Monday, October 14, 2019

#AmReading YA

Scars Like Wings
Erin Stewart
Age/Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads
Relatable, heartbreaking, and real, this is a story of resilience--the perfect novel for readers of powerful contemporary fiction like Girl in Pieces and Every Last Word.

Before, I was a million things. Now I'm only one. The Burned Girl.

Ava Lee has lost everything there is to lose: Her parents. Her best friend. Her home. Even her face. She doesn't need a mirror to know what she looks like--she can see her reflection in the eyes of everyone around her.

A year after the fire that destroyed her world, her aunt and uncle have decided she should go back to high school. Be "normal" again. Whatever that is. Ava knows better. There is no normal for someone like her. And forget making friends--no one wants to be seen with the Burned Girl, now or ever.

But when Ava meets a fellow survivor named Piper, she begins to feel like maybe she doesn't have to face the nightmare alone. Sarcastic and blunt, Piper isn't afraid to push Ava out of her comfort zone. Piper introduces Ava to Asad, a boy who loves theater just as much as she does, and slowly, Ava tries to create a life again. Yet Piper is fighting her own battle, and soon Ava must decide if she's going to fade back into her scars . . . or let the people by her side help her fly.

"A heartfelt and unflinching look at the reality of being a burn survivor and at the scars we all carry. This book is for everyone, burned or not, who has ever searched for a light in the darkness." --Stephanie Nielson, New York Times bestselling author of Heaven Is Here and a burn survivor
It had been a year since the fire. She lost so much - her parents, her cousin, herself. Now, her aunt and doctors, believed it is time for Ava's "reintegration", but how could they expect her to find her place in a new school, when she could not even recognize herself.

I. Loved. This. Book. I started it, and blazed through it, because I was so absorbed and invested in Ava's story.

One thing I especially loved about this book was that it was not a story about a victim. This was the story of a survivor, of a young woman fighting to reclaim her life, and I always appreciate a survivor story, as it helps me keep things in perspective.

Ava had, and was still, suffering physically and mentally. Stewart included visits to the doctor and therapist, as well as journal entries, which helped me understand the full extent of what Ava had experienced. I learned quite a bit about the physical aspects of severe burns, though the focus was largely on the mental challenges Ava was experiencing. Her inner struggles were quite heartbreaking, but her progress and the steps she took to take back bits of her life, were fantastic.

The good news was, that Ava didn't have to do it alone. She was lucky to have her aunt, her uncle, and a few friends in her corner. All of these characters encouraged Ava and pushed her, just enough, when she needed it. They refused to let her sink into isolation even when things got dark, and because of that, Ava was able to make so much progress.

I was so happy Stewart put Piper in Ava's life, because she was this angsty breath of fresh air, and exactly the push Ava needed to once again, join the world at large. It was also interesting to see the different ways Piper and Ava were coping with their "new normal", but it was the support they gave each other that captured my heart.

Can we talk about her Aunt Cora? I think I shed the most tears for her. Ava wasn't the only one, who lost a lot in the fire. Her aunt and uncle lost their only child, and I felt Cora's pain in depths of my heart. It's just struck as so beautiful, that these people were able to set aside their own grief in order to care for their niece, who required nineteen surgeries and special care as she healed. In fact, I might be crying right now just thinking about it.

I will admit, that I was not that keen on the mean girl storyline, but I guess it served a purpose. Best of all, it didn't detract from all the amazing parts of this book, at least, not for me.

Overall: This was a story that went from heartbreaking to heartwarming, from sad tears to happy tears, and I am so happy I had the opportunity to read Ava's story.

Sick Kids in Love
Hannah Moskowitz
Age/Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Entangled: Teen
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads
Isabel has one rule: no dating.
It's easier--
It's safer--
It's better--
--for the other person.
She's got issues. She's got secrets. She's got rheumatoid arthritis.
But then she meets another sick kid.
He's got a chronic illness Isabel's never heard of, something she can't even pronounce. He understands what it means to be sick. He understands her more than her healthy friends. He understands her more than her own father who's a doctor.
He's gorgeous, fun, and foul-mouthed. And totally into her.
Isabel has one rule: no dating.
It's complicated--
It's dangerous--
It's never felt better--
--to consider breaking that rule for him.


Disclaimer: Both main characters in this book were sick, but they were not *that* kind of sick. They were chronically, but not terminally ill. So, to make a long story short, NOBODY DIES.

"Should Sick Girl date Sick Boy?" My answer was a resounding YES, and I was so happy Isabel took a chance on Sasha, because I adored watching them fall in love.

This book enchanted me. It cast a spell on me, and didn't let go, until the very end. So, how did I love thee? Let me list the ways:
  1. Sasha and Isabel were the type of characters I never fail to adore. They had an ample supply of wit, which fueled some fantastic exchanges and had me in full-on grin mode. I loved their quirks and their humor, and I adored them together. 
  2. I was excited that Moskowitz addressed what it's like to be chronically, but invisibly ill. The book was filled with scenarios, as well as with Sasha's and Isabel's thoughts and commentary on being invisibly ill, and I felt this idea was skillfully and thoughtfully explored. 
  3. Family was omnipresent in this story, and I am always a fan of that. Sasha's family were so full of life and love, and it was beautiful the way they embraced Isabel. Her dad was not a bad guy, but he worked a lot, and her mother was estranged. Therefore, I was happy she easily slipped into Sasha's world. 
  4. The romance between this two was so smile-inducing. Seriously, I am smiling so much right now, that my face hurts. Sasha's big monologue was enough to make my heart explode, but there were many other moments just like that throughout the book. Moskowitz did such a beautiful job capturing first love here. There were all these tooth-achingly sweet moments, and though Sasha and Isabel hit a few rough patches, this was a relationship built on friendship, love, trust, and honesty. 
  5. Isabel's question columns were so amazing. I really enjoyed those bits between the chapters, and also liked the way Moskowitz integrated them into the story. 
Overall: This was such a beautiful book about love, empathy, and self acceptance, which caused my Grinchy heart to expand, and left me with a bad case of the warm-fuzzies. 


**ARCs received in exchange for honest reviews.

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30 comments:

  1. The first cover looks amazing!

    Lotte | www.lottelauv.blogspot.co.uk

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  2. I've been seeing a lot of SICK KIDS LOVE around and everyone is praising it, so I need to consider it. Thanks for the disclaimer as that was one of my worries. It sounds like the author handles the book brilliantly.

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    1. One of the reasons I requested the book was because I heard no one dies. It was such a different focus from many of the "sick kid" lit I normally read, and I love that Moskowitz chose to tell this story.

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  3. These both sound really good! I was thankful for the disclaimer. I wanted to know that upfront. LOL!

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    1. I like knowing what I am getting into, especially with a book title like that.

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  4. Still laughing at your “Grinchy heart.” LOL I really like the sound of Sick Kids in Love. And I appreciate the disclaimer. Sometimes I just can’t handle *that* kind of sick so it’s good to know this one doesn’t go there.

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    1. I always take it hard, when a character dies in a book, and I loved these two so much, I would have lost it, if one of them died.

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  5. I am curious about Sick Kids in Love. I do have a copy of The Bromance Club, I haven’t read any reviews for it, but now you have me excited to read it! I have read three out of four of your next up books, and I loved them. I hope you do too!

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    1. Bromance leaned rom-com, but it also dealt with some really real issues, and I just loved seeing this man fight for his marriage. I hope you enjoy it.

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  6. These both sound so good, Sam! I would have thought that at least one of the kids in Sick Kids in Love would die so it is good to hear that is not the case.

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    1. That's really one of the main points of the story. You know, that people can be really sick, but not dying. It brings attention to those living with chronic illnesses, and maybe will make those of us who are not, a bit more conscientious about what they deal with on a regular basis.

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  7. Oh gosh, these both sound so heartwarming. I'm all for books that will leave me with warm fuzzies. :)

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    1. The warm-fuzzies are what I am always seeking in books, and I love finding beauty in the pain

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  8. These are both new to me but yay for two amazing reads! And HURRAY that no one dies in the second one! I'm always scared of reading books where it seems like there might be a sad ending.

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    1. I want to throw a book out the window when the ending is sad. The exception is, sort of, when I am prepared for it in advance.

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  9. I was worried that someone died in "Sick Kids" and yay! Thank you for telling me no one dies, because I'd usually take a pass just seeing the title. I'm not a fan of the hero or heroine dying. I know in real life not every ending can be a happy ending, but hey, this is my entertainment and there's too much tragedy in real life so I don't like it in my entertainment. :)

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    1. I think that's why the author made it a point to let people know, that nobody dies. The title can be very misleading, but this is about living with chronic illness, and brings awareness to those in that situation and how it affects them. You know me, I tend towards light and fluffy, for the most part, and these were perfect for me. A little pain, a lot of hope

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  10. I'm so stoked you loved Scars Like Wings too Sam, it was so quietly beautiful and I love that it was about living rather than simply being a survivor. I love the premise for Sick Kids in Love and so happy to hear that it doesn't follow the trope of a terminal teen falling in love, young adult needs more books about chronic illness because so many teens have chronic conditions and acute pain associated with their conditions but continue to live fulfilled lives. Definitely going to check that one out, brilliant reviews Sam, loved them!

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    1. I agree. It's good that the author chose to highlight those living with chronic illnesses. I am not sure if it's Own Voices or not, but her heart was definitely in it. You can tell from her acknowledgements at the end of the book.

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  11. I'm starting Scars Like Wings for a blog tour soon! I'm so happy to see you enjoyed it! I love books that you start and can't put down until you're finished. It means you're wholly invested in the characters and what happens to them. Lovely review! The other book is one I added to my TBR recently! It sounds like a super read. <3

    Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬

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    1. There was one minor storyline I wasn't that into, but the rest of the book was so strong, and I really loved it. I Hope you like it too.

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  12. Scars Like Wings sounds fantastic. It definitely sounds like a story of recovery and strength and surviving. I am glad she has some adults there along the way to be very helpful and supportive and loving. I was unsure about Sick Kids Love because I have read so much sick lit! But it sounds like this one was very good and it did a good job of also representing chronic illness. I have to admit I don't know much about that so maybe I should learn through this one...

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    1. I have an odd relationship with sick lit. I do enjoy it, but I never want anyone to die, though it is somewhat inevitable given the niche there. It was nice to know this wasn't about terminally ill kids. It definitely made a different in my mindset as I read the book. You know, never having to wait for IT to happen.

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  13. You're the second blogger I've seen reviewing Scars Like Wings and I really want to read it now. Two bloggers can't be wrong! I just need to be emotionally prepared for it first. And then there's Sick Kids in Love! Sounds brilliant and definitely one I want to check out.

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    1. The book was heartbreaking, but also inspiring and so hopeful. I loved it. Sick Kids in Love was near perfect for me. The author let a bit of politics creep in there, and you know that's a pet peeve of mine, but I still really adored the book, and I feel like I am in the minority with my need to keep politics out of every aspect of my life.

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  14. Ah I love these reviews so much. I was surprised by how much I loved Scars Like Wings as well, such a beautiful, powerful and emotional story. I can't wait to read more from the author!i'll have to add Sick Kids In Love to my TBR, it sounds SO good.

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    1. I will definitely read more from Stewart as well. She did such an amazing job telling Ava's story.

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  15. I read Scars in practically one sitting---just FLEW through it. (And this, right after having taken days to read another book---one I really loved, but it just didn't flow like this one did.)

    I really want to read Sick Kids too---the concept already had me interested and your review convinces me.

    Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction

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    1. I am really happy I had the opportunity to read both these books. I like when books give me a window into other people's lives and allow me to gain a little perspective on people dealing with issues and circumstances different from my own. I adored Sick Kids and I hope you get a chance to read it.

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