Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano

Twelve-year old Edward Adler is the sole survivor of a plane crash which killed his entire family. His name now known across the nation, he is left alone with his aunt and uncle to try to piece his life back together again. This is a story of grief and coping, finding the reasons for living, and the meaning of a good life. I liked learning about the other passengers on Edward's flight and how their relatives are also learning to cope. The author's writing is lovely, but I just don't think I enjoy sad books.

It's a great novel, but not really to my taste.

340 pages

Waves by Ingrid Chabbert

Waves by Ingrid Chabbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was touching and emotional. It’s beautiful and painful, both the story and the artwork.

It’s the story of a young woman, and her wife, who want to have a child but are struggling to successfully do so. This graphic novel is so well done that it takes very few words, paired with the gorgeous and easy to understand illustrations, to help tell a strong, emotional story.

The artwork uses color and shading as a tool to help indicate shifts in mood and tone, which is very interesting and effective.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review an early copy of this graphic novel, which will release on May 7, 2019.

With the diversity, emotional artwork, and excellent storytelling, this should be an automatic purchase for all adult graphic novel collections. It brings something new to the table, and I could see this drawing in new and different readers who have never experienced a graphic novel before.

Pages: 96

Pilu of the Woods by Mai K. Nguyen

Pilu of the Woods by Mai K. Nguyen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

At it’s heart, this is a story of grief, friendship, and moving forward

The artwork for this graphic novel is always clear, and it has a muted palette for scenes from the past (which I really enjoy). It sets the tone well for the story, and the artist does a great job of showing me the world/setting.

The story is fantastic, because it says a lot, with as few words as possible, which I find delightful. After having just slogged through two really text heavy graphic novels with too much telling, I loved how this graphic novel just showed me the story. I found myself rushing forward and often had to slow myself down, so I could really enjoy the scenes and artwork.

This was perfection. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this title in advance.  It releases on April 17, 2019, so go pre-order your copy today. 

Pages: 160

Things We Know by Heart by Jessi Kirby

Things We Know by Heart by Jessi Kirby
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After 400 days of grief, Quinn writes the recipients of her boyfriend's organs. All the transplant patients write back and gather to meet her to help her try to move forward with her life, with the exception of the person who received her boyfriend's heart.

Quinn is supposed to respect that person's wishes in regards to not meeting, but instead she seeks him out, without disclosing who she really is. After that, everything spirals, and the two get caught up in a huge web of lies.

This may be closer to a 3.5 for me, but I always round up. It probably deserves the extra 0.5 stars anyway, as it struck an emotional chord, even though I had concerns about the relevancy of a relationship created on a foundation of lies. Still, grief and hardship impact the ways in which people react, and the choices that people make, and there was room for forgiveness with this one.

Book 31 read in 2019

Pages: 304

The Things You Kiss Goodbye by Leslie Connor

The Things You Kiss Goodbye by Leslie Connor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was not what I expected. It's a story of first love gone awry. Bettina receives very little trust or respect from her father, so when she receives that in her first relationship, and worse, she doesn't at first recognize that the comments, behaviors, and treatment is wrong. Once she does realize it she stays in the situation for far too long, and for all the wrong reasons.

Then a gentler soul becomes her friend and helps to show her the ways in which the people who love her should treat her.

This story sounds hopeful, and on some level it is. But first you have to endure a lot of pain, suffering, and tragedy. It runs far deeper than I expected and stirred up a lot of emotions.

Book 30 read in 2019

Pages: 368

Kissing in America by Margo Rabb

Kissing in America by Margo Rabb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I confess that when I started this, I expected it to be kind of average, and even after I had read for a bit, I wasn't convinced this book was even going to be for me. But it took me by surprise and had unexpected layers and depth.

Honestly, the title and the cover don't really go with the feel of the book for me at all, which I think is what led me astray. There's some surprising messages and takeaways from this one that have to do with friendships, grief, and love, though not the romantic kind.

I'm really happy I finally read this one, as it was an interesting journey with complex characters.

Book 17 read in 2018

Pages: 400

The Blackhawk Boys Series by Lexi Ryan

Spinning Out by Lexi Ryan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was full of drama and mystery. It's sold as a sports story, but there is very little sport involved in this, which was fine by me.

I really enjoyed the side characters, who kept things interesting. There were just a few small things that didn't sit well with me, hence the 4 star rating, but I did read this straight through, until 3:30 AM on a work night, which means it's definitely attention-grabbing.

Book 299 read in 2018

Pages: 462

---

Rushing In by Lexi Ryan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I liked this better than book one. It’s angsty, and it addresses outdated viewpoints on female sexuality. That pleases me.

Book 300 read in 2018

Pages: 376

---

Going Under by Lexi Ryan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So the series still has almost nothing at all, whatsoever, to do with football, besides that the men apparently play football (not that you ever really see that or hear about it).

That doesn't matter to me, but since this is sold as a sports romance in a football world, I figured I should throw that out there.

This one is dark and twisty, but it's also a bit convoluted and unbelievable at times. However, I still enjoyed Alex, even if some of her drama is too surface level.

Book 301 read in 2018

Pages: 274

---

Falling Hard by Lexi Ryan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a good change of pace. I enjoyed it as I read, but when I stepped back and really thought about it, there's a lot of stuff that happens that is just too easy or convenient, rather than being truly believable.

I still enjoyed the journey and unexpected trope (actress meets con artist), but again there are some surface level moments that could have been deeper or truer to character.

Book 302 read in 2018

Pages: 376

The Air He Breathes by Brittainy C. Cherry

The Air He Breathes by Brittainy C. Cherry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an emotional roller coaster, and I enjoyed the ride. There's also a solid plot twist, followed by another major surprise in the ending. I probably should have seen the plot twist coming, but I was so caught up in the angst that I didn't.

Book 291 read in 2018

Pages: 308

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have put off reading this for years, because I don't tend to enjoy ghost stories. However, this really isn't a ghost story in any typical or traditional kind of format. It lives in it's own unique space, and I was okay with that.

I confess there are some things that happen, particularly at the end, that I wasn't really okay with and didn't feel was necessary. That resulted in the loss of one star, but overall, this was a well-written story with an interesting concept.

Book 280 read in 2018

Pages: 328

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is everything that I love about humanity, disguised beneath the irritable exterior of an antihero. I gave it 5 stars, but it deserves at least 7.

I would like to really talk about this story, and the many different themes and meanings. However, it’s almost impossible to do that without spoilers, and I think it’s best to read this one without knowing anything about it.

In the real world, I would probably avoid Ove, due to his prickly exterior and stubbornness, which would be a real shame, as I enjoy him so much on the page. That’s why I love literature and this story, in particular. It tackles a lot of heavy topics in a very heartfelt and clever way.

I adore Ove and his story. It's messy perfection.

Book 273 read in 2018

Pages: 337

Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas

Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. This surprised me on so many levels. I love the storyline, and all of the conflict. I also love all the beautiful words and thoughts that are sprinkled throughout. Plus, it's heated and the drama is fueled by years worth of emotion.

I think this is the ultimate reversal on the enemies to friends trope, and sparks fly everywhere as these two knock heads. Also, there's so much character growth, which is fun to watch.

Character-wise, this would be a YA romance. Graphic content-wise, it leans hard towards an adult, or new adult audience. I mean, don't get me wrong. I would have definitely read this in high school, but my mother always let me read whatever I wanted, from birth on. A more fearful parent of a teen might stroke out if they realized their teen had read this story, so if you're a teen with a more challenging, judgmental, controlling, and/or very conservative parent, be sure to respect your parent and read this book as far away from your house as is possible. ;)

Book 276 read in 2018

Pages: 343

Bright Side Series by Kim Holden

Gus by Kim Holden (Book 2)
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was difficult at first, as Gus worked through his grief, but it then became a heartfelt story about rebuilding your life after loss and trauma. Gus is wow, but I almost enjoyed Scout more. She had a hard time finding her strength, but it was always there, which made her a fascinating character who showed a lot of growth throughout the story.

Book 245 read in 2018

Pages: 389

---

Franco by Kim Holden (Book 3)
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn't sure if I could love this one at first, because it's a big change from stories that primarily revolved around Bright Side. However, the longer I read it, the more I loved it. Franco is fantastic. This book has a lot of humor and warmth, which was needed after all the tragedy and drama of the previous books.

That's not to say there is no hardship experienced in this story, because there is. But you leave it feeling refreshed, instead of crushed.

Book 246 read in 2018

Pages: 207

Bright Side by Kim Holden

Bright Side by Kim Holden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*&%^$#

+!@#^*%$*&%

&^$%*$@&%^$#*&^%&$@





I am not okay today, on any level, and this book is to blame.





I was even less okay last night, when I finished this.





And I'm already worried about tomorrow.




Book 244 read in 2018

Pages: 423

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

This is one of my favorite YA novels, and I don't throw the word favorite around easily. If you told me to grab 10 novels, before stranding me on a deserted island, this would be one of the 10 I grab. No hesitation.

I thought I'd revisit this beauty on audio this week, but the reality is that once I began, there was no turning back. I read it straight through, staying up far too late, even though I already knew how it would all work out. This story is so gorgeous, awkward, and emotional, and I love the use of art and creation to express and uncover truth.

The previous review still stands, and this time, I'll give it the sun, and the moon, and all the flowers, too.

Book 185 read in 2018

Pages: 371

PREVIOUS REVIEW:

Slammed by Colleen Hoover

Slammed by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

So I had a bad day and needed a comfort book. The previous review still stands.

Book 168 read in 2018

Pages: 354

PREVIOUS REVIEW:

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well, this is definitely not the book to reread when you have insomnia, as it only will add to your problem. Despite knowing exactly how this story would pan out, I still couldn't put it down. I read it straight through, and I ended up only getting 2 hours of sleep before work, as a result.

I do not regret that one bit. This is a book I would willingly lose sleep over, apparently repeatedly.

Book 122 read in 2018

Pages: 337

PREVIOUS REVIEW:

Torn Away by Jennifer Brown

Torn Away by Jennifer Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a good read, and I put off reading it for so long. Jennifer Brown is an incredible Missouri author. The first work I read by her was Hate List, which is extremely emotional. I read it while teaching, and it's about school violence. I loved that book, as much as you can love a story that hurts in almost every way. And somehow, that put me off reading Brown's other stories. I figured that Hate List was a one time kind of magic, and that all of her other stories would pale in comparison.

I was so wrong, and I regret not reading this sooner, especially as it is set in Missouri (where I live). It's a story about the devastation after a tornado destroys a town. It follows teenager Jersey, through her loss, trauma, and grief, as she tries to rebuild a life after losing absolutely everything.

It's also very true to Missouri, in terms of setting and characters, both the good and the bad things.

I'm going to read the rest of her novels now, especially as I already own most of them. I'm glad I finally jumped this hurdle, so that I don't continue to miss out on a Missouri treasure.

Book 89 read in 2018

Pages: 288

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

I both love and hate that I reread this gorgeous, funny story that fist punches people right in the soft places. The previous review still stands.

Book 5 read in 2018

Pages: 313


PREVIOUS REVIEW:

Eff.

This novel destroyed me from the inside out. I avoided it, because I thought it was going to be another Cancer Kid book that makes me cry. It is (a Cancer Kid book) and it did (make me cry), but it went way beyond that. I think it set a new standard that other authors in this genre will struggle to live up to.

I let this story into my life, all the gorgeous notions and metaphors and ideas and words. I almost wanted to be the characters, full of wit, humor, life, and individuality, despite how difficult, messy, and painful their lives actually were.

And then the grenade exploded. The shrapnel pierced me, and I stood by and let it happen. Because some stories are worth bleeding over, worth crying for, and worth screaming at the universe for.

The ache it leaves is a tragic side effect...of Epic Stories, not Dying. Well, both actually.

Read with caution: I think it left a new scar on my well-traveled reader's heart.

Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley

Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a good story, ideal for someone who loves books and words and who can handle a story about grief. It had some spectacular moments, but it fell shy of perfection for me. While I enjoyed the majority of the story, I would not be likely to pick it up and read it again, which is why I've gone with 4 stars on this one.

There are some things in this story that went unexplored that I wish had been explored. I think that's what is lacking for me, even though it was interesting overall. The end is probably what brought it down for me, and I don't mean any specific thing that happened at the end of the book. I just mean that it lost ground for me in the last 20% or so of the story, despite having held my full attention up until that point.

Pages: 273

History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera

History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of those books that is beautiful in a painful sort of way. I would definitely reread this, as it approaches grief in a way that feels so honest, and some of the perspectives are refreshingly different from other YA Contemporary stories centered around grief and loss.

The writing is excellent, and I adore the characters. There was even something that took me by surprise, because I was so buried in the story that I didn't even bother making predictions or assumptions while I read. I was just completely along for the ride on this, and I think that was the right way to experience it. Because, after all, grief itself is rather unpredictable.

Pages: 320