Eyes Bottle Dark With a Mouthful of Flowers by Jake Skeets

Eyes Bottle Dark with a Mouthful of Flowers by Jake Skeets
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautiful, brutal, and needed poetry; an award winner, a must read!

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Chilren of Virtue and Vengeance (Legacy of Orisha, #2) by Tomi Adeyemi

Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I loved Bahni Turpin's narration but unfortunately not this 2nd book in Tomi Adeyemi's series. I did not like any of the characters from the first book; Zelie and Amari, Inan and his mother were all mean spirited, with their own agendas. The only character I liked was Zane and the Magi especially Mama. Not sure if I will be reading the 3rd book; especially if the hope and redemption is not there for the reader.

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Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Aven's life has gotten more complicated with her entrance into high school; oh did I love Dusti Bowling's writing, her characters, her honesty and Aven's adventures in friendship, family, horses and making her way in the world. I could not stop reading and admiring Aven; how she loves life but is crushed by the bullies who want to destroy her high school experience. And I loved how her friends Zion and his brother to name just a few, band together to help their friend. Another awesome book by Dusti Bowling and a must read for all.

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The Line Tender by Kate Allen

The Line Tender by Kate Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an awesome book- combining the beauty of life, the despair and grief of death, family, friends, sharks, the sea and just a very special book! I loved every word from debut author, Kate Allen and the realistic B&W shark drawings were breathtaking in their stark beauty. Lucy and her Dad are still grieving the loss of shark expert, mom, and wife. As Lucy and her best friend Fred work on a field guide for extra credit for school the reader learns just how special these 2 kids are. But every single character in Allen's book was special; I could not put this book down! I think everyone should read it for so many reasons; I am running out and getting a copy of this book to give to my friends to read! Highly recommended!

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Hungry Hearts: 13 Tales of Food & Love edited by Elise Chapman and Caroline Tung Richmond

Hungry Hearts: 13 Tales of Food & Love by Elsie Chapman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this book- all of the short stories interconnected around Hungry Heart Row were important, expressed so many feelings in the backdrop of food, restaurants, those working there and the people who visited the many different restaurants on Hungry Row. The YA authors' stories immersed me in the beauty of the food, the people, and the many meanings---a must read!

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From Twinkle With Love by Sandhya Menon

From Twinkle, with Love by Sandhya Menon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this Sandhya Menon book about a shy teen who doesn't really stand up for herself, loves to film, and laments the loss of her best friend, Maddy. When Twinkle is approached by Sahil Roy to direct a school project, she jumps at the chance to direct but also sees a way to date her crush, Neil who happens to be Sahil's twin. I loved every word in this romance, Twinkle's slow fall for Sahil, the high school infighting, and Sahil's total belief in Twinkle and the growth of her voice.

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Watermark (Broken Bell, Book 1) by Elise Schiller

Watermark by Elise Schiller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Told in alternating narratives by Angel’s sister and Angel’s best friend, this gritty urban fiction novel takes place in Philadelphia with oldest sister, Angel, ardent protector of her three younger sisters while juggling school, swim team practice, holding down a job at the laundromat all while their mother, Pic, is selfish, absent, abusive, drug addicted, alcoholic and married to Frank (who hates Angel, does not work, feeds Pic drugs and invective). What I loved about this book are the many supportive people in Angel’s life who step in and make a difference. When their mother is in rehab, their grandparents take them and provide a very stable environment. CJ is the coach of the swim team who sees Angel’s worth on the team while also grooming her to succeed in life; he is tough but fair and pushes Angel to swim her best time and time again, even when her life is falling apart. Angel is a teen; strong, flawed, but very likable; she speaks her mind (which pits her against her mother and Frank), is devoted to her sisters and friends. From Jeannine and Alex, their story/life of Angel, is riveting, shocking, and just so real. Jeannine has so much inner turmoil, she stops going to school, self medicates, rarely eats and leaves the house. Alex has the nice house, is best friends with Angel, and has a friendly mother where Angel feels comfortable enough to relax and even confide. The desperate search for Angel when she does not come home New Year’s Eve is heart wrenching. What happened to Angel and will she be found in time? A highly recommended ripped from the headlines read that teens and adults alike will not be able to put down. Even better, this is the first in a series, Broken Bell; I can’t wait for the second book. I love Elise Schiller’s writing, her characters, and portrayal of Philadelphia with beauty and authenticity. A must read! Due out in May, 2020.

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