HPL_Ari's Completed Shelf
Killer House PartyKiller House Party, Book
by Anderson, LilyBook - 2024 | First editionBook, 2024. First edition
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HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Feb 11, 2025
Blood at the RootBlood at the Root, Book
by Williams, LaDarrionBook - 2024 | First editionBook, 2024. First edition
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Added Feb 11, 2025
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Malik has always had magical abilities he didn't understand, and still has unanswered questions about his mother's mysterious death 10 years ago. Now 17, he's shocked to discover a grandmother he never knew existed, and along with their reunion, he joins the ranks at Caiman University, an HBCU full of magic. There, he explores his powers, reconnects with his childhood sweetheart, and puts the pieces together about his mother's disappearance.
Fantasy is not normally my favorite genre, but I really enjoyed this one! I would describe this as "low fantasy" because it still has real world elements, and it's easy for the reader to follow the world building because we're learning it alongside Malik. He felt like an authentic character, and I loved the relationship between him and his brother. This fantasy novel has a touch of romance and mystery too.
This would be a perfect book for fans of the Harry Potter series who want something that centers BIPOC characters, or for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers. "Blood at the Root" is the first in a series, with book 2 releasing later this year. I can't wait to see where the series goes!Malik has always had magical abilities he didn't understand, and still has unanswered questions about his mother's mysterious death 10 years ago. Now 17, he's shocked to discover a grandmother he never knew existed, and along with their reunion, he…
The Brightness Between UsThe Brightness Between Us, Book
by Schrefer, EliotBook - 2024 | First editionBook, 2024. First edition
HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Feb 01, 2025
Comment:
UGH I need someone to discuss this book with! I read "The Darkness Outside Us" when it was first released in 2021 and it easily became one of my favorite YA books of all time-- so when this sequel was announced I was a bit hesitant, because I wasn't sure how anything could live up to the first book, or how the author would even be able to continue the story. I'm happy to say that this was a sequel worth waiting for!
In alternating timelines, this book follows Ambrose & Kodiak's children, Yarrow and Owl, 17 years after their arrival on the planet Minerva, and the original Ambrose & Kodiak back on Earth, thousands of years ago as they discover the true nature of their mission. I'm really glad we got to see the original Ambrose & Kodiak, and explore their relationship, and I also loved Owl's character. At first I wasn't sure how the different timelines would relate to each other, but Schrefer did an excellent job weaving them together.
Much like with the first book, I would recommend going into this one without knowing too much because there are so many great twists (though you'll definitely want to start with "The Darkness Outside Us" first). Schrefer is great at intricate plotting. As someone who reads A LOT of YA books, I always am excited when I find out that breaks traditional YA formulas and is unpredictable. With both books in this series, I've been totally hooked and have had no idea where it was going.
Really looking forward to whatever Schrefer writes next!UGH I need someone to discuss this book with! I read "The Darkness Outside Us" when it was first released in 2021 and it easily became one of my favorite YA books of all time-- so when this sequel was announced I was a bit hesitant, because I wasn't…
The PairingThe Pairing, BookA Novel
by McQuiston, CaseyBook - 2024 | First editionBook, 2024. First edition
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HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Jan 29, 2025
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In this queer adult romance, two exes are unexpectedly reunited on a European food & wine tour-- the very same tour that they were supposed to go on four years ago. But four years ago, on their way to the tour, their relationship imploded and they broke up. But now, forced to spend time together on the tour, Theo and Kit begin to piece themselves back together and form a tentative friendship-- or is it more?
I wanted to love this but it ended up being "just okay" for me-- but that doesn't mean you won't love it! I really enjoyed McQuiston's previous novels, "Red, White & Royal Blue" and "One Last Stop" and sadly this one just didn't land the same for me. But overall, still a solid romance that I know many readers will love. This book is definitely a love letter to food & wine, but as someone who doesn't really care about wine, I found my attention waning during the long descriptions. I also felt like the plot dragged on quite a bit and there were several points where I felt that the story could have wrapped up. Again, this doesn't mean it's a bad book; I'm just not the right reader for it.
Check out "The Pairing" if you love food & wine, enjoy the second chance romance trope, or like vacation/travel focused novels!In this queer adult romance, two exes are unexpectedly reunited on a European food & wine tour-- the very same tour that they were supposed to go on four years ago. But four years ago, on their way to the tour, their relationship imploded and they…
HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Jan 23, 2025
Comment:
Why isn't this book getting more hype?! This was such a nuanced, beautiful exploration of family, race, intergenerational trauma, and uncovering history. It follows Noni, a teen girl who moves with her mother to live in the town her mom grew up in, and specifically the house in which her ancestors were once enslaved. Noni finds herself drawn into the family history and trauma connected to the house and town, and navigates her own sense of self and her relationship with her mother.
"Tangleroot" is a really powerful novel that tackles racism both in the present and the past. Noni was a complex character and I found the relationship between her and her mom really moving, especially as they grow to see and understand each other. This book is an interesting exploration of how our family history shapes us, and the ripple effects that trauma creates from generation to generation.
I gave this book 4.5 stars because it really is stunning, and so surprising that it's a debut! However, I will say that there were some clunky parts-- specifically, towards the end there is A LOT happening and I think it could have been edited a bit more, and there were some parts that stretched believability. But overall, such a lovely book that is perfect for fans of "We Deserve Monuments" by Jas Hammonds, or "Your Plantation Prom is Not Okay" by Kelly McWilliams.Why isn't this book getting more hype?! This was such a nuanced, beautiful exploration of family, race, intergenerational trauma, and uncovering history. It follows Noni, a teen girl who moves with her mother to live in the town her mom grew up in,…
Thanks for ListeningThanks for Listening, Book
by Horan, MollyBook - 2024 | First editionBook, 2024. First edition
HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Jan 23, 2025
Comment:
This was a fun, quick read! I enjoyed Molly's previous book, "Epically Earnest" and was glad to read more of her work. This one follows Mia, a girl who gives GREAT advice-- if only her friends would actually listen! Then she gets the brilliant idea to create an anonymous advice account, and she's thrilled when people finally start taking her advice. But as she finds herself keeping more and more of her friends secrets, things start to get complicated.
"Thank You For Listening" is one of those YA books where you know the protagonist is making horrible decisions that will absolutely blow up in their face, and you just are along for the ride. I think this one has some interesting discussions on friendship and boundaries that were well done. The main character is asexual, and I really appreciate that we got to see a romance featuring this identity! Her love interest is allosexual, and there were lots of thoughtful conversations about how they would navigate this in their relationship. Love to see an ace girl getting to fall in love and be true to herself!
Overall, a fun read that I would recommend to fans of Becky Albertalli, Marisa Kanter, or Kelly Quindlen! Not the most memorable book, but still enjoyable.This was a fun, quick read! I enjoyed Molly's previous book, "Epically Earnest" and was glad to read more of her work. This one follows Mia, a girl who gives GREAT advice-- if only her friends would actually listen! Then she gets the brilliant idea…
HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Jan 22, 2025
UltravioletUltraviolet, Book
by Salazar, AidaBook - 2024 | First editionBook, 2024. First edition
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HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Jan 07, 2025
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I've really loved all of Aida Salazar's books and was so excited for this one! And I'm happy to say that it absolutely lived up to my (very high) expectations. This middle grade novel in verse follows Elio, a boy who is navigating crushes, friendship, and identity.
This book unpacks toxic masculinity in a really thoughtful way. Elio's mother tries to teach him about feminism and allyship, and even with these teachings, he still stumbles along the way. I really liked the depiction of Elio's father as a man who is actively trying to work through his own complex feelings and unlearn toxic masculinity so he can set a better example for his son. I think Elio's story is definitely one that young readers, especially boys, need. Plus the fact that it's a novel in verse means that it is an approachable read.
"Ultraviolet" would be an excellent transitional read for tweens getting ready to move from middle grade to YA fiction. Perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds, Torrey Maldonado, or Lamar Giles.I've really loved all of Aida Salazar's books and was so excited for this one! And I'm happy to say that it absolutely lived up to my (very high) expectations. This middle grade novel in verse follows Elio, a boy who is navigating crushes,…
HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Dec 19, 2024
Comment:
It's so exciting when two authors you enjoy team up to write a book together! I've really loved Rebecca Podos's and Jamie Pacton's respective books in the past and was excited when they announced they were coming out with a YA novel together. And I'm happy to report that it did not disappoint.
This sapphic YA romance does what the best romances do: it delivers a swoony love story while also offering satisfying personal story arcs for each character. The romance between El and Jojo was sweet, but there's also a lot of depth as Jojo grieves her mother and El searches for her older sister. I was rooting for both of them from the beginning!
Since "Furious" involves racing--both cars and motorcycles--there are A LOT of references to "Fast & Furious" movies which I worry might turn off some readers if they're not into that series, but I found it endearing.
Overall, I really liked this one and hope to see Rebecca and Jamie team up to write more together!It's so exciting when two authors you enjoy team up to write a book together! I've really loved Rebecca Podos's and Jamie Pacton's respective books in the past and was excited when they announced they were coming out with a YA novel together. And…
HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Dec 16, 2024
Comment:
Deb Caletti's books tend to be hit-or-miss for me and this one was definitely a hit! It follows 16 year old Ivy as she and her boyfriend take a road-trip from their home state of Texas to Oregon so she can obtain an abortion, and along the way they discover new things about themselves, each other, and the world; in the characters' own words, it's an "abortion road trip love story."
This feminist coming-of-age novel does one of my favorite storytelling techniques: taking a big issue and zooming in on one specific person, and then exploring how that person's story connects to the bigger picture. As Ivy and her boyfriend Lorenzo stop along their route, Ivy meets other women who have had abortions or have otherwise been impacted by the reproductive rights debate. She bears witness to their stories and their choices (or lack of), and reflects on her own choice. It's a moving story about the power of having choices, reproductive rights, and abortion (something that 1 in 4 women experience).
I really loved this book and think it is so important! The main reasons this was 4 out of 5 stars for me was that the plot did feel a bit predictable and heavy-handed at times, and I found that the story structure felt really similar to "In a Heart in a Body in the World" ( a previous Caletti book that I loved).
I'm glad that this book exists, and I think it will resonate with many readers. Check it out if you loved "Unpregnant" or "Girls on the Verge"!Deb Caletti's books tend to be hit-or-miss for me and this one was definitely a hit! It follows 16 year old Ivy as she and her boyfriend take a road-trip from their home state of Texas to Oregon so she can obtain an abortion, and along the way they…
HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Dec 16, 2024
Comment:
Jas Hammonds is definitely a YA author to watch! I absolutely loved their debut "We Deserve Monuments" (it was my favorite book of 2022) and was super excited to pick up another book from them. I didn't love this one quite as much, but still really enjoyed it and would wholeheartedly recommend it.
This coming-of-age novel follows Blake, a queer biracial girl, during the summer before college as she, her girlfriend Ella, and best friend Annetta pledge to join an exclusive group called the Serena Society. Under the pressure of proving herself to the Serenas, Blake uses alcohol to cope; her life quickly begins to fall apart and she'll have to decide what she's willing to give up in order to put herself back together.
"Thirsty" is a really heartbreaking story about class, toxic relationships, and substance abuse. These topics are handled with care, without it ever feeling too didactic or like a cautionary tale. Blake's struggles feel authentic and real, and I think many readers will relate to her desire for a sense of belonging.
Definitely worth checking out if you like emotional coming of age stories like "Not About a Boy" by Myah Hollis or "We Weren't Looking to Be Found" by Stephanie Kuehn!Jas Hammonds is definitely a YA author to watch! I absolutely loved their debut "We Deserve Monuments" (it was my favorite book of 2022) and was super excited to pick up another book from them. I didn't love this one quite as much, but still really…
Twenty-four Seconds From NowTwenty-four Seconds From Now, BookA LOVE Story
by Reynolds, JasonBook - 2024 | First editionBook, 2024. First edition
HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Dec 04, 2024
Comment:
Honestly, everything Jason Reynolds writes is *chef's kiss* and this one is no different in that regard! This book does stand out quite a bit from his previous works as this one is a love story, which he's never done before. There aren't a lot of YA romances told from a boy's perspective so I was curious to see how I'd like this one. It was really sweet and beautiful, and I really adored Neon.
This book does deal directly with intimacy and sexuality, but is also just a lovely nuanced look at teen love. It's a non-linear love story that reveals snippets of Neon and Aria's relationship over the last 2 years, leading up to their first sexual experience together. It handles these topics very sensitively and appropriately for a teen audience, and I can see this book serving as a roadmap for teens in their first romantic relationships.
Overall, it's exactly what I expected from Jason Reynolds-- thoughtful, intentional, nuanced, and authentic. It's an ode to Black boyhood and young Black love, and was a delight to read. Read this is you've enjoyed his previous books, or if you liked "Not So Pure and Simple" by Lamar Giles, or the multi-author book "Blackout."Honestly, everything Jason Reynolds writes is *chef's kiss* and this one is no different in that regard! This book does stand out quite a bit from his previous works as this one is a love story, which he's never done before. There aren't a lot of YA…
I Am Still AliveI Am Still Alive, Downloadable AudiobookA Novel
by Marshall, Kate AliceDownloadable Audiobook - 2018 | UnabridgedDownloadable Audiobook, 2018. Unabridged
Available
HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Nov 15, 2024
Comment:
This book has been on my list to read for years and I'm so glad I finally read it! It has so many of the things I love in a book: angry girl protagonists and wilderness survival (what can I say? I will always be a "Boxcar Children" girlie at heart).
Jess is still reeling from the car accident that killed her mother and left her disabled when she's forced to move in with the father she's never known. She's a bit surprised to discover that he's a survivalist and she'll be living an "off the grid" lifestyle, and begins to suspect that her father has a dark past. When that dark past catches up with them, Jess finds herself alone in the wilderness with nothing but a dog and her dad's lessons to guide her. First, Jess can think of nothing but survival, but as she learns to survive in the brutal wilderness, she begins to think of another goal-- revenge.
"I Am Still Alive" is a super fast-paced survival book that will definitely be a hit with fans of the classic "Hatchet." I was rooting for Jess from the start and was on the edge of my seat the whole book. I can't believe I waited so long to read this one! I always love books set in the wilderness and I especially love books where girls get to be angry and unleash their rage.
The main reason this was 4 rather than a full 5 stars is that things felt a bit too convenient at times; for example, right as she's running out of food, bam! She finds a bunch. Obviously this book is geared towards teens so things had to stay a bit hopeful and not get too bleak, but it felt a little too easy at times.
Overall, such a riveting book that really delivers an emotional roller coaster! The end left me absolutely wrecked and I was SOBBING listening to the audiobook. Highly recommend.This book has been on my list to read for years and I'm so glad I finally read it! It has so many of the things I love in a book: angry girl protagonists and wilderness survival (what can I say? I will always be a "Boxcar Children" girlie at heart).…
InfestedInfested, BookAn MTV Fear Novel
by Colón, Angel LuisBook - 2023 | First MTV Books hardcover editionBook, 2023. First MTV Books hardcover edition
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HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Nov 05, 2024
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This was a fun teen horror novel that is a pretty quick read! It follows Manny, who has recently moved from Texas to the Bronx, where he begins investigating strange occurrences in his new apartment building. This book is full of creepy bugs and body horror, but also weaves in an important conversation about gentrification.
I really liked Manny and found him to be a really relatable character! I especially liked the friendship that forms between him and Sasha; it was really refreshing to see a boy & girl have a platonic friendship with no romance involved. If you're looking for a YA book without romance (since most YA novels at least have a romantic subplot), this would be a great pick!
For me, this book was a fun read but probably not one that will stick with me. It took a while for the horror elements to get going, and the story did feel a bit predictable. I think if you're an avid horror reader, this one probably won't wow you, but if you're new to reading horror and just want to try something spooky but not too terrifying, this would be a great fit. I think it would pair great with "Burn Down, Rise Up" by Vincent Tirado, which is also a horror novel set in the Bronx that deals with gentrification and history.This was a fun teen horror novel that is a pretty quick read! It follows Manny, who has recently moved from Texas to the Bronx, where he begins investigating strange occurrences in his new apartment building. This book is full of creepy bugs and…
The Blonde Dies FirstThe Blonde Dies First, Book
by Wellington, JoelleBook - 2024 | First editionBook, 2024. First edition
HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Nov 04, 2024
Comment:
This was a fun horror novel that is perfect if you enjoyed "You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight" by Kalynn Bayron or "There's No Way I'd Die First" by Lisa Springer! It follows Devon and her group of friends as they try to outsmart a demon that has its sights set on them. Realizing that the demon is following the kill pattern from a horror movie, they figure out that they must use their knowledge of horror film tropes to outsmart it.
Since this book delves into horror tropes, it would definitely be a fun read for those who are super into the horror genre! The scenes with the demon were super creepy and the author did a great job building up the tension. This book also does what great horror novels should do: weave in deeper themes amidst the horror. There's a powerful story about sisterhood as Devon is terrified of losing her sister Drew, who is graduating early and starting her own life. There's also a queer romantic subplot, though it's not the focus of the story. Overall, an enjoyable read!
That being said, I did wish the pacing had been more even. There were some really fast-paced creepy scenes, but then very long stretches in between where not much happened and the characters were just sort of hanging out (despite knowing that a demon is after them!). I think it could have been edited & tightened up a bit to have a more even pace. Ultimately I think I was missing a sense of urgency from the characters.
This one definitely kept me hooked and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author!This was a fun horror novel that is perfect if you enjoyed "You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight" by Kalynn Bayron or "There's No Way I'd Die First" by Lisa Springer! It follows Devon and her group of friends as they try to outsmart a demon that has…
A Darker MischiefA Darker Mischief, Book
by Milman, DerekBook - 2024 | First editionBook, 2024. First edition
HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Oct 30, 2024
Comment:
Such a page turner! This dark academia romantic thriller follows Cal, a misfit transfer student at an elite boarding school, as he attempts to earn a spot in a secret society in order to reinvent himself. Along the way, he falls head-over-heels for Luke, a classmate who is as full of charisma as he is of darkness. As the society's demands become more and more dangerous, Cal will have to ask himself how far he's willing to go to earn his place.
This was such a chilling book and I really didn't know what was going to happen next! It just got more and more unhinged. Cal was a very complex character-- one who is soft and vulnerable, just looking for his place in the world. His backstory was interesting and unfolded in a slow yet satisfying way. The romance between him and Luke was all-consuming and will definitely appeal to readers who enjoy dark romance.
I appreciate how this novel addressed the concept of being the "other" and how the vulnerable and oppressed are often preyed upon. I do think there were some elements of the story that could have been fleshed out better and I'm not quite sure what I thought about the ending, but overall I really enjoyed this one!
Check it out if you love dark academia or thrillers like "Ace of Spades" or "Very Bad People"!Such a page turner! This dark academia romantic thriller follows Cal, a misfit transfer student at an elite boarding school, as he attempts to earn a spot in a secret society in order to reinvent himself. Along the way, he falls head-over-heels for…
HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Oct 29, 2024
Comment:
Easily one of my favorite books of 2024! "Everything We Never Had" follows four generations of young men in a Filipino family. This novel sprawls from 1930 to 2020 and tackles masculinity, identity, father-son relationships, and the idea of the "American Dream."
The characters: Francisco, a young man who immigrates to Watsonville, CA from the Philippines in the 1930s and becomes embroiled in the farm workers' rights movement while struggling against racism, culture shock, and economic hardship; Emil, Francisco's son, in the 1960s, as he struggles with a complicated relationship with his father and dreams of pursuing an education despite racial prejudice; Chris, Emil's son (and Francisco's grandson), in the 1980s as he tries to learn more about Filipino heritage & history despite his father's pressure to assimilate; and finally, Enzo, Chris's son, in 2020 as a global pandemic hits and he tries to mend the rift between the men of his family.
In novels with multiple POVs, sometimes they end up lacking character development because there just isn't enough space for each character to have a meaningful arc. But in this one, I felt like the author did an excellent job giving each character an impactful story, and the individual POVs really built on one another. I really loved each of their stories.
This book really touches upon the complexity of the immigrant experience and what it means to be the child or grandchild of immigrants. It's about intergenerational trauma, and how assimilation creates ripple effects throughout a family that ultimately hurts everyone. This book really resonated with me as a reader of Filipino-American descent, but I think it will similarly resonate with any readers who have been impacted by intergenerational trauma.
Highly recommend!Easily one of my favorite books of 2024! "Everything We Never Had" follows four generations of young men in a Filipino family. This novel sprawls from 1930 to 2020 and tackles masculinity, identity, father-son relationships, and the idea of the…
HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Oct 09, 2024
Comment:
This book was absolutely unhinged and WILD. I flew through the audiobook so fast because I needed to know what was happening. It presents a really unique take on the Final Girl trope: what happens to the Final Girl after the horror movie ends?
Sloan and her girlfriend Cherry are Final Girls-- they survived a summer camp massacre together. Since then, Sloan has struggled to move forward with her life but her relationship with Cherry has served as one small bright spot. But as Sloan tries to piece together what happened that fateful night, she begins to suspect that Cherry's not telling her the whole story. What if Cherry wasn't just a lucky survivor like Sloan?
"The Last Girls Standing" follows Sloan as she spirals, desperately trying to uncover the truth about Cherry, the massacre, and even herself. It's a psychological thriller starring an unreliable narrator and is honestly just a whirlwind! There were so many points where I thought I knew what was happening and then discovered I was 100% wrong. This book does get dark and creepy, so be aware if you prefer your thrillers on the more mild side.
Pick this one up if you like unhinged thrillers full of twists, unreliable narrators, and books starring queer characters!This book was absolutely unhinged and WILD. I flew through the audiobook so fast because I needed to know what was happening. It presents a really unique take on the Final Girl trope: what happens to the Final Girl after the horror movie…
BrownstoneBrownstone, Graphic Novel
by Teer, SamuelGraphic Novel - 2024Graphic Novel, 2024
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HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Oct 08, 2024
Here Lies A Vengeful BitchHere Lies A Vengeful Bitch, Book
by Crowley, CodieBook - 2024 | First editionBook, 2024. First edition
HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Oct 08, 2024
Comment:
This was a fun paranormal mystery that was very entertaining! I listened to the audiobook and finished it within a day because I couldn't put it down. It follows Annie, notorious town bad girl who wakes up after being murdered and sets out to uncover the truth about who killed her-- and get revenge. Along the way, she makes some new friends and discovers new things about herself.
"Here Lies a Vengeful Bitch" probably won't be for everyone: Annie is a bit of an unlikeable character who has made a lot of irresponsible choices (one of my favorite quotes from her is "I'd rather be dead than good."), and the novel has a very dark and sardonic tone. I can see people either loving or hating this book, but I personally enjoyed it as I loved the blend of paranormal with mystery.
The mystery was much more engrossing than I anticipated; I thought it was fairly obvious who killed Annie but there ended up being a lot more twists than I expected and I was totally wrong! The romance was a nice addition, and I also really loved the friendship between Annie and Maura.
One complaint I have is that it got off to a bit of a slow start-- it takes Annie quite a while to realize she's dead even though it is extremely obvious to the reader. Once she made that realization, the plot moved pretty fast but the slow lead up was a bit frustrating. But I'm glad I stuck with it! I do wish certain elements of the novel had been fleshed out a bit more, but overall I had a lot of fun listening to this one.
Read this if you love a good revenge story, female characters who aren't concerned with being "good," or paranormal mysteries. This book is also a must-read if you enjoyed "Undead Girl Gang" by Lily Anderson or "Monstrous" by Jessica Lewis!This was a fun paranormal mystery that was very entertaining! I listened to the audiobook and finished it within a day because I couldn't put it down. It follows Annie, notorious town bad girl who wakes up after being murdered and sets out to…
HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Oct 04, 2024
Comment:
This was my second read from Kyrie McCauley and I think she's a really underrated YA author! Her writing is very visceral and emotional, and I really appreciate how she weaves subtle feminist themes into her work. Her books are often about how girls navigate trauma, but they don't feel gratuitous.
In "Bad Graces," we meet Liv, a girl who has grown up in foster care and has always been considered the "bad seed" compared to her twin sister. As a last attempt at getting her life together, Liv steals her sister's identity in order to score an internship. But the yacht she's traveling on is sunk during a storm, and Liv finds herself stranded on an island alongside several other girls. There, they discover unsettling things but also find hope and love.
I don't want to give too much away, but this book is very much about the traumas that many girls face and how these traumas change us. It's about girls healing, taking up space, and building a community for themselves-- a place where girls can be angry, messy, and ugly.
"Bad Graces" is a genre-blending book that has elements of contemporary fiction, horror, and magical realism. This would be PERFECT for you if you're a fan of "Wilder Girls" by Rory Power (one of my personal favorites!).
This book really kept me hooked, but I gave it 4 out of 5 stars because I felt that some of the characters were difficult to tell apart, and I think there was something missing from the narrative that might have given it a bit more impact. I also wasn't quite sure how I felt about the ending! But overall, still a solid book that I enjoyed.This was my second read from Kyrie McCauley and I think she's a really underrated YA author! Her writing is very visceral and emotional, and I really appreciate how she weaves subtle feminist themes into her work. Her books are often about how girls…
Saving SunshineSaving Sunshine, Graphic Novel
by Faruqi, SaadiaGraphic Novel - 2023 | First editionGraphic Novel, 2023. First edition
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HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Oct 02, 2024
Comment:
Such a sweet, wholesome graphic novel for kids! I've enjoyed Saadia Faruqi's work in the past and was really excited to pick this one up. It follows twins Zara and Zeeshan, who couldn't be more different, as they're forced to spend time together on a family trip. Reluctantly, they explore the beach together and end up stumbling upon a sick turtle. Together, they set out to save the turtle--whom they've named Sunshine--and along the way, they gain new understanding for each other.
This is a really relatable story for anyone who has a sibling, and I think it's a great conversation starter on how you can still get along with someone even if you have different interests. It also touches a bit upon racism, Islamophobia, and microaggressions, though those aren't necessarily the focus of the story. Overall, it's a really sweet, well-illustrated story of two siblings learning to really see each other and work together for positive change.
The only reason this isn't a full 5 stars is because the ending felt a bit rushed to me, but it's definitely a lovely graphic novel worth picking up!Such a sweet, wholesome graphic novel for kids! I've enjoyed Saadia Faruqi's work in the past and was really excited to pick this one up. It follows twins Zara and Zeeshan, who couldn't be more different, as they're forced to spend time together on…
Time and Time AgainTime and Time Again, Book
by Greenfield, ChathamBook - 2024Book, 2024
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HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Sep 28, 2024
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I hadn't heart too much about this one so I didn't know much going in, but I ended up really loving it! It follows two queer Jewish teens trapped in a time loop together--and as they repeat the same day over and over again, they fall in love. But will they be able to break free of the loop to explore their future together? And what will happen to their relationship when tomorrow finally comes?
Time loop romances have been pretty popular in YA for a couple years now, and I think this book does a great job of bringing fresh new elements to the trope. Phoebe is chronically ill and has an upcoming appointment with a specialist, which is one of her main motivations in trying to escape the time loop. The romance between Phoebe and Jess was really sweet and tender, and I really appreciated that they were ex-friends who were not only falling in love, but also finding their way back to each other as friends.
The biggest challenge of time loop books, in my opinion, is keeping the story interesting when the characters are just living the same day over and over again. Greenfield does a great job of still creating growth and momentum as the characters learn more about themselves (and enjoy consequence-free life!). I also really liked that when the book starts, Phoebe has already been trapped in the time loop for a while; I love when a book jumps right into the meat of the story! I will note that I predicted the ending, but it was still enjoyable.
In terms of rep, both characters are Jewish lesbians; Phoebe is chronically ill and plus-sized, Jess is non-binary and disabled.
Overall, this is a really sweet, unapologetically queer speculative romance perfect for readers who enjoyed "See You Yesterday" by Rachel Lynn Solomon or "If I See You Again Tomorrow" by Robbie Couch.I hadn't heart too much about this one so I didn't know much going in, but I ended up really loving it! It follows two queer Jewish teens trapped in a time loop together--and as they repeat the same day over and over again, they fall in love. But…
What's Eating Jackie Oh?What's Eating Jackie Oh?, Book
by Park, PatriciaBook - 2024 | First editionBook, 2024. First edition
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Holds: 0 on 1 copy
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Sep 26, 2024
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This was my second read from Patricia Park and I really enjoyed it! It follows Korean American teen Jackie as she competes on a cooking competition show. She's trying to prove to her family that her dreams are worth following, and also fighting stereotypes in the culinary industry.
The cooking competition element was really fun, and I think readers who enjoy watching "Top Chef" or "Chopped" will really love this book. Jackie goes on a journey to find her culinary point of view; at the beginning of the book, she believes that French cooking is superior but eventually embraces fusion food, which she realizes reminds her of the melting pot that she grew up with in New York. I really loved seeing her grow, although I do wish that her obsession with French cooking and the way she viewed it as superior was unpacked a bit more (since there is a lot of elitism, classism, and white supremacy woven into that stance in the food world).
Jackie's relationship with her grandparents was really beautiful, and I also loved seeing her and her mom reconcile and learn to see each other. This book touches upon immigrant identity, the "American Dream," and intergenerational trauma in a really authentic way. What was most interesting to me was probably the dynamics with Jackie's older brother, who is incarcerated. His incarceration has caused a ripple effect in their family, and Jackie desperately wants to repair it. I found that to be the most compelling element of the story.
Why this wasn't 5-stars for me: I found Jackie to be a bit unlikeable, especially towards the beginning; she grew a lot throughout the book but I feel like the way she treated others was sometimes unkind and not addressed. I don't want to reveal any spoilers, but something very heavy happens towards the end of the book and I felt like there wasn't enough time for the readers to process it.
Ultimately, still an enjoyable read that fans of cooking shows will enjoy! Check this one out if you liked "The Dos and Donuts of Falling In Love" by Adiba Jaigirdar or "A Taste for Love" by Jennifer Yen.This was my second read from Patricia Park and I really enjoyed it! It follows Korean American teen Jackie as she competes on a cooking competition show. She's trying to prove to her family that her dreams are worth following, and also fighting…
A Drop of VenomA Drop of Venom, Book
by Patel, SajniBook - 2024 | First editionBook, 2024. First edition
HPL_Ari's rating:
Added Sep 23, 2024
Comment:
This was a powerful book, though I have to admit that I found it tough to read due to the content! It's a retelling of the Medusa myth, so I knew going into the book that it was going to deal with sexual assault, but it definitely ended up being even heavier than I'd anticipated.
In this book, the Medusa tale is retold with a framework of Indian folklore and culture. The setting was vivid and lush, with the story really coming to life. I did feel like the violence (both physical violence and sexual violence) felt a bit too gratuitous to the point where it was very upsetting and difficult to read at times. I still think it's a really powerful story and I enjoyed the author's writing, but there were some very graphic scenes where I think a fade-to-black moment would have sufficed.
Ultimately, I do think this was a good book and I think some readers will really enjoy it! As a librarian, I would proceed with caution when recommending this as I could see it being very triggering for some readers; I will most likely recommend it to older, very mature teens, or to adults.This was a powerful book, though I have to admit that I found it tough to read due to the content! It's a retelling of the Medusa myth, so I knew going into the book that it was going to deal with sexual assault, but it definitely ended up being…
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