Such a powerful exploration of racism in England. Three black teenagers lives collide one fateful day when they are all witness to a violent 4.5 Stars
Such a powerful exploration of racism in England. Three black teenagers lives collide one fateful day when they are all witness to a violent crime. I loved how the teens come from different backgrounds but had shared experiences that resulted from the colour of their skin. They were not viewed as individuals in certain tricky situations but as representatives for 'all you black people'. We saw how prejudice affected their lives in school, in the judicial system and in the eyes of strangers eager and quick to confirm their racial bias. I thoroughly recommend this YA novel as it is confronting but ultimately uplifting....more
A simply written but beautiful verse novel about conjoint sisters, Tippi and Grace. Financial pressures at home has meant the girls need to a3.5 Stars
A simply written but beautiful verse novel about conjoint sisters, Tippi and Grace. Financial pressures at home has meant the girls need to attend school for the first time. They are the objects of fascination but also form some gorgeous friendships. The story is narrated from Grace's point of view as the possibility of first kisses and love start to become a reality. I listened to this as an audiobook but I think verse novels need to be read. Verse novel authors often play with the arrangement of words on the page which adds another layer of meaning to the story. I could tell I was missing some of the storytelling by listening to it. I had a few moments where my eyes welled up as it is an emotional story....more
I can kind of get the blurb making a link to the novel Sadie and I do like novels that feature true crime podcasts but just an FYI, this didn2.5 Stars
I can kind of get the blurb making a link to the novel Sadie and I do like novels that feature true crime podcasts but just an FYI, this didn't feature the podcast itself. Two podcasters host a competition to find the body of an infamous serial killer that they had featured in a previous episode. This started out quite strongly for me then the storyline wandered off a bit and focused too much on the relationship dynamics. I liked that everyone's back stories were quite different and their motivations and therefore reliability were questionable. There was some well written, next-level manipulation on page so be warned. A YA sapphic novel that is creepy in parts, tense thriller in a handful of places, but mostly a slow moving whiny moan fest.
For me this was probably the most emotional of the series so far as the three sisters struggled to uphold the promise they made to their father as litFor me this was probably the most emotional of the series so far as the three sisters struggled to uphold the promise they made to their father as little children to always stay together. The Slovakian Hlinka Guards had other ideas and soon the family found themselves torn apart by the Nazi collaborators. Again this was another well researched novel with Heather Morris talking to Livia, Magda, and their families about their experiences before, during and after World War II. Therefore the story contains real events in their lives and how they survived the death camps and found freedom and a home in Israel. It is another rough reading experience as the women had to watch some of their family march to the gas chambers. It was interesting that we also got to see their lives after they were freed because the discrimination in Germany and Slovakia continued long after the Nazis regime ended. I thoroughly recommend this series....more
I loved this sweet and moving YA story about finding the strength to pursue your dreams and fit in when you feel like an outsider. I think I pretty muI loved this sweet and moving YA story about finding the strength to pursue your dreams and fit in when you feel like an outsider. I think I pretty much devoured this in one listen. The writing was simple and flowed nicely and I could genuinely relate to the predicaments that the teens found themselves in. There are a few Asian family tropes in there and some unlikely business scenarios but they weren't unreasonable enough to have me rolling my eyes. Very enjoyable!...more
A pretty sweet YA LGBTQIA+ coming out romance. There was a nice level of predictability in there which made it a comfortab3.5 Stars
Country cute y'all!
A pretty sweet YA LGBTQIA+ coming out romance. There was a nice level of predictability in there which made it a comfortable love story with a Dolly Parton energy about it. Emmett and Luke are both working hard to be true to themselves but sometimes that isn't what those around them want or need. They each have to 'walk the line' in order to figure out what will make them happy. I enjoyed the romance despite it being pretty 'insta'. This would make a nice addition to a high school library with some minor content warnings. It was such an easy listen and before I knew it I'd almost finished it in one sitting!
CW: (view spoiler)[off page sexual content, anti-LGBTQIA sentiments but not abuse e.g. what is wrong in the eyes of god type stuff, unwell mother (hide spoiler)]...more
It finally happened! A Casey McQuiston book that I can honestly say I thought was okay. Yes it was way too long but I actually liked the main characteIt finally happened! A Casey McQuiston book that I can honestly say I thought was okay. Yes it was way too long but I actually liked the main characters. It was a little bit John Green but Casey called herself out on that in the story itself by having one of the characters point out the similar plot line. I enjoy a good enemies to lovers trope and this was given a fairly heavy handed approach, but still entertaining....more
Well consider me charmed! This time-loop romance was actually done really well. The Groundhog day repetition seen in a time-loop story can often becomWell consider me charmed! This time-loop romance was actually done really well. The Groundhog day repetition seen in a time-loop story can often become boring but was kept to a bare minimum by Rachel. Each repeat of the day was fresh, original and at times hilarious. I found the characters to be totally relatable and was fully invested in a romantic outcome for Barrett and Miles. Adorably fun!
It was touch and go there for a while as I deliberated whether I was going to dislike the main character, Blaine, too much to continue readin3.5 Stars
It was touch and go there for a while as I deliberated whether I was going to dislike the main character, Blaine, too much to continue reading. In the end he really grew on me in all his messy glory. This ended up being quite a fun LGBTQIA+ YA romance set in the vicious world of high school class president elections. After being brutally dumped by his ladder-climbing boyfriend, Blaine decides to become someone worthy of winning him back. Predictable and safe but charming none the less....more
This was a pretty entertaining YA mystery with good twists and some character development not often seen in this genre. Seasoned mystery read3.5 Stars
This was a pretty entertaining YA mystery with good twists and some character development not often seen in this genre. Seasoned mystery readers will probably pick the ending as there were some subtle references throughout that gave me the 'heads up' on how the story would play out. However, I still got a few surprises with some cleverly done bombshells. There was just enough romance to be engaging but not so much as to detract from the main genre of murder mystery.
CW: gory death scenes, dead animals posed with bodies, suicide, sexual content(view spoiler)[murder staged as suicide, (hide spoiler)]...more
Come one, come all to witness the birth of an autocratic government in this brilliant novel that had me on the edge of my seat and gasping in places. Come one, come all to witness the birth of an autocratic government in this brilliant novel that had me on the edge of my seat and gasping in places. This frighteningly feasible book is set in a post-Covid world and looks at the government's disturbing reaction to multiple crises such as climate change, dealing with the social and financial aftermath of the pandemic, and the rapidly increasing number of babies not surviving birth. The authorities slowly develop a strangle hold on it's citizens with Big Brother level monitoring and surveillance, the curbing of rights, and alarming mandates that give the state control over women's bodies. The women in this novel are intelligent and fierce. I wanted a bit more from the ending so I think there is room for a sequel. An excellent dystopian thriller.
CW: Descriptions of babies not surviving birth on page (view spoiler)[forced medical procedures, teen pregnancy, kidnapping, murder (hide spoiler)]...more
This was an over-the-top YA private school thriller. Everything felt a bit dramatic and was essentially a series of farcically bad decisions. The firsThis was an over-the-top YA private school thriller. Everything felt a bit dramatic and was essentially a series of farcically bad decisions. The first half was actually good and Jesse tapped into the social anxiety that comes with being the 'new person' incredibly well. However, all the characters felt exaggerated i.e. the super villainous mean girl, the innocent trusting (read incredibly dense) new girl, the doting golden boy. Then about the midway point something occurs and it all went downhill from there. Not down a gentle rolling hill but more off the edge of a cliff. It was a shame because prior to that I was actually absorbed in the paranoia and panicky feelings as the main character slowly realised how corrupt the school actually was. Also, the ending was ridiculous. Just okay for me....more
This is a wonderfully atmospheric novel in which pretty much nothing happens. The characters are so interesting but they languished in what was essentThis is a wonderfully atmospheric novel in which pretty much nothing happens. The characters are so interesting but they languished in what was essentially a story filled with angsty conversations between our characters where things are hinted at but not discussed. This felt like such a missed opportunity as the set-up was right there with great writing, a riveting mystery, a dark history, and intriguing characters. It just never seemed to really get off the ground and then suddenly it ended. An author to watch out for though. A case of not enough for me.
CW: (view spoiler)[mother commits suicide over guilt for burning people to death, gun violence, loss of loved ones, cyclone (hide spoiler)]...more
A great thriller where the aggression is so insidious that you don't realise how tense you have become until you are a total ball of nerves. The paranA great thriller where the aggression is so insidious that you don't realise how tense you have become until you are a total ball of nerves. The paranoia that our main characters developed was really well written and believable. There are a few stories and films I am reminded of with this novel but I won't say as I think they will serve as spoilers. I actually won't say too much more because it's one of those stories that I think you are better off knowing very little about. A great and topical YA thriller with excellent character development.
CW: (view spoiler)[car accident, murder, racism, homomisia, public outing, gaslighting, images of unconscious girl shared, suicide ideation/attempt, drug use (hide spoiler)]...more
Look closely at the cover. If you go a little marshmallowy and say awwwww with heart eyes then you will love this book. The chemistry between Mickey aLook closely at the cover. If you go a little marshmallowy and say awwwww with heart eyes then you will love this book. The chemistry between Mickey and Jaysen was so well written and swoon-worthy. This YA book was also actually about sports and the play by plays were action packed and entertaining. I don't know if it was a case of 'the right book at the right time' but I honestly loved this. All the other amazing characters made the story rich and meaningful. It dealt with mental health issues in a respectful way. I haven't had this 'squeee' feeling about a YA romance book in a while! Yes it's predictable and hits some standard tropes but it really worked for me and I listened to it in one sitting!
CW: Sexual content but not explicit, depression/mental health, anxiety...more
I enjoyed learning about Sikh Punjabi culture and religion through the eyes of the endearing main character, Sunny. The story was warm and hu2.5 Stars
I enjoyed learning about Sikh Punjabi culture and religion through the eyes of the endearing main character, Sunny. The story was warm and humorous but I think the plot meandered around a bit so I never felt connected to the characters. There was a lot of reference to a fandom anime thingy I know nothing about so that created more distance. I really liked the characters there just needed to be more story development. Just okay for me.
Another fascinating and nicely paced YA mystery from this incredibly talented author. I love well researched historical Asian novels. They are rich, bAnother fascinating and nicely paced YA mystery from this incredibly talented author. I love well researched historical Asian novels. They are rich, beautiful and complex tales. Traditional Asian cultures are often driven by honour systems that I thoroughly enjoy learning about. This one is set in 18th century Korea and our main character is intelligent and loyal but constantly aware of her low standing in this very hierarchical society. June has a talent for writing relationships that the Reader can become fully invested in but all written with a delicacy that seems appropriate for this time period and culture. Back when a glance or gesture held so much meaning and had characters all a flutter. The courtly intrigue was also fascinating as people plotted and manoeuvred themselves to win favour. Well worth a read if you, like me, are a fan of Asian historical fiction.
Also, I spent ages on the Googs after as this story is based on a real Korean Crown Prince.
A surface level read of this book will result in a slow drawn out tale about a boy, his family and survival against the odds with a tiger. A deeper reA surface level read of this book will result in a slow drawn out tale about a boy, his family and survival against the odds with a tiger. A deeper read will have you thinking about the role faith plays in providing a moral compass for humanity, the survival instincts of animals and whether we as humans can transcend our base nature when faced with imminent death. Despite being deeply religious, Pi accepts that rescue is less likely so principals and morality are washed away. For some people the abandoning of fundamental beliefs would feel like accepting the gentle turning of the tide, and for others a violent maelstrom at sea. This wonderful novel weaves in magical realism to provide a surreal experience for us as we observe Pi's internal conflict. I have just had surgery on my back so listened to much of this whilst on some fairly serious medication which made the experience quite harrowing in parts. There are some awful animal deaths in this book. Like utterly traumatising. Anyway, if you like books that explore human nature then I think you would probably enjoy this novel. As Pi's father observes, the most dangerous animal in the zoo is man. I think the ending is incredibly poignant as this novel is also about stories and the versions we accept as truth. Thoroughly recommend!
CW: Horrific animal deaths described on page....more
I've been staring at this review box for a while now. I am not sure how I feel about this book as of yet. There was a childlike quality to the artificI've been staring at this review box for a while now. I am not sure how I feel about this book as of yet. There was a childlike quality to the artificially intelligent girl, Klara, that was mostly sweet. It was an interesting novel, however, the themes were treated with a surprisingly heavy hand and the concepts not new. It's like you didn't have to do much thinking for yourself because it was all clearly laid out in extended metaphors and obvious symbolism. Also, I don't know what other people thought of the ending but I felt a deep deep sadness. Just okay for me....more
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