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The premise here was interesting, but I felt like it needed a little something more. Mainly with Soraya; I felt like her character could have been so much more. A good read, but didn't quite meet my expectations.

This is such an important story, on a topic that isn't covered a lot in YA (HIV). The three main characters are well developed with a cast of side characters that will fight for them, no matter what. The narration for the audiobook was also really well done!

Wow. If you've read any of Tiffany Jackson's books before, you know that she doesn't flinch away from difficult issues. Which is 100% true in this book. It's about the attention men give teen girls, attention that is dangerous. And then the victims aren't believed. Seriously, such a powerful book.
hopeful lighthearted 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

Did I need to re-read this before reading the sequel (again)? Nope, not really. But I will always take an excuse to re-read TJ Klune, especially because this book just feels like a warm hug.
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You know, I think I love Linus a little more each time I read this book. It isn't until he goes to the island that he really realizes what he was missing. Also, his conversations with Calliope, his cat, is something that all cat owners can relate to because I definitely have conversations with my cat all the time.

This book just makes me happy each time I read it, and we definitely all need books like that!
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I loved this book just as much the second time around! Definitely one that I'll read again and again for sure.
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Review originally posed at between-the-shelves.com!

This is one of those books that you see everywhere and then you get nervous that maybe it won’t live up to the hype. I’m happy to say that this isn’t the case with this book! There’s such a charming quality about this book that pulls you in from the start and doesn’t let go until the end. Much like they do for Linus, this little found family quickly finds a place in your heart.

The House in the Cerulean Sea is also a breath of fresh air in the fantasy genre. Linus isn’t our typical protagonist; he’s a little round and very self conscious. But he’s also caring and ready to defend the things that he loves, especially when he finds his confidence again. He’s an endearing character, not ready to acknowledge feelings we all see throughout the book.

And Arthur! And the children! As someone who really reads for character, there were so many characters to love in this book. There were so many moments that just made me melt; with children being shown kindness when the world sees them as monsters. Stories like this should definitely stay close to your heart.

All in all, this is another one of those books that will definitely be added to my feel good re-read shelf. Once I pick up my own copy, of course!

This is a book that makes you think. In true E. Lockhart style, the story itself is unique and layered and complicated. We never truly know what's the true storyline, and I think that's what's so great about it. Life is full of possibilities, and Lockhart hits it on the nose.

Such a fun start to a graphic novel series! Kind of like a supernatural twist on the Hardy Boys. Great characters and lots of magic. This will be one to watch.

A beautiful story with a few standout verses. I think the verse just didn't quite pull me in enough, not like some other poetry I've read this year.

This is a comprehensive look at reproductive rights in the United States, and it is so informative! There's so much I didn't know outside of Roe vs Wade. Blumenthal does a great job organizing this information and writing in a way that's really engaging. Plus, it's clear that it's well researched and Blumenthal doesn't flinch away from race discussions, either. Definitely recommend this one!

This had some strong writing and beautiful art! It also felt more fleshed out to me than some other DC YA graphic novels. I'm not super familiar with Teen Titans, but maybe I should be!

There have been a lot of books on the topic of the Japanese incarceration during WWII that have come out this year. Which is excellent because a lot of people don't realize that this happened in America, I think. It's glossed over in a lot of American history classes because America is to be painted as a great country that never does bad things.

While I understand the intention of having 14 different points of view, I wish it would have been condensed into two or three. Some of the sections stood out more than others, though all of their perspectives are important and valid. Some of the sections just weren't as engaging for me to read. However, this doesn't take away the importance of this book and some of the gut punches that you feel when you're reading it.

Overall, this is an important book and I encourage everyone to read the Author's Note, too, because Chee talks about language and how we should change how we talk about this period in history to better reflect what actually happened. Overall, a powerful read.