent, but it reads a strangely in some ways.
Overall, this was a solid read. I'm looking forward to seeing what Munoz writes in the future. It's nice to see a new, diverse voice writing thrillers/mysteries for a young adult audience....more
Oh I wish I didn't wait for forever to begin this book. It was such a delight getting to know Meilan. CW: injury of second character, racism towards AOh I wish I didn't wait for forever to begin this book. It was such a delight getting to know Meilan. CW: injury of second character, racism towards Asian communities, stereotyping, bullying from students and school leadership, PTSD, grief.
The Many Meanings of Meilan is a middle grade contemporary novel that follows oral storytelling Meilan. Unfortunately, Meilan tells a story that causes her family to fall apart leading to their departure from Boston to head to Ohio. While beginning a new school in Ohio, Meilan quickly begins to encounter microaggressive behavior from students as well as school staff members. To try to keep the taunting and bullying at bay, she attempts to make herself invisible. Woven with both beautiful and heartbreaking moments, readers watch Meilan develop a strength, courage, and confidence in herself that helps push back against the antiquated and harmful views of the community.
What I Enjoyed: I absolutely adored Meilan as a character. Her entire narrative is something quite a few middle grade reviewers can connect with and appreciate. While she deals with the ups and downs of her new school, Meilan also is dealing with the grief associated with her grandmother's death as well as the fracturing of her family. Wang permitted Meilan to feel every emotion needed to process everything around her, but she refused to let her give up hope. This book isn't a book of perfection. The people who are rude, dishonest, and outright racist do not face any realistic consequences for their actions. Unfortunately, that's a reality and instead of creating a perfect situation in which everyone will be held responsible for their actions, Wang focused on Meilan finding the power and strength in her identity and voice. There is a particular scene in which Meilan finally stands up to the principal. Like a proud mother, I was cheering her on to finally draw the line on what she felt like was appropriate and inappropriate. She declared that her identity was not justification for his stereotyping, gaslighting, and obvious racist rhetoric. That is the real joy of this book: a character finds happiness in the many ways that they can exist. There are also some great explorations of Mandarin (I highly recommend listening to this on audio), language justice, as well as historical information related to the Vietnam War.
What Didn't Work: I think that Meilan's family could have used a little more time on page. While her grandfather plays a vital role in the book towards the end, I think that readers could have appreciated getting to know the family members that were involved in the family's fall out. They fell a little flat and felt more catalysts of the plot instead of well developed characters.
Overall, this was a great middle grade read. I've read a few other works by Andrea Wang and I'm looking forward to checking out more....more
Yesss for old school YA coming through! I read this as a part of the Classic Lesbian Romance book club. It definitely was better than our previous twoYesss for old school YA coming through! I read this as a part of the Classic Lesbian Romance book club. It definitely was better than our previous two reads and it makes me excited to go through the rest of our line up. If you're interested in hearing more of my thoughts, be sure to check out our liveshow here: https://www.youtube.com/live/YoLjlbHP......more
There aren't enough words to describe the heartache I feel for Britney Spears. I grew up listening to Britney and owned a few of her CD'Oh Britney....
There aren't enough words to describe the heartache I feel for Britney Spears. I grew up listening to Britney and owned a few of her CD's that I would keep on replay. Unfortunately, as I grew older, I didn't keep up with her life. I remember hearing things here and there about some of her lowest points as portrayed by the media, but it wasn't until I began learning more about the conservatorship that I realized the amount of trauma she experienced. The amount of neglect and abuse experienced at the hands of her family, the media, and Justin just blew me away. Her story and legacy is the perfect example of "you never know what someone is going through." While she was getting taunted by the media and portrayed as the "harlot" that broke Justin's heart, Britney, in my opinion, was literally searching for an ideal situation or environment where she would not only be able to make decisions for herself, but thrive as a healthy adult. Coming from a family that showed no remorse in using her for personal gain, it does not surprise me that she sought comfort in situations that weren't always that great. It explains why she took the break up with Justin so hard and continued to protect him after he single-handedly launched his solo career while dragging her through the pits of hell to the media and anyone else that would listen. After reading this book, it amazes me that Britney has such determination to be such a kind and peaceful person. While some may look at this as a betrayal to Justin and her family, I find it empowering to know that she had the courage and willpower to share some of the most intimate moments of life while revealing the true nature of all parties involved. This book isn't about them or some immaculate revenge plot. It's Britney's space to work through and illustrate how the industry, her family, friends, and partners changed her into the person that she is now. It's the opportunity to create questions about what could have been had she just had one ounce of support from those closest to her. It must have been such a painful experience to draft the many ways in which so many people failed you as a person. But it must have given her so much pride to see how she pushed and fought to have her voice heard. I'm not sure if she knew that her book was going to garner such a positive response, but good for her. As I always say, it's not our job to dictate when someone should share their story. I don't care if it's a long after the fact. It's not fair to tell a victim how to process and heal.
Overall, I found this read to be both compelling and heartbreaking. Britney isn't the greatest writer, but it feels like an honor to be able to read what seems like a such a personal, intimate recollection of events. I hope that she continues to find peace and remain in it....more
You know what? I'm actually glad that I ended up reading this one. It wasn't the best YA fantasy that I've read, but it also isn't the worse. I think You know what? I'm actually glad that I ended up reading this one. It wasn't the best YA fantasy that I've read, but it also isn't the worse. I think it was a little heavy handed on the Beauty and the Beast elements, but I enjoyed the way Kemmerer changed it up a little towards the end. 3.5 stars
A Curse So Dark and Lonely follows main character Harper after she is essentially kidnapped from her home in DC to live with the cursed Rhen who a small amount of time to fall in love. Though confused at first, Harper quickly learns the complexity behind Rhen's situation. As they spend more time together, Rhen begins to believe that Harper is the girl who could finally break the curse; however, things become a little more complicated as they learn what is at stake for the entire city of Emberfall.
What Worked: This was an easy story to follow. Kemmerer wrote in a way that was simplistic and accessible to newer fantasy writers. As someone who struggles with complexities that sometimes come with fantasy books, I really appreciated this specific element. I also appreciated the manner in which Kemmerer developed Harper as the "Belle" of the story. Because so many other elements of the story were similar to those of Beauty and the Beast I expected the conclusion to be similar in a way that would put Harper in a position to immediately fall in love with Rhen; however, I appreciated the realness that Kemmerer included in reiterating the unlikeness of this happening. I also appreciated the disability representation.
What Didn't Work: While there were elements of this story that I appreciated, nothing about this story necessarily stood out. Honestly, I feel like most of that had to do with the length. This could have been just as effective with less pages. The story lagged in some places and lost my attention. I also had a lack of interest in Rhen as a character. I feel like I should have been connected to him considering his role in the novel; however, I enjoyed Gray more. He felt more developed, complex and I enjoyed having him on page more than Rhen. It felt unbalanced and I'm pretty sure that wasn't the intention of the author.
Overall, this was a solid read. I'm definitely interested in continuing on with the series after the ending....more
Expectations prior to diving into this book are going to play a huge role in how people may or may not perceive Jada. This isn’t solely about her relaExpectations prior to diving into this book are going to play a huge role in how people may or may not perceive Jada. This isn’t solely about her relationship with Will. It’s about her personal journey. I’ve seen reviews of this posted before release with no ARC release and reviews written by those who didn’t even read the book. It’s truly fascinating. As always, I’m not here to judge Jada’s story whether people believe it to be factual or not. We can’t construct the way in which someone tells their story nor can we determine how much they should and should not reveal. There are definitely content warnings for this one including emotional abuse, substance abuse, parental abandonment, and more.
Worthy, in my opinion, isn’t what the masses are expecting. Because of their openness about their life, I think that quite a few readers are going to anticipate a book filled with juicy details related to the relationship between Will and Jada that haven’t been revealed to the public. There are some things that aren’t common knowledge; however, what most will find is that this book is about Jada and her journey. Yes, Will is a part of that journey, but this is Jada taking the opportunity to center her narrative. To be quite honest, I enjoyed Jada’s authorial tone and it gave me a better perspective of who she is and why she handles things the way that she does. Unlike Will, Jada isn’t as charismatic, she’s quick to react and, to be quite frank, overreact (I’m thinking about the theme park situation), but a lot of that stems from her past trauma. She isn’t always perceived as likeable, but I think that comes from a lifestyle in which she had to maintain a guard for protection. Being in an industry where you are expected to charm the masses wasn’t, in my opinion, ever going to work out for Jada. This book isn’t her aim to make herself seem more likeable, but to give a better understanding of who she is as a human. She acknowledges her faults and the wrongs in her personal life, but she also holds people accountable. I think the danger in living such an open life is that people feel as though you owe them every single detail. While it can make people feel seen, it leads to a level of scrutiny I don’t think I would ever be able to handle. At some point; however, people must understand that the dynamics of Jada and Will’s relationship is a choice of their own. Even if it seems out of traditional roles for the majority of people, it is their life and it is their right to decide how they want to conduct their family. Jada admits that it is flawed, imperfect is so many ways, but it’s what they wanted. In fact, they’re still learning and the two of them have a connection that we, as public viewers, will never be able to understand regardless of how we feel. And there is more to Jada beyond Will. She is constantly viewed only in relationship to him and this was her opportunity to create that separation. There are parts of her thinking that I still don’t quite understand and dynamics of her relationship to Will that I would never choose for myself; however, I appreciate her sharing her story. The same grace that Will was provided in his memoir should, in my opinion, be applied to Jada instead of this rampant attempt to silence her.
I’m going to refrain from rating this because, to be honest, I’m not sure I could rate this even if I tried. My feelings about it are complicated especially about those sections that were “self-help” like in nature. Yet, I still think that Jada deserved a place to share her story and feelings. I don’t follow the couple at all so some of the things covered may have been discussed during Red Table Talks. I only knew minimal things about her relationship with Tupac and nothing about her upbringing. For me, as a reader, it was learning a different side and perspective to her and her life beyond Will. It is my hope that they both find some clarity. They have a love that is unbreakable, yet gut wrenching. It is clear that peace is needed for both. I highly recommend diving into this one without the preconceived notions and judgements of the rest of the world....more
Aw man! I'm not sure why it took me so long to read this book. It was a fun and exciting read. This is definitely a Willy Wonka like book, but make itAw man! I'm not sure why it took me so long to read this book. It was a fun and exciting read. This is definitely a Willy Wonka like book, but make it about books and libraries instead of candy.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library is a fun, fast paced novel that follows main character Kyle Keeley who is a fan of games especially those created by Mr. Lemoncello. Luckily, he gets the opportunity to participate in a overnight celebration of games, food, and fun in honor of the new library opening. What starts off as just a casual night of fun quickly turns into a game of puzzles when the participants find they cannot leave the library. They must work together or individually to solve all of the clues to escape from the library.
What Worked: I grew up loving the 1960s version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory so imagine my surprise when I read this book and I not only got those vibes, but everything takes place in a library. My little librarian heart was content. From the nods to all of the most amazing books in literature to the superb character development, this book sucked me in every time that I picked it up. Even the nods to the Dewey decimal system took me out! A lot of libraries are shifting away from using that as a classification system, but it was nice to see it honored in this book even if I'm not a fan of it. I absolutely adored the fact that Kyle learned more about literature through other participants and it made him want to check out more books. Outside of one particular character, the participants communicated well and worked together in ways that drew on all of their strengths.
This was a fun, fast read and I'm excited to pick up the next books in the series....more
What a heartbreakingly beautiful book...I don't think words could possibly ever describe the experience one has while reading it.
Root Magic is a complWhat a heartbreakingly beautiful book...I don't think words could possibly ever describe the experience one has while reading it.
Root Magic is a complex, beautiful middle grade book that takes place during the 1960s in South Carolina and follows twins Jezebel and Jay as they begin to learn the practice of rootwork from their uncle. However, as they learn, Jezebel and Jay both learn that there is something more sinister evil is at play.
What Worked: EVERYTHING. There was a level of complexity that I did not expect walking into this novel. The book tackles so many different aspects of rootwork and being Black in the South in the 1960s. It's dark, but filled with hope, love, and compassion. There was this analysis of natural and supernatural evil that blew my mind. So many people fear the supernatural when true evil lurks amongst those living in the natural world. This is especially true in context of the harsh realities of the Jim Crow South. Then there is this examination of the complexities of rootwork and how people perceive especially those in the Black community. How devastating must it be to practice a tradition that was common amongst our ancestors only for its purpose to be flipped on its head and categorized as evil by those who don't understand it? It is especially devastating when this fear and dislike of it comes from your own community. The writing as well as the character development in this book were also amazing. While this book is primarily told from the perspective of Jezebel, I'm glad that Royce took careful consideration to fully develop Jay as well as their mother and their uncle. With family playing such a huge role in this book, it was imperative that readers got to know the family outside of Jezebel and Royce did such an amazing job completing this task. There were some cultural connections that I had with this text having grown up in Charleston. The respect that Royce plays to the Gullah Geechie culture filled me heart with love. This book has layers filled with so much emotion that I'm still trying to figure out how Royce was able to capture it all.
This was such an amazing book. I cannot wait to dive into Eden Royce's newest book....more
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