Bite Size Reviews: Week of 10/31

Sorry I’ve been a bit MIA this week, friends! It’s been a crazy time here in the US, plus I had some projects due for class. But, I think I should be back to my regularly scheduled blogging next week! However, even though I haven’t been here doesn’t mean that I haven’t been reading. I have most definitely been reading. I missed my Bite Size Reviews for last week, but I also missed a lot of books that were on my October TBR. No TBR for this month, though! Hoping that will keep me motivated. But I’m doing my wrap up post for the week of 10/31!

Anyway, I read 5 books this week. A little lower than my usual rate, but I’m going to make it up next week! I’m still on the road toward 300 books for the year.

Bite Size Reviews: Week of 10/31

Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel by Jason Reynolds (11/1)

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I absolutely love the audiobook version of this book. I mean, come on. Jason Reynolds reads it. The story itself is powerful, based on the perpetual cycle of violence found in African American neighborhoods. The art in this book was stunning. It complemented the story so well and made it even more powerful, if that’s possible. Seriously, go pick it up! (5 stars)

The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune (11/1)

Nick Bell is best known for the fanfiction he writes about the Extraordinary, Shadow Star. After they accidentally meet, Nick decides that he’s going to become an Extraordinary himself. And he’ll do it with or without his best friend, Seth. I loved this book! Not only did Klune keep me on my toes plot wise, there are some great main and side characters in this book. Mainly, Seth and Nick. I can’t wait to read more about them in the next book (5 stars).

We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez (11/3)

Pluga, Chico, and Pequeña live in a dangerous neighborhood in Guatemala and they know it. As the dangers of their neighborhood close in around them, they know they only have one choice. To make a run for El Norte. But the way there is almost as dangerous as staying in their hometown. Based on the many true stories of people running to make a better life for themselves in the US, I would recommend reading the author’s note in the back of this book. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator was fantastic. I would highly recommend this over American Dirt if you’re looking for something about immigration (4.5 stars).

Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (11/4)

Why yes, I did read this again. This is my third time, and I think there will probably be many times to come. During election week, I was looking for something that would just bring happiness, and this book always does that for me. It’s so full of hope that I just can’t help but be happy when I read it. If you haven’t read it yet, what are you waiting for?? (5 stars)

This Is My America by Kim Johnson (11/6)

Tracy Beaumont’s dad is an innocent waiting on death row. So she writes weekly to Innocence X, desperate for someone to help free him. When her brother becomes a suspect after the death of one of her classmates, their help becomes even more urgent. Partially a mystery, partially a social justice book, there are so many great things about this book. While there were some plot lines that could have been left out for clarity, this book should be on everyone’s radar, especially if you like Jason Reynolds, Nic Stone, and Angie Thomas. I hope it gets the hype it deserves! (4.5 stars)