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betweentheshelves
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Ink for an advanced copy of Halfway There by Christine Mari to review! There have been quite a few graphic novel memoirs around this similar topic in the YA realm recently, but they all read so differently. This book especially focuses on Mari's mental health, and learning how to cope with it.
One of the strongest themes throughout this is the worry about not having everything figured out the first year of college. It's a misconception that everyone immediately knows what they want to do when they get to college, and Christine worries about this throughout the book. The fact that she doesn't seem to have any one thing that stands out as what she wants to do for the rest of her life. It's a worry that the targeted teen audience will definitely identify with, especially those getting ready to go to college.
There's also an important analysis of what it is to biracial and not feeling accepted by either culture. I especially appreciate the way that Mari outlines the different ways she's viewed in the US vs. Japan, and how that contributes to her mental health. It's well written, and written in a way that's relatable to the audience.
The art is just as well done as the writing, pulling the reader into the story immediately. An excellent addition to the growing number of YA graphic memoirs.
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Review to come!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
adventurous
hopeful
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
Summer camp definitely seemed to be a theme with middle grade graphic novels this summer, as I've read quite a few new ones that feature life at camp. The message in this one will really resonate with tween readers, especially those that might struggle with finding friends. After enjoyed [book:Swim Team|58842729], I was glad that Christmas's second book didn't disappoint!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Bullying
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Did I expect to be crying at the end of this? No, no I did not. But I also have an older cat who's also been with me thorugh a lot of life changes, so it just hit right in the feels. The rest of the book? So accurate in terms of cat ownership. Especially if you have a cat who also likes to wake you up early in the morning by making an ungodly amount of noise.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Excrement, Vomit
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death, Terminal illness
Minor: Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-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 NetGalley and HarperCollins for an advanced copy of The Brightness Between Us by Eliot Schrefer to review! When I heard there was going to be a sequel to The Darkness Outside Us, I knew I had to read it. That book has one of the best plot twists I've ever seen, so I couldn't wait to see where Schrefer went with the sequel. It definitely doesn't disappoint!
Told in alternating timelines, we get to see the time leading up to Ambrose and Kodiak's original mission, as well as what happens in the future. It all connects by the end, in way that gives you a bigger picture of the entire situation. Swtiching between narrators and time periods adds to the overall suspense of the plot, and it was difficult to put down by the end. Not necessarily any major plot twists like the first one, but still an intricate plot that will keep you on your toes.
In addition to the plot, the characters are well rounded and have distinct voices. Ambrose and Kodiak we technically already know, but Schrefer introduces some new characters that add insight to the whole situation. There's a lot of discussion about what aspects of humanity are deemed important in a survival situation like this, and it really speaks to the important of connection. What's the point of survival if you don't have that connection?
All in all, this is a fantastic follow-up that fans of the first book will definitely enjoy.
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Review to come!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Mental illness, War
Moderate: Animal death, Child death, Death
Minor: Alcoholism, Drug use, Infertility
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
Overall, I think I enjoyed this book. It felt quite slow at the beginning, and some of the world building did feel a little choppy to me. But once Arcady and Everen finally meet, the plot picks up and I was more engaged. Their relationship is what holds together the book for me, especially as they start to grow closer towards the end.
As a dragon book, this did feel unique, with all of the dragons essentially being trapped in another world. I would be interested in seeing more of this world in the next book, though!
As a dragon book, this did feel unique, with all of the dragons essentially being trapped in another world. I would be interested in seeing more of this world in the next book, though!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Murder
Moderate: Sexual content, Violence, Grief
Minor: Animal death, Alcohol, War
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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
This book is inherently readable. I started it yesterday, not planning on getting too far in before switching to the other book I'm reading, but I couldn't stop listening. White's writing style seems to do that in every book he writes, and this one is no different.
All books are political in nature, but this book speaks to the current political climate in the US, especially as it relates to small rural communities and being queer. Miles realizes throughout the book that community is truly the way to go.
Miles' identity journey in this book also feels realistic, finding pieces of himself as he goes along. Especially in his realization of being aromantic. If you can stomach the more horror aspects of the book, I'd definitely recommend this one for the fall season!
All books are political in nature, but this book speaks to the current political climate in the US, especially as it relates to small rural communities and being queer. Miles realizes throughout the book that community is truly the way to go.
Miles' identity journey in this book also feels realistic, finding pieces of himself as he goes along. Especially in his realization of being aromantic. If you can stomach the more horror aspects of the book, I'd definitely recommend this one for the fall season!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Gun violence, Violence
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Animal death, Vomit, Alcohol
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If you like gothic YA fantasy, then this book will definitely be right up your alley! Especially if you're an Austen fan, ast his one is inspired by Sense and Sensibility. Which I haven't read, but I still had a good time with this book! The beginning sets the tone for the book, and it definitely has fall/spooky season vibes.
There are some twists throughout the book, keeping you on your toes while you're reading. The overall book felt a little longer than it needed to be, but the characters definitely keep the plot interesting. It's a good fantasy to pick up if you're looking for something this fall season!
There are some twists throughout the book, keeping you on your toes while you're reading. The overall book felt a little longer than it needed to be, but the characters definitely keep the plot interesting. It's a good fantasy to pick up if you're looking for something this fall season!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Death of parent
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Murder, Classism
Minor: Body shaming, Child death, Confinement
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Normally I'm a fan of dark academia, and the premise of this one sounded so interesting, but something about it just never clicked for me. The beginning was a bit slow, and by the middle, I wasn't really hooked into the characters.
Despite that, the whole secret society thing was fascinating, and I loved getting to see the dark underbelly of this school. That was probably the best part of the book for me!
Despite that, the whole secret society thing was fascinating, and I loved getting to see the dark underbelly of this school. That was probably the best part of the book for me!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping
Moderate: Self harm, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death, Homophobia
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Tweny-Four Seconds from Now... by Jason Reynolds to review! Of course, I'm going to automatically want to read anything Jason Reynolds puts out because he's such a gifted writer. And this book definitely doesn't disappoint! Reynolds nails those teenage relationship emotions from the beginning.
One of the things I liked best about this book is the variety of advice that Neon gets as he talks to different people in his life. It shows that having these open conversations with teens better prepares them than just ignoring it. This book is an excellent framework for those conversations with teens, but also allows teens to explore just by reading this book.
In true Jason Reynolds fashion, this book is lyrical, with great dialogue and characters that absolutely leap off the page. It's not a long read, but it's definitely an important one. It might be one of my favorite Jason Reynolds books to date!
dark
mysterious
medium-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
This is certainly an atmospheric story, and Lee has a writing style that's so descriptive you're almost transported there. The characters also leap off the page, Isa in particular. She has a particularly strong personality that you're hit with right from the beginning.
Where I struggled with this book is the pacing. There's a lot of spooky, atmospheric elements, but it feels like it ends too quickly. A bit more resolution at the end would have helped the story breath, and give an overall more satisfying ending.
Be warned, there are also some pretty strong religious undertones in this, especially related to religious trauma. It's well done, but it is a pretty big aspect of the story.
Where I struggled with this book is the pacing. There's a lot of spooky, atmospheric elements, but it feels like it ends too quickly. A bit more resolution at the end would have helped the story breath, and give an overall more satisfying ending.
Be warned, there are also some pretty strong religious undertones in this, especially related to religious trauma. It's well done, but it is a pretty big aspect of the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt
Moderate: Child abuse, Homophobia, Violence
Minor: Deadnaming, Domestic abuse, Transphobia