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diamondxgirl
The Stars and the Blackness Between Them is one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read, and not just because of its stunning cover. Told in dual POV, Stars is two girls’ stories of family, love, and identity.
Dang, I loved it so much.
Audre and Mabel, two Black young women, find love and friendship. The setting is vibrant and tangible, whether we are in Trinidad or Minneapolis. I loved Audre’s grandma and their relationship. Petrus explores the unique cultures of the two communities as well as their shared experiences.
I felt a lot of things reading this book. Sadness and frustration when Audre is forced to leave her home and girlfriend. Joy as she gets to know her father. Pleasant surprise at how real and amazing Mabel’s parents were (more of this, please!). Glee as Mabel and Audre develop their friendship and deepen their relationship, at the way they discover each other and life all at once. I laughed at Mabel’s love of Whitney Houston and all of her thoughts about Whitney.
If you have a chance to pick this up via audio, you’re in for a special treat from narrators Junauda Petrus (yes, the author narrates!), Bahni Turpin, and JD Jackson.
Dang, I loved it so much.
Audre and Mabel, two Black young women, find love and friendship. The setting is vibrant and tangible, whether we are in Trinidad or Minneapolis. I loved Audre’s grandma and their relationship. Petrus explores the unique cultures of the two communities as well as their shared experiences.
I felt a lot of things reading this book. Sadness and frustration when Audre is forced to leave her home and girlfriend. Joy as she gets to know her father. Pleasant surprise at how real and amazing Mabel’s parents were (more of this, please!). Glee as Mabel and Audre develop their friendship and deepen their relationship, at the way they discover each other and life all at once. I laughed at Mabel’s love of Whitney Houston and all of her thoughts about Whitney.
If you have a chance to pick this up via audio, you’re in for a special treat from narrators Junauda Petrus (yes, the author narrates!), Bahni Turpin, and JD Jackson.
Being a teen is an experience in figuring out who you are, in the context of your history, your future, and the internal and external pressures of existence. When Remy is tasked with putting his personhood on paper, he looks outward to the labels he’s assigned himself, as well as the ones others have put on him. How to Be Remy Cameron is the story of finding oneself not in others, but within yourself.
Stories that are character driven tend to draw me in and grip me until the end and Remy kept me turning the pages, eager to experience all of the things. Connection with family (oh my, I LOVED his parents, his relationship with his siblings, and his uncle!). The joys (and grief) that comes with young love. Complex friendships. The relationships he held with a variety of non-familial adults in his life. This book truly had everything as far as emotional connection and I was here for that.
What started as a school assignment became a character study. I absolutely loved living in Remy’s head and within his world for these brief pages. I can only imagine Julian Winters had a blast playing with this cast.
PS I need a Sara novella!
Stories that are character driven tend to draw me in and grip me until the end and Remy kept me turning the pages, eager to experience all of the things. Connection with family (oh my, I LOVED his parents, his relationship with his siblings, and his uncle!). The joys (and grief) that comes with young love. Complex friendships. The relationships he held with a variety of non-familial adults in his life. This book truly had everything as far as emotional connection and I was here for that.
What started as a school assignment became a character study. I absolutely loved living in Remy’s head and within his world for these brief pages. I can only imagine Julian Winters had a blast playing with this cast.
PS I need a Sara novella!
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I fell in love with Sandhya's words years ago as Dimple and Rishi fell in love and I've followed her through the Dimpleverse (with a side of Twinkle!). Heading into uncharted waters with a new series was as exciting as it was nerve wracking! Would I like these characters as much as I like those in the Dimpleverse? Would I get lost in their world?
A resounding Y E S.
I took Curses on a bike ride, which left me biking farther than I intended and also had me laughing while climbing a 10% grade over the name of the fictional bookstore in the book (my lungs could barely handle it haha). Jaya and Grey were so vivid that I thought they might step out onto the sidewalk next to me!
Sandhya has me enraptured with this Beauty and the Beast retelling and I can't wait to see what else happens at St. Rosetta's!
A resounding Y E S.
I took Curses on a bike ride, which left me biking farther than I intended and also had me laughing while climbing a 10% grade over the name of the fictional bookstore in the book (my lungs could barely handle it haha). Jaya and Grey were so vivid that I thought they might step out onto the sidewalk next to me!
Sandhya has me enraptured with this Beauty and the Beast retelling and I can't wait to see what else happens at St. Rosetta's!
Why did I only buy the first volume.
Ok I could gush about this book FOREVER but instead, I’m just going to share the top 5 reasons I adored it!
- It explores how some high school traditions are steeped in racism and homophobic ideas. I loved how Liz and others confronted traditions that needed to go!
- Liz’s journey to being her best self and not anyone else.
- A villain who is doesn’t need any redemption – and she isn’t owed one!
- Cuuuuuuute love story. Come on, of course.
- The relationships between Liz and her family and friends! I want side stories for everyone.
Alaska Johnson brings this story to life with her amazing narration so give it to a listen or grab a copy (if you can find one! It’s been sold out!) because your shelf needs Liz’s story!
- It explores how some high school traditions are steeped in racism and homophobic ideas. I loved how Liz and others confronted traditions that needed to go!
- Liz’s journey to being her best self and not anyone else.
- A villain who is doesn’t need any redemption – and she isn’t owed one!
- Cuuuuuuute love story. Come on, of course.
- The relationships between Liz and her family and friends! I want side stories for everyone.
Alaska Johnson brings this story to life with her amazing narration so give it to a listen or grab a copy (if you can find one! It’s been sold out!) because your shelf needs Liz’s story!