Important Topic, but have read better

The Girls at 17 Swann Street

By: Yara Zgheib

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Mental Health

Pages: 384

Published: 2019

Read:  March

3 out of 5 stars

This book was OK. I believe eating disorders is an important topic and often overlooked in fiction books. However, I felt this book was somewhat unrealistic. My biggest issue was believing Emm would be in the house for 4 entire years. She would have been moved to a halfway house or similar establishment. Plus, I never felt she still had a serious enough eating disorder to justify the length of stay. She was portrayed as recovered, helpful and encouraging to the other girls. I felt it was a cop-out by the author. The girls were distant and as the reader I was never able to connect with them. I would suggest Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson or for a different take on institutions I highly recommend Good Kings, Bad Kings by Susan Nussbaum (5 stars).

Oh the discussions you can have....

Little Faith

By: Nickolas Butler

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Pages: 336

Published: 2019

Read:  March

4 out of 5 stars

My 3^rd favorite of Butler’s books, it is SO good! He has such a magically way of describing Wisconsin (in all his books) that you are truly in the center of it. This book was a welcoming departure from Butler’s other novels. I definitely felt a Jodi Picoult vibe and glad to see I wasn’t the only one. I finished this novel at 1:30 in the morning and oh was so mad at the ending, but then while I laid there thinking about it the ending made much more sense. Butler left many open ends involving many discussion points. Someone needs to hurry up and read this, so I can discuss this book.

BEST Book in a LONG time!!!

You are a Badass Everyday

By: Jen Sincero

Genre: Nonfiction/ Self-Help

Pages: 224

Published: 2018

Read:  February

5 out of 5 stars

This is a pocket-size inspirational and motivational guide “sequel” to Sincero’s first book, You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life. If you are a reader, I suggest you start with the first book, however if you don’t read much, but looking for a positive change in your life do yourself a favor and read You are a Badness Everyday! This book will change your life; it has made me more mindful and at peace since I picked it up. It is filled with daily quotes, inspirational stories, and positive tasks to complete. I have a copy by my bedside and randomly read a chapter every morning. The passages range from a single quote to a 3 page story. BEST BOOK I’VE READ IN A LONG TIME AND MUCH NEEDED AT THIS TIME IN MY LIFE.

Pride and Prejudice Remix!

Pride

By: Ibi Zoboi

Genre: YA Multicultural/Remix

Pages: 285

Published: 2018

Read:  February

4 out of 5 stars

A remix of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. BTW, I love the wording of “remix” versus “retelling”. I have not read Pride and Prejudice (I know, my bad), so I did not catch any of the similarities between the books except for the twist on names of the characters. After reading, I did look up plot summary to see if the stories progression was similar. The remix (retelling) was done well. This was the only remix I can remember reading that changed the ethnicity of the characters. I felt that was very clever and definitely will appeal to non-Caucasian teens who will be able to connect with the characters easily. I did appreciate the story, it was entertaining and very well written. Kudos to Zoboi!