“If the decision you’ve made has brought you closer to humanity, then you’ve done the right thing.”
A Very Large Expanse of Sea is a4 stars
“If the decision you’ve made has brought you closer to humanity, then you’ve done the right thing.”
A Very Large Expanse of Sea is a YA Contemporary following Shirin, a Muslim teenager. It takes place a year or two after 9/11. What was interesting to me straight away was the timeline. I was also a teenager during 9/11, it happened my sophomore year of high school, so I was essentially the same age as Shirin while all this was going on. My life, however, was very different.
Shirin's family moves around a lot and with each new city and new school, she finds herself subjected to the same racism and prejudice at the last place. Because of this, she's become hard. She's tough because she has to be. Shirin is American, she was born here and speaks English, though people treat her like an outsider- like a terrorist because of the color of her skin and the way she looks. It seems like her new school is much of the same, except for Ocean.
Ocean is a boy a year older than her in some of her classes. He is her lab partner and genuinely likes Shirin and wants to get to know her. It takes time, but very slowly he starts to tear her walls down. They start to become friends, but the attraction is there, too. Things aren't easy for them and as much as Ocean tries, they're just not accepted together by her classmates. It was heartbreaking to read about.
Through it all, Shirin stays brave, stays strong, and perseveres. I loved her and Ocean both. I also loved Shirin's brother, Navid and the rest of the breakdancing crew. They brought some fun and lightness to a heavy story and I loved how they saw below the surface with Shirin and all became like big brothers to her in a way.
This was such a powerful and important story. I listened to the audio book and it only took me a day to listen to it. I didn't want to stop once it was going. If you're looking for a hard-hitting YA Contemporary, I recommend this one. ...more
This was the most adorable graphic novel. I loved the art style so much and the story was so cute. I'll definitely be reading more by Katie O'4 stars
This was the most adorable graphic novel. I loved the art style so much and the story was so cute. I'll definitely be reading more by Katie O'Neill. ...more
“Loving someone was traumatizing. You never knew what would happen to them out there in the world. Everything precious was also vulnerable.”
Emergency Contact is my first book by Mary H.K. Choi and I loved it. Before reading it, I noticed it had mixed reviews. While I can see why this book wouldn't be for everyone, I'm so happy I picked it up because it was very much for me and I'm looking forward to reading the authors other book, 'Permanent Record' soon!
This story takes place as Penny Lee is starting her first year of college. Early on, we meet Sam who has a family connection to Penny's college roommate. Penny and Sam are both going through a lot. A lot of changes, a lot of stress, and they need someone they can talk to. They become that for each other. Mostly, these characters communicate via texting (which I loved) after Penny helps out Sam one day when he's distressed. I loved watching the connection and bond they formed and how they were always there for one another.
I think one of the reasons I enjoyed this so much was that I connected with the main character in a big way. Sure, I'm not in college anymore, nor am I Korean, and honestly my personality is very different from Penny's, but her relationship with her mom is spot on to how mine was. I love my mom dearly and she is amazing, but she also had me young and I felt like the grown up in that same way as a child/teenager. That dynamic felt so real to me. I love characters that are real and relateable and all of these characters felt that way to me.
I loved this authors writing style, and while listening to the audiobook I didn't want to press pause. That, to me, is a sign of a great read. I loved how realistic and poignant it was. My only complaint is that I wanted a little more out of the ending, but overall I loved this one lots!
“You can be with the same person for a long time and have it be fine and meet someone else who instantly makes you see that it's broken."
Dear Sweet Pea was such a cute read! I love Julie Murphy’s writing and I enjoyed this middle grade novel lots.
Patricia ‘Sweet Pea’ DiMarco is4 stars
Dear Sweet Pea was such a cute read! I love Julie Murphy’s writing and I enjoyed this middle grade novel lots.
Patricia ‘Sweet Pea’ DiMarco is a middle schooler who is going through a lot. Her parents are recently divorced and now her time is split between two homes. It’s an adjustment. Things are changing and she’s having to learn to deal with the changes Thankfully, she has her best friend, Oscar. But then things happen that have her keeping secrets from Oscar and everything feels like a mess in her life.
Sweet Pea was a fun character and one that I think would be relatable to a lot of kids that age. She felt authentic. As I say with all of Julie Murphy’s books, I wish that these were around the I was this age. I would have loved to read this book when I was 10-11 when my parents got divorced.
This is a great story that focuses on friendship, families, and loving yourself. It’s geared towards middle-grade kids, but I think readers of every age would enjoy this!...more
"If I'm going to die, I'd like to actually live first."
Earlier this year, I went to the movies and saw 'Five Feet Apart'. I usual4 stars
"If I'm going to die, I'd like to actually live first."
Earlier this year, I went to the movies and saw 'Five Feet Apart'. I usually hate seeing a movie before reading the book, but I went anyway. I really enjoyed the movie and decided to check out the book. The wait for the audio book with my library was a mile long, but eventually, it was my turn to listen. Now, it's been several months since I've watched the film, but this movie adaptation was pretty darn spot on from what I remember. Listening to this book, I could just see the film play out in my head, which was really cool.
This is a heartfelt and emotional read that will pull right on your heartstrings. It's a powerful story of living life to your fullest and falling in love. It made me think, feel, and brought so much awareness to what it's like to live with a chronic disease. As a nurse, I've seen a lot of this, but I think it's something regular healthy people don't think much about. I thought the book was really well done and it brought me to tears more than once. I highly recommend the audio book and the film, because I honestly liked it just as much! ...more
“People don't change. They just get better at hiding who they really are.”
Sadie was such a difficult read for me. It’s hard to s4.5 stars
“People don't change. They just get better at hiding who they really are.”
Sadie was such a difficult read for me. It’s hard to say I ‘enjoyed’ this book, but it was so well written and completely captivating. I was hooked on this story and loved the way it was told.
If you like to listen to audio books, I can’t recommend the audio enough. It’s got a full cast and all the narrators were fantastic. About half of the book was told from Sadie’s pov, and the other half was told in podcast/interview form.
It follows a missing girl, Sadie, who’s looking for justice for her little sister who was murdered. Sadie has basically raised her teenage sister, Mattie, and it tears her world apart now that she’s gone. The book shows her on her journey, looking for Mattie’s killer, no matter what the consequences. She loved her sister that much.
Love is complicated, it’s messy. It can inspire selflessness, selfishness, our greatest accomplishments and our hardest mistakes. It brings us together and it can just as easily drive us apart.
I am not the biggest fan of thrillers, I don’t like to be scared, but this book wasn’t really scary. It was completely gut-wrenching and devastating. It was such a powerful read. It was about the love of family, revenge, and sacrifice. This was hands down the best audiobook I’ve listened to this year. If this is a book you’ve been wanting to pick up, please do yourself a favor and listen to it. It’s an unforgettable experience....more
“This note about anatomy from me to you is for the remembering that after you speak after you shout your open mouth will breathe in the light for
3.5 stars
“This note about anatomy from me to you is for the remembering that after you speak after you shout your open mouth will breathe in the light for which you've hungered and your backbone will unfurl, until you can again dance to the beat of your steadfast heart.”
This was a powerful read and I love Laurie Halse Anderson's voice. She narrated the audio book herself. The first half was really slow for me and I struggled to get through it, but the end finished strong. ...more
“It happened. There is no avoiding it, no forgetting. No running away, or flying, or burying, or hiding.”
The graphic novel of Speak was e
“It happened. There is no avoiding it, no forgetting. No running away, or flying, or burying, or hiding.”
The graphic novel of Speak was equal parts beautiful and devastating. The art work was wonderful, but the story hurt my heart. I haven’t actually read the book, so it was new to me. This is by no means an easy read, but I think it’s one that needs to be read. ...more
I’ve read quite a few Kasie West books and they’re all cute and fun reads- this was no exception. Some are good, some are great, this one, for me, was just good. I liked it, but it didn’t blow me away.
Sophie Evans helps a local florist and there is a lot of event planning involved in her job. She lives in a small town but has dreams of moving to the big city to be a fashion designer. Dreams that no one, her mom and best friend included, really understand.
Andrew Hart is new to town and helping his dad, a celebrity type chef, get a local catering company more business. While in town, Andrew and Sophie run in the same circles doing a lot of the same events- and they can’t stand each other.
No one loves a good enemies to lovers story more than me, but this couple stayed enemies almost the whole book. It seemed as soon as they realized their feelings for one another, the book was over. Which is par for the course in a lot of YA, but I still wanted more of their relationship.
Kasie West’s books are always quick, entertaining, and fun to listen to. I liked the characters and writing, I just wanted more of the couple together. Still, overall this was a good one and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author. ...more
A story of love and demons, family and witchcraft.
Mooncakes was the cutest thing I’ve read in ages! And the artwork was fabulous. I loved Nova, Ta
A story of love and demons, family and witchcraft.
Mooncakes was the cutest thing I’ve read in ages! And the artwork was fabulous. I loved Nova, Tam, and the Nanas. It was a fun, action packed read and I have a feeling I’ll pick it back up around Halloween because it's absolutely perfect for fall! ...more
“I wonder – if nobody is listening to my voice, am I making any sound at all?”
Radio Silence is my first book by Alice Oseman, and it left it’s mark. I will definitely be reading all of this authors works. This book was special. It had an addicting quality and was one of the best coming of age stories I’ve ever read.
Frances Janvier is starting her final year in school before university. She’s a top student with one goal. There is one university she wants into and nothing will get in her way. That goal is all she strives towards and the only other thing that is important to her is Universe City, a Youtube channel she’s a bit obsessed with.
Universe City is a podcast that’s anonymous. You don’t know the creator, you never see their face, you only hear the narrators voice, but that’s enough for Frances. When her neighbor, Aled comes to her life, they realize they have Universe City in common, and a bond stronger than either of them can imagines forms.
“Being friends with Aled made me feel like I’d never had a real friend before, ever.”
My favorite thing about this book was that it didn’t take the romance route (I know… crazy). The friendship between Frances and Aled was so pure and beautiful and I loved the bond they shared so much. It was by far the best part of this story. These two are so different, but so the same.
He smiled and looked away. 'Sometimes I think we're the same person...but we just got accidentally split into two before we were born.”
Frances and Aled were both phenomenal characters, but Raine, Daniel, and Carys also played a big and important part in this story. It wasn’t always easy to read, there were several moments that brought me to tears, but by the end, I had the biggest smile on my face.
I’m a bit obsessed with this book. It was brilliant and gave me the best kind of feels. Alice Oseman’s writing was phenomenal and the premise of this story is unlike anything I’ve ever read before. The audio book was also excellent! If you’re looking for a diverse and unique coming of age novel, this is one I would highly recommend.
Not the books fault, but I have a lot going on and I am having so much trouble staying connected to this story. I might come back to it again, not surNot the books fault, but I have a lot going on and I am having so much trouble staying connected to this story. I might come back to it again, not sure. ...more
I Wish You All the Best wasn’t an easy read, but it was beautiful and heartfelt. I love reading book
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"Sometimes the world is too loud.”
I Wish You All the Best wasn’t an easy read, but it was beautiful and heartfelt. I love reading books about people who are different than me. I think we’d all be better off reading about different cultures, genders, races, religions, and sexual orientations. I’ve never read a book about a non-binary character and I feel like I learned a lot while reading this story.
Ben was a great character. I felt for them and what they were going through. The things that were great for me in this book- the relationship with Ben’s sister, Hannah, Nathan and Ben’s friendship, and seeing Ben start to accept themselves and come to terms with the life they want to live. I listened to the audio version of this book and would recommend giving it a listen. The narration was great. ...more
“It took us fifteen years to find each other, but we still did! And sometimes, family hurts each other. But after that's done you bandage each other up, and you move on. Together. You've got us now, like it or not, and we've got you.”
This book couldn’t have been more perfect for me. It had the absolute best family dynamic and gave me all the feels. This story moved me. It was inspirational and so so good.
Far from the Tree starts out with sixteen year old Grace who just gave birth to her own little girl. It was an impossible decision to make, but Grace decided to give her baby up to a loving family who could take care of her and give her the life she deserved. This made Grace start questioning who she is and where she comes from. She talked to her parents and decided it was time. Time for her to look for her own birth mother.
Grace was adopted as a baby and has grown up as an only child, but soon she finds out she has an older brother, Joaquin, who is seventeen, and a younger sister, Maya, who is fifteen. Maya, like Grace, was adopted as a baby, but Joaquin never was. I loved getting the perspective of all three siblings. All of their lives and stories were so different and the way it came together was so beautiful.
All the siblings stories were great and had something real and raw, but Joaquin’s story, especially broke my heart. By the end, I was crying buckets but they were mostly happy tears. I just loved this family. I listened to this book in audio format and it was narrated by Julia Whelan who does an incredible job voicing all of these characters.
Far from the Tree is very much a family focused book. It’s about adoption, birth families, and how family is family and it’s all the same because it’s all love. This was such an amazing book for me. It’s a contemporary YA with little to no romance, and that was perfectly fine with me. It was flawless just the way it was. I can’t recommend this book enough, I’m sure it will be making my top favorites read in 2019!...more
“People aren’t perfect. It’s not about loving them when it’s easy and convenient; it’s about loving them even more when it’s hard.”
I've read every book of Kim Holden's and what I love about her stories is they're always different and special. Her writing is truly a gift and the way she can tell a story is like no other. The Other Side is an important read. It's heart-wrenching, focuses on difficult topics, and is a book that needs to be read.
This book focuses on 17 year old Toby. It's written in the present day, but we also get a lot of scenes from 2 years back when Toby's life changed drastically. Toby's pain was real and raw and I felt it deep down. I ached for this boy. I don't want to go too far into his story because I think it will be much more impactful if you read it without knowing much.
I feel like this book tackled the deep depression/mental health topic very well. It's a hard thing to read about and I'm certain it's hard to write about, but it's something that needs to be talked about more and you could tell Kim knew how this felt and conveyed it in Toby's words and feelings.
Sadness is melancholy. Depression is a black hole of despair. I always imagine it’s like drowning. There are short bursts of fresh air, like Alice, but the past, the hopelessness, the guilt, and self-loathing is a pair of lead shoes that always pull me back under.
I loved seeing the other side of Toby. I wasn't sure what direction that was going in, but it was so well done. My heart was so happy and I shed a few happy tears. Honestly, that last 25% was just a sob fest for me. Some tears were happy, some were sad, but it felt cathartic.
This story is profound. It's emotional, heavy, and breathtaking. It's not an easy read, but I hope people pick it up and get something out of it like I did. I loved the connections the characters had, the way they held each other up and the love that was there. Thank you Kim Holden for this book, and for sharing this story with the world. You are loved and you are important. Hugs....more
Don't Date Rosa Santos is a beautiful coming of age YA contemporary I enjoyed lots. The cover and title of this book is so fun I had to pick it up and I'm glad I did.
Rosa Santos is a teenager who lives in Florida with her Mimi and sometimes her flighty mother. Rosa has just graduated high school and is sure of her future plans until things change and leave her undecided. All that she knows is somehow, someway, she will go to Cuba, the country she's from but has never been to. Her Mimi isn't crazy about this idea and it causes tension between them. Deep down, Mimi just wants what's best for Rosa.
With all this going on, Rosa is also trying to save a part of her town by helping plan a summer fest and wedding. I loved all the townspeople and sense of community. One of my favorite thing about this book was seeing all the relationships Rosa had with all these many different people.
There is a romantic interest in this book, and he's a doll, but this book is so much more than romance. It's a story about a girl discovering who she is and where she's from, a mother/daughter relationship, friendship and family. It was a great read and one I would recommend!
"We try with all we have. We fight hands we can't see. We stomp against the earth and whisper all the right prayers, but sometimes it isn't meant to be. You believe life will always be as it is, and you make plans, but the next thing you know, you're climbing into a sinking boat in the dead of night because the land you love is no longer safe. The sun sets, he doesn't swim above the water again, and time runs out.”
The world is a turntable that never stops spinning; as humans we merely choose the tracks we want to sit out and the ones that inspire us to dance.
I read Acevedo's debut novel, The Poet X last year and I was impressed by her words and moved by the story. When her sophomore novel, With the Fire on High came out, I picked it up straight away. Honestly, I loved this one so much more than her first book. The story was fantastic and it's by far the best YA book I've read this year.
Emoni is a senior in high school and a single mom to her baby girl, Emma. She got pregnant her freshman year of high school and has had to carry the title of teen mom through her entire high school career. Things aren't easy for Emoni. She lives with her Abuela, works part time, goes to school, and has a baby to take care of. She feels most herself and most happy when she's in the kitchen. Emoni is an amazing cook. Her food is magic and it's her passion. When a culinary program comes to her school, she is excited to take the class. There is a trip to Spain at the end of the year for the culinary class, and even though it seems impossible, she wants to go more than anything.
Through all this, Emoni starts to fall for a guy in her cooking class. He pursues her but she's not sure what to do. She's got a lot on her plate and romance has always been on the back burner for her. Even though she got pregnant young, she's inexperienced and unsure of where this can go. I loved watching Emoni figure out life and her feelings. She's an amazing mother, passionate chef, great friend and I couldn't have adored her more. I also loved her love interest, and I loved that it wasn't the focus of the book.
This book is important to read for so many reasons. It showcases teen mothers and their responsibility/the way the world sees them and how different it is for teen fathers. Not to say that every situation is like that, but I think most are. It means a lot to me to read about a teen mother in such a positive light as my mother was 15 when she got pregnant with me and even though I'm sure there were a lot of obstacles and struggles for her, she is the best mom ever and she always took care of me and put me first, much like Emoni. It made my heart happy to see this.
I have to note that if you can listen to either of Acevedo's books in audio format, you should. She narrates them herself and does an amazing job. This story is Emoni's journey through finding herself and reaching for her dreams. It's an important book, so very well written, and even though it was emotional for me, it was a lot of fun to listen to. I can't recommend it enough!!...more
With Sweetie time passed in gentle waves. A conversation with her was like a warm hug and a cup of hot coca on a cold day – comforting, familiar, a place you never wanted to leave.
There’s Something About Sweetie was such an adorable YA read that had a beautiful message.
Sweetie Nair is an Indian-American teenage girl. She’s a track star, a good student, daughter, and friend, but what people always seem to identify her as first and foremost is fat. Sweetie loves the skin she’s in, but she doesn’t love how people always notice that first.
Ashish Patel is also an Indian-American teen. He’s grown up similar to Sweetie in many ways, but also different. Ashish’s family is well off and he’s the star basketball player at his school. He’s been in some not so great relationships and is trying to get over his last girlfriend. A friend recommends he let his parents set him up, and even though it seems crazy, he goes with it.
Ashish’s mom chooses Sweetie for Ashish. Ashish has never dated an Indian girl before, so it’s new to him. Sweetie’s mom isn’t okay with this, as she feels they aren’t a good match due to Sweetie’s size. The way Sweetie’s mom was made my heart hurt for her.
I loved seeing all the dates they went on and watching these two go from friends to more. You could see all these little things, where slowly but surely these two were starting to fall for one another.
I had a lot of fun reading this book. Ashish and Sweetie were real teenagers and I loved seeing them start to fall for one another. It was so nice to read a book about someone so young embracing her body and being confident in her size, even when outside forces try to make her ashamed for it. I wish books like this were around when I was a teenager. I enjoyed this audiobook lots!
"The word 'fat' isn't inherently bad or gross. It's people who've made it the way. 'Fat' is just the opposite of 'thin', and no one flinches at that one. So, to me, 'fat' is just another word that describes me, like 'brown' or 'girl' or ‘athlete’.”
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