Month: January 2022

Ten by Gretchen McNeil is a young adult thriller/mystery novel. The story follows teenager Meg and her best friend Minnie as they navigate a weekend full of horrors they’d never have imagined.

Meg and Minnie were invited to a party on a remote island by the school’s It Girl, Jessica. When the two arrive off the ferry, Meg is greeted by the last person she wanted to see that weekend; T.J.. T.J. is the boy that Minnie had been in love with for years… but he’s also the boy who is in love with Meg. Earlier that year, Meg had rejected T.J.’s invitation to the Homecoming dance for Minnie- even though she doesn’t know about it.

Once the girls arrived at the party house they were met by five people they didn’t really know- and Minnie’s ex, Gunner, but something else was missing. Jessica and the cheerleading team.

T.J. informs Meg that due to the storm raging outside, the cheerleaders couldn’t make it onto a ferry after their meet that night. This raises Meg’s nerves, but she kind of just brushes it off. Jessica and the girls would be arriving in the morning; it was nothing to worry about, right?

Wrong. Just as the ten teenagers are sitting down for dinner, Ben, a blonde boy from the rival school, who Minnie had quickly become infatuated with, begun to choke. Meg took action immediately, realizing he was having an allergic reaction to something. She pulled his epipen from his pocket and saved his life- but they had bigger problems.

Someone had put nuts in the salad- the salad that Meg had made herself and T.J. carried to the table. Those who don’t know Meg begin to accuse her of adding the nuts while T.J. and Ben defend her. But if it wasn’t T.J. or Meg who added the nuts… who did?

The night continues on and things get scary really, really fast. As bodies begin to drop and the storm outside refuses to let up, the teens are pit against each other and Minnie’s lost her anti-anxiety medication, turning her into a hostile, unpredictable ball of nerves with a questionable anger towards Meg.

When the storm finally lets up and the weekend has ended, there are only two survivors on the island waiting for the rescue helicopter. The story ends pretty abruptly, just stating the two survivors had made it home. The novel would have been a lot better if it had gone into more detail about what their lives were like after the tragedies of that weekend.

The novel was really engaging the entire way through, keeping readers on the edge of their seat at each turn of the page. You never knew when they would discover something new, when someone would die, or who would turn against who. It’s a thriller all the way through and shows the meaning of having trust in those you care for, not trusting everything you see- even if there’s evidence, and definitely tells you not to always trust a paper invitation from a girl who doesn’t even like you.

The Opposite of here is about this girl named Natalie who loses her boyfriend in a terrible accident so her parents book a cruise for her birthday and she brings her 3 best friends. While she is on the ship her friends tell her to let loose and have some fun. Natalie wanders off and meets this new guy and then he disappears on her, she is worried about him because the ship orders a “routine” headcount. Natalie does a lot of searching to figure out what happened to the guy, she even meets his twin brother. The guy’s brother tells Natalie to give it up and do not contact the other brother at all. In the end, it takes a huge twist, like I did not see any of that coming. 

I really liked this book, She is a really great writer for mystery books. I have loved all the books she has written. The books are really suspenseful, especially this one. I had no clue what was going to happen next. This book is definitely a page-turner. If you like suspenseful books that actually occur in the summertime with a group of friends you would really love this book.

Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko is an West African inspired fantasy novel, first in a duology, detailing the journey of Tarisai, a girl raised in seclusion by tutors, at the behest of an absent but enigmatic mother with ulterior motives. She is the result of her mother enslaving an ehru and using a wish from him to assault him, in order to create a child gifted enough to earn a place amount the crown prince’s council. However, she does not want her there for the empire’s benefit, no, she wants her to become one of the only eleven people in the world capable of killing the magically protected prince.

This book is an adventure at breakneck pace. There are no points in reading it that feel like a slog, or even slow at all. Even though there are some flimsy excuses for some plot device’s existence, and some things go underexplained as a result of it, the reader is left too blown away to begrudge it. The interweaving of cultural aesthetics with original world building is masterful, creating a universe that feels both authentic and fresh. While the pace compromises the weight of the characters, the ones who stand out from the large cast leave powerful impressions, and Tarisai has a very strong arc as she struggles with her nature and the person she’s become in spite of it.

Thankfully, the author did not bite off more than she could chew given the wordcount. Every plot device and thread is wrapped up by the end, with the only ones left being the setup for the sequel. Even things that seemed like innocuous bits of side character backstory had major relevance by the end. It led to feeling of genuine satisfaction at the ending.

There is only one thing that I had a genuine problem with, in the entire book. Spoiler warning for the next two paragraphs.

Tarisai and the prince are cousins. This is the largest reveal in book. Her mother wants him and his father dead so that she can claim her brother’s throne. This is simple enough, and perfectly fine, however, there is a subplot that has no right to exist given this. Before this is discovered, Tarisai and the prince’s relationship is constantly characterized by other characters and themselves in a romantic light. This was flat out unnecessary. Their relationship could have gone without the constant suggestions of being anything more, and absolutely nothing would have changed but for removing the incestuous undertones.

The only purpose it served was to set up a love triangle, or if one one was to stretch it, throw in that the prince is asexual, which is the best example of the LGBT representation being rather hamfisted and reserved for side characters with their sexualities being completely irrelevant.

Something that could easily be removed however, does not damn a book that as a whole, is extremely solid and well written. Cohesive and coherent, it was a pleasant read full of vivid imagery, and I would recommend it without hesitation

“I knew its light instantly, its warmth, the voice I could feel but not hear. Surril. My star.” Star Mother, Charlie N. Holmberg

Star Mother by Charlie N. Holmberg is a fantasy novel that follows Ceris Wenden, a young woman who is chosen by the Sun God to be a Star Mother, a woman destined to give her life in service to the Sun God by bearing one of his children. However, Ceris achieves the impossible: she survives. Displaced in time, alone, and separated from her daughter, Ceris struggles to find her way to some semblance of normalcy, accompanied only by a mysterious godling named Ristriel as her guide. 

Some things I loved about Star Mother were both the religious lore and the themes of motherhood and how it can change a young woman. The plot is difficult to grasp without a full understanding of the religion that Holmberg has spun. Mainly based on astrology and the worship of the sun, the fictitious religion is both based on concepts familiar to us as readers and refreshingly unique and well thought out.  

Although Ceris’s story took place on planet Earth (with the Sun and Moon), I still interpreted Star Mother as an other-world fantasy, which I think is credited to Holmberg’s skillful craft of the religion. Holmberg incorporated faith into almost every character, event, and place, which effectively made religion a core component of both the plot and setting. Furthermore, the stories and beliefs of the religion itself were interesting and very well done. 

Secondly, the importance of motherhood is a driving force of the book. After giving birth, Ceris is immediately separated from her daughter, Surril. However, it is clearly evident throughout the book that Ceris loves her daughter unconditionally despite the distance between them. I’ve never read a young adult book that has revolved around being a mother like Star Mother does, and it was an intriguing concept. Ceris is twenty years old when Surril is born, which may be older compared to other YA protagonists, but still a notably young mother. I loved observing how her priorities and outlook on life changed after she entered motherhood, and although Surril is not actually in most of the book, her affect on her Ceris is an important component of her character development. Not only is Ceris a young mother separated from her daughter, she is a young woman coming of age, and Star Mother is a story about her finding her family and finding herself.  

Although I enjoyed the setting and Ceris’s motherhood journey, I found the plot to be a little bland, overshadowed by the powerful world-building. There was a romantic interest, but the relationship was neither integral to the plot nor well developed, in my opinion. Star Mother is an incredibly light read, one that interested me in the moment, but wasn’t especially impactful in retrospect. I was super supportive of Ceris throughout the book, but none of the other characters really interested me. I was also initially put off by the characterization of the Sun, who seemed to be both celestial and omniscient yet subject to base human desires. However, as the book progressed, I grew more accustomed to the humanlike tendencies of the celestial characters. 

Star Mother by Charlie N. Holmberg is a quick fantasy read that highlights themes of faith and the importance of motherhood. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys detailed and unique world building, especially that of a religious nature. Also, books focused on motherhood––and written from the mother’s perspective––in YA are uncommon, so I would encourage people to read Star Mother if they’re interested in stories fueled by the impact of motherhood. 

“Sisters never stand a chance to be friends. We’re pitted against each other from the moment we are born. A daughter is a treasure. Two is a tax.”

Mary H.K. Choi, Yolk

Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi is a contemporary novel following Jayne Baek as she struggles through fashion school in New York City. When she discovers that her older sister June had been diagnosed with uterine cancer, her life flips even more upside down. The two siblings have an innate dislike toward one another, but are brought together by June’s illness. Content warning: the main character has an eating disorder (bulimia) that is mentioned throughout the book, a detailed scene in chapter 45.

I won’t say I’m proud of this, but I judge a book by its cover nearly every time I think of reading one. Something about that first impression is really what makes me want to read a book, and sometimes I’ll even remember the cover better than I do the plot. And Yolk is no exception. I barely glanced at the synopsis before picking up this book because I knew it was one I just simply had to have. 

And I will say that I briefly regretted it. The characters were unlikable, the storyline was confusing and just boring, and I struggled to find something that made me want to keep reading. But I did keep reading, and I’m so glad that I did because by the end I was sitting on the floor with tears streaming down my face, unsure of whether I would ever be able to part with the devastating book that I had become so hopelessly attached to.

I think that Yolk is definitely one of those books where, to maybe truly be able to appreciate it, you have to read it twice. Or three times. Or seven. But with each time you love it more and more until eventually it becomes your favorite book. So far I’ve only read it once, and I’m hesitant to read it again because frankly I’m not sure how many more favorite books I can respectfully have.

It does have its faults though, of course. I felt like many of the details were underdeveloped, like the identity switch that June pulls so that she could have health insurance for her surgery, or Patrick’s (Jayne’s love interest) briefly mentioned girlfriend in the peace corps. The book also seems somewhat wrongly categorized as young adult, when the main character is well out of high school and the descriptions are much less filtered than I’m used to in YA books. I would have definitely assumed it was new adult if I hadn’t found it in the YA section.

Though I had difficulty getting into it, I did really enjoy reading this book, and I recommend to anyone with the patience and desire to read a heartfelt and painfully realistic coming-of-age story.

I loved this book I highly recommend it! it had such a lovely meaning and story. I thought it was unique how the book had photos in the reading which helped tell the story. This book spreads awareness and is a wonderful book for teenagers. If you like reading books about awareness, struggles, and romance this is a great pick.

After reading this book it made me thing about how blessed I am to even wake up and go to school or hang with friends. I could never imagine being in Maddy’s shoes stuck in her house and cant even go out to the mall or anything for fun. Life throws battles at people and you have to learn to overcome battles and work around them. Maddy worked around her condition to show her love to Olly.

As someone who loves to feel the emotion in a book, What Kind of Girl focuses on real struggles teenagers face. This book is not necessarily focused on the struggles themselves, but it also goes in-depth around the coping mechanisms teenagers sometimes face in fear of seeking help. As the reader, I truly felt for Maya. I have seen others struggling myself and I know how hard it can be to open up about your feelings.

After reading this book, Alyssa sheinmel has taught me a lesson. I understand how we often ignore the fact we need help, in fear of opening up. Many often think you only need help if you have it hard, such as the subjects mentioned in the book. (self-harming, eating disorders, abuses) honestly how big the issue is shouldn’t matter. If you are struggling and feel you need help, there is ALWAYS someone out there willing to listen, no matter how big or small the issue may be. We shouldn’t have to hide our emotions. What Kind of Girl has been one of the best reads I have read and comes with several takeaway messages and feelings.

Beautiful yet terrifying artwork?

Chilling tales of murderers and monsters?

What else could someone possibly want from a horror graphic novel?

Through the Woods, a graphic novel written and illustrated by Emily Carroll, is a series of five short horror stories that takes “creepiness” to another level. The stories are as follows: A man with a big smile and a wide brimmed hat who kidnaps girls one by one. A wife who discovers the chopped up body parts of her husband’s ex buried throughout their house. A brotherly betrayal that leads to a murder. Two best friends who fake communication with the dead which backfires. A girl uncovering the truth behind her brother’s fiance and what lies beneath her skin. Five different short stories, five different horror tales. Each which leaves you with a sense of uneasiness.

There was one short story in particular that caught my attention. “The Nesting Place,” the last story in the book, is about a girl who visits her brother and his fiance in the countryside. His fiance is not exactly…human. She got lost in the woods years ago and was basically used as a vessel for a creature ever since. Now, the brother’s sister who is visiting experiences the same thing only this time is not possessed. However, she does find out the true nature of her brother’s fiance and this freaks her out. That’s the gist of that story. I would elaborate more on the ending but I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise…

As a horror fan, I was fairly surprised by how creepy this book was. Because it was a graphic novel, I wasn’t sure if there would be enough context to creep me out but I was wrong. The creepiest factor was the art. It was so beautifully done and fit with the stories perfectly. Another surprising factor was that this book is made up of short stories. I thought this book was one big story but it was a very pleasant surprise to discover that there were multiple.

The pacing of the stories were decent. The first four stories were about the same length and so it was fairly steady. However, the last story was unusually long so I didn’t really like the inconsistency there. The writing was very vague but in this situation, because it is a horror book, it worked out very well and added to the creepiness. One thing that I didn’t enjoy was the lack of diversity in the characters; they were mostly just white young girls. There was only one story that had male characters (the brothers and beast story) but in general there was little to no diversity.

I wouldn’t recommend this book to someone who is devoted to horror such as myself. Although it was quite creepy, the stories were not classic horror stories and therefore did not present the reader with true terror (in comparison to thriller novels and films). If you’re just getting into creepy books, I would highly recommend this read though. The artwork is magnificent and terrifying in its own way. Overall, Through the Woods is a great series of short and creepy stories that deliver just the right amount of “spook” for beginner horror fans.

“You so lucky, they say. Unlike them, I’ve never fantasized about going to New York…I want to be grateful for my fortune. But I don’t want to leave our house in Los Guayacanes painted the color of buttercups by my late grandfather, the only house for miles that has survived all the hurricanes. Our house, the one I share with my parents, Yohnny, Lenny, Teresa, Juanita, and Betty, where there is everything I know and can imagine, for all of my life, (pgs. 36 and 37).”

Dominicana by Angie Cruz is the story of fifteen-year-old Ana Cancion, who has never dreamed of leaving her island in the Dominican Republic where her family and farm are all that she has ever known. However, when courted by Juan Ruiz, a man seventeen years her senior, she suddenly finds herself in New York. With the change in scenery, culture, and language, she has a difficult time adapting, especially since she is largely alone. Throw in an abusive, cheating husband, a pregnancy, and an explosive Dominican Republic, and you have yourself the mess that Ana is caught up in. 

Before I started reading this book, I decided to do something I don’t normally do: I took a peek at some of the reviews. I was shocked to see so many comments referring to this as being “just another immigrant story.” I’ve always found these types of comments to be minimizing and insensitive because these types of stories are obviously personal. Of course, there can be commonalities between the plots and characters, but there’s always a type of individualism that makes them all unique.

As someone who has read a number of different types of immigrant stories, I found this one to be the most touching. I was really able to connect with Ana on a level that I am not generally able to. We share so many traits and at times when I found myself frustrated with her, it caused me to realize how others sometimes feel about me. In that sense, it was a really eye-opening book. 

The chapters were also organized in a way where the present was interwoven with the past. This choice by the author gave readers the sense that Ana was holding onto these memories as a way of motivating herself to continue. These flashbacks also showed just how integral these memories were to Ana’s character and how because of this, they would always be a part of her. 

Overall, this book was probably the best one that I have read so far in 2022. It was undeniably heartbreaking, but also gave me hope that everything would work out in the end. I will definitely be reading this again in the future and would recommend it to anyone who wants to be hurt and healed at the same time. 

This article talks about how these “YA” books are published, why they are so appealing, what the distinction is, and who crossover books are for. There is a huge debate between what is a young adult book and what is an adult book. The publishers just seek which will make more profit. Many adults still read the books that are marked as young adult books, there is always a fine line between which is which. The young adult books are not about what age the main character is, it’s about the emotions and if teenagers today can relate to those emotions.

I feel like young adult books should as the writer said have an age group, there’s a difference between a 20-year-old and a 40-year-old. if a young adult book is relating to teenage problems why would the protagonist be 4o years old? Also, I’m not too fond of the way the article states that whatever audience gets more buyers that’s the way the publishers go. There are still problems with young adult and adult books and how to categorize each of them.

Works Cited:

Hershberger, Katy. “YA Grows up: More Older Teen Protagonists Are Stepping into Adulthood.” School Library Journal, vol. 67, no. 4, Apr. 2021, p. 32. EBSCOhost, discovery.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=cd0a4caa-52b2-3040-a8f4-3b6ea6bfd92a.