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betweentheshelves

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adventurous emotional slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Okay friends, I'm going to try to put my thoughts into words here without any spoilers! In reality, this book is three stories in one, focusing on Simon and Baz, Penelope and Shepard, and Agatha. They overlap in some ways, but you really get a lot of character depth in each of these three plot lines. 

This book is more character driven than plot, at least in my opinion. It's about healing, moving beyond the past, and figuring out what that means for the future. I think Rowell did an excellent job with this, showing us how all of the characters are healing through their trauma. Also I promise if you're looking for Simon and Baz moments, you get a lot of them.

I might have to write a full review for this one for the blog, but I'm going to wait a bit until more people have read it. Just prepared for it to tug on all of your heartstrings.

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I got this from the library like 2 months ago and finally got around to reading it. But yay! Loving this series so much, honestly. It's so fun!
hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

 Thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for an advanced copy of this to review! One of my most anticipated releases, and I am extremely happy to say it lived up to the hype! Plus, it fills in a gap that can be found in YA graphic novels.

Let me start by saying once you start this, you won't want to put it down. Not only is the art great, but the characters grab you right from the beginning. Annie is rough around the edges, and BeeBee is incredibly sweet. I love the way their relationship grows throughout the story, and I would absolutely read more about them. Honestly, I would read a whole series about them and their cheerleading squad!

Frasier packs lot in this relatively short graphic novel. There are a lot of great discussions about trans women and the standards society holds them to. BeeBee struggles with this throughout the book, but her friends help her to find her voice. Especially Annie! They complement each other so well, and I just loved their relationship so much.

All in all, if you loved the graphic novels Fence and Check, Please, I think you will love this when it comes out in August! 
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Okay this was so incredibly sweet. I loved every moment. Stay tuned for a full review next week!

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

What I liked about this was the fact that Lara isn't completely sure of her identity by the end of the book. In a lot of YA books, I feel like the main character is sure of their identity at the end, but Lara is still figuring it out. I think this makes this really relatable for teens, and even some adults. Plus, there's some great Jewish rep here, too!

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
funny lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

 Thanks to HarperTeen and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this to review! If you’re into K-Pop, this is definitely a book for you. All the drama, romance, and music you could want, all packed into a lovely novel.

One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was the way it presented the South Korean music scene. While they have gotten really big in the US, there’s a lot of information here about how groups get chosen, how competitive it can be. And how controlling they are of their images. These are all things the characters struggle with, and it felt realistic and relatable, even if you’re not trying to be a famous pop star.

Throughout, the characters also felt really fleshed out, even the side ones. The little group that Jenny finds while she’s in South Korea encourages her to get out and try new things, experiencing more life than she did when she was living in LA. They’re just a great group of friends, and their chemistry helps to make the book. 

And the chemistry between Jenny and Jaewoo! It played out so well throughout the book, merging well with the plot line. You’re truly rooting for them by the end of the book, and the romance didn’t feel like it was too over the top.

All in all, if you’re looking for a great romance to read while you’re on the beach this July, definitely be sure to check this one out! 


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emotional sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This book is an important read, but also a difficult one. It's not often that a YA book tackles the sexual assault of a boy, and McLemore deals with this issue with such grace. The comparison of the mirrors to both Ciela and Lock's journeys in the story works so well, and I love how magic is woven into the plot line subtly. It's smooth and fits the characters perfectly.

My heart ached for Ciela and Lock throughout this whole book, which I read in almost one sitting. This book is a stunning look at sexual assault, survivors, and the power structures that often surround being able to get justice and being believed. Seriously, this book is stunning.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional funny medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I actually went into this knowing basically nothing, and I was pleasantly surprised! Aideen has a great voice and she's really attempting to keep her life together. It's a bit enemies to lovers, and the relationship between Aideen and Meabh is slow moving but sweet. I loved it. The ending maybe felt a little abrupt to me, but other than that, this is a fantastic coming of age novel.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I am so torn about this book. On the one hand, everything about being bookseller and connecting with books really resonated with me. However, the narrator wasn't the most likeable character. Like, there were moments that definitely made me cringe. It made sense for the story, I just didn't like him all that much.

There is some good rep in this book, with a Jewish main character and some other diverse side characters. The summary makes it seem like this is a love story, but it's definitely more focused on Aaron's journey of healing. There is a romance, but it really takes more of a backseat to the rest.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

And the adventures continue! I think I will continue to like these as I get further into the series and get more acquainted with the characters and such. But seriously, this is the perfect series to read in the summer!
adventurous lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

This was so fun and cute! I love this little group of girls, stumbling upon crazy things while they're at camp. The energy and adventure is perfect for a summer read.