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.

Favorite Books of 2018

Another year coming to an end, another year of finished books under my belt. I upped the ante on my Goodreads Reading Challenge this year by pushing myself with a goal of 85 books—a higher goal than the previous year, but conceivably possible.

So yes, I reached my 2018 reading goal, because as arbitrary as the goal is, I just *have* to finish something once I set my mind to it.

But I barely made it. My biggest lesson of the year is that I’d rather read fewer (perhaps long) books that I love than more (perhaps short) books that I might not love just for the sake of reaching a number. Next year I’ll set a lower goal, one that gives me the freedom to take my time with each book—the freedom to savor the ones I adore.

And trust me, there were many books I adored!

Not every book I read in 2018 was published in that year. I’m a sucker for all sorts of genres, including the classics, and of course I still had to catch up on some must-reads from 2017. Still, a good chunk of my favorite hobby this year was taken up by books published in 2018, so narrowing it down was damn hard.

And without further ado, here are my favorite books of 2018!

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

2018 marked the beginning of my foray into graphic novels, and The Prince and the Dressmaker was my favorite of the year. Following the story of a prince who likes to wear dresses and his personal seamstress, the main characters learn and grow as they fight for their own goals as well as each other’s. A true delight that had me biting my nails before rooting.

The Dangerous Art of Blending In by Angelo Surmelis

Sometimes you come across the right book at the exact time you need it. The Dangerous Art of Blending In, which follows 17-year-old Evan Panos, was just that book for me this year. Intense, relatable, and inspiring, Angelo Surmelis’s story gripped me by the heart as Evan navigated the expectations of his abusive mother and the confusion clouding his relationship with his best friend.

The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee

In 2017 I fell in love with The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, so I was over the moon about its 2018 sequel. The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy matched all my expectations—a slow build with an out-of-this-world adventure and a satisfying ending that made me sigh with happiness. Check, check, and check. And bonus points, I’d argue that you don’t need to read Gentleman’s Guide to understand this sequel—if you wanted to dip your toes into this book before the former, you’d be just fine.

Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

An alternate-history Civil War story with zombies that explores racial issues—yes, please! In Dread Nation, Justina Ireland immerses her readers in the nineteenth century and offers creativity mixed with poignant cultural and societal commentary. The book finishes with some loose ends, paving the way for a much-anticipated sequel. This is not just your typical zombie book; it's a true piece of art and research that happens to have zombies in it. Bonus points for having my favorite cover of the year!

Nothing but Darkness by Maria Ann Green

The main character in this snaking thrill ride, Aidan Sheppard, finds himself taking bigger and bigger risks as he gets away with one horrendous crime after another—until he reaches a point where he's bound to be discovered. I was on the edge of my seat through Nothing but Darkness and couldn't wait to find out whether Aidan would get caught. This page-turning thriller is perfect for fans of Dexter and Gillian Flynn, particularly for lovers of anti-heroes and gore.

The Girl in the Sand by L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain

The Girl in the Sand is dark, twisty, and quirky—all the things you'd expect from a Vargus and McBain book. This thriller follows an FBI Profiler investigating a series of shallow graves in the desert outside Las Vegas. With the authors’ tact for building suspense and their well-developed characters that messed with my mind, I couldn't stop thinking about this book after I put it down. And there’s great news on top of that: even though The Girl in the Sand is part of a series, you can read the books in any order.

Honorable Mentions

The following books published in 2018 were just too good to leave off the list. My year of reading wouldn’t have been complete without these delightful and original stories that made significant contributions to their genres:

From Twinkle, with Love by Sandhya Menon: The main character in this romantic comedy, Twinkle, is a hoot in From Twinkle, with Love; as an aspiring filmmaker, she writes to her favorite filmmakers, reaches for the stars with an epic Dracula remake, and finds love in unexpected places. Highly recommended for people interested in stories about following your passion and being true to yourself—especially if you like endings that make you cry happy tears.

Pulp by Robin Talley: I’d been waiting a long time for a great LGBTQ book set in the 1950s, so I jumped all over Robin Talley’s Pulp when it came out. Mixing the charm of a young adult contemporary with the authentic feel of historical fiction, Pulp is a well-researched exploration of 1950s lesbian pulp fiction from a present-day perspective.

Severance by Ling Ma: The millennial main character in Ling Ma’s Severance hooked me from the start with her drab-but-identifiable office job and free-spirited nature; add an apocalyptic satire to the mix and this book had me sitting straight-backed with anticipation.

American Panda by Gloria Chao: A heartwarmingly cute read about finding yourself amid your family's expectations, American Panda is relatable on many levels to anyone trying to discover who they are and what they want to become—especially when at odds with what your family thinks is best.

Review: NOTHING BUT DARKNESS, by Maria Ann Green

Nothing but Darkness is a twisty thrill ride that does not disappoint. The main character, Aidan Sheppard, finds himself taking bigger and bigger risks as he gets away with one horrific crime after another—until he goes so far that he's bound to be discovered. I was biting my nails through this one, and couldn't wait to find out whether and how Aidan would get caught. Maria Ann Green does a fabulous job making the reader root for a main character whose morality is questionable—and who redeems himself by upholding ethics in unexpected situations.

Rumor has it that a sequel is in the works, which I'm beyond excited for. This is a spoiler-free zone, so I have to be careful what I post; suffice it to say that all the characters in Nothing but Darkness are incredibly vivid, and seeing any of them in a sequel would be a delight!

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: This is a great thriller for fans of Dexter, Gillian Flynn, and LT Vargus/Tim McBain. If you love anti-heroes and gore, you'll definitely want to pick this one up.
Bonus points: The cover is mysteriously breathtaking!

You can find this story as an ebook (including through Kindle Unlimited!) and paperback.

Review: READY PLAYER ONE, by Ernest Cline

I've read a lot of great books so far this year, but Ernest Cline's Ready Player One tops my list for the moment. This was a fantastic adventure that I simply couldn't stop reading. Ernest Cline has created a colorful, sensory-driven world that is both unique and relatable. He's taken what we already know--80s pop culture, anyone?--and thrown it into a futuristic, technology-based vision that is unfamiliar yet readily plausible. It's not completely fun and games, though; there's just the right amount of dark themes and "what-if" scenarios that provide a deep reflection of the society we know.

Fair warning about the recently released Spielberg movie: The movie is nothing like the book. And I truly mean nothing. So if you were planning to watch the movie in place of picking up this book, don't be lulled into thinking one will give you the gist of the other.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Anyone who remembers anything from the 80s, and anyone interested in speculative fiction that is based around pop culture without being anachronistic.
Bonus Points: The audiobook is read by the fantastic Wil Wheaton, so this is the route for you if you want a totally immersive experience.

Top 10 Reasons to Check Out The Girl in the Sand

If you're looking for a great new read this spring, I highly recommend L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain's latest thriller, The Girl in the Sand. These two authors constantly amaze me with their unique series, and the Violet Darger series that includes The Girl in the Sand is no exception. Here are the top 10 reasons you should check it out:

1. It's a story in which all your dreams come true. Scratch that—did I say "dreams"? I meant nightmares. All your nightmares come true.
2. It contains all the thrills and chills and puppy dog quills that you'd expect from a Vargus and McBain book, plus some.
3. Even though it's part of a series, you don't have to read the books in order to understand what's going on. You can start right with The Girl in the Sand, which is Book 3. If you'd rather dip your toes more gently, you can try Book 1.5 or 2.5, both of which are novellas with all the same perks as the longer Books 1, 2, and 3.
4. After reading it, you'll pause whenever you see greying ground beef. (Think that's too gross for you? Well, read the book and find out if it is!)
5. You'll get sucked in from the beginning, and the author's tact for building suspense means you won't want to stop until after the crescendo settles. Assuming you consider that a good thing.
6. There are kickass heroines who don't need a gun to drop elbows when the need arises.
7. There are unexpected points of view plunked into the middle of the story that suddenly give the reader "aha!" moments. Yes, please!
8. It's quirky as hell, in ways you've never imagined could be quirky.
9. The cover is gorgeous. Serious, look at it. Look at it!!
10. And, the most awesome part of all: Right now The Girl in the Sand is available for free through Kindle Unlimited, OR you can buy it for just $4.99 on Amazon! The first book in the series, Dead End Girl, has the same fantastic deal.

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.