Well, in Vol 2 it looks like things are starting to come together, but it definitely leaves room for another volume.  I continue to enjoy the story and learns more about how the many characters fit into Walter's plans.  This book is about friendship, love, manipulation and about the nature of humanity.  Definitely some shocking parts including death and violence.  Good graphics, although a bit confusing.  Many characters had me referencing the back of the book many times.  Remember human nature wants to make their own decisions. 

 enjoyed The Nice House on the Lake Vol 1. I loved the diverse characters including several types of queer.  I also liked the book didn’t center on that; it was just people accepting folk for who they are. Good plot with more worldly connotations, although the characters didn’t ask obvious questions and that annoyed me. The graphics were really detailed, not too busy, and created a cryptic movie vibe that I fed into readily. It was suspenseful and hooked me to find out more. Looking forward to the next installment. 

The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl was an interesting book.  As a fan of Issa Rae from the show Insecure, I was excited to read this book, not knowing this book was written years before.  I love how she embraces her own awkwardness to center a Youtube channel around it.  Very entertaining and I am happy for all her success.  I learned many new things about her including a privileged Senagalese-American heritage.  While I can't relate to that, I definitely can relate to awkwardness with dating, dancing, and not feeling like I fit in with many situations.  I especially enjoyed the chapters on the different types of coworkers and black people.  It is what I chose to center my vlog on.  Fun, educational, and unique chapter.  I appreciate Issa Rae's experiences and look forward to continuing to following her career.

Dreamlands are 2 novellas completely different. One fantasy about a sorceress and another about a girl dreaming of going to Mars.  Both were entertaining and somewhat sad. They make you continue to think afterward. Quick, reflective, and well written.

Mexican Gothic reminds me of Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allen Poe and What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher.  It was creepy, funny at times, and haunting. I loved how strong Noemi was and that she stood up for herself.  This book features sexism, racism, and elitism. I wish something more would have been done with some characters. The reveal toward the ending was confusing. The end/prologue was sweet.  Overall a good book. 

The Beautiful Ones is written well and contains lots of drama.  I think it was a tad too long for a romance though.  I enjoyed the strong female characters that defied the gender norms and dared to be themselves, smart, talented, vindictive.  There was not much emphasis on the telekinesis, which is the main reason I picked up the book.  Don't expect much magic.  It's a really slow burn story of love, vindictive drama. I enjoyed the story a lot.

Certain Dark Things had a good plot, was bloody and gory, and funny at times.  I liked the action, but it was too quick. It started quick and then was over before you knew it.  I do like this book is not afraid to kill people.  And the love story didn’t seem plausible and was jumped into quickly.  I was sympathetic to both Atl and Domingo, but Domingo is an idiot that jumps into stuff way too quickly. Book needs some more fleshing out to be really great.

Stories like this make you reflect on what you are doing with your life and how quickly it could be over. I kept thinking California wildfires. Story was no fluff, to the point, and easy to grasp. I liked narrator wants to be a writer.

Unearthed tackle the tough subject of immigration reform, DACA, ICE, politics, and activism.  I can't say I was educated about DACA prior to reading so gave me a good excuse to look up some legislation.  I enjoyed this story of a young girl feeling the pressure of where she stands on this issue when it affects her and her family directly. I felt emotionally for the character because it is a heavy burden to bear, especially so young, that is outside her control and it is not a cut and dry answer.  I can't say I agree with how she handled the situation at the end, but I understand it.  Feeling the need to act is powerful and there are many ways to do such.  I love the inclusion of Aztecan ancestry; beautiful portrayal. The graphics are kinda blurry and look sinister.  I also did not like the flat heads of many characters.  Overall, how you feel about this book very much relates to how you feel about immigration reform.  I'm still trying to figure that out.  It definitely sparks a conversation.

I have enjoyed Danny Trejo's movies and it was great getting an insight into his real life in Trejo.  I was surprised he was sober and crime free by age 25.  I had thought he was into the gangsta lifestyle until later in life. Sad to say I was disappointed.  It doesn't take away from his experiences, but he speaks from a very young point of view in prison.  Although, he's always had a tough life and has hung around some tough characters most of his life.  I wanted to punch Uncle Gilbert in the throat for getting him into crime and drugs. Book was insightful, optomistic and I love how me dedicated his life to helping others.  It has served him well.  I wish him luck as he has had some major medical issues.  Stay bad ass Trejo and if I am ever near, I will check out Trejos Tacos.  Book had many tangents that I lost track at times and there were redundant parts. Oh, if you catch the self narrated audio book, it is very varied tempo and choppy.