Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John CarreyrouMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This whole situation is just so absolutely ridiculous and insane, which made for an interesting read. I can't even believe how long they got away with fraud and intimidation. This scam literally went on for years, and people supported this project despite a continual lack of real data and evidence to back anything up.
This is a good reminder that some people out there value making money above all else, and they will pretty much screw over anyone to get it. What a sorry state of affairs, but it's definitely a thrilling read.
The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole DavisMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a unique read. It's like a fantasy western novel impregnated a paranormal dystopian novel, and the result was this story.
I really enjoyed the large cast of female characters. I was hooked from the start, and I enjoyed the way the character development unfolded as the story progressed. I can't wait to see what comes next!
Children of Virtue and Vengeanceby Tomi Adeyemi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is magnificent and emotionally brutal. I ugly cried not once, but twice while reading this story. I should write an entire novel about how much I enjoy this series, but I’m exhausted and wrecked. So this is all for now.
Love From A to Z by S.K. AliMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I buzzed straight through this one, and it tugged at all my heartstrings. It has a way of being very informative, current, and relevant, but without feeling like you're being preached at or lectured. I guess what I'm saying is that it makes good points but doesn't hammer you over the head with them, which is good, as I usually find that to be disruptive to the story.
I think YA has a lot of great diversity these days (which I'm excited about), but the universe definitely needed this book. I especially liked the commentary on cultural appropriation, as I think that is something people definitely need to be more aware of and informed about. I also just enjoyed learning more about Muslim beliefs and customs. Some of the different aspects of the religion seem quite beautiful and appealing, and it made me curious to learn more.
Anyway, long story short, I'm happy that this book exists, and I hope that the current generation of teen readers grow up to become more informed, compassionate, and outspoken humans because this book exists.
The Astonishing Color of Afterby Emily X.R. Pan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Gorgeous writing. Difficult topic, handled well. Elements of magical realism. Lots of insight into Taiwanese culture. Overall, this was a good read with a unique format and a lot of moving parts, but it all came together beautifully in the end.
Internmentby Samira Ahmed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
*still sobbing*
10 stars.
The Winner's Curse by Marie RutkoskiMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
So much fun to revisit this one! It gave me all the feels all over again. I reread it straight through in one sitting and enjoyed every minute of it. There’s so much that I had forgotten about the story, so I’m glad I decided to revisit the series.
The world building is strong. There’s a really slow burn romance element, and every note is just so perfectly right. Plus, it has an unexpected twist ending that makes you anxious to move on to book two.
PREVIOUS REVIEW:
I had trouble putting this one down, so I read it in 24 hours. It has excellent world building and interesting characters. The story is different and fascinating.
I loved the subtle implication that the lines between good and evil, winners and losers, right and wrong, can be so very thin and cloudy.
We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay MejiaMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Freaking amazing. A totally unique and fascinating world, in which there still manages to be interesting political commentary that is currently highly relevant to our political climate.
I have started the New Year right by reading several YA novels with resistance themes this weekend (totally by accident) which is all sitting really well with me. If this is an end result of our currently difficult political climate—-that writers everywhere are using their art to tell beautiful stories that send strong messages to people about humanity and power dynamics, then at least one good thing has come out of all the mess. Because this is glorious. I can’t wait to get my hands on book 2, and I think more people need to get their hands on this book. I’m hoping it gives teens a lot to think about, in regards to what they believe in and care about, so that when they reach the age of majority and can vote, they’ll do better than my generation has been able to do. And be kinder to all people than my generation has been.
Clearly, I absolutely adored this, but I am now so tense and stressed out after reading it that I think I’m going to have to have my shoulders surgically removed from my ears.
The Winner's Crime by Marie RutkoskiMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my second read of this fantastic series, and I'm really enjoying revisiting this world and these characters. The whole world really expands in this book, and I adore that.
Book 2 is full of suspense, intrigue, and a serious case of political chess. It also did some really wicked things to all my feels, because nobody can seem to catch a win for more than a few minutes. There are lots of difficult choices made, by different characters, which keeps the story moving in unexpected directions. I wont say more, since this is book two, and I want to avoid any potential spoilers.
The Winner's Kiss by Marie RutkoskiMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
It was a pleasure to revisit this one. After all that time, I honestly couldn’t remember what was going to happen or how things would work out in the end
PREVIOUS REVIEW:
I thought this was a very satisfying end to an enjoyable trilogy.
Pages: 496
