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aliciaclarereads's Reviews (1.25k)
I completely gobbled this book up! (and not just because the ebook loan was about to expire from my library) This book was a really charming YA contemporary. Molly struggles with anxiety, body issues, a desperate desire for love without the confidence to pursue it. Reading this book took me back to being 17 in all the good and bad ways: the freedom of finding oneself, spending time with friends, figuring out who you are, but also the constant pressure you feel comparing yourself to one another, the insecurities, and the realizations that you're becoming an adult. There was also a lot of diversity in this book in terms of sexuality, race, ethnicity, and religion, which felt pretty realistic to the DC suburbs.
I think it's official: I'm a big Becky Albertalli fan.
I think it's official: I'm a big Becky Albertalli fan.
Read for Popsugar 2018 challenge: a book involving a heist
This was a really solid YA dystopian novel. I haven’t read the genre in awhile, and it was definitely a big thrill ride. A lot of the plot points were pretty predictable, but I definitely want to continue this series because I’m really interested to see what happens next.
Also, I can tell I’m getting old because the fact that the two protagonists were 15 seemed so incredibly young to me. How bad is your security if your most notorious criminal is 15!!!
This was a really solid YA dystopian novel. I haven’t read the genre in awhile, and it was definitely a big thrill ride. A lot of the plot points were pretty predictable, but I definitely want to continue this series because I’m really interested to see what happens next.
Also, I can tell I’m getting old because the fact that the two protagonists were 15 seemed so incredibly young to me. How bad is your security if your most notorious criminal is 15!!!
Okay, I really liked this! Definitely looking forward to reading more by Kelly Bowen.
I'm honestly a little disappointed I didn't like this more! I loved [b:Flame in the Mist|23308087|Flame in the Mist (Flame in the Mist, #1)|Renee Ahdieh|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1476724612s/23308087.jpg|42862752] so much! I wasn't really sure where I expected the story to go, but I knew it was going to be slightly different because now we'd get to see Mariko weaving her way through court instead of out in the forest. But there was just too much going on. This book flitted between so many perspectives that I felt like I only got half a story. There was significantly less romance than the first book, which is a shame because Ahdieh writes really incredible romance.
As I reflect on this book, I just really wish this had been a longer series. This was a really great story, but it got shortchanged by being stuffed into a duology. The last third of the book had so much action, but parts of it was completely glossed over! These characters are so interesting, and really deserved more of a chance to shine. Raiden's development didn't seem as sincere because it happened to quickly. And frankly, Mariko deserved to do more. She's out main character but we only spent around half the book with her.
Look, I love Ahdieh's writing style. It's lyrical and immersive. She's incredibly talented at pushing her reader into a world that's morally complicated. You don't always know who to root for, and I love it. She also writes gorgeous romance. But the follow through is a little disappointing. I'll definitely read whatever she publishes next, but I want her to get the chance to write a trilogy or a longer series and really flesh out these great ideas she has.what happened to Okami's mom? I want that story!!!! It think it's fabulous that we ahve an Asian woman writing Asian fantasy stories, and I know I still want more from her.
Perhaps I'm a glutton for punishment, but I really wanted Mariko and Raiden to stay married. Mariko could've been a fantastic empress, and I wanted Okami and Mariko to silently pine for each other forever. This book was dark and sexy, and I think that really could have fit the vibe!! But to be fair I was also rooting for the love interest in her other duology to die. I like happy endings, but I want something more complicated from her stories than wrapping things up with a nice little bow
As I reflect on this book, I just really wish this had been a longer series. This was a really great story, but it got shortchanged by being stuffed into a duology. The last third of the book had so much action, but parts of it was completely glossed over! These characters are so interesting, and really deserved more of a chance to shine. Raiden's development didn't seem as sincere because it happened to quickly. And frankly, Mariko deserved to do more. She's out main character but we only spent around half the book with her.
Look, I love Ahdieh's writing style. It's lyrical and immersive. She's incredibly talented at pushing her reader into a world that's morally complicated. You don't always know who to root for, and I love it. She also writes gorgeous romance. But the follow through is a little disappointing. I'll definitely read whatever she publishes next, but I want her to get the chance to write a trilogy or a longer series and really flesh out these great ideas she has.
Wow, I really liked this! In many ways If I Was Your Girl is a classic YA novel. A new girl in school tries to adjust to a new life, makes a good group of friends, falls in love, deals with a strained parent relationship. Seriously the whole traveling away from mom to an estranged dad - some real Twilight vibes. The catch is that Amanda is trans.
One of the things I really liked about this book is that we missed a lot of Amanda's early struggles. There are a series of flashbacks that reveal the process she's gone through: her depression, anxiety, bullying, coming out, but we never see the scene of violence that causes her to leave town, of which I'm really grateful. We really just get to see Amanda get the dream of that normal teenage girl life. In fact, there's parts where the book just sort of meanders through high school life: going out to eat, hanging with friends, kissing boys, going to parties, etc. It's so blessedly normal and free of trauma, it makes me desperately wish all trans kids could have this life. Of course it isn't all easy, and I think the development between Amanda and her father, who learns to accept his new daughter, was really beautiful to read. She also gets to deal with the casual misogyny that women face everyday (yay!!!!).
My biggest issue was probably Grant. I didn't find him particularly swoon-worthy as a love interest, so the middle of the book began to lag for me. The romance wasn't particularly interesting other than the fact that everything was a first for Amanda. He gets a bit of a tragic backstory, which honestly didn't compel to care too much for him. Yes his life is hard, but honestly he was pretty boring.
I think so much of this book was Amanda getting to emerge from the barriers she'd been hiding behind all her life. She clearly becomes the freest and happiest she's ever been. It's revealed early on that Amanda attempted suicide before coming out, and I think this spark of hope and moving past the depths of despair is desperately important to read. Her mother and trans mentor are such beautiful pillars of support, and it's clear that Amanda's support system grows and strengthens throughout the book. The author's note at the end made me cry. Russo addresses cis and trans readers separately. She tells cis readers that this cannot count as every trans experience, and she thanks trans readers for their existence. She asks her readers who've contemplated suicide to just hold on.
I really loved the choice of Bee to betray Amanda. She's supposed to be the open and accepting queer friend, but obviously that doesn't make you a perfect ally or friend. The homecoming scene and aftermath was pretty horrible to read, and I do wish we had seen Bee reckon with the consequences. I also loved that Anna didn't get pinholed into being a mean Christian, but genuinely cared about Amanda and told her not to hesitate to correct and homophobic and transphobic language. It's that easy folks!!!!!
I'm glad I read this book, and I'm so ready to read more trans authors.
One of the things I really liked about this book is that we missed a lot of Amanda's early struggles. There are a series of flashbacks that reveal the process she's gone through: her depression, anxiety, bullying, coming out, but we never see the scene of violence that causes her to leave town, of which I'm really grateful. We really just get to see Amanda get the dream of that normal teenage girl life. In fact, there's parts where the book just sort of meanders through high school life: going out to eat, hanging with friends, kissing boys, going to parties, etc. It's so blessedly normal and free of trauma, it makes me desperately wish all trans kids could have this life. Of course it isn't all easy, and I think the development between Amanda and her father, who learns to accept his new daughter, was really beautiful to read. She also gets to deal with the casual misogyny that women face everyday (yay!!!!).
My biggest issue was probably Grant. I didn't find him particularly swoon-worthy as a love interest, so the middle of the book began to lag for me. The romance wasn't particularly interesting other than the fact that everything was a first for Amanda. He gets a bit of a tragic backstory, which honestly didn't compel to care too much for him. Yes his life is hard, but honestly he was pretty boring.
I think so much of this book was Amanda getting to emerge from the barriers she'd been hiding behind all her life. She clearly becomes the freest and happiest she's ever been. It's revealed early on that Amanda attempted suicide before coming out, and I think this spark of hope and moving past the depths of despair is desperately important to read. Her mother and trans mentor are such beautiful pillars of support, and it's clear that Amanda's support system grows and strengthens throughout the book. The author's note at the end made me cry. Russo addresses cis and trans readers separately. She tells cis readers that this cannot count as every trans experience, and she thanks trans readers for their existence. She asks her readers who've contemplated suicide to just hold on.
I'm glad I read this book, and I'm so ready to read more trans authors.
read for PopSugar 2018 advanced challenge: a cyberpunk book
This book was a completely fun ride. Marie Lu is proving to me this year how much I miss fun and adventurous YA novels. Not that I think they're absent from the publishing industry, I just haven't been picking them up recently. I was totally absorbed by this book and read it within 24 hours because I wanted to know what happened next. This reading experience reminded me so much of when I read [b:The Hunger Games|2767052|The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)|Suzanne Collins|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1447303603s/2767052.jpg|2792775] for the first time.
This story hits some really familiar beats. Nothing in it totally took me by surprise. The last 15% has a bunch of twists and turns, and honestly I predicted all of them happening. However, being a bit predictable did not hinder my enjoyment! If anything, I'm excited to see where the next book goes and hoping that it does some new and interesting things.
I also have to say, I love how Lu diversified this book. Considering Warcross the game is an international phenomenon, it would've been really disappointing to have just a bunch of white coded players, and Lu makes it clear she's going to reflect the actual world without anything feeling forced. The side characters have a lot going on and didn't totally get to shine, but again I'm hoping book two brings more of that.
Needless to say, I'm super impressed by Lu. She's a strong voice in YA, and I'm excited to read teh next book and more from her in general.
This book was a completely fun ride. Marie Lu is proving to me this year how much I miss fun and adventurous YA novels. Not that I think they're absent from the publishing industry, I just haven't been picking them up recently. I was totally absorbed by this book and read it within 24 hours because I wanted to know what happened next. This reading experience reminded me so much of when I read [b:The Hunger Games|2767052|The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)|Suzanne Collins|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1447303603s/2767052.jpg|2792775] for the first time.
This story hits some really familiar beats. Nothing in it totally took me by surprise. The last 15% has a bunch of twists and turns, and honestly I predicted all of them happening. However, being a bit predictable did not hinder my enjoyment! If anything, I'm excited to see where the next book goes and hoping that it does some new and interesting things.
I also have to say, I love how Lu diversified this book. Considering Warcross the game is an international phenomenon, it would've been really disappointing to have just a bunch of white coded players, and Lu makes it clear she's going to reflect the actual world without anything feeling forced. The side characters have a lot going on and didn't totally get to shine, but again I'm hoping book two brings more of that.
Needless to say, I'm super impressed by Lu. She's a strong voice in YA, and I'm excited to read teh next book and more from her in general.
Becky Albertalli books are like cool drink on a hot summer day: sweet, refreshing, and gone before you know it! I'm pretty sure I've said this for her other books I've read this year, but I gobbled this one up in basically one sitting. I found Leah pretty unlikable in Simon's book (which might be because her character is so different in the film, and I preferred her then?), so I was hesitant about this one. However, I am so endeared to Albertalli's writing and the world she creates; her high school students are so authentic. She also doesn't shy away from making characters flawed. Leah is stubborn, sullen, retaliatory, and an over the top perfectionist. Getting inside her head and her anxieties took me back to my adolescence in so many ways (both good and bad!). Leah was a great contradiction of confident in her identity and yet completely lost too. It was a real joy watching her grow and accept herself.
I have no idea if Albertalli will explore this world again, but I'm certainly looking forward to if she revisits the Creekwood gang!
I have no idea if Albertalli will explore this world again, but I'm certainly looking forward to if she revisits the Creekwood gang!
read for PopSugar 2018 challenge: a novel based on a real person
I picked this up mostly because I love Kleypas's writing, and not because I particularly cared about the characters. In fact, going into this book, I honestly couldn't remember who Ransom was, and Garrett didn't really stand out in my mind as an interesting character besides just being a female doctor. However, this book is just evidence that good writing goes a loooong way. While I didn't find Ransom that interesting, I ended up really liking Garrett. She's such an amazing woman (inspired by a real woman which was incredible! I didn't know that until the author's end note, which meant it counted for my reading challenge) at pushing boundaries and fighting against the status quo, but she doesn't actually center any of her needs. This book was way more about Garrett just opening up and allowing herself to feel desire and attraction and eventually fall in love than it was really centered around the couple. Which is okay! I've read a few too many books lately where I wasn't really compelled by either half of the couple, so to feel invested in Garrett was a breath of fresh air!
Also, Lisa Kleypas really just loves trying to kill one half of a couple. There's a lot of miracle treatments in her series.
My favorite parts of this book was West. Frankly, about halfway through this book I thought maybe I'd just not continue on with this series, but I found West so incredibly charming that I'm excited for his book. Enemies to lovers and rakes and widows??? Hello, I'm in.
I picked this up mostly because I love Kleypas's writing, and not because I particularly cared about the characters. In fact, going into this book, I honestly couldn't remember who Ransom was, and Garrett didn't really stand out in my mind as an interesting character besides just being a female doctor. However, this book is just evidence that good writing goes a loooong way. While I didn't find Ransom that interesting, I ended up really liking Garrett. She's such an amazing woman (inspired by a real woman which was incredible! I didn't know that until the author's end note, which meant it counted for my reading challenge) at pushing boundaries and fighting against the status quo, but she doesn't actually center any of her needs. This book was way more about Garrett just opening up and allowing herself to feel desire and attraction and eventually fall in love than it was really centered around the couple. Which is okay! I've read a few too many books lately where I wasn't really compelled by either half of the couple, so to feel invested in Garrett was a breath of fresh air!
Also, Lisa Kleypas really just loves trying to kill one half of a couple. There's a lot of miracle treatments in her series.
My favorite parts of this book was West. Frankly, about halfway through this book I thought maybe I'd just not continue on with this series, but I found West so incredibly charming that I'm excited for his book. Enemies to lovers and rakes and widows??? Hello, I'm in.
The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins
Griffin McElroy, Clint McElroy, Justin McElroy, Travis McElroy, Carey Pietsch
read for PopSugar 2018 Challenge: a book by two authors
I love these good, good boys and this good, good podcast.
(also technically it's more than two authors, but whatever, I'm counting it for the challenge!)
I love these good, good boys and this good, good podcast.
(also technically it's more than two authors, but whatever, I'm counting it for the challenge!)