Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Can't Wait Wednesday!


Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I am combining CWW with Books From the Backlog hosted by Carole at Carole's Random Life in Books. This will allow me to feature some newly "rediscovered" books, which I plan on reading, alongside a new release.

This week I can't wait for:

Look Both Ways
Jason Reynolds
Age/Genre: Middle Grades, Realistic Fiction
Publisher: Atheneum
Release Date: October 8, 2019
Goodreads
From National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds comes a novel told in ten blocks, showing all they different directions a walk home can take.

This story was going to begin like all the best stories. With a school bus falling from the sky. But no one saw it happen. They were all too busy—

Talking about boogers.
Stealing pocket change.
Skateboarding.
Wiping out.
Braving up.
Executing complicated handshakes.
Planning an escape.
Making jokes.
Lotioning up.
Finding comfort.
But mostly, too busy walking home.

Jason Reynolds conjures ten tales (one per block) about what happens after the dismissal bell rings, and brilliantly weaves them into one wickedly funny, piercingly poignant look at the detours we face on the walk home, and in life.
Why I want to read this book

I mostly want to read this, because Jason Reynolds wrote it, but I also like the idea of these ten tales deftly woven into one story. The fact that it is cited as being both funny and poignant wins it even more points with me.

The Accidentals 
Sarina Bowen
Age/Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Tuxbury Publishing LLC
Release Date: July 10, 2018
Goodreads
A YA novel from USA Today bestselling author Sarina Bowen.

Never ask a question unless you’re sure you want the truth.

I’ve been listening to my father sing for my whole life. I carry him in my pocket on my mp3 player. It’s just that we’ve never met face to face.

My mother would never tell me how I came to be, or why my rock star father and I have never met. I thought it was her only secret. I was wrong.

When she dies, he finally appears. Suddenly I have a first class ticket into my father’s exclusive world. A world I don’t want any part of – not at this cost.

Only three things keep me going: my a cappella singing group, a swoony blue-eyed boy named Jake, and the burning questions in my soul.


There’s a secret shame that comes from being an unwanted child. It drags me down, and puts distance between me and the boy I love.

My father is the only one alive who knows my history. I need the truth, even if it scares me.
Why I want to read this book

This was one of my Can't Wait Wednesday picks last year, and I was so excited about it, I pre-ordered the book. You all know how these things go. I never seemed to be able to find the time to read it, but I kept the intention alive, because I love Bowen's books, and I am more than excited to see how her writing talents play out in the YA realm. Additionally, there is an estranged rock star dad, music, and the promise of romance. All that adds up to something that could be spectacular for me.
What are you waiting on?
Any backlog books you want to read soon? 
Let us know in the comments!

41 comments:

  1. I always see Reynolds' books around, but I haven't read anything from him. They do sound very poignant.
    I haven't read that Sarina Bowen book either, but I don't think I will either because I'm generally not a huge fan of musicians/celebrities in books.
    I hope both of these are hits for you!

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    1. I swear, after seeing him on a panel, I just wanted to be near him. He is one of those super inspiring type people, and I just love his motivation.

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  2. I never checked any details of The Accidentals, aside from the cover, and I'm surprised this is YA. I'm curious how Sarina Bowen's gonna deliver a YA book. I haven't read any of her books outside sports as well so this might be good.

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    1. I was curious too, that's why I bought it. I have read a LOT of Sarina Bowen books, and I am a solid fan. Her True North series was soooo good.

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  3. As much as I adore Sarina Bowen (and goodness knows, I do), The Accidentals just didn't appeal to me for some reason. Not sure why but I remember reading the synopsis and a few reviews when it first released and deciding to pass on it. That being said, there are several books that I decided to pass on but then change my mind after reading your reviews. LOL So I'll be looking forward to your thoughts! :)

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    1. I have seen a lot of good reviews for the book, and I don't know, Bowen has never disappointed me.

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  4. two books that are quite different, i like that. jason's book blurb cracked me up and i do enjoy ya
    sometimes the ending can make a book worth reading.

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    1. Truth! I am all about the ending. It has saved many books for me. I like Reynolds' books. He has a great way of expressing his ideas, and he has a lot to share with the world.

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  5. Excellent picks! Jason Reynolds is one of my favorites.

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  6. I've read 2 books by Reynolds this year and loved them so I'll be looking forward to this one too.

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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    1. His books are always a safe bet, as far as I'm concerned.

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  7. I read the Accidentals Sam and it is a good one even if I was just not blown away. hey they can't all impress!

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    1. I am ok with good. I am really reading it as a Bowen fan, because I am curious to see how she does YA.

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  8. I can see why you picked Look Both Ways, it sounds like it will be a good one so The Accidentals. Great picks!

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    1. Reynolds' books are always good, and Bowen has yet to leave me disappointed. Both seem like good bets to me.

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  9. Look Both Ways sounds like it could be really good, and I like the structure with the ten intertwined stories.

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    1. Reynolds is an incredible storyteller, and I love the whole concept of this book

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  10. The second book sounds so achy, I love the cover. I want to read it.

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    1. I always like a little achy, and really, it's Bowen, who I love.

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  11. Nice picks! New to me ones as usual but I hope yo will adore them all the same!

    Here's my WoW

    Have a GREAT day!

    Old Follower :)

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    1. They seem like safe bets for me, since I adore both authors.

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  12. I had no idea Sarina had a YA novel!!! I'm going to check this out!

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    1. It came out last year, and I am really curious to see how she does YA.

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  13. I adored The Accidentals. You're going to love it when you read it!

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    1. I really enjoyed The Accidentals. I love/hated the very end, because I was enjoying it so much, and wanted more, but I really enjoyed seeing Rachel work through her grief and seeing her dad embrace his role as a father.

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  14. I haven't read anything by either of these authors before! But I have heard that Jason Reynolds is amazing and I need to read his book Long Way Down as soon as I can DD:

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    1. Reynolds IS amazing. I had read Long Way Down, but I heard him narrating on the audiobook is an incredible experience.

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  15. I see why you want to read these! I wish I had time for every book that appeals to me:)

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  16. You have to read The Accidentals, Sam! Oh my gosh...you are going to love that one. I can't wait to see what you think of both of these!

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    1. The Accidentals was great, as I expected, because I love Bowen.

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  17. The Accidentals is on my list! I've only heard wonderful things about it, so I hope you love it! I can't wait to see your thoughts. :)

    Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬

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    1. It was really good. I was so involved in the story, and just blazed through it. It came after I was struggling with some books too, so timing was great.

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  18. I never read it but I remember seeing it around a lot! The Accidentals has a really distinctive cover. :) It sounds awesome so I hope you enjoy it!

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    1. I adore Sarina Bowen, and she did a great job with her first YA book. I wanted a bit more from the ending, but it didn't detract too much from my overall enjoyment, as it was still a good ending.

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  19. Even though it's an older pick, The Accidentals is new to me and it sounds really good. I got kind of an Akemi Dawn Bowman vibe as I was reading the synopsis so I'm definitely interested in seeing your review for this one.

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    1. I was really happy with The Accidentals. I am a BIG fan of Bowen's adult and NA romances, so I am not surprised I enjoyed it. I was all over the setting and the set up too.

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  20. I didn't know Jason Reynolds was coming out with another novel! The summary seems a bit vague, but I'm intrigued. Great post, Sam! :)

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    1. His books are always a safe bet, and I enjoy stories with parts that intertwine.

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  21. I'm like a week late to this post, but whatever. I'm so glad I'm not the only who never got to reading Sarina Bowen's YA book, I intended to and then somehow it fell on the backburner and got forgotten about. I hope we both read and enjoy it.

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