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!

A LGBTQ+ graphic novel

The Prince and the Dressmaker

By: Jen Wang

Genre: YA graphic novel/ LGBTQ+

Pages: 284

Published: 2018

Read:  February

3.5 out of 5 stars

This graphic novel had everything going for it. A captivating story line, gorgeous artwork, a timely plot twist. Prince Sebastian is supposed to be looking for a bride, but he has a major secret he is hiding. To aid in his secret, he hires a low life seamstress who is about to get fired to design him exquisite gowns. They become true friends and both benefit greatly from this meaningful relationship. However, as the story comes to a conclusion, it feels rushed and unrealistic; even for this time and age. Due to the nature and development of the characters that Wang created, the unmasking would not have been that easy for young Sebastian.

An Empowering Novel

The Poet X

By: Elizabeth Acevedo

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

Pages: 368

Published: 2018

Read:  December 2018

4 out of 5 stars

I love how REAL this book is. I think all readers (especially teens), no matter their ethnicity, will be able to relate to some aspect of this book. The reader gets to know and understand the ins and outs of Xiomara’s thoughts and feelings. With the book portraying a poet through the use of poetry the authenticity of story is enhanced. As a reader, one can feel that Acevedo carefully chose every word written and the powerful meaning behind it. All readers will resonate with every beautiful sentence. Acevedo writes about how to be a girl, a sister, a daughter and a teen in today's difficult world.

It’s an important read for everyone.

A Magical Must Read

The Immortalists

By: Chloe Benjamin

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 346

Published: 2018

Read:  January

4 out of 5 stars

If you could find out the day you were going to die, would you? These four young siblings decide to visit a fortune teller to do just that. Some of them shared their dates with each other, some decided to keep it secret. This magical story follows the four siblings through their lives.  Each receiving a turn to tell their story. Benjamin gives a unique voice to each character that you can’t help but want to be friends with them. I usually am not a huge reader of fantasy novels, but this is a must read. I would recommend to older teens as well. Truly a magically mesmerizing story.      

1st Audio of year!

You

By: Caroline Kepnes

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 424

Published: 2014

Audiobook: 11 hours and 6 mins

Read:  January

3.5 out of 5 stars

What a great audio! The narrator’s creepy voice matched Joe perfectly. This story intrigued me from the get-go. However, I felt it draaaged on, maybe it was because I didn’t have long commutes and so I felt I never made it anywhere. Either way, I was bored in the middle and felt it moved slowly. Joe’s story did pick up at the end and I was surprised at the ending. I heard a few people say that even though Joe was a creep they were rooting for him – I don’t get it. He was definitely an awful person and in my opinion didn’t deserve to live. However, he made a great enthralling story. Looking forward to watching the Netflix show!

Could You Live in a Tiny House?

You Can Buy Happiness (and it’s Cheap)

By: Tammy Strobel

Genre: Non-fiction/ Self-Help

Pages: 224

Published: 2012

Read:  January

3.5 out of 5 stars

I picked up this book to see how people can be crazy enough to live in tiny houses. Although I would like to downsize my house – its way too big for a family of three – I could never live in a tiny house. People need a space to get away from others; not to mention move around. However, that really isn’t what this book is about. She was way more realistic; even though a tiny house sparked her and her husband’s joy she understands it isn’t practical for everyone. In her book, she provides you with the questions to ask yourself in order to guide you to your own happiness. She does push that it isn’t “stuff” or money that brings people happiness. I believe most people, whether they follow it or not, know that to be the truth.