Hello friends! We’ve come to the end of another week. I can’t believe it. This past week has been pretty crazy, but after next weekend, things should start to slow down. Summer reading is almost over at the library, and then hopefully the library won’t be quite as busy. But anyway! I still did a decent amount of reading this week. For the Week of 7/17, I read a total of 8 books!
I was just looking at my NetGalley shelf for the next two months, and I have so many books to review for September. Right now, all I’m planning on doing is reading those and reading some comfort reads. I desperately need a slower month than July to recuperate.
Bite Size Reviews: Week of 7/17
Boys Run the Riot, Vol. 1 by Keito Gaku (7/17)
Transgender teen Ryuu uses fashion to escape the anxieties of everyday life. When he comes out to a new student, Jin, the two decide to start their own own fashion brand together. This manga has been getting a lot of buzz, and I can see why! It’s different, and the art style is great and easy to follow. The plot just needed a little more oompf, I think (3.5 stars).
The Okay Witch and the Hungry Shadow by Emma Steinkellner (7/18)
In this sequel to The Okay Witch, Moth desperately wants to fit in with the popular crowd at school. So, she tries a dangerous spell that helps to unleash a “better” version of herself. Nothing should go wrong, right? I loved the way that Steinkellner extended this world in this book. We got to learn more about Moth’s magical world and see more of these great characters. Plus, I absolutely love the art! (4 stars)
Invisible Differences by Julie Dachez (7/18)
For Marguerite, every day interactions have always made her feel awkward. She struggles to be social and keep up with friends and co-workers. After a particularly bad fight with her boyfriend, she decides to dig into the heart of the issue. She slowly learns she has Asperger’s. Which opens up a whole new world. I think this is such an important graphic novel, about a topic that isn’t talked about nearly enough. Should be required reading for everyone! (4 stars).
The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni (7/19)
Kiva Meridan has spent the last 10 years in Zalindov, a notoriously brutual prison. She’s the healer, careful to follow the rules to stay alive. When the Rebel Queen makes an appearance in the prison with a message from Kiva’s family: save the Rebel Queen in order to get free. This book was a bit of a mixed bag for me. The pacing for the plot was weird. And there’s a plot twist towards the end that comes completely out of left field. But I’ll probably read the next book when it comes out (3.5 stars).
Off the Record by Camryn Garrett (7/20)
Writing has always been a major part of Josie’s identity. So, when she wins the opportunity of a lifetime with the magazine Deep Focus, she jumps at the chance. As she sets off on a multi-city tour to cover a movie release, she uncovers a story of harassment from the director. Josie has to decide if she has the courage to tell that story. This kind of story seems to have been a theme in YA books this year, and this is another great contribution. Again, the audiobook was fantastic! (4 stars).
Small Favors by Erin A. Craig (7/20)
I already wrote a review for this this week, so just a few thoughts here! Unfortunately, this book didn’t really hit the mark for me. It was definitely spooky and atmospherice, I just wanted something more from the plot. It almost felt like the book was too long. If it was shorter, it still could have effectively told the story (3 stars).
Ana on the Edge by AJ Sass (7/21)
Ana-Marie Jin is the reigining US Juvenile figure skating champion. When she learns that her next program is going to be princess themed, she isn’t exactly thrilled. But she can’t put her finger on why. At least, until she meets a transgender skater. As Ana learns more about gender identities, she learns she might be nonbinary. This was such a great middle grade book, one that a lot of readers might connect with. Plus, I don’t know of a lot of middle grade ice skating books, and that aspect was fun to read! (4.5 stars).
Act Cool by Tobly McSmith (7/22)
August Greene just landed a spot at the pretigious School of Performing Arts in New York. The only catch? His parents will only let him go if he doesn’t transition. August is convinced he can do it. But where does the acting end and the real August begin? I reviewed Stay Gold last year, so I thought I’d give this one a go! Unfortunately, this missed the mark for me. A lot of the dialogue in the book seemed forced and aspects of the plot weren’t quite believeable. I just don’t think McSmith’s writing style is for me (3 stars).
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