We’re almost halfway through July already, how has that happened?? I have a feeling this month is going to just fly by. Mostly because there seems to be a lot going on in my life right now. But don’t worry! I’ll still make time for reading. Anyway, for the week of 7/3, I finished a total of 9 books! Thank goodness for holiday weekends and long drives that help me to finish audiobooks in two days.
Bite Size Reviews: Week of 7/3
Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth (7/4)
After volunteering to help her nemesis, Meabh, get out of her extracurricular activities, Aideen starts down a slippery slope. Now, everyone at her school is looking for a favor from her. After all, fixing other people’s problems is easier than facing her own. This was such a great read! Not only was it a good portrayal of what it means for some teens to live in poverty, but the relationship felt real and natural. Plus, the audiobook narrator did a fantastic job! My only complaint is the ending was maybe a bit abrupt (4 stars).
The Mirror Season by Anna-Marie McLemore (7/4)
Ciela’s world changes after she and a boy are assaulted at the same party. She saves him, but doesn’t want to see him again. Things become complicated when he shows up at her school the following fall, with no memory of her or that night. But helping him is the only thing that will help her get her magic back. This book was heart-wrenching and beautiful at the same time. It’s a look at what sexual assault victims go through, and the path toward healing (4.5 stars).
XOXO by Axie Oh (7/6)
I already wrote a full review for this, so just a few thoughts here! If you’re looking for YA set in the K-Pop world, this is a great choice. It’s a look into how the world works and the fierce competition in South Korea. The relationship felt authentic and real, and I really enjoyed this one! (4 stars).
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell (7/6)
I’ve written about this book before, and you all know that I love Simon and Baz. In honor of the last book coming out this past week, I decided to re-read the first two books. This book just holds up every time I read it, and I just love this magic system. It’s so unique and different. Plus the characters! A combination of a bunch of great factors just makes this a great book (5 stars).
Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell (7/6)
The follow up to Carry On, which wasn’t originally going to be a trilogy. But let me tell you, I’m so glad Rowell decided to re-visit these characters. Even if this book 100% wasn’t what I expected it to be, we got introduced to some new characters. And got to see more of the world that Rowell has created. These carry into the most recent volume, which I just finished last night. Plus, this book is one I can definitely read in one sitting (5 stars).
Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier (7/8)
I’ll be writing a full review of this later this week, but a few thoughts here. Friends, I found your new graphic novel obsession! Especially if you like things like Fence and Check, Please!. This was such a heartwarming graphic novel, with characters that immediately attach to your heart. The romance is sweet, and I would totally love to see more from these characters in the future! (5 stars).
Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler (7/8)
When her lifetime crush, Chase Harding, finally asks her out, Lara should be thrilled. Instead, she finds that she can’t stop thinking about a girl that she meant that previous summer. A girl, Jasmine, who just happens to now go to her school. Outside of some great Jewish rep, what I really enjoyed about this book was that Lara still wasn’t 100% sure of her identity by the end. Which is so realistic, and a great example for teens. You don’t have to have it all figured out in high school! In fact, most people don’t (4 stars).
Any Way the Wind Blows by Rainbow Rowell (7/9)
The final installment in the Simon Snow trilogy! I won’t say too much about plot because I don’t want to include spoilers. Just know I’ll be writing a review for this sometime in the near future! What I loved about this is we get a slower pace than the other novels, really focusing on the characters and their trauma. They’re all healing, and you can definitely see it in this book. Honestly, I loved it! (5 stars).
Haikyu!! Vol. 11 by Haruichi Furudate (7/9)
I feel like I’ve been hoarding these becuase I had them for so long without reading them. Still loving this little volleyball team and their hijinks! I might have to watch the anime sometime in the near future. I’m not sure how this goes on for so long, but I’m definitely still interested in finding out! (4.5 stars).