Bite Size Reviews: Week of 7/25

I know I just did my monthly wrap up yesterday, but we also need my reviews for the week! Also, I have the day off tomorrow and I’m so ready for it. It has been a week at work, let me tell you. But at least my classes are done until the fall! And I have so much reading to do before then.

Anyway, I finished 7 books this week! I also think I’m going to start Cemetery Boys this weekend and I can’t wait to read it.

Bite Size Reviews: Week of 7/25

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall (7/25)

In order to better his image in the media for a work function, Luc has to find a socially acceptable boyfriend. And Oliver is perfect. But what happens when the fake dating starts to turn into something more? Everyone on Instagram was talking about this book, and when it was compared to Red, White, & Royal Blue, I knew I had to read it. It was hilarious! There were moments when I laughed out loud; pretty much any scene with Alex Twaddle. Plus, there were real emotions and Luc and Oliver had such a connection. Definitely read this book! (5 stars)

Scavenge the Stars by Tara Sim (7/26)

After rescuing a stranger from drowning, Amaya fears it might mean a longer sentence. Instead, she gets an opportunity for revenge. This is a retelling of the Count of Monte Cristo, which I haven’t actually read. Even though this is shelved in the fantasy section, it’s definitely more of an adventure. A sea adventure! The characters were well rounded out and believable, but the plot slowed at points. I’m intrigued to see what happens in the next book, though! (3 stars)

Displacement by Kiku Hughes (7/27)

I actually wrote a full review of this already, but a shortened version! This is a graphic novel about Japanese internment camps. While it became a little text heavy at times, it was full of Japanese culture and about a historical period not often talked about. The illustrations were fantastic, and I definitely think this should be used in all classrooms. (4 stars)

Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad (7/28)

This is a book with guided journal prompts that work through the nuances of white supremacy. One that I think everyone should read to reflect on the way we contribute to white supremacy. And reading through some of the reviews of this book, it’s clear it’s needed. (5 stars)

Radio Silence by Alice Oseman (7/29)

Frances has studied hard to get into Cambridge. School is the only thing that matters. At least, until she meets Aled. They bond quickly, able to be fully themselves. But when Frances breaks his trust, it will take a lot to get it back again. I’ve seen Alice Oseman everywhere, and I can see why. This was a book that I needed in high school, with a message that a lot of teens need: university isn’t everything. Plus, there’s great representation in this book. (5 stars)

Ghosts of the Shadow Market by Cassandra Clare (7/30)

This is a series of short stories following Jem Carstairs throughout his years as a silent brother. We all know I love Jem! However, not all of these stories hit it out of the park for me. And there were spoilers for a trilogy I haven’t finished yet. Which is okay! I knew a lot of things going into these books anyway. I still love Jem! And the story about Alec and Magnus was probably my favorite. (4 stars)

Stay Gold by Tobly McSmith (7/31)

I finished this one just under the wire. It follows the story of Pony, a transgender teen transferring to a new school with a new start. There, he unexpectedly falls in love with a cheerleader. Told between both Pony and Georgia’s points of view, this isn’t the fluffy romance that it’s promoted as. There are moments, but it goes much deeper than that. There were definitely moments where more discussion could have been useful, but this is key representation needed in YA. For me, it was also difficult to tell between the two narrators, as I would sometimes have to flip back to remind myself who was talking. Overall, not quite what I was expecting, but a great read nonetheless. (3.5 stars)