The first week of 2021 is over and man, what a week that it has been. So far, 2021 has come in with the same energy from 2020. But we’ve got plenty of time to turn it around! Outside of current events, I had a pretty good reading week for the Week of 1/2! We’re probably going back to in-person services next week at one of the libraries I work at, and I’m a little bit nervous about that. Hopefully, it’ll go smoothly. Fingers crossed, right?
For the Week of 1/2, I read 9 books! I’ve been averaging this amount for a while, and it feels like a good pace for me! I can’t wait to see what books I get to this year; one thing is for sure, it’s going to be a great reading year. Oh also! I’ve created a StoryGraph account, and I’m really enjoying definitely check it out if you’re looking for a new way to track your reading.
Bite Size Reviews: Week of 1/2
One of Us Is Next by Karen McManus (1/2)
In this sequel to One of Us Is Lying, Bayview is once again the victim of a cyber-bully who is airing secrets and drama to the school. But when one student dies from it, things have gone too far. These are books that you can just fly through. While they are examining the negative effects of cyberbullying, the characters themselves feel a bit one-sided. Overall, I just wanted more character development in these books (3 stars).
Primer by Jennifer Muro & Thomas Krajewski (1/3)
Since Ashley’s father is a convicted criminal, she’s been in the foster system ever since he was arrested. Her newest set of foster parents seem like a great fit. When Ashley discovers paints that give her superpowers, she starts using them immediately. But with these powers comes a new danger she wasn’t aware of. These middle grade graphic novels from DC Comics are just fantastic! They introduce superhero characters and tropes but make them relatable to middle grade readers. I haven’t read one I haven’t liked yet! (4 stars)
The Awakening of Malcolm X by Ilyasah Shabazz & Tiffany D. Jackson (1/3)
I posted a full review of this last Monday, so just some thoughts here! This book is technically a sequel, but it can be read without reading the first book (which I haven’t read). It’s clear the authors did their research on Malcolm X. This doesn’t mean that it reads like a history book, though. Shabazz and Jackson breakdown Malcolm X’s transformation in a way that’s engaging and easy to read (4.5 stars).
The Deep & Dark Blue by Niki Smith (1/4)
In order to survive the slaughter in their noble house, Grayson and Hawke run for their lives. To stay hidden, they adopt new identities to hide in the Communion of Blue, Grayce and Hanna. As they learn more about the Communion, they hatch a plan to save their home. While Hawke wants things to go back to normal, Grayce wants to stay in her new identity. Magical with gorgeous artwork, this is a graphic novel you won’t want to miss. The characters bring this story to live, fitting into this magical world Smith created (4.5 stars).
Foul is Fair by Hannah Capin (1/5)
After being the target of the St. Andrews Golden Boys at a party, Elle starts plotting her revenge. She’s going to slowly destroy each boy with the help of her coven. As long as they don’t get caught first. First of all, the cover of this book absolutely doesn’t match the story. I honestly wish the cover better matched the story because the story itself is compelling and dark. If you’re looking for a dark thriller similar to Sadie, this is definitely one you should pick up (3.5 stars).
Waiting for the Night Song by Julie Carrick Dalton (1/6)
This is another one I reviewed this week, but here are a few thoughts! Not only does the cover remind me of Where the Crawdads Sing, but the story did as well. Though this one is more focused on race and climate change. There were times it felt like the author was pushing the climate change side of the story too much; it felt forced at times in comparison to the mystery happening. But the story itself was still engaging (3.5 stars)
The Enigma Game by Elizabeth Wein (1/7)
A German soldier risked everything to drop off an Enigma machine, hiding it in a small pub. This is where Louisa finds it, and starts to learn how to use it. Together with pilot Jamie and RAF volunteer Ellen, they de-code messages that assist in the war against the Germans. Like all of Wein’s books, the characters take front and center here, bringing this particular event in history to life. Those that have read Wein’s other novels will enjoy little nods to familiar characters, showing how interconnected these WWII events really are (4 stars).
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (1/8)
Kya Clark has always been known as “The Marsh Girl,” looked down on by the rest of the village. So when Chase Andrews is found dead, everyone suspects her. But there’s more to the story than meets the eye. This was a book that everyone was asking for when I was at Barnes and Noble, so I finally caved and listened to the audiobook. It lived up to the hype! It’s a bit slow moving, but I loved the twist and the close look at the way perceptions don’t match the truth all the time (4.5 stars).
Check, Please! Book 1: #Hockey by Ngozi Ukazu (1/8)
It’s Bitty’s first year of college and he’s just starting on a hockey team. This graphic novel follows his video blog during his first year of college, which includes a lot of hockey and a lot of pie baking. I absolutely loved this! Baking and hockey and fun characters. I liked the format this was told in as well; it felt unique for a graphic novel format. While I don’t know much about hockey, I learned a lot in this story. I can’t wait to read the second book!