Review: 1968

1968: Today's Authors Explore a Year of Rebellion, Revolution, and Change

edited by Marc Aronson & Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: September 11, 2018

A historical nonfiction anthology might not be for everyone, but if that sounds just as intriguing to you as it did to me, you’re sure to love 1968: TODAY'S AUTHORS EXPLORE A YEAR OF REBELLION, REVOLUTION, AND CHANGE. Edited by Marc Aronson and Susan Campbell Bartletti, 1968 explores its titular year through the lenses of just about everyone. A man reflecting on his youth in Southern California. A Southern woman recalling how she broke free of her family’s racism. A young Chinese American researching the effects of Mao’s regime, and the true nature of the Red Guard. 

If you’re interested in history beyond the facts and dates and memorizable tidbits, reading an anthology like 1968 is a real treat. It gives you insight into more than just the landmark events of the year; rather, it showcases what it was really like to live through it. Experiences varied vastly— depending on age, location, race— but 1968 does its best to highlight this, providing multiple perspectives.

Each story is riveting in itself, and I hope you’ll enjoy catching a glimpse into what life was like in 1968. CW for violence.

Review: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
by Jesse Andrews

Publisher: Abrams Books
Publication Date: March 1, 2012

Jesse Andrew’s much-revered debut novel, ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL, was the perfect sardonic counterbalance to what seemed like a wave of “fake-deep” books about illnesses that  seemed to not only populate the 2012 bookshelves, but dominate them. It isn’t hard to describe the essential Early 2010’s Cancer Book; a main character has an illness, a romance ensues, a life lesson is learned, and none of them are over the age of 19. Allow me to tell you why ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL is different: it acknowledges that its characters are teenagers.

Greg Gaines, the protagonist, doesn’t speak like some third-rate philosopher; he’s funny, he’s selfish, he’s flawed; Greg is a real teenager. He doesn’t know how to deal with Rachel, his old childhood friend who he’s only talking to again because she has cancer. He doesn’t even know if he should be dealing with her at all. This imperfection is what makes him such a compelling character. (That, and the fact that he’s hil-ar-ious.)
This ability to tap into the real feelings of teens makes ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL a book that will make you cry tears of laughter, and just cry in general. While it’s familiar in the sense of subject matter, it’s nothing that you’ve ever read before. ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL is a book that everyone must read, and trust me, you’ll thank me for suggesting it once you have!

Review: Forest of a Thousand Lanterns

Forest of a Thousand Lanterns
by Julie C. Dao

Publisher: Penguin Random House
Publication Date: October 10, 2017

Xifeng is a peasant girl who’s been told all her life that she would one day be Empress of Feng Lu. Yet, to sit on the throne, she will have to give up her friends, her family, and possibly even herself.

FOREST OF A THOUSAND LANTERNS by Julie C. Dao is, without a doubt, one of the best debut novels I’ve ever read! Though a retelling of The Evil Queen legend, Dao manages to make every aspect of the story her own. The world of Feng Lu that Dao paints is masterful -- every page bristles with culture and history -- and the complex characters within it ooze life and passion. Xifeng is both someone you root for and fear for her success. If you’re looking for a book with strong historical influences, a protagonist you’ll hate to love, and a gripping plot that, simply put, will make it nearly impossible to stop reading, FOREST OF A THOUSAND LANTERNS is the book for you!

Review: The Poet X

The Poet X
by Elizabeth Acevedo


Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: March 6, 2018

Elizabeth Acevedo’s debut novel THE POET X tells the story of a young Dominican high-schooler living in Harlem, named Xiomara, who must tread the line of expectations and expression. Her mother expects her to obey the order of the church, but Xiomara has so much she yearns to say. 

THE POET X is a fantastic verse novel that covers topics relevant to teens today, like how to live for yourself instead of others. For those who are a fan of poetry, Acevedo — an experienced slam poet — delivers on all fronts! The verse is beautiful, and anyone can see a bit of themself in Xiomara. It might not be the typical YA novel, but THE POET X is an unprecedented must-read! 

Review: A Taxonomy of Love

A Taxonomy of Love
by Rachael Allen

Publisher: Amulet Books
Publication Date: January 9, 2018

A TAXONOMY OF LOVE by Rachael Allen follows the blooming romance between Spencer, a young boy with Tourette’s who seeks to explain life through various scientific diagrams (taxonomies), and Hope, the girl who moves in next door. Told through time-jumps, we catch a glimpse of various points in their lives, and see them truly grow throughout the book. Despite how much time is covered in the novel, there’s a certain intimacy between the reader and the characters that’s often hard to achieve in novels with this sort of style; however, Allen manages it brilliantly. If you’re looking for a cute romance with quirky storytelling, be sure to give A TAXONOMY OF LOVE a read!

Review: Husky

Husky
by Justin Sayre

Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap
Publication Date: September 22, 2015

In Justin Sayre’s debut novel HUSKY, Davis is a teen who’s in the final days of his last summer before high school, and worries about what he'll be perceived as (if he'll be known as “husky”), as well as whether the friendships he’s had since he was young will hold strong as they grow up. Davis loves opera, his mom, and by the end of the novel, you’ll love Davis. He feels like a genuine kid you’d want to be friends with, and protect at all costs. The humor in HUSKY stems from Davis’ one-hundred-percent authentic voice, which makes you feel like you’re being told a story by a close friend, rather than reading a novel. If you’re looking for a sweet, coming-of-age story, and a protagonist that you’ll want to root for the entire time, HUSKY is right up your alley.

Review: Literally

Literally
by Lucy Keating

Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: April 11, 2017

In LITERALLY by Lucy Keating, Annabelle is a character by Lucy Keating— as in, she is aware of that fact. After a class lecture by Keating herself, Annabelle discovers that everything she’s known her whole life… is just for a book Keating’s about to write. LITERALLY has a very interesting concept, yet the way it is delivered does not stray too far from the genre’s tropes. Cute and fun, LITERALLY is the perfect read for anyone who just wants a nice, familiar YA romance novel. Guaranteed to have you smiling throughout your read, it's perfect for everyone, whether you are green to the genre, or an experienced veteran looking for something comfortable!

Review: Empress of a Thousand Skies

Empress of a Thousand Skies
by Rhoda Belleza

Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: February 7, 2017

Rhoda Belleza’s debut novel, EMPRESS OF A THOUSAND SKIES, follows Rhee, the last in line for the Ta’an throne, as she sets out to avenge her family -- who died in a “mysterious accident” years prior -- meanwhile, Aly, a reality star from war-ravished lineage, must survive after being blamed for Rhee’s “assassination.”

In space.

Yes, this is a Sci-Fi Novel, and while I’m admittedly not a huge fan of the genre, EMPRESS OF A THOUSAND SKIES definitely avoided the tropes that typically push me away from The Final Frontier. The world Belleza sets up is clearly defined, and allows her to explore themes of cultural and racial tension, without being unpleasantly overt. Rather than getting lost in names that sound like meaningless keyboard-smashes, I was able to understand the differences that came with being a Kalusian or a Fontisian, and the implications behind it. I’d mark EMPRESS OF A THOUSAND SKIES as a book that, regardless of genre-bias, I could recommend to anyone. You want a book dealing with racial tensions? Yep. You want a 16-year-old warrior-princess? Yep. You want a book with actually foreshadowed plot twists??? Yep!

If you’re in a reading-slump, I’d definitely suggest picking up Empress of a Thousand Skies. It’s fast-paced, fun to read, and sure to entertain!

Review: The Careful Undressing of Love

The Careful Undressing of Love
by Corey Ann Haydu

Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 31, 2017

Corey Ann Haydu’s THE CAREFUL UNDRESSING OF LOVE is a haunting and dream-like experience. The plot centers around Lorna, a “Devonairre” girl. In Haydu’s Brooklyn, there’s a little street named Devonnaire, and if you live there for more than a year...any boy you love will die. That’s what all Devonnaire residents have been told, at least.

Haydu’s novel is one that, even putting plot aside, I’d definitely recommend for the writing style alone. Reading THE CAREFUL UNDRESSING OF LOVE genuinely feels like a hazy, almost hypnotic experience. Really, it’s hard to describe! Just pick it up, check out the first few pages—you’ll see what I mean. If you’re into atypical writing styles and inquiries into what love is, you should absolutely move THE CAREFUL UNDRESSING OF LOVE to the top of your TBR list!

Review: Dead Girls Society

Dead Girls Society
by Michelle Krys

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: November 8, 2016


Michelle Krys, author of HEXED and CHARMED, writes a heart-pounding mystery-thriller that’s a combination of “The Breakfast Club” and “Panic” in her most recent release, DEAD GIRLS SOCIETY. Hope Callahan is sick, with a condition called cystic fibrosis— which has forced her to drop out of school and all things social; she instead spends her days getting treatments from her mom, and watching reruns on TV. So when she’s invited by the mysterious Society to an abandoned warehouse, she decides to finally take a risk and break free of her sterile confines. From there… things get complicated. DEAD GIRLS SOCIETY manages to capture high school life amidst its faced-paced action and intriguing mystery, whilst never skimping on its characters. Personally, I can’t read a novel if I don’t root for at least one character, and I managed to root for nearly every character in this book. Each person has their own motives and reasons behind every choice they make, and practically everyone isn’t who you initially think they are. If you like Mystery-Thrillers with a bit of YA-Romance, and real, genuine characters— be sure to pick up DEAD GIRLS SOCIETY.

    

Review: Rocks Fall, Everyone Dies

Rocks Fall, Everyone Dies
by Lindsay Ribar

Publisher: Kathy Dawson Books
Publication Date: June 7, 2016

In ROCKS FALL, EVERYONE DIES, Aspen Quick is the (admittedly) self-centered protagonist who has the ability to steal people’s innermost thoughts. In fact, he uses his talents primarily for personal gain. The Quicks have been tasked with using their powers to keep a cliff from falling on top of their small town and it’s Aspen’s turn to partake in the triad ceremony that his family has participated in for centuries. Filled with suspense, humor, and a whole-lot-of teenage angst, this novel provides a protagonist that you’ll love to hate, but will still want to succeed.ROCKS FALL, EVERYONE DIES is the perfect summer reading book, and is destined to destroy whatever reading slump you may find yourself in. 

Review: Future Shock

Future Shock 
by Elizabeth Briggs

Publisher: Aw Teen
Publication Date: April 1, 2016

FUTURE SHOCK is a whirl of gripping, fast-paced action mixed with tense mystery and aggravatingly awesome romance. There's also time travel. Yes, time travel. Elena is a tough foster kid with an eidetic memory, who's on the verge of aging out of the system. So when Aether Corporation offers her a chance to earn a great deal of money, she ends up accepting their offer-- only to find out that this means traveling 10 years forward in time. Yet, when Elena discovers a harrowing secret, she has to find out how to change the future-- otherwise she might not have one. If you're looking for a pulse-pounding sci-fi YA novel that's sure to have you turning page after page, look no further than FUTURE SHOCK.

Review: Starflight

Starflight
By Melissa Landers

Publication Date: February 2, 2016
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

STARFLIGHT, is an action-packed intergalactic tale of two (pardon my pun) star-crossed lovers.  Solara, a genius engineer from the slums, ends up working for Doran, her high-school bully. However, one event leads to another, and the two soon find themselves on a spaceship with a suspicious crew-- whose secrets they must learn. Starflight is a brilliant YA novel for those who are interested in sci-fi and romance; yet, the sci-fi aspect is in no way overpowering, so even those inexperienced with the genre (like myself) can enjoy it. If you're looking for a sci-fi romance that'll take you on a ride-- Starflight's your next book. 

Review: The Dark Days Club

The Dark Days Club 
by Alison Goodman

Publication date: January 26th, 2016
Publisher: Viking Books For Young Readers


THE DARK DAYS CLUB is the first in the Lady Helen series. Set in Regency-era England, Helen is part of the nobility-- socializing, attending parties, and sewing (quite a lot). However, after one of the maids in her house goes missing, she's thrust into a world within her own-- a world of demonic-like creatures called Deceivers, the Reclaimers who kill them, and the Dark Days Club. This novel is an enthralling read that I'd recommend to fans of Cassandra Clare's Infernal Devices series, and to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with twists (and demons). 

Review: Serendipity's Footsteps

Serendipity's Footsteps 

by Suzanne Nelson 

Publication Date: November 10, 2015

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books For Young Readers 

SERENDIPITY'S FOOTSTEPS tells the story of three different girls, with three very different lives, whose tales intertwine because of shoes (yes, shoes).  Whilst this may sound equivalent to The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, it is anything but. Instead, these three girls are comprised of a holocaust survivor, a foster-child, and a young woman with Down syndrome. Each girl is faced with their own unique struggles, resulting in a riveting read. SERENDIPITY'S FOOTSTEPS touches upon harsh realities and the horrors of history, while managing to remain accessible. If you're interested in historical fiction or contemporary novels with well-developed characters then Serendipity's Footsteps ought to be the next book in your hands.

Review: One Man Guy

One Man Guy by Michael Barakiva
Publication date: May 27, 2014
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Have you ever read a book so good that at a certain point your fingers are flying, trying to turn pages as quickly as you're reading? Have you ever read a book that you couldn't put down, despite your best efforts? A book that, once finished, leaves a warm, fuzzy feeling within you for days? To clarify, have you read ONE MAN GUY by Michael Barakiva?

ONE MAN GUY centers around Alek, a young, awkward, and Armenian highschooler, who has just been sentenced to spend his vacation in summer school. However, while there, he meets Ethan, a free-spirit who takes a particular interest in Alek. A new take on the coming-of-age-romance genre, ONE MAN GUY is by far one of the best standalone books I've read. Barakiva has a sharp, quick, and witty style that makes the book easily accessible, and easily enjoyable. Not only is the writing style spot-on, but the characters are brilliantly diverse and exceptionally intricate. I very rarely read coming-of-age stories, but I'm glad that I read this one, because ONE MAN GUY definitely made it onto my list of favorite standalone books. If you're 13 or older, don't mind some profanity, and are looking for a sweet and fun read, I'd definitely recommend this book to you!

Review: The Young Elites

The Young Elites by Marie Lu
Publication date: October 7, 2014
Publisher: Putnam

In a fantasy world where a disease has swept through the lands, killing many and marking others, those marked are known as malfettos and thought to be sinful. Some malfettos, such as Adelina Amouteru, developed certain abilities after being marked, and are known as Young Elites.

I've never been a particular fan of fantasy novels, if I'm being completely honest; books with completely different worlds never really "clicked" with me-- so you could say I was going in to THE YOUNG ELITES slightly apprehensive. For the most part, it was the same as it always had been-- the fantasy world of THE YOUNG ELITES did not particularly draw me in; it was rather the book's protagonist, Adelina, that kept me reading. Rarely have I ever kept reading a book solely for the main character-- in fact, this may be the first time I've done so. Unlike most main characters, Adelina doesn't seem to always make the right choice... And her intentions aren't always the purest ones, either. Contrary to the typical "Mary Sue" main character, who can do no wrong, Marie Lu has written Adelina with the capacity to make the wrong decisions-- and to feel the consequences and impact of them. It was refreshing to read about a more in-depth protagonist, and the fact that Lu can concoct such a detailed character highlights her exemplary writing skills. I'd recommend this book to anyone ages 12-17 who are bored and done with the typical Mary Sue heroine, and want a more twisted and intricate protagonist.