Favorite Books of 2017

When I look back on my year of reading, I'm reminded of many gems, each shouting for my attention as top book of the year. I read quite an array of genres, from non-fiction to classic literature to your good ol' contemporary young adult, so it's a given that not everything I read is a hot-off-the-download new release. While I find merit in books from a broad range of release dates, there is much to be said about the emotions evoked by a brand new story--the freshness of their concepts, the boldness of their storytelling, and, at times, the excitement of reading a debut author that you crave from the first sentence.

The choices were many, and the stakes were full of rough, competitive terrain. But in the end, five books ascended to the top of my list, glowing for all they're worth--followed by honorable mentions. I don't have the heart to rank any book on this list (and if I tried, I'm sure the results would change often). My favorite books published in 2017 are:




The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

This book had my attention at chapter one, and held on to it for the next 500 pages of gooey deliciousness. When a bisexual lord in 18th-century Europe goes on a tour of Europe with his best friend and headstrong sister, chaos ensues to the tenth degree. Beautifully written and adoringly constructed, this young adult historical fiction will pull at your heartstrings, tickle your funny bone, and make you root for characters (pirates, snobbish lords, and the like) that you'd hate if written by anyone other than Mackenzi Lee. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue is a glorious blend of adventure, romance, and historical fiction that any avid reader of young adult fiction should dive into immediately.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Words can't accurately describe this young adult contemporary about a teen witness to a police shooting and the resulting events. Angie Thomas's debut is a masterpiece, one for which I'm unable to come up with criticism. The Hate U Give is timely and relevant, a must-read for YA readers as well as anyone interested in contemporary social issues. Angie Thomas is now on my hot list of authors to watch. Bonus points: The Hate U Give is going to be a movie slated for a 2018 release!










Word by Word: The Secret Life of Dictionaries by Kory Stamper

If you enjoy learning about how words work, then Kory Stamper's book about lexicography (the practice of compiling dictionaries) is definitely for you. The author sends her readers through the cubicles of Merriam-Webster's, where she discloses how words make it into the dictionary, how definitions change, and how on earth the staff determines pronunciation. She flips a traditional understanding of grammar on its head, reminding readers often that languages are fluid and that the need for updating dictionaries is a never-ending (and daunting) process. I loved every chapter of Word by Word for both the information contained within and the hilariously dry humor of the author.

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

I wanted to read When Dimple Met Rishi from the moment I read the blurb, and Sandhya Menon did not disappoint. This is the story of two betrothed teenagers at a summer program for aspiring web developers--except Rishi is ecstatic for the arrangement, while Dimple has no idea her parents have already arranged her marriage to someone she will soon meet and despise. This book is a refreshingly bold clash of cultures and personalities, and a beautiful reminder of how love works in mysterious ways. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys young adult romances.

Friend (With Benefits) Zone by Laura Brown

If you read one 2017 romance novel, it should be Laura Brown's Friend (With Benefits) Zone, a friends-to-lovers story featuring two Deaf main characters. Jas is an absolute mess in the best kind of way--infuriatingly stubborn but self-aware and strong as she overcomes the difficult obstacles life has thrown at her. Dev, meanwhile, has problems of his own as he tries to find the life that suits him best. Their problems complement each other as Jas and Devon work together to find solutions. I love the build-up between Jas and Devon as they explore their feelings for each other and navigate their career paths. I recommend this book to anyone interested in contemporary romances with dark, realistic storylines. And if you're looking for a bonus book by the same author, check out Laura Brown's 2016 debut, Signs of Attraction.

Honorable Mentions

My year of reading wouldn't be complete without some awesome Honorable Mentions--stories that were so close to making my list that it hurt to not mention them at all.

• Feral Youth by Shaun David Hutchinson, Brandy Colbert, Suzanne Young, Tim Floreen, Justina Ireland, Alaya Dawn Johnson, Stephanie Kuehn, E.C. Myers, Marieke Nijkamp, and Robin Talley: Ten teens left in the woods at a camp for troubled youth; ten different points of view; ten clever stories that leave the reader desperately searching for the truth and the lies.
• Invictus by Ryan Graudin: A young adult story that mixes science fiction and historical fiction, with a wild ride on a time machine that zips us from the Titanic to the future to ancient Rome and back again. A true joy.
• Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng: A delightful weaving of multiple points of view involving two families in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Celeste Ng is a master of explaining the minute details that you never knew you'd relate to until you read her words.
• Honestly Ben by Bill Konigsberg: After falling in love with Openly Straight in 2013, this sequel was high on my to-read list. Its exploration of love and sexuality--and all the grey areas surrounding them--is unmatched by any other.
• Sweet Reality by Laura Heffernan: Reality stars on a cruise ship, with unexpected twists that add a delicious dark element to this romance book.
• The Scattered and the Dead (Book 2.5) by Tim McBain and L.T. Vargus: End of the world, zombies, military camp for survivors, character backstory that will leave you with body-spanning tingles. Enough said.

Review: MORE HAPPY THAN NOT, by Adam Silvera

More Happy Than Not is the story of a teenage boy in the Bronx who considers undergoing a memory-wiping procedure to escape his sexuality and the harm it's brought to him.

My mind changed several times while reading Adam Silvera's More Happy Than Not; I considered giving up on it more than once. For a while I thought the story was wildly predictable and familiar, and at times the writing was less than wonderful.

I'm glad I stuck it out.

After about the 1/3 mark, the story started getting better and better, and it continued to surprise me. Unlike what I initially feared, this is not your run-of-the-mill YA. Adam Silvera takes big risks in his writing and plot, so much so that by the end of the book I was wholeheartedly cheering him on as a writer.

If you're looking for a boy-meets-boy YA that will make you swoon, this is not the book for you. But if you want to read a brutally honest story that will make you uncomfortable just as often as it makes you smile, you should dive right in. Bonus points if you're into very mild sci-fi.

I give More Happy Than Not 4 stars, because that seems like an appropriate average for my roller coaster of feelings about it. I look forward to reading more of Silvera's books; to be honest, though, I don't think my heart could handle two of them in a row.

Stars: 4/4
Recommended for: Anyone who enjoys dark YA that takes risks and doesn't necessarily follow expected tropes. A love for science fiction is optional.

Review: BECAUSE YOU'LL NEVER MEET ME, by Leah Thomas

BECAUSE YOU'LL NEVER MEET ME has an adorable premise--two boys who become close pen pals, but can never meet because, effectively, one is allergic to the other. I initially picked up this book because the story idea intrigued me, and the author, Leah Thomas, held up to my expectations. The two boys in the story, Ollie and Moritz, are distinguishable and well-developed, each with their own fascinating backgrounds and interests. The development of their relationship was realistic and touching, enough to make me root for them as both friends and potential boyfriends. 

The major drawback for me was the moments where I had trouble connecting with the sci-fi elements. I had difficulty wrapping my mind around the possibilities of some of it, such as the lab experiments and the boys' respective disabilities. However, this shortcoming might be on my part, and Leah Thomas's superb writing more than makes up for it.

Regardless, I look forward to reading the next book in the series, NOWHERE NEAR YOU.

Stars: 4/5
Recommended for: Anyone interested in contemporary young adult stories, especially anyone who enjoys very light speculative fiction and queer characters.

Review: FERAL YOUTH, by Shaun David Hutchinson, et al.

FERAL YOUTH, by Shaun David Hutchinson, Brandy Colbert, Suzanne Young, Tim Floreen, Justina Ireland, Alaya Dawn Johnson, Stephanie Kuehn, E.C. Myers, Marieke Nijkamp, and Robin Talley

Feral Youth was simply fantastic! I'm usually wary of multi-author collaborations, but this one defied all odds and truly shined. While it initially appears to be a set of short stories, they're all tied together with a plot arc, so you won't want to skip around. This book is about a group of "troubled" teenagers dropped in the middle of the woods and trying to find their way back to civilization. Over a bet, each person tells a story about what they did to end up at the camp for troubled teens. This is where the various powerhouse authors come into play, each contributing their own (exaggerated?) tale that shines as much as the last.

I picked up this book because of the incredible authors (Tim Floreen, anyone?) and by the end I'd discovered even more authors that I can't wait to read more from.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Anyone who loves contemporary young adult fiction, particularly with unreliable narrators.

Review: THE SCATTERED AND THE DEAD (BOOK 2.5), by Tim McBain and L.T. Vargus

I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of The Scattered and the Dead (Book 2.5). I flew through it, and not because it was short (it wasn't). This is Book 2.5 in the series, but don't let its "half" value fool you; it's a full-length novel with all sorts of goodies.

As opposed to the broader foci of Books 1 and 2, this story follows only Erin, Delfino, and the enticing characters floating around in their circles. The backstories of Erin and Delfino are explored, giving each character more depth, sympathy, and motivation than seen in previous books. While both main characters have merit, I was most drawn in by Erin and the suspicious happenings at her ride-out-the-apocalypse camp. I enjoyed her stubbornness and smarts from the other Scattered and the Dead novels, but I fell in love with her here.

In true Vargus and McBain fashion, the (relatively small amounts of) gore does not disappoint, and there's a kickass ending! This book is a true gem in the world of apocalyptic fiction. I look forward to reading whatever else these authors bless us with in the future.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Anyone who loves three-dimensional characters in difficult situations and unique takes on end-of-the-world stories. (If you're only into zombie stories for the zombies' sake, this one probably isn't for you.)

Now available in paperback and through Kindle Unlimited. Kindle ebook available for pre-order, scheduled for release October 26, 2017.

Review: INVICTUS, by Ryan Graudin

Time travel and dimension jumping? Heists on the Titanic? Gladiators at the Colliseum? Red Pandas as pets? Yes, please!

INVICTUS was a really fun read that will make your head spin. I loved the well-formed characters, the alternating POVs that offered a multidimensional perspective (no pun intended), and the spot-on writing that kept me locked in. I must admit that some of the technical-talk jumping made me question the plausibility of some scenarios, but for the benefit of the doubt I'm leaving this confusion to my own shortcomings. The author definitely made up for all that with an intriguing and promising premise that didn't let me down. I've never read Ryan Graudin's books before, but after reading INVICTUS I will definitely look into her other works.

Stars: 4/5
Recommended for: Anyone who loves twisty time travel stories with a contemporary young adult feel
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Review: THE PLATINUM AGE OF TELEVISION: FROM I LOVE LUCY TO THE WALKING DEAD, HOW TV BECAME TERRIFIC, by David Bianculli

In The Platinum Age of Television: From I Love Lucy to the Walking Dead, How TV Became Terrific, David Bianculli has done a great job exploring the evolution of television, broken down into overlapping genres from children's programs to topical comedy. The author discusses each title in terms of its impact on television, rather than by its ratings, offering a refreshing take on how shows influence each other. This book is long and took a while to finish, but it's formatted for readability in whichever order you choose. You can even skip chapters, though I wouldn't recommend it—I was enlightened even by the topics I dreaded and had no former knowledge of, such as the chapter about westerns.

I wish even more genres had been packed into this already-stuffed book, though it understandably has limitations. Bianculli has established himself as the primary voice in television evolution, and I look forward to reading any of his future books—and articles—on the topic.


Stars: 4/5
Recommended for: Anyone who has ever been touched by a television show (so...pretty much everyone in America).

Review: FRIEND (WITH BENEFITS) ZONE, by Laura Brown

Friend (With Benefits) Zone was a fantastic read, complete with well-developed characters and edge-of-your-seat tension. Laura Brown does a great job pulling her readers in and keeping them hooked until the last page. She plunges her readers into the world of Deaf and Hard of Hearing culture, and every single one of us has emerged a better person on the other side.

I particularly loved the build-up between  the main characters, Jas and Devon, as they explored their feelings for each other and navigated their career paths. This is Brown's second novel with Avon, and it definitely does not disappoint. I adored this one just as much as her first (Signs of Attraction), and I look forward to reading every single novel she writes in the future.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in contemporary romances with realistic storylines. People interested in deafness or stories featuring disabilities will also consider this a gem.

Review: THE HOUSE GIRL, by Tara Conklin

This book had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end, and I was sorely devastated to see it end. Tara Conklin did a fantastic job of combining history, modern social issues, and the timeless search for oneself into a single book that transcends expectations. I was equally in love with the stories of Josephine and Lina, both of which were told with such a vivid exploration of emotions that I found myself relating in various ways to their important struggles. Perhaps my favorite part of the book was the way that history and the present day collided as we watched Lina explore historical documents about Josephine.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Anyone interested in the history of slavery and/or the 19th century south, and anyone who enjoys pondering tough race questions that have evolved ever since first plaguing America centuries ago.

Review: THE LOVE INTEREST, by Cale Dietrich

I really wanted to like this. Really, really wanted to. I love the premise (especially the new take on the love triangle) and had looked forward to this book for a long time. Unfortunately, I had to give up around the halfway point. The dialogue was awkward and unrealistic, and it suffered from "As you know, Bob" syndrome--and that added up to me rolling my eyes more often that I should've. Because the premise intrigued me so much, though, I did jump to the end after I decided to set this down (Spoiler alert: I found even more disappointment at the end). This book is unique and interesting, but I'm unable to give it a glowing review.

Stars: 2.5/5
Recommended for: People interested in YA spy stories and LGBTQ characters.

Review: THE GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE, by Mackenzi Lee

I've wanted to read The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue ever since I first heard about it, and I'm kicking myself for waiting so long. It. Was. Fantastic. Pure and simple.

Mackenzi Lee has taken a fascinating, sexy time period and thrown her readers into it with such oomph I'm surprised any of us have made our way back to the 21st century. The author has truly done her research in European 18th-century politics, familial structures, science, and queer culture, and taken literary liberties only where absolutely necessary--and never in a way that compromises conceivable authenticity. The three main characters (Monty, Percy, and Felicity) are a true pleasure to read about, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and desires that make them stand out as underdogs in their time period without being anachronistic. There are no three characters with whom I'd rather take an extensive tour--be that as it may--across Europe.

I wish I had a time machine so I could go back a decade and think of this story first, though certainly I'd never achieve it with the same finesse as Mackenzi Lee. It's precisely what I've been missing all my life. Also: Relatable sympathetic pirates for the win.

Stars: 6/5. I would give this book eleventy billion stars if I could.
Recommended for: Anyone who remotely enjoys young adult books should pick this up immediately. Especially anyone interested in 18th century European history and/or swoon-worthy queer relationships with more tension than a stretched rubber band.

CNN's "The Nineties": A Millenial's Perspective

I’ve recently been enjoying CNN’s The Nineties, with new episodes every Sunday night.* As a 1988 baby, my perspective of the 1990s is a little skewed. So when each new episode of The Nineties lights up my television screen, I find myself in awe at the nuances I’d missed as a child. It’s not that I wasn’t there for those major 90s events—it’s that I viewed them through the filtered lens of my parents.

Here are a few glimpses of what I mean:

• I knew the O.J. Simpson trial was happening, only because my mom kept complaining that it was on allll the time.
• I knew Bob Dole was running for president, only because my dad’s house was plastered in Dole signs and my dad was livid when Dole lost.
• I remember the Oklahoma City Bombing not because of the intensity of what happened, but because my mom spent the day scanning through the crowds on TV, trying to find my uncle (who was in Oklahoma City and hadn’t yet checked in with any family members).

Distance, maturity, and college have helped me fill in the gaps of the major events of the 1990s, but none of that is the same as being at a reasonable age to experience it firsthand. Now, as a 29-year-old who likes to think she’s up-to-date with current events, I’m left watching The Nineties on CNN, fine-tuning what I thought I knew and adding context to the moments that affected my parents so strongly.

*Of course, I watch the episodes on Demand on Monday evenings, because Game of Thrones trumps all. But that’s neither here nor there.

Review: HIDDEN FIGURES: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race, by Margot Lee Shetterly

Hidden Figures is a fascinating story that deserves to be told. I really enjoyed the intrigue laced throughout this book, and I appreciated the author's thorough research and relatable word choice. The only downside was that the book's structure made it difficult to keep track of the women. The author jumped often between the "characters" and the chronology wasn't entirely linear; I often had to stop and pause to wrap my mind around the shifts in direction.

Stars: 4/5
Recommended for: Anyone interested in science-related history and/or the exploration of race relations in America

Review: KILLING SEASON, by L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain

Killing Season is my favorite book so far in the Violet Darger series. Dare I even say it's my favorite yet from Vargus and McBain? It doesn't have as much violence and gore as their other books, so be warned if that's your only reason for reading these authors (but don't worry, there are still plenty of delicious atrocities to go around). This book has a ton of character development and relatable what-ifs, making it easy to get into and easy to keep going. Violet Darger is one kick-ass heroine, and the side characters throughout the book are so gritty and real that they pop off the page. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I look forward to future books in the series.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Anyone interested in thrillers with unique twists and solid writing.
Bonus Points: Although all books in the Violet Darger series are connected, it is not necessary to read them in chronological order.

Review: DRAGON TEETH, by Michael Crichton

Michael Crichton's DRAGON TEETH, published posthumously, checks all the boxes for "early novel written while trying to hone his craft." This is certainly not one of Chrichton's strongest writing attempts, making me wonder if there's a reason it was never published during his lifetime. Still, I was intrigued by the idea of what might happen to the characters, and that's what pulled me along to the end. The end was better than the beginning, but I was ultimately left feeling unsatisfied.

Stars: 2/5
Recommended for: Fans of Michael Chrichton. That's about it.

Cover Reveal: MONSTERS & ANGELS, by Anne Marie Andrus

Hi Everyone! I'm very excited to show you the brand new cover for Anne Marie Andrus's debut novel, coming October 2017! It's a true beauty that you won't want to miss. Here's the scoop:
 

Monsters & Angels
Anne Marie Andrus
Publication date: October 2017
Genres: Historical, New Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Fledgling nurse Sorcha Alden knew she had the skills to save lives, but she never dreamed that her own life would be the one in danger.
Driven by tragedy to honor her family name, Sorcha embarks on a journey that takes her from the bleak but familiar streets of New York, through the sultry and seductive city of New Orleans, and into the brutal jungles of Nepal. Forging friendships and carrying on her mother’s mission of healing was her dream. Plunging into a love affair with the mysterious Dr. Ashayle could have been a fairytale.
Being murdered and waking up as a blood-thirsty monster—became her living nightmare.
Torn away form a life that had just begun, Sorcha returns to New Orleans as a newborn vampire, forced to start over in a cutthroat underworld of devilry and decadence. Complicated politics, bitter rivals and jealous ancestors stand between her and the promises she’s still determined to keep.
In a realm where the boundary between good and evil is as murky as the Mississippi River and immortal does not mean invincible, will Sorcha ever risk her shattered heart and love again? Can the magical harmony of the Crescent City give her enough courage to fulfill her eternal destiny?

Add to Goodreads

Author Bio:
Anne Marie has been an equestrienne, chorale singer, candy-striper, EMT, and baseball fan. Roaming the back roads of New Jersey with her family, she found great respect for antiques, historical locations and the stories they hold. Her current list of favorite pastimes include coffee, bourbon, and Les Miserables--which requires more bourbon. She has been known to attend sporting events just for the flyover. The boat she and her husband christened Glory Days, is her escape from the chaos of everyday life.
The inspiration for Anne Marie's debut novel, Monsters & Angels, is her fascination with vampires and her passion for everything New Orleans. When she isn't writing, she can be found working nights with the critical care team in a busy trauma center.

Website / Facebook / Twitter

Review: AMERICA'S NEXT REALITY STAR, by Laura Heffernan

As the first in what will surely be a great series, America's Next Reality Star is a lovely, breezy read that kept me engaged from beginning to end. Though predictable at times, the voice of the main character pops off the page and the supporting characters are colorful and intriguing. Bonus points to the fun cover! I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series--and anything Laura Heffernan writes in the future.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in contemporary stories with quirky, realistic characters, and especially to anyone who likes reality shows!

Review: WHEN DIMPLE MET RISHI, by Sandhya Menon

WHEN DIMPLE MET RISHI is beautifully written and a lot of fun! I really enjoyed the colorful characters and their journey to find one another. This book will appeal to teen readers as well as adults because of its relatable stakes. Don't let the diversity in this book trick you into thinking it's not for you--there is A LOT to love about these teen characters trying to find their place in the world.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves teen romances, especially teen romances with diversity.

May You Find Inspiration, Too

When I discovered The Perks of Being a Wallflower in high school, it felt like I’d discovered the best-kept secret in existence. I was scared to death to tell anyone why I loved it so much, but I was comforted by the idea that there was a book I could relate to so easily—and it was marketed to teenagers! The story contained a side character who was queer and struggled with a lot of the same issues I was struggling with: hiding who they were and facing backlash when they actually opened up about themselves. And to top it off, the main character’s story centered around the after-effects of childhood sexual abuse—an issue I silently struggled with but wouldn’t tell anyone about until I became an adult.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower kept me afloat as a teenager. It gave me the power to keep going, and taught me that something good could still come out of dark times. I write YA contemporaries to pass on that feeling. My stories are the types I wish I could have read as a teenager, putting the marginalized characters at the forefront instead of on the sidelines. I hope to affect even one young adult out there who needs the courage to know they’re not alone—bonus points if I can inspire more.

*Note: This post originally appeared as a comment on Laura Heffernan's blog, in response to a prompt for marginalized writers to share their story.

Cover Reveal: FRIEND (WITH BENEFITS) ZONE, by Laura Brown

I am extremely excited to reveal the cover of Laura Brown's newest book, FRIEND (WITH BENEFITS) ZONE. I mean it, folks. I had the honor of reading several versions of this book at earlier stages, and I'm thrilled to see the final product. Mark your calendars for the book's release on June 27!

And if you haven't read her debut novel that came out last year (SIGNS OF ATTRACTION), you better get to it pronto. The two books are in no way related--aside from their mutual exploration of hearing loss--but I guarantee that if you love one, you'll love the other.

Without further ado, here's some more information about FRIEND (WITH BENEFITS) ZONE, followed by the stunning cover!

I’m ridiculously attracted to my best friend.

Today is a bad day. The worst actually. After dealing with the constant manhandling that comes with being a cocktail waitress at a dive bar and surviving a date from hell, I see an eviction notice slapped on the door of my sketchy basement apartment. Great.

When my best friend Devon shows up at my door and uses his stubborn charm (emphasis on stubborn) to get me to move in with him, I give in. We’ve had about a million sleepovers since we met in the kindergarten Deaf program, but this time it’s different because I can’t stop thinking about his hard body covering mine, every single night. 

I know Devon would do anything for me, but I’m afraid what I want to happen will ruin our friendship forever. And the more time we spend together in close quarters, the harder it’ll be to resist the spark of attraction I’ve always felt. But maybe it’s possible to have the best of both worlds: keep the one relationship I can’t live without and indulge in an attraction I can’t deny.

I guess the only thing we can do is try…

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(Author fun fact: Before you check out the amazing cover, there are two details I absolutely love; be on the lookout for them. One, the model's hands appear to be in motion, almost as if he's signing. Two, the amazing graphic artist managed to add a hearing aid, as Devon himself normally wears two.)

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Available for pre-order at Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | and more!
You can also add to your Goodreads list!

About the author:

Laura Brown lives in Massachusetts with her quirky abnormal family. Her husband’s put up with her since high school, her young son keeps her on her toes, and her three cats think they deserve more scratches. Hearing loss is a big part of who she is, from her own Hard of Hearing ears, to the characters she creates.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Review: DEAD END GIRL, by L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain

DEAD END GIRL was an absolute delight, by which I mean it was a twisted, disgusting, vomit-inducing ride that I thoroughly enjoyed. This new series contains vivid characters and heart-stopping surprises, and the authors, as always, have a knack for turning phrases. Vargus and McBain know how to hook their readers and never let go. Book 1 has really kicked off the series in the best of ways, and I'm confident the sequels will be even better. You can count me in for the rest of the books in this series!

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Readers of dark crime novels (extra heavy on the "dark")

Review: OPENLY STRAIGHT, by Bill Konigsberg

Simply put, I loved this book enough to read it twice. The buildup of tension was spot-on, to the point that I simply could not stop reading. I enjoyed the realistic scenarios presented here--very appropriate for the the 21st century, and a nice break from some of the heavier LGBT "issue" books. Reading this book has prompted me to read all other books by Bill Konigsberg, each of which was equally amazing. Next on my to-be-read list is HONESTLY BEN, the sequel to OPENLY STRAIGHT that was released just last week!

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Anyone who loves YA contemporaries that approach diversity in a unique way.

Review: MR. PENUMBRA'S 24-HOUR BOOKSTORE, by Robin Sloan

Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore is a rare delight, in that perfect space where bibliophilia and technology intersect. I wasn't sure what to expect out of this book when I first picked it up; I was merely intrigued by its mystery. From the start, it became clear that mysterious scenarios would abound throughout the book, taking the reader on a journey through high-rising bookshelves and the depths of technological advancement. I really enjoyed the unique-yet-relatable characters and the pacing.

Stars: 4/5
Recommended for: anyone interested in twists on mysterious general fiction