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.
No Saints in Kansas
by Amy Brashear
Publisher: Soho Teen
Publication Date: November 14, 2017
NO SAINTS IN KANSAS by Amy Brashear is narrated by 16 year old Carly Flemming who is new to the small town of Holcomb, Kansas. Winter is usually quiet in this small town, but after the horrible murder of the Clutter family (including Nancy Clutter whom Carly used to secretly tutor), Carly and her friends take it upon themselves to solve the mystery and find the killer, much to the disapproval of the sheriff and their protective parents. This suspenseful novel was impossible to put down, and was definitely a fun read. Carly’s character is easy to relate to and she takes the reader on quite a ride as she tries to solve the case.
The Free
by Lauren McLaughlin
Publisher: Soho Teen
Publication Date: February 28, 2017
THE FREE by Lauren
McLaughlin is about a boy named Isaac West. A boy who was raised in a
troubled house without a father, Isaac starts to steal and eventual
he finds himself in Juvie. During his sentence, he is put through
very intense therapy where he has to reenact his crime. The book is
about Isaac figuring out he wants to be and who he is. I really liked
the book--it touches on stuff that happens in real life, like having
abusive parents and being in prison. It was written well and I
enjoyed the plot. I suggest you read this book.
History Is All You Left Me
by Adam Silvera
Publisher: Soho Teen
Publication Date: January 17, 2017
HISTORY IS ALL YOU LEFT ME by Adam Silvera is an unexpected journey of finding love then losing it, and destroying yourself and those around you to find it again. Griffin’s life is shattered when he finds his best friend and first love, Theo, is dead. In an attempt to rediscover himself he forms a strange bond with Jackson, Theo’s boyfriend, and begins sorting through his past with Theo, relaying their story. The reader watches Griffin mourn and strike out, all the while his controlling OCD slowly worsening.
The reader might get a little confused transitioning between past and present, but it's an important aspect to this novel. The reader sees Theo live and change with Griffin, only to switch back to the present and watch Griffin push away comfort and condolences, shutting himself away from those that still love him. This book makes the reader feel with Griffin, frustration, sadness, and helplessness.
