#the book is “one of our kind” by nicola yoon

[inniave]

fighting the urge to stay up all night to finish this book......

[wttnblog]

June 2024 Book Releases You'll Love to Read

Happy June! and Happy Pride Month! I’m delighted to share this list of new books—there’s so many big names and even more queer content that I can’t wait to read. While I won’t be able to get through all of them, I am hoping to get my hands on at least a few. Let me know if you’ve read any and what books you’ll be putting on hold at your local library! Wish You Weren’t Here Author: Erin…

[judgingbooksbycovers]

One of Our Kind: A Novel

By Nicola Yoon.

[thislivsnjutare]

The Sun is Also a Star is a classic boy-meets-girl story, but with a twist—a brief, whirlwind romance that takes place over the course of a single day. It’s the kind of tale that romantic souls long for, where a single glance sparks something electric, and a few intimate questions lead to the feeling that you’ve known each other for a lifetime. Throw in a few minutes of gazing into each other’s eyes, and it feels like enough for love to bloom, despite the ticking clock.

Can two people who share just one monumental day truly be destined for forever? It sounds like something that only happens in the movies—or, in this case, a novel—but Nicola Yoon explores that very question, and along the way, she gives readers a glimpse into the improbable yet beautiful possibility of it. The story is not just about love, though; it dives into deeper, more sensitive topics like immigration, deportation, and the difficult sacrifices families make, sometimes at the expense of their dreams.

What I particularly enjoyed about this book were the side stories of the people surrounding the main characters. These glimpses into the lives of others show how our actions—or even our inactions—can ripple through the lives of those around us, often in ways we don’t even realize. It adds a layer of interconnectedness that feels profound, reminding us how small moments can have lasting impacts.

My only real struggle with the story was trying to fit everything that happened into a single day. It felt almost too perfect, like time was stretched just a little to allow everything to fall neatly into place. But maybe that’s the point—perhaps love, like time, bends when it needs to.

And the ending? That might just be my favorite part. It’s hopeful and brimming with possibilities, leaving you with the sense that maybe, just maybe, love can defy the odds and the limits of time.

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🗞️📖 Bookish News - December Edition

🦇 Extra, extra. Read all about it! 📖 Good afternoon, bookish bats! A lot happened in the publishing industry last month, but here are a few highlights you may have missed!

Adaptations: 📖 Ernest Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms 🗞️ Teen Titans: Beast Boy by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Piccolo 📖 Uglies by Scott Westerfeld 🗞️ Brianna Peppin's Briarcliff Prep 📖 Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben 🗞️ Geek Girl by Holly Smale 📖 Paddington (musical theater) 🗞️ The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 📖 My Lady Jane by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, and Jodi Meadows 🗞️ Heartstopper Season 3 📖 A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts by Ying Chang Compestine 🗞️ My Life With the Walter Boys by Ali Novak 📖 Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me 🗞️ They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera 📖 Pretty Little Liars: Summer School 🗞️ Martha Wells’ The Murderbot Diaries

Cover Reveals: 📖 New Adventure in Space Opera by Jonathan Strahan 🗞️ Cally Fiedorek's Atta Boy has its cover 📖 Brandon Sanderson's The Sunlit Man - March 2024 🗞️ It's Elementary by Elise Bryant 📖 The Wilds by Sarah Pearse - July 16 🗞️ Nicola Yoon's first adult novel, One of Our Kind - June 11 📖 Sanctuary by Valentina Cano Repetto - April 2024 🗞️ Pretty by KB Brookins 📖 Jewel Me Twice by Charish Reid - July 2024 🗞️ The Big Day by Aliya Ali-Afzal - June 6

Other News: 📖 Dhonielle Clayton is starting a new book packaging company, Electric Postcard Entertainment, focused on diverse reads 🗞️ Cassandra Clare's Kickstarter set a record for YA projects on the platform 📖 The winners of the Goodreads Choice Awards were announced 🗞️ Penguin Random House, John Green, Jodi Picoult, and other novelists are challenging Iowa's book banning law 📖 The Books Save Lives Act has been introduced by US Congress

[bookhavenblog]

Top 10 Books to Cultivate Gratitude for All Ages

As Thanksgiving approaches, there’s no better time to reflect on the importance of gratitude. Teaching thankfulness helps us focus on the good, strengthens our relationships, and fosters contentment. Whether you’re looking for stories that inspire gratitude in young children, thoughtful reflections for teens, or books for adults to deepen their sense of thankfulness, this list offers something for everyone. Table of Contents - Children’s Picture Books on Gratitude - Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora - The Thank You Book by Mo Willems - Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson - The Secret of Saying Thanks by Douglas Wood - Chapter Books and Middle-Grade Reads - Wonder by R.J. Palacio - The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo - Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder - Teen & Young Adult Books on Gratitude - Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan - Smile by Raina Telgemeier - Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon - Books on Gratitude for Adults - One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp - The Gratitude Diaries by Janice Kaplan - Gratitude by Oliver Sacks - Living Life as a Thank You by Nina Lesowitz and Mary Beth Sammons 1. Children’s Picture Books on Gratitude Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora In Thank You, Omu!, Oge Mora tells the story of Omu, a kind woman who makes a delicious pot of stew. When the aroma wafts through the neighborhood, everyone stops by to share a bowl, from police officers to neighbors to children. Omu generously gives to each visitor until there’s nothing left for herself, but her neighbors return in a heartwarming show of gratitude to give back to her. With vibrant collage-style illustrations, this book is a beautiful story of community, kindness, and giving thanks. Get it on Amazon The Thank You Book by Mo Willems The final book in Mo Willems' beloved Elephant & Piggie series, The Thank You Book follows Piggie on her mission to thank everyone important in her life. Gerald the elephant is concerned Piggie will forget someone, which makes for plenty of funny and endearing moments. This book is a playful introduction to the concept of gratitude for young children and a reminder of the importance of appreciating those around us. Willems’ signature humor and illustrations make this a favorite among kids. Get it on Amazon Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson In Bear Says Thanks, Bear wants to throw a feast to show his gratitude for his friends, but his cupboards are bare. Luckily, his friends each bring something to share, and Bear realizes that true gratitude isn’t about what we have but about the people who care for us. This sweet, rhyming story by Karma Wilson is beautifully illustrated and emphasizes the joy of friendship and thankfulness, even when we have little to give. Get it on Amazon The Secret of Saying Thanks by Douglas Wood In The Secret of Saying Thanks, Douglas Wood encourages children to appreciate the little things in life, from the beauty of nature to the love of family. Through gentle words and serene illustrations, the book teaches that gratitude is about seeing the goodness all around us. This calming, reflective story is perfect for bedtime and offers a moment of quiet gratitude for readers of all ages. Get it on Amazon 2. Chapter Books and Middle-Grade Reads Wonder by R.J. Palacio Wonder is the story of Auggie Pullman, a boy with facial differences who enters a mainstream school for the first time. His journey is filled with challenges, but also kindness and acceptance from new friends and family. Through Auggie’s story, readers learn the importance of empathy, acceptance, and gratitude for the people who stand by us. This inspiring book has touched the hearts of readers of all ages and reminds us to be kind and thankful for the friendships and love in our lives. Get it on Amazon The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo In this beautiful story by Kate DiCamillo, Edward Tulane, a once self-centered porcelain rabbit, goes on an unexpected journey of love, loss, and redemption. Through a series of owners who care for him deeply, Edward learns what it means to love and be loved, ultimately discovering gratitude for those he once took for granted. This moving tale teaches readers about the importance of empathy and the power of gratitude in transforming the heart. Get it on Amazon Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder This classic by Laura Ingalls Wilder is a timeless tale of pioneer life and the strength of family bonds. As Laura and her family navigate the joys and challenges of life in the American Midwest, readers experience the family’s gratitude for simple pleasures like warm hearths and homemade meals. Little House in the Big Woods reminds readers young and old to appreciate life’s little blessings and to be grateful for family, resilience, and hard work. Get it on Amazon 3. Teen & Young Adult Books on Gratitude Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan Willow Chance is an exceptional young girl facing loss and loneliness, but as she builds new friendships, she learns the value of community and support. Counting by 7s shows that even in our darkest moments, we can find gratitude for the people who become our family. This story beautifully illustrates resilience, hope, and the power of thankfulness for the people who lift us up when we need it most. Get it on Amazon Smile by Raina Telgemeier This graphic novel follows Raina through the ups and downs of adolescence as she deals with dental issues, friendship challenges, and self-discovery. Smile is a relatable and humorous story that reminds readers to appreciate the journey of growing up and to be grateful for moments of resilience and personal growth. This heartfelt book helps teens reflect on the importance of embracing change with a thankful heart. Get it on Amazon Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon In Everything, Everything, Maddy has lived her life isolated due to a rare illness, but when she meets Olly, she starts to question what life is truly about. Her journey teaches readers the beauty of life’s small, everyday moments and the importance of living each day with gratitude, no matter the challenges. This thought-provoking book inspires teens to see life through a lens of thankfulness, especially for the ordinary wonders we often take for granted. Get it on Amazon 4. Books on Gratitude for Adults One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp In One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp shares her transformative journey toward living a life of gratitude, even amidst the pain and challenges. She encourages readers to keep a list of blessings, finding joy in the small moments of everyday life. Voskamp’s deeply spiritual and poetic writing makes this a profound guide for anyone seeking to cultivate a thankful heart and see life through the lens of gratitude. Get it on Amazon The Gratitude Diaries by Janice Kaplan Journalist Janice Kaplan’s The Gratitude Diaries follows her year-long experiment to approach life with more thankfulness. Through humor and personal stories, Kaplan reveals how gratitude transformed her relationships, career, and health. Her engaging narrative and practical tips make this a lighthearted yet powerful read for anyone wanting to experience the life-changing effects of gratitude. Get it on Amazon Gratitude by Oliver Sacks Written in the final years of his life, Gratitude by neurologist Oliver Sacks is a collection of essays that reflect on his life, career, and the simple pleasures of existence. His reflections are a gentle reminder of the importance of embracing each day with humility and appreciation. Sacks’s heartfelt words encourage readers to appreciate life’s moments, both big and small, making this a thought-provoking and moving read. Get it on Amazon Living Life as a Thank You by Nina Lesowitz and Mary Beth Sammons Living Life as a Thank You offers readers a practical guide to gratitude, filled with inspiring stories, tips, and exercises for cultivating thankfulness in everyday life. Lesowitz and Sammons show that gratitude is a mindset, and their stories highlight how small shifts in perspective can lead to profound changes in happiness and fulfillment. This book is a gentle reminder to live with an open, thankful heart. Get it on Amazon Final Thoughts Gratitude is a powerful way to shift our perspectives, connect with others, and appreciate life’s blessings, big and small. Whether you’re a parent looking to teach thankfulness to your children, a teen navigating life’s ups and downs, or an adult seeking to cultivate a grateful heart, these books offer inspiration, reflection, and joy. May these stories help you and your loved ones develop a habit of thankfulness that brings peace and contentment to everyday life. Share Your Thoughts! Have you read any of these books, or do you have other favorites on gratitude? We’d love to hear how these stories have inspired you or impacted your outlook. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and consider sharing this list with friends or family to spread the joy of gratitude this season! Read the full article

[musingsofmonica]

June 2024 Diverse Reads

June 2024 Diverse Reads:

•”What You Leave Behind” by Wanda M. Morris, June 18, William Morrow & Company, Thriller/Suspense/Mystery & Detective/Women Sleuths/Women/Cultural Heritage/African American & Black/Small Town & Rural/Southern

•”The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye” by 

Briony Cameron, June 04, Atria Books, Historical/Sea Stories/Cultural Heritage/African American & Black/LGBTQ

•”Daughter of Calamity” by Rosalie M. Lin, June 18, St. Martin's Press, Fantasy/Historical/World Literature/China/20th Century

•”Death in the Air” by Ram Murali, June 18, Harper, Thrillers/Crime/Psychological/Mystery & Detective/International Crime & Mystery/World Literature/London/India

•”Swift River” by Essie Chambers, June 04, Simon & Schuster, Literary/Coming of Age/Cultural Heritage/African American & Black/Women

•”The Road to the Country” by Chigozie Obioma, June 04, Hogarth Press, Literary/Coming of Age/Historical/War & Military/World Literature/Nigeria

•”Little Rot” by Akwaeke Emezi, June 18, Riverhead Books, Literary/Psychological/Romance/Friendship

•”Of Jade and Dragons” by Amber Chen, June 18, Viking Books for Young Readers, Science Fiction/Fantasy/Action & Adventure/Romance/World Literature/Asia

•”All Friends Are Necessary” by Tomas Moniz, June 11, Algonquin Books, Contemporary/Family/Life/Friendship/LGBTQ//Cultural Heritage/Hispanic & Latino/Own Voices

•”God Bless You, Otis Spunkmeyer” by Joseph Earl Thomas, June 18, Grand Central Publishing, Contemporary/Family Life/City Life/Friendship/Cultural Heritage/African American & Black

•”A Love Like the Sun” by Riss M. Neilson, June 11, Penguin Publishing Group, Contemporary/Romance/Multicultural & Interracial/Women

•”One of Our Kind” by Nicola Yoon, June 11, Knopf Publishing Group, Thriller/Psychological/Gothic/Cultural Heritage/African American & Black/Women

•”The God and the Gumiho” by Sophie Kim, June 04, Del Rey Books, Contemporary/Fantasy/Urban/Fairy Tale/Folk Tales/Legends & Mythology/World Literature/Korea

•”Isabel and the Rogue” by Liana De La Rosa, June 04, Berkley Books, Historical/Victorian/Romance/Diversity & Multicultural/Multicultural & Interracial/Cultural Heritage/Hispanic & Latino

•”Malas” by Marcela Fuentes, June 04, Viking, Literary/Coming of Age/Family Life/Cultural Heritage/Hispanic & Latino/Tejano culture/Mexican culture  

•”Fire Exit” by Morgan Talty, June 04, Tin House Books, Literary/Family Life/Cultural Heritage/Native American & Aboriginal

•”The Stardust Grail” by Yume Kitasei, June 11, Flatiron Books, Science Fiction/Action & Adventure/Crime & Mystery/Alien Contact

•”The Eyes Are the Best Part” by Monika Kim, June 25, Erewhon Books, Thriller/Horror/Psychological/Cultural Heritage/Asian American/Feminist

•”Icon and Inferno” by Marie Lu, June 11, Roaring Brook Press, Contemporary/Thriller/Suspense/Espionage/Romance

•”Night Flyer: Harriet Tubman and the Faith Dreams of a Free People” by Tiya Miles, June 18, Penguin Press, History/Women/Social Activist/African American Studies//Race & Ethnic Relations/Cultural, Ethnic & Regional/African American & Black

[muntadhir]

Mid-Year Book Freak Out

Nobody tagged me but Yuki sent me this, therefore you will hear about it.

Number of books you’ve read so far in 2024: 40.

Best book you’ve read so far in 2024: The Blueprint (Rae Giana Rashad). I like to have a few re-reads before I declare a book a favorite, and I think this one is on that path.

Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2024: The Hidden Palace, sequel to The Golem and the Jinni (Helene Wecker). It gave me a F/F fanon ship therefore it wins.

New release you haven’t read yet but want to: I have an epic list, but The Eyes Are the Best Part (Monika Kim), for one (CN for an eyeball on the cover).

Most anticipated release for the second half of the year: Bury Your Gays (Chuck Tingle).

Biggest surprise favorite new author (debut or new to you): Rae Giana Rashad! I hope they publish more fiction.

Newest fictional crush: Dima is my blorbo from The Hidden Palace (Helene Wecker).

Book that made you cry: The Blueprint (Rae Giana Rashad) and One Of Our Kind (Nicola Yoon).

Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received): I find the covers for The Blueprint (Rae Giana Rashad) and The Eyes Are the Best Part (Monika Kim) particularly striking (CN for an eyeball on the cover of the latter).

Book that made you happy: This is hard because I mostly read very sad books, but I'll say Middle of the Night (Riley Sager), because it's cathartic to have the mystery solved.

What books do you need to read by the end of the year? I started Ours (Phillip B. Williams) but haven't finished it. Again, I have an epic list of books to read.

[dkehoe]

Are you gearing up for a vacation this summer? There are some great book releases in June, just in time for you to grab one or two and take them with you! These are the books I’m really looking forward to reading. #5 BOOK RELEASE If you like romances with a hint of magic you should pick up an Ashley Poston novel. Most recently she’s had big hits with The Dead Romantics and The Seven Year Slip. A Novel Love Story’s synopsis seems to fit this magical realism genre. I can’t wait to sit on a beach and dip into this book! Synopsis: Eileen Merriweather loves to get lost in a good happily-ever-after. The fictional kind, anyway. Because at least imaginary men don’t leave you at the altar. She feels safe in a book. At home. Which might be why she’s so set on going her annual book club retreat this year—she needs good friends, cheap wine, and grand romantic gestures—no matter what. But when her car unexpectedly breaks down on the way, she finds herself stranded in a quaint town that feels like it’s right out of a novel… Because it is. This place can’t be real, and yet… she’s here, in Eloraton, the town of her favorite romance series, where the candy store’s honey taffy is always sweet, the local bar’s burgers are always a little burnt, and rain always comes in the afternoon. It feels like home. It’s perfect—and perfectly frozen, trapped in the late author’s last unfinished story. Elsy is sure that’s why she must be here: to help bring the town to its storybook ending. Except there is a character in Eloraton that she can’t place—a grumpy bookstore owner with mint-green eyes, an irritatingly sexy mouth and impeccable taste in novels. And he does not want her finishing this book. Which is a problem because Elsy is beginning to think the town’s happily-ever-after might just be intertwined with her own. Click this link to purchase this book!* A Novel Love Story #4 BOOK RELEASE The best-selling author of The Sun is Also a Star and Everything Everything, Nicola Yoon’s newest novel One Of Our Kind gives me a ‘something’s wrong in the burbs’ vibe. Synopisis: Jasmyn and King Williams move their family to the planned Black utopia of Liberty, California hoping to find a community of like-minded people, a place where their growing family can thrive. King settles in at once, embracing the Liberty ethos, including the luxe wellness center at the top of the hill, which proves to be the heart of the community. But Jasmyn struggles to find her place. She expected to find liberals and social justice activists striving for racial equality, but Liberty residents seem more focused on booking spa treatments and ignoring the world’s troubles. Jasmyn’s only friends in the community are equally perplexed and frustrated by most residents’ outlook. Then Jasmyn discovers a terrible secret about Liberty and its founders. Frustration turns to dread as their loved ones start embracing the Liberty way of life. Will the truth destroy her world in ways she never could have imagined? Thrilling with insightful social commentary, One of Our Kind explores the ways in which freedom is complicated by the presumptions we make about ourselves and each other. Click this link to purchase this book!* One Of Our Kind *Amazon associate- if you purchase a book through one of these links I’ll receive a small stipend. #3 BOOK RELEASE I was lucky enough to receive an arc of this novel and enjoyed it tremendously. Another women in STEM romance with sizzling heat and intellectual smarts. Great characters and plot too! Synopsis: Rue Siebert might not have it all, but she has enough: a few friends she can always count on, the financial stability she yearned for as a kid, and a successful career as a biotech engineer at Kline, one of the most promising start-ups in the field of food science. Her world is stable, pleasant, and hard-fought. Until a hostile takeover and its offensively attractive front man threatens to bring it all crumbling down. Eli Killgore and his business partners want ...

[whatsonmedia]

Wednesday Wisdom: Selected Books of This Week!

The authors of the 20th century have seen hope and brightness shattered like a mirror. And through their portrayal of this harsh reality, playwrights have painted a picture of the world. However, some books have the ability to guide us down the right path and help us scale new heights of accomplishment. The WhatsOn editor selects books that offer inspiration and hope in our damaged and demoralized world. Everything Everything, by Nicola Yoon Everything Everything is an adult contemporary romance novel written by Nicola Yoon. The story follows 18-year-old Madeline Whittier who desires to live a normal life despite her understanding that she will die if she leaves the house. But Maddy always takes risks to live a life full of potentiality and also tries to take control of her own life. I absolutely fell in love with this book because of Maddy's bold character. This book is full of emotion, adventure as well as romance. I assure you that the story helps you to tackle life issues and teaches all sorts of lessons about life in several ways. Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre is a story regarding an orphan girl in the early 19th century at a fictional location in Northern England. I just adore this book because it is one of those classics that portrays a character who symbolizes feminism. In this book, the narrator represents Jane to the readers as a strong woman who unveils her innermost thoughts and passions. Jane's bold personality, wisdom, struggle for self-realization and her enthusiasm in the face of antipathy make her a strong woman character in Victorian literature. She is the ultimate female heroin of the contemporary era that yields female writing indicative of writing power. I recommend every woman to read this fabulous book because of its female character who helps you to know the importance of your own identity and also helps you to be intelligent, strong and passionate, straightforward, and honest. Crime and Punishment, by Fyodor Dostoevsky ‘Crime and Punishment’ is Dostoevsky's most popular and conventional novel. The story is about a social misfit’s attempts to gain a bit of power by proving oneself to be among the class of superior humans allowed to go above conventional morality. Throughout the story, the narrator shows us Raskolnikov’s slow descent into madness of is a crime. Apart from Raskolnikov’s inner turbulence, the novel paints a vivid portrait of the 19th century. Petersburg's life through the lens of paucity. It also centers on social and political incongruity that prevents the poor from rising and changing the class born into. Overall, this is a polarizing read which shakes you to the core. To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee American author Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mocking Bird" is a classic modern novel that was published in 1960. He won the Pulitzer Prize. This book tells us a story that revolves around a sibling and their lives which bring some unexpected turns. Innocence and experience, kindness and cruelty, love and hatred. Also contains humor and pathos are the main themes of this story. And that theme take readers to the roots of human behavior. This book is now considered as a masterpiece of American literature. It because of its sensitive treatment of a child's awakening to racism and prejudice in the American South. Read the full article

[moonlit-sunflower-books]

books i love and why you should read them

1. instructions for dancing by nicola yoon

absolutely perfect meet-cute

made me question my existence multiple times in the best way possible

comfort book tbh

basically changed the entire way that i look like love and life

such realistic, raw emotion??? how?

the main character has a really dry sense of humour and i love it

really fast read!! i finished in two days

2. orlando by virginia woolf

it makes me feel really cool while reading because it has dark academia feminist vibes

also victoria woolf is a queen

it's based on a real life queer love story

some of the lines just made me sit back and go. oh damn,

it's surprisingly easy to read

(also full disclosure i have Not finished this yet but i love it so far)

3. six of crows duology by leigh bardugo

be gay, do crime

six teenagers who don't know what the fuck they're doing and manage to break into one of the most secure prisons on the planet and also basically take down a government

inej ghafa.

lots of rep!!

you get the awesome magic from shadow and bone without suffering through alina starkov's internal monologue

"my ghost won't associate with your ghost"

there's a massive fandom of chaotic gays so u will find a home among us <3

the character development is literally flawless

4. scythe trilogy by neal shusterman

i'm a simp for citra okay i admit it

but also the worldbuilding of this book is just. perfection

and it has limited characters but each one is so three-dimensional and you really go into depth about how each one of them thinks and feels and aaaa so good

the power dynamics that are created between characters are amazing

5. an ember in the ashes quartet by sabaa tahir

helene aquila. that's it.

ok no that's not it

but helene aquila and elias veturius are literally perfection; this book was written for the bisexuals /j

all three main characters are absolutely incredible

the number of plot twists??? im? how *sobs*

oh yeah this book will make you sob a lot

but it is worth it

the worldbuilding is so solid and i love the way that she uses magic in both the worldbuilding and the character development

also omg the character relationships? laia and elias and elias and helene and helene and laia and the way that they all develop i can't

brown rep <3

6. red white and royal blue by casey mcquinston

it's set in an alternate 2020 which was way better than ours so it's great if you're into escapism and like to avoid your problems by dissociating into fictional lands

alex claremont-diaz owns my entire heart

gay

gay fluff

childhood rivals to enemies to reluctant allies in a time of crisis to growing trust to friends with mutual pining to friends with benefits with mutual pining to lovers

it's a hell of a rollercoaster

also lots of politics! if you're into that kind of thing

7. a court of thorns and roses by sarah j mass

don't read it <3

[booksociety]

As you may have noticed, at the beginning of this year the Book Society network took a small break. We are now slowly coming back starting with our first event of 2021! Before introducing it, we would like to inform you about a few minor changes to the layout our events. Firstly, there will no longer be a book of the month, but of course that you're still more than welcome to buddy-read any book you choose. Secondly, our events will now be running for two months instead of just one. We hope that this will allow more people to participate and finish their books, especially during busier times of the year. Thank you for your understanding and for your kind support!

And now, without further ado we present our March and April reading event! This time, the members have chosen Author Debuts as our theme. Come and join us by reading the first-ever book published by any author of your choice. This event is open to everyone, not just our members.

✧ how to participate:

optional: reblog this post; check out our network and members

read (or reread) a book of your choice that fits this month’s theme

share what book you’ve chosen, thoughts, reactions, and/or creations

use the tag #booksocietynet in your posts, and include “@booksociety ’s Author Debuts Event: [insert book title here]” in the description of your creations

the event starts on March 15 and ends on April 31

✧ reading recommendations (under the cut):

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson (young adult, fantasy, romance; 300 pages; tw: violence, death)

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin (A Song of Wraiths and Ruin #1) by Roseanne A. Brown (young adult, fantasy, romance; 480 pages; tw: anxiety attacks, death, animal death, discrimination)

A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum (adult, literary fiction; 339 pages; tw: domestic abuse, misogyny)

Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin (adult, contemporary, romance, retellings; 351 pages; tw: islamophobia, racism, death of a parent, alcoholism)

Blood Heir (Blood Heir Trilogy #1) by Amélie Wen Zhao (young adult, fantasy, retelling; 464 pages; tw: violence, death, blood/gore, mentions of off-page emotional manipulation, indentured labour)

Bringing Down the Duke (A League of Extraordinary Women #1) by Evie Dunmore (adult, historical romance; 345 pages; tw: misogyny, miscarriage)

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas (young adult, fantasy, lgbt+; 352 pages; tw: transphobia, blood, death, racism)

Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer (young adult, fantasy, scifi, retelling; 400 pages; tw: abuse, terminal illness, death, ableism)

Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians #1) by Kevin Kwan (adult, contemporary, romance; 403 pages; tw: animal cruelty)

Crier's War (Crier's War #1) by Nina Varela (young adult, fantasy, lgbt+; 464 pages; tw: death, violence, grief, mental illness)

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon (young adult, contemporary, romance; 306 pages; tw: chronic illness, confinement, death)

Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid (adult, romance, contemporary; 321 pages; tw: death, grief, car accident)

Graceling (The Graceling Realm #1) by Kristin Cashore (young adult, fantasy; 471 pages; tw: death, gore, violence)

Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers (adult, romance, contemporary, lgbt+; 352 pages; tw: self harm, mental illness, panick attacks, racism, homophobia)

How Much of These Hills is Gold by C. Pam Zhang (adult, historical fiction, lgbt+; 288 pages; tw: transphobia, racism)

Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of Orïsha #1) by Tomi Adeyemi (young adult, fantasy; 544 pages; tw: death, violence, torture, blood, genocide, colourism)

Legendborn (Legendborn #1) by Tracy Deonn (young adult, fantasy, lgbt+, retelling; 501 pages; tw: loss of a parent, grief, mentions of slavery, generational trauma)

More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera (young adult, contemporary, lgbt+; 293 pages; tw: homophobia, suicide, death, self harm)

Red Rising (Red Rising Saga #1) by Pierce Brown (adult, sci-fi, dystopia; 382 pages; tw: colourism, gore, violence, death, slavery, body horror)

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (new adult, romance, contemporary, lgbt+; 421 pages; tw: homophobia, drug use mention, panic attacks)

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (classics, historical fiction, romance; 409 pages; tw: grief, misogyny)

Serpent & Dove (Serpent & Dove #1) by Shelby Mahurin (young/new adult, fantasy, romance; 513 pages; tw: death, religious bigotry, misogyny, physical abuse, violence)

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda (Creekwood #1) by Becky Albertalli (young adult, romance, contemporary, lgbt+; 303 pages; tw: forced outing, homophobia, bullying)

Solitaire (Solitaire #1) by Alice Oseman (young adult, romance, contemporary, lgbt+; 392 pages; tw: mental illness, suicidal thoughts, self harm, suicide attempt, eating disorder, homophobia)

Starstruck (Starstruck #1) by S.E. Anderson (sci-fi, new adult; 495 pages)

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid (adult, contemporary; 310 pages; tw: racism, police brutality, body shaming)

The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton (adult, mystery, thriller; 342 pages; tw: fat shaming, violence, death, suicide, murder)

The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan (young adult, fabulism, mental health; 480 pages; tw: suicide, death of a parent, grief, mental illness)

The City of Brass (The Daevabad Trilogy #1) by S.A. Chakraborty (adult, fantasy; 533 pages; tw: violence, blood, gore, slavery, xenophobia)

The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo (adult, historical fiction, paranromal, romance; 390 pages; tw: death, death of a parent, addiction, misogyny)

The Gilded Ones (Deathless #1) by Namina Forna (young adult, fantasy; 432 pages; tw: violence, torture, death, misogyny, abuse, body horror, confinement)

The Golem and the Jinni (The Golem and the Jinni #1) by Helene Wecker (adult, historical, fantasy; 486 pages; tw: violence, rape)

The Hate U Give (The Hate U Give #1) by Angie Thomas (young adult, contemporary; 444 pages; tw: police brutality, racism, death, violence, addiction)

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (adult, contemporary, romance; 387 pages; tw: body shaming)

The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar (young adult, contemporary, romance, lgbt+; 400 pages; tw: homophobia, lesbophobia, racism, bullying)

The Kiss Quotient (The Kiss Quotient #1) by Helen Hoang (adult, contemporary, romance; 323 pages; tw: ableism, cancer, sexual assault, sexism)

The Lies of Locke Lamora (Gentleman Bastard #1) by Scott Lynch (adult, fantasy; 499 pages; tw: violence, death)

The Near Witch (The Near Witch #1) by V.E. Schwab (young adult, fantasy, romance; 354 pages; tw: self harm, kidnapping, animal death, abuse, death of a parent)

The Orchard by David Hopen (adult, dark academia; 480 pages; tw: death, addiction, grief, animal cruelty)

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo (young adult, poetry, contemporary; 368 pages; tw: emotional abuse, child abuse, misogyny, body shaming)

The Poppy War (The Poppy War #1) by R. F. Kuang (adult, historical & high fantasy; 531 pages; tw: death, gore, violence, colourism)

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (adult, mythology, romance, lgbt+; 352 pages; tw: death, violence, grief, blood, rape, gore)

The Star-Touched Queen (The Star-Touched Queen #1) by Roshani Chokshi (young adult, fantasy, romance; 342 pages)

The Trouble with Hating You by Sajni Patel (adult, romance, contemporary; 336 pages; tw: emotional abuse, sexual assault, child abuse, death, grief)

These Violent Delights (These Violent Delights #1) by Chloe Gong (young adult, historical, retellings; 449 pages; tw: violence, blood, gore, death, body horror, self harm)

We Hunt the Flame (Sands of Arawiya #1) by Hafsah Faizal (young adult, fantasy, romance; 472 pages; tw: death, torture, emotional abuse, child abuse, misogyny)

Where Dreams Descend (Kingdom of Cards #1) by Janella Angeles (young adult, fantasy, romance; 464 pages; tw: misogyny, toxic relationship, violence)

Wings of Ebony (Wings of Ebony #1) by J. Elle (young adult, fantasy, scifi; 368 pages; tw: racism, violence, death of a parent, grief, addiction)

Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibañez (young adult, magical realism, 384 pages; tw: violence, gore, death, torture)

You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson (young adult, contemporary, romance, lgbt+; 336 pages; tw: homophobia, panick attacks, racism, chronic illness, bullying)

[wttnblog]

"One of Our Kind" is a Page Turning Thriller with Confusing Messaging

Nicola Yoon, an acclaimed Young Adult author famous for Everything Everything, Black Out, and The Sun is Also a Star, has ventured into adult content with her new novel One of Our Kind. As a fan of her previous work, I dove into this one without doing too much research in advance. I was excited about a thriller that seemed like the all-Black version of Rouge or Nine Perfect Strangers and I…

[svtshuastruck]

hello! this is very late but here's my monthly wrap up for the month of november!

(just a lil note: i read books to escape cause reality sucks and i rate them on the basis of my enjoyment ^^)

with a complete 27 books read, im lowkey speechless lmaoo-- i'll try not to dive too deep but no promises ;)

1. instructions for dancing by nicola yoon

rating: .⭐⭐⭐.75

this is my first nicola yoon book and it was quite a pleasant surprise honestly! it was easy to read and i had a pleasant experience overall.

2. arsenic and adobo by mia. p. manasala

rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

this book was the month's pick for the subtle asian book club and holy moly was it fun. i read it in a day and i was so hungry the whole time (even though at points i had just finished a meal.) the food descriptions are elite and that mixed with the complicated family dynamics and the mystery? *chef's kiss* this was also that kind of book where you just know everything is gonna be alright towards the end and yk you can just sit back and take it all in. overall a super fun read!

3. and 4. these witches don't burn duology both by isabel sterling

rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐and ⭐⭐⭐.75

sapphic witches. that's all you need to know. it was fun to read, pretty fast paced, complicated characters-- this was the break i had been looking for after a gazillion assignments.

5. and 6. komi can't communicate vol. 3 and 4

rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

continuing with the buddy read. it was a fun time as usual. you cant go wrong with a cute mc and really nice side characters lol

7. crying in h.mart by michelle zauner

rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

i was kinda skeptical about reading this book-- more scared than skeptical. i knew how the topics the book deals with were very likely to bring up my own past. i was afraid it was gonna trigger me mainly because from my past experiences with cancer, i hadn't taken it well. the whole time reading it, it was me basically going, "if this bothers me, i'm not gonna hesitate to put it down." i was surprised to find the book-- almost as a comfort piece. with me relating to michelle so much to the point where i just wanted to hug her and tell her that she's not alone, though our experiences with it are so widely different. (didnt make me cry but left a gaping hole in me. metaphorically)

8. heartstopper vol.5 by alice oseman

rating nothing less than a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

do i even have to say anything for this?

9. liar game vol.1 by shinobu kaitani

rating: ⭐⭐⭐

this was a read this for the host book club >< i didn't haate it but neither did i love it. instead, i found myself finding it to be very similar to squid game which later, i found out that this book had inspired squid game :mindblown:

10,11,12. monster vol.1,2,3 by naoki urasawa

rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

oof. now wasn't this fun. for one, i'll most definitely be continuing with the manga but tbh i didn't have high expectations going in. mainly because the plot sounded wayy out of my league. the only problem i have is how when i read it, i lose track of time and go on reading it and when i do put it down, i dont wanna go back to it cause i wont stop reading until idk when.

13,14. spy x volume vol. 3,4 by tatsuya endo

rating: did you expect me to rate it below 5 stars? because if you did...

need i say anything? anything? if you haven't read this, this is your sign (also your warning).

15. radio silence by alice oseman

rating: didnt give one

where do i start?? this books means so much to me. the way alice portrayed them, (not hesitating to hide their flaws but also not rubbing it onto our faces) was so utterly beautiful. im still in awe for how this book played it self out. wasn't lyrical in terms to writing nor was it a pretty picture. but yet, it holds so much within itself. i didnt give a rating cause 5 stars wouldn't provide justice. i could relate to every single character, each in a slightly different way and *sigh* idk what else to say.

MEME BREAK!!

16. bluets by maggie nelson

rating: ⭐⭐⭐

what a beautifully written book. the author talks about the colour blue and how it plays a part in her daily life and honestly? if it hadn't taken the time it took for me to finish it, it would have been a five star.

17. pashmina by nidhi chanani

rating: ⭐⭐⭐

twas cute.

18. carmilla by j. sheridan le fanu

rating: ⭐⭐⭐

lesbian vampire story that inspired dracula? i was hoping for a lot more than the book actually provided haha-- my expectations were a little too high compared to how it actually played out.

19. in my dreams i hold a knife by ashley winstead

rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5

a psychological thriller about a closely knit high school reunion after one of the member's unsolved murder. read this for the late night book club! amazing. wonderful. i loved loved loved how psychology played a role in the story. the reveal didn't necessarily blow my mind away but following the little clues and smiling at the realisation that it was a red herring was fun. also highly recommend watching the author interview done by the late night book club cause im obsessed with that video lmao.

20. the murder of roger ackroyd by agatha christe

rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5

i mean, i love poirot as a character and with a small town setting, you couldn't possibly go wrong. i swear though, as i was listening to this while writing notes for class at 2 in the morning, some of the reveals just gave me chills. because people kept saying the reveal would shock me completely, i kept thinking about what ultimately would blow my mind and ended up predicting the ending correctly :/

21. and 22. my lesbian experience with loneliness by kabi nagata and i married my best friend to shut my parents up by naoko kodama

rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ and ⭐⭐⭐.5

both of them were enjoyable reads tho i definitely preferred the second one for tackling the topic of loneliness so well. also i wish the second was longer just to have spent more time with the couple.

23. a catcher in the rye by j.d salinger

rating: ⭐

why.

24. the magic fish by Trung Le Nguyen

rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

i loveeeeeeeeeed this!! the complicated relationship between the mother and son was explored so well! also the fact that it is explored through fairytales??!

25. every morning the way home gets longer and longer by fredrick backman

rating: didn't give one

i think this was spectcularly done. the way the memories were presented with the little metaphors and the relationship between the family was done so well for such a short book. i really really enjoyed it.

26. the picture of dorian gray by oscar wilde

rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

do i have to say anything? because even if you expect me to, i'm going to hold my silence until you realise.

27. one of us is lying by karen m. mcmanus

rating: ⭐⭐.75

meehh i don't see the hype. didn't like anyone but nate and the ending was lowkey disappointing ://

okieeeeeeeee we're done!! im not gonna say anything cause im tired asf. sorry if nothing makes sense lol

[heatherjeff]

2020 Book List

It has been ages since I have written and, like everyone else, there seems to be a bit more unstructured time in my everyday life. It makes perfect sense the impetus for a return to blogging is books, reading is fundamental! 

My friend, KDaddy, annually shares the list of books he’s read. The first time I noticed his list I was thrilled, took notes, commented on how happy I was, and proceeded to read many of his recommendations. When it became clear 2020 was going to be a little different books became an even bigger part of my days as well as an escape from the grind of the news and the pandemic.

When KDaddy tagged me with his book list this year, it occurred to me I have a little platform where I can post my own year in review. Books are the best and reading has served me well my whole life, 2020 was no exception.

First, a few facts. This year I read 35 books, for comparison I read 24 in 2019. That makes me happy especially since there are not a million things about 2020 to invoke a sense of accomplishment. I have long kept a book journal since my title and author memory is similar to a sieve. At the start of the pandemic everyone in my house was gifted a kindle, I was not a fan of the plan, paper books are my love language. As this time has worn on, the kindle has proven to be a brilliant and magical purchase. Libby is a completely modern wonder and the next time I am in NYC I will, for sure, treat myself to a library card from that library system.

With no further ado let’s talk books.

Definitely Read:

The Nightingale: A Novel by Kristin Hannah

Two sisters reacted to the unfolding atrocities of WWII in very different ways. Both were fierce, suffered in ways unimaginable to most of us, and illustrated the many ways women are impacted by a war. Such a powerful read.

The Home for Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman

Great read based on a true story about a teenager who became pregnant. Her family forced her to give up her baby and it was placed in a mental institution for the sole reason the child was an “orphan”. Many more plot twists follow, this was a gem of a book.  

Women in Sunlight: A Novel by Frances Mayes

This book kicked off as total cliche and morphed into complete life goals. Three older women, all single for a variety of reasons, strike up a friendship and move to a Tuscan Villa. I want to be them someday in Italy living with the locals.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer

YA This came highly recommended from my youngest. It opened his eyes to the world in a huge way and he was very committed to sharing this story with all of us. William is a complete force of nature and against (truly) all odds changes the trajectory or his family, his village, and his life with ingenuity and desire. Love this book so much.

Little Fire’s Everywhere: A Novel by Celeste Ng

Heard so much about this book and completely loved it all. So. Many. Plot. Twists.

Dear Martin by Nic Stone

YA read from my kid, a MUST read. This book was chilling on a 1,000 different levels. Race, police profiling, education, culture- Nic Stone packed it all in and it opened my heart and sparked some good conversations in our home.

Girl, Woman, Other: A Novel by Bernardine Evaristo

This thoughtfully constructed book was a gift from another reader friend and is one of my favorite reads of the year. It shares multiple first person layered viewpoints from British women who span every part of society. Great read.

Dutch House by Ann Patchett

Let’s be clear, I love Ann Patchett. Love. Whenever she authors a new novel I am jazzed and the Dutch House is no exception. The house becomes an actual character in the story and has everything to do with the brokenness of family who moves into it.

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight

Unpopular opinion, I am not a fan of Nike. I am a tremendous fan of Phil Knight’s innovation and hustle. Phil is a visionary and expert storyteller.

The Tatowist of Auschwitz: A Novel by Heather Morris

The novel is based on interviews with Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew who used his position of relative privilege to positively impact the lives of as many fellow prisoners as possible. I had to read this book fast since it impacted my sleep, which it should. Incredible read.

American Dirt: A Novel by Jeanine Cummins

Ooofff, this book is hard to read. I started and stopped because I could not sleep and opted to read it during daylight hours only. It is seriously terrifying in a million ways. It is about a family who has to flee from Alcopulcio to the United States due to extreme violence from the local and very well connected drug cartel. This book is a testament to the grit of illegal immigrants and an eye opening read about the terror they face.

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson

True story of Bryan Stevenson’s quest to navigate the criminal justice system in the rural south where he aims to help the most disadvantaged in the system. Timely, eye opening, and full of action items we all need to help with for the betterment of our society.

City of Girls: A Novel by Elizabeth Gilbert

Books by Elizabeth Gilbert are some of my favorites and I was concerned when I started this book, it was a struggle. It came together and I ended up loving it. A story about NYC in the 1940’s centered around a girl/woman who is sent to live with her aunt at her playhouse full of showgirls. It was such an unrelatable read, it transported me to a time I have never really considered and it was a trip worth taking.

Totally Enjoyable:

True Colors by Kristen Hannah

Reads like YA fiction and I loved it. It’s about a ranch family, their horses, land, siblings, their live father and deceased mother. It is not deep and is a fun read.

In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

This book was intense, fun, & slightly scary. A “hen party” in a, literal glass house, becomes the scene of a murder.

The Queen of Hearts by Kimmery Martin

This is a fun read about two best friends who become doctors together and then the plot thickens. Can’t say more, it is complicated.

Freud’s Mistress by Karen Mack

This was my last library loan before the pandemic. It is a fascinating read based loosely on the dynamics of Freud’s family, drugs, affairs that feel a bit like incest, a huge male ego, this should not sound familiar in any way!

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

YA, loaner from my kid (which came to my nightstand highly recommended). This is a sweet, sweet love story of two teenagers who have very different backgrounds and lots of big feelings. The whole book takes place over the course of one day.

It All Comes Back to You by Beth Duke

This was a surprise hit and it sucked me in. The story is about a nurse in a retirement community who befriends a resident who lived a big life.

The Queen’s Fortune: A Novel of Desiree, Napoleon, and the Dynasty That Outlasted the Empire by Allison Pataki

I admit, I am a fan of royalty, it is so intriguing and this book was completely spellbinding. The story is based on Napoleon's France and it was messy.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

NF This book is amazing. A poor black woman has cancer cells removed from her body, these rapidly reproducing cells become known as HeLa cells and change the trajectory of modern medicine. There are so many consequences from this seemiling small discovery and the impact to the medical world and to Henrietta’s family are far reaching.

The Woman in the Window: A Novel by A.J. Finn

Read this in one day at the beach, I was sucked into this story of Anna Fox and her salacious neighborhood drama.

The Last Romantics by Tara Conklin

I know I liked this book and made a note about the ��pause” taken over the summer when the kids in the family basically ran wild. That’s all I’ve got.

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

There was a ton of hype around this book and it is well deserved. Glennon tells it like it is and, like it or not, she has a lot of points that hit. I read this on my kindle and think I would have liked reading the physical book more.

This is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett

Short stories from Ann Patchett? Yes, 100% yes. The story of her relationship with Lucy, of Truth and Beauty: A Friendship, was wonderful as was the explanation of her book store in Nashville.

After You: A Novel (Me Before You Trilogy) by Jojo Moyes

I have zero idea that Me Before You was a trilogy! It is a total candy read, you are not going to learn much about your soul or the universe, but it is fun and better than TV. And yes, I will read the third book in the trilogy because candy is good! 

The Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Laureano

Also a trilogy, another happy surprise. This book is fun, another candy read, and so appealing. When I was a kid I wanted to have a restaurant so this story made my heart happy. It is a bit too clean, a bit cliche, and an enjoyable read.

Daisy Jones & The Six: A Novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This novel will transport you to a land of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. I read this was loosely based on the story of Fleetwood Mac, true or false, this book captures a moment in history and reads a lot like a play and is completely enjoyable.

Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

This is the book written before Little Fires Everywhere, similar deal-  family strife/mystery, kind of riveting with lots of twists. Solid read.

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb

NF, look at a therapist who finds herself in need of therapy. It is kind of a russian doll type of read with layers, upon layers, hidden within each other.

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

YA, another loaner from my kid. Such a great book about a kid who wants to be a chef and express herself through her cooking. She is a teen mother living with her abuela, it is a heartwarming book and I love the main character’s spirit.

Sidenote: schools around here are closed for the duration yet students can reserve library books and go to the local library of your choice where their school librarians greet them, warmly, in the parking lot for a drive by pick-up. It is a wonderful and much appreciated service being offered to our kids.

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

This book is ridiculous, it had a strong start, went sideways but was fun and overall enjoyable. The premise is nine people descend upon an exclusive health retreat. The woman who is in change morphs from motivating to overlord, obviously.

No Thank You:

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

YA read, loaner from my daughter. I did not like this one bit, it made sucide seem so glam. Glad I read it and am always happy when my kids share books with me and I will always hate stories of kids’ suffering.

There There: A Novel by Tommy Orange

This book was hard to follow, had too many characters, and there was a very dark thread that I did not enjoy.

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

This book hit me at the wrong time this year. The dystopian nature felt a little too close to home. I know it is a work for the ages but it was all ouch.

Wow, that felt good to reflect on and process. I have never really looked for threads in my own reading and knew a few things already but like seeing the balance of candy books and hard, timely topics. All in all I feel great about my 2020 reading list and hope there are titles that interest or resonate with you too. Here is to libraries reopening someday in the near future so we can browse the shelves with abandon.

[emilies-book-club]

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

I read this in: March 2020 Rating: 3/6 stars

After I read Everything, Everything (which I might do a review of soon), I wanted to read more books by Nicola Yoon. I really liked Everything, Everything – so when I found out that Nicola Yoon had also written a book called The Sun Is Also a Star with great reviews and high ratings on Amazon, I thought this would be a great book to dive into next. I actually bought the book in 2017, excited to read it, but somehow, I haven’t had the time (or willing, idk why) to read it before now. I knew the movie was coming up at the time, and I have this ‘rule’ (as you know) that I always have to read a book before the movie even gets released. However, the movie ended up getting released before I had even started on the book. Again, now that the library’s been closed for more than two weeks, I thought I would finally give this book a go, as I’ve had it for 3 years after all.

The story takes place in less than 24 hours, and most chapters are short (as in 1/2 -10 pages), so it was very easy to get through. Therefore, if you ever need an easy book to finish in less than a week, this would be a good choice.

The book is quite special in its own way, as we get the POV from literally every single character we meet throughout the story. The main characters, Natasha and Daniel, are the main focuses and the people we follow – however, when new characters get introduced, we get their story explained in less than two pages. This gives every person in the book a chance to explain their behaviors if they come off as mean or selfish when we’re in Natasha or Daniels’ POV. I think it makes the moral of the story come through very well; don’t judge people from their looks or first impression, because you never know their stories (I’m so deep thank you).

Natasha is very interested in science, and some chapters are dedicated to that. I actually felt quite educated reading this book lol, as I now know what the grandfather paradox is, and I know about the half-life of a substance, explained in simple and entertaining ways. I even know what happens in our brains when we experience ~love~. So, I love how educated I became after reading this YA romance novel, lol.

Now, the reason for its 3/6 stars is its cheesiness. Because holy crap, I’ve read a lot of romance YA books, and I usually don’t mind a bit of over-the-top romance or cheesiness, but nothing tops this one. Daniel is a poet and you can definitely tell. Everything he says to Natasha is either kind of creepy or just super cheesy. He seems like such an unrealistic character, like you would never meet someone like him in real life. Plus, the fact that he discovers this random girl on the streets of New York (Natasha) and decides to just follow her for the rest of the day, being convinced that he will make her fall in love with him in less than a day, and also the fact that he won’t leave her before she does, is just straight up weird. I would be so annoyed if I ever met a Daniel in real life. Natasha is the exact opposite of Daniel; everything has to be explained with science and she’s pretty pessimistic about most things. Oh well, opposites attract, I guess.

Now, the same day I finished this book, I watched the movie. First of all, let me just say that this movie is probably one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen. I don’t know if it’s because I already had read the book beforehand, but I’m pretty sure I would have felt the same way if I hadn’t. Daniel comes off as even creepier than in the book (and he is already extremely creepy there). Secondly, the movie skips through some important plots and characters in the book, giving it no moral or point of no return. I also think that this book just isn’t supposed to be turned into a movie. The characters’ individual stories and Daniel & Natasha’s POV’s are too important to not be involved in the movie. Idk, I would be quite confused if I had only watched the movie. 

Overall, I think the book is good; not the best, not the worst. It’s pretty easy to read and entertaining enough to get through (but mostly because of its many POV’s and short chapters). If you like YA romance and don’t mind a bit (or a lot) of cheesiness, then sure, give this a go. Just don’t watch the movie :))