A Gentleman's Guide To Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this amazing audiobook narrated by Christian Coulson as part of the 2018 HUB Reading Challenge and this book also won Best Fiction & Stonewall awards! Oh did I love this book!!! Monty, Percy, and Felicity were the best and strong protagonists in this 18th century adventure that shines a light on sexism (poor Felicity) racism (Percy and the pirates) and violence and abuse (toward Monty). Monty can't wait to tour Europe for a year - lots of drinking, women and men and the time to think over and over again how much he loves his best friend, Percy. Having grown-up with each other they have spent all of their time together. But as Monty gets into trouble- kicked out of Eaton- his father makes sure this will not be their FUN TOUR and sends a guide along to babysit them and make them endure all the culture and none of the fun. I loved seeing spoiled, brash, self-centered Monty step up- he really does take risks for others, while I did not like to see him so thoroughly drunk all the time because then he would do and say things that got them all into trouble. But when Monty learns Percy has kept a secret from him, he does not give up in trying to keep Percy with him, trying to save him, and also in the process becoming a new, improved Monty. I loved his optimism and joy of life and his can do spirit. A roaring great read/audiobook. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series about Felicity!!!

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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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