Slonim Woods 9: A Memoir by Daniel Barban Levin

Slonim Woods 9: A Memoir by Daniel Barban Levin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Awesomely narrated by Jay Myers, this nonfiction account of a modern cult at Sarah Lawrence College concerns Daniel in his sophomore year and how he becomes involves in a cult with his friends. Daniel is friends with Talia, Santos, Claudia, and Isabella and one day Talia asks these friends if her Dad, Larry Ray, can live with them after he gets out of prison and they all say YES! Once in, Larry takes over at first in a small way, then it more insidious and exploitive, yet the friends do not see how Larry is isolating them, humiliating them and turning them against everyone who loves them. So compelling and a must read!

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The Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley

Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This audiobook & the story WERE SO GOOD! Awesomely narrated by Isabella Star LaBlanc, this reader was treated to an awesome story, a kick-ass heroine, and immersed in the Ojibwe tribe which Daunis is not a member of (yet). When her best friend is murdered by her boyfriend who then takes his life, Daunis is asked to go undercover by the FBI to find out who is responsible for meth production in the tribe---and oh does she get involved in so much more than that. She is partnered with an FBI agent posing as a high school hockey player. I was glued to the story, the history, the traditions in the community and hockey teams. I highly recommend this suspenseful story; it offers a look into Native beliefs, practices, and traditions in this amazing must read story.

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The Deal (Off-Campus, #1) by Elle Kennedy

The Deal by Elle Kennedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first Elle Kennedy romance I have read and oh did I enjoy Hannah and Graham. They were both believable college students, Graham the jock and Hannah a music Major. But they bring their real selves to their friendship which begins with Graham stalking Hannah to tutor him so he won't get kicked off the ice hockey team. As Captain, Graham has lots of friends and girls who chase him. But Hannah works, is a good student and is in the annual music show, and she does not have many friends, does not drink and does not go to frat parties. I liked the slow way their bickering friendship proceeded and as they begin to tell each other things that they have not told to too many people, my fingers were crossed. A really great book to begin the Off-Campus series, I can't wait to read more Elle Kennedy romances!

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Love Songs and Other Lies by Jessica Pennington

Love Songs & Other Lies: A Novel by Jessica Pennington
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge and Tor Teen for the advance reader copy, Love Songs and Other Lies by debut author, Lisa Pennington, in exchange for an honest review. Oh, did I love this story; I also think this awesome debut is a YA story but can also be put into the new adult genre since the characters are college age. Vee and Cam’s story was heartbreaking, breathtaking, and I rooted for them to hang in there (despite Cam’s past) and prosper as a couple. Pennington’s use of THEN and NOW as well as Cam’s or Vee’s point of view was critical in establishing what was happening (took place) in the past as well as the present for the main characters. Vee’s progression was great to read; she was an attentive granddaughter, funny, great singer and songwriter and good friend to her band members. As she becomes friends with Cam, the reader is treated to her snarkiness, wanting to just be friends with Cam, despite her growing feelings. I liked the way as time went on, she shared everything with Cam and wished her honesty led him to break down his terrifying walls of blame and self-hatred. The music element of being in a band, writing songs, and how the music moves Vee and Cam was so exciting; I loved the tour, the tightness of the band members, especially her best friend, Logan. The drama of the tour, what went down between Vee and Cam, kept me mesmerized and turning the pages. This is a great beach read, teens will love the music, band aspect, as well as the reality TV drama in this emotionally charged second chance winner!

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Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi

Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Totally awesome book! I would love to see this as a duology, there is so much more I want to know about Penny and Sam's journey and romance!!! Debut author, Mary H.K. Choi uses texts between 2 awkward characters as a way of forging a friendship. Penny is new to college and has a roommate who is rich, kind, has an annoying best friend who is selfish, and also an uncle, Sam, who works in a coffee house on campus. Penny and Sam have different kinds of issues, but they both seem to be in sync - for example, the first time they meet - they are both wearing the same shoes and black outfits!!! The college setting is great because the reader sees Penny in school, while Sam is struggling to stay in college. There are so many issues that were really effectively dealt with such as mothers and daughters, sexual assault, friendship, race, families, and finally the emergence of love. I loved this book so much but I still want to know more about their journey. The ending was awesome (so many YA books are downers and that makes me so sad, for teens - they deserve to see happy endings are possible) and hopeful, yay for Sam and Penny! A must-read, enjoyable and one teens will be discussing (especially with the social media, texting aspect). A favorite for me!!!

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