Welcome to the end of another week, friends! Last weekend was a bit of a long weekend for me, so I got a decent amount of reading done! Between that and having some slow shifts at work, it was just a great reading week overall. Looking forward to hopefully continuing this trend throughout the rest of the month. Anyway, for the Week of 9/4, I read a total of 7 books! Basically a book a day.
Bite Size Reviews: Week of 9/4
The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould (9/4)
Logan’s dads run a ghost hunting TV show called ParaSpectors, so her life has been pretty all over the place. The latest place they’re at is Snakebite, Oregon, where teens have been disappearing. Ashley’s boyfriend was one of the first victims, and she’s determined to find him. But the dark might just be too great in their town. This was all the spookiness that you’ll need for the fall season! It was atmospheric, filled with great characters. I even think the audiobook made it even more so! (4.5 stars)
It All Comes Back to You by Farah Naz Rishi (9/5)
I already wrote a review for this this week, so just a few thoughts here! This book is being promoted as a romance, but there isn’t necessarily a strong romance between the two main characters. You get pieces of their past relationship, but nothing in the present time. I actually really enjoyed this plot structure, and think it made the connection between the two main characters al the more appealing (4.5 stars).
Fruits Basket Vol. 1 by Natsuki Takaya (9/5)
This is a manga about a family who is possessed by the different zodiac spirits and a girl who comes to live at their house. I started watching the anime back in July, and decided that I kind of wanted to read the manga first! So far, I can say I’m really involved and know that it’s going to get more emotional as a I continue to read. That’s what everyone has said, anyway, and I’m kind of looking forward to it (5 stars).
You’d Be Home Now by Kathleen Glasgow (9/7)
Another one I already wrote a review for! As usual, Glasgow tackles tough issues with grace, with writing that’s easy to dive into. Her stories feel so realistic and effortless, and you know you’ll be put through the emotional ringer with each book. This book was no different, diving into the issues surrounding addiction, specifically addiction in teens. Everything in this book was spot on, and I hope it makes it into the hands that need it (4.5 stars).
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (9/7)
Every time I re-read this book, I always basically read it in one sitting. In fact, I think that’s true for almost every single time I’ve read this book, period. There’s just something about this book that pulls you in. Charlie is such a likeable protagonist, and you just want to protect him from all of the bad in the world. This will forever be one of my favorite books, and I don’t think anything is going to change that (5 stars).
Daughters of a Dead Empire by Carolyn Tara O’Neil (9/9)
After her family was massacred, Anna is running for her life in Tsarist Russia, around the time of WWI. While she’s on the run, she seeks safety from Evgenia, who is trying to get medicine for her brother. Soon, they’re being chased across the Russian countryside with a rogue commander after them. This book was originally supposed to come out this fall, but it looks like it got pushed back. I’ll be writing a full review next week, but this book is action packed with a lot of great history! (4 stars).
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao (9/10)
In Huaxia, boys pair up with girls in order to pilot Chrysalises, which are giant robots made to battle the aliens that lurk beyond the Great Wall. Unfortunately, the girls are often sacrificed during this process. Zetian is determined to change that. I’m going to write a full review for this book next week, but man! I absolutely loved it. Definitely one of my favorite books that I read this year (5 stars).