Review: She, Myself, and I

She, Myself, and I
by Emma Young

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Publication Date: September 5, 2017

SHE, MYSELF, AND I by Emma Young is a fresh and unique new release that tells the tale of Rosa, a paraplegic who takes part in a new innovative surgery that transplants her brain into the body of a donor. As she struggles to come to terms with who she has become, Rosa becomes obsessed with knowing more about Sylvia, the girl whose body she took. Along with the help of a new romantic interest, Rosa explores the story of the dead stranger who allowed her to live.

This book was such a fun yet intriguing read, and I couldn't put it down. The philosophical debate on what makes a person who they are, and the difference between one's brain, body, and potential soul was such an interesting plot, and I thought about it for days after I finished reading the book. It is not that common for YA books to be so intellectually fascinating, and this theme of what people are at the most basic level was one I don't think I've ever read about before. The characters felt genuine and their struggles realistic, and though the romance aspect was a bit cheesy, it was still a delight to follow. I highly recommend this book, and I can't wait to see what Young writes next.

Review: Genuine Fraud

Genuine Fraud
by E. Lockhart

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: September 5, 2017

GENUINE FRAUD is a book full of lies. Two murders, three bad romances, two girls. One is Imogen Sokoloff. The other is arguably also Imogen Sokoloff. One Imogen is the murderer, one Imogen is the victim. Both Imogens have gone missing. Both Imogens refuse to give others what they want. One of the Imogens is named Jule West Williams. And she is a runner. The plot is one big spoiler. The novel goes backwards until the very end and tosses you around like a rag doll.

I loved GENUINE FRAUD. While I am unlike both of the main characters in nearly every way--murder is simply not for me--they resonate with me, because ambition and fear are things I understand very deeply. E. Lockhart makes this roller coaster of a book feel slow enough and clear enough to shock you in a different way than you were expecting. But never does it become too confusing for you to catch every little bit: no, you stick to her writing style like fly paper and everything soaks in. It is unsettling and wild and wonderful.