Read this review at between-the-shelves.com!

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. Call Numbers is about libraries, so how could I say no! As someone in a library science program and dreaming of making a career of that, this seemed like the perfect fit.

First, the negative: there were way too many characters with sub-plots that made this book difficult to follow at times. There wasn’t much indication when we were switching between characters; often, I wouldn’t really register that we were following a different character until something drastic happened. If there’s going to be a sequel (better be, with that cliffhanger), that would be my recommendation. Find a way to ensure that the reader knows that the point of view is changing.

Despite this confusion, the characters were really fleshed out and brought to life the 58th Street Branch that was the main setting of the book. I also appreciated the little nods to the library profession. Though the profession has changed drastically since the 90s, there are little things about working at a library that haven’t really changed. Smith really captures that feeling, and that’s one of the things I appreciated most.

There was also growth throughout the book, and I appreciated the way the characters changed and evolved. Overall, my favorite thing was probably the characters. Writing notes might also be useful in order to keep track of everything that’s happened with all the characters throughout.

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We received an ARC of this at work, and I'm so glad I picked this up; not only is Alaine's voice refreshingly funny, the story itself also stands out from the rest of YA contemporary lit. This is Maika and Martiza Moulite's debut and I can't wait to read more from them!

The entire novel is formatted as Alaine's final school project about her family's history and Haiti's revolution. As a result, the novel is a compilation of a variety of sources. From interviews to emails to diary entries, the reader gets the full story of Alaine's family history. Meanwhile, we also get a bit of Haiti's history as well.

The only thing that didn't quite mesh with me in this book was the pacing about halfway through. The beginning, saturated in Alaine's voice, is engaging. The ending is as well, with its twists and turns. There was a part in the middle though that felt a bit slow to me. But other than that, reader's will fall in love with Alaine's voice and story. And you have to know if she breaks the curse!

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Not really my thing, but perfectly enjoyable nonetheless. The characters absolutely leap off the page, with a backdrop that feels historically accurate.

This was so cute! And full of wonderful fall goodies, an adorable story, and beautiful artwork. Ready for fall now!

I finished this in one day and the story beautifully woven with intricate illustrations that paint a unique world. It actually reminded me a lot of Saga, and definitely something I'll be recommending in the future.

Listening to this on audiobook was the best choice I made. It's got a whole cast and sound effects and everything, pulling you into the story. And so many twists and turns! I loved basically everything about this, and I can't wait to jump into the second book this afternoon on my way to work.

Okay, okay this series definitely deserves all the hype surrounding it! I didn't want to stop until the very end, and now I'm sad to say goodbye to all these characters I've come to love. A great end to a great series!

I totally binged the last 4 hours of this audiobook today and it was so worth it! Oh my god, the twists and turns in this book are fantastic. And, I'm gonna need the physical books at some point because I'm sure that's a whole new experience.

Friendship is at the center of this book, fully fleshing out Josie and Delia and filled with many laugh out loud moments. But don't worry--Jeff Zentner's trademark ability to make you feel all the things is still there. Just wait for it. Will I ever not love one of his books? Only time will tell.

More like 4.5 stars, actually. At first, this book was difficult for me to get into (I think because of the italics? That really threw me off. Haha.). But once Mia got to where she was going and we got to know her, her motivations, and her fellow students a little more, this book definitely picked up for me. It's dark and graphic at times, but what an interesting, complex world Kristoff has created. Definitely need to check out the second book!

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