emmreadsbooks's Reviews (1.28k)

This book was incredibly powerful, discussing dynamics both within and between races. Kiera struggles to find her identity at a predominantly white high school, while she's renowned as a queen in SLAY. Between the microaggressions, being critiqued on her own blackness, and discussions on police violence, this book told a touching story of some of the difficulties of growing up black in America. In reading this book, I could see a situation like this occurring today due to the widespread white fragility in our culture. But I hope that in our future we will have more spaces like SLAY both virtually and in the real world, and more books that are celebratory of blackness.

This is an enormous resource for anyone on their antiracism journey. Kendi details the history of racism in this country along with the intersectionalism of it across classes, genders, and sexes, while also including anecdotes from his journey towards antiracism. He challenges ideas, even his own, throughout the text and taught me so much in such a short amount of time.

Thank you so much.

FIELD FIELD FIELD

Take a field hockey team, add some witchcraft, and stir in teenage angst. Boom, you've got We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry!

But that doesn't even begin to account for the representation in this book, the thrilling narrative of the Danvers Falcons' field hockey squad as they try to reach the state finals, the history both of the 1980's and of the Salem Witch Trials... I'm in love. It takes a lot for me to read a historical fiction novel, though admittedly I wouldn't willingly classify this novel as that. If you love coming of age stories, imagine if you got 10 different coming of age stories! Wowee.

Also I'd venture to say that I will never look at Emilio Estevez in the same way. And also...

HOCKEY HOCKEY HOCKEY

Sara Shepard is back to writing addictive novels and I'm here for it!

Was the plot a little far-fetched? Absolutely. Were some of the characters clearly based on modern influencers? Duh. But did I fly through this book in 3 hours? Also yes. Compared to some of her more recent books, this novel felt exciting and fresh. Lilia's expertise as an actual influencer helped shape the setting and realism of it all. However I was a bit let down with the final reveal, as I didn't feel that it was foreshadowed enough. (Don't want to spoil anything, so I'll leave it at that)

This is a cerebral book through and through. As we follow Edward through his journey of grief and recovery from the plane crash, we're able to catch a glimpse of the lives of the other 191 passengers. To its credit, this book realistically portrays the stages of grief and is able to show the impact of community on Edward's life. While immensely sad, this book left me feeling immensely hopeful for the future of humanity.

My only regret is that I didn't listen to the songs for each chapter, mostly because I couldn't put the book down. It was a cute book and I can't wait to see if there's another coming.

I have to start by saying that I stand by her general policy when it comes to tidying - keep items that spark joy! However the contents of this book started to feel like she was shaming her customers, and the reader, and made some wild claims about the effect that tidying up can have. The tone of the book was snarky, rather than the sweet tone she gives off on television. Some of her points are valid, like storing things vertically and out in the open, but I honestly felt uncomfortable reading this book.

When I was a kid, my parents would always have NPR on their car radios. I didn't realize how sentimental I was about it until I read this book. Rachel Lynn Solomon knocked it out of the park, though I'm not surprised. She has this innate ability to portray her characters with such realism that they come alive on the page without seeming cliche or contrived. This book has it all - witty banter, compelling characters, and an amazing plot, not to mention some steamy scenes on the side.

And FCC be damned, this book fucking rocked. (Enjoy the fines, Kent)

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange of an honest review*

Wow!! This was a beautifully chaste romantic comedy that I couldn't put down. I felt as though the plot was well-conceived and original, with a mix of enemies to lovers and fake dating tropes that made it feel wholly unique. I'd love to see another book with Jia as the lead, but I'd also be happy with the logical choice after this book ;). I loved the treatment Rai gave the cultural differences in this book, never putting any pressure on either character to violate their commitments. Plus the focus on family was so wholesome and made me enjoy this book even more.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange of an honest review*

In my last review of White Out, I didn't think that I would be continuing this story.

Man am I happy I did! Lily has reestablished her life, making her narrative so much better to follow. Kylie is still the resident badass of the police force with a penchant for banana cream pie. And in this book we meet Hannah, a young girl on the run after a crazy set of circumstances... The tension in this book was built nicely and had some nice twists and turns in the narrative. Overall I really enjoyed the characterization in this thriller and will be happy to read the 3rd.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange of an honest review*