The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to this audiobook as part of the October #yearofya twitter chat featuring mysteries, science fiction, and horror books to take place 10/24 at 8PM EST. Please join us! Awesomely Narrated by: Jack Hawkins, Louise Brealey, this absorbing mystery revolves around a psychotherapist, Theo Faber (who has a past he has spent a lifetime getting over) who is obsessed with treating and curing a silent patient, Alicia Berenson (painter with a past) who shoots her husband in the face 5 times and immediately stops talking. I could not stop listening to Theo and his musings and Alicia's journals as they are discovered and then read...There are many red herrings as the mystery unfolds, I could not put this mystery down!

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Anger Is a Gift by Mark Oshiro

Anger Is a Gift by Mark Oshiro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this debut book since I had seen this title on many lists and recommendations from bloggers, like Pernille Ripp. This is an urban fiction book with many diverse characters; I thought of the many diverse students in my high school and was reminded of many students and their friendships, circles, and culture. I rooted for Moss, he suffers from panic attacks and a sense of foreboding and negativity due to seeing his father shot as a youngster. His friends were all supportive of Moss as he was of them and I was so happy and surprised by his mother's unwavering love and support. The police situation and the school's attitude were unnerving and I questioned the awfulness but so much coverage in the news makes it a sickening reality and ripped from the headlines news coverage. Especially important to read is Moss's mom and her advice about Anger- "Anger is a gift. Remember that.You gotta grasp on to it, hold it tight and use it as ammunition. You use that anger ti get things done instead of just stewing in it. Trust me, y'all."

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Akata Warrior (Akata Witch #2) by Nnedi Okorafor

Akata Warrior by Nnedi Okorafor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I loved the narration by Yetide Badaki so much - she excelled in both books! I loved Akata Witch, not so much Akata Warrior- why? There was not enough action (like the 1st book--- find who is maiming and mutilating and killing young children- criminals) too much about finding out about her abilities and being Leopard and the culture of the Leopard people. I realized Sunny and her friends saved the world in a convoluted round about way but there was not enough struggle to keep me turning the pages---except when her brother is beaten up in the beginning of the book as part of joining a long lived gang at his school and Sunny and ChiChi's way to get justice for him and end the long history of the gang---it was awesome, could not stop listening. I did not find the battle to save humanity as compelling as the first book.

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Tempting the Player (The Gamble Brothers #2) by J. Lynn

Tempting the Player by J. Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this 2nd Gamble Brothers book, J. Lynn's combustible romance between Bridget and Chad kept me turning those steamy pages as Bridget catches Chad's eye at a bar and from there the bad boy and good girl fireworks and chemistry explode in a thoroughly enjoyable scintillating read, can't wait to read the 3rd Gamble Brother book! Jennifer L. Armentrout is one of my favorite romance authors; I don't want to stop reading her vivid fast moving romances!

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Nevernight (The Nevernight Chronicle #1) by Jay Kristoff

Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked this 1st in the series for many reasons but I gave it a 4 because of the awfulness of the Red Church higher ups who time and again threatened the Acolytes in such a heinous manner I almost put this book down. But I kept reading because I really rooted for Mia Corvere and not her wanting to exact justice for her family but in spite of everything she really tries to be a good person & not a STONE COLD KILLER!!! I couldn't stomache Mother Drusilla, Jeesamine, Shahiid Mouser, Shahiid Solis, Weaver Marielle, and her brother, Speaker Adonai ---it seemed messed up to be this awful... & even Darkling Cassius did not help her understand who she was and they were both Darklings!!!Thank God for Naev and Tric and Lottie, Mr. Kindly. I am going to keep reading but I reserve the right to put this series down if it continues in the evil vein. I want to believe kick ass Mia will find true friendship, hope and a degree of happiness as a killer.

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Tunnel of Bones (Cassidy Blake, #2) by Victoria Schwab

Tunnel of Bones by Victoria Schwab
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I LOVE this 2nd book in the Cassidy Blake, ghosthunter series!!! Cassidy along with best friend, ghost Jacob, delves into getting rid of a poltergeist in the Catacombs under the city where millions and millions of bones and ghosts live. I could not stop turning the pages, I can't wait for the 3rd book---I LOVE Victoria Schwab; highly recommended!

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The Woman in the Window by A.J. Flinn

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am not a fan of unreliable narrators and Anna Fox with her drinking, agoraphobia, and mixing of drugs and withholding of truths from the few people she depended upon so this mystery was not as much of a page turner for me.

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The Everlasting Rose (The Belles, #2) by Dhonielle Clayton

The Everlasting Rose by Dhonielle Clayton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read and loved the 1st book in the series; but I listened to this 2nd book and did not like Rosie Jones' narration at all; she fractured words and pronunciations and that took away so much from my listening pleasure. I loved Camellia, Remy, and Edel plus the Iron Ladies; they were strong characters and had a sympathetic side. Clayton's depiction of the horrors of striving only for beauty was a perfect depiction in the awful maniacal Sophia. Also in how far afield the lives of the Belles had been tampered with over history, clothed in mystery and lies by Madame. I rooted for the Belles, Camellia, Remy and Princess Charlotte.

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Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O'Connell

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to Reading Rants, Jen Hubert for a fantastic review of this graphic novel, I ran out and got it from the library and it was so so so good! Using B&W, pink and grey illustrations, Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O'Connell use the graphic novel format to detail the drama that is Freddy & Laura Dean's rocky relationship. Laura is a jerk and has broken up with Freddy 3X and her friends try to be supportive, but Freddy is losing all of her confidence, maybe a friend. What's a girl to do? Readers will love Freddy and her friends and root for her as she tries to navigate life and love with and without Laura Dean.

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Ultimate Weapon (McClouds and Friends #6) by Shannon McKenna

Ultimate Weapon by Shannon McKenna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this 400+ romance in 2 days; it was gripping, sensual and held alot of heat between Val Janos and Tamar Steele; they are both the same- abused as children, strong, and difficult. They are both trained fighters- I loved Tamar's lethal jewelry and Janos' fighting abilities. Both explode with passion after Janos is tasked to bring her in (and realizes with her child that no one knows about, he can't comply) and there journey is dangerous and the writing had me turning the pages.

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They Called US Enemy by George Takei

They Called Us Enemy by George Takei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

George Takei's graphic novel detailing his family's internment during WWII was gripping. What he was able to do was show a child's wonder and ability to adapt to new situations while also showing how their predicament affected their parents/Japanese who were living in California and went from next door neighbors to the enemy. This book can be read by both YA and adult audiences and should be read by all. George brings his humility and honesty to their lives in 2-3 camps, detailing his father's skills at helping others as a manager at the camps. In riveting B&W illustrations, Takei, Eisinger, Scott & Becker they shine a light on a particularly awful time in US history while also showing the loyalty of the Japanese, their courage and ingenuity, and their love for their country, America. Highly recommended!

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Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh was this book just so beautiful, cute and a must read. I have seen it on so many lists, recommendations, and now that I have read it, I understand why. Jessica Love's picture book is just perfect for diverse authenticity, the message of self acceptance by Julian's grandmother, Abuela, is perfect! I recommend all children, adults, school teachers, counselors will thoroughly enjoy this gorgeously illustrated book about wonder, family and community!

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Tempting the Best Man (Gamble Brothers #1) by J. Lynn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this series I just started; all are on my kindle and I can't wait to read about the other Gamble Brothers!!! The story of Chase Gamble, older but loved always by Madison (her brother's best friend) and a weekend wedding mishap that throws them together; loved the steaminess, could not stop reading. thoroughly enjoyed!!!

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The Colors of the Rain by R.L. Toalson

The Colors of the Rain by R.L. Toalson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to #jennlagarde for this stunner, compelling novel in verse on her Instagram Eight Amazeballs Novels in Verse recommendations!!! I could not put this book down; Paulie lives during 1972 as a 5th grader in Houston. His father, whom Paulie loved so much was killed and the details the adults tell him are very murky...his mom can't deal so he and his sister, Charlie, go to live with his aunt who is a school principal and has many secrets, too. I loved how art inspires Paulie, helps him deal, but so also do his grandparents, his aunt, his sister and his art teacher, Mr. Langley. It is the revelation of family secrets that help Paulie deal and become the kid his father and family would be proud of.

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A Girl Called Echo (Red River Resistance Vol. 2) by Katherena Vermette, Scott B. Henderson, and Donovan Yaciuk

Pemmican Wars by Katherena Vermette
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to #jennlagarde for her recommendation of A Girl Called Echo graphic novel series (2 are out now) which she gave 5/5 AMAZEballs and I totally agree with her review!!! A must read for everyone!!! Echo is a Metis and we learn about the history of the people, families and resistances. The illustrations by Scott Henderson are awesome!!!

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A Girl Called Echo (Pemmican Wars Vol. 1) by Katherena Vermette, Scott B. Henderson, and Donovan Yaciuk

Red River Resistance by Katherena Vermette
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to #jennlagarde for her recommendation of A Girl Called Echo graphic novel series (2 are out now) which she gave 5/5 AMAZEballs and I totally agree with her review!!! A must read for everyone!!! Echo is a Metis and we learn about the history of the people, families and resistances. The illustrations by Scott Henderson are awesome!!!

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New Kid by Jerry Craft

New Kid by Jerry Craft
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great book; so many wonderful parts to it---great characters, awesome illustrations, themes of belonging, diversity, friendship, and family. This is a graphic novel that everyone needs to read; it is empathetic, funny, affirming, and hopeful. Jordan Banks' personality and his comics/illustrations are hysterical and appealingly honest. Jordan is a great kid who has been pushed into a new school and as the new kid is one of the few kids of color who struggles with loving art, bullying, and making new friends and staying friends with his neighborhood pals. Middle school kids will love this book and it will always be off the shelves in libraries! Highly recommended.

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Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love the narration of this awesome audiobook by Allison Hiroto! The characters in this saga tore my heart open (Daisuke, Hoonie, Yangjin, Sunja, Baek Isak, Koh Hansu, Yoseb, Kyunghee, Noa, Mozasu, Kim, Tamaguchi, Goro, Akiko, Yumi, Mieko, Bingo, Hideo Takano, Solomon, Risa Iwamura, Koichi, Ume, Haruki, Ayame) I could not stop listening to the history of Japan, Korea and the judgments against these people and their lives as they try to survive in a racist world where they are always judged unfairly for being Korean. I also came to love the many characters and their families and their struggles to find happiness and survive. But what this book taught me most about what the love of families for their children and the hopes and fears for these children as they become adults. Gripping, beautiful, and mesmerizing, a must read!!!

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Don't Date Rosa Santos by Nina Moreno

Don't Date Rosa Santos by Nina Moreno
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nina Moreno, awesome debut author, sucked me into Rosa's world and family and I so enjoyed the ride (on land and sea!!!) as this brave firecracker Lantinx girl into making lists, getting others excited about projects, and trying to navigate the world of her grandmother, Mimi, who will not tell Rosa anything about her life and love in Cuba and her mom who just keeps leaving. Both Mimi and her mother are dealing with grief in their own way---they have lost their men to the sea and now Rosa is cursed as well, or is she? Oh did I love the world and beauty of the seaside town, Port Coral ---Rosa and her family and friends bring so much to this world (food, fun, music) , I want to live there too! Whether she is saving the town or herself, I rooted for Rosa!!! Thanks to my friends @summerathon for recommending this book as a perfect summer read!!! I can't wait for next year!

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The Belles (Book 1 The Belles) by Dhonielle Clayton

The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to Maureen Wehmeier for her great review on this book! I really enjoyed the premise of this book, the Belles and what they stand for and most of all Camellia's personality as she struggles and grows in her world as a Belle and then as a Favorite. Oh I did not like the Belles and what they were supposed to be honored to do to their clients! I did not trust anyone in Orleans and their lives were sick, full of wanting to be something they were not, but also so much vanity, bullying, vindictiveness and fawning over the wrong people. This fantasy sucked me in, can't wait for the second book and fingers crossed for Camellia and her sisters and I hope the princess gets all that is coming to her!

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Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds

Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I totally enjoyed this debut novel from Justin A. Reynolds and the time travel element and romance aspect kept me turning the pages! Jack King is a nerd who doesn't ever get what he wants (totally in love with his best friend who happens to be dating his other best friend) until he meets Kate at a party. I laughed, I ached, and totally enjoyed the time travel aspect as Jack tries to "keep" Kate. I loved the best friends, the families, and what we will do for love!

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Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly

Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just enjoyed this book so much-Isabelle was fierce, very human, easy to anger and react, one of the ugly stepsisters to Elle. As I read this thriller I loved learning all I could about Isabelle, Tavi (her ugly stepsister), Elle and their mother. A fairy tale retelling I thoroughly enjoyed-rooting for Isabelle, enjoying the drama between Fate and Chance, the fierce fox and the little mouse, horses old, plodding Martin and Nero, the beautiful black stallion, and wood worker Felix, her childhood friend, who she spends her days with and has sword fights with and wanders the lands on their horses. As life gets in the way, Isabelle loses ALOT of herself, with her mother forcing her to get the prince and Isabelle acquiescing each and every time. I loved Donnelly's writing- it was honest, fierce, funny, and kept me turning the pages. A truly enjoyable read! Highly recommended!

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White Rose by Kip Wilson

White Rose by Kip Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to #jennlagarde for her Eight Amazeballs to Novels in Verse, which gave me this awesome title, White Rose, historical fiction based on the life of Sophie Scholl, who was one of the brave teens responsible for using passive resistance (distributing flyers) alerting others to the German slaughter of Jews in Germany during WWII. Kip Wilson's poetry was gripping in it's beauty and horror as Hitler's regime wipes out Jews and others. Sophie's bravery, cunning, and love of Germany had Sophie and her friends (especially boyfriend Fritz, who serves in the war) using graffiti and pamphlets to alert others to the criminal activities and deaths Hitler orchestrated. A must read for all!

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