We’ve hit June, which is the month where all the books come out! Specifically, June 1st. It was so stacked with new releases, and while I’ve read quite a few, there are a few to go. But I’m almost done with all of my reviews for June 1st! Just one more to go. Anyway, for the week of 5/29, I finished 7 books. Not quite where I’ve been the past few weeks, but it’s because I’ve been reading fewer graphic novels.
Currently, I’m participating in two read-a-longs, which have meant I’m staying up later than usual. It’s been worth it, though. Both books are so good!
Bite Size Reviews: Week of 5/29
Love is a Revolution by Renée Watson
After going to an open mic night with her cousin, Nala falls for the MC, Tye. However, in order to get him to like her, she tells a few lies. As they spend more and more time together, Nala finds herself deeper and deeper into the lie. Not only were the characters in this book great, but I loved the message. It’s about loving yourself before you can do any other kind of work. Such a great book! (4 stars).
Zara Hossain Is Here by Sabina Khan
Zara leads a pretty normal life in Corpus Christi, Texas while her family waits for their green card. The process has taken nine years, but they’re closer than ever. At least, until an Islamophobic goes wrong and her father might go to jail. This is a short novel, but there is so much packed into this story. I learned a lot about the immigration process through Zara’s story, and I liked the fact that her sexuality wasn’t a huge deal. It was just a part of the story (4 stars).
The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green
This is a series of essays from John Green reflecting on the human experience, based on his podcast. As usual, I loved this. John Green has such a way with words. Plus, he always talks about mental health in a way that’s just so relatable. There are so many parts of this book that I loved, and I can’t wait to revisit it in the future (5 stars).
Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon
After her parents’ divorce, Evie no longer believes in happy endings. When she starts to literally see relationships play out, her beliefs are confirmed. As she tries to figure out what’s happening, she joins a dance studio where she meets X. X who might just change her mind about love. This might just be Yoon’s best book yet! A full review is coming next week (4 stars).
The Hazards of Love #1: Bright World by Stan Stanley
Amparo took a deal with a talking cat that seemed simple. Instead, it got them stuck in a place called Bright World with no way to get back to his own world. The art in this graphic novel is amazing. It’s bright and immersive and really helps to tell the story. Even if some of the storyline is difficult to follow, I would absolutely read more in this series (4.5 stars).
Both Can Be True by Jules Machias
Ash thought moving to a new school would let them be themselves. But, it’s way harder than they thought. On the other had, Daniel struggles with being too emotional. When he saves a dog, he enlists Ash’s help. But they end up saving each other instead. This one comes out next week, and a review is to come on Tuesday (4 stars).
Fence: Striking Distance by Sarah Rees Brennan
This book follows Aiden, Harvard, Seiji, and Nicholas and their antics outside of fencing. While I loved the graphic novels, this just wasn’t what I wanted it to be. Brennan doesn’t capture the characters the way that the graphic novels do. But I’ve heard more are coming, so I’ll hold out hope for that! (3 stars).
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