Review: Layoverland

Layoverland
by Gabby Noone

Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: January 7th, 2020

For fans of The Good Place and Everything Everything comes a story of fate and optimism set in the afterlife- Layoverland by Gabby Noone. Beatrice is dead and stuck in Purgatory. If she ever wants to make it to Heaven, she must help the boy responsible for her death to get there first. Bea struggles with her situation, and much to her annoyance, she begins to catch “feelings.” I loved this book because the characters were very relatable, which made reading the book easy and fun. Noone has a light, conversational voice that makes the story come to life. If you’re looking for a lighthearted novel with love, friendship, and self discovery- look no further! You’ll embark on a journey into the afterlife where karma is real, hearts can soften, and all the food is covered in... Jell-O?

Review: Exit West

Exit West
by Mohsin Hamid

Publisher: Riverhead Books
Publication Date: March 7, 2017

I have never read another book quite like Mohsin Hamid’s novel EXIT WEST. In a magical realism style, Hamid skillfully paints the picture of a country in the midst of a brutal civil war and the plight of two refugees to escape their country. The novel centers around Nadia and Saeed, two people who could not be more different. Nadia is wild and unrestrained, riding a motorcycle and smoking pot on her balcony. Saeed is gentle and kind. As the unlikely duo begin a whirlwind relationship, refugees across the world discover “doors” that, when walked through, transport them to a different place in the world. A beautifully clever metaphor for the struggles of refugees, these doors start to become international news and some “nicer” countries begin to place guards in front of them to prevent people from entering their country. As Saeed and Nadia’s story intersects that of the magical doors, all is to be revealed and much is to be learned. EXIT WEST is a wonderfully original book that will stick in the minds of any reader for weeks after.

Review: Opposite of Always

Opposite of Always
by Justin A. Reynolds

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: March 5, 2019

The charming and honestly written OPPOSITE OF ALWAYS by Justin A. Reynolds follows the story of Jack King, a high school senior living the exciting final few months before his graduation and transition to college. At a party with his buddy Jillian, Jack meets a witty and charming freshman college student named Kate. The two instantly hit it off, and as their friendship continues, Jack starts to fall in love with her. Unfortunately for the two, Kate falls ill only six months later, and dies! But when she does, Jack suddenly finds himself reliving the same six months over and over again, beginning the day that he first met Kate, and starting over every time she dies. Luckily, Jack realizes that this is the perfect opportunity to change things: an infinite time loop with infinite chances to save Kate. Unfortunately, everything has a price, and Jack has to be careful not to permanently sever his friendships, hurt his family, or lose himself in the process.

If you’re really into time-loop stories but are also a huge sap for romance, please take a look at this book. Jack and Kate’s relationship is really genuine and sweet, and let me just say that the friendship that Jack has with his two friends Jillian and Franny is so healthy. They always talk their problems out (even if sometimes I didn’t really understand a few of their conflicts) and support each other through tough times. Everything is told through Jack’s perspective, and seeing his character development throughout the book is really interesting and for some reason gives off some Scott Pilgrim vs. the World vibes? That’s cool though, because if Jack isn’t relatable, I don’t know what he is! 

So if you’re bored on a Saturday night and have the craving for a sensitive romantic comedy with meaningful messages, check out OPPOSITE OF ALWAYS! (Also, just a heads up for fans of John Green, Nicola Yoon, and Becky Albertalli, the back of the book mentions that OPPOSITE OF ALWAYS would be great for those who already enjoy works by those authors!)

Review: The Past and Other Things That Should Stay Buried

The Past and Other Things That Should Stay Buried
by Shaun David Hutchinson

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: February 19, 2019

Shaun David Hutchinson’s newest novel, THE PAST AND OTHER THINGS THAT SHOULD STAY BURIED, is a stunning portrait of friendship and love in the face of loss. There are many things that can be said about this novel, but one thing you cannot say is that it is a young adult trope. In an age where it feels every YA book has the same plot, this novel is a delightful exception. A young adult, aptly named Dino, is working at his family’s funeral home when his ex-best friend July, who died, suddenly comes back to life in front of him. In a whirlwind of a night, Dino and July must come to terms with their hatred of each other and learn to value the important things in life.

This was the first Hutchinson book I’ve read, and upon finishing it, I immediately went searching for another book of his to read. He has an inexplicable talent for storytelling and not for a second did I want to put this book down. It was a thrilling read that kept me interested throughout while expanding on the relationship between Dino and July in a fascinating manner. Hutchinson writes with such emotional precision that I never doubt for a second that the characters are real, despite the unlikelihood of someone rising from the dead. In the end, THE PAST AND OTHER THINGS THAT SHOULD STAY BURIED is a wonderful book with a wildly original concept that is a must-read for lovers of young adult fiction.

Review: Sawkill Girls

Sawkill Girls
by Claire Legrand

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: October 18, 2018

SAWKILL GIRLS by Claire Legrand takes place on the quiet island of Sawkill Rock, where the cliffs are high and the tides are crisp. However, the island’s seemingly remote town is not as safe as it seems; girls have been going missing for years, their bodies never found. Newcomer Marion Althouse, having just moved to Sawkill Rock with her sister and mother due to the recent death of her father, is unaware of the ancient mysteries plaguing the island; at least, until she crosses paths with the town’s teenage sweetheart, Val Mortimer, and the Sawkill sheriff’s spunky daughter, Zoey Harlow. Three girls, all completely different. But they have one thing in common—something others would kill for.

SAWKILL GIRLS is by far one of the wildest books I’ve ever read. With a rich plot and complex characters, SAWKILL GIRLS kept me turning each page with anticipation. However, though this book is very well written, it may not be for everyone; be warned that it contains some graphic descriptions of gore and sex, just in case that isn’t your thing. Otherwise, I definitely recommend this book for anybody who would enjoy a chilling mystery with a tinge of horror, or just genuinely likes to get creeped out. With that, I leave you to decide if SAWKILL GIRLS is right for you, and if you do decide to give this book a try, you’re in for real treat. Enjoy!

Review: Notes From My Captivity

Notes From My Captivity
by Kathy Parks

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: July 10, 2018

In Kathy Parks’ NOTES FROM MY CAPTIVITY, aspiring journalist Adrienne Cahill embarks on a journey into the Siberian wilderness with her stepfather Dan to search for the Osinovs: a family of Russian hermits Dan has been researching for years. Adrienne and the rest of the world believe Dan has made up this family, and she sets out on the trip with the goal of proving him wrong in an article that will earn her a scholarship to Emory’s journalism program. However, when she finds herself being held hostage in the Osinovs' home, she is forced to give in to Dan’s theories and use her skills as a journalist to find her way home. Adrienne’s voice as a storyteller and reporter was both snarky and sincere, and Parks seamlessly transitioned between suspense and humor throughout the story. The best parts of the novel were the elements of magical realism woven throughout, which heightened my experience of Adrienne’s story and surprisingly beautiful relationship with the Osinovs. Ultimately, this novel is not only about the power our experiences have in shaping our stories, but also our own roles in the way we choose to tell those stories. In short: NOTES FROM MY CAPTIVITY’s unique plot and style make it a worthwhile read.

Review: Invisible Ghosts

Invisible Ghosts
by Robyn Schneider

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: June 5, 2018

INVISIBLE GHOSTS by Robyn Schneider is another cutesy high school romance starring your typical insecure relatable quirky teen and the hot boy who understands her, but this time, with ghosts! Rose spends her school days with girls she doesn't really like and her afternoons watching TV and hanging out with her older brother Logan, who coincidentally, died five years earlier. This has been her life for years, but when her childhood friend (and now a super cute guy) Jamie moves back to town, her world as she knows it changes. As her relationship with Jamie blossoms, she finds that the memory and ghost of Logan is holding her back. 

I loved Schneider's first book and have been eagerly awaiting this one. Though some plot points felt a bit rushed or not fully fleshed out, the concept was fresh and the characters felt real and supportable. This was a perfect combination of both cheesy romance and paranormal mystery, both managing to compliment without overshadowing the other. The story was consistent and believable throughout and never felt overdramatic or unrealistic. I would highly recommend this for high school fans of magical realism or those wanting to dip their toes into the paranormal waters.

Review: Summer of Salt

Summer of Salt
by Katrina Leno

Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: June 5, 2018

SUMMER OF SALT is a surreal, yet very comforting novel about magic. Georgina and Mary are twins, daughters of Penelope Fernweh, but they could not be more different. Penelope owns the only inn on the island of By-The-Sea, and Georgina and Mary work there during the summers, when hobby ornithologists come, looking for a bird who may or may not be three hundred years old – it’s likely – and may definitely totally possibly be a long-lost family member. The bird’s name – it has a name, oh yes – is Annabella. Every single woman in the Fernweh family is magic, including Georgina’s mother (expert potion-maker) and sister (Mary can float). Except Georgina. 

Georgina has no idea what she can do. All the Fernweh women have discovered their powers by their eighteenth birthday at the latest, if there are any powers. Georgina is seventeen, and hasn’t felt or seen any ounce of her own magic in the world. And she feels worse knowing Mary’s kind is extremely obvious. Mary’s kind is so obvious, in fact, that she has to learn to control her powers, or risk floating a few inches of the ground as she introduces herself to her college roommate when she and Georgina leave after the summer is over. This is their last year on the island, and every year without fail, Annabella comes on a certain date of a certain month, and with her arrive the inn guests. But this year, Annabella is late. 

Oh, and, this is the year Georgina decides to fall in love. 

SUMMER OF SALT is so sweet, and so deep. Even with all the chaos that love brings, there is a strong innocence there too. When Georgina kisses Prue for the first time, I was practically willing it to last longer. Everything on the island of By-The-Sea is so quaint, I myself fell in love with the town, as well. Some books you read, you appreciate the story but don’t feel in the story, you feel connected but not empathetic. This book is rare, because it is not like that at all. I felt inside the story, inside their bodies and minds. Each time I read parts of it, in the comfort of my bed, on the sofa with light streaming onto the fabric, in the bath, even, I smelled the salt and the brine, heard the waves, felt the floods. To me, the ocean smells like gasoline, feels like wind, and sounds like birds, so I was able to project some of my senses onto the novel too. Even though I live far closer the beach than a Midwesterner might, Summer Of Salt induced ocean-related nostalgia in me as well. 

Not only did Katrina Leno write the descriptions well, she wrote the characters supremely. Mary was so many stereotypes and clichés all rolled into one, Peter was average and slightly pathetic, Vira seemed like Katrina was trying to hard to give our main character a “weird friend,” Prue seemed like the “perfect, dolled up” love interest, and Harrison was sort of useless and distant, but of course, when sh%t hits the fan, every single main character shows their true colors. Vira became, in a couple of choice words, effortless and bad%ss. Mary was more fragile and humane than I think any of us were expecting. Peter was anything but average, yet still pathetic, in the pitiful, troubled way. Harrison grew into one of the best friends Georgina could ever have. And we discovered Prue has motion sickness. 

This book was feminist and humanist, and ended strongly and gently. Simply put, I loved it.   

Review: Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe

Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe
by Preston Norton

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: June 5, 2018

From the moment I read the unforgettable opening lines of Preston Norton’s debut, I knew NEANDERTHAL OPENS THE DOOR TO THE UNIVERSE was a book unlike any other.

Cliff Hubbard’s nickname, “Neanderthal,” pretty much sums up the way his fellow students at Happy Valley High School see him: huge (he’s 6 and a half feet and 250 pounds) and vaguely subhuman (he’s decidedly unpopular and this is high school, after all). Then Aaron Zimmerman, a football player and bully, has a spiritual experience after nearly dying in a car wreck. When he returns to school he claims God has given him a list of things to do to make Happy Valley a better place. It involves sexy drug dealers, computer hacking, the GSA club, Cliff’s older brother’s suicide…and Cliff himself.

The plot is just as wacky as it sounds, and Norton’s original, irreverent voice complements it perfectly. He weaves together expected YA elements—romance, angst, commentary on the heinous world of high school—with sharp, witty, John Green-esque dialogue. NEANDERTHAL OPENS THE DOOR TO THE UNIVERSE is hilarious, meaningful, and touching.

Review: The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotik

The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotik
by David Arnold

Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 22, 2018

In THE STRANGE FASCINATIONS OF NOAH HYPNOTIK by David Arnold, high schooler Noah Oakman wakes up in a world where everything he knows, with a few exceptions, is slightly different: small changes that seem meaningless but are eerily inexplicable and random. Noah tries to piece together what happened to him by investigating the few things that stayed constant, which he calls his "fascinations". With no explanation as well as problems besides that parallel universe of sorts he has found himself in, Noah does everything he can to bring his life back to the way it once was.

A refreshing and well-written book, Arnold's third book is a delightful piece of realistic fiction with the tiniest hint of sci-fi/magical realism. It has already been optioned by a film studio to be turned into a movie. The intellectual nature of Noah's thoughts and interests, while familiar, was a clean and realistically executed example of the classic "deep, moody, and knowledgeable of a lot of obscure novels and philosophers" trope common to YA main characters. The confusion I felt reading it and trying to understand what was happening perfectly matched Noah's, and was resolved by the end of the story, making this book more of an experience than a passive read. I would highly recommend this to any fans of authors such as A.S King, Lauren Oliver, and John Green.

Review: The Astonishing Color of After

The Astonishing Color of After
by Emily X.R. Pan

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: March 20, 2018

THE ASTONISHING COLOR OF AFTER by Emily X.R. Pan is a story of a girl desperate to hold on to her mother’s past. After committing suicide, Leigh’s mother has turned into a bird. When Leigh finds a note from her mom with the words, “I want you to remember” scratched out, she sets her sights on discovering her mom’s past and figuring out what it is she needs to remember. Her dad surprises her with a plane ride to Taiwan to meet her mother’s parents, whom she had never met before. Multiple visits from the bird and memories of times before her mother's death haunt her as she increasingly loses grip on reality. Frantic to hold on to her mother, she nearly destroys relationships, the most important being that with her best friend and true love, Axel. As the reader progresses through the story they follow Leigh as she discovers her grandparents’ past, learns about her culture and, while sifting through her own memories, finds herself. In the end, Leigh learns that all she can do is let her mother be free and embrace the present rather than the past.

This book is fascinating. It mixes reality with fantastic magical elements, so that the reader can’t predict whether something is real or just a figment of Leigh’s imagination. Pan incorporates compelling stories, spanning multiple generations of Leigh's family, that fit together in ways the reader might not expect. The language Pan uses is beautiful and expressive. While Leigh experiences things like the ghost festival, and eating pig's blood cake, the reader also gets to learn about the traditions of her family and heritage. Emily X.R. Pan’s debut novel is stunning.

Review: All the Crooked Saints

All the Crooked Saints
by Maggie Stiefvater

Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication Date: October 10, 2017

ALL THE CROOKED SAINTS by Maggie Stiefvater is a heartwarming story about overcoming your mistakes and accepting who you are. The story centers around the Soria family, a family with the unusual power to perform miracles. Pilgrims come from all over the United States to see the Saint of Bicho Raro, Daniel Soria. Daniel performs a miracle that exposes the darkness within a pilgrim and then the pilgrim performs the second miracle, expelling the darkness forever. The pilgrims must do the second miracle on their own; if a Soria helps a pilgrim in any way a very powerful, almost unbeatable darkness will fall on the Soria and anyone who tries to help will also experience the same darkness. The conflict arises when Daniel falls in love with a pilgrim and tries to help her, bringing the darkness on him. He flees into the desert to isolate himself and keep other Sorias from meeting the same fate. His two cousins, Joaquin and Beatriz, are compelled to help him and with the help of some pilgrims devise a plan to save Daniel.

This book has a great cast of characters. Each Soria family member and pilgrim is given a history and attitude. Some of the characters include: a fourteen foot radio host named Tony, a school teacher named Jennie who can only repeat back what is spoken to her, a pilgrim who is constantly rained on and wears a wedding dress with live butterflies stuck to it, a priest with the body of a man and the head of a wolf, and two twins made inseparable by the snake that twines them together. Each character has to overcome their own darkness in order to help Daniel overcome his. The story is also very inventive and creative; Stiefvater invents a convincing reality in which characters interact and live in the presence of miracles. I also really enjoyed the satisfying and exciting conclusion to the book. I would love to read other books by this author and recommend this book to readers of any age who like a character-driven, intricate, and creative story.

Review: Zenn Diagram

Zenn Diagram
by Wendy Brant

Publisher: Hachette
Publication Date: April 4, 2017

ZENN DIAGRAM by Wendy Brant follows 17-year-old Eva through her senior year of high school, but she's not an ordinary girl. Everything she touches gives her an overwhelming flood of all the owner's deepest fears and secrets, making it hard for her to be normal. So, being a math genius, she sticks to tutoring and only touching people's calculators to know what they're struggling with... That is, until she meets handsome Zenn with a dark past. Will she be able to resist touching him and getting his whole life's story? 

This book is definitely a page turner and is a look into the struggles of any teenage girl who is starting a new life in a different city. I loved the writing style and how much it shows what a look into the teenage brain is like.

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: 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: Iron Cast

Iron Cast

by Destiny Soria

Publisher: Abrams/ Amulet

Publication Date: October 11, 2016

Nightclubs. Jazz. Flappers. And magic? IRON CAST artfully combines all of the above, following two best friends employed by Boston’s most notorious gangster, Johnny Dervish. On the surface, Ada and Corrinne could not be more different: multiracial Ada is the first in her family to be born in America, while Corrine is an heiress with nothing to lose. However, both are “hemopaths”, born with the ability to create magical illusions: Ada through music and Corinne through her voice. They perform in the Cast Iron nightclub by night and con rich folks by day for mob boss Dervish, but their entire existence is threatened when Ada is trapped by those who would use her powers for far more sinister means. Sora’s world of magic, mobsters, and the glamorous forbidden nightclubs of the 1920’s combines the forbidden decadence of the Prohibition Era that has captivated audience for decades with fresh, complex characters and an exciting plot. Her writing itself is enthrallingly descriptive and tempered with just the right amount of darkness to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The action-packed plot also incorporates social issues of the time, such as racial equality and women’s rights, in a way that is informative without disrupting the flow of the novel. I highly recommend this book to fans of all genres.

Review: Wink, Poppy, Midnight

Wink, Poppy, Midnight
By April Genevieve Tucholke

Publication Date: March 22, 2016
Publisher: Dial Books

WINK, POPPY, MIDNIGHT is an eerie and whimsical book about a boy named Midnight, sweet and shy, stuck between a manipulative bully, Poppy, and his odd and mysterious new neighbor, Wink. The story itself is strange. There's mystery, romance, and plenty of suspense. The fact that there's the possibility of an unreliable narrator (well actually, three unreliable narrators, since each character has their own intertwining and overlapping chapters), adds that much more intrigue. This book is definitely for the quirky and the imaginative.