Bite Size Reviews: Week of 11/7

Hi, friends! We’re at the end of another week, which means another Bite Size Review post! This post will be for the Week of 11/7, which covers dates 11/7 to 11/13. Another great week of reading for me; I’m closing the gap on the starred review books I need to read, plus working on the stack of books I got from the library. And I also finished what I think is going to be a new favorite for me! I shared a review for it the other day (The House in the Cerulean Sea), and I’m just going to keep talking about it because it was an amazing read.

Anyway, I finished 7 books this week! I was back to getting some reading done at the desk at work, which is always a bonus. I finished a book that way today! Plus, I’m doing a re-listen for An Ember In the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir in preparation for the new book coming out in December. I absolutely can’t wait!

Bite Size Reviews: Week of 11/7

Girl, Unframed by Deb Caletti (11/7)

Deb Caletti has always been a pretty big name in YA, as she’s got a lot of books published. I’ve picked up some of her books here and there, but I’ve really enjoyed her recent stuff because it’s gotten a bit more gritty This book follows Sydney as she goes to her mother’s, a famous film star, for the summer. However, Sydney discovers that her mother is involved with a dangerous art dealer, and Sydney starts getting unwanted attention. What I appreciated most about this book was the intense look at the unwanted attention that a lot of teen girls get and how dangerous that can become. We get bits and pieces of a mystery throughout the book and overall, it was really well thought out and makes you think about society in general (4 stars).

Fangirl. Vol. 1: The Manga by Sam Maggs and Rainbow Rowell (11/8)

A manga adaptation of one of my favorite books? Sign me up! I actually completely forgot this was coming out until we got it in at Barnes and Noble. Of course I immediately bought it! This story works so well in manga form. I love how it also incorporates so much about Simon and Baz, who I absolutely love. But we also get to see Cath as she struggles to come out of her shell and Levi as he works to help her assimilate into college life. I can’t wait for the other volumes to come out! (4 stars)

Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust (11/8)

Soraya has lived her entire life hidden away from the public for one reason: she’s cursed with a poisonous touch. Longing to be a part of the outside world, the demon currently being held in the dungeons just might be her answer to freedom. But what will it cost her to do so? I loved the premise behind this book; it sounds so fairytale-esque and incorporates so many great fantasy elements. However, I just didn’t feel connected with the characters and parts of the story just fell flat for me. I wanted more darkness, more grittiness, I think. So much potential, but it just didn’t quite make it there for me (3 stars).

Where We Go From Here by Lucas Rocha (11/10)

We’re at an audiobook listen for the week! Set in Brazil, this book follows three teens surrounding an HIV diagnosis: Ian has just been diagnosed, Henrique has been living with HIV for 3 years, and Victor who has just tested negative. A chance meeting brings these three together as they navigate the difficulties surrounding HIV. This is a topic not covered much in YA, and I thought it was really well done. The characters weren’t just reduced to their illness and it brings important awareness. Highly recommend the audiobook for the three narrators, who do an excellent job! (4 stars)

Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson (11/10)

When Korey Fields is found dead, Enchanted Jones is the prime suspect. After all, she was found in the room with blood on her hands. Enchanted’s journey to here is a rocky one; one that was supposed to land her stardom. But now she’s gotten fame for all the wrong reasons. Like Jackson’s other work, this is based on real life cases (this one based on the case with R. Kelly). Such a powerful book about what some men do with power and how they abuse it, especially with teen girls. Apparently this was a theme in my reading this week. But this might be Jackson’s best work to-date! (5 stars).

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (11/12)

I already posted a review for this, but I’m going to blurb it here as well. This is one of those books that just makes you feel all the warm fuzzies. Don’t we need more of those books at the moment? I’m all about warm fuzzies right now. Linus and Arthur and the entire family just make you feel loved. I went and bought a copy of this yesterday at work because it needs to be in my collection. And now it is! (5 stars)

Again, Again by E. Lockhart (11/13)

After a family catastrophe and breaking up with her boyfriend, Adelaide’s summer looks a lot different. In fact, there are endless possibilities to what the summer holds. Falling in and out of love, trying to avoid the darkness, getting off academic probation. What does the summer hold? With a series of alternative timeliness, it’s not clear which is real life at the end. But that’s part of what makes this book so fascinating! In true E. Lockhart fashion, the narrative itself is a maze. While it’s not my favorite of her books, it’s still a highly entertaining read that leaves you thinking at the end (4 stars).