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It's been very rare to have known you, very strange and wonderful.

— F. Scott Fitzgerald

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Will You Pick Truth or Dare?

One of Us is Next by Karen M. McManus

Sequel to One of Us is Lying

Synopsis: In the year since Simon died, a bunch of people have tried to be copycats, but none of them have been successful until now. Will you complete a dare or allowed a truth to be revealed? Phoebe's tagged first, then Maeve, and finally Knox is pulled in. To put an end to the game, they must find who is behind it...preferably before someone else dies. Tik tok. Time's ticking.

I liked this book because it reminded me of an Easter egg hunt. All of the clues needed to solve the mystery are there, but they are spaced out so subtly that you don't notice until the big reveal. The characters and the plot were very engaging.

#one of us is next #one of us is lying #book #booklr #book review #book rec #ya #realistic fiction #mystery #truth or dare #karen m mcmanus #sequel #reading #read #reader

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Under the Sea--But Not the Little Mermaid

The Light at the Bottom of the World by London Shah is a futuristic sci-fi mystery, set at the end of the twenty first century. Humanity now lives below the ocean’s surface. Leyla McQueen is a sixteen year old in Great Britain. She wants to free her father, whom she believes was wrongly accused of a crime he did not commit. Leyla partakes in the London Submersible Marathon with the the hope to free her father. However, an unexpected turn leads Leyla to do the thing she fears most: leave Great Britain and venture into the unknown.

I had some trouble getting into the plot of this book in the beginning, but I found myself more engaged as I continued. The undersea world is unique and intriguing, and I enjoyed the subtle plot twists that grew into a bigger plot. 

The protagonist was very likable. Leyla is an intellectual, and her character development is very well connected to the discovery of different secrets in her society. I also enjoyed the supporting characters of the twins and Ari, though Ari reminds me a bit of the stereotypically broody-boy. I also liked how there were a few figureheads that gave a face to the villains, lies, and deceptions.

#the light at the bottom of the world #read #reading #book #future #under the sea #climate change #ya #heroine #submarine #adventure #secrets #family #book rec #book review

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Hats Off to the Girl Knight

The Life and Medieval Times of Kit Sweetly by Jamie Pacton

Synopsis: Kit Sweetly is a serving wench (yes, that is her actual job title) at the Castle, a medieval themed restaurant, but she dreams of joining her brother as a knight. Although Kit has the skills to fight, and the pay raise would be helpful, company policy only allows cis males to be knights. One night, Kit steps in for her brother Chris in the knight’s tournament and reveals herself at the end, which propels her into internet fame and trouble with management. Kit gathers a few of her fellow wenches together to prove that gender restrictions should stay in the medieval times and that the Girl Knight should ride again. 

Overall rating: 4/5 

*CONTAINS MILD SPOILERS*

Plot--

Things that I liked: 

I adored the constant feminist themes and messages throughout this book. It’s inspiring and a reminder that each person has the ability to foster change in the world. 

The Castle seems like such a fun place to work and go. Personally, I have never been to a medieval-themed restaurant, and The Castle made me want to experience one even more. 

The medieval and historical facts spread throughout the book. I consider Joan of Arc to be one of my personal heroes, so when I saw her name in the book, I was like ‘Oh cool!!’ 

There were different subplots that are indicative of problems that a teen may be experiencing: financial problems, worrying about college, and the confusion about if your friend could be more than a friend. 

Things I disliked (and this is where the spoiler is):

The only thing that I disliked was how Kit handles sharing information with her friends. Kit hid the fact that the executive officials at the Castle turned down her idea for an all-girls tournament. While I get Kit thought she could work it out, I am a big believer that if you are going to protest unfair rules, you should understand what you’re agreeing to do and if there are any possible negative outcomes. (Like potentially losing your job). That’s really the only thing that annoyed me about the book, but I do understand that it was necessary for plot advancement. 

Characters--

I found all of the important characters likable. Kit is relatable, and her mom and brother, Chris, are all likable. They have a good dynamic. Her best friend Layla is cool, and the friend-who-could-be-more, Jett, is a bro and honestly the friend we all want. I felt like all of the characters in the book were purposeful and not randomly placed. 

#the life and medieval times of kit sweetly #jamie pacton #reading #read #advanced reader copy #books #booklr #realistic fiction #history #medieval-themed #girl knight #feminism #cute #book review #book rec

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Return to Panem

Suzanne’s Collin’s newest release, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, came out May 19, and is one of the highest anticipated books of the season. I read The Hunger Games while I was in elementary school, and I remember going to see all of the movies with my Dad as they came out. I was also excited to read this book because I enjoy stories that turn the antagonist into the protagonist, so I was curious about what the infamous President Snow was like in his younger days. 

WARNING: this post will contain spoilers! 

The plot follows a steady track, and it is split into sections based on the most important thing going on in Coriolanus Snow’s life. The book begins with Snow at his family’s apartment, which once glamorous, has fallen into disarray since the war due to a lack of money. I saw the first section really as setting up Snow’s motives and outlining how he sees the world. The knowledge of what Snow would turn into as he grew older definitely impacted how I read his character because I felt like I could track certain character traits Snow displayed. 

Snow learns that he and several of his fellow students from the Academy have been selected to mentor the tributes from the districts for the Hunger Games. The mentorship program was meant to create more viewers around the Capitol and the Districts. Snow is paired with the District 12 girl, Lucy Gray Baird. At first dismayed by his tribute, Snow realizes that Lucy has star power because of the dramatic effect she made at the Reaping. Snow befriends Lucy Gray and ultimately falls for her. 

Snow is also the one who came up with the idea that people can bet on and sponsor tributes, and the credits would be used to deliver food via drone into the arena. Snow helps Lucy Gray to win, but in doing so, the headmaster discovered that Snow cheated. Snow chooses to go quietly, and he joins the Peacekeepers. He goes to District 12 in an attempt to be with Lucy Gray, and while the two are happy for a short while, it doesn’t last. 

Snow is still too tied up with his loyalties to the Capital. He makes a decision that condemns a close friend, leading to a falling out with Lucy Gray. Snow returns to the Capitol where he will enter the University come Fall and has plans to be the President. 

There was a lot that made me be like whoa. There was a lot of allusions between the actions in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and The Hunger Games. Namely, those games completely shaped the games for Katniss’ era. Lucy Gray Baird introduced a level of showmanship, and you can see the beginnings of the sponsor and mentor programs. In addition, many of the traits associated with winning The Hunger Games, like the Victor’s Village, money, and food, did not exist until after this game. I liked seeing how The Hunger Games came to be. 

In addition, there were lots of little things that symbolized a future struggle between Katniss and Snow. Snow hates the mockingjays when he first is exposed to them, and he also is unimpressed with the katniss plant. When I read it, I saw a direct line between the two stories. 

Overall, the world building was wonderful. I liked reading the story, but I can’t say that I can see myself reading it again. I do think, however, that The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was an interesting addition to the Panem world, but it was not a necessary one. 

#book #reading #books #the ballad of songbirds and snakes #the hunger games #suzanne collins #president snow #panem #booklr #dystopian #ya

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We are the Wildcats by Siobhan Vivian

High school sports have an iconic level to them, and nothing is more iconic than being a Wildcat. The girl's varsity field hockey team is the most iconic of all. The varsity season is about to start, and the team sleepover is all about bonding together--especially the midnight induction ceremony, which is the only part of the season the girls have full control over. Coach had other plans that sent the team on a crazy adventure...and reveals some long kept secrets.

I really liked this book. The perspective flips between six different players, all who are feeling the pressure after a devestating state championship loss the year before. I felt that the book really highlighted the shared sense of loyalty between the girls, and the plot reminded me of the action packed adventure of a coming of age film.

We are the Wildcats was such a fun book to read, and I really reccomend it--especially for people who are missing their sport and team right now.

#we are the wildcats #field hockey #book #reading #read #siobhan vivian #new #ya #young adult #realistic fiction #high school #team #booklr #book review #secrets #challenges #loyalty

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Foul is Fair by Hannah Capin

Foul is Fair is a modern day retelling of Macbeth told from the story of Jade Khanjara (Lady Macbeth) as she and her coven seek revenge against the people who wronged her: the lacrosse players of St Andrews.

This book was a wild ride. I personally have yet to read Macbeth. I'm supposed to read it in school, so I figured that I would wait to read Shakespeare's works. I did have a basic idea of what was supposed to happen, though. I knew that there were a couple of witches. I knew that Lady Macbeth urges Macbeth to claim power, and the pair go a little bit crazy. I also knew that it was one of Shakespeare's tragedies.

I really did love Foul is Fair. Capin's language was dark yet electric, and her descriptions sucked me into the story from the get-go. There were so many parts where I was like 'this is where it turns around,' but I knew that there was no escaping from the end.

Sonia Hartl described the book as "beautifully brutal," and I found that description to be one hundred percent acurate.

#foul is fair #hannah capin #macbeth #retelling #macbeth retelling #shakespeare #reading #read #book #book review #book reccomendation #realistic fiction #tragedy #booklr

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Diamond City by Francesca Flores

Synopsis: Aina Solís is a professional assasin. A big job could give her the freedom to open her own tradehouse, but when the next day comes, her mark is still alive. With a bounty on her head, Aina has one week to make it right, or it'll be her head on a plate.

I found this book to be average. If this book was a recipe, then there were a lot of right ingredients, but they weren't mixed properly.

I didn't really find myself shocked by what was happening. Even though, there were twists towards the end, I didn't feel very shocked or moved by them.

While other people may enjoy this book, it wasn't the one for me.

#ya #dystopian #young adult #reading #reader #diamond city #assassin #fantasy #book #book review #booklr

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This is going to be the longest summer ever that wasn’t really summer after all

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Now That I've Found You by Kristina Forest

Synopsis: Evie Jones is following in her famous family's footsteps and on the cusp of being Hollywood's next darkling when her best friend betrays her. Blacklisted, Evie has one last ace up her sleeve: an appearance with her famous grandmother, the Evelyn Conaway. Then, Gigi, who was already a reculse, dissapears. Now, Evie must run around New York with the last person to see Gigi: Milo Williams, a cute musician.

Right off of the bat, I knew Milo and Evie were going to be end goal. They're on the cover together. I wasn't sure how it was going to happen, though. Evie's character is very snobbish and skeptical of Milo from the first time she hears his voice on the phone.

I give Forest props for Evie's character development. She went from kind of a brat to a likeable girl. Milo was always charming and the kind of love interest that you can't help but root for.

The plot was straightforward. The action gets kicked off right away, and you can track Evie's progress as she climbs out of her fall from grace. In my last post, I used the term chocolate chip cookie book, meaning a book that has a classic, comfortable story line but isn't necessisarily on-the-edge-of-your-seat exciting. I would use that term for Now That I've Found You as well.

I did like how Evie learns that you shouldn't care about what other people think. In this day and age, many people are obsessed with their internet appearance. While there are positives to social media, it causes some people to become obsessed with followers, popularity, ranking, ect. The overall message was good.

#now that i've found you #kristina forest #book review #book rec #book #booklr #hollywood #fame #actress #nyc #betrayal #love #ya #cute romance #music #musician #reading #read #realistic fiction

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The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert

Synopsis: Marva Sheridan has been counting down until the day she can vote. For Duke Crenshaw, voting wasn't a huge deal to him, but it was for his family, so he went anyway. The problem is that Duke can't vote. When Marva sees Duke turned away at the poling place, she makes it her mission to help him. They team up to help Duke cast his ballot, help Marva find her missing cat, and maybe discover that their connection is deeper than two strangers passing.

I loved the message about the importance of voting. In this society, it seems easy for people to put voting second, but The Voting Booth empathizes young people getting involved and taking political action. It's inspiring, and I hope that The Voting Booth will encourage the next group of voters to get involved.

Marva and Duke are both really cute narrators. They're passionate about their interests, and readers can tell they have chemistry from their first interaction.

Overall, I declare this book to be a chocolate chip cookie book. It's a cute story, but it does follow a predictable pattern. I liked it, but it isn't a book that I feel the need to read again.

*review based off an advanced reading copy*

#the voting booth #book #books #reading #reader #brandy colbert #ya #realistic fiction #voting #politics #cute #young love #cats #booklr #book review #book rec

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A Collection of Strong Women

I was intrigued when I saw Brazen by Pénélope Bagieu on the New YA bookshelf. The book was eye-catching with it’s bright pink spine and doodles of different women on the front. Obviously, I had to get it. 

Brazen consists of miniature autobiographies of many powerful and influential women from across history. The stories are told in cartoon format, and the illustrations are brightly colored. Though simple, the reader gets an encompassing picture of the lives of the women.  Some examples include: Nzinga--Queen of Ndongo and Matamba, Delia Akeley--Explorer, and Sonita Alizadeh--Rapper. 

I adored this book. As I was reading it, I kept telling myself, ‘just one more segment’ but ‘one more’ turned into many more. When I was finished, I immediately thought of purchasing the book myself for my sister, who enjoys nonfiction stories about powerful women. 

This book is truly incredible, and I recommend it for anyone who enjoys nonfiction stories, graphic novels, and is a feminist. 

#brazen #Pénélope Bagieu #rebel ladies #feminism #feminist #powerful women #nonfiction #graphic novel #book #book recommendation #book review #ya

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My local library is open May 4th. I want to go, but here are the precautions I will take:

1. Wear a mask (duh!)

2. Wear gloves (remember wearing gloves is useless if you touch your face with them on 🤦‍♀️)

3. If I see an interesting book, I will look it up on my phone so I don’t have to touch it until I know I want to check it out.

4. When I check out books, I will spray them with Lysol and leave them in the sun for a bit when I get home.

It’s hard to balance supporting local libraries and staying safe. But I believe it can be done! If you aren’t comfortable going in at all, some libraries are doing curbside.

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A good book,a nice music,a hot beverage is all you need to survive the hard times in your life

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The Beckoning Shadow by Katharyn Blair

Synopsis: Vesper Montgomery is a Harbringer. She can bring your worst fears into reality, but she prefers not to. She has no control over her power and fears it. A chance encounter with other people like her gives Vesper a once in a lifetime chance: win the Tournament of the Unraveling, and she can the mistake that destroyed her life. With the help of Sam, a former MMA fighter, Vesper might have a chance, even if she breaks her own heart in the process. 

Plot: The idea of different Oddities (people with powers) was interesting. It was interesting to the diverse powers, and the idea of a fighting ring really helped to introduce different abilities without simply stating: this is so-and-so, and they can do xyz. I had a hard time being drawn into the story, though. It took me more than halfway through the book to feel like I couldn’t put it down. A lot of plot points seemed like they were dropped onto the book rather conveniently, and though there was supposed to be a few shocking twists, I didn’t feel too moved by them. 

Characters: The characters were alright. I had a difficult time really connecting with Vesper. I understood her motives and her personality, but I just had a hard time vibing with her. I had similar feelings about other characters as well. 

Overall, the concepts behind the book were interesting, but I had a hard time getting into it. 

#the beckoning shadow #katharyn blair #book #booklr #ya #fantasy #secret society #oddities #fears #super powers #tournament #mma #fighting #book review #reading #read

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The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett is a brutally devastating book that pulls you in and never lets you go. 

Synopsis: The girls of Garner County are banished for their sixteenth year to rid them of their magic--the magic that says they have the power to lure men from their beds and drive women into jealous fits. Not all of them make it back. Tierney James dreams of a better life, but first she has to survive the extreme weather, the poachers who want to kill her to sell her parts on the black market, and the other girls.

This book was wild. The plot moved super fast from life in the town to the compound where the girls are kept. There was a lot of things happening at once: how the girls are treated in the town, how the girls treat each other, and the whole business of being cast aside for an entire year. Oh, and there was also a forbidden romance/survivor vibe going on too. 

Actually, The Grace Year also gave me Lord of the Flies vibes, too. But with more cultish activities.

 I did have a difficult time putting this book down. Tierney’s story grips you in, and you always want to know what happens next. 

#the grace year #kim liggett #coming of age #survival #forbidden love #ya #dystopian society #reading #read #book #booklr #book recommendation

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One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

What makes a good motive? It’s the questions police investigators ask themselves in the book One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus.

Synopsis: Five students: a brain, a beauty, a criminal, an athlete, and an outcast walk into detention on a Monday afternoon. This sounds similar to The Breakfast Club, except one of those kids doesn’t walk out of there. By the end of detention, Simon, the outcast and created of Bayview High’s gossip app, is dead. He was set to make post to his app the next day that would reveal huge secrets about the other four students. Are the other four kids suspects in murder, or is this a case of wrong place, wrong time?

I had really high expectations for One of Us is Lying. Published in 2017, the book quickly gained attention, became a New York Times Bestseller, and was nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards Best Young Adult Fiction. 

All of my expectations were met. 

I spent the entire book trying to piece the mystery together. Many parts of Simon’s death made sense, but didn’t make sense at the same exact time. With the exception of background characters, I genuinely questioned everyone’s motives, and I was hooked in from the very beginning. 

I liked the different character perspectives. It rotated between the four suspects: Bronwyn, Addy, Nate and Cooper, so the reader gets a good idea of each character’s internal struggle and motives. 

The ending makes sense, too. I’m big on no-spoilers, so I’m not going to give specifics. I will say, though, that McManus wrapped everything up nicely and there were no moments that made me go ‘Wait what??’ 

#one of us is lying #karen m mcmanus #ya #murder #murder mystery #realistic fiction #young adult #fiction #mystery #teenagers #school #gossip #book #booklr #reading #reader #book reccomedation #book review