Elizabeth

This was just ridiculously good. Impossible to believe I haven't read it yet, but now I want to call in sick to work until I've read the rest of the series. Rich, complex, stunning.

This was a fun read but felt like it got a bit muddy in the middle. Will be continuing on with the series.

I found this to be a very compelling and well-executed work. The author does an admirable job of not singling out a."bad guy" but lets each participant's own words tell the story. She was given a lot of access to those impacted as well as those responsible, and that felt important. Lots of interesting conversations to have with MY kids.

I haven't read a book in a long time that grabbed me so immediately from the beginning and kept me reading feverishly to the end. The mom in me was horrified at the depictions of life without electricity, adequate food, or appropriate adult supervision. The kid in me recognized the moments of magic, even in this seemingly dismal childhood. This is a memoir for readers who think they don't like memoirs - The Sound of Gravel will keep you up at night, bring tears to your eyes, and once again make you believe in happy endings. Highest recommendations.

(Source - ARC from publisher - thank you Flatiron Books!)

So I guess I read graphic novels now? I've been hearing a few friends rave about this one, so I thought I'd pick it up, and it was pretty fantastic. Kamala Khan is a 15-year-old Pakistani-American Muslim just wishing she could be blonde and fit in. Then suddenly she becomes Ms. Marvel. What transpires is pretty awesome, because it's pretty real. She doesn't just automatically know what to do. Becoming a super hero doesn't solve all her problems. She's still 15, with overbearing parents and an annoying brother, but now she also has to figure out how to keep herself from shifting into her alter ego all the time. Really well written, very nice illustrations - I'm definitely going to keep reading this series.