Review: PUMPKINHEADS, by Rainbow Rowell

I breezed through Pumpkinheads in about two hours. Written by Rainbow Rowell and illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks, this graphic novel follows two seniors, Deja and Josiah, on their last night working at a pumpkin patch. The characters' initial goal is to find and talk to the coworker Josiah has pined over for years; but, in true Rowell style, the story quickly turns into a twisty adventure as unexpected hurdles—literal and figurative—stand in their way.

It was absolutely charming. The depth of the relationship between Deja and Josiah is clear from the start, even though we only see them for one night of their many-yeared friendship. I was hooked from the moment they interacted—no, I was actually hooked from the time I saw the super cute map of the pumpkin patch on the inside cover! (Seriously, who can resist a super cute map?) Hicks's other illustrations are also spot on, with quirk and warmth that pull you into the story.

Pumpkinheads is the perfect feel-good book for the upcoming season, propelling you smells-and-all into fuzzy autumn feelings.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Anyone who adores strong friendship stories and the warm fuzzies of fall.
Bonus points: The map!!

Review: ONE GIANT LEAP, by Heather Kaczynski

In One Giant Leap, sequel to the 2017 Dare Mighty Things, Heather Kaczynski takes readers on an escapade through space with Cassie, Luka, and the rest of the gang as they navigate a war between two distant alien civilizations. A mix of adventure, thriller, and science fiction, One Giant Leap explores making impossible choices in impossible situations—and Earth isn't the only thing at stake. While Dare Mighty Things left readers with a cliffhanger, this second book in the series has a solid conclusion to wrap up Cassie's story. I would read anything else from this author, so I look forward to future releases!

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Readers who enjoy unique science fiction with relatable themes.
Bonus points: Part of Cassie's journey involves learning more about her asexuality, a topic that young adult literature would do well to continue representing and exploring.

Review: DEPOSING NATHAN, by Zack Smedley

Deposing Nathan was everything I'd dreamed it would be—deep, torturous, intense, and beautiful. It tells the story of a teenage boy from Appalachia who must testify against his quasi-boyfriend after being stabbed, all while coming to terms with his Catholic religion and bisexuality.

This is a powerful story that brings to light the struggles of finding oneself and navigating complex emotions. Zack Smedley is an author to watch, with poignant and relevant storytelling that hooks the reader from the first line to the unexpected twist and through the ending. Smedly has contributed his own touch to young adult literature, giving readers something fresh and current that's difficult to ignore. Deposing Nathan was worth every penny of my purchase, and it quickly jumped up my list of top 2019 releases.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Young adult readers questioning sexuality, religion, family expectations, and/or familial commitment. Or just anyone who loves a fantastic book.
Bonus points: The author wrote a fascinating post about the saga of the book's cover creation and the importance of advocating for a safe cover for closeted teen readers.

Review: DARIUS THE GREAT IS NOT OKAY, by Adib Khorram

To my delightful surprise, I adored Darius the Great Is Not Okay. The main character, Darius Kellner, has trouble fitting in at high school, and his dad seems to think he invites his own troubles by purposely not blending in. But if loving Star Trek, having long hair, and working at a tea shop make him stand out, then so be it; Darius doesn't want to change a thing.

After Darius flies around the globe to visit family in Iran, he feels just as out of place as he had back home—he doesn't speak much Farsi, he lacks the proper social customs, and the people there (family or otherwise) are resistant to understanding his mental health issues. Aside from the fantastic food, his only saving grace is Sohrab, a family friend who seems to understand Darius in ways no one else ever has.

What results is a beautifully told story that lives up to expectations for the YA contemporary genre while adding its own creative spin. Adib Khorram is a clever writer, bringing out his characters' personalities until they shine and seamlessly introducing the reader to scenarios they might not have otherwise encountered. I look forward to reading any other books by this author.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Anyone interested in YA contemporaries, particularly ones touching on depression, sense of belonging, and queer issues.

Review: A QUICK & EASY GUIDE TO THEY/THEM PRONOUNS, by Archie Bongiovanni and Tristan Jimerson

A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns is short and sweet—much like my book reviews!—with plenty of helpful information packed inside. In this little gem, Archie Bongiovanni and Tristan Jimerson present a fun and unique way to talk about pronouns. They specifically focus on they/them while also discussing how all pronouns are used, why we use them, and what they mean to us. Throughout the graphic novel (which you can easily finish in one or two sittings), readers learn how to navigate peoples' pronouns and hear a first-hand perspective of how misgendering others can have harmful effects. The book even includes a handy guide for starting conversations, standing up for those around you, and, when the situation calls, letting things go.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Anyone interested in learning more about pronoun usage, no matter their identity.

Review: FIVE DAYS POST MORTEM, by L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain

In this 5th full-length book of the Violet Darger series, L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain's Five Days Post Mortem once again straddles perspectives between Violet Darger (former-FBI-agent-now-turned-consultant) and an unnamed serial killer. As with every book in the series, the reader is taken on a wild journey through the ins and outs of both characters' minds. Here we find a serial killer with a ritual of drowning victims while Violet Darger pushes her profiling knowledge to the limits in an attempt to narrow down an already-sparse list of suspects. Meanwhile, an entomologist supporting character will tell you everything you didn't need to know about when and how insects make lunch out of corpses. This story's pacing is on point, with the ideal build-up and arc that thriller lovers crave. The writing itself is superb, with clever turns of phrases and spot-on word choices that impress without being showy or distracting.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: If you enjoy badass female protagonists, heart-thumping intrigue, and serial killer thrillers, then you should definitely be reading the Violet Darger series. The great news is that you don't have to read the books in order.
Bonus points: Five Days Post Mortem contains an interesting take on bisexuality that is rarely addressed in pulp thrillers.