Young Adult
The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve loved Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe so much that I didn’t want to read anything else by this author. But I’m so glad I did. Another book that makes you fall in love with the story and its characters. A coming of age story that tackles family and friendship.
I’ll Get There. It Better Be Worth the Trip. by John Donovan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve recently been in an Ursula Nordstrom rabbit hole and discovered this Young Adult gem that she published almost fifty years ago. It has the distinction of being one of the first books of its kind to mention homosexuality. I would have loved to have read this in high school. Such unique voices and captures the complexities of being a teenager without all the angst.
Graphic Novels
Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Based on her own childhood experiences, she recalls one summer of camp full of shifting alliances, Russian lessons, and nightmarish outhouse situations. Full of heart and humor, this will surely find its way alongside Smile, Roller Girl, and El Deafo.
Crush by Svetlana Chmakova
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
One of my favorite graphic novels of 2018. It’s just so good. I just love that it seems to tackle situations teens and preteens may encounter so it’ll be great to read about it beforehand.
View all my reviews
Lafayette!: A Revolutionary War Tale by Nathan Hale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Hamilton fans may have heard of Lafayette and Nathan’s Hale Hazardous Tales are always a fun way to learn about history and historical figures and this is no exception. Included is a section about Benedict Arnold.
It was a real treat to have Nathan Hale do a reading at the store. He was great with the kids. We had one customer who showed up 90 minutes early to the event because he was so excited. That’s a great indicator of how good these books are.
View all my reviews
Adult Fiction
Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I wanted to read this book before watching the movie which has been getting lots of positive reviews. I was pleasantly surprised that one of the film’s actors Arnie Hammer read the audio book although it was a bit disconcerting since he was reading from a diiferent character’s perspective.
Let me tell you how worried I was about this book. Because this was an LGBTQ novel set primarily in the 80’s and told as a remembrance of a summer spent with a past love/lover, I thought it was going to end how those kinds of books tend to end.
Without spoiling anything (more), this did break my heart- not only with certain things that happened throughout the course of the novel but also because the beauty there was in it.
This book will make readers fall in love with the language, with the characters and with their stories.
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fun, entertaining read before the movie comes out. Peek into the outrageous lives of the rich and famous full of backhanded compliments, designer clothes, delicious food, and family secrets. A page-turner, for sure.
View all my reviews
China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As addictive as Crazy Rich Asians. At first I was worried, it was going to focus on different characters but I’m glad the stories continued for familiar characters. Can’t wait for the next one!
Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Crazy Rich Asians has been a delight to read this year. In this last installment of the series, the families are faced with what may be their biggest problem. But even then drama and hilarity ensues- all the delicious soap opera goodness readers have come to expect. This book included one of the most romantic engagements. I wish some of the antagonists got their comeuppances better. There was a lot of storylines packed in this one and the ending seemed a bit rush.
Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I originally gave this a lower review because I thought it was rather depressing. But the more I thought about it and after attending a book club to discuss it, I changed my mind which just goes to show that sometimes you need to let the words sink in and not always go off your first reaction.
This wasn’t what I was expecting. The magical element caught me off guard and I think ultimately added something to it. It probably made the story more effective had it just been a straight out narrative tackling the topical issues of migration and refugees.
Although a short book, it’s the kind that makes you ponder after reading a few pages.
The mini stories within Saeed and Nadia’s were curious asides often through provoking. Lots of the book club members enjoyed them too. They found many passages to highlight and bookmark and wanted to share.
One of my favorite passages: “Perhaps they had grasped that the doors could not be closed, and new doors would continue to open, and they had understood that the denial of coexistence would have required one party to cease to exist, and the extinguishing party too would have been transformed in the process, and too many native parents would not after have been able to look their children in the eye, to speak with held high of what their generation had done.”
Originally, I thought the book to be too depressing but at the end I think it was ultimately hopeful. That despite everything- the inevitability of change and the good and bad that arises from it, the uncertainty of things- we can still hope for a better future, of happier days.
Adult Nonfiction
–Dear Genius: The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom by Ursula Nordstrom, Leonard S. Marcus
It’s a Bunny-Eat-Bunny World: A Writer’s Guide to Surviving and Thriving in Today’s Competitive Children’s Book Market by Olga Litowinsky
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed learning about the picture book publishing history and getting behind the scenes glimpses of the process once a book is signed. Definitely a must read for any aspiring kidlit creator.
Let Her Fly: A Father’s Journey by Ziauddin Yousafzai
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What I loved about this book is that it dispels the misconception that in order for girls to get equal rights in school- and in the world- that it’s going to be taken away from boys. And that’s simply not the case. I also appreciated the sections where he talks about his relationships with his wife and two sons as well.
Audio Books
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I recently reread “Charlotte’s Web” and I love this classic more now than I did back when I was younger! It was easy to get comfortable in the world of E.B. White. Things seemed much simpler and innocent back then even though life and death were always present. Then there were the characters- Wilbur, who was such a pig, in the best sense of the word, and matter-of-fact Charlotte who was a mother and friend anyone would be lucky to have. This book, as she would say, is “terrific.”
It was such a treat to have E.B. White be the narrator for Charlotte’s Web. Rereading Charlotte’s Web at this time has added a different layer. Whose life hasn’t been saved or changed for the better by a wonderful female figure who doesn’t get the credit she deserves? I am completely a Wilbur and I am forever grateful to the Fern’s and the Charlotte’s in my life.
The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a great read! The Trumpet of the Swan is probably the least known of E.B. White’s books for kids, if that’s even possible. But there’s something about it that makes it the closest thing to perfection one can read! The characters are memorable. Louis is a trumpeter swan who can’t speak but decides to learn how to read and write. He also learns to play the trumpet to try and communicate and hopefully win the heart of Serena, the object of his affection. His father is a poet who tends to ramble on and goes to great lengths to help Louis out. I love their relationship. Then, there’s Sam, a human who helps them out because he believes all life (including animals) should be treated fairly. There’s plenty of action and conflict to keep anyone interested but it’s not show-offy or anything, just the right amount. There was one scene I kind of cringed at in which Louis done something to show his dedication in becoming a great musician. I actually thought it was going to ruin the whole book for me but it remains almost like the perfect gift, wrapped up, packed up, ribbon with a bow on it, ready to be enjoyed!
To revisit this tale with E.B. White himself narrating the audiobook is such an experience. I didn’t realize I raved about it so much during my first reading of the book. And I can’t think of anything to add except to experience it for yourself!
Rilla of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
After meeting a kindred spirit at the store, I decided to give Rilla of Ingleside another try. I love Anne Shirley and finished all the books in the series except this because they became less about Anne. Surprisingly, I enjoyed this more than I ever thought I would. We get plenty of Anne and it was nice to see her grow up. And Rilla definitely has her mom’s personality and tendency to get into situations. It was so fascinating to read about World War One and it was gut wrenching to “experience” all the trials and tribulations that goes with it with them.
I listened to the LibroVox audio recording of this book and I was really impressed with the narrator. There were a few times when I got so wrapped in the story. This was a perfect way to end the series.
Maybe of constantly redoing Anne of Green Gables they should adapt this one instead.
I brainstormed for like 5 to 10 minutes about things I wanted and needed to do this year. Some of the ideas were already percolating. And then I just rewrote the list in no particular order so it was legible! I’ll do a monthly update based on this list.
