Lou knows that her birth is from a horrible event in her mother's past. She's kept secrets herself, and now she's carrying a big one--her birth father is out of jail and trying to contact her. He shows up different places, leaves her letters. Additionally, her friend King is back in town, and that brings up a lot of confusing feelings. What do they mean to each other? This story deals with the heartbreaking way Native people have been treated, and although this story takes place on the Canadian plains, it's definitely relevant to the United States as well.

River McIntyre is a teen who is angry all the time and doesn't seem to quite know why. Over the course of the book their identity unfolds in a messy yet realistic way, charting a journey that is painful to witness at times (especially as River makes choices you know will hurt them). This story of searching for identity and living an authentic life will resonate with many teens.

It seems like Jay is going to have a good life. After all, he's now able to live in Karloff Country, a Disney-esque resort that lets staff stay on its grounds and gives them something like an Apple Watch that does a lot of basic Siri-like tasks. It all quickly goes wrong, when the outside world crashes in and the true nature of Karloff Country is revealed. 

I don't want to give too much away due to spoilers, but this is a jaw-dropping look at something that is unfortunately too plausible. I could totally see this happening, and it's horrifying. There are definitely content warnings needed for this book. It's also so good though. I've seen comparisons to Jordan Peele's work and that feels apt to me. 

Reading this book is a bit of a contradiction--I do feel bad for Prince Harry, and what he has gone through in his life. This book made me feel sympathy for him, and for Meg. On the other hand, he's lived a life of immense privilege and it's clear he's still fairly early on in examining his family's role in the subjugation of other lands, particularly those he loves like Botswana. Also, it's pretty clear he did not prepare Meghan adequately for what royalty meant, and he didn't think about how race would impact anything.  I'm hopeful that after this reflection and the Netflix piece, he and Meghan will be able to move on and start doing other things, rather than keep reflecting on the past. 

Jade's best friend Phoebe attempts suicide before Jade is supposed to go to an intensive art camp. Jade goes to camp anyway, but is wracked with emotions about Phoebe and whether or not she should have stayed. She finds herself attracted to another camper, Mary. When Jade begins to put her emotions onto paper and into clay, they start to come to life and cause trouble for Jade. Will she ever admit to anyone what she is struggling with?  

I appreciated the look at what Jade is going through without casting any judgement on Phoebe. The coming to life part didn't entirely work for me. I got it as a way of Jade's emotions expressing themselves, but I was left a little flummoxed at to how other people were supposed to react to the changing clay figures. f

Lu and Fassen meet by happenstance on one of Lu's outings to learn more about the universe. Lu is part of a commune trying to avoid the war at all costs, while Fassen is one of the rebels in the war. As the book goes on, you learn a bit more about the rebels. Is their way of thinking really better? 

It makes you think about war, utopia, and what you "deserve" just by being alive. 

Wrecked is the story of three teens in rural Kentucky. One, Fen, has just moved to the area to live with his dad. The other two are on the periphery of a drug lord known as the Wizard, while also living doomsday style. Short chapters from each character's perspective unfurl the story. I thought it was okay. There were parts at the end that threw me, and I didn't entirely trust the ending. 

This book was so good. I'm not sure what the specific feeling is that this book evokes in me, but it's one that I love in books. An angel and a demon working together to do a mitzvah across the sea, learning so much about themselves and others. Add in irrepressible Rose and tenements and factory strikes, and it's a winning combination.  I think the one thing I wish had happened was that I knew there was a glossary at the end when I started reading. I would have appreciated knowing that earlier in the book. 

As someone who has anxiety, this book was both stressful and helpful. Stressful because it was like the author was in my head at times, and helpful because it's a reminder you aren't alone.  Lily has been trying to be "the good one" since her mother died ten years ago, and even more since The Night in the Bathroom. The voices in her head beat her up, and she picks at her skin, but she won't show it to anyone. Eventually (as you know it must) it all catches up to her. The addition of a high school forum that has anonymous comments gives the feel of social media without dating the book. I do wish the bully had gotten his comeuppance though. 

Chiara has a secret she doesn't want anyone to find out--she thinks about harming others from time to time and stresses about it. Eventually she asks for help and discovers she has a form of OCD.  She gets the help she needs and there's a light at the end of the tunnel.