Can you guys believe that June is almost over already? Going back to work has made my schedule hectic again, which means time absolutely flies. I’m definitely not going to meet my initial TBR goal by the end of June, but that’s fine. I’ll just carry them over to July. I’m waiting for a few more books I ordered, too! However, for the week of 6/20, I only finished four books.
It honestly felt like I did so much more reading this week, but I suppose not. I did do quite a bit of reading today, though! And I have a short shift at work tomorrow, so that will involve a lot of reading, too.
Check out previous week’s reviews for 2020: 3/21, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13
Bite Size Reviews: Week of 6/20
Saving Alex by Alex Cooper (6/20)
This is a memoir that I picked up for Book Riot’s Read Harder Challenge! The challenge was to read a memoir about a different religion than yours. So, Alex’s family is Mormon in this. It’s the story of how she came out to her family and they send her to conversion therapy. Captive in an unlicensed program, this is the story of how she got out and worked to bring awareness on this issue. It’s always hard to give these kinds of stories ratings, but the topic here is so important. Especially because conversion therapy still happens and it’s so dangerous for LGBT youth. An important read! (4 stars).
Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron (6/24)
I actually posted a full review of this book yesterday, but a brief summary here! This is one of the most unique re-tellings that I’ve read, full of a diverse cast and strong messages. The only thing I wished I got from this book was more character development. For me, the characters were more defined by their fight rather than their individuality. But I can’t wait to read more from this author, because the story and the world building was amazing (4 stars).
The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare (6/26)
Continuing my audiobook journey through the Shadowhunter books, we get a story from Magnus and Alec’s point of view. I loved Magnus and Alec in the original series, and I love them even more after reading this book. They’re on vacation when it’s crashed by the fact that Magnus may have started a cult responsible for the death of a lot of people. We get to learn even more about Magnus’s backstory, and the two of them become even closer as a couple. Apparently I read this at the right time, because the next book comes out soon! (4 stars).
The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis (6/26)
Good Luck Girls are sold to welcome houses where they’re expected to service men, for life. When Clementine accidentally kills a man, Aster knows they have to run. So, they run towards the one chance they have to be free. A chance that’s based on just a bedtime story. I got this ARC awhile ago from work and I never got around to reading it. I’m so glad I finally did! There aren’t many western adventure stories in YA, making this one stand out even more. The pacing is fast and the characters are complex. You’re rooting for them right from the beginning. Not to mention, the world building was done amazingly. There were some predictable plot points, but that didn’t take away from the enjoyable nature of the book (4 stars).