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YA

The Knockout by Sajni Patel

January 26, 2021      milelongtbr      5 Comments

 The Knockout by Sajni Patel is out today and I couldn’t be more excited to share this book with you guys!

I was so thrilled to read this book for multiple reasons (that cover, for starters) after rediscovering my love for YA novels last year. 

I’ve never tried my hand at Muay Thai personally, though I was lucky enough to be a spectator in a few fights while in Thailand and have a lot of respect for the sport. I also have a heavy bag for home workouts and my own pink gloves. 

The Knockout by Sajni Patel reminds me of going to Muay Thai tournaments in Thailand! Such an exciting sport!

I went into this book with high hopes and the

Synopsis:

The Knockout is about Kareena, an Indian-American Muay Thai fighter and high school student. 

She’s tough, but she has a lot on her plate between balancing school, her sport, and helping at home with her chronically ill father and hardworking mother. And trying to fit in when she doesn’t feel a part of either the local Indian community or cliques at her American High School.

She doesn’t even have time to think about boys- but then she starts tutoring Amit Patel- a “ perfect Indian boy” and her crush. 

Then she gets an opportunity to go to the US Muay Thai Open – and possibly a chance at the Olympics. 

Getting there won’t be easy. There is money to raise and she has to keep her head down to avoid distractions to focus on her training. But maybe getting there and growing up mean opening up and taking risks- things Kareena is not used to doing.  


Analysis:

One of the first things that stand out is that Kareena Thakkar is such a relatable and loveable heroine. She’s honest and funny, and though she fights hard there’s a lot of insecurity and uncertainty going on internally.

She worries about what others think and about living up to expectations. She has a small circle and is afraid to let others in- keeping the two biggest things in her life a secret to almost everyone.

Though she’s one of the top Muai Thai fighers in the country she’s afraid to be known as a fighter. It’s not feminine enough and not Indian enough for anyone to understand.

Kareena is lucky to have supportive parents, but things at home are far from perfect. Her father has serious ongoing health problems and her mother works two jobs to help pay the medical bills. No one but her closest friend knows to offer support.

Then Amit Patel, a boy in her class who Kareena has definitely noticed, but never interacted with enters the picture. It’s not quite insta-love – but the two definitely enjoy getting to know each other as they spend time together while she tutors him.

As it becomes clear they like each other as more than friends Amit tries to get Kareena to let her guard down. She eventually lets him in, and though things are far from perfect between them it ends up being another important part of a solid support system for Kareena.

The pair really support each other’s ambitions and help each other, they’re definitely a couple you’ll root for. Unfortunately, Amit’s parents need some convincing. When she reveals her ambitions as Muay Thai fighter, they don’t approve and think she’ll be a bad influence on their son.

This really leaves the door open for a conversation about gender roles in sports and in Indian culture. Author Sajni Patel wove these important topics into the story very well. Readers will also learn a lot about both Indian culture and Muai Thai- it’s clear the author did her research into the sport.

The pacing in the novel is one of my few criticisms, as well as things possibly being tied up too neatly. That doesn’t take away at all from this being an enjoyable read.


Takeaway: 


This is such a delightful read!

Whether you’re into sports, coming of age stories, strong female leads, or YA love stories you’re sure to find lots to love in The Knockout! I give this great Own Voice coming of age story four stars!

Read it because it’s cute and fun. Read it because it takes a jab at important issues.

Just read it!

Many thanks to Flux Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy! 

December Reading Wrap Up

January 10, 2021      milelongtbr      8 Comments

Hi, friends!

I’m a little bit late getting my monthly wrap-up posted for December, largely because I read 14 books making it one of my biggest reading months ever.

These were all enjoyable reads, but for this post, I’m breaking them down into books I loved and books I liked. Let’s get started!


Books I Loved


1. Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala

First, we have this Queer YA romance. I’m so glad  I read this book in the final days of 2020- it immediately slid in to take a spot as one of my 5 Favorite YA reads of the year. 

This book is an absolutely delightful YA read. I love the characters Raffy and Luca and their journey as they navigate first loves and coming out, as well as how to really show up for each other.

The premise of the Cosplay competition a’ la Project Runway was so much fun, and I absolutely loved it even though I’ve never been to a Comic-Con. 

Many thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the advance copy.


2. Little Cruelties by Liz Nugent

Next up is this multigenerational family drama. Little Cruelties is a completely engrossing read. I couldn’t put the book down as I tried to find out what would happen next to the Drumm brothers.

This book is dark and twisted, the Drumms are anything but a happy family, and their continual betrayals and cruelties to each other are awful yet in families things are often more complex than they appear.

Read this if you like reading about dysfunctional families or enjoyed Ask Again, Yes.

Many thanks to Scout Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.


3. The Rib King by Ladee Hubbard

The Rib King is a riveting work of literary historical fiction centering around black employees in a white household struggling to maintain their affluent lifestyle. The characters in this book are so complex and fascinating- they are ones that will stay with you long after finishing the book.

The author has seamlessly woven the history of the time and commentary on a number of social issues such as race and class disparities into a fascinating narrative. Despite the story being set 100 years ago, the issues raised are still relevant today, making this an especially important read.

Many thanks to Amistad and NetGalley for the advance copy.


4. The Truths We Hold by Kamala Harris

Hearing the story of our soon-to-be Madame Vice President in her own words was nothing short of inspiring, and reading this book left me confident in her leadership.

This book tells Harris’ story of being raised by a single mother who challenged her and taught her to believe in herself in her abilities. It goes on to talk about her early career in politics and the policies she believes in the most.

So much of Kamala’s appeal is in her relatability and insistence that government must work for everyone- even those in the most marginalized groups, and this book shows both her heart and struggle which is why she is a fantastic leader.


5. The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

I’ve seen a lot of buzz about these books and finially decided to see what the hype is about. Well, it lived up to it, guys!

With his marriage on the line Minor League Baseball player Gavin joins the Bromance Book Club – a gathering of guys who read romance novels in an attempt to keep the ladies in their lives happy.

This book is funny, sweet, and steamy and easily became one of my favorite romances of the year. Now I just need to get a hold of the rest of the series!


6. After All I’ve Done by Mina Hardy

“She’s lost her best friend, her husband–and possibly, her mind.”

After All I’ve Done a delightfully twisted domestic suspense/thriller with multiple POVs, and the ultimate unreliable narrator- one dealing with memory loss. I did figure out a couple of the surprises relatively early on in the book, but there were a lot that I didn’t guess, some that were absolutely shocking.

This was an enjoyable psychological thriller and I look forward to reading more from the author.

I loved the multiple narrators for the alternating points of view and thought they each brought something unique and exciting to the story. Highly recommend the audio.

Many thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the advance copy.


7. The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict

I’ve been an Agatha Christie fan for about 20 years- I couldn’t have been more than ten years old when my mother first gave me a copy of And Then There Were None. In the years since then I’ve reread that favorite many times and regularly read other titles by the author.

This book imagines what may have happened surrounding the author’s mysterious 11-day disappearance in 1926. There are a number of details about Christie’s life as well as a book within a book, making this the perfect read for fans of her work.


8. Dear Child by Romy Hausmann

Hausmann has given us a complex and well written psychological thriller. There are so many twists, yet the story is never hard to follow.

This is an impressive debut and I look forward to reading more from the author, though I did feel the ending was a little rushed, especially in comparison to the depth earlier in the book. Still an enjoyable standout thriller.


Many thanks to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.


Books I Enjoyed


9. Dear Emmie Blue by Lia Louis

Dear Emmie Blue is such a charming and heartfelt read! It has such a lightness, just like Emmie’s balloon and there are so many good and kind characters that it warms my heart.

Much more than a romance novel, this is a story of unexpected things giving us far more than the plans we have in mind.

Many thanks to Emily Bestler Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.


10. The Perfect Guests by Emma Rous

After enjoying Rous’s debut novel The Au Pair I was eager to read more from her.

The Perfect Guests is a gothic thriller full of suspense, family drama, and multiple timelines. I love the “Clue” and Agatha Christie vibes, as the guests are summoned to a dinner party at Raven Hall, a long abanonded mansion, for a game.

Sadie is desperate, so she accepts the job acting as a guest in a murder mystery . But could it be too good to be true? She soon learns of a tragedy that occured there years ago, when the previous owners lived there. But is something sinister still inhabiting Raven Hall?

I had some suspicions that ended up being correct, but there were so many twists that therer were still a ton of surprises in store. I love how everything connected, albiet in a very tangled way.

Many thanks to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advance copy.


11. The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

 

The Wife Upstairs is Jane Eyre reimagined as a modern gothic thriller set in Alabama, where Jane meets recently widowed Eddie Rochester.

Jane sets her sights on him, but she may be in for more than she’d realize as it becomes clear he’s not just mysterious- he’s hiding something. I loved all the twists and how Hawkings pays homage to the Bronte classic throughout the novel while giving readers a new book.

It’s a suspenseful and twisted book full of surprises, and I think Jane Eyre fans will appreciate it and thriller and domestic suspense readers will love the book as well.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.


12. Too Much and Never Enough by Mary L. Trump

This book by Mary L. Trump, the President’s niece reveals Trump family history that lead to him becoming the man he is. There are also a number of details of the questionable choices and actions he’s made over the decades.

The author is a psychologist, so this adds another level of insight to her revelations. Many parts of the books are hard to read. Still, Mary L. Trump’s insight is something that is worth being shared and I’m glad I read this book for deeper understanding.


13. In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

This cute Christmas romance was a fun read for the holidays!

Mae gets stuck reliving her Christmas holiday after an accident sends her back to the past. The Groundhog Day vibes were fun, though I was honestly expecting more of an emotional punch with this one.

Still, it’s a fun ride as Mae realizes that this may just be an opportunity for her to save her annual holiday spot and reveal her feelings for her longtime crush.


14. The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley

Finally, we have this chilling wintery thriller by Lucy Foley. A group of friends goes away to celebrate the new year, but one of them doesn’t make it home.

With close quarters, no outside access to their remote location, and enough tension that anyone could have a motive it’s clear that one in the group is a killer.

This book had a lot of tension and I loved the atmosphere and messy character relationships, though the book wasn’t quite as shocking as I’d hoped. Still, it’s a fast and readable thriller- perfect for snowy days!


There you have it, friends!

One of my best reading months ever to wrap up the wild year that was 2020.

Have you read any of these titles? If not, I hope you’ve at least found one to add to your own TBR!

Tell me one of your favorite December 2020 reads in the comments!

September Reading Wrap-Up

October 1, 2020      milelongtbr      Leave a Comment

September Reading Wrap Up

The month of September turned out to be a solid reading month for me.

I read 11 books. This is a solid number for me, especially considering I probably watched more TV this month than I did the entire first half of the year. Between hockey playoffs, football starting, and a Gilmore Girl rewatch I have zero regrets.

And, as always, it’s about quality over quantity here.

Thankfully, most of my reads were 4- and 5- stars for me, though there was one dud.

Alright, here are the books!


Books I Loved


1. Anxious People by Fredirk Backman

This was easily my favorite read of the month. I’ve been looking forward to it for ages and was so thriller to receive an ALC from Libro.fm so I could listen to the book.

Everything about this book was perfection. The audio was fantastic, the dark comedy masterfully executed, the characters deeply human and real.

Fredrick Backman again got right to the heart of human nature, at a time where we need to be kind and understanding of one another more than ever.

I went into this book not knowing much about the plot and I highly recommend that approach. Like the characters in the book, just buckle up for the ride. The magic is in the journey.

Go check out my full spoiler-free review here.


2. Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi

If I were handing out Superlatives for the month, Transcendent Kingdom would win “Best Writing.” I hung on every word Gyasi wrote in this lyrical novel.

The story centers around Gifty, daughter of Ghanaian immigrants who grew up in Alabama before moving to continue her education, first at Harvard, then at Stanford where she studies neuroscience.

This is a great work of literary fiction that gives readers a lot to think about on a number of subjects.

Listening to my favorite narrator Bahni Turpin tell the story only made it that much more incredible. Thank you to Libro.fm for providing the ALC.


3. The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas

This is one of those books I avoided reading because it was so hyped I figured there was no way it could live up.

I’m so glad I finally gave this book a chance- it’s defintely deserving of all the praise and buzz you’ve no doubt heard.

This YA novel is about Starr, whose best friend Khalil is shot multiple times by a police officer at what should have been a routine traffic stop. She watches him die on the street.

He’s unarmed, compliant, and sober.

He’s also Black.

As if witnessing that trauma wasn’t enough, Starr also has to deal with the normal trials of being a teenager; relationship drama with her friends, family, and boyfriend, and how being ‘the witness’ puts her in a difficult position with each of them.

Although I think I preferred Thomas’ other novel On the Come Up. this is a must-read.


4. When No One Is Watching

 A couple things that immediately elevate a book in my eyes is the ablitity trancend genre and discussing important themes in a genre book.

When No One is Watching did this masterfully, though unfortunately for other readers this has been a reason to give a critical review.

This book is categorized as a thriller. It’s definitely got elements of a slow-burn thriller with lots of domestic suspense. There’s also some romance going on.

What really takes this a step above is the way Cole incorporated a number of timely social issues into the story, as she tells of the gentrification happening in Brooklyn and the negative effects this has on long-time black residents.

The “worst-case scenario” Cole imagines is a true horror of a different kind- the monsters that are 100% human rather than supernatural. The tension is high all the way through while I listened to the book, but it’s the ending really blew me away.

This is definitely worth the read, however, I do suggest going into it with the above in mind- not when you’re looking for your typical thriller.

Thank you to Libro.fm for providing the ALC.


5. The Nothing Man

If you are on the lookout for a through and through thriller, The Nothing Man should definitely be on your TBR.

This is a bit of a slow-burn too, as we learn of horrific crimes- serial murders and rape that happened years ago, with no trace of the perpetrator left at any of the scenes.

I loved the book within a book element. The survivor of one of the Nothing Man’s crime writes a true crime book about him, and the dormant killer comes out of the shadows,.

The ending of this book really blew my mind and it’s probably the most satisfying thriller resolution I’ve read this year.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ALC.






Books I Enjoyed:


6. The Death of Vivek Oji

This book was close to being a “loved it” book, but the way the timeline and perspectives jumped around were a bit tough to follow at times. That ultimately detracted from my overall reading experience.

Still, it was a gripping story, beautiful and heartbreaking and I am so glad I read it.

While it’s obvious going into the book that Vivek dies- it’s not clear till the end how and why, and at whose hands. While some of my suspicions about the details were correct, it was a joy getting to know the person Vivek was through his eyes and the eyes of those who loved him.


7. The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory

This was an example of the perfect book at the perfect time for me.

Jasmine Guillory’s books are comfort reads for me and I had so much fun im her world wtih these characters and all the descriptions of clothes and food.

This was the steamiest book of The Wedding Date series that I’ve read so far, but I was here for it- along with the fun enemies to lovers trope.


8. Punching the Air by  Yusef Salaam and Ibi Zoboi

This is my first experience reading a novel in verse. Despite hearing so many of you rave about various books and enjoying modern poetry I was very hesitant about trying this format.

Punching the Air is a YA novel in verse and it made me fall completely in love with the concept.

Hearing it is spoken word narrated by Ethan Herrise was a wonderful experience as he tells the story of Amal, a wrongfully convicted teenager.

There is so much emotion and movement within the story and the verse excels at everything modern poetry sets out to do.

The story is trying, heartbreaking, yet so beautiful as Amal tries to hold on to hope despite dire circumstances and use his art- his words to rise.

This book is a must-read … and it’s a quick one, so there’s no reason not to add it to your TBR.

Many thanks to Harper Audio and NetGalley for the advance copy.


9. One by One by Ruth Ware

I’m a HUGE Ruth Ware fangirl, so despite hearing lukewarm feedback about One by One, which was one of my most-anticipated books of the year.

And overall I enjoyed it. It has Ware’s trademark atmospheric vibe, as the characters find themselves snowed in at a luxury ski chalet. There are some decidedly unlikable- though interesting- characters here, which made it a fun read.

My main issue with the book was the pacing.

I don’t mind a slow-burn thriller at all– and this one certainly started out in that direction.

The tension built well enough, but unfortunaltely for me the climax came way too soon, and then things fizzled out and dragged on for too long for there.

If you’re frustrated with thrillers that end abruptly or with too many loose ends you may appreciate this aspect more. Personally, I’d have preferred less.


10. Shut Up You’re Pretty by Téa Mutonji’


This collection of stories is captivating, intimate, and beautiful- even as it deals with a number of difficult and unsavory subjects.

It’s a collection of short stories about a girl who is trying to discover and understand herself as she grows up.

The writing was great and the narrator brought it to a new dimension withthe rhythm of her storytelling.

This is a great book for those looking for stories that deal with a broad range of themes that involve Intersectional Feminism.

Many thanks to Bespeak Audio Editions and NetGalley for the ALC.

Did Not Like:


11. The Less Dead by Denise Mina

I went into The Less Dead with high hopes after enjoying a crime thriller from the same author last year. Mina’s Conviction was a Reese’s RBC pick and I thought I was in for another good read.

I was wrong.

Guys, I hate writing negative reviews, but there just isn’t a lot of good to say about this book.

An attempt was made to humanize sex workers and get readers to consider what may lead a person to that life. I appreciate that.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t entirely convincing and the book as a whole was a bit of a mess.

Also, the book has essentially EVERY trigger warning/ content warning imaginable.

Many of these difficult elements seem to be there for shock value and have no bearing on the plot.

You can check out my full review here.


There you have it, friends!

Ten hits and one miss to close out the month.

Now on to ALL THE SPOOKY READS for October!

Have you read any of these books yet?

Which ones will you be adding to your own TBR?

This is My America Review

August 17, 2020      milelongtbr      Leave a Comment

This Is My America Review

Lately I’ve been rediscovering my love for the Young Adult genre, and I’m especially gravitating toward books with political themes and commentary on current events.

This is My America is certainly a book that delivers in that regard, and on top of that it’s an entertaining and engrossing story.

Keep reading the full review to see why This Is My America is a must-read that you should send to the top of your TBR pile.


Synopsis:

“Wake up to the fact that Lady Liberty has failed us. Failed so many others.”

– Kim Johnson, This is My America

This Is My America by Kim Johnson is a gripping YA novel about the failure of the justice system in America and a number of other topics that speak to current events right now. 

The story centers around Tracy, a 17-year-old Black girl in Texas whose father is 267 days away from being executed for a crime he didn’t commit. 

Though the legal system has failed the Beaumont family, Tracy is far from giving up. She has a social justice column in the school paper, leads classes to teach Black members in the community their rights with the police, and writes an endless stream of letters to a nonprofit that handles wrongfully convicted Black inmates.

They’ve been ignoring her letters for years, but time is running out, and as the situation gets even more dire for the Beaumont family, they need the help more than ever. 


Analysis:

This is My America is such a powerful read, and it explores many important and timely issues such as police brutality and the multigenerational aftershocks of racism. It’s been compared to The Hate You Give, which I’ve yet to read, but the important themes and charming characters are certainly reminiscent of what’s found Angie Thomas’ writing.

This is a book with a lot say and it says it all well- retaining a YA easiness while exploring heavy and important themes. This is something that Johnson does exceptionally well. There’s even a mystery element and love triangle as well for those who enjoy these aspects.

The writing was enjoyable, as were the characters, but what really shone here was the glimpse into how lives are impacted when a member of the family has been wrongfully imprisoned and convicted .

It’s such an important conversation to have- especially, as the book points out, when the cause of this is usually systematic and involving numerous members of the community.


Takeaway:

This Is My America was easily a five-star read with an important message, complex characters, and a story you won’t be able to put down. This book is not to be missed and I recommend it to both teen and adult readers.

For own-voice reviews please check out the highlight reel on my Instagram page.

Many thanks to Random House Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the advance copy.


Fast Five Friday – Lightning Round Reviews

August 14, 2020      milelongtbr      Leave a Comment

What do these five books have in common? They’ve all been sitting in my “To Be Reviewed” pile for too long! So, today I’m doing “Lightning Round Reviews” and giving my take on each title in one short paragraph.

Let’s go!


1. 📚 I’D RATHER BE READING

This book spoke to my bibliophile soul. I’m a longtime fan of @annebogel and loved her musings on life as a reader. I also appreciate that she too struggles to write reviews at times and discuss what exactly she enjoys about a book. Reading this was so comforting and felt like a chat with one of my best bookish friend who gets all the #bookwormproblems we face. 

I gave this book four stars.


2. 🏨GIRL, INTERRUPTED –

I read this for my nonfiction pick in May for Mental Health Awareness Month. It was troubling to hear Kaysen’s account of the mental healthcare system in the 1960s. Still, it was insightful and an important reminder that having these conversations and shedding light on mental healthcare will help normalize and make care more accessible to those who need it. 

I gave this book four stars.

3. 📝THE ROXY LETTERS-

I liked the idea of the book more than I actually liked it. Told entirely in letters, this follows Roxy, a bit of a hot mess as she tries to get it together. There were some funny parts, but Roxy’s immaturity and poor choices made it hard to really enjoy. 

I’d probably skip this one. I gave it three stars.


4. 📚BY THE BOOK-

Such a cute read!  This YA book is filled with quirky characters, myriad literary references, and plenty of moments that will make you laugh as Mary Porter-Malcom learns that books don’t hold the answer to everything in life- some things she’ll have to experience for herself. 

This book is a delightful read for bibliophiles. I gave it four stars.

While I didn’t review this book on Instagram, I did feature it in my June Reading Wrap Up, where you can read more about the plot and my thoughts.

5. 🎤ON THE COME UP-

I adored this book! This was my introduction to Angie Thomas and I absolutely loved her storytelling and characters. I also appreciate the very important themes getting discussed in YA novels. Looking forward to THUG, whuch I’ve heard fantastic things about as well.  I listened on audio with Libro.FM and Bhani Turpin, one of my favorite narrators did such a fantastic job bringing it to life, especially the rap scenes. 

I gave On The Come Up five stars and recommend it to teens and adults alike!


Do you struggle to keep up with reviewing what you read, or are you good about getting them written and posted? This is a great way to play catch-up on books and get that other TBR pile under control!

Review: The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert

July 11, 2020      milelongtbr      1 Comment

The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert Review

The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert, out earlier this week, is a great contemporary YA novel that weaves important and relevant topics into a fun and fresh story about two teens on election day.

In today’s world, it is increasingly important for teens and young adults to take a stand and get involved in conversations about important matters. And it’s important for adults to have better insight into these topics as well.

Discussion of the importance of voting? Voter suppression? No uterus, no opinion? How to be a better ally? Check, check, check,  and check.

Keep reading this review of The Voting Booth to see why it’s such an important book to add to your TBR.

Synopsis:

The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert is a fast-moving YA novel that provides timely commentary on why it’s important- especially for young people- to use your voice in voting. 

It’s election day and Marva is here for it. She’s a warrior for social justice and using her voice and vote to speak up for what she believes in. When Duke gets turned away from the polling place and Maya intervenes in to make sure he isn’t being prevented from casting his ballot. Even if that means skipping school.

When it turns out he’s at the wrong polling place it unfolds into an all-day adventure to try to get Duke’s vote counted amidst a host of obstacles. Marva’s got her own set of problems- a missing cat and a boyfriend who doesn’t quite ‘get it’. 

Analysis:

I love this book for the Own Voice YA representation, fast-moving story, and the way it tackles a bunch of important topics. There’s a lot of insight and real talk here. I appreciated it, but I feel like it’s especially important for younger audiences right now. Being that Maya is Black and Duke is mixed there’s a lot of insight into how this impacts their daily lives and interactions with these communities.

A few of the things that didn’t work for me:

Unfortunately, while the characters did have layers and I admire their passion and dedication to the things that are important to them, the didn’t really come alive for me in this book. This may have had something to do with the choice of narrator.

Also, I didn’t really feel that the flashback scenes flowed as well as I’d like.

And then there’s the romance aspect.

I wasn’t quite feeling it, and my general opinion is to either go for it or leave it alone when it comes to romance. This book stayed kind of in the middle. I found it so refreshing that the book was more about the teens’ passions and activism than their love lives and wish we could see Maya and Duke remain platonic to really let this shine. 

Takeaway:

But, even with those few technical things, this is still a solid four-star book for me. I’ve seen a lot of praise for The Voting Booth and it is definitely worth reading- and putting in the hands of young voters this year. 

Many thanks to Book Group, Disney-Hyperion and NetGalley for the advance copy. 

Also, a huge thanks to Dreamscape Media and Libro.fm for the ALC. 

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“My eyes are bigger than my shelves.”

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I’m Danielle and I have a mile long TBR!

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💕Big books in little hands make my heart happy! 💕Big books in little hands make my heart happy! 💕

Do you remember when your love for books began? 

Mine has been going strong for many years. I remember a Disney book version of Bambi was the first book I ever "read." 

Really, I'd only memorized it, but that was definitely the start of me reading on my own and I haven't slowed down since!

P.S. - If you're looking for dino book recommendations. I've got you! 🦖😂🦖 Let me know if you have any we should check out !
Time travel books tend to be some of my favorite r Time travel books tend to be some of my favorite reads, mainly because of their tendency to be thought-provoking and packed with emotions. 

Before The Coffee Gets Cold is such a unique twist on time travel. 

It's set in a tiny, magical Japanese cafe where one seat has the ability to take you to another time to visit someone.. but there are rules. Lots of rules.

You must remain in the seat, you must be meeting someone who has also been to the cafe, and you may only stay for the length of time it takes your coffee to get cold. And nothing in your journet can change the present. 

This book explores a number of different relationships as people take a chance to revisit missed opportunities , despite the limitations. 

The story is nothing short of beautiful. It didn't quite carry the emotional punch I was expecting/hoping for, but it didn't make me love this charming and unique story one bit less. 

The characters are so nuanced- you'll feel for each of them as the go on their journey within thr cafe and within themselves to learn that even if you can't change the course of, the experience will surely shape your future. 

This is a shot read, and one I highly recommend.

I read it in translation from Japanese and love the insight into the  culture it provided. 

Whats the last book you read in translation?
💕Happy Caturday! 💕 It's been getting HOT he 💕Happy Caturday! 💕

It's been getting HOT here lately, so my plan today involves my pink chair, sunshine,  and Concrete Rose, which I'm about halfway through and loving so far.

As always I'm hoping to squeeze just one more book into the month after I finish it! 

Are you trying to finish any books this weekend ? 

Would you rather read outside by the water or inside, cozies up with a blanket ?
💕🌸On Wednesday we read pink! 🌸💕 Altho 💕🌸On Wednesday we read pink! 🌸💕

Although I've been reading A LOT of pink books all month.

I've also been playing around with designing and printing some bookish products and am loving how they turned out!

Do you like collecting any bookish stuff like bookmarks, mugs, or tees? Let me know in the comments!
"It's part of the reason Jessica Darling continues "It's part of the reason Jessica Darling continues to appeal to adults- some of us, now,  on the better side of thirty." - Rebecca Serle on The Sloppy Firsts Series

Just popping in before I start my new Friday Night routine of starting a YA novel and opening a bottle of wine. 

I LOVED Megan McCafferty Jessica Darling books as a teen, but hadn't thought about them much until I learned they're being re-released this year with adorable new cover art.

I relate way too much to the forward by the lovely @rebecca_serle and am excited to start reading Sloppy Firsts tonight!

Do you remember these books from your younger days? 

What did you love reading as a teen? 

Have a lovely Friday night and let me know in the comments!
Samantha Irby @bitchesgottaeat is quickly becoming Samantha Irby @bitchesgottaeat is quickly becoming a go-to author for funny essays. 

I read Irby's most recent collection in November and decided this was the perfect time to check out another one.

The content is similar and the authors voice shines through in these personal essays. I definitely recommend these books if you're looking for a good quick read with lots of laugh (but prepared for lots of bathroom and sexual humor.) 

Are you reading any nonfiction for Black History Month ?

I have a couple other hopefuls in this category, but as always it's a struggle fitting them all in - especially in this short month!
A million years ago Vicki @antipodeanbookclub tagg A million years ago Vicki @antipodeanbookclub tagged me in her fun #bookstagramvirtualtravel challenge. I’ve posted some pics in my stories of my past travels, but I’m just now getting around to a post featuring this pic from Valentine’s Day in 2019.  
 
I don’t think I’l EVER be over this view from my Air BnB on Lake Atitlan in Guatemala or the absolute perfection that was this trip. 
 
Travel is one of the things I’ve missed the most over this past year, but thankfully escaping into my reading has helped fill that void. 
 
Last year my reading took me to over 23 different countries. 
 
So far in the first few weeks of 2021, my books have taken me to England, Scotland, Afghanistan, Australia, France, Canada, The Netherlands, France, and all over the United States. 
 
I’m hoping for many more in the coming months - with a focus on Own Voice Stories and so I made a little reading passport to keep track of all the places I get to go. 
 
I’ll have a highlight for the challenge and have been making some cool stickers and graphics to go along with it. 
 
If anyone wants to joing my #readingpassportchallenge let me know and I’d be happy to share resources for templates as well as book recomendations for different countries. 
 
What’s a place you’d love to visit once it’s safe? Have you read a book that takes place there?
💕💕Happy Valentine's Day, Lovelies!!💕💕 💕💕Happy Valentine's Day, Lovelies!!💕💕

Hope your day is filled with all kinds of love and hopefully some time to read too!

 Tell me your favorite type of flower in the comments! 💐

I love peonies ! 😍🌸
THIS BOOK!   I took a quick snap of my pizza last THIS BOOK!
 
I took a quick snap of my pizza last night since I missed National Pizza Day earlier in the week. I planned on posting last night but after some debate decided to start Instructions for Dancing and time got away from me.

Basically, I spent every waking minute reading until I was done, save for the break I took when the book gave me literal goosebumps and made my hair stand on end. 
 
The Sun is Also A Star is one of my all-time favorite YA books, so I requested Instructions for Dancing knowing little about it other than it was by Nicola Yoon.
 
About 3/4 of the way through the book I thought it was a solid read- a romance-reading teen loses her love of reading in the wake of her parents’ divorce. Then she finds a book that will change her life in more ways than she could have imagined. It was fun and enjoyable but didn't quite pack the punch of her other books. 
 
Then suddenly Yoon worked her heart-wrenching magic and it became clear that this was going to be so much more than a sweet romance or a coming of age story. (Although it is both of those things as well.)
 
If you’re lucky enough to have an ARC of this one please go read it ASAP because I have thoughts… and all the feels for this book. 
 
If you don’t go preorder it!  The book comes out 01 June 2021. I’ll have a full review closer to Pup Day but definitely add this to your TBR if you loved  In Five Years, Oona Out of Order, or The Sun is Also A Star.

Whats one of your favorite YA reads ?
Finlay Donovan is many things. She's a writer, a m Finlay Donovan is many things. She's a writer, a mother, a divorcee, and... a killer?

This book is a delightful and hilarious account of a struggling romance writer and single mother who gets solicited to commit murder after a slight misunderstanding at a Panera. 

There's no way she would ever do something like that, though?

 Right?

Though she initially thinks she wouldn't the $50,000 payout is enough to get her thinking about it- and before she knows it Finlay is deep into a world of Russian mobsters and cops. 
This book was such a fun read from start to finish. 

It's a little campier than your average thriller but Finlay is such an honest and relatable heroine you won't mind if the storyline is a wild ride. 

Many thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.
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