Dee
TW: discussion about rape, physical abuse (African enslavement and otherwise). There are more but these are the two that stood out most to me.
I wish I had the audio of this being performed the way it was intended. The writing is beautiful but reading it with my eyes could never do it justice. It deserves an audience and attentive ears. That being said...what?
TW: discussion about/diagnosing with Bipolar Disorder
At first glance, this book is weird and doesn't have an obvious point. Until you're well into it and suddenly Wolf and Mrs. Death's relationship is the most important thing in the world. You begin to relate to and care for them. You watch as they spiral and fixate on the story and each other, completely disregarding their needs.
– When I am writing with Wolf I feel seen and heard, actually listened to for once; for the first time ever I am not just an invisible cleaner, clearing the dead bodies. –
It's my fault for thinking that this would have been more fantastical than it was. However, I didn't feel like I missed out on anything for its lack of high fantasy elements. Death was deeply caring and only wanted the absolute best for humankind. Each suffering took a toll on her.
I honestly don't know who I would recommend this for, who the target audience is. All I will say is that if this sounds like something you would read, then you should.
TW: overdose, drug use, implied paedophilia, physical abuse, psychological abuse
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This was definitely different than I was expecting... But not in a bad way... Hmmm.
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I went into this book thinking that it was going to be about Maddy trying to solve a murder, with lots of twists and near misses. Instead what I got was an intense reminder of how we, as a society, scorn and flat out push homeless people out of ‘our' spaces. We act as though because of their circumstances they don't deserve access to the same rights, comforts and privileges that we do. It's sickening and disheartening and unfortunately all too realistic, I can see now why this book received an award for bringing awareness to social issues.
I would recommend this for anyone needing a reminder that you are lucky in more ways than you can sometimes remember while in the moment of whatever discomforts that you might be experiencing. I don't mean that you should read this if you want to feel superior or to pity someone who may be homeless. I want you to read this, actually read this as your eye-opener to a topic that isn't written about often in YA novels. Open your eyes to how severely underrepresented and overlooked the homeless are in real life and outside of it.
CW: mentions of domestic violence, emotional abuse, sexual abuse; features adoption and abandonment
This was not the ending that I had expected!!! At all. But, I absolutely adored the way she decided to tie up the loose ends. It made up for all of the other elements that I was able to figure out from pretty early on in the novel. Not to mention all the infuriating moments that Mel needed to be a little more forceful (cough Kate's phone cough, the details she kept from Kate and the reasoning behind it), I just wanted to take and yell ‘WAKE UP!'
As with The Liar's Wife, our MC has escaped an abusive relationship and started fresh, until her abuser somehow, in whatever capacity, reenters her orbit. Single Mother, however, takes a 180-degree approach and doesn't focus on this tidbit as we're often too busy trying to put out the many other fires that seem to need our attention more.
Hayes' writing is, if nothing else, addicting. She knows how to get you sucked in, wanting to get to the next little thing until the mystery is solved and I love her for that. I absolutely would not mind reading more by her. Who knows, maybe the next one might be my next favourite thriller?
P.S. Why does Samantha always find a way to make me feel grossed out by the men in her book? I mean, every single time! But there's always ONE that is salvageable thankfully. Yeesh!
CW: alcohol use, eating disorder, disassociate identity disorder, emotional abuse
‘Allow yourself some dramatic episodes, but then practice laughing about it.' If this quote doesn't sum up the way 2020 wreaked havoc on our outlook and forced us to reassess, then I don't know what does.
When I first started reading this collection several years ago, it was too raw... I was too raw. After some time and space, I was finally able to pick it up again. That isn't to say that the topics weren't triggering for me or that it somehow became an easier read, but I connected wihh it in a different way.
Dodie shares her every low but also her greatest highs. She isn't afraid to show us exactly how her brain works in an effort to demystify DID and EDs. I couldn't be more thankful for it.
10/10 would recommend this as a way to introduce your child to spooky books.
It's a fairly short, fast paced book with characters that you dont mind spending time with and illustrations that are simply adorable.
Lola is a sassy, no holds barred little sister who youd both loathe and love to have while Ben is a bit more reserved but equally as fun to read. I connected more with Lola than I did Ben, even though he was our main character, but that's not unusual for my reading experiences so I'm not sure that I can wholly blame the book for that. The dynamic between Ben, Lola and their grandparents is heart-warming and the paranormal events do not change how the interact with each other. In fact, when the first encounter happens and Ben is left confused everyone is very supportive of him. There isn't anyone making fun of him or taking advantage of his confusion.
Did I wish that there were some moments that weren't quite as rushed so as to build the mystery and spook factor a bit more? Yes. However, the conclusion perfectly suited the story. It was satisfying and hopeful. All in all, this story just works.
CW: Physical and Emotional Abuse (on page); rape (assumed/implied); racism directed at the main character; sexual acts; parental trauma; mentions of blood and other bodily fluids
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Did I think that this book would cover some difficult topics? Certainly. Did I expect it to be quite so dark and intense? Not in the least. I hadn't expected to walk into an examination room, sitting through an uncomfortable discussion with a nurse, discussing the procedure for administering a rape kit. Then, just as quickly as you're pushed into this intense situation, you are transported back in time to the first day of Kindergarten where Rowan truly realizes that she and her mother don't ‘match'. It's jarring, but that perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the book.
Rowan's relationship with her mother is tumultuous for the majority of the book, after a tight bond during her early childhood years. I was often left frustrated by the insensitive things she would say to her mother, finding it unforgivable to be as gruff as she was. I was also a bit aghast at where her focus lay: finding a boyfriend. Until she started college and entered an abusive relationship. It all clicked for me. This was a girl who felt unloved and discarded, reacting in the only way she understood how: by lashing out. Unfortunately, she lashed out at the one person who fully loved and accepted her and instead kept latching onto the worst possible options.
Rowan is a character that is hurting and reading her pain is far from easy, but it's somehow captivating, even as you grit your teeth through each moment.
I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn't mind reading books that cover dark themes, but with the caveat that Sharkey doesn't shy away from anything. We see it all.
I found this story to be a chill, enjoyable and quick read. The world building was exactly what I needed out of this book. It wasn't overly complicated or info-dumpy. Instead it was sprinkled throughout the plot at relevant moments.
I'd recommend this to fantasy lovers who aren't keen on heavy/in your face romance or constantly tense/high action books.
The romance that is included is so wholesome, but it isn't only the romantic relationship that's wholesome, the friendships are as well. There weren't any girl fights for the sake of the male gaze or crab in barrel syndrome, just a group of girls making the best of a horrible situation and supporting each other through it all.
I can't wait for book 2!
This is the type of collection that sneaks up on you and makes you love it, without any warning or apology. Some of these authors definitely deserve a space on your ‘Authors to watch' list, because the things they did with such a short amount of words...magical!
I will be raving about Sweetmeats by Linda Cheng, Fools by Gina Chen and Break by Sophie Meridien for a long time to come.
There was heartbreak, intrigue, spookiness and overall confusion. Everything I like in my favourite books. But there was also so much cheek and fluff that my secret softie heart could also be satisfied. There's something for everyone here.
Full review on my blog (deereadsforfood.wordpress.com)
3.5 stars
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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First off, big up Koffee on getting her song hyped up towards the end of the novel. If you haven't heard it yet, you should listen to “Toast. It's the most feel-good song and I could listen to it on repeat no problem.
Okay, now for the actual book.
It's always refreshing when I read something set in my neck of the woods (or close to it) as I don't have to suspend quite as much belief as I would for something set in say Europe. The country, island vibes was everything! It allowed me to be able to live my July/August vacation dreams vicariously through this book because 2020 has taken away beaches and pools and travel away from me (I hate It here!).
Clara is sassy, a tad prone to overreacting, broken and imaginative. Gaynah is a critical, privileged centre of the friend group. The two have a falling out and we meet them in the aftermath of that, with Clara coming to terms with her memory loss and Gaynah throwing it in her face. But then a NEW GIRL arrives and the dynamic is threatened. No longer does Clara scramble to reconcile with Gaynah and Gaynah is seen to be struggling with this perceived abandonment.
We follow Clara and the newcomer as the two formed a fast friendship, adventuring on the hill setting of our novel. It hurts to watch how Clara struggles to adjust to her new reality of missing memories while feeling like those who should be in her corner (the adults, her best friend, the pastor) aren't. You feel her confusion because no one seems to sympathize with how she's been feeling through it all.
When you get to the revelation your heart breaks for both Gaynah and Clara and it all makes sense. Also, Eldorath deserves all rights. How dare the village treat him like that???
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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Varina...I never saw you coming. Not any of the times that you came across the storyline. Rue, you deserved so much more from these people who you've spent your whole life protecting and caring for alongside a mother who was revered for it. Miss May Belle, you deserved a better end than the one you got. You gave everything to that family and to those people and, in the end, it was just you and your daughter suffering through the worst moments of your life,
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What I expected: a story about women surviving in a time of uncertainty, in a time where men were the sole determiner of women's bodies and their futures, in a time where blackness was enough for you to be owned.
What I got: black women carving their own space in a world that didn't accept their methods, a life entangled with that of the white daughter of their master, blooming hope that comes with newfound freedom, and damning secrets that could change life as they know it (both before and after the War).
You don't fully get where this is going until it gets there. You think it's about being a ‘witch' when your people are finding ‘civilized religion', but it's not. You think it's about a little boy, born different, signalling bad omens for your community, but it's not. You think it's about Rue finding happiness after not knowing what that really meant, but it's not. You think it's about a secret held before Wartime that evolves into an equally dangerous secret after the War, but it's not.
It's about a life lived out loud when living was something you had to work towards rather than something you expected just in being alive. It's about being that solid constant even when you aren't wanted anymore because you realize that you're still needed. It's realizing that this life that you signed up for is far bigger than you in that one moment, far bigger than your personal hurts and comforts. It's about characters that are flawed, in a system that is flawed, trying to find a way to stay true to themselves even when doing so means leaving yourself open to even more hurt.
TL;DR: Read this if you want to follow flawed characters that are trying to live their lives in a dual timeline, mostly single POV narrative.
I think I reaaaally liked this one. I wasn't sure what to expect or what I wanted out of this second novel by Power but somehow she managed to provide it anyway. This was the equal to Wilder Girls' wtf is actually happening here that we all deserved, in fact, much like that book, the ending of this one sealed it for me. I was confused but intrigued right up until the ending wrapped up as neatly as possible while still leaving that bittersweet feeling in my heart that I've come to associate with Power.
Burn Our Bodies Down is a quick read that keeps you confused enough to want to continue reading. I look forward to whatever Rory publishes next.
Oh gosh, this book left me so conflicted! I wanted all of the ships to flourish! All of them. This is my petition for Sabaa to give us the poly relationship that we deserve!
At first, I thought that Laia was a bit whiny and did not deserve rights but then...something switched. Maybe it was the way the Resistance treated her when she asked for their help, or the way that she kept pushing through even when she was being literally tortured on her mission, or maybe it was the chemistry she had with literally everybody. Whatever it was, she earned her rights.
Elias had rights from the very beginning because anyone that fights against their destiny deserves everything in my books. Helene on the other hand started off as someone that intrigued me, then the more we got to know her I wondered what more there was to her besides a perfect soldier. And when I found out what lay beneath, I wanted to hug her because her destiny is painful. Book 2 please!
How people sold this book to me: it's creepy and weird. I absolutely loved it.
What this book gave me: it's weird.
I'm so sad. This isn't what I wanted out of this one and maybe if I didn't have such high expectations I would have enjoyed it a lot more.
This book is beautifully written following a morally grey character that begs for you to care about her story. I just...didn't. There was a fog of confusion surrounding everything that happened in this house and I'm still not completely sure what was happening. I also will not forgive y'all for letting me fall in love with SpoilerBaby and then have to sit here and watch her die!.
There was human experimentation which was confusing, but above all of that there was an element of found family that wasn't quite wholesome, it was a perfect replica of the college hall/dorm experience. Thomas wrote about the baseness of human nature and youth: excessive partying, drinking and sex.
It wasn't necessarily a pleasant experience, feeling quite slow at times, and I still don't know what the point was, but it wasn't a painful experience either.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
TW: Emotional abuse, mention (and one on page incidence) of physical abuse, food restricting, body shaming.
I've not read many, if any, books that centred football, so this was a refreshing change of pace for me. La Furia, Camila, is a multifaceted character who deserves more people in her corner.
This book is an intense YA, temporarily moonlighting as a light contemporary as there are some sweet moments sprinkled in (as a treat) in the middle of Camila struggling to live her dreams. Mendez spins a tale of sacrifice, fear, and perseverance in the face adversity. There's also a fight for balance in a world where we're told that we can have it all and yet are shut down every time we try to have it.
It's a quick read but, by no means an easy one. You will rage, you will chuckle, but above all, you will want to protect these characters during their most vulnerable moments. This book breaks you and builds you up in waves.
I can't wait for everyone to read this one. My heart.
All my hopes and dreams for a promising future for little Karen.
Full rtc.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing its e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
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Kiera, Steph, and Malcolm are all varying degrees of “black” - there's the ‘all-black-everything', ‘angry black man' boyfriend, the ‘black is magic' sister, and the ‘is my black enough' main character. But that isn't what this is about. Slay is a video game made by a black woman, for black people, celebrating blackness all around the world, in whatever way that manifests for the player. But that isn't what this is about either. There's been a murder of a prominent Slay player and the world begins discussing culpability and the repercussions of online gaming. Still, that's not what this is about either.
This is a story about personal growth and learning to give people the chance to surprise you. It's a story meant to remind you that not everyone fits neatly into the box that you've placed them in, and over time the person you think you may know may have changed (and not always for the better).
Morris writes us into world where you're reminded every step of the way that it's okay to not be exactly like everyone else, but always remembering that representation matters and that, no matter what, you are important and enough. The world is immersive, the lore is expansive and the characters fully developed.
This book left me feeling even more proud to be black than before but it also left me hurting for the constant battle black people have to go through to find a welcoming space the world over. This is an excellent escape. I get it, Kiera. I get it.
Full review to come.
Sandhya Menon's writing in this one is very reminiscent of the books I read during childhood/teenagedom (think Angus Thongs era) and it made me feel nostalgic as all heck! It's funny and silly and full of teenage emo-angstyness. I missed these kinds of stories, and I especially miss when overly dramatic angst was done well. I felt all of the cringe and humor and hurt that Twinkle Mehra put into each of her letters.
Twinkle was ridiculously naive about a lot of things and placed every aspect of life into black or white boxes. There was no wiggle room. Either you were a groundling or a feathered hat, either you were a parent who loved your child or you were an absentee parent didn't care at all and that's it. However, it began to get a bit irritating how fixated Twinkle became on improving her social status and making up with Maddie.
I get it, teenagers are single-minded and often feel things very deeply, but just relax a bit Twinkle.
I also definitely appreciated that there was depression rep in the form of Twinkle's mother and how neatly everything wrapped up.