We’re nearing the end of September already! How can that be? It seems like September went by in a flash. Maybe it’s because I had so much to do this month, and work at Barnes and Noble has been a little crazy. Either way, I’ve read some great books for the week of 9/19! I only read 6 books, which is a little lower than my average, but I have this weekend off, so I’m planning on doing a bunch of reading! Yay!
A side note, I’m reading The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab and it is beautiful. I’ll definitely be buying a final copy just to annotate when it comes out in October! Anyway, here are my reviews for the week of 9/19!
Bite Size Reviews: Week of 9/19
Layoverland by Gabby Noone (9/19)
After a fatal car crash, Bea finds herself in purgatory. Which also looks like an airport. She can get into heaven on one condition: help 5,000 souls crossover. This seems easy enough, until the next soul she has to help is the boy who caused her accident. And all she wants to do is make him pay, but there’s a connection there that she can’t deny. This is such a unique, fun novel. I loved all of the detail that the author put into the airport purgatory. Great character arcs and flipping between the past and the present means that we get the whole story by the end (4 stars).
The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed (9/20)
It’s Los Angeles in 1992 and riots have started breaking out after four LAPD officers are acquitted after beating a Black man. It’s Ashley’s senior year, and she’s ready for a fun summer with her friends. She tries to continue on as normal, but the riots work their way into her life. When a rumor starts at her school about a fellow Black student, Ashley’s left to wonder who is the “us” and who is the “them.” This is more of a snapshot of the time period and it’s impact on Ashley’s life. It’s more of a slow burn novel, but definitely an important read, especially since it still relates to today’s events (4 stars).
Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare (9/22)
One book stands between me and finishing all the Shadowhunters books! I’ll admit that this one wasn’t my favorite. There was just so much going on this book! I love the Blackthorns and their found family, but Clare included too many plotlines in this book. There was a whole storyline in the middle that felt like it didn’t even need to be included in the book. However, there was an adorable wedding at the end of the book that made up for some of it. Seriously, so cute! (3.5 stars).
The Lightness of Hands by Jeff Garvin (9/23)
Ellie Dante’s dad was a famous stage magician until one of his tricks failed on live TV. Now, they live out of their RV as they move from gig to gig, barely getting the money to scrape by. When their insurance dries up, Ellie can no longer afford her medication for her bipolar II medication or her father’s heart medicine. Then, she gets an offer she can’t refuse. But it means that her dad has to redo the one trick that ruined his career. Not only does this include great discussions about mental health on its own, but also the way that mental health struggles can effect those around us. Plus, there was a bonus ace character in here, Ellie’s best friend Ripley. Overall, a strong read (4 stars).
Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko (9/24)
Growing up in isolation, Tarisai has always longed for a family. When The Lady, her mother, sends her to the capital to compete to be one of the 11 on the princes council, there are ulterior motives. Tarisai has to assassinate the prince. Tarisai doesn’t want to become her mother’s pawn, and in order to gain her own independence, she has to learn what else is going on in Aritsar. This is one of those books that grabs onto you at the beginning and pulls you in with magic and characters. I couldn’t put it down by the end! (5 stars).
The Times I Knew I Was Gay by Eleanor Crewes (9/24)
I actually wrote a full review of this yesterday, but I’ll recap a bit here! A graphic novel memoir, this is about Eleanor Crewes’ journey coming out to herself and her friends and family. What I liked about this book was the way that Crewes shows how complicated coming out can be. Especially for those that aren’t sure about their identity. It isn’t just a one time thing for a lot of people. Plus, the art was fantastic in this! I really enjoyed the art style (4 stars).