Sisters by Raina Telgemeier

Sisters by Raina Telgemeier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Raina has always wanted a sister, until she got one. Amira is not easy to get along with and a road trip with Mom and baby brother Will during the summer really stretches the familial bonds. I laughed out loud with the authentic family scenes of fighting, arguing, one-upping, and drama all around. Raina's childhood rings true with her bright illustrations; this is a cross over book as well since Raina is entering high school. A book one and all will enjoy.

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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!

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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!

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Breath Like Water by Anna Jarzab

Breath Like Water by Anna Jarzab
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Teen (U.S. & Canada) and Inkyard Press for the Advance Reader Copy, Breath Like Water by Anna Jarzab in exchange for an honest review. Teens will love reading about Susannah’s journey as a swimmer, friend, daughter, and girlfriend as she swims to capture a coveted honor, only to lose it. Jarzab’s novel is riveting; the competition is exciting and harsh with Susannah seriously doubting herself as she tries once again, with a new coach, and supportive guy to claim a spot in the Olympics. I ached for Susannah, Beth, and Harry as they navigate the tough world of swimming, practices, family, and friends. Having no social life for Susannah is a must because of swimming demands (time, money, friends) but what if Susannah tries to make the time for Harry Matthews, who is totally into her, will she be able to handle it? Readers will root for Susannah and Harry as they navigate life, swimming, mental illness, and family. This is a must-read that nails the fear and anxiety Harry suffers as a result of being diagnosed and living with bipolar disorder. He confides only to Susannah and does not want his friends or the world to know about his mental illness as he grapples with past memories, taking meds, and dealing with the highs and lows that are bipolar disorder. Both families are supportive of Susannah and Harry. It is the main coach, Dave, who hires another coach, Beth (she becomes Susannah’s coach) who does the most damage to Susannah. As her lifelong coach, Dave is a control freak who mentally and verbally pits his swimmers against themselves and their teammates. This damage really stunts Susannah with her growth, confidence, and her trust. I could not stop turning the pages as the tension builds between the coaches. This is the perfect book for teens, about athletics, mental illness, friendship, family, and the fears of hiding your true self. Susannah and Harry are teens we all need to know, highly recommended!

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Immoral (Jonathan Stride, #1) by Brian Freeman

Immoral by Brian Freeman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awesomely read by Joe Barrett, this audiobook kept me listening. My first intro to Brian Freeman as a mystery author was with the Audible title, The Deep Deep Snow and being riveted from page one, I have decided to read all his mysteries. Contrary to some reviews I liked the sexual exploits, it made the detectives lives deeper, more human and believable. I loved Jonathan Stride and am so glad there is a series about him! I will be binge reading those books and I see he has another series which I want to read as well. I liked learning about the world of Duluth and Las Vegas as seen through Stride's eyes. The characterizations and plot kept this mystery lover wading into the crime, the courtroom drama and the fall out. Highly recommended!

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The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to my librarian friend and reading buddy for this wonderful recommendation involving history and librarians and even better, 5 strong librarians promoting reading to those in the far rural areas of Kentucky. I listened to the audiobook, awesomely narrated by Julia Whelan, one of my favorite narrators on Audible. In this audiobook, Whelan's voices for Fred and Sven made my reading heart thump with their conviction and support of Margery and Alice as well as the Pack Horse Library. The 5 librarians Margery, Alice, Izzy, Beth and Sophia find the true meaning of friendship within their library family; they become a whole, a force to be reckoned with, and overcome the racism and judgments from the small minded, vindictive townspeople. The horses who carry each woman are even just as special to each of these women (they become friends, talk to their horses, worry about them and feed and care for them in a special way) and they grow exponentially as a result of their books helping and sustaining those on their route while forming important relationships with the families and their children. I fell in love with the beauty of Kentucky, the history of its people, and the power of books to change their lives. I could not stop listening to Julia Whelan's narration and when I wasn't listening I was worrying about these women who came to mean so much to me-their bravery, honesty, willingness to fight for the Pack Horse Library, the families they served, and come to aid of those in need (the flood). I am grateful to Jojo Moyes for this book and learning about the Roosevelts and their charge to light up the lives of those in the 1930s with the WPA bringing books, conversation, and education to those in the outer reaches of Kentucky. In addition, Jojo Moyes crafted a rip roaring good story filled with highs and lows, hopes realized and offering an awesome redemptive ending---highly recommended!

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A Cold Trail (Tracy Crosswhite, #7) by Robert Dugoni

A Cold Trail by Robert Dugoni
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dugoni has done it again---I love this Tracy Crosswhite series; Book 7 has Tracy and her husband, Dan now parents, re-visiting Cedar Grove while their Seattle home is being renovated. With a nanny Therese taking care of Daniella both Tracy and Dan have separate cases that become intertwined. I read this thriller in one day; Dugoni's story had my heart pounding, turning those pages; can't wait for the next Dugoni book!

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