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Read this and other book reviews at www.travelthroughfiction.com!
In Beach Read by Emily Henry, we cozy up in a beach home in North Bear Shores, MI with January and Gus as they challenge each other in a genre-swap writing challenge. Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit.
Bite-Sized Summary
Beach Read is a romantic contemporary, told from the perspective of a hopeless romantic gone rogue. Life hit her hard and fast with her father passing away and a long-term relationship ending, leaving her floundering as a romance author. Her next book is due soon and she can’t force herself to write about a topic that she’s lost faith in: romance. January is forced to move to her Dad’s beach house due to her being broke and unmotivated to write. On her first night at the beach house, she meets her new neighbor for the second time, Augustus Everett. He challenges her to write a literary fiction piece to break out of her writer’s block, while he tries to take on the romance genre to break out of his.
Going In Expectations
Emily Henry’s latest masterpiece has hit BookTube and BookTwitter by storm, which is why I wanted to read it. It was definitely a hype read, but I loved the premise because I’m a writer. I love reading books about writers. Plus, it’s a romance and I was in the mood for one. It seemed like a perfect summer read.
Raves & Critiques
I can’t find anything that I didn’t like. This book is not what I expected, but in the best way possible. I was expecting a lighthearted romance read to enjoy on the beach. This was not it.
Beach Read hits hard for a romance. I’m not one for adult books, much less adult romance, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. When January and Gus trade places in genre, they both realize that there’s value in the genre they’re attempting to write. January realizes that life sucks and she is allowed to put that into her writing. Gus realizes that love is possible and that happy endings are subjective.
If you’re a writer, please read this. It will make you want to write. Every other chapter, I was itching to put down the book and zoom over to my laptop. The writer’s life that Henry describes is fitting for anyone who writes, published or otherwise. The writer’s block is real. The way writers find their motivation is well represented, as well as the methodology behind drafting.
One vocabulary word had me laughing my ass off because it’s so true: the Drafting Diet is real. When you’re hammering out a draft, your diet changes. What’s your drafting diet (leave in comments below!)? Mine consists of gummy candy of all kinds, crap-tons of coffee, iced tea, and microwave meals. The lifestyle of an author is what I loved reading about most in this novel, even though there was a lot of love.
The relationship between January and Gus was authentic. You could feel the heat (yes, it gets steamy in a few scenes) and you can feel the distress of a legit adult relationship. The supporting characters were great, the setting was well developed, and the plot was amazing. I feel as though January and Gus are part of my life now. I will be re-reading Beach Read during the summers to come, just to visit them and say hi.
Reason for Rating ~ Should You Read It?
I would recommend Beach Read for anyone who loves contemporary romance stories, writers of any genre, and anyone in the mood for a summer read. Just keep in mind, that even though this is perfect for summer… this book is drenched in reality and will hit all of the feels.
In Beach Read by Emily Henry, we cozy up in a beach home in North Bear Shores, MI with January and Gus as they challenge each other in a genre-swap writing challenge. Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit.
Bite-Sized Summary
Beach Read is a romantic contemporary, told from the perspective of a hopeless romantic gone rogue. Life hit her hard and fast with her father passing away and a long-term relationship ending, leaving her floundering as a romance author. Her next book is due soon and she can’t force herself to write about a topic that she’s lost faith in: romance. January is forced to move to her Dad’s beach house due to her being broke and unmotivated to write. On her first night at the beach house, she meets her new neighbor for the second time, Augustus Everett. He challenges her to write a literary fiction piece to break out of her writer’s block, while he tries to take on the romance genre to break out of his.
Going In Expectations
Emily Henry’s latest masterpiece has hit BookTube and BookTwitter by storm, which is why I wanted to read it. It was definitely a hype read, but I loved the premise because I’m a writer. I love reading books about writers. Plus, it’s a romance and I was in the mood for one. It seemed like a perfect summer read.
Raves & Critiques
I can’t find anything that I didn’t like. This book is not what I expected, but in the best way possible. I was expecting a lighthearted romance read to enjoy on the beach. This was not it.
Beach Read hits hard for a romance. I’m not one for adult books, much less adult romance, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. When January and Gus trade places in genre, they both realize that there’s value in the genre they’re attempting to write. January realizes that life sucks and she is allowed to put that into her writing. Gus realizes that love is possible and that happy endings are subjective.
If you’re a writer, please read this. It will make you want to write. Every other chapter, I was itching to put down the book and zoom over to my laptop. The writer’s life that Henry describes is fitting for anyone who writes, published or otherwise. The writer’s block is real. The way writers find their motivation is well represented, as well as the methodology behind drafting.
One vocabulary word had me laughing my ass off because it’s so true: the Drafting Diet is real. When you’re hammering out a draft, your diet changes. What’s your drafting diet (leave in comments below!)? Mine consists of gummy candy of all kinds, crap-tons of coffee, iced tea, and microwave meals. The lifestyle of an author is what I loved reading about most in this novel, even though there was a lot of love.
The relationship between January and Gus was authentic. You could feel the heat (yes, it gets steamy in a few scenes) and you can feel the distress of a legit adult relationship. The supporting characters were great, the setting was well developed, and the plot was amazing. I feel as though January and Gus are part of my life now. I will be re-reading Beach Read during the summers to come, just to visit them and say hi.
Reason for Rating ~ Should You Read It?
I would recommend Beach Read for anyone who loves contemporary romance stories, writers of any genre, and anyone in the mood for a summer read. Just keep in mind, that even though this is perfect for summer… this book is drenched in reality and will hit all of the feels.
For more young adult book reviews, visit www.travelthroughfiction.com!
In The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed, we head to the heat of Los Angeles in the 90’s, when the Rodney King riots set the street ablaze.
Releases August 4, 2020 by Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
I’d like to thank NetGalley, Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers, and Christina Hammonds Reed for the eARC and the opportunity to read The Black Kids before release date! Here is my honest review.
Bite-Sized Summary
The Black Kids is set in Los Angeles 1992. We follow Ashley, a senior in high school being deeply affected by the Rodney King trial. Ashley was raised on the rich side of LA; she lives in a fancy house, goes to a fancy school, has fancy friends, and lives a fancy life. When the four cops who beat Rodney King half to death were acquitted, she stopped being a fancy rich kid and turned into one of the Black kids. Ashley’s sister, Jo, is drawn into the riots and finds herself participating in them, risking everything to take a stand for what she believes in. The Black Kids is a story of becoming comfortable in your own skin, while shedding light on what it means to be Black in America.
Going In Expectations
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into The Black Kids, which is exactly why I picked it up. I requested it because I wanted a better understanding of what the Rodney King riots were like and to gain a better understanding of our current climate. As a white reviewer and reader, I find it important to uplift Black voices and authors–to shout what they have to say to the rafters. The Black Kids didn’t disappoint and this is me shouting.
Raves & Critiques
I absolutely loved The Black Kids. Chrsitina Hammonds Reed’s voice belongs with Angie Thomas’s and Justin A. Reynolds’s. She poses a huge point: we haven’t come very far since 1992. The themes presented in this book are universal and extremely relevant, despite it being set 28 years ago. That’s sickening. The themes discussed include police brutality, white privilege, and what it means to be Black in America on the daily.
The range of topics that Christina discusses within these pages are intense: it goes from police brutality to how difficult it is to find a hair salon that can do “Black hair.” As a white individual, I had no idea what the daily life of a Black individual entails. And I still don’t. I won’t ever because I live in white skin. I make it a point to read books like these and to continue furthering my education on cultural differences because it’s important to acknowledge that not everyone lives like you. Has privileges like you.
Yes, the themes were incredibly written and well sung, but let’s talk about the writing and plot. Literary stuff.
The writing is amazing and descriptive without being over the top. The Black Kids is written in an effortless style, which makes it easy to read, despite its intense disposition. The characters are incredibly well written and relatable. My favorite character is Lashawn because of his authenticity. You see all sides of his personality, even though he’s not the point-of-view character. All of the characters were well developed, but I loved Lashawn the most.
The pacing was the only thing I had trouble with, even though it was well done. The book is set up into a Before and After format, which I loved (one of my first notes while reading was how pretty the illustrations were for those pages). However, at the end of the book, there was another Before and After, which kind of confused me since we were in the After section already.
Reason for Rating ~ Should You Read It?
Overall, I loved this book. Easily five stars and I think everyone should read it. If you liked The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, you’ll love The Black Kids, too. Despite its heavy content, this is definitely a summer read. There’s lots of beach-going and palm trees (albeit, they’re on fire). Lots of summery goodness among the heavy themes.
In The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed, we head to the heat of Los Angeles in the 90’s, when the Rodney King riots set the street ablaze.
Releases August 4, 2020 by Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
I’d like to thank NetGalley, Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers, and Christina Hammonds Reed for the eARC and the opportunity to read The Black Kids before release date! Here is my honest review.
Bite-Sized Summary
The Black Kids is set in Los Angeles 1992. We follow Ashley, a senior in high school being deeply affected by the Rodney King trial. Ashley was raised on the rich side of LA; she lives in a fancy house, goes to a fancy school, has fancy friends, and lives a fancy life. When the four cops who beat Rodney King half to death were acquitted, she stopped being a fancy rich kid and turned into one of the Black kids. Ashley’s sister, Jo, is drawn into the riots and finds herself participating in them, risking everything to take a stand for what she believes in. The Black Kids is a story of becoming comfortable in your own skin, while shedding light on what it means to be Black in America.
Going In Expectations
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into The Black Kids, which is exactly why I picked it up. I requested it because I wanted a better understanding of what the Rodney King riots were like and to gain a better understanding of our current climate. As a white reviewer and reader, I find it important to uplift Black voices and authors–to shout what they have to say to the rafters. The Black Kids didn’t disappoint and this is me shouting.
Raves & Critiques
I absolutely loved The Black Kids. Chrsitina Hammonds Reed’s voice belongs with Angie Thomas’s and Justin A. Reynolds’s. She poses a huge point: we haven’t come very far since 1992. The themes presented in this book are universal and extremely relevant, despite it being set 28 years ago. That’s sickening. The themes discussed include police brutality, white privilege, and what it means to be Black in America on the daily.
The range of topics that Christina discusses within these pages are intense: it goes from police brutality to how difficult it is to find a hair salon that can do “Black hair.” As a white individual, I had no idea what the daily life of a Black individual entails. And I still don’t. I won’t ever because I live in white skin. I make it a point to read books like these and to continue furthering my education on cultural differences because it’s important to acknowledge that not everyone lives like you. Has privileges like you.
Yes, the themes were incredibly written and well sung, but let’s talk about the writing and plot. Literary stuff.
The writing is amazing and descriptive without being over the top. The Black Kids is written in an effortless style, which makes it easy to read, despite its intense disposition. The characters are incredibly well written and relatable. My favorite character is Lashawn because of his authenticity. You see all sides of his personality, even though he’s not the point-of-view character. All of the characters were well developed, but I loved Lashawn the most.
The pacing was the only thing I had trouble with, even though it was well done. The book is set up into a Before and After format, which I loved (one of my first notes while reading was how pretty the illustrations were for those pages). However, at the end of the book, there was another Before and After, which kind of confused me since we were in the After section already.
Reason for Rating ~ Should You Read It?
Overall, I loved this book. Easily five stars and I think everyone should read it. If you liked The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, you’ll love The Black Kids, too. Despite its heavy content, this is definitely a summer read. There’s lots of beach-going and palm trees (albeit, they’re on fire). Lots of summery goodness among the heavy themes.
For more book reviews and other bookish content, visit www.travelthroughfiction.com!
In The Shadows by Alex North, we discover the dark side of lucid dreaming as two teens decide to sacrifice a best friend of theirs, in the hopes that they will be able to live permanently inside of their dreams.
Bite-Sized Summary
In Alex North’s newest release, he explores the possibilities of lucid dreaming. Charlie is the weird kid. The kid that everyone thinks is a bit off, but just weird enough to be interesting. Fifteen-year-old Paul and his friends get wrapped up into some weird stuff that Charlie is dabbling in: lucid dreaming. Apparently, there’s a way to enter your lucid dreams permanently, living in a world you create rather than reality. The price is sacrifice. The Shadows is about the murder that happened twenty five years ago, when a fifteen year old was brutally stabbed to death. One of the teen murderers were caught and thrown in prison. The other, Charlie, disappeared. Poof.
Going In Expectations
I’ve heard so many good things about Alex North, so when an excerpt of The Shadows popped up on NetGalley, I knew I had to read it. Since it was a chapter sampler, I knew that I would get hooked and I would end up buying the book. I was just about to purchase the book (literally with my next paycheck), when NetGalley dropped audiobooks. The Shadows was nestled in the “Listen Now” section and I about keeled over. I grabbed so fast and started listening to it immediately.
Raves & Critiques
I have so much to say about The Shadows. There were so many things that I adored about this book and not a single thing that I would’ve done differently. With that in mind, I did feel as though the beginning dragged a little bit, but I wouldn’t change it. The build up was necessary and really aided in the suspense throughout the rest of the novel, so if you DNFed it early on, keep going!
Keep in mind, too, that I’m a young adult reader. I’m not an adult book fan, although I find myself picking up quite a few of them as of late. I’m a YA book nerd and I loved this so much! So, if you’re not a thriller fan… you may want to try this one as a first go.
Perspectives
The perspective changes were interesting… in a good way! The Shadows is told from three different perspectives, but from two people. So, we Amanda Beck, a detective that gets invested with the case. There were other murders years later that were inspired by Charlie’s disappearance, other kids thinking that they can live in this dream land and escape their realities if they sacrificed someone. Amanda is covering one of those cases.
The second perspective is of fifteen-year-old Paul. When Paul was a teenager, he met Charlie and got swept up, along with a few friends. This perspective sheds light on what happened to Charlie first hand, trying to decipher what it is that Charlie wants. The third perspective is adult Paul, returning to the town twenty five years after he left. Adult Paul is trying to figure out what happened to Charlie, while dealing with some seriously creepy events.
The Narration
This is the first time that I’m reviewing an audiobook. To be honest, I’m not a fan. I don’t like a narrator telling me how to picture voices, especially if the narration is bad. If I’m laughing at the narration, I can’t do it… so long story short, I’m picky about my narration.
Hannah Arterton and John Heffernan did an amazing job. The perspective changes were easily followed because Hannah told Amanda’s side of things, while John told Paul’s. Both narrators aided with the suspense that comes with thrillers, making it a rollercoaster ride. I’m actually really happy that I ended up listening to The Shadows via audio instead of reading it print just because of the suspense they both added to the story.
The Battle Between Crime and the Supernatural
There was an intense struggle as we tried to figure out if this story is supernatural or just a run-of-the-mill crime happening. I loved that we were second guessing the plot throughout the novel. It aided in the suspense. I’ve never read a supernatural-type novel executed this way before and now I’m a huge fan.
Reason for Rating ~ Should You Read It?
The Shadows by Alex North is an intense thriller, where we explore the affects of lucid dreaming and if it’s possible to stay in the dream state. Local legends. Writing competitions. Seriously spooky shit. Supernatural elements. Crime. This book is a perfect thriller and I easily rated it five out of five stars. I would recommend this book for thriller fans in general. I haven’t read enough thrillers to make specific suggestions, but this is easily one of the best adult books I’ve ever read.
In The Shadows by Alex North, we discover the dark side of lucid dreaming as two teens decide to sacrifice a best friend of theirs, in the hopes that they will be able to live permanently inside of their dreams.
Bite-Sized Summary
In Alex North’s newest release, he explores the possibilities of lucid dreaming. Charlie is the weird kid. The kid that everyone thinks is a bit off, but just weird enough to be interesting. Fifteen-year-old Paul and his friends get wrapped up into some weird stuff that Charlie is dabbling in: lucid dreaming. Apparently, there’s a way to enter your lucid dreams permanently, living in a world you create rather than reality. The price is sacrifice. The Shadows is about the murder that happened twenty five years ago, when a fifteen year old was brutally stabbed to death. One of the teen murderers were caught and thrown in prison. The other, Charlie, disappeared. Poof.
Going In Expectations
I’ve heard so many good things about Alex North, so when an excerpt of The Shadows popped up on NetGalley, I knew I had to read it. Since it was a chapter sampler, I knew that I would get hooked and I would end up buying the book. I was just about to purchase the book (literally with my next paycheck), when NetGalley dropped audiobooks. The Shadows was nestled in the “Listen Now” section and I about keeled over. I grabbed so fast and started listening to it immediately.
Raves & Critiques
I have so much to say about The Shadows. There were so many things that I adored about this book and not a single thing that I would’ve done differently. With that in mind, I did feel as though the beginning dragged a little bit, but I wouldn’t change it. The build up was necessary and really aided in the suspense throughout the rest of the novel, so if you DNFed it early on, keep going!
Keep in mind, too, that I’m a young adult reader. I’m not an adult book fan, although I find myself picking up quite a few of them as of late. I’m a YA book nerd and I loved this so much! So, if you’re not a thriller fan… you may want to try this one as a first go.
Perspectives
The perspective changes were interesting… in a good way! The Shadows is told from three different perspectives, but from two people. So, we Amanda Beck, a detective that gets invested with the case. There were other murders years later that were inspired by Charlie’s disappearance, other kids thinking that they can live in this dream land and escape their realities if they sacrificed someone. Amanda is covering one of those cases.
The second perspective is of fifteen-year-old Paul. When Paul was a teenager, he met Charlie and got swept up, along with a few friends. This perspective sheds light on what happened to Charlie first hand, trying to decipher what it is that Charlie wants. The third perspective is adult Paul, returning to the town twenty five years after he left. Adult Paul is trying to figure out what happened to Charlie, while dealing with some seriously creepy events.
The Narration
This is the first time that I’m reviewing an audiobook. To be honest, I’m not a fan. I don’t like a narrator telling me how to picture voices, especially if the narration is bad. If I’m laughing at the narration, I can’t do it… so long story short, I’m picky about my narration.
Hannah Arterton and John Heffernan did an amazing job. The perspective changes were easily followed because Hannah told Amanda’s side of things, while John told Paul’s. Both narrators aided with the suspense that comes with thrillers, making it a rollercoaster ride. I’m actually really happy that I ended up listening to The Shadows via audio instead of reading it print just because of the suspense they both added to the story.
The Battle Between Crime and the Supernatural
There was an intense struggle as we tried to figure out if this story is supernatural or just a run-of-the-mill crime happening. I loved that we were second guessing the plot throughout the novel. It aided in the suspense. I’ve never read a supernatural-type novel executed this way before and now I’m a huge fan.
Reason for Rating ~ Should You Read It?
The Shadows by Alex North is an intense thriller, where we explore the affects of lucid dreaming and if it’s possible to stay in the dream state. Local legends. Writing competitions. Seriously spooky shit. Supernatural elements. Crime. This book is a perfect thriller and I easily rated it five out of five stars. I would recommend this book for thriller fans in general. I haven’t read enough thrillers to make specific suggestions, but this is easily one of the best adult books I’ve ever read.
In This Is My America by Kim Johnson, we evacuate from Louisiana to Texas with the Beaumont family and fight against injustices that find us when we arrive.
I’d like to thank NetGalley, Random House Children’s Books, and Kim Johnson for the eARC and the opportunity to read This Is My America before release date! Here is my honest review.
Bite-Sized Summary
This Is My America follows the life of Tracy Beaumont, as she fights for her father’s life while he waits on death row for his execution. As he waits for a punishment for a crime that he didn’t commit. Seven years pass before we enter the story with Tracy and he has nine months left to live. Tracy has been in contact with Innocence X, in hopes that they will lend their legal expertise to help her family; she’s sent letters for seven years straight. Cut to her brother, Jamal, as he gets dragged into a modern murder that their community is ready to sentence him for. He didn’t do it, but he knows better than to go in. While on the run, Tracy gets word from Innocence X. They’re finally picking up her father’s case… and just maybe they can help Jamal.
Going In Expectations
I expected to be shocked and disgusted with our legal system while reading This Is My America. This book exceeded my expectations in that department.
Raves & Critiques
I tend to read diversely naturally, but lately I’ve been making a conscious effort to read books by Black authors and I knew that requesting this one from NetGalley would make me feel things. Oh, did I feel things.
Many of the books I’ve been reading lately have hinted at the discrimination and injustices that our Black community faces on a daily basis through microagressions or witnessing police brutality, but This Is My America goes about this in a completely different way. This Is My America is brutal and blunt. There isn’t much symbolism or reading into certain events. What you see is what you get and you’re not going to like it.
We see police brutality up close with shots flying at innocent and unarmed individuals. We see the role that Black police officers play and how their hands are tied in certain areas, but looking to break the injustices in others. We see the cost of white privilege. I want to elaborate on the white privilege a bit: This Is My America highlights what white silence can do and the impact that it makes, in the most devastating ways. We also see the fear of police officers; there’s genuine and heartfelt fear, not just the hatred that we see on the media.
I don’t want to give away too much of the story, but damn. Also, if you have the opportunity to read the author’s note at the end… do it. There’s tons of information about the story, where it came from, as well as information that you may find useful.
As far as critiques go, I only have one: I would’ve liked to see an elongated ending. I feel like the ending crept up on me a bit and I didn’t have the chance to wind down in the “new normal” that the story offers. I would’ve liked a scene or two more in the “after” world.
Reason for Rating ~ Should You Read It?
This Is My America is brutal and in your face, but you should read it. I rated it five stars because the writing was amazing, the characters were well rounded, the plot line was incredible, and it’s a page-turner for sure. This story will make your heart melt with certain scenes, while it twists your insides with others. Highly recommended.
I’d like to thank NetGalley, Random House Children’s Books, and Kim Johnson for the eARC and the opportunity to read This Is My America before release date! Here is my honest review.
Bite-Sized Summary
This Is My America follows the life of Tracy Beaumont, as she fights for her father’s life while he waits on death row for his execution. As he waits for a punishment for a crime that he didn’t commit. Seven years pass before we enter the story with Tracy and he has nine months left to live. Tracy has been in contact with Innocence X, in hopes that they will lend their legal expertise to help her family; she’s sent letters for seven years straight. Cut to her brother, Jamal, as he gets dragged into a modern murder that their community is ready to sentence him for. He didn’t do it, but he knows better than to go in. While on the run, Tracy gets word from Innocence X. They’re finally picking up her father’s case… and just maybe they can help Jamal.
Going In Expectations
I expected to be shocked and disgusted with our legal system while reading This Is My America. This book exceeded my expectations in that department.
Raves & Critiques
I tend to read diversely naturally, but lately I’ve been making a conscious effort to read books by Black authors and I knew that requesting this one from NetGalley would make me feel things. Oh, did I feel things.
Many of the books I’ve been reading lately have hinted at the discrimination and injustices that our Black community faces on a daily basis through microagressions or witnessing police brutality, but This Is My America goes about this in a completely different way. This Is My America is brutal and blunt. There isn’t much symbolism or reading into certain events. What you see is what you get and you’re not going to like it.
We see police brutality up close with shots flying at innocent and unarmed individuals. We see the role that Black police officers play and how their hands are tied in certain areas, but looking to break the injustices in others. We see the cost of white privilege. I want to elaborate on the white privilege a bit: This Is My America highlights what white silence can do and the impact that it makes, in the most devastating ways. We also see the fear of police officers; there’s genuine and heartfelt fear, not just the hatred that we see on the media.
I don’t want to give away too much of the story, but damn. Also, if you have the opportunity to read the author’s note at the end… do it. There’s tons of information about the story, where it came from, as well as information that you may find useful.
As far as critiques go, I only have one: I would’ve liked to see an elongated ending. I feel like the ending crept up on me a bit and I didn’t have the chance to wind down in the “new normal” that the story offers. I would’ve liked a scene or two more in the “after” world.
Reason for Rating ~ Should You Read It?
This Is My America is brutal and in your face, but you should read it. I rated it five stars because the writing was amazing, the characters were well rounded, the plot line was incredible, and it’s a page-turner for sure. This story will make your heart melt with certain scenes, while it twists your insides with others. Highly recommended.
Read for the Reading Rush 2020!
For the full list of books and their mini-reviews, visit www.travelthroughfiction.com!
Around 8:30, I took my first comic outside to complete the "Read a Book Completely Outside of Your House" challenge: Book Love by Debbie Tung. I figured this was the perfect book to start the Reading Rush off with, since it's celebrating bookish addictions. All book nerds need to consider this book required reading. It's seriously wonderful with the short comic style, but with beautiful full-page illustrations in between. I'm trying to get my boyfriend to read it, since this book peered into my soul. I felt attacked throughout reading this in the best way possible. I think this is going to be a yearly read for me.
For the full list of books and their mini-reviews, visit www.travelthroughfiction.com!
Around 8:30, I took my first comic outside to complete the "Read a Book Completely Outside of Your House" challenge: Book Love by Debbie Tung. I figured this was the perfect book to start the Reading Rush off with, since it's celebrating bookish addictions. All book nerds need to consider this book required reading. It's seriously wonderful with the short comic style, but with beautiful full-page illustrations in between. I'm trying to get my boyfriend to read it, since this book peered into my soul. I felt attacked throughout reading this in the best way possible. I think this is going to be a yearly read for me.
Read my review of this book: https://travelthroughfiction.com/the-switch-by-beth-oleary-arc-audiobook-review/
First Impressions
I’m so glad I scored this eARC from Netgalley! I didn’t think I’d get it, but I did! It came in late, too. This was a last-minute addition to my June releases, so I had to read it before May ended. Thankfully, I was able to read through this in two days!
Again Again is going to be released June 2, 2020! That’s in a couple of days!
What I’m noticing about E. Lockhart is that summer is her jam. At least for the two books I’ve read of hers. She’s a great author to look to when you’re needing a summer read. Again Again is about a high schooler named Adelaide and her alternate universes, about finding herself in terms of relationships, and becoming comfortable in her own skin.
Writing Style
I loved We Were Liars and E. Lockhart’s style is very similar in this novel. However, the parallel universes through me off (hence the four stars, rather than five). The entire novel is set in multiple universes, where Adelaide ends up with different outcomes.
It’s executed well, don’t get me wrong! The alternate universes were in bold and the main universe was plain text. It was easy to see the transitions between the universes, but my brain couldn’t keep track of what was happening in each universe.
As with We Were Liars, the chapters are short and have that same kind of poetic feel to the prose. Beautiful writing and style.
Story
I loved the characters, although you don’t really get to know any of them. It’s weird because I felt like I knew Toby the best, who is Adelaide’s brother. He’s part of the story, but not the main line. I felt as though Toby’s character didn’t change with the universes, making it a deeper connection to the reader.
To be clear, none of the characters really changed, but their situations did. In each universe, the character handled the same type of situation differently, making it difficult to get to know the characters.
The plot was confusing at times. I sat down to write my first impressions section when I was 25% of the way through, which is what I always do, and I found it extremely difficult. I didn’t know what the book was about.
Now, I see that this is a character-based plot, which is difficult because you didn’t really get to know the characters. Adelaide’s character arc is the point of the plot—we see her chasing after boyfriends and failing in relationships, to finally feeling good in her own skin.
I liked the message of the plot, but the execution was a little off, in my opinion.
Should You Read It?
If you’re a fan of alternative universes and love stories, this book is for you.
I’m so glad I scored this eARC from Netgalley! I didn’t think I’d get it, but I did! It came in late, too. This was a last-minute addition to my June releases, so I had to read it before May ended. Thankfully, I was able to read through this in two days!
Again Again is going to be released June 2, 2020! That’s in a couple of days!
What I’m noticing about E. Lockhart is that summer is her jam. At least for the two books I’ve read of hers. She’s a great author to look to when you’re needing a summer read. Again Again is about a high schooler named Adelaide and her alternate universes, about finding herself in terms of relationships, and becoming comfortable in her own skin.
Writing Style
I loved We Were Liars and E. Lockhart’s style is very similar in this novel. However, the parallel universes through me off (hence the four stars, rather than five). The entire novel is set in multiple universes, where Adelaide ends up with different outcomes.
It’s executed well, don’t get me wrong! The alternate universes were in bold and the main universe was plain text. It was easy to see the transitions between the universes, but my brain couldn’t keep track of what was happening in each universe.
As with We Were Liars, the chapters are short and have that same kind of poetic feel to the prose. Beautiful writing and style.
Story
I loved the characters, although you don’t really get to know any of them. It’s weird because I felt like I knew Toby the best, who is Adelaide’s brother. He’s part of the story, but not the main line. I felt as though Toby’s character didn’t change with the universes, making it a deeper connection to the reader.
To be clear, none of the characters really changed, but their situations did. In each universe, the character handled the same type of situation differently, making it difficult to get to know the characters.
The plot was confusing at times. I sat down to write my first impressions section when I was 25% of the way through, which is what I always do, and I found it extremely difficult. I didn’t know what the book was about.
Now, I see that this is a character-based plot, which is difficult because you didn’t really get to know the characters. Adelaide’s character arc is the point of the plot—we see her chasing after boyfriends and failing in relationships, to finally feeling good in her own skin.
I liked the message of the plot, but the execution was a little off, in my opinion.
Should You Read It?
If you’re a fan of alternative universes and love stories, this book is for you.
I don't know why I want to cry so badly. Reading this book made me feel represented and validated. This is so much more than a collection of comics, putting the life of an introvert out there.
This is a full on story of a girl who learns to love herself, in spite of her social anxiety and introversion. Seriously, I'm on the verge of tears because I've been where Debbie Tung is showing us.
I see myself on every page and this book gives me hope that I could become more comfortable in my own skin, and perhaps make it in the freelance world. I've wanted to freelance since I started working because of my introversion. It's difficult for me do to things that other people do without thinking.
I've read two of Debbie's books so far and they've both been through Libby. I want to purchase them, just to have around the house when I need the pick me up she offers.
This is a full on story of a girl who learns to love herself, in spite of her social anxiety and introversion. Seriously, I'm on the verge of tears because I've been where Debbie Tung is showing us.
I see myself on every page and this book gives me hope that I could become more comfortable in my own skin, and perhaps make it in the freelance world. I've wanted to freelance since I started working because of my introversion. It's difficult for me do to things that other people do without thinking.
I've read two of Debbie's books so far and they've both been through Libby. I want to purchase them, just to have around the house when I need the pick me up she offers.
Gaaah! The ending!
Read the full book review here: https://travelthroughfiction.com/home-before-dark-by-riley-sager-book-review/
Read the full book review here: https://travelthroughfiction.com/home-before-dark-by-riley-sager-book-review/