Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson

Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a book club selection for my Albright College Zoom Book Club. I love anything Jacqueline Woodson writes; she is so interesting and all of her writing is compelling. In this book, Iris gets pregnant and never has her coming of age ceremony---16 years later, her daughter Melody has the all important ceremony wearing the dress meant for Iris. What transpires in between is how the pregnancy alters everything---Iris and Aubrey as a teen couple---she is a much higher social class and so much more advanced than Aubrey. Aubrey and his mom are poor, he is madly in love with Iris and also Melody and spends his life taking care of his daughter and her parents while Iris attends college and goes to work and tries to find herself. I loved everything about this novel except the presentation of the book---it would have helped this reader tremendously if each chapter had the person's name so the reader did not have to guess who was telling the story in that chapter.

View all my reviews

Everybody's Son by Thrity Umrigar

Everybody's Son by Thrity Umrigar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to the gentleman who kept advocating that Springfield Public Library Adult Book Club read this title! I could not put this heart stopping thriller down, nor did I want to because I needed to find out what happens to Anton! Anton is the 9 year old child who has been forced to throw a chair against the painted shut window of his apartment after 7 heat filled days with no power, ac, and finally no food, waiting for Mam to come home. This sets off a series of events that change this child's life forever. Anton is biracial, his mother was hooked on crack, found 3 blocks away, where she endured her own hell trying to get back to her son. Once the authorities get involved; things move along for Anton; but are they all good and beneficial for him? He becomes a foster child to a white politically connected man (he and his wife lost their teen son) who becomes instantly besotted by Anton, driven by what he thinks is best for Anton. I loved the way Thrity Umrigar writes, her plot, her characters are beautiful, harsh in their reality, and authentic. The reader follows Anton and his family (David and Delores Coleman) as he grows up in a very privileged world with questions at first but less so with age (lies have smoothed over his discomfort) Anton's world is a must read for all. There will so many issues to discuss!

View all my reviews

Jackpot by Nic Stone

Jackpot by Nic Stone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again, Nic Stone has crafted 2 protagonists I won't ever forget. Rico (love that name!!!) is a mixed race teen who holds a job, watches her brother, Jax, after school and has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Why? Her single mom, has them living above their means, won't apply for any kind of assistance or insurance, and she has health issues too so whenever she gets sick, Rico has to double up on making money. Why? Because Rico and her mom are responsible for the bills and rent. My heart broke for Rico but she is one tough girl. When she sells a lottery ticket to an old woman who shares 1 with Rico and then the winning ticket is purchased at this Gas n Go, Rico makes a decision. She is going to find that woman and share in the lottery proceeds. But to do this involves Rico from going invisible at her high school to asking for help from Zander, popular, crushworthy and rich. What follows kept me turning the pages; because as Rico keeps to herself her crushing on Zan; Zan is totally into following Rico on her schemes to find the old woman. I loved how Zan and Rico get to know each other, confide things to each other they have never confided to others, and realize maybe they have things in common. Nic Stone has written a must read about family issues, poverty, choices, and stereotypes. Loved this book, these characters and their world so much!

View all my reviews

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved listening to Tom Hanks superlative narration of The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. I live very close to Elkins Park, and my best friend in high school lived in Jenkintown; so any mention of places in and around this area brought back fond memories. And since my father was in real estate, I understood intimately how Danny's Dad made his living. I really loved the story but I despised Danny and Maeve's Dad for his distant role in their lives. I could not fathom why a house (that particular house) would chase away their mother. She left a husband, 2 children, and a house filled with staff because she hated the house and even worse wanted to go help people in the world---I did not once ever think she was a saint (I was on Danny's side). Maeve almost dies when her mother leaves, she misses her so much she goes into a deep depression. I loved the way brave, brash Maeve took over the role of mother to Danny. It was the insinuation of Andrea and later her marriage (and her 2 children) to their father that really rocks their world. When their father dies tragically ---Andrea boots them out of the house (also the staff) and Maeve once again becomes Danny's mother/guardian. The adversarial relationship between Maeve and Celeste was just awful; and so difficult for Danny. It was very difficult to read how much their past life affected their future, Patchett's writing was stark and unflinching; themes of family, grief, what is home, memory, and conflict permeate as we see//listen to both Danny and Maeve's perspective. This book kept me rooted from beginning to end; an uncomfortable spine tingler---I wanted so much more for Danny and Maeve.

View all my reviews

Saving Everest by Sky Chase

Saving Everest by Sky Chase
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad Books for the advance reader copy of Saving Everest by Sky Chase, in exchange for an honest review. I could not put this book down, debut author, Sky Chase has written a great, diverse YA romance. The story of Everest Finley, popular, gifted and athletic, who silently suffers from depression and tries to end his life was crushing. Everest really has no strong family support; when he returns to school he is scorned by his girlfriend, best friend, and team members. Retreating to the library, he meets Beverly, a quiet, shy, but happy girl who pledges her friendship and support. Both Bev and Everest are strong likable characters teens will relate to and love as Bev and Everest become best friends, challenging themselves to become better for each other. I fell in love with Everest’s voice, his honest music, and his fearlessness. While Bev was a strong positive influence for Everest, he challenged her to go outside her comfort zone, become visible, and experience what high school is all about. Together can they both find their true selves? Bev and Everest are smart, confused, of- the-moment teens who are just trying to understand life, love, and their place in the world. The drama and action move this story of friendship and romance forward to a satisfying conclusion. I would love to see another book from Sky Chase following Everest and Bev after high school! One reason for the 4-star rating; I did feel Everest would have benefited from follow-up help from a therapist for his suicide attempt and continuing depression. This debut accurately and honestly deals with teen mental health, family issues, and high school life; highly recommended!

View all my reviews

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!!!

View all my reviews

The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this book, but so so difficult to read! Elwood was such a special kind of boy, raised by his strict, loving grandmother after his parents abandoned him as a young child. History in Elwood's Tallahassee is most definitely separate and not equal. We see early on how much everyone likes Elwood, but there is a sinister air hanging about this boy and as he works, goes to school and diligently follows MLK's thoughts, words and actions, looking forward to going to college classes...and that is where his story drops the reader into a world of hell known as juvenile reformatory called The Nickel Academy when he unknowingly accepts a ride in a stolen car. This school thrives on beatings, terror and killing...both white and black boys. Even Elwood's friendship with hard core Turner can't change his true self. I ached as I read each page and grew more and more fearful...and what an ending! I will be thinking about this book and recommending it to my friends for a long, long time.

View all my reviews

The Rent Collector by Camron Wright

The Rent Collector by Camron Wright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Deb Tarrant for this awesome book title; Narrated by: Diane Dabczynski I could not stop listening to her beautiful voice as she (Sang Ly, a mother and wife) tells the story of life in the garbage dump, Stung Meanchey, in Cambodia. Sang Ly and her husband have a harsh daily existence as they scavenge the dump daily for items of interest that will bring them money to live and pay the rent collector, a dour, mean woman. Also Sang Ly and her husband desperately worry for their son's health; an infant Nisay is always sick, could it be because of life in the dump. I loved Sang Ly's personality; she was honest and wanted out of the dump. When they can't make the rent; the rent collector (Sopeap)threatens to kick them out; but a chance look at a book Sang Ly is going to read to their son, changes everything. There is so much that was beautiful, awful and unexpected in this book, I highly recommend this book that will reveal the beauty of literature, poetry, and the power it gives the individual.

View all my reviews

The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden

The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I heard so much about this book; but Jennifer Lagarde's recommendation on twitter made me jump up and get it at the library. Oh did my heart ache for Zoey's life; her mother's constant boyfriends meant moving a lot. With super neat Lenny as the latest boyfriend, Zoey goes from thinking the trailer they live in with him and his father is the best to being the worst. Lenny abuses Zoey's mom verbally, he plays with her mind (which makes her cry and shrink into herself) and then she begins to change too. But it is when Zoey becomes involved in debate club and her friend, Fuschia needs her help; Zoey must dig deep----be an octopus---using all eight of her arms to see she must take control of her life; her mom, her friend, and her brother and sisters in order to save them and while she is saving them, she becomes stronger, a better friend and daughter, and begins to believe in herself. I loved Zoey so much; I ached for her when she doubted herself (which was often) and I rooted for her to achieve a better life. Readers will be empathetic as they read about class, bullying, and guns and a heroine you won't soon forget. A must read for all middle schoolers, school counselors, parents---this unfortunately is a very disturbing but true reality for many kids. Highly recommended!

View all my reviews

Educated by Tara Westover

Educated by Tara Westover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Julia Whelan's narration of this audiobook had me spellbound! Tara Westover's book was harrowing; this was definitely a story of a life harmed by parents. I ached for Tara throughout her life but I was also angry at her, too. As she ages, matures, Tara sees firsthand her family's dysfunction but she is unable/unwilling to take help when it is offered. Even after she leaves the mountain (time and time again) she is still its/their prisoner- she alienates roomates at BYU (and does not care), loses boyfriends because she can bear to share (and with boyfriends who see this behavior- rather than ask for help, she laughs maniacally, then shuns them for seeing what they should not). It was all pretty sick SH_T, I rooted for Tara as she left the mountain, and gained an education---but at what a cost! I am so proud of her but so sad (frustrated) it took her SO LONG to receive the mental health counseling she so obviously needed. She is a gifted reader, I will read anything she writes! Highly recommended!

View all my reviews

I Will Save You by Matt de la Pena

I Will Save You by Matt de la Pena
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Matt de la Pena and was honored to see him speak at the Ocean City (NJ) Library this August where I purchased this book. I have read MOST of his books & love him and his books, his writing, and hearing him speak; I am in awe. I Will Save You was a tough book; it begins with Kidd seeing his best friend, Devon kissing Kidd's love interest, Olivia and losing it---pushing Devon down a cliff and maybe killing him? Kidd has had an awful life; a father who beat Kidd and his mother, but there have been happy moments, too. Kidd's mother sits him down at age 10 and tells him about his father's mental illness and reveals he will probably suffer from this disorder too. Kidd has so much trauma he deals with (he wants to be normal and happy); he is at Horizon's Group Home after he loses both parents. He has a best friend, Devon, who is evil- he constantly talks down to Kidd; berates him about everything (girls, boys, his parents) but he is also his one and only friend. then Kidd runs away before he is finished his therapy to a campground where he gets a sanitation job with Mr. Red, who is really kind to Kidd. My heart broke for Kidd; I wish I had known sooner about his severe health problems---this will be a book I will happily go back and read again---now knowing the whole back story. Tragic, yet hopeful, and highly recommended.

View all my reviews

The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Choksi

The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and Wednesday Books for the advance reader copy The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi in exchange for an honest review. From the first page, Roshani Chokshi held me captive with her drama and taut suspense as she worthily worldbuilds France in 1889 as well as the science, math, magic, and mythology in this sweeping tale of chasing one’s birthright, stealing treasures, and keeping close to those you love/work with. Not only is the plot full of intrigue, tension, and drama, the characters are strong and believable. I could not stop turning the pages. Severin, Tristan, Laila, Enrique, and Sofia work well together with their different abilities but they also have secrets too ---I am not a fan of Hypnos and think there is more we will learn about him. Toward the end, I was put off by Severin in his treatment (separately) of Tristan and Laila. I was not fond of the ending either and that said, the readers deserve MORE redemption, closure, hope, and happiness and less horror, heartbreak, and evil in Book 2, please.

View all my reviews

The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy (Montague Siblings, #2) by Mackenzi Lee

The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Moira Quirk's narration of Mackenzi Lee's 2nd book in the Montague Siblings was beyond enjoyable, awesome, and mesmerizing. I just could not stop listening to prickly Felicity, fiercely funny Monty, sweet Percy, best friend Johanna, and pirate Sym as they confront and confound the morals and sexism in 18th century Europe. The continuing deep abiding love between Percy and Monty made my heart glad while Felicity always fights to become a doctor, be visible in the world as a woman, and carve a place for herself in the world. Author Lee uses humor, adventure, and the marvel of little known sea dragons to reconnect Sim, Joanna and Felicity as strong women and strong friends. A must read!

View all my reviews

Tradition by Brendan Kiely

Tradition by Brendan Kiely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a good book, compelling read because even though it takes place at a private academy; the issues are in all high schools, whether public, private or parochial. Told from two points of view - Jules is the female protagonist who intimately familiar with the "traditions" taking place at Fullbrook Academy (and she is not going to take it anymore - thus earning her the "crazy" label and pretty friendless. Jamie is the male protagonist who is a new senior, had problems back home, and just wants to do the right thing. The only problem with both scenarios is the honest, real way Kiely writes about the school, the students, and the faculty. Timely issues being explored are sexism, rape, privilege, social class, and bullying. I loved Jules and Jamie and I ached for them and rooted for them. A must read for all teens, highly recommended!

View all my reviews

Truly Devious (Truly Devious #1) by Maureen Johnson

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this truly spine tingling YA mystery (even better, it is a series!!!) for #2jennsbookclub twitter chat taking place 10/11 at 8PM EST, join us for a great book and even better chat!!! Stevie is such an awesome female protagonist who knows who she is and what she wants - to go to Ellingham Academy and solve the Ellingham mystery & murders. She gets into the exclusive school despite her parents being against it (and Stevie) for a host of reasons that were so annoying. Stevie meets many different students, jumps into solving the mystery, and loves her classes. From day one though, Stevie senses something is weird and it will take the death of a student, tunnels, friends and their "isms" and makeout sessions that will scare Stevie into believing Truly Devious has struck again. Although I wasn't a fan of the ending; I was a fan of Maureen Johnson's awesome ability to write a detective/mystery thriller that had me gobbling up this suspenseful crime thriller. Highly recommended.

View all my reviews

Court of Fives by Kate Elliott

Court of Fives by Kate Elliott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this female author, protagonist fantasy series as part of #yearofya book chat to be held 1/30 at 8PM EST, come join the discussion! I must admit, I could not put this book down and I have to really thank bloggers, The Book Smugglers for their consistent discussion of Kate Elliott's series and oh did it fit perfectly with my chat this month, I am only SO sorry it took me this long to read- I can't wait to read the other books in the series too. I confess the world Jes and her family come from was horrible- all about social classes and since her father and mother never married- while her father was commanding armies in wars, Jes's mom was home (beautiful and kind) raising 4 girls and as the story begins her mother is pregnant with another and since she has not born a boy and no marriage...what happens when her father's patron dies (murdered by poison)is AWFUL for Jes and her family!!! Her Dad (must) make a decision that rocks Jes, her mom and sisters' worlds!!! Since their father was never home and there was no marriage (which was a bad thing) the girls were never allowed to go anywhere and it was a big secret that Jes competed behind a mask with the Court of Fives. On the day her father is honored due to his exploits in the war, Jes must slip out to compete and when she must throw her win (she can never take off that mask) an evil Lord finds her and makes her life hell because she is the best around in Court of Fives and he will have her (what is his final reason?). I could not put this book down, the writing, world building and characters as well as the political intrigue were all so well done but I ached for Jes and the threat of sending her to the mines by the evil lord. I loved her friendship with Kal, too. But she was plucky, kept looking at everything like it was the Court of Fives games, would not admit defeat and as a result I cannot wait to read, The Poisoned Blade, 2nd in the series!

View all my reviews

Beartown by Fredrik Backman

Beartown by Fredrik Backman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to Marin Ireland's stellar narration of Beartown which was a compelling tough read/listen. It was about hockey, small town nastiness, bullying, bullying, bullying. Backman chose to tell his story about a great team of boys, their families, the hockey mentality (which was not pretty to listen to over and over again) of the boys, the townspeople, the board, the sponsors and the families. Within all of this, Backman begins on the first page with a bang,bang, bang that continues to be hammered incessantly through the book (a little too much for me) and doesn't really get to the "crime" til so much later in the book. With the way Backman chose to tell the story, it was not so much based on interactions of the characters but thoughts of what could have been said, what was and was not done, therefore I did not really feel totally invested in the characters in the story but in their circumstances and how that played out in their town, Beartown and how it related to ice hockey. That being said, there were some characters I really enjoyed- they were deep, committed, passionate- Peter, his wife, Kira, his daughter Maya and her best friend as well as Benjie, his mom, Ramona, Ahmed. I tried to like the coach of the boys but he was a tough character especially when compared to the older coach, Soon, who was such an upstanding human being. Backman's portrayal of Benjie and his fierce personality and struggle with being a hockey player and gay broke my heart. On the other hand, Ahmed, was always bullied, was "of color" in a white town, his mother a worker at the rink- but when the time came- he stepped up and revealed the truth even at great cost to himself. A tough read and the bullying aspect was so ingrained in Beartown it was hard to take over and over again from my reader point of view.

View all my reviews

Winner Take All by Laurie Devore

Winner Take All by Laurie Devore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the advance reader copy Winner Take All by Laurie Devore in exchange for an honest review. Devore’s analysis of teen girls and how they are judged differently versus teen boys who get it all in high school, sports, academics, and life when they want it was gripping; if you love Courtney Summer’s books, you will not be able to put this intense, authentic look at teens battling to become WINNER take all. Before Nell became a student at the private school, Prep, she was a happy public middle school student. But when her mother becomes dean at Prep hired to make the status quo more equitable, Nell becomes so focused on always being the winner in every aspect of her life. But Nell will never be rich like most of the students at Prep. And Devore uses Nell’s flawed character perfectly as she butts heads daily for years with perfect, rich, smart athlete, Jackson Hart. I found Nell, Jackson, their friends and family all real flawed characters each dealing with life in messy ways. I was mesmerized by the Nell-Jackson relationship, I could not stop turning the pages as Nell takes on Jackson; she blasts him with her honesty and winner take all credo, while Jackson maintains his status, ego, and sick secrets. This is a book that will speak to so many teens; the cover was perfect too. The reader doesn’t have to always like Nell or Jackson all the time, but these two teens are scathingly explored as victims too of their parents, power, and identity. Will they find their true selves, a must read. Highly recommended!

View all my reviews

Be True to Me by Adele Griffin

Be True to Me by Adele Griffin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, what a read, another summer on Sunk Haven in 1976 and Jean and Fritz who have spent their summers sunning, working, and playing are really looking forward to a great few months. But the arrival of Gil Burke, a nephew who has never been acknowledged, has arrived and both Jean and Fritz want him. What happens as the summer unfolds and the reader learns from Jean and Fritz in separate chapters, is that both girls competition is not working at all. Jean is part of the island's upper crust while Fritz is an army brat who visits with her best friend, Julia ever summer. Jean is conflicted and wants to reinvent herself and meeting Gil before the summer begins in New York has her over the moon with all the plans she has with her and Gil as a couple. But as Gil arrives on the island, he meets and falls hard for Fritz who is a natural at everything. They fall hard for each other before Jean can even renew their original heat. I hated the snootiness of the islanders and how it made Gil & Fritz feel. I hated Jean's scheming and how it affects the three of them, literally could not put this book down, read it in one day!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Algonquin Young Readers for the Sneek Peek, Be True to Me by Adele Griffin. I read the few chapters provided and was completely hooked by the premise of this historical fiction summer beach read. Two teens, Jean Custis and Fritz O’Neill approach another Fire Island summer with excitement and a little dread as they vie for a guy, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. There are social classes, resentments, and many other drama going on in this delicious read. I have pre-ordered my copy of the book as soon as it comes out in June and I can’t wait to read it!!!

View all my reviews