3.5 stars Pinky Kumar is passionate and bold - which drives her strait-laced lawyer mother absolutely crazy. When they go to their summer home on the E3.5 stars Pinky Kumar is passionate and bold - which drives her strait-laced lawyer mother absolutely crazy. When they go to their summer home on the East Coast, Pinky invites Samir to join them as her fake boyfriend when his summer internship falls through. Pinky and Samir don't actually get along but Pinky thinks Samir will impress her parents because of his future plans, manner of dress, and basic Type A personality. To Pinky's surprise, she finds herself falling for Samir - and vice versa... In addition to the romance storyline there is also a beloved butterfly habitat that is set to be destroyed to make way for building new condos. Pinky is determined to stop this from happening.
This is all about family relationships, looking beyond the surface of what you think about other people, and standing up for what you believe in. A little predictable but still enjoyable CW: Minor kissing, limited teen drinking
Merged review:
3.5 stars Pinky Kumar is passionate and bold - which drives her strait-laced lawyer mother absolutely crazy. When they go to their summer home on the East Coast, Pinky invites Samir to join them as her fake boyfriend when his summer internship falls through. Pinky and Samir don't actually get along but Pinky thinks Samir will impress her parents because of his future plans, manner of dress, and basic Type A personality. To Pinky's surprise, she finds herself falling for Samir - and vice versa... In addition to the romance storyline there is also a beloved butterfly habitat that is set to be destroyed to make way for building new condos. Pinky is determined to stop this from happening.
This is all about family relationships, looking beyond the surface of what you think about other people, and standing up for what you believe in. A little predictable but still enjoyable CW: Minor kissing, limited teen drinking...more
Hessa is a priestess for the goddess of war - and she is one of the few remaining, as many of her people have been slaughtered by neighboring tribes. Hessa is a priestess for the goddess of war - and she is one of the few remaining, as many of her people have been slaughtered by neighboring tribes. She has also been banished because she disobeyed a direct order but now she is just about the only hope left for her people despite her outcast status. Lots of action and adventure, great world-building, interesting characters. For fans of Norse mythology but without the myths; it just has that feel to it. CW for violence...more
Madison May keeps getting murdered - different ways, different times. Felicity is a journalist determined to figure out what is going on. For those whMadison May keeps getting murdered - different ways, different times. Felicity is a journalist determined to figure out what is going on. For those who don't mind parallel universe stories and all the dichotomies that go along with them. *My students keep checking this one out, but that may be based on the title... I haven't had a chance to chat with them about if they enjoyed it or not....more
3.5 stars Set in a historical steampunk world, an invisibility serum has been stolen. This could be the start of the next world war. However, a super s3.5 stars Set in a historical steampunk world, an invisibility serum has been stolen. This could be the start of the next world war. However, a super spunky woman who is both an inventor and a member of the aristocracy is determined to find the serum. There is also a spy from the US who is looking for it but he is pretty clueless. The two of them end up working together in this witty adventure. Slow start - takes a while to get into the world and characters....more
Evike is the only woman in her village, causing her to be an outcast. The villagers also think that her blood is tainted because her father was from aEvike is the only woman in her village, causing her to be an outcast. The villagers also think that her blood is tainted because her father was from a different tribe/race. Therefore, when the king's men come looking for a sacrifice, they are quick to offer up Evike. However, on the way to the capitol, they are attacked and Evike and one of the guards are the only 2 survivors. These two think that there is a plot by a neighboring kingdom, so they set out to stop it, even though they dislike each other immensely and it is only the two of them. The plot gets a bit convoluted at times. CW for violence and sexual situation; TW for self harm...more
This is a good Nicholas Sparks read-alike. It is all about family relationships with a little romance thrown in as well. It's set in a small town wherThis is a good Nicholas Sparks read-alike. It is all about family relationships with a little romance thrown in as well. It's set in a small town where a very wealthy family has a huge house and huge property. The parents die unexpectedly, leaving their 15 year old daughter and her younger sister alone. The estranged aunt comes to take care of them but wants to take them back to England. The girls want to stay in their town and especially in their home. Throw in a woman who has come back to town to heal from a broken off engagement who is trying to save her family real estate business and the man who is a war veteran and has been working as the caretaker on the big estate.... You can figure out what happens but it is a sweet read nonetheless....more
I really wanted to like this story. It's based on the life of a real person, Dorothy Kirwin Thomas. Unfortunately it moved very slowly and I fell asleI really wanted to like this story. It's based on the life of a real person, Dorothy Kirwin Thomas. Unfortunately it moved very slowly and I fell asleep while reading it (several times). Dorothy was an enslaved person in the Caribbean; she was able to eventually buy her freedom from her white father as well as that of her mother and her sister. She worked her entire life to try to do something about the enslavement of others in the Caribbean although others sometimes viewed her methods as questionable. CW: racism, systemic oppression. I think there was also sex on the page?...more
Toni and Seb became super close when they were teens. They bonded over music and their difficult lives. But then, once Seb turned 18, he left without Toni and Seb became super close when they were teens. They bonded over music and their difficult lives. But then, once Seb turned 18, he left without a word. Now they are adults and Toni is just starting to make a name for herself in the music business. It's hard but she's getting there. Then she runs into Seb again. Give this to readers looking for a super sexy romance and who also love music and the music business. CW for sex on page....more
Jenny Lawson addresses mental health issues as no one else can. She talks candidly about how it has affected her own life. It is humorous but not in tJenny Lawson addresses mental health issues as no one else can. She talks candidly about how it has affected her own life. It is humorous but not in the same way her other book was as this is a more serious topic, so that makes sense. Recommend grades 9 and up mostly for content, a middle schooler could handle it just won't be as interesting/approachable for them....more
Amber is a well-known (Black) writer and performer who lives in NYC. However, her sister, Lacey still lives in Nebraska where they grew up. Lacey ofteAmber is a well-known (Black) writer and performer who lives in NYC. However, her sister, Lacey still lives in Nebraska where they grew up. Lacey often has to deal with unbelievable racist experiences from all the white people living around her. They are funny yet heartbreaking - for example someone thought she was Harriet Tubman! As a white person, I am embarrassed to be a part of the white race. How people think they can act this way or ask these sorts of questions....more
Ellie comes from a family with a special talent: safe cracking! Since it is the middle of WWII and times are tough, they are using their talents to brEllie comes from a family with a special talent: safe cracking! Since it is the middle of WWII and times are tough, they are using their talents to break into the homes of the very wealthy and liberate jewels and money that could be put to better use. On one such excursion, they get caught by the police. However, instead of getting thrown in jail, the police ask Ellie to help them steal German plans instead. A historical fiction mystery with humor and romance. This is why I am not a cataloguer....more
3 strong women's stories come together in this story of Cuba, journalism, and the desire for freedom from oppression. Freedom from the oppression fro 3 strong women's stories come together in this story of Cuba, journalism, and the desire for freedom from oppression. Freedom from the oppression from another country, freedom from the oppression of stereotypes and misogyny, freedom from prison. Historical fiction about a country and time period that doesn't get enough attention. I got a little confused by the politics at times but love the strong female characters....more
It's WWII. Antonina lives in Italy. She is Jewish and life is starting to get very complicated/dangerous. She manages to escape when things get desperIt's WWII. Antonina lives in Italy. She is Jewish and life is starting to get very complicated/dangerous. She manages to escape when things get desperate but she has to leave the rest of her family behind. The man hiding her is Niccolo. He was studying to be a priest but is now running the family farm. To truly pull off this ruse and fool the Nazis, they pose as a married couple. Of course there is a Nazi officer who is suspicious of them. This was an engaging romance even if a bit predictable; characters were well-developed. I liked the plot point of a Jew having to pose as a Christian as well; this inner turmoil seemed very authentic....more
3.5 stars There was a murder at a university and Mariana is convinced that one of the professors (Edward) is responsible. However, Edward is very chari3.5 stars There was a murder at a university and Mariana is convinced that one of the professors (Edward) is responsible. However, Edward is very charismatic and no one will believe Mariana, especially since a group of young women called The Maidens all vouch for him. Then there is another murder. This was a pretty intense psychological thriller; good for those who like that sort of thing....more
Pheby was born on a plantation. She is one of the enslaved but since her mother is a medicine women and the master's sister favors her, Pheby is more Pheby was born on a plantation. She is one of the enslaved but since her mother is a medicine women and the master's sister favors her, Pheby is more protected than some of the other enslaved people. In fact, the master has promised to set her free once she turns 18. Unfortunately, things go terribly wrong and she is not set free and is not able to go live with her beloved Essex Henry. Instead she ends up in a jail where the enslaved are tortured, sold, and treated with unimaginable cruelty on a daily basis. It is a heartbreaking account of how white people treated Black people - including some of the contradictions of behavior seen in the same person. It's an important topic. CW for violence, torture, systemic oppression, racism...more
A mysterious game called Rabbits that has been in existence since 1959. You must be invited to play. Clues are very esoteric and winners are few. A neA mysterious game called Rabbits that has been in existence since 1959. You must be invited to play. Clues are very esoteric and winners are few. A new version of the game has started but people are missing/dying. K wants desperately to play, to win. Stakes rise and if K does not get into the game and win, the whole world could be adversely affected. For fans of Cory Doctorow. Personally I found it very difficult to follow the plotline(s); they jumped around like rabbits. My brain did not like this book - but there are definitely sci-fi, computer, tech people who will like it a lot....more
Ava is 14, her mom is dead, and so she is going to live with her grandmother in New Orleans. Her grandma is a well-known artist and is not prepared toAva is 14, her mom is dead, and so she is going to live with her grandmother in New Orleans. Her grandma is a well-known artist and is not prepared to have a teen living with her. Grandma is also suffering from dementia type issues which are not helped by the fact that she drinks. A lot. Ava also resembles her dead mom which isn't helping grandma's memory either. CW for drinking. I did not the writing style so even though plot sounds good, I never got drawn in, didn't connect with the characters....more
Set at a prestigious boarding school, there is an accusation of sexual harassment against one of the teachers from one of the alumna. Even though the Set at a prestigious boarding school, there is an accusation of sexual harassment against one of the teachers from one of the alumna. Even though the event (allegedly) took place over 20 years ago, it appears that teacher is still employed at the school. The rumor mill is out of control! CW for sexual situations. While I think this is is an important topic and not to be taken lightly, I was not a fan of this book....more
A man in a wheelchair and who talks with the use of a computer aided device sort of witnesses the disappearance of a college student. When notices go A man in a wheelchair and who talks with the use of a computer aided device sort of witnesses the disappearance of a college student. When notices go up that she is missing, he tries to contribute his knowledge of the events but the detective in charge of the case is disinclined to listen to him. However, creepy things start happening, like muddy footprints on his usually pristine porch. He gets more involved and this get very suspenseful. Grades 10 and up - mostly for age of characters. ...more
Ly and her family fled VietNam and moved to the US. It was a difficult life. The family tried several different things to make money. One was sewing tLy and her family fled VietNam and moved to the US. It was a difficult life. The family tried several different things to make money. One was sewing ties and cummerbunds. The kids all helped. It was hard work and did not pay much. Ly's father was struggling with mental health issues, including paranoia, and refused to allow Ly to get glasses. This caused her to struggle at school. His temper made her life difficult in other ways as well and had a lifelong influence. This is a memoir that is tough to read because of the difficult relationship between father and daughter as well as the struggles that immigrants face when they come to the US. White privilege is an uncomfortable place to live....more
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