I must say, I didn't expect the book to go the direction it did. I'm not religious, although I grew up in the evangelical, protestant, Lutheran church in Europe. I would say that our church is one of the most liberal of all. And what is being described in this book is something I can not even wrap my mind around, and I can see that there will be some readers who will feel very different about this book.... Read More
Any Way the Wind Blows by Rainbow Rowell | AUDIOBOOK REVIEW | Simon Snow #3
What can I say I’m in love with this series. I listened to the audiobook of Carry On in February of 2018 and was immediately in love with Simon and Baz, and also Penelope. Loved the narration, the voices, and the friendships.... Read More
Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth | AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
2021 has been a year of really great YA contemporary novels for me. I explored so many new authors because of it, and read books that really stood out from the crowd.... Read More
Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee | YA AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
I read my first book by this author, The Downstairs Girl at the end of 2019, and really enjoyed it. The author has a wonderful way of telling historic tales with a focus on Asian characters. And when I saw the author was coming out with a new book I knew I wanted to read it. Even with Titanic in the title.... Read More
House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland | AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
I love reading outside my comfort zone, and anything that even sounds like horror is usually on my no-go list. BUT I made exceptions in the past. Earlier this year I read RING SHOUT, and last year I picked up The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires. Both books had some really creepy moments but mostly they were really original stories with a smidgen of horror. I also love it when a novel is atmospheric, eery, and has a darker vibe. Both Simone St. James novels, The Sundown Motel and Broken Girls fit that bill.... Read More
Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonado | AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
The cover made me pick it up, but the blurb easily convinced me that this was a book I wanted to read. Over the last couple years I have been reading more and more coming of age novels and although not everyone hits the spot, but I'm always glad I read them... Read More
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter | YA BOOK REVIEW
Recently I read so many great YA contemporary romances, like Perfect on Paper, and The Summer of Broken Rules. Every single one has been a wonderful young adult rom-com that checked all the boxes for me.... Read More
The Summer of Broken Rules by KL Walther | YA BOOK REVIEW
Last year I fell in love with K.L. Walther's debut novel If We Were Us. I loved the author's writing. During a time when I struggle concentrating on books, I'm grateful for the books that manage to ensnare me easily, and turn into one sitting novels.... Read More
Fable & Namesake by Adrienne Young | AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
First I wanted to talk about how much I adore the book covers. I think they are the most gorgeous designs ever. And the way they fit so perfectly together is a dream. I can't describe how much it pleases me to look at them next to each other. Kudos to the designer.... Read More
Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson | AUDIOBOOK REVIEW | A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder #2
I love a well performed audiobook. It can be even more entertaining and enthralling as the book itself. Also, especially if the book is a mystery it's often unputdownable. Last year's THE NIGHT SWIM was incredible well done, and the author's debut novel A GOOD GIRL'S GUIDE TO MURDER was one of the best produced audiobooks of 2020.... Read More
Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi | YA AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
I read so many YA books last year that were powerful and heartbreaking at the same time. Punching the Air is another one that fits the category. I think it's prewritten, that with a premise like the one in Punching the Air, heartbreak is preprogrammed. There is just no way around it. ... Read More
I’ll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios | YA BOOK REVIEW
This book had so many great scenes, and meaningful moments. A YA contemporary romance that hit the mark about PTSD and what it means to live in a tiny town as a young adult, off the beaten path in Central California, with no real futures ahead of them. I've driven enough times through this area to know exactly what the author means, and she described these towns in a very authentic way.... Read More
Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas | AUDIOBOOK REVIEW | (The Hate U Give #0)
Ever since I read THUG a couple years ago, and On The Come Up in 2019 I have loved Angie Thomas's writing. She brilliantly depicts the life, and the raw and emotional turmoil of young Black men in America.... Read More
Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales | YA BOOK REVIEW
From the very beginning I noticed how much I enjoyed the writing. The sass between the characters made me chuckle and smirk. The writing was smart, witty and authentic. Even if it was very YA at times I had a blast reading the book. It was a fast and easy read with many memorable and meaningful scenes, and fantastic representation,... Read More
Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez | AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
As you can see from the photo, I've wanted to read this book for a long time. As a mood reader I'm used to plans being derailed. And the books I plan to read are never read on time. But what counts is that I finally read it.... Read More
The Truth Project by Dante Medema | AUDIO REVIEW
I've read some amazing novels this year, including some that were written in free verse like LONG WAY DOWN, CLAP WHEN YOU LAND. They were a great way for me to read books that combined the lyrical and the poetic in a way that spoke to me... Read More
BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOKS OF 2020
Do you like to read young adult books? Ever since I realized years ago that planning a diverse tbr prevents me from getting into a reading slump, I love reading all kinds of genres. That's why I switch between fiction, romance, fantasy and YA on a regular basis.... Read More
Fable by Adrienne Young | AUDIO REVIEW
Fable by Adrienne Young | AUDIO REVIEW – This post contains affiliate links. That means I receive a small commission... Read More
Dating Makes Perfect by Pintip Dunn | REVIEW
DATING MAKES PERFECT was adorable, sweet and just the light hearted romance I hoped for. It reminded me a lot of TO ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVED BEFORE. The way the author wove her own culture into the story, from food to clothing, from Thai traditions to family dynamic, it was all very well done.... Read More
Surrender Your Sons by Adam Sass | AUDIOBOOK REVIEW | timely novel
Surrender Your Sons is a fantastic debut novel, that speaks to the heard, is eye opening, thought provoking, and timely. The story is dark, raw, and very emotional. But besides all that it's also unique, incredibly well written, and needs to be read.... Read More
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The Broken Girls by Simone St James / spooky, atmospheric and absolutely gripping
Earlier this year I read and enjoyed The Sun Down Motel, which was my first book by this author. But I already knew at that point that I would eventually get to The Broken Girls, and now, fast forward to fall 2020, it was the perfect October/November read. Eery, dark and creepy. ... Read More
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: None Shall Sleep by Ellie Marney / fantastic YA thriller
OK, I really enjoyed this audiobook!!!! None Shall Sleep is a young adult thriller. It was well written, with a unique story line and two very likable main characters - what's not to love!!!... Read More
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes | AUDIOBOOK REVIEW | YA mystery
The Inheritance Games is being compared to Knives Out and I can see where the comparison comes from. Secrets. Mysteries. Agendas. And an inheritance. Lots to enjoy!... Read More
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Dear Justyce by Nic Stone / one word – POWERFUL!!!
Dear Justyce reminded me of Just Mercy, and This is My America. The book focuses on the juvenile justice system, and every time I read about books that showcases the flaws of the justice system, it breaks my heart.... Read More
BOOK REVIEW: Ryan’s Bed by Tijan / probably the BEST Tijan book so far
This is one book that left me speechless. After finishing the book I was still reeling from how profoundly touching, raw, and emotionally this novel was. And although I'm a long-term fan of Tijan, it did not prepare me for this tremendously beautiful story.... Read More
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo / emotional and thoughtful
Elizabeth Acevedo is a new to me author. But within a few months I already read THREE books by her. My favorite is WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH which I adored. But it became quickly clear that I really enjoy her writing and I'm looking forward to more of her books.... Read More
BOOK REVIEW: Making Faces by Amy Harmon / a beautiful and memorable YA novel!
This is probably next to WHERE THE LOST WANDER my most favorite Amy Harmon book. It blew my mind when I read it in 2014. It's emotional, beautifully written, and has so much depth. Most of all it's so much more than just a YA novel.... Read More
What Unbreakable Looks Like by Kate McLaughlin / raw & gritty, one incredible debut novel
This book was one fantastic debut novel. I was hooked from beginning to end. Because of the rawness and grittiness of it all, the story left me heartbroken at times. But I'm also really glad I gave it a go!! Some books are just meant to be read. Even if the topic is a hard one. ... Read More
The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed | AUDIOBOOK REVIEW | another powerful and relevant story
Every time I read a book about such an important topic, I feel inadequate to talk about it. And all I can really say is that this book, as so many others, should be read by young readers and adults.... Read More
Gimme Everything You Got by Iva-Marie Palmer / A total surprise in every way!!
2020 has been a great year reading wise. I've added so many new authors to my auto-buy list, and thanks to Gimme Everything You Got by Iva-Marie Palmer, this author is one of them. Loved how different this coming of age felt. It was full of nostalgia, female power and feminism in the 70s, and I adored it!!... Read More
