Buckle up friends because I did so much reading this last week! I meant to write and post this yesterday and once again, the day just got away from me. So, you’re getting my weekly wrap up a day late. But anyway! I read a ton of graphic novels this week, which is why my number for the week feels so high. For the Week of 12/4, I read a total of 9 books! So many books!
Bite Size Reviews: Week of 12/4
The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun (12/5)
Dev has always believed in fairytale romance. It’s part of the reason he joined the crew for the long running reality dating show, Ever After. However, his own love life hasn’t met his expectations. Meanwhile, Charlie is the latest bachelor on the show, hoping to rebuild his image. What neither of them expect is to fall for each other. I was late to the game on this book, but I absolutely loved it! There is a lot of great discussion on asexuality in this book, and the mental health rep is phenomenal (OCD, anxiety disorders, and depression). This is one I think I’m going to have to add to my personal collection (4.5 stars).
Fruits Basket, Vol. 5 by Natsuki Takaya (12/6)
We’re getting closer to summer vacation for Tohru and the gang. They’re spending part of their vacation at the Sohma family cottage, a chance to get away. While this hasn’t been my favorite volume so far, there was some hinting as something more sinister going on with Akito. I just want to know what! There were also some new characters introduced in this one, and it’s getting difficult to keep them all straight (4 stars).
Tiny Dancer by Siena Cherson Siegel (12/7)
Siena has always dreamt of being a ballerina. When she earns a spot at the School of American Ballet, she believes she’s on the right path for her dreams to come true. However, an injury at a summer ballet camp hurts her chances of becoming a professional ballerina. While I loved the art in this, the writing didn’t quite hit the same level as the art. However, the emotions in this are emotions that a lot of teens, and adults, will be able to relate to. Especially Siena’s journey with self-doubt (3 stars).
The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder (12/7)
When given an anonymous note about a treasure to find, Fi ends up teaming up with fellow treasure hunted Shane to find it. However, on their journey, Fi gets pricked with a bone spindle, which means she’s destined to save the sleeping prince, Briar Rose. And maybe save his kingdom as well. I already wrote a review for this one, but it’s such a fun fairytale adventure story! I can see a lot of people loving it, even if I thought it was a little on the long side (3.5 stars).
Four Faces of the Moon by Amanda Strong (12/7)
Spotted Fawn travels through time and space on a journey to discover the true history of her family. Her family’s history is tied to the history of Indigenous people in Canada, allowing her dark room to become a portal to other worlds. This is a graphic novel based on a stop motion film, and the back matter is the best part. There is so much great information included there, giving context to the overall story (4 stars).
Determined to Stay: Palestinian Youth Fight for Their Village by Jody Sokolower (12/8)
Silwan is a Palestinian village that is located just outside of Old Jerusalem. A village that has endured much hardship over the years. In this nonfiction book, Sokolower not only outlines what’s currently happening in Palestine, but also its history. She connects it to issues and events that also happen in the US, making it relatable and easy to understand. I definitely learned a lot in this book that I didn’t know before (5 stars).
Fly By Night by Tara O’Connor (12/8)
After her sister’s disappearance, Dee and her dad go back to her mom’s house in order to help find her. But as Dee investigates what might have happened to her sister, she starts to suspect that something supernatural might be going on. Part environmental thriller, part supernatural mystery, the art in this book is phenomenal. I absolutely loved it. However, some of the writing and the plot didn’t quite work together as smoothly as I would have wanted. There could have been some better transitions and expansion on some of the plot points (3 stars).
You’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Thao (12/9)
Julie had her future all planned out: move to Portland with her boyfriend Sam, visit Japan for the summer, get into a college writing program. But everything changes after Sam dies in a car accident. Desperate to hear his voice one more time, Julie calls him to hear his voicemail message. She’s shocked when he actually picks up. Thao hits the nail on the head about the grieving process in this book, moving Julie through all of the stages of grief. There are scenes that are just heartbreaking in here, honestly. Only read if you’re in the right mindset (4 stars).
The Last She by H.J. Nelson (12/9)
As far as she knows, Ara is the last woman on the planet. She hasn’t seen another person in months, wandering and trying to find her way back to her father. When she’s picked up by Kaden’s clan, Kaden and Ara find themselves on a path neither of them expected. This book has been getting a lot of buzz, and just. There was a lot of potential and not a lot of follow through. Too many plot points get dropped throughout, and there needed to be a more nuanced discussion of gender. Again, it had so much potential! (2 stars).