Such a powerful portrayal of a teen who is sexually assaulted by a trusted adult, and her journey toward reclaiming her voice. Sawyerr lets readers exSuch a powerful portrayal of a teen who is sexually assaulted by a trusted adult, and her journey toward reclaiming her voice. Sawyerr lets readers experience the aftermath along with Mina— the confusion, the numbness, the withdrawing from family and friends, the self-blame, the criticism from people who don’t believe a “good man” could do something like that. Hooray for the 2024 Morris Award Committee for naming this debut as one of the five finalists for the award— winner to be announced at the January 22 YMAs!...more
The audiobook performance on this twisty mystery was superb…. I think that added a lot to my enjoyment. A great story with an unreliable narrator. I lThe audiobook performance on this twisty mystery was superb…. I think that added a lot to my enjoyment. A great story with an unreliable narrator. I love Lucy’s character and the underlying theme of pushing back against misogyny, and the author blends suspense and touches of humor really well. Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Libro.fm ALC for the complimentary audiobook....more
I got about 100 pages into this and enjoyed the world-building, but realized that I am not currently in the headspace for this 600+ page brick of a boI got about 100 pages into this and enjoyed the world-building, but realized that I am not currently in the headspace for this 600+ page brick of a book. So putting this back in my “want to read” pile for later when I can better appreciate it....more
My first Sophie Kinsella, and I get the appeal. A sweet romcom. Surfer Terry was my favorite character. Thanks to Libro.fm and to Penguin Random HouseMy first Sophie Kinsella, and I get the appeal. A sweet romcom. Surfer Terry was my favorite character. Thanks to Libro.fm and to Penguin Random House Audio for the complimentary audiobook download through the ALC program....more
Goo’s latest combines intergenerational family dynamics, time travel, and romance in a lighthearted story of a Korean-American teen’s fraught relationGoo’s latest combines intergenerational family dynamics, time travel, and romance in a lighthearted story of a Korean-American teen’s fraught relationship with her mom. Sam’s unexpected journey back to 1995 helps her appreciate the level of micro (and macro) aggressions that her mother dealt with in high school. Never didactic, full of humor and heart....more
Mazey Eddings really knocks her debut out of the park. Tilly is all over the place with her ADHD, and feels like she’s letting everyone down. Oliver hMazey Eddings really knocks her debut out of the park. Tilly is all over the place with her ADHD, and feels like she’s letting everyone down. Oliver has learned to navigate common social cues well enough that most people wouldn’t guess he is autistic. As they work together over the summer, there’s an unmistakable connection. Insightful and humorous, this book is a celebration of neurodivergence....more
Two and a half stars rounded up to three because I appreciate the chronic illness representation for the protagonist.
Lots of buzz about this, and it dTwo and a half stars rounded up to three because I appreciate the chronic illness representation for the protagonist.
Lots of buzz about this, and it definitely lives up to the hype in terms of the nonstop action and the steamy sex scenes. I wasn’t familiar with the “romantasy” genre (and I call myself a librarian), but this fits the bill. Fourth Wing derives a lot from Hunger Games and Harry Potter. I think it would have been better as a YA, but it doesn’t live up to those series in its storytelling. Maybe the publisher and Yarros decided to include the explicit sex to plant this firmly in the New Adult category.
If you’re looking for character development or nuance, find another book. If you like your stories driven entirely by dialog and plot (with melodrama that you can cut with a knife) pick this up today!...more
This novel, based loosely on the life of little-known composer Leon Delafosse, immerses the reader in 1890s France. 17-year-old Leon is a piano prodigThis novel, based loosely on the life of little-known composer Leon Delafosse, immerses the reader in 1890s France. 17-year-old Leon is a piano prodigy from a modest background who bears the weight of providing for his mother and sister. As opportunities put him in the path of wealthy patrons, he must learn to navigate the rules of high society and the dangers of being outed as homosexual. Schrefer’s note at the end is lovely and gives deeper context to the story. Thanks to Katherine Tegan/ HarperCollins and Libro.fm ALC for the complimentary e-audiobook....more
Who knew I needed Shannon Chakraborty and her bad-ass, 40-something, semi-retired pirate in my life? Amina Al-Sirafi thought she had left her high-seaWho knew I needed Shannon Chakraborty and her bad-ass, 40-something, semi-retired pirate in my life? Amina Al-Sirafi thought she had left her high-seas days behind her, but finances are always a struggle. When she gets an offer that will allow her to provide for her mother and her young daughter for the rest of their lives, she accepts the job. Amina quickly learns that the assignment is more dangerous than she was led to believe— and that her mother’s and daughter’s lives hang in the balance of her successful completion. Harrowing, high-stakes adventure combine with humor and social commentary for a very satisfying historical fantasy on the Indian Ocean. Grateful to Sabaa Tahir for putting this on my radar in a recent post....more
An excellent addition to the holiday shelves. Jon Klassen's illustrations take a humorous examination of Santa-related questions to the next level.An excellent addition to the holiday shelves. Jon Klassen's illustrations take a humorous examination of Santa-related questions to the next level....more
Compelling and heart-breaking and beautifully written. Hand this to fans of Joy McCullough's Blood Water Paint or Madeline Miller's Circe.Compelling and heart-breaking and beautifully written. Hand this to fans of Joy McCullough's Blood Water Paint or Madeline Miller's Circe....more
Biting and satirical and hilarious and heartbreaking. This is my first book by Nathan Hill, and I appreciate his talent for highlighting the ridiculouBiting and satirical and hilarious and heartbreaking. This is my first book by Nathan Hill, and I appreciate his talent for highlighting the ridiculousness of our contemporary society. Insecurity and dysfunction and over-the-topness abound, and make for a thought-provoking and entertaining read.
Thank you to Libro.fm ALC and Knopf for the complimentary e-audiobook...more
Thank you to the student who put this on my radar! I really enjoyed this retelling of The Fall of the House of Usher. I don’t usually seek out gothic Thank you to the student who put this on my radar! I really enjoyed this retelling of The Fall of the House of Usher. I don’t usually seek out gothic horror, but this was deliciously creepy and atmospheric. The author stays true to Poe’s original short story as she fleshes it out in wholly original ways. And that cover art! ...more
Stumbled across this in the bookstore, and was completely taken in by the title and the cover. Incredibly implausible premise— think Hallmark movie— bStumbled across this in the bookstore, and was completely taken in by the title and the cover. Incredibly implausible premise— think Hallmark movie— but sweet and fun and apparently what my brain needed in this back-to-school period since I’m giving it 4 stars....more
This captivating Australian import will satisfy young adult and new adult readers, especially those who like their romantic comedies to be a little heThis captivating Australian import will satisfy young adult and new adult readers, especially those who like their romantic comedies to be a little heavier on the “com” than the “rom.” I loved Brooke: readers will relate to her anxiety and need for order and control as she navigates her first year of university and being away from her sister, mum, and grandmother. Author Nina Kenwood hits just the right balance of humor and heart. If you listen to the audiobook, narrator Maddy Withington is terrific.
Thanks to Libro.fm ALC, Flatiron Books, and Macmillan Audio for a great listening experience....more
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