Review: We Were Liars

We Were Liars
by E. Lockhart

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: May 13, 2014

When my friends ask me for book recommendations, I’ll often direct them to WE WERE LIARS by E. Lockhart—it’s one of my favorite YA books because of its combination of suspense, character development, and lyrical writing. The premise is simple: an extremely wealthy family spends its summers on a private island off the coast of Massachusetts. However, the relationships between the characters (specifically, the four teenagers on the island) make the story unforgettable. Lockhart’s writing style is metaphorical, but she maintains a matter-of-fact tone that is genuinely fun to read. Anyone who likes novels with unreliable narrators (think A CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME ) and hasn’t read this book definitely should.

Review: The Fragile Ordinary

The Fragile Ordinary
by Samantha Young

Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: June 26, 2018

When I picked up THE FRAGILE ORDINARY by Samantha Young, I expected to read a light, fluffy romance without much substance (I'm definitely a sucker for those). But I was wrong. Though I probably would have been satisfied with a plot where main characters had met, fallen instantly in love, and then lived happily ever after, after finishing the novel, I appreciated that Young took a more thoughtful, realistic tone. Though the novel is first and foremost a romance, it also deals with heavier topics such as neglect, gang culture, and privilege. Even after I put the book down, I continued to think about the complicated relationships between characters. The one thing that felt a little off about the novel was the pacing; a consequential event happens in the last 30 pages in the novel and I wish that Young had spent more time unpacking it. Despite this, I would recommend this novel to anyone looking for a romance that will make them think. Because of sexual content and substance abuse, this book is probably best suited to older teens.

Review: Moonrise

Moonrise
by Sarah Crossan

Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication Date: May 8, 2018

Warning: this book will make you cry. MOONRISE by Sarah Crossan is a poignant novel that explores the far-reaching impacts of capital punishment in modern society. The book is written from the perspective of Joe Moon, whose brother, Ed, is on death row. It would have been easy for Crossan to make the novel purely a political statement, but, luckily for the readers, she doesn't. Instead, she uses complex characters to convey a nuanced perspective on this issue. 

The novel is written in verse rather than prose; if I'd known this when I was looking for a book, I probably wouldn't have chosen it, but don't let it stop you! The short lines ensure that each word packs a punch and add to the overall feeling of urgency. In all, MOONRISE is a truly incredible reading experience and is sure to stick with you for a long, long time.

Review: Life Inside My Mind

Life Inside My Mind
Edited by Jessica Burkhart

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: April 10, 2018

LIFE INISDE MY MIND is an essay anthology focused on YA authors’ personal experiences with mental health. Each “chapter” is a story written by a different author, and each has a vastly different focus: the topics ranged from anxiety to depression to OCD to Alzheimer's. While some of the stories were deeply personal, some were more of a reflection on societal issues and the stigma around mental health. This book was different from any I had ever read. At first, it was hard for me to make the constant switch in tone as the authors shifted, but eventually, I was able to adapt to the format, and I’m so glad I did! This book offers some incredible insights, and I really appreciated the fact that so many of the authors emphasized that there is no one “right way” to manage mental illness. 

My personal favorite essay was written in a poetry format called “This Is How You Unravel” by E.K. Anderson, which told the story of a girl living with bipolar disorder. I loved this chapter in particular because of its ability to genuinely portray the negative aspects of mental illness while offering a hopeful message. There were many essays that had a profound impact on me, though, not just this one! Even though I was skeptical about this collection at first, I would highly recommend this collection to anyone, regardless of whether they have personally experienced any of these conditions. Although I personally haven’t, I was still able to relate to all of the authors because of the honest, candid emotions that they shared with readers. Because of frequent references to suicide, addiction, abuse and violence, this book is probably best suited to older teens.

Review: The Authentics

The Authentics
by Abdi Nazemian

Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: August 8, 2017

THE AUTHENTICS by Abdi Nazemian is a powerful story of identity, self-discovery and friendship. Protagonist Daria Esfandyar and her three best friends call themselves “the Authentics” because, unlike everyone else in their Beverly Hills high school, they know who they are and don’t try to hide it. Daria, for one, is incredibly proud of her Iranian American heritage. But after being assigned a genealogy project at school, Daria realizes that she may not be as authentic as she once thought. As she begins to discover who she really is, Daria is forced to question everything she once thought was true about her family, her friends, and herself. I loved reading about the interactions between Daria and her friends as she navigates through this tumultuous time in her life. Her friends are all compassionate and supportive, but also deeply flawed, which made them very relatable. I also really enjoyed the focus on Daria’s changing relationship with her mother throughout the story; it added complexity and nuance to the plot and delivered some very emotional, heart-wrenching moments. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone seeking a coming-of-age story with flawed, relatable characters.

Review: Love, Hate & Other Filters

Love, Hate & Other Filters
by Samira Ahmed

Publisher: Soho Teen
Publication Date: January 16, 2018

LOVE, HATE & OTHER FILTERS by Samira Ahmed tells the story of Indian-American, Muslim protagonist Maya Aziz, who is struggling to reconcile her own dreams of filmmaking with the expectations placed upon her by her parents, such as marrying a suitable Muslim boy or attending college close to home. These concerns seem almost trivial, however, when an act of terror is committed and the primary suspect happens to share Maya’s last name, she has to discover ways to cope with the rapidly surfacing Islamophobia in her community and discover those who are truly there for her. In the story, she also faces a choice between two boys, which was a bit predictable and fluffy but enjoyable nonetheless. Despite not being Muslim myself, I found Maya very easy to identify with because of her authentic, articulate voice. I could relate to her feelings of uncertainty about the future and thought that her insights were beautiful, thoughtful, and reflective. My favorite character by far was Maya’s fiercely loyal best friend Violet, who offers Maya invaluable advice and perspective throughout the novel. Overall, the subject matter was highly topical and I would definitely recommend the novel to anyone seeking a refreshing, well-written narrative that deals with some very prevalent issues in politics right now.

Review: Now Is Everything

Now Is Everything
by Amy Giles

Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: November 7, 2017

NOW IS EVERYTHING by Amy Giles is a dark family drama that deals with abuse, love, and sisterhood. Protagonist Hadley is willing to do anything to protect her younger sister, Lila, from her violent father, but as the stakes increase, she senses she’s running out of time. I’m not going to say much more than that, because the book is, in some ways, a mystery. I enjoyed reading about Hadley and Lila’s relationship; it is incredibly genuine and heartbreaking how much they care about each other. Hadley also explores a forbidden romance with Charlie Simmons, who becomes her confidante and ally; I loved their relationship as well.

I generally lean towards dark material in my book choices, but the graphic violence in NOW IS EVERYTHING was a lot to handle even for me. Hadley is also suicidal at some points in the book, so readers should be conscious of this. Because of the suicidal themes, violence, and substance abuse, I would recommend this book for older teens.

Review: Dear Martin

Dear Martin
by Nic Stone

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 17, 2017

DEAR MARTIN by Nic Stone is a powerful, emotional story about the realities of entrenched racism in American society. The novel deals with themes of police brutality, privilege, and gang culture as protagonist Justyce McAllister struggles to come to terms with the ignorance in his community. I personally thought that this book was very eye-opening; the subject matter is incredibly relevant in today’s increasingly polarized society.

I was extremely emotionally invested in Justyce’s story; there were definitely some tear-jerking moments. I absolutely loved the character of Sarah Jane, Justyce’s outspoken, insanely intelligent debate partner who exemplifies allyship. This book felt extremely truthful and real, the writing was superb, and I honestly cannot think of a single friend I would not recommend this to. Derogatory racial slurs are used in this novel; there are also themes of violence and substance abuse, so I would recommend it for older teens.

Review: A Line in the Dark

A Line in the Dark
by Malinda Lo

Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 17, 2017

A LINE IN THE DARK by Malinda Lo is a suspenseful yet heartfelt novel that explores concepts of privilege, sexuality, and friendship. Protagonist Jess Wong has had unrequited feelings for her best friend, Angie Redmond, for as long as she can remember. When Angie starts dating Margot Adams, a wealthy girl from a nearby boarding school, Jess feels more alone than ever. The plot takes a dark turn when Margot’s best friend is murdered, and Jess, Angie, and Margot find themselves at the center of the investigation. Overall, I enjoyed this book; I found Jess to be a relatable, three-dimensional character, and I enjoyed hearing her narration. To add suspense to the murder, the book switches from first to third person halfway through the book, but I missed hearing Jess’s unique voice.

This book did an excellent job of shedding light on the power of storytelling and artwork, as Jess works on a series of comics that mirror her own journey throughout the novel. The one downside to A LINE IN THE DARK was the loose ends remaining at the end; the conclusion felt abrupt and I was left wanting more. Despite this, I would recommend this novel to anyone looking for a fast-paced mystery novel with a compelling protagonist. 

Summer Roundup: Fandom Finds

Couldn't score that San Diego Comic-Con ticket this year? We're right there with you. But you can still celebrate the awesomeness of fandom by picking up one of these great YAs featuring fans like you!

It's no Hall H wristband, but we hope it helps.

ELIZA AND HER MONSTERS by Francesca Zappia 

Rachel loved this "beautifully written" story of a teenage webcomic author whose real life gets complicated when the new boy at school turns out to be her comic's #1 fanfic author.

SCARLETT EPSTEIN HATES IT HERE by Anna Breslaw

Scarlett is an avid fanfiction writer for her favorite tv show, so when it's canceled, she's obviously devastated. In an effort to stop her message board friends from leaving to write fanfic about other shows, Scarlett starts an original story...and they love it! Unfortunately, Scarlett's story is entirely based on the other kids at school, so it's only a matter of time before her online and IRL worlds collide.

STRANGER THAN FANFICTION by Chris Colfer

Anna reviewed this coming-of-age, road trip novel by a real-life superstar! When four teens obsessed with the TV show Wiz Kids invite its star actor to go on a cross-country road trip with them, they don't expect him to respond, much less actually accept. But the five teens find themselves on a vacation they'll never forget!

I BELIEVE IN A THING CALLED LOVE by Maurene Goo

No one is more motivated than high school senior Desi Lee. She's top of every class and on the varsity soccer team, and she works hard to be there. But she's no good at romance: too much spontaneity, not enough guidelines. Until she starts really watching the Korean dramas that her dad is obsessed with, and realizes that they use a highly effective formula for romance... One that she can use in her own life. After that it's enter cute boy, and cue awkward Desi theme music.

We can pretty much guarantee that by the time you finish this book, you'll obsess over Korean dramas as much as Desi does (although maybe you'll be a little smarter about romance). Luckily, the author includes a handy Korean drama guide at the end.

GEEKERELLA by Ashley Poston

Elle is counting on using her obsession with Starfield to win ExcelsiCon's costume contest and use the winnings to escape her horrible stepmother and stepsisters. Darien is the new teen hearthrob slated to star in the Starfield reboot, who genuinely loves the fandom, but is only seen as an empty-headed pretty-boy. When they meet, it's a "feel-good" summer read that reviewer Camille says has "the true essence of a fandom book".

THE GEEK'S GUIDE TO UNREQUITED LOVE by Sarvenaz Tash

Graham's friendship with Roxy started when they were two Harry Potter-obsessed eight year olds and now that they're sixteen they share years of history and a love of comic books. When Graham learns that the creator of their favorite comic is going to be at New York Comic Con, he's sure that this is the perfect grand gesture to show Roxy that he wants to be more than friends. However, things don't always go according to plan, especially when everyone is pretending to be someone they're not. If you're looking for that immersive, comic-con experience in book form, this is the one for you.

FANGIRL, CARRY ON, and KINDRED SPIRITS by Rainbow Rowell

When it comes to fandom writing, Rainbow Rowell's books shine with the power of 100 lightsabers and are as sincere as any Hufflepuff.

Cath is the titular FANGIRL, obsessed with the Simon Snow series about teenage wizards at a magic boarding school. Her twin sister has moved on from writing fanfiction, now that they're starting college, but Cath just feels safer immersed in her fanfic than dealing with their dad's breakdown, a friendly roommate, or a cute boy. CARRY ON is a companion book to FANGIRL. It's basically a mix of Cath's most epic Simon Snow slash fanfic and the actual Simon Snow series, and it is delightful.

KINDRED SPIRITS chronicles the drama and boredom of camping out for a movie (in this case, Star Wars: The Force Awakens).

Review: An Uninterrupted View of the Sky

An Uninterrupted View of the Sky
by Melanie Crowder

Publisher: Philomel Books
Publication Date: June 13, 2017

AN UNINTERRUPTED VIEW OF THE SKY is a poignant novel that offers a glimpse into Bolivia's corrupt judicial system. When protagonist Francisco's father is wrongly accused of drug production and sent to prison without a trial, Francisco and his eight-year old sister, Pilar, are forced to move into the jail with their father. When Francisco and his sister receive an invitation to live with their grandparents in rural Bolivia, Francisco must decide whether to leave his father in the prison or keep the family together under increasingly dangerous conditions. 

Initially, I thought that the plot was a bit far-fetched, but an author's note in the back explains that the novel is based in fact and contains a list of sources that readers can consult for further information. One section of the novel that I found particularly eye-opening was a conversation between Francisco and a police officer which reveals that the law that imprisoned his father, called the 1008, is actually a result of the US incentivizing Bolivia to make drug-related arrests. The author did an excellent job crafting characters that felt real while still accurately portraying the far-reaching impacts of American foreign policy. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is passionate about human rights. 


 

Review: When It's Real

When It's Real
by Erin Watt

Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: May 30, 2017

WHEN IT'S REAL, written by Jen Frederick and Elle Kennedy under the pseudonym Erin Watt, is a light, fun romance, perfect for a casual summer read. The story alternates between the perspectives of Vaughn Bennett, a completely normal teenage girl trying to make ends meet, and Oakley Ford, a privileged teenage megastar. Normally, their paths wouldn’t cross, but when Oakley’s illegal antics get him landed in tabloids again and again, his press team decides that he needs to rehabilitate his image. So they hire Vaughn as his fake girlfriend and the two are thrust into an elaborate charade. As they spend more time together, they begin to realize that they have a lot more in common than they’d initially thought. For me, this book was definitely a guilty pleasure read. It has very little literary value, but it is thoroughly entertaining and the budding romance between the two characters is very charming. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun beach read, but if you’re seeking a more substantial novel, look elsewhere.

Review: Missing

Missing
by Kelley Armstrong

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: April 18, 2017

MISSING by Kelley Armstrong is a chilling mystery novel set in Reeve’s End, a destitute small town in rural Kentucky. College-bound Winter Crane is eager to follow in the footsteps of countless other teenagers who have left Reeve’s End seeking a better life elsewhere, but when she discovers Lennon, a teenager assaulted and abandoned in the woods, she finds herself thrust into an intense game of cat-and-mouse with Lennon’s attacker. The mystery only escalates when Lennon suddenly goes missing, his brother Jude shows up asking questions, and Winter is drawn into the boys’ complicated family life. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel; it did an excellent job at balancing page-turning suspense with character development. I found Winter particularly likeable as a character, she is intelligent, compassionate, and incredibly resourceful. I would highly recommend this novel to fans of THE NATURALS.

Review: The Last Thing You Said

The Last Thing You Said
by Sara Biren

Publisher: Amulet Press
Publication Date: April 4, 2017

THE LAST THING YOU SAID by Sara Biren is a romance novel about the healing power of love and friendship when confronting grief. It follows Lucy and Ben as they struggle to cope with the untimely death of Trixie, Lucy’s best friend and Ben’s younger sister. Though this story obviously deals with some heavy subject matter, it is ultimately light and uplifting. While Lucy and Ben’s relationship is at the forefront of the plot, I found Lucy’s relationships with the other female characters to be much more compelling than I had anticipated at first; these complex characters provided such a support network to Lucy and added depth to the plot. That being said, I did feel as if Lucy and Ben’s romance seemed unrealistic at times, and it wasn’t as genuine as I would have liked it to be. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone seeking a lighter read.

Review: A Psalm for Lost Girls

A Psalm for Lost Girls
by Katie Bayerl

Publisher: GP Putnam's Sons
Publication Date: March 14, 2017

A PSALM FOR LOST GIRLS by Katie Bayerl is a provocative story about religion, grief and sisterhood. Told in alternating perspectives, the narrative features sisters Callie and Tess de Costa, two sisters from New Avon, Massachusetts. When Tess begins hearing a voice in her head warning of terrible doom, she is able to relay these messages and prevent catastrophes. Soon, those in her town are convinced that she is a saint. However, when Tess dies unexpectedly and a missing girl appears at one of her shrines, the case for her sainthood only grows. The story follows Callie and Tess’ secret boyfriend, Danny, as they try to protect Tess’s memory and trace the kidnapper of the abducted child. This story is a compelling mix of fast-paced mystery and poignant reflection on the all-consuming nature of grief. While the plot is obviously a bit dark, the religious elements that are woven in give it a sense of hope, and Callie’s bond with her sister is inspirational and feels authentic.

Review: Crazy Messy Beautiful

Crazy Messy Beautiful
by Carrie Arcos

Publisher: Philomel Books / Penguin Random House
Publication Date: February 7, 2017

CRAZY MESSY BEAUTIFUL is an unconventional story that deeply examines the meaning of true love. The story follows Neruda Diaz, named after famous poet Pablo Neruda, as he attempts to find the passionate love described in his namesake’s work. However, as Neruda’s personal relationships grow more complex, he is forced to reevaluate his previous perceptions of what love really is.

While this story is set up like a very traditional YA romance, the plot was more nuanced than I had originally anticipated. First of all, the story is more of a coming of age story than a love story: by starting to experience life instead of simply witnessing it or drawing it, Neruda matures vastly and gains understanding beyond the confines of romance. While I appreciated that this book was not especially clichéd, I would still definitely say that it is more of a light read. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a story that’s somewhere in the middle of the spectrum of extreme playful romance to extremely serious literature.

Review: A Tragic Kind of Wonderful

A Tragic Kind of Wonderful
by Eric Lindstrom

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: February 7, 2017

In A TRAGIC KIND OF WONDERFUL, Mel Hannigan is a sixteen-year-old girl living with bipolar disorder and struggling to make sense of the complex web of relationships surrounding her. While struggling with the death of her brother, Nolan, Mel carefully organizes her world in order to keep her feelings in check. Author Eric Lindstrom sheds light on the difficulty of living with bipolar disorder while also showcasing Mel’s determination to not be defined by her mental illness. While I personally don’t have experience with bipolar disorder, I found Mel very easy to connect with due to a somewhat weird but very effective combination of cynicism and optimism that enriches her as a character. While this book certainly has a romantic angle, it is primarily focused on Mel’s personal journey, which helps to overcome the more cliched love story. I would highly recommend this book to fans of ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES and ELEANOR AND PARK.

Review: The You I've Never Known

The You I've Never Known
by Ellen Hopkins

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: January 24, 2017

THE YOU I'VE NEVER KNOWN by Ellen Hopkins is a narrative told in both poetry and prose that is primarily centered on truth and self-expression. Ariel Pearson lives under the authoritative, sometimes abusive rule of her father. Throughout the novel, Ariel struggles to define her sexuality and individuality, telling her story through poetry symbolic of whomever influences her life the most at a certain moment. Although the metaphors are sometimes a bit cliched, I personally really enjoyed the poetry format. Additionally, the story of Maya McCabe, an impregnated teenager seeking comfort and reassurance in the arms of an older man, occasionally enters the story, though her role is unclear until the end of the book. This book was insightfully written and had enough light moments to keep the overall mood from being too dark. That being said, I would caution readers that there are references to sex, drugs, and violence in this novel, though they primarily take place off-screen.

Review: The Sun Is Also A Star

The Sun Is Also A Star
by Nicola Yoon

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: November 1, 2016


THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR by Nicola Yoon is a gorgeously written young adult romance. Even though this isn’t the type of book I usually seek out, Yoon’s writing ability is incredible. The characters are flawed, funny, and completely believable. While the plot was far fetched at times, part of the magic of this book is that the characters themselves recognize the rare circumstances of the story and continually question the legitimacy of “love at first sight”. The novel focuses on the intertwining stories of two teenagers, Natasha and Daniel, in a twelve hour time period. Natasha is preparing to be deported and is fighting to remain in America, while Daniel is facing harsh parental pressure. While this story is first and foremost a romance, it offers many brief but powerful insights into more minor characters, touching on themes such as suicide, depression, and racism. Ultimately, the events that occur over the course of these twelve hours change the lives of almost everyone involved.

  

Review: Lost Stars

Lost Stars
by Lisa Selin Davis

Publisher: HMH Books
Publication Date: October 4, 2016

LOST STARS by Lisa Selin Davis is a coming of age novel that demonstrates the close bond between siblings and the profound influence that death has upon adolescents. Davis thoughtfully incorporates a multitude of references to 80's music and pop culture into the plot, using song lyrics to highlight protagonist Carrie’s development throughout the novel. While this novel may seem cliched at first (the ever-present love interest, tyrannical father, absent mother, and teenage angst tropes are all featured in this novel), the story ultimately centers around Carrie’s attempts to cope with her elder sister’s death. I found this novel to be engaging and thoughtfully written, and thought that the well-placed astronomy metaphors were distinct without being the focus of the story.