It's Monday! What Are You Reading?: May 22, 2017

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. Jen Vincent, Teach Mentor Texts, and Kellee of Unleashing Readers decided to give It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a kidlit focus.

This post is for sharing what I read last week, what I am currently reading, and what I plan to read.

What I Read Last Week

Last week was an ok reading week. The two standouts were Making It Right and Internet Famous. I did have a DNF, but we won't talk about that. And as suspected, Be True to Me was sort of nostalgic. I loved so many of the references, and thought Griffin used just the right amount to let us taste the 70s, but not alienate anyone unfamiliar with the time period.

• Making It Right by Catherine Bybee - ★★★★
• Be True to Me by Adele Griffin - ★★★★
• Amish Guys Don't Call by Debby Dodds - ★★★ 
• More of Me by Kathryn Evans - ★★★ 1/2
• Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews - ★★★ 1/2
• Internet Famous by Danika Stone - ★★★★

What I Am Currently Reading

This is a very cool story of how I got my current read. I was in one of my reader groups (Crownover's  Crowd), and there was a giveaway for an ARC of Crownover's newest Saints of Denver book. However, one of the entries required posting a review for the last Saints book. When I lamented on the thread, how I have been on the hold list since the beginning of April and there were still 6 people ahead of me, I was gifted an eBook. Needless to say, I was very touched by the gesture, and quite excited to read it, because I love Jay's books.

My audiobook is the second book in the Into the Deep series by Samantha Young. Wow! Young is ruthless. How many times can she tear these two apart!

• Riveted by Jay Crownover
• Out of the Shallows by Samantha Young

What I Plan to Read

Planning the normal four books for this week. Hoping for some good things. I am interested in seeing what Williams does with YA, as I have read and enjoyed her NA books. Early buzz on If Birds Fly Back is really good, so hoping it wins my heart too. I am really enjoying all these #OwnVoices books that I have been reading lately, and I hope The Authentics continues this streak for me. And a week of reading is not complete without a sports romance, as far as I am concerned. I have enjoyed the previous books in this series by Doyle, and know Called Out will most likely satisfy my sports romance need.

• If Birds Fly Back by Carlie Sorosiak
• Called Out by Jen Doyle
• The Authentics by Abdi Nazemian
• Trusting You and Other Lies by Nicole Williams

What are you reading?

Let us know in the comments!

Review: That Thing We Call a Heart - Sheba Karim

That Thing We Call a Heart 
Sheba Karim
Series: n/a
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Coming of Age
Publisher: HarperTeen
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Goodreads

Shabnam was preparing to close the high school chapter of her life, just as "fate" brought Jamie into her world. This charming boy swept her off her feet, and she felt like she was simultaneously in the best and worst place of her life. Best, because she was falling in love. Worst, because she missed her best friend, Farah, who she had a falling out with.  She hoped to both repair this friendship and give her heart to someone she thought was worthy.

These are the type of diverse reads that I love. I have starting calling them "bridge books", because I believe they do such a good job of letting people of other faiths/cultures gain a little insight into another person's faith/culture. I was reading a review by Jen of YA Romantics, and she nailed what I think is so perfect about a book like this: while teaching us about differences, it also reminds us how we are the same.  This has been my battle cry for so long, and I am elated to see so many books lately, that are doing this so well.

I instantly took a liking to Shabnam. She was not great at editing her stream of consciousness, and some really amusing and honest things often came out. But it was ok, because she was growing and changing, and this was all part of her process. I was glad she went through this process, because in the beginning of the book, I was sort of disappointed in her. I thought she really under appreciated her parents, was insensitive to Farah's big life change, and made too much of an effort to impress people who should not have even mattered. But by the end of the book, I was so proud of all the work she did to mend her relationship with Farah, to build a relationship with her parents, and to get to know her roots a little better.

"You're Muslim?"
"My mother is," I told her.
"What's your dad?"
"Weird."
She snorted. "And what about you?"
"Me? I'm...nothing."
"You can't be nothing. At minimum, you're a Homo sapiens."

The rift between Shabnam and Farah grew from Farah deciding to be a hijabi. Her choice to wear the scarf, and outwardly declare herself a Muslim made Shabnam uncomfortable. This whole storyline made me sad, because although I thought Shabnam should not be ashamed of being seen with Farah, I knew there was a whole lot of truth to her concerns, and that just made me ashamed of society.

"I knew a piece of cloth should't make a difference, that she was still the same person underneath, but it did make a difference."

One aspect of this book, which I really loved, was the inclusion of Urdu poetry. Shabnam originally began asking her father about the poetry as a way to impress Jamie, but over time, it became a way for her to connect to her father. It was beautiful to see the relationship between Shabnam and her socially awkward mathematician father grow. Karim thoughtfully wove the poetry into the story, and each line selected was beautiful and meaningful within Shabnam's story.

"I felt like a different person than when he'd first visited. Broken, but determined to put myself back together, hopefully into something stronger."

This was a lovely and often amusing story about first love, first heartbreak, family, friendships, and finding oneself. I throughly enjoyed this book, and hope to read more of Karim's work.


**I would like to thank Edelweiss and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book. Quotes are from an ARC and may change upon publication.

There are many scenes in this book, which take place with incredible donuts and fantastic pies. 

Do you have favorite kind of pie or donut?

Let us know in the comments!

Review: Aftermath - Clara Kensie

Aftermath 
Clara Kensie
Series: n/a
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Publisher: Merit Press
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads

This book opens with Charlotte imprisoned, caged like an animal. She had been left for several days. She was hungry, thirsty, and sitting in her own waste. The only thing keeping her from giving up, was the memories of her family, especially her twin sister, Alexa, and all their plans and dreams, which she hoped Alexa was "doing double" for her. This was all quite painful to read, but the real tears started to flow when Charlotte was found, and we learn about the aftermath, of how her ordeal affected her family.

Given the subject matter, I knew this was going to be a tough read, and I struggle with the more difficult stories, but I found that Kensie did a good job balancing out the sad parts. My heart ached for each and every member of the family, but mostly for Charlotte. She lost four years of her life. She lost her innocence, her childhood, and when she is returned to her home, she finds her family shattered. As she heals, so does her family. Although they will never be the same family she left, they are able to move in a positive direction. They are able to pickup the pieces of their broken lives, and move on. So, I had hope for this family.

A big part of Charlotte's healing process was finding "The One Before". Her "Keeper" had apparently kept another girl prior to Charlotte, who he had made clear, was killed when she tried to leave him. This mystery is woven into the story, and drives Charlotte on her road to recovery. There are missteps and stumbles, as the universe works against Charlotte, but she keep hoping for this closure, and she kept trying to find out what happened to this girl for herself, and for the family that is left wondering about her.

This story is told from Charlotte's point of view, so some of the imagery is quite unsettling, but Kensie also conveyed her strength and spirit. She was always moving in the right direction, and although she is not completely whole at the end of this book, she is definitely on the mend.

This book focused on the family and how they were impacted by this nightmare, but Kensie also planted some great twists in there. Aside from the mystery surrounding "The One Before", there were other reveals about Charlotte's abductor, which was somewhat shocking, and when I learned the reasons behind some of the family gilt, I was quite taken aback. I enjoyed this slight shift in focus, and found it did not detract, but rather, enhanced the story.

Overall: A captivating tale of survival that explores the aftermath, which simultaneously broke my heart and filled it with hope, reinforcing my faith in the human spirit.

**I would like to thank Clara Kensie for my copy of this book.

Do you like books that make you cry?

Let us know in the comments!

Can't Wait Wednesday: Aftercare Instructions by Bonnie Pipkin

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

This week I can't wait for Aftercare Instructions by Bonnie Pipkin!

Aftercare Instructions
Bonnie Pipkin

Series: n/a
Release Date: June 27, 2017

Publisher: Flatiron Books

Waited on by: Sam

Goodreads

In the tradition of Jandy Nelson and Rainbow Rowell, a big-hearted journey of furious friendship, crazy love, and unexpected hope after a teen's decision to end an unwanted pregnancy

“Troubled.” That’s seventeen-year-old Genesis according to her small New Jersey town. She finds refuge and stability in her relationship with her boyfriend, Peter—until he abandons her at a Planned Parenthood clinic during their appointment to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. The betrayal causes Gen to question everything.

As Gen pushes herself forward to find her new identity without Peter, she must also confront her most painful memories. Through the lens of an ongoing four act play within the novel, the fantasy of their undying love unravels line by line, scene by scene. Digging deeper into her past while exploring the underground theater world of New York City, she rediscovers a long-forgotten dream. But it’s when Gen lets go of her history, the one she thinks she knows, that she’s finally able to embrace the complicated, chaotic true story of her life, and take center stage.

This powerfully immersive and format-crushing debut follows Gen from dorm rooms to diners to house parties to auditions—and ultimately, right into readers’ hearts.

When I saw two of my favorite contemporary authors in the blurb, I knew I needed to find out more about this book. I know you are thinking, that this books sounds a little deeper than what I normally gravitate towards, but "furious friendship, crazy love, and unexpected hope" kept me reading. Then I found out that there is a play within the story, that recounts the main character's love and loss, and I knew I really wanted to read this. I am all about books with mixed formats, and this sounds like it will work brilliantly with the story's premise.

A mixed format story with the promise of self discovery and hope?

What are you waiting on?

Let us know in the comments!

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Mothers

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's topic is...

Favorite Mothers!

In honor of Mother's Day, this Top Ten Tuesday will focus on some of my favorite YA mothers and surrogate mothers. I know that YA has often been criticized for their abysmal parents, but I find that YA parents have been getting better and better. 

My Life Next Door
Huntley Fitzpatrick
Series: My Life Next Door, #1
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers

Goodreads

Mrs. Garrett was the head of a HUGE and somewhat chaotic household. Many outwardly passed harsh judgements on her, but she didn't care. She loved her family and her life. Her house was filled with all the love you could ask for and I wish I could be a Garrett and call her my mom.

If I Stay
Gayle Forman
Series: If I Stay, #1
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
Goodreads 

I usually cry over book deaths, but when Kat Hall died in If I Stay, I cried because she was such an amazing mom and person. She was so vibrant and had lived her life out loud. This woman loved with her entire soul, and most importantly, those around her knew they were loved.

The Mortal Instruments Series
Cassandra Clare
Series: The Mortal Instruments
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Goodreads

Talk about a tiger-mom. Jocelyn Fairchild went to great lengths to protect her daughter. She abandoned her life and her world. She even made deals with Downworlders in order to keep her safe. And when push came to shove, she put her own life on the line. Maybe she concealed some important information from Clary, but I could forgive her, because it was for her own protection.

Everything All at Once
Katrina Leno
Series: N/A
Publisher: HarperCollins
Goodreads

The protagonist in this book, Lottie, was not only lucky enough to have a great mom, but she also had a most awesome aunt, who doted on her niece in a very motherly way. An example of this mom's awesomeness: after working overnight shifts at the hospital, she would put off going to sleep in order to talk to her kids, and check in on them. That's mom, always self sacrificing. And the aunt, she left letters and tasks for Lottie, in order to help Lottie deal with her death. There she was, dying, and she was more worried about how Lottie will heal.

Deacon Locke Went to Prom

Brian Katcher
Series: N/A
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Goodreads

Deacon's parents more or less abandoned him, but he was lucky enough to be blessed with his wonderful grandma, Jean. Although Jean's own children did not turn out great, she grabbed this opportunity to mother Deacon with both hands, and being as Deacon declared her to be his best friend, I would say she was very successful. She definitely filled that mother shaped void in Deacon's life.

It Started with Goodbye
Christina June
Series:N/A
Publisher: Blink
Goodreads

This was another book with an awesome grandmother. Tatum did not quite get along with her step-mother, but she developed a very special connection with her step-abuela, who sort of served as her fairy godmother. She listened to her, mentored to her, and she really helped Tatum be the best version of herself.

Letters to the Lost
Brigid Kemmerer
Series: #1 (there will be a companion)
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Goodreads

This book had some not too awesome parents, who allowed their children to sink into a deep hole of depression, but there was also an example of a fantastic mom - Rev's mom. Rev's mom was his adoptive mom, but there was no distinction for him, because she treated him with more love, respect, and affection, than his biological parents ever did. She took this damaged boy into her heart and home, and has pulled him from the edge to a safe place.

Goodbye Days
Jeff Zentner
Series: N/A
Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers
Goodreads

Once again, we have an amazing grandma, Nana Betsy, who steps in to raise her grandson, when his own mother would not. Not only did Nana Betsy love  and adore her grandson, she also was a great sort of comfort to his friend, Carver, after Blake's death. I loved her spunk, spirit, and her beautiful heart.

I Believe in a Thing Called Love
Maurene Goo
Series: N/A
Publisher: Farrar, Straus, & Giroux
Goodreads

When Desi's mom passed away, her father did his best to be both mother and father to her. His relationship with Desi as sweet and adorable and near perfect. I loved when they were on page together, and the way they could anticipate each other's wants and needs. And the love, there was so much genuine love and affection. He was definitely doing a great job in the absence of Desi's mom.

Nowhere But Here
Katie McGarry
Series: Thunder Road, #1
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Goodreads

Olivia was a fierce matriarch. Not only was she the old lady of the president of the Reign of Terror, but she also raised some of the key players of the Terror's next generation. Her heart overflowed for those kids, and she left them with wonderful childhood memories, and a stable moral base.

Who are some of your favorite YA "moms"?

Let us know in the comments!