Love, Hate, and Other Filters by Samira Ahmed

Love, Hate and Other Filters by Samira Ahmed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this book since I read it when it came out & now there will be a #2jennsbookclub chat Thursday 11/8 at 8PM EDT- join us for a great book discussion. I really liked the narration of Soneela Nankani - she got Maya's insecurities, her parents' with their restrictive suffocation, and best friend Violet, crush Phil, and awesome Aunt Hina. A must read, ripped from the headlines novel dealing with racism, hatred, terrorism, and smothering family expectations.

This debut novel by Samira Ahmed is one all teens need to read- not only does it cover love, longing, restrictive parents, Islamophobia, and bullying but Maya's life rings true as the only Indian and Muslim in her school, parents who came to America but have not really progressed as Americans-they are successful without being devout, and are suffocating in their love and expectations for their only child. Thank god Maya has a close friend in Violet, a job she loves at a book store and her trusty camcorder which helps Maya see the world as a worthy documentary to be filmed, cataloged and kept for posterity. As a senior, Maya has not told her parents she wants to go to film school yet has applied and been accepted to NYU. Maya has been crushing on Phil since 7th grade and with his break-up maybe Maya will have a chance now. I really liked Phil, Violet, and Maya's aunt, Hina ( a successful graphic designer, has not married and so so supportive of Maya) and the positive changes and strength Maya garners when there is a hate crime perpetrated close to home, make this a must read for teens. Highly recommended.

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Odd One Out by Nic Stone

Odd One Out by Nic Stone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What did I like about this book??? Everything---characters Courtney/Cooper (best friend & in love with Jupiter for 11 years) Jupiter (proudly gay, best friend to Courtney & interested in new girl) Rae is the new girl (afraid she will have no friends in a new school but gets Jupiter to acknowledge with words and actions as a new likable part of her personality) and is besties (interested in) with Cooper & Jupiter. Nic Stone hit another homerun with this must read book about teens, labels, friendships, romance, and love. I could not put it down, loved all their voices, insecurities, yearnings, and rants. Even Cooper's basketball & cheer friends, his mom, Jupiter's dads, and Rae's dad were real authentic characters, friends, and interested but not overdone family members. Teens will most certainly be interested in ALL that this relatable books covers; highly recommended!

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Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, I just loved this graphic novel & memoir as the author describes his life being raised by his grandparents, never seeing his mother and never knowing his father---sounds bleak doesn't it? Add the argumentative, harsh grandparents and life must be pretty tough for Jarrett---but it isn't ---this memoir is a love song to his devoted grandparents who raised him with love, support, and deep pride. When Jarrett is given art lessons as a gift by his grandparents---he wants to make them proud too. This book is heartbreaking but it is also uplifting---Jarrett has a loving family without his mother (he misses her desperately as a child) ---he has cousins, aunts and uncles. As he grows up---he is told more about his mother (she is a drug addict and in jail---but she loves him deeply) and later in the book, meets his father and 1/2 sister and brother and builds and adds to his meaning of family. I especially loved the Author's Note---it made me cry (a happy cry) because Jarrett has learned through his wife, therapy, his children and the backdrop of his loving grandparents how necessary a stable family is for love, laughter and memories. A raw, honest must read YA readers will identify with, talk about and pass around to their friends!

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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!

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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!

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Rich People Problems (Crazy Rich Asians #3) by Kevin Kwan

Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved the final book in the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy; you learn so much more about Nicky's grandmother growing up, the history of Tyersall Park, and more about the family members. I listened to this book as well and enjoyed Lydia Look's narration. I really did not like Kitty, Colette, Eddie and of course all of Eleanor Young's friends and in laws pressuring Nick and Rachel to have children. I am still in love with Nick & Rachel, loved Rachel's college friend, Alistair was given more time, and some of the new characters were just so much fun. I will be sorry to see this series end, but I won't miss the meanness of many, the judgements of many, but I liked how the book ended.

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Meet Cute complied by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Meet Cute: Some People Are Destined to Meet by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this YA short story collection of romances; every story was awesome! My favorites were The Intern by Sara Shepard and The Dictionary of You and Me by Jennifer L. Armentrout.

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