I can feel the weight of it now: HEARTSICK.

Heartsick by Kristina Forest
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Margot has a summer internship at Healing Hearts. The company has created a pill that claims to block romantic thoughts about a specific person--the one who has broken your heart. This is particularly ironic to Margot because she and her boyfriend, Isaac, recently broke up.

"Heartbreak doesn't have to last forever."

Margot is still shocked when she sees Isaac in Healing Hands. Is he trying to erase their romantic relationship from his memory? Before they can hash it out, they overhear a conversation between the two Healing Heart founders that sets off a chain of events, sending the two running for safety... together.

This is a cute story, if not a bit convoluted. It's a romance, but also feels like a mystery as Isaac and Margot try to track down what exactly is happening at Healing Hands. In some ways, I preferred the mystery story versus the romance, which seemed a little lacking at times. Still, this is a unique tale with diverse characters and a sweet teen romance. 3.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group in return for an unbiased review.



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Tell me bout how you've been waiting so patiently: SUMMER OFFICIAL.

Summer Official by Rebekah Weatherspoon


Well, first of all, this book features one of my favorite lines ever:

"I never regret a cake run. If you're queer, you deserve cake. I feel like that should be a rule..."

I would get this on a t-shirt if I could. Hard agree.

Overall, this is a lovely YA lesbian romance. Sporty Saylor breaks her arm at basketball camp, dooming her to a summer spent with her influencer mom who dominates her life. She turns to Heaven, an acquaintance; through their parents Saylor knows that Heaven's father has created a summer bingo challenge to entertain her (and force her out of her shell). Saylor wants in to avoid her mother. Anxious, artistic Heaven isn't so sure about having a "plus one," until Saylor agrees to help Heaven with the social media required in her quest to be a tattoo artist.

What I loved about this story is that it truly evokes the longing, yearning, and excitement that comes with your first youthful teenage (queer) romance. Truly, this story took me back. It also captures the fear that accompanies falling for the first time, too.

The bigger issue here is Saylor's awful mom, who is pretty horrible with her influencer lifestyle, even using Saylor's coming out by posting about it. Her actions keep Saylor from wanting to truly to commit to anything or anyone. I really felt for this kid!

Perhaps my only hesitation here is that the story wraps up a little too easily (thank goodness Heaven has good parents), but I'll grant that it's a teen romance: we deserve a HEA! I also wish I'd realized there was a first book in this series, featuring some oft mentioned friends, as it would have provided a little context, even though this can definitely stand-alone.

Still, this is a great YA story and a truly thoughtful lesbian romance!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Penguin Young Readers Group / G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers in return for an unbiased review.

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I was on the outside looking in at you: MAINE CHARACTERS.

Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sometimes you just need to escape into other people's wild problems. MAINE CHARACTERS allows just that!

Vivian and Lucy are each the (now adult) daughters of Hank. Lucy lived in Maine with her mother, seeing her father mainly for a month in July at his vacation cabin. She grew up aware of her half-sister, though they never met. As for Vivian, she has no clue Lucy exists. Raised by Hank and her mother, Vivian, in New York City, she only visits Maine once a year.

When Hank suddenly passes away, Vivian heads to Maine to sell the cabin. She's shocked to discover Lucy there, who has come up to spend the month of July with her father. Vivian must grapple with the idea of a half sister, while Lucy must come to terms with their father's death.

This book is certainly not a "Parent Trap" for adults--these sisters are not trying to reunite their parents! But it's a great, dramatic look at fraught parental relationships and secrets layered on top of terrible choices. Vivian is struggling with her own romantic partnership and career decisions, while Lucy is going through a divorce. It makes this story seem incredibly serious--and it certainly has plenty of emotions--but it's also a fun look at sisterhood that will make you yearn to visit Maine immediately! 3.5 stars.

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It's all in the walk and the thoughts: PRETTY GIRL COUNTY.

Pretty Girl County by Lakita Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a perfect fit for its YA audience, and if you're from Maryland, it will undoubtedly resonate. Even as a Virginian, I thoroughly enjoyed the references to Prince George’s "PG" County—affectionately nicknamed "Pretty Girl County" in the novel.

While the writing can be a bit simplistic and the story leans into some cheesy moments, it remains an enjoyable read that tackles serious topics with both responsibility and charm. The novel follows Sommer and Reya, childhood best friends from Seat Pleasant, MD. Their friendship fractures when Reya and her mother move to the wealthier Bowie, thanks to her mom’s rising success as a lawyer—eventually landing her a spot on Potomac Housewives.

Reya, eager to secure her spot at the Fashion Institute of Technology, enlists Sommer’s help with a high school fashion show, offering her former best friend cold, hard cash in exchange for assistance. Reluctantly, Sommer agrees. As they spend more time together, old bonds begin to rekindle. Sommer starts hanging out with Reya’s wealthy friend group, especially a guy named Sean, while Reya finds herself drawn to a girl who works at Sommer’s dad’s bookstore. When the store faces the threat of demolition, it becomes the catalyst for a larger story about community, class, and standing up for what matters.

COUNTY does a great job exploring themes of friendship, wealth disparity, and the deep-rooted divisions between different neighborhoods. The novel thoughtfully showcases the stark contrasts within PG County and how they shape the people who grow up there. The importance of neighborhood and community is a central theme, with the bookstore serving as a powerful symbol of these ideas. I especially loved the literary elements and Sommer’s parents, who were wonderfully written. However, the subplot involving Reya’s mom and her Potomac Housewives fame felt a little over the top.

While the story lacks major plot twists and sometimes relies on "telling" rather than "showing," it’s still an engaging read that highlights important issues. YA readers, especially those interested in stories about friendship and social dynamics, will find plenty to enjoy.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Viking Books in exchange for an honest review. Look for PRETTY GIRL COUNTY on July 1, 2025!

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I was young what did I know: PASSION PROJECT.

Passion Project by London Sperry
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is not the happy-go-lucky romance that the cover and title seem to indicate.

Bennet loses her college boyfriend to a car accident; shes wracked by guilt and sinks deeply into grief and depression. She leaves college and moves to New York City because it was her boyfriend Sam's dream. But she finds herself just as sad in New York and even more removed from her friends and family. Her roommate pushes her on a date with Henry Adams, but Bennet panics, stands him up, and gets drunk at a restaurant across the street. Of course, she literally runs into Henry later that night, while drunk and crying, and the two start talking. Bennet confesses how reluctant she is to date, and Henry comes up with a plan: the passion project--as just friends, they'll explore New York together, learning about new things and places.

It's a cute concept, especially when they are out exploring and hanging out. Henry and Bennet have cute and witty banter. But a lot of this book is a little gloomy and not so much a romance as a story of finding yourself and recovering from grief. The romance is such a slow burn, especially because so many contrived instances keep pushing Henry and Bennet apart, and they spend most of their time arguing and apart. Bennet is also depressed, yes, but not the best person to her friends, making her harder to like at times.

This is a sweet story but also a serious one at times. It's slow moving with a thoughtful look at grief and moving on.

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She drives a hard bargain with a woman's touch: WE ALL LIVE HERE.

We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While I typically enjoy Jojo Moyes, this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It’s engaging, but it treads familiar ground—a struggling, divorced author and mom juggling family chaos and career uncertainty.

Lila is trying to keep life together post-divorce, raising her daughters, Celie and Violet, while sharing a home with her stepfather, Bill, who moved in after her mother passed away. The irony? She built her career on a bestselling book about her "perfect" marriage—one that has since crumbled. Now, she’s under pressure from her publisher to rebrand as a fun, sexy single mom, but inspiration is nowhere to be found.

Enter her long-estranged father, Gene, a charming yet self-absorbed actor. His sudden reappearance stirs up plenty of tension, particularly with Bill, who harbors deep resentment toward him. As Lila struggles with writer’s block, family drama, and personal insecurities, nothing seems to be going as planned.

I had a hard time fully rooting for Lila. While character growth is essential, she often comes across as self-absorbed—neglecting her kids, belittling the kindhearted gardener, and using people's personal stories as writing material without much thought. She also fails to appreciate either of her father figures. Gene, for all his flaws, at least has some heartwarming moments with her daughters, and Bill, despite his quirks (and questionable health-conscious cooking), is endearingly steadfast.

Honestly, I would have loved more from Gene, Bill, and Celie’s perspectives. Their dynamics were more compelling than Lila’s romantic woes, which felt repetitive. While the story is easy to read, it doesn’t break new ground. Lila’s fixation on needing a man overshadowed the strong family bonds already present in her life, which was frustrating.

Overall, this is a quick, readable novel, but not one that will stay with me.

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If you want the girl next door: SAY A LITTLE PRAYER

Say a Little Prayer by Jenna Voris
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

SAY A LITTLE PRAYER easily cements Jenna Voris as a must-read author for me. If you haven't read one of her earlier books, EVERY TIME YOU HEAR THAT SONG, you should.

In PRAYER, Voris delves into the world of religion and queer teens, introducing us to Riley, a teenager reckoning with her sexuality. Once a member of the Pleasant Hills Baptist church, she and her family left after its powerful leader, Pastor Young, publicly humiliated and kicked out her older sister, Hannah in front of the entire congregation. And then, shortly after Riley came out, Pastor Young's entire sermon focused on the sins of homosexuality.

Unfortunately for Riley, many of her friends are church members, including her best friends Ben and Julia, who just happen to be Pastor Young's children. The Hannah incident has caused some distance from her friends. But she finds herself reunited with both of them when she's forced to attend Pleasant Hills youth camp after an altercation at school with another student, who has been insulting her sister. (Because, of course, just punishment involves attending a religious camp.)

Once at camp, when Riley realizes Pastor Young will be preaching about the seven deadly sins, she decides to write an essay about each one and expose Pastor Young and his church for how hypocritical it truly is. While at camp, even though she can't talk to Julia about her father, she feels very close to her best friend. As in, you know, gay close! Scandal!

PRAYER is very YA, with our dear Riley making some terrible decisions, but it's perfect for its intended audience. It's also smart and witty and does a wonderful job of exploring religion (while still holding teen interest). What happens when religion doesn't bring joy or peace, the story asks, but instead comes from a place of fear, dictating lives and forcing children and families to act a certain way out of a forced sense of terror or humiliation.

Through Riley and Julia's characters, we see how life can be for queer teens--and how difficult it can be for religious ones. Voris illustrates the pressures both Riley and Julia feel from the church and shows how different it is when Riley receives familial support but Julia only hears of fire and brimstone. Their stories are inspiring and truthful and will ring incredibly truthful to kids going through the same thing.

As the book asks why and how pastors decide who is worthy, we see Riley's growth, as she struggles with why no one is questioning Pastor Young's culture of fear. She begins to understand how people--including those whom she's been very angry with--in religious situations maybe do not realize how things could be different, or that there are other options.

There are some moments in this book that made me cheer out loud. Others made me sad, as I felt so deeply for these teens. This is such a well-written, emotional book. There's not a ton of resolution with the ending, but it's certainly realistic. This is a story with a lot of religious talk, but it's not preachy, and you shouldn't let the religious angle scare you off--it's a wonderfully written and well-done story.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Viking Books for Young Readers in return for an unbiased review. Look for SAY A LITTLE PRAYER in March 2025!!

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But safe only gets you so far: NORA GOES OFF SCRIPT.

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very, very rarely will I read a book by an author right after reading one of their previous works, but I loved Annabel Monaghan's SAME TIME NEXT SUMMER so much that I read NORA GOES OFF SCRIPT shortly after. It was just as enjoyable, and now I'm addicted!

After her worthless husband leaves, Nora writes a script about their failed marriage. Her script is picked up by Hollywood and famous (and handsome) actor Leo Vance plays her ex-husband, Ben, in the movie version, part of which is being filmed at Nora's house. After filming, Leo asks to stay in town a few extra days (at Nora's house no less) and he and Nora fall in love.

This is such a cute, fun fluffy romance. I love how Monaghan can take a romantic comedy formula (famous actor falls for regular mom, then there's a misunderstanding) and make it engaging and charming. Nora's such a realistic mom of two, beleaguered after years of putting up with her ex, but she's engaging and tough, too. Leo is certainly a spoiled celebrity, but has an endearing side, and he excels at charming the small town, especially when he helps with Nora's son's school play. The jerk, in fact, is Nora's ex, who makes you want to murder him with your bare hands.

This is a fast read, totally breezy and enjoyable, which just makes you smile.

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You got me falling in love again: SAME TIME NEXT SUMMER.

Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this story to be delightful!

In a total romance mood, I followed the crowds and picked up a book by Annabel Monaghan. I'm so glad I did! Sam and Wyatt met at the beach as children, fell in love in their teens, and were then pulled apart by family circumstances. Sam's heart broke, and she's barely been back to the beach since. Now, they find themselves together again, when Sam returns to her family's beach house to plan her wedding to her fiance, Jack.

Sam's changed since her summers at the beach. She's shaping herself into what Jack needs and wants: a predictable, buttoned-up person who works in human resources. But being back--and seeing Wyatt-reminds her of carefree summer days, racing in the ocean, searching for shells, painting in her room, and falling in love for the first time.

We learn about Sam and Wyatt's romance through flashbacks that perfectly capture the intensity of their young love and how it shaped them into the people they are today. We see how and why Sam changed, and why Wyatt is the perfect specimen he is now. Wait, did I say that out loud?

The beach setting is gorgeous, Sam and Wyatt have wonderful chemistry, and there's a freaking treehouse where Wyatt plays guitar. Sure, there's nothing wild here, it's mostly predictable, but that's what we need in a romance sometimes--something comforting, fun, and sweet that leaves you feeling happy and content at the end. 4+ stars.


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Spending time chasing ghosts: THE GOD OF THE WOODS.

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

This book is everywhere, and I'm not sure there's a ton I can add beyond what everyone else is saying, but I will certainly reiterate that it is really darn good. At first, it seemed like it would be a worn out story: wealthy family, lost child, summer camp setting. Don't be fooled. Moore's prose sucks you in from the start, dropping you directly at the camp with the characters.

The story is told across multiple POVs and many time periods, including the 1950s and 1970s. You have to get your bearings straight going in; it seems like all the switches will be confusing, but it's not hard to keep track of the changing narrators and eras. We're at Camp Emerson, owned by the wealthy Van Laar family. It's the mid 1970s and their daughter, Barbara, who has been attending camp, goes missing. Then we flash back to fourteen years earlier, when the Van Laar's first child, their son Bear, went missing--never to be found.

What follows is a fascinating and intriguing story that spans decades, looking into wealthy families and the control they can have over people and situations, as well their own children. The camp setting is atmospheric, steeped in nature exploration, with a focus on small town life. We meet several campers and counselors at the camp, allowing the story to delve into class issues.

Moore has this amazing ability to allow her readers to feel incredibly deep emotions for her characters, ranging from empathy, to pity, to revulsion. She weaves in twisted family ties and dynamics as well as subtly illustrates how women were treated in the 1950s and 1970s. There's an excellent character, a newly minted police officer named Judy, who does a wonderful job at showing so many of these elements as she searches for clues about Barbara's disappearance.

If you're looking for an intricate, character-driven mystery, this is an excellent choice. 4.5 stars.

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At this point there's a history that keeps you from growing too old: THE GUNCLE ABROAD.

The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Honestly, it's so lovely to be back with the characters from THE GUNCLE. Maisie and Grant are growing up! They're 14 and 11 now, respectively, and none too pleased that their Dad, Greg, is getting married to a wealthy, Italian woman, Livia. In comes Gay Uncle Patrick "GUP" again, this time to take the kids on an European tour and a quest to learn about love. His deal: if they don't understand why their dad wants to marry Livia by the end of their trip, he'll talk to Greg about the marriage.

"But his mission was clear nonetheless. He would teach these kids about love, how to love others, and how to be loved in return."

Even abroad, Patrick still has his same acerbic wit, laced with his deep underlying love for his niblings. Said nibs are still precious, even while growing (no more lisp for Grant, sniff, sniff), especially with Maisie a teenager, learning to see the world more clearly and how it can cruelly treat women and leave them behind. The story shows, yet again, how Patrick is both ill-equipped and yet the perfect person to teach the kids how hard it is to trust again after losing someone. His rivalry with Livia's sister (the kids lesbian aunt, or Launt) was a bit much, but otherwise this was about pitch perfect.

At its heart, this is a tender and lovely book about grief, moving on but not forgetting, and learning to love again. I would read about Patrick, Maisie, and Grant's story over and over. 4.5 stars.


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We get years of practice camouflaging shame: PINEAPPLE STREET.

Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

PINEAPPLE STREET introduces us to the three Stockton siblings: Darley, Cord, and Georgiana. Each is a rich, privileged New Yorker raised by parents who have more money than most of us can ever fathom. Their story is told by Darley, Georgiana, and Cord's wife, Sasha, a "regular" girl who married into the wealthy Stocktons and is immediately deemed a gold-digger by her sister-in-laws. Is it any surprise that Sasha quickly became my favorite? For a decent part of this book, the original Stockton clan seemed spoiled, clueless, and utterly ridiculous.

PINEAPPLE STREET attempts to make deep points about income inequality and generational wealth, but it's difficult when its characters are shallow and often unredeeming: their world contained to the privileged "fruit streets" of Brooklyn.

Still, there's something oddly compelling about this clan, even if we're just getting a sneak peak into their daily lives. There's a voyeuristic aspect of watching people spend and deal with amazing amounts of money not known to the average human. Still, I'm not sure I learned much more from this book than our characters did by the end.


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You got a way of letting me down: THE HUNTER.

The Hunter by Tana French
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Because I buy all Tana French books sight unseen, I didn't realize that THE HUNTER is a follow-on to French's THE SEARCHER, which is one my all-time favorite books. What a wonderful surprise! You do not need to read the first book to enjoy the second, but it's such a lovely read that I highly recommend doing so.

THE HUNTER picks back up with Cal Hooper, a former Chicago policeman now living in the Irish countryside; his girlfriend, Lena; and teenager Trey Reddy, a fifteen-year-old local girl who befriended Cal in the last book. The two have a friendship based on their love of woodworking and the fact that Cal is a safe place in Trey's chaotic home life. When Trey's no-good father shows up after several years away, he upends the town with his appearance and the strange Englishman he brings with him who claims he knows where to find gold on their lands. Stirred up by a relentless heat, Johnny's schemes take over the village, bringing Trey right along with him.

French perfectly captures a restless village on edge due to a heat wave and lack of rain, the wild uneasiness pulsing across the farmers and local townspeople: their boredom, their wariness, and their fear lurking just below the surface. Johnny and his friend play upon these fears--and this boredom--while spinning tales of wealth and riches.

And this is a village where the people have their own code, their own rules--some spoken, some not--they make their own decisions and can easily take matters into their own hands. Is Trey at risk, Cal worries, just by being associated with Johnny?

It's as if we are there, in the Irish countryside, with our characters, as French's beautiful, precise writing drops us right next to the sheep grazing outside Cal's window or on the winding mountain trail leading to Trey's dilapidated, crowded home. The remote atmosphere is its own character, with the role of a small town and its code playing a strong role in the story.

French weaves her story slowly. This is a character-driven novel, not one built on twists and wild action. Luckily, the characters are beautifully drawn and wonderfully complex. The give and take between Cal and Trey is masterful, as the teen struggles with trusting her mentor, feelings for her absent father, and emotions toward a town that could care less for the Reddy family. French explores how much we sacrifice for those we love, especially as Cal and Lena are caught up in things they'd normally ignore due to their affection for Trey.

This is a gorgeous mystery with complex characters and writing that drops you right into the atmospheric setting. 4.5+ stars.


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I'd rather ride around with you: EVERY TIME YOU HEAR THAT SONG.

Every Time You Hear That Song by Jenna Voris
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

A gorgeous, authentic story of country music and finding yourself

I really enjoyed this one. I am a sucker for stories involving country music, but when you add the lesbian romance angle, it's even better. Darren Purchase is seventeen and has loved country music singer Decklee Cassel her entire life. She's crushed when Decklee dies. Decklee's long-awaited time capsule should be revealed at her televised funeral, but instead, it's empty. Soon, she's putting her fans through a series of scavenger-hunt-style clues to track down the capsule and its associated $3M prize. Darren, an aspiring journalist, knows she has a shot at finding the capsule, so she teams up with her co-worker, Kendall, to track it down.

The story alternates between Darren and Kendall searching and following time capsule clues and Decklee Cassel and her journey to fame. Both timelines are captivating, though it's really hard not to be completely pulled in by our enigmatic country star, Decklee. Tracing her path to fame, Decklee's portions cover her friendship and eventual relationship with her songwriter, Mickenlee Hooper. Decklee is a deeply flawed character, mowing over anyone who gets in the way of her path to stardom. This includes a relationship with a woman in the 1970s and 1980s as a country star, and the book does a strong job of exploring the difficulty of two women being together in such a time.

Darren's story parallels Decklee, as she follows time capsule clues that align with Decklee's career. Both Darren and Decklee are from the small town of Mayberry, Arkansas, and Darren clings to the idea that if Decklee got out, so can she. Darren's so focused on getting out of Mayberry that she hasn't taken the time to see what it offers, including a friendship (or more) with Kendall, or the bonuses that small town life offers. She wants to win the money to go to journalism school and help her mom, who has battled cancer.

There's nothing conventional about this book, including its ending, and that's a huge compliment. Decklee and Darren are strongly characterized and individualistic, and Mickenlee is just as nuanced too. Decklee and Mickenlee's story is entrancing, and Kendall and Darren's burgeoning romance is adorable. This is a wonderful story for anyone who loves coming-of-age tales, queer romance, or country music. 4.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Viking Books for Young Readers in return for an unbiased review.


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It's just the heavy hand of time kinda wears away the shine: THE LAST SEASON.

The Last Season: A Team In Search of Its Soul by Phil Jackson
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

The theme of my reading this year seems to be finding books on my shelves that didn't age well!

It's not exactly Phil Jackson's fault here, as obviously things do change with the passage of time, but in this case, a lot happened, and context matters. But first, we have to deal with the fact that this is, in fact, not Phil's last season, which I didn't really realize when grabbing this book. I figured it was about his last season with the Lakers, but no, it's his last season coaching Kobe and Shaq, which is entirely different.

This means we're reading about Phil coaching a disgruntled, jealous Shaq, who will be traded after the season ends, and a young, angry, Kobe, who has trouble fitting into Phil's famed triangle system. Even worse, the book times itself with the accusations of rape against Kobe in Colorado. At the start, Kobe and Phil seem to truly hate each other, and the book is filled with Phil's criticisms of Kobe. Obviously Phil doesn't know that in twenty years this troubled, talented man will be dead, nor does he realize that they'll reach a friendship (and two more championships) before then, but there's still something slightly gruesome about reading so much hatred against someone beloved who died too young.

THE LAST SEASON is told in a diary-type format, which you need to embrace to truly enjoy it. Each section is short and dated, and Phil mentions how he kept more detailed journals in anticipation of this being his potential final season. My favorite portions covered details about other players in the league, as I'm a huge basketball fan, and this was an era when I truly loved the game. Getting those little tidbits and insights about players I remember so well was fun. Hearing Phil talk about the triangle versus selfish basketball, his coaching philosophies, anything about the Bulls, and how basketball changed since he started playing with the Knicks was all really interesting. Plus, I had forgotten about how Karl Malone and Gary Payton joined the Lakers for this season in search of that elusive ring.

Through these entries, it's clear how brilliant Phil is, how he became such a winning coach, and how much work he put into his coaching. You could pick up little pieces of what others always marveled about--the hours working with Tex on the triangle; meditating with his team; using psychology and counseling to work with the players. He approached basketball and coaching fully and with his whole heart, while still admitting that it was a game and not his entire life--he had his kids and there was a world out there that wasn't his coaching gig. And that explains why he was so hurt when he couldn't reach an agreement with the Lakers (and Kobe) to remain their coach.

I think if I'd read this book in 2004, I would have enjoyed it greatly, even if it would have pulled me between Phil and Kobe, both men that I very much like. Reading it now, with Kobe gone, was hard. Reading a book where Gigi wasn't even born yet--knowing what would happen to Kobe and his daughter--was hard. This isn't a narrative story, per se, but more little entries and snippets over a season. If you're a huge basketball fan, you'll enjoy it, but be prepared for some sadness too. 3.5 stars

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If I cause you pain, my own sweet child: OUR MISSING HEARTS.

Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm so thankful to my #backlistbooks challenge, because it introduced me to this lovely book. HEARTS is insanely good. It's a beautifully written dystopian tale that seems like its story could happen tomorrow. The plot focuses on patriotism, racism, and a scared nation. The country is divided by hatred and turning against each other, especially Asians, whom they are blaming for America's economic downfall. When citizens start to fight back, the Government's response is to take books from the shelves and children from their families. It really doesn't sound so far-fetched, does it?

Through the eyes of twelve-year-old Bird, we learn about the power of PACT, a series of laws to root out anti-American elements after a time of deep instability. When a group of dissidents uses the words of Bird's mother, a poet, to fight back, she has to go on the run, and Bird and his father must disavow all knowledge of her. But when Bird receives a coded message from his mother, he begins to question PACT and everything's he's been told. As he searches for his mom, Ng weaves a gorgeous story about the love of a mother, the power of stories and folktales, and the lengths we go to fight for what we believe in.

This is a lovely yet terrifying story, as we see Bird finding his way through the prism of his parents, and we see how much his parents want to protect their child--but at what cost? The greater backdrop of society looms large, and it's impossible not to compare our present society to Ng's. This is a thoughtful story, a touching story, and a scary one. I highly recommend it. 4.5 stars.




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Throw your sticks and your stones: JULIET TAKES A BREATH.

Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Juliet has spent most of her life in the Bronx. But as part of a college internship, she heads to Seattle to work with her idol, Harlowe Brisbane, an author and well-known feminist. Juliet comes out to her parents right before she leaves, with mixed results. She hopes that Seattle will help her figure out how she feels... about everything.

"I've got a secret. I think it's going to kill me. Sometimes I hope it does. How do I tell my parents that I'm gay?"

I wanted to love this book, but it took forever to get into. I'm not sure why. It's written somewhat oddly, with excerpts from Harlowe's book at the beginning of each chapter. Harlowe is a lot--sometimes almost too cringe to read about. But when the book focuses on Juliet's journey to find herself as a gay Pureto Rican, it shines. Her coming out journey is lovely and touching. While I didn't love Harlowe (the book appropriately deals with Juliet's own struggle of realizing her idol might not be perfect), I enjoyed the queer cast of characters (many of color) surrounding her.

JULIET meanders a lot and sometimes feels like it could benefit from a good edit. But the story at heart--a young girl finding her way--is a good one. 3.5 stars, rounded up here.


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Empty glasses and empty promises: SOMEONE ELSE'S SHOES.

Someone Else's Shoes by Jojo Moyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nisha lives a glamorous life with her wealthy husband, but it all ends when he abruptly cuts her off and asks for a divorce. Nisha has no friends, no place to stay, and no access to her clothes or belongings in the hotel where they've been staying. The same day Carl cuts her off, Nisha accidentally swaps bags with someone at the gym, losing her fabulous red Christian Louboutin shoes. The person who finds them is Sam, a struggling mom who is dealing with an unemployed and depressed husband, a horrible boss, a best friend with cancer, and a soul-sucking job. Sam puts the shoes on for a business meeting and feels an amazing surge of confidence. Both women are at their lowest points--what will come next?

I almost put this one down, as it took a bit to warm up to the story and the characters at first. The beginning piece with the shoe swap, Sam finding the shoes, and Nisha losing everything is oddly slow. Luckily things pick up as Nisha expands her horizons, making a friend and getting job at the hotel where she once stayed in the penthouse. I never fully warmed to Sam, though I certainly empathized with some of her plight. Her story focused on her depressed husband, terrible job and boss, and awful parents who took terrible advantage of her. She seemed like quite a punching bag for a really long time, and I did not always care for the fact that, while, yes, her husband was very frustrating, depression was sometimes seen as something she wanted for him to just get over.

The best part of SHOES is its focus on friendship and the strong bonds that form between the female characters in the novel. Nisha turns out to be a spitfire, along with her awesome friend, Jasmine. Sam's friend Andrea, who is suffering from cancer, is also a wonderfully strong character too. There's plenty to laugh and cheer about as everyone unites for a common cause. There's even a bit of a mystery, as it seems Carl wants Nisha's red shoes... but why?

Overall, this is fun book centered around friendship and found family. It's a little slow to start and a few plot pieces gave me pause, but it's a good, witty read. 3.75 stars, rounded to 4 here.

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She'll be the end of me and maybe everyone: LIKE A HOUSE ON FIRE.

Like a House on Fire by Lauren McBrayer
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Twelve years into her marriage, Merit feels exhausted by her own life. She's been staying at home with her two young children, trying to work on her painting career, but she eventually decides to return to work as an architect. At her new job, she works for a brilliant fellow architect, Jane, whom Merit finds amazing. The two quickly become friends, sharing nearly every aspect of their lives with one another. But soon Merit realizes Jane has become almost her entire life--and she's not sure what that means.

"She wanted someone to understand that it wasn't about competence; it was about being trapped in the double bind of being a working mom."

I loved this book! I found it to be utterly mesmerizing. This novel was certainly perfect for me, as a bisexual, and I'm truly disappointed that some of the low reviews reflect homophobia. Because, at its core, it's a character-driven novel about motherhood, marriage, and finding yourself, and I'd like to think that many people could relate to those topics on many levels.

FIRE is beautifully and wonderfully written. The way it explores motherhood and marriage is so honest and true--it resonated with me on a deep and emotional level. Merit is a working mom about to turn 40, so there's no surprise there! At times, the story is brutal and harsh, but there's also beauty and hope here. Merit and Jane are great characters--different but deeply and delicately portrayed.

Overall, this book is lovely--with sweet, tough, and gorgeous characters. It weaves an emotional and honest tale. 4.5 stars.


I received a copy of this book PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

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Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end: THE GIRLS I'VE BEEN.

The Girls I've Been by Tess Sharpe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

THE GIRLS I'VE BEEN is the nineteenth book in my author challenge.

Nora grew up the daughter of a con-artist. Her mom used her as an accomplice to pull off her many cons. But when her mom fell for her latest mark and married him, Nora used her only escape hatch, her half-sister, and fled her poisonous old life. She's spent five years living with her sister and leading a "normal" life. This includes a former boyfriend and now best friend, Wes, and her new girlfriend, Iris. Both Wes and Iris are with Nora one morning at the bank, depositing money they've raised together for charity. But everything goes horribly wrong in an instant when someone pulls a gun, and they realize they're in the middle of a robbery.

"And the third thing I think is We're all gonna die because I waited for bacon donuts."

This was a fast read, divided into four parts, mostly all taking place during the robbery. It's very compelling. The story is told in Nora's voice, as she details the bank robbery and then reflects upon her past and the girls she's "been"--aka the girls she was forced to be during each con her mom forced upon her. We learn about how Nora became who she is and realize her past is complicated and often tragic. How will Nora's past affect this robbery?

This book is exciting in that it depicts a high pressure bank robbery, but is also complex, delving back into Nora's dark past. Please note that it covers topics such as sexual assault, rape, and abuse. It also looks at friendship, though, and Nora's relationships with Wes and Iris are really excellent and wonderfully portrayed. It's nice to see a teen book so respectfully portray bisexuality. I love the idea of found family and it's a strong central theme here.

This book can be brutal, but it's also touching and insightful. I really enjoyed learning more about Nora's past (although it could be sad). This story is twisty and compelling. 4+ stars.

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