It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*expletives redacted*

I had no idea what this story was about. I just started it, because I read everything Colleen Hoover writes. No. I don't just read her stories. I drink them down and dwell inside them. She creates characters and worlds that cling to you, that make you face all your hopes and fears, that put you through the full range of emotions.

Anyway, long story short, I was completely unprepared for how a book with such a pretty cover could contain such ugliness, pain, and suffering. I mean, the destroyed flower probably should have been a warning sign . . . Regardless, it's still a gorgeous story, in the kind of way the embers of a fire are beautiful, after the flames have just destroyed something.

Be sure to read the author's note at the end of the story.

Pages: 376

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It took me longer to settle into this one than it did Everything Everything, maybe partly because the fast changes of POV at the start, but it did suck me in, once I wrapped my brain around who the characters are and why I should care about them.

Basically, Natasha (17) meets Daniel on the same day her family is to be deported to Jamaica for being illegal immigrants (came to America at age 8), and they have an immediate, shocking connection. Despite being so different, and almost opposites in many ways, they are drawn to each other in a way that surprises them both. As a result, they become part of each others' lives through a very difficult day.

The story shares some interesting thoughts and messages, especially in light of recent politics, and the writing is beautiful, as you would expect of Nicola Yoon. The characters are individual and diverse, and even though the story takes place in the span of a day, you get to watch them evolve.

Overall, it's a mash-up of many different commentaries and small story lines on love, race, culture, and the fine line between fighting for your dreams and being responsible to and for those who love you. It gave me different ways to think about life, which is harder for a book to accomplish than you would think, considering I'm an avid reader.

I like it a lot. I just don't love it enough that I need to clutch it to my chest and begin immediately rereading it, which is why it only got 4 stars, instead of 5, despite being an excellent story.

Pages: 384

Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi

Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a unique, imaginative, well-written, adorable middle grade fantasy novel. I'm obsessed with Mafi's writing, so there was no doubt that I would read this book. It also has a gorgeous cover, sounds great as an audiobook, and reads like a colorful dream. I almost feel like music should pour from the book when I crack it open, which is just a testament to how delightful it is.

Pages: 416

Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen by Jazz Jennings

Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen by Jazz Jennings
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to the audiobook of this memoir, which was very good, because it is so conversational in voice and tone.

This is an engaging story, and I found Jazz's journey (so far) to be fascinating. I especially appreciate how overwhelmingly positive, encouraging, and confident she is. It's also honest and upfront about topics such as depression.

That being said, I don't think her journey would be considered typical for most transgender teens, so while it's so wonderful to see how much love and support she has had since she was very young, I appreciate how it is noted that other trans kids and teens have not all had the same level of acceptance and support. This is not to say her life has been without hardship, because she has had her own set of struggles.

The book mentions important areas of concern for the trans community, such as the high suicide rates and the increased risk of being the victim of violent crimes. It balances a very hopeful message with reminders that the lives, stories, and struggles of other transgender people can be very different. Regardless, almost all people want to be themselves and to be accepted for who they are, and for someone so young to have such insight is impressive.

I'm still, quite honestly, not a huge fan of memoirs, but this one is short, held my attention well, and provides a lot of good information that will hopefully make the world a more understanding place.

Pages: 272

Drag Teen by Jeffery Self

Drag Teen by Jeffery Self
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is like cotton candy, which tends to be a lot of fun, but it can be a bit too fluffy and sweet for me at times. I would probably give it only 3 starts, but it has drag queens, some excellent humor, and a few touching moments, which all add up to a 4th star.

I enjoyed this roadtrip-to-enter-a-contest-to-win-a-scholarship story (a popular trend in YA these days), but it's probably not a story that will stick with me for long, despite the interesting journey.

I did appreciate the diversity in characters, and there were a few unexpected viewpoints that caught my attention and made me stop to think. All in all, it's a good book.

Pages: 256

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's not bad. The characters are pretty naive, in a beautiful way, but my jaded side sometimes had trouble swallowing that. I confess I wanted it to run just a bit deeper than it does. You are also going to need to be able to suspend belief to really love this book, as actions and events don't always occur in ways that are logical and realistic. You have to let go of any inner-critic and just try to enjoy an unexpected ride.

The message is solid and valuable, assuming you are into the kind of fiction that teaches a life lesson. There were a lot of things I love about this story, but some of the stuff is so over-the-top that it's hard to forget that you're reading about fake people. I prefer to be completely folded into the characters' lives and world, and to feel like they're completely real, which wasn't possible for me with this book.

I was always aware that I was reading a quirky book about unlikely characters, surrounding a hypothetical situation. Nothing ever felt fully real to me in this world, which is why despite the interesting ideas and gorgeous sentences, I don't love this in the way I wish I did. It was good for me but not great.

Also, there is something about the voice that feels very middle grade, despite this being a YA novel.

Pages: 186

P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

P.S. I Like You by Kasie West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is adorable. Absolutely everything written by Kasie West seems to be adorable, and heartfelt, with enough depth to run you through the gamut of emotions, leaving you perfectly satisfied at the end of the story.

The characters are well-developed, and the concept is sweet. This is the ideal book for a quick read or for dealing with emotional exhaustion (due to either other books or to life), because it returns more to you than it takes from you.

Pages: 330

Day Zero by Kresley Cole

Day Zero by Kresley Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Novella - Book 3.5

This is a good companion novella for someone who is obsessed with the series. It reads like a guide to the characters, followed by short backstories about many of them before, during, and after the flash.

I really enjoyed the short stories, because I am fascinated by the characters.

If you are not a fan, this is obviously not for you. Make sure you don't read it until after book 3. It can be read between books 3 & 4, which was the intention. It can also be read after book 4, if you somehow skipped it.

Pages: 174

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Gilmore Girls made me read this, and they never lead me astray. This book, in equal parts, makes me want to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, AND it makes me NEVER want to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, which is the perfect combo.

The audiobook version, read by Bernadette Dunne, is excellent.

Plus, it probably should be noted that sometimes I don't take well to nonfiction, particularly to memoirs that progress like fiction novels . I will read some of them, on occasion, and I will love some of them, on occasion. The love is rare enough that I typically hesitate to pick them up, so anytime one of them speaks to me, its a definite win.

Pages: 315

A Beautiful Funeral by Jamie McGuire

A Beautiful Funeral by Jamie McGuire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 5: The Maddox Brothers Series

I love how this brought together all the characters from the whole series, but at the same time, after not having read the series in awhile, it was a bit of work to keep everyone straight and try to remember everyone's backstory. This would probably be better if you would read the entire series straight through, because coming back to this book after a gap of time left me feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Still, I love these characters, so it was an enjoyable read, despite my forgetfulness.

Pages: 238

Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

Cora, a teenage slave, lives  on a Georgia cotton plantation. Her mother escaped when Cora was a child, and was never re-captured. Cora has had to fend for herself ever since. A new slave to the plantation (Caesar) asks her to escape with him. Even though her life is a living hell, she is afraid of what will happen if she gets caught trying to get away, so she refuses. However, when she is beaten for defending a smaller slave who is being severely punished, she decides to go with Caesar anyway. The two of them escape on the Underground Railroad, which in this novel is a real, not figurative, railroad that was built underground. They escape to South Carolina, where they live for a time as though they are free.

However, the fact that her mother escaped never to be found has caused a festering resentment in her owner. He is determined not to be foiled by another slave, and hires Ridgeway, a ruthless slave catcher, to find her and bring her back. She suffers many times over; every time she thinks she is settled and safe, Ridgeway shows up and she must flee again. In the process, many people who help her suffer cruel punishments.

This books reminds us of a part of our history that we would prefer not to remember.


322 pages

"Us" by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy

In this sequel to "Him," Ryan Wesley is in his rookie season with the Toronto Maple Leaves and lives with his boyfriend, Jamie Canning.  However, they have to keep their relationship secret to avoid any distractions to Wes and his team.  He's promised Jamie that they'll come out once his rookie season has ended, but the deception is taking a toll on them both especially after one of Wesley's teammates moves into their building and constantly bugs them.  This was a wonderful follow up to the first book, which I loved.  Wes and Jamie still have great chemistry together, and their texts to each other are hilarious.  The angst in the story is just right, and Blake, the nosy teammate, adds a lot of humor with his irrational fear of sheep.  Another winner from Bowen and Kennedy that I couldn't put down.  328 pages (Kindle edition).

"Healing Jacob" by Nicole Stewart

This angsty romance between a homeless musician and a bakery owner fell flat for me.  Neither main character was three dimensional, and I couldn't invest myself in their story.  The misuse of commas was distracting.  I think the writer has potential, and a good editor could have helped with the flow of the story and fleshing out the characters.  166 pages (Kindle edition).

"In the Kill" by K. Sterling

Book 1 in the Lavender series is about a hit man and the artist whom he is sent to kill.  However, once he meets Sage Bradley, "Mr. Lavender" is sure that he's about to assassinate the wrong man.  Surely someone so talented who devotes his spare time to helping homeless teenagers and knitting hats for the elderly is not deserving of death.  Lavender must figure out who hired him to kill an innocent man and why before another assassin is sent to finish the job and him with it.  Although not a full length novel, it was packed with exciting scenes and kept me guessing how things would turn out.  109 pages (Kindle edition).

"Heat" by Wolf Specter & Angel Knots

Book 1 in the Fated Mates series focuses on Dane, a dragon shifter, and Wes, his fated mate and just a regular guy.  Dragon shifters have lived among humans protecting them for many years and are not supposed to make themselves known, but when Dane recognizes Wes as his mate he must reveal what he truly is.  I know it sounds weird, but this turned out to be a cute story that worked, even with a very unusual event between the two main characters.  140 pages (Kindle edition).

The Seventh Bride by T. Kingfisher

The Seventh Bride by T. Kingfisher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was weird, which is the biggest vote in its favor. It has a middle grade voice, with a YA main character, and most of the other characters are adults. It's a strange blend, but I enjoyed that. I really liked the hedgehog, and I don't always enjoy animal side characters.

Pages: 183

Flight by Sherman Alexie

Flight by Sherman Alexie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The concept is unusual but fascinating, and the story really makes you think. It's a bit frantic, or maybe chaotic, at times, but that's part of the charm and voice.

The audiobook version narrated by Adam Beach is excellent. I think I like this story even better due to the narrator, than I might have if I had just read it myself. The delivery is spot on.

Pages: 181

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So it goes.

I listened to the Audible version read by James Franco, which was good.

I now have a solid understanding of the ways in which Kurt Vonnegut has influenced the writing of Andrew Smith. I guess I went about it backwards by reading so much of Smith first, but if one brought me around to the other, that seems like a win.  I think I'm going to read more Vonnegut after this.  I'm not sure how I didn't read this one in high school or college, but I'm glad I finally cycled back around to it.

Pages: 215

Gemina by Amie Kaufman

Gemina by Amie Kaufman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book 2 in a unique and exciting YA Sci-Fi Series, and I absolutely adore the audiobook!

I confess that I don't love book 2 quite as intensely as I did book one, but it's still a captivating, fast-paced story with several surprises. The new characters are unexpected and enjoyable, with strong voices, and the bit of romance burns slower than it did in book one (for better or worse).

I spread out the reading over a long period of time, due to personal chaos, which may have impacted the overall flow when I read it. I'll probably read or listen to this book again at some point, so I'll update my star rating at that time, if a second read changes my perspective.

I want more of this world and format, so I hope this series goes on for a long time or branches out into something new. Either way, but I don't want it to end.

Pages: 608

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Arcana Rising by Kresley Cole

Arcana Rising by Kresley Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 4 in the Arcana Chronicles:

Whew! That ending! Next book, please, stat!

Pages: 280

Like a River Glorious by Rae Carson

Like a River Glorious by Rae Carson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a pretty solid follow-up to book one, which I really loved. I enjoyed having more time with some of my favorite characters, and it wrapped up more thoroughly than a lot of 2nd books do, which I appreciate.

Rae Carson has a great voice in the YA world. She writes strong, interesting female characters, grows relationships slowly, and includes a lot of diverse characters and perspectives which provides a nice depth to her worlds. I will definitely read book 3.

Pages: 432

"If the Seas Catch Fire" by L.A. Witt

This excellent book about two hit men in the Mafia controlled town of Cape Swan, CA, is one of the best I have ever read.  Domenico “Dom” Maisano is the nephew of Corrado Maisano, the head of one of the Mafia families.  He's a "made man" and has few choices in his life as his uncle's hit man, which he has always hated.  When Sergei Andronikov saves him during a beating, Dom pursues a temporary, no-strings relationship with the man before Dom is forced to marry a woman to keep up appearances and appease his uncle.  He thinks Sergei is a stripper but he's actually a contract killer whose goal in life is to wipe out the Mafia families who destroyed his own family when he was a boy.

I cannot praise the writing, story line, and character development enough.  Dom and Sergei have tragic and emotional back stories which allow the reader to understand their motivations for doing what they do.  Full of action, tenderness, suspense, despair, eroticism, fear, thrills, and more, this story will stick with me for a long, long time.  Highly recommended.  451 pages (Kindle edition).