What a lovely story! And the audiobook was also fantastic. I fell in love with Felix, Ezra, and Declan. And you just want Felix to have all the happiness throughout the whole book. This book deserves all the praise!

Review originally posted on between-the-shelves.com!

Thanks to NetGalley and Swoon Reads for an advanced copy of this book! Honestly, it was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and I’m so glad that it lived up to the hype. Like, I stayed up late finishing it on Monday night because I just couldn’t put it down. From the characters to the world building to the plot, everything works together so seamlessly in Thomas’s debut.

Due to COVID, the release date of this book moved from June to September. However, fall is pretty much the perfect time to read this book. Set in LA during Dia de Las Muertas, there are witchy vibes all over this book. Thomas’s writing does a lot to help create an atmosphere that’s easy to lose yourself in. I wouldn’t be mad if they kept writing in this world because it was that well done. Everything from the culture to the magic immerses you in this world right from the beginning of the book.

The characters! If you’ve followed me for a while, you know that characters are the most important part for me in any given book. Yadriel and Julian were almost perfect complements of each other, and their relationship felt so effortless. Yadriel’s journey throughout the book to get his family to accept his gender felt authentic and fit in with the world building and the story itself. Personally, I felt his relationship with his dad and the way that it transforms throughout the book represented struggles for a lot of transgender youth. 

Julian’s struggles also represented struggles that a lot of teens face. He has his friends that he would protect with his life (and he literally does), and he has a complicated relationship with his brother, his caregiver since both his parents are gone. Honestly, both Yadrial and Julian are cinnamon rolls and 100% of the reason why you should read this book.

All in all, I don’t think I can come up with any complaints for Cemetery Boys. I can’t wait for my pre-ordered final copy to come so I can read it all over again. And you can bet that Aiden Thomas will be immediately going on my authors to watch list. Their writing feels so effortless, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
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This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, and it definitely lived up to all my expectations! Seriously, everyone needs to read this book. Stay tuned for a full review to come later this week!

I'm giving this 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4! There is a lot to like about this book: the characters are great (especially Pony's sister, Rocky! I love a good sibling relationship). Important discussions are had. And for a lot of people, I think it can be incredibly educational.

There were times, however, where the two narrative voices weren't quite distinct enough for me. Sometimes I would have to flip back to remind myself who was narrating. And there were a few things that needed to be acknowledged, like the situation with Max. Being an ally to someone means supporting them through every stage of the coming out process, especially when they're not ready for that.

But! A good read, and an important one.

This was my first Alice Oseman book and you can bet I'm going to immediately get her others! Radio Silence essentially tackles the idea that people have to go to university to make something of themselves, and to some, that is stifling. Honestly, this is a book that I needed when I was in high school. There's so much in it that's relatable.

Also bonus points for focusing on friendship instead of a romantic relationship! I wish that happened way more than it does in YA.

There is so much we're not taught about American history in school because the version we're taught is so white washed and white centered. I learned so much reading this book, and believe that everyone should read it. Kendi crams so much information and history into this book, but his writing style is engaging and smooth. I could have conversations about this book for years to come. The length may be intimidating, but don't let that stop you!

There's so much to love about this book in verse. It's Michael's journey to be himself, filled with raw emotion and his many struggles. There are also so many great lines! By the end, you're rooting for Michael and his newfound confidence as the Black Flamingo.

First of all, you should 100% listen to this audiobook because Jason Reynolds reads it and he is an amazing narrator. Second of all, this is "not a history book," but there's so much important information here. I saw something earlier where someone said this should be required listening in classrooms and I definitely agree. I highly recommend this for people of all ages!