The Long Game (The Fixer Book2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Long Game by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Long Game, Book # 2 in The Fixer series did not disappoint; if anything, I could not stop reading because each chapter just pulled you in more with Tess's intrigue (she has so many secrets she can't tell anyone) and like her mother, Ivy (she deals at the highest levels fixing things in Washington, D.C.) In this book so much is going on and talk about tense moments and then the thrills when the good happens. But also there were tense moments where horrendous things happened, Ivy & Tess, had no control, they were at the mercy of twisted hateful people. I really can't wait for Book #3 but I will end with "Why, Henry???" and also "Why, Tess???" It will be interesting to see how Tess' group continues to FIX in Book 3.

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What Light by Jay Asher

What Light by Jay Asher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the Sierra who lives & loves CA 10 1/2 months of the year but I really loved the beauty and visuals Sierra provided as she romanticized her month 1/2 return to Oregon to sell trees with her family at their Christmas tree farm. And just when she gets used to her Dad scaring off the boys and never getting involved in a relationship, she meets Caleb. As she gets to know Caleb, she finds out early he has a secret (but more like gossip because no one has the real story) and as she gets to know him as a guy buying trees for needy families, working at a restaurant to earn more for the trees, Sierra sees for herself that she needs Caleb to tell her his story. Once this happens Sierra finds out about his ruined family life, no friends, and decides she really wants to continue to learn more about him because he likes hot coca with peppermint just like her. A nice light holiday story, another great read from Jay Asher.

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March: Book Three by John Lewis

March: Book Three by John Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this graphic novel as part of the 2107 Hub Challenge, and like his other graphic novels- John Lewis puts into words & illustrations his role in the 1960's history in America, in the forefront of the fight for civil rights, the right to vote, leading nonviolent marches, this series provides a compelling palette for teens (I think all adults need to read this stunning book/series) of the trials, deaths, and attacks blacks were made to suffer over and over again in their fight for the right to vote, sit on the bus, use the same facilities in the South where many (even in the White House) were content (eager) to do whatever needed to be done to keep this from happening. I loved Nate Powell's illustrations, so true, so compelling, so relatable to teens.

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#scandal by Sarah Ockler

a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17415348-scandal" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px">#scandal by Sarah Ockler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Sarah Ockler books, Lucy finds out what scandal really means when she is set up by some mean person at the after prom party. Lucy has always been very careful, a homebody who likes to play internet games with her friends rather than go out. But when BF Ellie begs her to go to prom with her boyfriend, Cole- as much as Lucy doesn't want to do it (she has been in love with him for the last 4 years the day he moved into her neighborhood) she agrees to help her best friend out. What she wakes up to the next day is someone taking her phone, uploading pics of her and Cole & other friends at the party. This is a true cyberbullying lesson that just keeps happening day in and day out- destroying lives, friendships, and shows how mean people (and friends) can be. Yes she finds out who perpetrated it, but what good will it do- she does get Cole and learns some REAL lessons in the process.

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Gemina (Book 2 The Illuminae Files) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Gemina by Amie Kaufman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG, did I LOVE this 2nd audiobook in the series I listened to for the 2017 Hub Book Challenge. The narrartion was out of this world by Carla Corvo , Steve West , P.J. Ochlan, full cast (I wish I knew all their names, they were fantastic) and had me on edge as I worked out listening to Hanna and Nik try to out maneuver the BeiTech assault teams. Just as Illuminae was full of action, fighting, conniving, so were Hanna, Nik and his cousin Elana being overly sleep deprived- forced to try to match their wits against alien predators and the enemy. Will they be able to do what Kady Grant and Ezra Mason did in Book 1? You bet! Hang onto your seat because you are in for a wild ride!

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The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein

The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Group and Disney-Hyperion for the ARC, The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein. Once again, Wein has crafted masterful historical fiction you can’t put down. Julie returns home for the summer from boarding school three days early and since no one is expecting her, she decides to walk around what remains of her grandfather’s home in Scotland that is being renovated to accommodate a new school. Instead, Julie wakes up three days later in the hospital with a head injury, no memory of what happened, and no one knows her identity in the hospital. It is when Julie wakes up to find good friend and librarian, Mary, ready to tell what little she knows, that this novel roars into adventure and thriller. As the mystery unfolds about what happened with Julie, there are many other things going on in this riveting novel of family, friendship, finding one’s place in the world and the courage to right wrongs. Through Julie’s eyes the reader is treated to the beauty of the Scottish countryside, their wonderful people (even the much maligned Travellers who rescued Julie), the rich history of her grandfather’s home, the pearl industry history and the compounding mysteries Julie, Ellen and Sandy are racing to solve. Julie, her mother, her brothers Jamie and Sandy, were authentic, wonderful, finely drawn characters. I cringed whenever Mary, the Water Bailiff, and other law enforcement officers belittled and blamed the Travellers, Ellen, Euan and their family due to their blinding prejudices and fear. Wein once again has crafted a beautiful, gripping, tense novel. Highly recommended!

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Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Caraval by Stephanie Garber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this epic, grand story and loved Rebecca Soler's narration of two sisters, an abusive father, a constricted life, and the chance(s) to escape it all to find love, happiness, hope, and maybe fear? Told from Scarlett's POV; Solar's voice was real showing her love and fear for younger sister, Tella. Their father is a governor in their small town and has been hitting them and psychologically holdoing them hostage for years (ever since their mother disappeared. As Scarlett looks forward to marrying a duke and spiriting her sister to safety with her new marriage- tickets arrive for the Caraval, which grants the winner a wish. As Scarlett prepares to run away and participate in Caraval but get back in time for her wedding- oh do things go so wrong, change, etc. With Caraval, no one is who they seem, there is a problem with time, people lie, scheme, and act as riddles and clues spur players forward. I loved Scarlett and her pull toward Julian was sizzling. I can't wait for Book 2!

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Siblings Without Rivalry by Adele Faber

Siblings Without Rivalry: How to Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too by Adele Faber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great book for any parent or grandparent- since I am now watching my 3 granddaughters, I have been reading all the great stories, illustrations, comics helping me with sound advice.

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At the Water's Edge by Sara Gruen

At the Water's Edge by Sara Gruen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh what a great historical fiction read! Maddie is such a great character who goes through so much, becomes self aware, and really blossoms as a heroine through growth, internal strife, and uses her courage to deal with a husband who drinks and abuses drugs, lies, looks down his nose on everyone, and also his best friend who does not look out for Maddie when she most needs it. With much resolve, the people in the village and small house she lives in show Maddie what really matters most in life; protecting her and helping her to see so many possibilities in life with purpose.

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A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great recommendation from my college roommate & friend, Connie---if you liked Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, you will thoroughly enjoy this story about an aging grump who has a lot of anger but also so much knowledge about fighting for things that matter, fixing anything around houses and following rules. A great read about the importance of acceptance, life, family and neighbors.

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Giant Days Vol 2 by John Allison

Giant Days, Vol. 2 by John Allison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this 2nd volume of Giant Days for The Hub Reading Challenge & April topic of college & career for chat with #yearofya on April 26 at 8pm. In this continuation, I really enjoy the friendship of Esther, Susan and Daisy as they traverse the angst of college, boys, and themselves. The 2 guys, Ed and Susan's beau, are getting a lot more page time and I love this series!

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When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore

When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this book s part of The 2017 Hub Reading Challenge receiving The Stonewall & Rainbow Awards. This book was lush, full of confusion, lies, secrets and the drama of families. I loved Miel, the girl who fell out of the water tower after her mother tried to cure her of the roses growing out of her wrists. Even more, I loved the story of Samir, the boy (the only person) who helps her throughout her life; is her best friend and her love. But life is not easy for these 2 as the author weaves mysticism, Pakistani and Latina beliefs, fairytales integral with their daily lives. Also Sam has protecting his mom and also hiding a big secret Sam (born Samira) protecting his mom in the practice of bacha posh - binding his breasts, wearing large pants, not taking gym, and deepening his voice. None of this matters to Miel, best friend in love with Sam. As the Bonner sisters (EVIL, EVIL, EVIL) bully their way into Miel's secrets, her fears, her love for Sam I was truly afraid. I rooted for Sam and his mom, Sam and Miel and lastly Miel and her sister. The character development was epic but I did have a heard time following some of the aspects of the character's lives but I could not put the book down, I just could not stop reading about Miel and Sam! I loved the moons, the pumpkins, the roses- and the many other symbols that pulsed with questions was just fantastic.

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Kill the Boy Band by Goldy Moldavsky

Kill the Boy Band by Goldy Moldavsky
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I listened to this book as part of the 2017 HUB Reading Challenge for awesome audiobooks. Barrett Wilbert Weed did a spectacular job of narrating all the girls voices, the guys in the band and all of the British accents were perfect. But that is all I can say- performance great but I HATED the story! The main character, Lydia is an unreliable narrator - she kept saying she was going to the police about band boy, Rupert P being tied up in the chair in their room - but she never does and her reasoning was just so awful- meant to be funny but just weak excuses to me. All of her friends were not really her friends and as they get deeper and deeper into the Rupert P mishap, things just keep getting more and more ridiculous. So I was not a fan of these fan girls, not a fan of the story but I did like the narrator's performance.

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Perfect (Flawed #2) by Cecelia Ahern

Perfect by Cecelia Ahern
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG, I loved this 2nd and final book in the Flawed series - there is heart racing and heart wrenching action as Carrick and Celestine stand up against Crevan who hates Celeste & is hiding his involvement. It is horrifying to Celeste when she runs into all these missing people in Crevan's Highland Castle. Celestine really became a stronger character in this book- she used her mathematical abilities and some other tricks up her sleeve to become a heroine to the Flawed and all the other Perfects. I really liked Carrick, his group of friends and family who helped Celestine at great risk to themselves. I also was so glad to see her granddad, mom and sister, Juniper jump to her defense- there was real love and acceptance and a willingness to do whatever it took - just like Celestine became emboldened to use her voice to rally a cry against the Flawed system and the Guild's handling of the Flawed cases. The plot moved swiftly, with lots of suspense and I could not put this book down, so thrilling! Great writing and characterization, teens will love this dystopian duology!

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King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, I am so glad there will be a 4th book in this Red Queen series, because even though I understood the ending, I DID NOT LIKE IT. But I am also aware Mare & Cal have much love for each other but too many issues (like the color of their blood, Cal is born to be a King & Mare is born to fight and love, Cal holds out to "help" Maven while Mare wants to kill him). So I guess even though I always was team Cal, maybe now is the time to choose another team like Team Kilorn??? I will just have to wait and that will be really hard...I really liked this 3rd book- Maven tortured Mare, himself and almost everyone else while he attempts to overthrow the world- good title BTW Maven, Cal & Mare are all entangled in the King's Cage image, metaphor in this book! I loved all the fighting scenes (very gory), preparing to fight-- especially the Silver/Reds and Red Guard interactions, and the politics of the rulers were so sickening with their oh so entitled ways/decrees. I liked seeing Evangeline and Cameron's POV, those chapters really gave great insight to these characters, make makes them tick, and their harsh realities. But time just kept ticking like a time bomb and the Mare and Cal scenes even with heart throbbing declarations, which I loved and wanted to continue--- and also have Cal choose Mare, you can see agendas are working against them. I loved Mare's survival and instincts to be a better person (talking, confiding, being honest) with her family, friends, comrades but there are too many issues being decided behind the scenes. I hated the ending, I know I said that FIRST in this review, I just hope for a really good resolution in the 4th book - like Cal finding a way for Silvers & Reds to live side by side equally and even more -choosing Mare, but the ending of this book does not provide that redemption that I really like to see in books.

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Anna and the Swallow Man by Gavriel Savit

Anna and the Swallow Man by Gavriel Savit
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this audiobook as part of the 2017 HUB Challenge and oh did this audiobook narrated by Allan Corduner deserve the Odyssey Award and kudos to debut author, Gavriel Savit; I look forward to reading more from him. It is 1939 and Anna is just 7 yrs old when her Polish father is taken away, never to return. Anna meets the Swallow Man who is a master manipulator, commands a knowledge of many languages and together they teach each other how to survive in a world gone beserk. OMG I loved Allan Corduner's narration, his voices, his hypnotic voice, his chilling voice, his Anna and his Swallow Man. A must read; a different kind of Holocaust book but gut wrenching all the same about a horrific period of time.

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How To Make A Wish by Ashley Herring Blake

How to Make a Wish by Ashley Herring Blake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children’s Book Group and HMH Books for Young Readers for the ARC, How To Make A Wish by Ashley Herring Blake. I really really really liked this book! The inner turmoil Grace suffers stems from a lifetime of having to protect and save her totally irresponsible mother from bars, bad boyfriends, and her very scary reality. This has made Grace grow up tough and prickly and rather than grow close, she keeps everyone at a distance or she just ducks and runs. All that changes the summer she meets grief stricken Eve, whose mother has died. Eve and Grace click, and as her summer spirals out of control; Eve saves Grace by slipping into her window for nightly jaunts to the lighthouse, sharing her peanut butter, and her heart. Blake has crafted a beautiful LGBTQ read that honestly deals with friendship, family, death, grief, and finding oneself. Since it is due out in May, it will be a great beach read too. I fell in love with this book!

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