Closer to Nowhere by Ellen Hopkins

Closer to Nowhere by Ellen Hopkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hannah has a cousin, Cal who comes to live with them and upsets her life with her parents, gymnastics, and school, because his sense of humor is not always appreciated. Once again Hopkins brings the reader a raw real book about the meaning of family and what it takes to become family. I especially liked Hannah's mom, Taryn, as she accepts Cal into the family after her sister's death and her evil husband's incarceration. Cal has many problems Hannah is unaware of because of his abusive, drug addicted and alcoholic father. But with Cal coming to live with Hannah's family fissures in her mom and dad's relationship becomes even more fractured. Their grandmother dislikes Cal and compares him to his father and this also aggravates Cal's behavior and responses. I could not stop turning the pages as Hannah's POV and Cal's POV, both real and haunting, reveal their staunch desire to keep their family together. I can't wait to read Hopkins next middle grade novel in verse, What About Will, when it comes out in September 2021.

View all my reviews

Stone Cold Touch (The Dark Elements, #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this 2nd audiobook in the The Dark Elements Series that continues with Layla, Roth and Zayne all working together to find the Lilin. But Layla has new found powers; Abbott the head of the Wardens and Zane's father hate her. I could not stop listening to this heart pounding romantic series audiobook from acclaimed author, Jennifer L. Armentrout. Already going to listen to the final book in the series!!!

View all my reviews

When We Were Infinite by Kelly Loy Gilbert

When We Were Infinite by Kelly Loy Gilbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love all Kelly Loy Gilbert books because of what timely issues and themes they deal with, but this book was really tough to read... Beth as the protagonist goes through so much--her parents' divorce, her circle of friends that she loves so much that she really does not show them who she really is---she shows them what she thinks they want to see, and when an act of violence on her love interest Jason devastates her; the whole story shifts as Beth and her friends try to support Jason. I hated how all that happens to Beth changes her and molds her into another person (not one I really liked but can understand this was how she coped)who must mold herself into someone everyone will love and accept and the author shows how these teens really have no way of dealing with what happened to Jason and Jason makes it even more difficult by asking them to go back tot he way they were before. Beth's treatment of her mother was awful, mean and secretive while she loved her father--who was the one who left, stops coming to see her, and does not support her. As she and Jason begin to see each other it quickly becomes awkward with Beth telling herself she must accept everything and take it in stride. This book broke my heart but the friendships these teens have is so special and supportive. The author deals with many topics teen readers will want to read about - abuse, secrets, high school, the college aspect, divorce, lies, music, self destruction, suicide, dysfunctional families, racism, and authentic Asian American teen characters. A must read but it will be a tough read.

View all my reviews

Your Heart My Sky by Magarita Engle

Your Heart My Sky by Margarita Engle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again, I am enthralled by a Magarita Engle novel in verse. This historical fiction book begins in Cuba in 1991 supposedly a special period in times of peace ---BUT the people in a small area are starving because Castro has done so much harm by aligning with Russia and being boycotted in trade by the U.S. for so many years. Based loosely on her family's struggles during this time, Engle weaves a harsh, true life of Liana and Amado who meet as a result of a "special" dog and form a friendship looking for food and then fall in love as they bring love to starvation, possibilities, and hope. The author notes are a must read and reminded me of another book about a horrid time in history, The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys---the Facist dictatorship of Franco in Spain 1957 where starvation and silence to the world was hidden by the people of Spain.

View all my reviews

Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt

Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this Gary D. Schmidt book so so much! The writing, the characters, and the 1968 setting were optimal for an authentic middle grade read! Meryl Lee Kowalski's life has been turned upside down with the death of her best friend and her parents decide to start her fresh at a prep school, away from the grief and possibly problems at home. But it is at St. Elene's Preparatory Academy for Girls where Meryl Lee tries to find out who she is by participating in sports (a hoot!), writing, and artwork. As lonely and despondent as she is, she runs into a kindred soul in Matt Coffin (who acts like her dead best friend) who has a horrid past he is running from. And each time he runs, those he has come to care for are in danger. I could not put this book down!!! The beauty in Schmidt's writing was present in nature with both Meryl Lee and Matt reveling in the sea, the shore and skipping stones. Many of the teachers were authentic and sympathetic with changes abounding as time goes by. I loved the characters of Dr. MacKnockater and the sea captain, the servants Betty and Althea and the Vietnam War was woven seamlessly throughout this wonderful novel that burns with warmth and humanity. Highly recommended and I loved seeing the characters from his other novel, Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy in this book too!

View all my reviews

White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements, #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another terrific book/series by Jennifer L. Armentrout I listened to Narration by Saskia Maarleveld.
Layla is half human and half demon and a warden living with wardens who keep her in a cocoon and at a distance except for Zayne who has been protecting her since she came to live with them as a child. When she meets Roth, a student in her school, he tells her who she really is and how betrayed she feels --the Wardens knew much more about her than she did... and as Layla learns more and more about her heritage, more and more demons come after her. She must keep Roth a secret as they try to find a book that will help them stop a demon uprising. I am jumping into the next book, Stone Cold Touch, and can't wait for the awesome narration by Saskia Maarleveld!

View all my reviews

A Wicked and Beautiful Garden by Katie McGarry

A Wicked and Beautiful Garden by Katie McGarry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A new and exciting series by Katie McGarry introduces Cassie and Orion--once lovers, Cassie has believed Orion died 9 years ago. With much determination, she had built a new life as a midwife. As a child her grandmother gave her a wonderful loving life which consisted of tales about faeries and the beauty of what nature holds. I can't wait for the next book in the series this fall!

View all my reviews

In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner

In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such an achingly beautiful, sorrowful book with two protagonists, who are each other’s best friends and support group and their first year at a prep school. Jeff Zentner’s writing is always so full of soul, deep yearning, and powerful messages. Through Cash, the beauty of Sawyer, Tennessee is found in the water, the land, Papaw and Mamaw. With parents addicted to drugs, Delaney and Cash met each other at a meeting and a forever friendship begins and is cemented over the years. Cash despairs as his beloved Papaw is struggling with emphysema, and he must decide if he will attend Middleton Academy with Delaney. Cash is such a good, good person and his love for his grandparents, Delaney, and his Middleton friends is deep, devoted, and courageous. Readers will love Cash’s sincerity, fear of failure, despair, grief, and his whole persona as he looks back on his life with a drug addicted mother, his deep insecurities, his profound love of Mamaw and Papaw, and struggles daily in his new life at Middleton Prep with his crush, his friendship with Alex Pak, taking up crew and writing poetry, and always worrying about Delaney. This is a must read and the mentions that harken back to each of Zentner’s other books made my heart pound with so much love. Highly recommended!

View all my reviews

When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O'Neal

When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O'Neal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book for the Albright College Zoom Book Discussion---it was recommended by Sue's husband and what a great read!!! It is about a family that has suffered death, earthquakes, and neglect and what happens when a sister thought dead is alive--the world of Kit and her mother is rocked. What transpires is a sister searching for another sister, meeting a wonderful man in New Zealand, and how life is affected by the many horrors that can befall a person. I loved Kit, Dylan, and Josie and wept for their neglect by their parents and what happens as a result. The mystery and romance were so suspenseful I could not put this book down.

View all my reviews

That's Not What Happened by Kody Keplinger

That's Not What Happened by Kody Keplinger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow I loved the narration by Whitney Dykhouse , Megan Tusing , Almarie Guerra , Carly Robins , Ron Butler , Scott Lange in this gripping story about the aftermath of a school shooting and what it means to withhold information. Three years ago in Vergil County HS a shooter shot Lee Bauer's best friend, Sarah while they were together in the girls bathroom. What follows is narration by the friends that lived through the horror.

View all my reviews

Brave (A Wicked Trilogy, #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Brave by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG did I love this final book in the Wicked Trilogy and Amy Landon's narration was stellar! I could not stop listening as Ren and Ivy team up madly in love and vowing to end the Prince despite all the mysteries and odds against them, and the fae. Their connection runs deep, so does their sizzling sex scenes! Suspenseful and riveting!!!

View all my reviews

The Shape of Thunder by Jasmine Warga

The Shape of Thunder by Jasmine Warga
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book (my last in the #BitAboutBooks Spring Reading Challenge) an MG Lit book on a spring related theme. I loved this 2nd book by Jasmine Warga---her words were beautiful, crushingly sad, brutal, and authentic. Two best friends are grieving after a school shooting claims family members. For Cora, her older sister, Mabel, and for Quinn, her older brother, Parker, and he was the shooter. What this gun violence does is crush both families, leaving lots of unanswered questions and these two main characters who are suffering and hurting. Cora blames Quinn since her brother did the shooting--even her father, grandmother and psychologist can not convince Cora that Quinn should not be blamed for her brother's actions. The crafting of this story was mesmerizing as Cora and Quinn narrate different chapters. I was especially affected by Quinn's letters to her brother as she alternately loves and hates him. The dynamics for Cora's family was supportive while Quinn's family doesn't want to call any attention to themselves---resulting in her parents awful fighting, her mom quitting her job, and abrupt shut downs whenever Quinn tries to ask questions. I loved the time travel aspect of the storyline and felt the majesty of the old oak tree and rooted for these two girls to make their way back to each other. A must read and I recommend reading the author note as well. Highly recommended!

View all my reviews

Gone to the Woods: Surviving a Lost Childhood by Gary Paulsen

Gone to the Woods: Surviving a Lost Childhood by Gary Paulsen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a crushing memoir from awesome author, Gary Paulsen. Aimed at middle grade readers, this book would also be very interesting to YA readers and adults. Referring to himself as the boy, Paulsen describes parts of his upbringing and how it shaped him---from a mother who used him in bars to sing at the young age of five, to a doting grandmother and awesome Aunt and Uncle who instilled love and the beauty of nature to his time in Manila, running from his alcoholic parents and school, finishing school with a vocation and then his time in the army. Paulsen's writing made me so angry at times due to what his parents did or did not do to him. But when he talked about his time on the farm with his aunt and uncle and his love of the woods and their farm I was enthralled with how much love and beauty this world and these people gave to Paulsen when he was six years old. Thankfully his awful childhood made him resilient due to the calming influence of his grandmother and aunt and uncle---those parts of the book transported me and I fell in love with Paulsen's descriptions of the food, animals, livestock, pastures, mushroom gathering and fishing in this part of his life. This book will interest many kinds of readers, Paulsen was not a student and reluctant readers will identify with Paulsen's feelings about school. A must read; this book will speak to many different people.

View all my reviews

Torn (A Wicked Trilogy, #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Torn by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a tough read as narrator, Amy Landon continues her stellar narration of Ivy's plight as halfling, her romance with Ren, and the Prince's horror filled punishing of Ivy. I can't wait to finish this series. Ivy is suffering as a prisoner of the Prince with daily torment. An awesome audiobook!

View all my reviews

Alone by Megan E. Freeman

Alone by Megan E. Freeman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this middle grade novel in verse about a 12 year old girl who is caught alone when she lies to her family. Maddie plans a sleepover with girlfriends and when they can't come, Maddie is left by herself at her grandparents cabin when everyone (her family, friends, community) disappears during an evacuation due to "imminent threat" and as time slips by Maddie and a neighbor's dog, George, try to survive in a new world with no people, no food, and many times no hope. I could not stop turning the pages, hoping for Maddie and George to survive and hopefully make their way back to family.

View all my reviews

Dirty Little Secret (Forbidden Desires, #1) by Kendall Ryan

Dirty Little Secret by Kendall Ryan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this first in the Forbidden Desires, the chemistry between Emma and Gavin was tense and oh so good. Gavin and his two brothers own the Forbidden Desires company which is NOT what the title implies. The brothers have a large interest in keeping women safe and as librarian Emma falls for middle brother Gavin, in a coffee shop, their futures collide. I kept turning the pages and already have the 2nd book in the series!

View all my reviews

In Her Tracks (Tracy Crosswhite, #8) by Robert Dugoni

In Her Tracks by Robert Dugoni
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this 8th book in the Tracy Crosswhite series; Tracy is returning to work but finds her nemesis boss has taken her beloved job in Violent Crimes and given it to someone else. Instead she must take the Cold Case job since the one investigator is retiring. Moving at a fast pace; Dugoni does it again with psychological suspense as Tracy works 3 cold cases and one violent crime case. I could not stop turning the pages as Tracy tries to find a small child who disappeared in a Halloween patch 5 years ago and 2 prostitutes who mysteriously disappeared without a trace. Kins, her 0ld partner, pulls her into the missing person, Stephanie Cole, a jogger who disappears on a running trail. I have read and continue to love every single Dugoni book; this one was exciting, sad, and rip roaring fast; a must read!

View all my reviews

Wicked (A Wicked Trilogy, #1) by Jennifer l. Armentrout

Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a new adult series featuring 22 yr old Ivy Morgan who is a college student by day and a member of the Order who hunts fae by night. Ivy had something awful happen years ago to her boyfriend and parents and as a result she does not let anyone in who she might care for. I loved her sceret little friend, the brownie Tink. Awesomely narrated by Amy Landon, her voices were the BEST! I liked Ivy but she annoyed me with her whining and she is angry and too tough most of the time (for me). I loved Ren and fingers crossed for Ivy and Ren as a team because they are lots of smoldering chemistry. As Ivy becomes more entangled in Ren and she learns there is a whole lot more going on in the Order, she begins to question many things in her life with the order. Taut, mesmerizing, I could not stop listening to this fantasy!

View all my reviews

If I Tell You the Truth by Jasmin Kaur

If I Tell You the Truth by Jasmin Kaur
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, I loved Kiran and Sahaara's voices as they relate their stories in prose, poetry and illustrations! The author, Jasmin Kaur weaves an all to real plot about being undocumented, sexual assault, fear, and deep seated anxiety. Kiran is Sahaara's mom, an undocumented immigrant. She never speaks of what happened to her daughter, but the reader knows Kiran was raped, thrown away by her mother who labels her a liar, and arrives in Canada to begin college. Staying with her aunt, Kiran reveals to her mother and aunt, she is pregnant. Her aunt will not help her and go against the Punjabi family rules and Kiran's awful mother does not believe her and blames her. Kiran wants to keep the baby and her mother orders her to get an abortion. Kiran wants something of her own, not to be judged as less than and with this in mind, Kiran confides in her friend, Joti, and Joti and her mother take her in where she lives in a real family (that she has never known) of strong, loving women and Sahaara has a best friend in Jeevan and a love of art as the best way to express herself. I ached as I read the lives of this mother and daughter; so many mysteries, secrets, and questions silenced. I could not put this deep examination of what it is to be a woman who does not matter in a man's world that includes lies. I loved being a part of Kiran and Sahaara's journeys and urge adults as well as young adults to read this story. Highly recommended!

View all my reviews

Nubia Real One by L.L. McKinney ill by Robyn Smith

Nubia: Real One by L.L. McKinney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nubia's life has certainly been different and most certainly challenging when her mothers keep telling her to keep her head down so she doesn't call attention to herself and stay safe. Nubia has been different since she was a child and what the author and illustrator do is give the reader a kick ass story about family, friendship, helping others, racism, and finding out who you are. I loved Nubia, her friends, and family!

View all my reviews