Historical Fiction: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Like many readers, I was excited about the publication of a new book by author Taylor Jenkins Reid, known for her previous works, perhaps most notably, Daisy Jones & The Six, and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. This time, Reid tells the story of a group of astronauts in training, focusing in on one woman who has always loved space, and now may have the chance to explore it.

The Situation: Joan Goodwin loves the stars, and is able to impart her knowledge of them as a professor of physics and astronomy. But when her sister Barbara informs her of a commercial from NASA that mentions they are looking specifically for female scientists, Joan takes the opportunity to apply. And while she may not make it into the program with the first group, her second attempt is successful, and she is now facing the potential reality of a career with NASA, which could certainly come with an opportunity - maybe many opportunities - to go to space. Her niece, Frances, is certainly excited for her, and while Barbara is proud of her big sister, she is also quick to voice her concerns that herself and her daughter may no longer be Joan's first priority.

The Problem: The training is rigorous and stressful, but Joan knew it would be. Perhaps what she was not quite ready for was the anger and resentment she feels towards the men who are clearly angry and resentful about her being there. And then there are those who are quick with an insult or critique, willing to push someone else down if it means they are lifted up. Also, Joan's new life means less time with Frances, something that neither of them is happy about, while Barbara never misses a chance to let Joan know that she is letting them down. But quite possibly the last thing Joan thought would ever happen was that she would find someone she could really connect with. Someone who would help her learn the things about herself that she thought she already knew.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel set in the early 1980's, as the book's protagonist prepares to be one of the first female astronauts to go to space. The people and events the book focuses on are all fictional, though there is some inclusion of real events, such as Sally Ride becoming the first American woman to go to space in 1983. Most of the action follows Joan as she navigates her new life in and around Houston, dealing with new responsibilities and relationships, while also managing her previous ones with Frances and Barbara. While acknowledging that many in her new career will be looking for reasons, any reasons, why women should not be astronauts, Joan must make the decision if she wants to continue to be herself, or perform for those who are always watching.

My Verdict: Reid once again gives readers a story with authentic and difficult relationships, in the midst of circumstances that are not only hard, but are significant to the history of the world these characters are a part of. Joan is not simply a single woman in a difficult job, with a demanding sister, trying to find out who she is. Joan is looking to be an astronaut, when many are not sold on the idea of a woman in space. With everything that she is dealing with, I found the love story to be the least interesting part of the book. It is still compelling, but I kept looking forward to the parts that dealt with the training, and the missions, and even the tense moments between Joan and her sister Barbara. Their relationship managed to be both straight forward and complicated, ultimately adding another dimension to this complex narrative.

Favorite Moment: Joan has to be upfront and honest with a coworker who has a history of being less than agreeable with everyone else. She has to stand firm in her belief as to why she has been given opportunities over some of the others, even having to assert that yes, she is smart, and yes, she does work hard.

Favorite Character: Griff is another hopeful astronaut who cares for Joan in a way she knows she could never quite return.

Recommended Reading: Daisy Jones & The Six remains my favorite book by Reid, but I also recommend The Women by Kristin Hannah.

Young Adult Fiction: Audre & Bash Are Just Friends by Tia Williams

Author Tia Williams is perhaps more well-known for her adult romance books, such as Seven Days in June. When I learned that a character from that book would be the star of her first young adult novel, Audre & Bash Are Just Friends, I went on a mission to pick up both books and read them. In today's book, Audre goes on her own mission that will be crucial for her application to Stanford, and the person that is going to help her is the mysterious new guy in town.

The Situation: High school junior Audre Mercy-Moore loves to help her fellow students, and she only charge $45 for each therapy session. Of course, she is not a professional, and also still in high school, but despite this, Audre is excited to use the upcoming summer break to work on her self-help book, a side project she is convinced will impress the Stanford admissions board. But when her plan to visit her dad in California falls through, she needs to find the time and quiet space to finish her book, and also obtain more material and experience than her perfect student/perfect daughter lifestyle has allowed for. Lucky for her, Bash Henry is fun, mysterious, and, if the rumors are true, always ready for a good time.

The Problem: When Audre hired Bash as her "fun consultant," it was mostly due to his reputation. Everyone seems to have a crush on him; he seems to show up to every party (and has thrown a few of his own); and he has a sort of effortless and unbothered vibe that Audre could never accomplish. She is determined to stay focused on her book, but she also cannot deny that Bash is attractive, and smart, and nice. And it seems that the growing romantic feelings are mutual. But the 'mystery' of Bash presents a problem. Sure, some of the rumors are clearly false, but Bash is definitely holding something back. This should help Audre keep things professional, but that only gets more difficult the more they hang out with each other.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction novel set in and around modern-day New York City, specifically Brooklyn. Audra has just completed her junior year of high school, while Bash has graduated after transferring mid-year from California, where he was a track star. The character of Audre Mercy-Moore first appeared in Williams' Seven Days in June as the daughter of author Eva Mercy. In this book, Audre is still charging for therapy, is still ambitious and driven, and still does not know the truth about Eva's past. And Bash is running from a decision that ended everything back in California, and for this first time must figure out his future, since the one his dad planned for him is no longer an option.

My Verdict: Not only do I believe that fans of teen rom-coms will love this one, but fans of Williams' writing will love it as well (both teens and adults). Audre was a fan-favorite character from Williams' previous book, so having her be front and center here will delight many. And even though she is older now, she is still head-strong, funny, and outspoken, and ready to take on nearly anything. Bash may be a mystery to everyone around him at first, but as his story unfolds, the reader is given insight into a young man who has been through too much, and now has little in the way of guidance for whatever comes next. The book is fun, heart-warming, insightful, tense in places, and an overall enjoyable read.

Favorite Moment: During this summer break, Audre must complete five challenges (put together by her friend Reshma) in an effort to come up with material for her book. I will not say what the fifth challenge is, but it is incredibly satisfying when Audre completes it.

Favorite Character: I am so pleased that Audre got her own book, as I know many readers are.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Nicola Yoon's The Sun Is Also a Star.

Science Fiction: Infinite Archive by Mur Lafferty

As the third installment of The Midsolar Murders, Infinite Archive continues Mur Lafferty's story that follows Mallory Viridian, a human aboard a living space station that houses several other alien species. If that was not complicated enough, Mallory also has a habit of being present when someone gets murdered, and with a new ship scheduled to arrive, she is almost certain there will be another dead body soon.

The Situation: Mallory Viridian has received incredibly unwelcome news. Well, two pieces of unwelcome news, although they are related. Not only is there a ship heading towards Eternity that will bring with it an entire mystery fan convention, but her over-eager literary agent has signed her on to be the keynote speaker. Having to put together a keynote address is stressful enough, especially when she 1. does not want to, and 2. has no idea where to start. But typically, whenever Mallory is around a large number of humans, someone ends up dead. Sure, these situations have helped contribute to Mallory's success as a mystery writer, but she really wishes humans would stay away from Station Eternity.

The Problem: When the massive ship Metis arrives with the convention, things are already problematic. Before its arrival, Mallory has already had to deal with the appearance of chaotic Gneiss Queen Tina, who brought with her one alien species that has been known to be hostile, and a new creature that no human has ever met, and no one knows what it wants or what it is capable of. With a large group of wide-eyed humans scheduled to arrive, this new creature could cause issues. Despite everything, Mallory attends the convention, meeting other would-be writers, and even catching up her with her agent, Aaron. The situation is not completely ideal, but Mallory is hopeful, until the inevitable happens, and someone ends up dead.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a science fiction novel set in the year 2047, and in the beginning the novel is set on Station Eternity, before moving over to the new ship, Metis. Characters from the previous two novels make their appearance, with Mallory's friend Xan once again being her most trusted companion. Stephanie once again proves helpful; Queen Tina is still a headache to deal with; and Mrs. Brown continues to refuse to deal with nonsense. This book brings up the issue of first contact, and how important it is for the human race to make the proper preparations before being confronted with a new species. But the murder quickly takes center focus, and Mallory must once again use her skills as a detective to solve it before more people are harmed.

My Verdict: The world that Lafferty has crafted continues to grow and become more immersive, while also not getting bogged down in the details and new characters, and new species. While Mallory is still anxious when around a group of humans (and for good reason), having her become a mystery writer makes perfect sense, and gives a wonderful direction for the story to go. The idea of a mystery fan convention is both fun and delightful, especially with the event taking place aboard a ship that is supposed to be a manifestation of the entire internet, and the added specifics regarding the struggle to become a published author. Sure, I still found myself confused by some of the plot points, and I often lost track of what species was doing what and why, and with whom, but I am still enjoying this science fiction series. 

Favorite Moment: There was something about Mallory's face-to-face interactions with her agent Aaron that delighted me, and I cannot quite figure out why. Perhaps it was something about his obvious desire and almost need for Mallory to write more. The demand for 'more content,' of any kind, has always fascinated me. 

Favorite Character: Once again, I want to say Mrs. Brown, but she disappears for a good amount of the story. Eve is interesting, and still a bit of a mystery by the end. I do hope she makes another appearance, if there are more books to come.

Recommended Reading: I know I have recommended this book several times before, I did thoroughly enjoy Erin Swan's Walk the Vanished Earth.

Contemporary Fiction: The Dark Maestro by Brendan Slocumb

In 2023, I absolutely fell in love with Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb, so of course, I did not hesitate to pick up his latest novel, The Dark Maestro. A young man with an incredible talent for the cello must put his life on hold due to his father's decisions. And it seems the only way he can return to his old life and do what he loves is to take incredible risks to bring the villains to justice.

The Situation: As a young boy, Curtis Wilson grows up in the projects of Washington, D.C. His small world includes his father Zippy, who says he always has his back, and his father's girlfriend Larissa, who has always been more of a mother to Curtis than his actual mom. When a program at school allows Curtis to pick an instrument to play, he settles on the cello, and it is discovered that the young man has an incredible talent, and may even be a prodigy. The young boy is soon obsessed, and continues to get better and better, using the cello as his main focus to get him through life in the projects, school bullies, and even his dad's brief time away in prison for drug dealing.

The Problem: After a dream performance with the New York Philharmonic, Curtis is made to leave right after (and I mean right after, as in he had just left the stage) with the FBI. Turns out Zippy had been working with some major underworld figures, and after providing authorities with crucial information, he, Curtis, and Larissa must all enter the witness protection program. It will be dangerous for Curtis to even bring his cello along, which means performing for even the smallest of audiences is completely out of the question. And after losing his patience with the officials, Curtis decides it may be time for him to perform his own investigation, under his own assumed identity, and get his life back.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a work of fiction set primarily in and around the D.C. area, though there are also quite a few crucial scenes in places like Phoenix and Costa Rica. At the center of the story is cello prodigy Curtis Wilson, but chapters switch between focusing on him, and Zippy, and Larissa. While Larissa wants to encourage Curtis' talent from the beginning, Zippy is initially annoyed, wishing his son was more interested in hip-hop than classical, and even wondering at what point can his son join him in the drug-dealing business. When Curtis can no longer perform due to being in the witness protection program, he feels as if he has lost his entire identity, but soon finds solace in the creation of a new superhero type character, using his long love of comic books as his inspiration.

My Verdict: From the beginning, when Curtis is a young boy simply trying to live his life in the projects of D.C, with a father who is attempting to rise in the ranks as a drug dealer, this book feels serious and heavy, and there is immediately so much at stake. And yet, when the witness protection part starts, it is still surprising, and heart-breaking, as Curtis' promising career as a cellist has to be put on hold. The thriller part of this mystery truly kicks into gear in the second half of the book, with everything from international travel, going undercover, even kidnapping, and eventually, the story begins to look a bit like the comic books Curtis has always loved. What I love about Slocumb's books is his unique plot lines, and never quite knowing where everything is headed, and this one will certainly once again keep readers on their toes.

Favorite Moment: I enjoyed watching Curtis in the early days of putting his comic book character together. Anyone who has embarked on a new and exciting project like that knows the feeling of grabbing hold of a compelling idea and working to bring it to life.

Favorite Character: Larissa supports Curtis no matter what, even during the times when she is not all that close to Zippy. She is committed to seeing the young man succeed and does everything she can to make sure he is taken care of.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Symphony of Secrets, but also Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson.

Historical Fiction: My Name Is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende

After seeing the title of Isabel Allende's latest book, my curiosity was immediately piqued, as it appeared the novel would be tied to a previous one I had read just last year. My Name Is Emilia del Valle follows a young woman from her childhood in San Francisco, through the beginnings of her journalism career, and into the dangers of Chile's civil war. And yes, characters from some of Allende's previous celebrated novels do appear.

The Situation: In April of 1873, when Emilia del Valle turned seven years old, her mother dressed her up and took her to have her photo professionally taken. Her mother then sent the photograph to Chile to a man she says is Emilia's father. But for young Emilia, the man that her mother married and has now been with for many years is her true father. He is the one that would encourage and help her in getting her dime novels published, fostering a love of writing that would later result in a career in journalism, despite the field being dominated by men. When Chile appears to be on the brink of civil war, Emilia is sent to cover it, her boss wanting her to send back human interest pieces, while a colleague covers the war itself. But for Emilia, this trip has another purpose, and that is for her to find her father.

The Problem: With Emilia's fellow journalist, Eric, assigned to cover the events from the side of the rebels, Emilia does what she can to gain an audience with those close to the Chilean president, if not the man himself. Of course, being a woman and from the U.S. causes issues, but Emilia is fortunate to have met up with her great aunt, Paulina del Valle. Paulina may be abrupt, abrasive, and often offensive, but she has the connections Emilia needs, and is willing to help out the young woman who is looking for her father, while also trying to do her best journalism work. But when the war reaches its climax, Emilia will witness events she previously could have never imagined, and even finds herself being targeted by the rebels.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel set in the late 19th century. The first half of the novel takes place in and around San Francisco as Emilia is growing up, discovering her love of writing, and receiving wisdom and knowledge from her stepfather. When Emilia is sent to Chile, the country is about to experience a brutal and bloody civil war. The young journalist will see humanity at its worst, and most vulnerable, while also being injured herself. There is also the question of identity, as Emilia is not sure what a meeting with her real father will bring. And the inclusion of Paulina del Valle connects this book with both Daughter of Fortune and Portrait in Sepia.

My Verdict: As is common with many of Allende's books, this one follows a determined and head strong young woman as she insists on making her own way through life, entering a male-dominated profession, and even embarking on a trip to a country in the middle of an intense conflict. Anyone who has ever been warned against a desired path, or even outright denied it, due to reasons tied with gender, race, class, etc, will certainly relate to Emilia. Something I did not quite believe is the romance between Eric and Emilia, as its appearance feels sudden, and somewhat not earned. But Allende does not shy away from what happened in Chile in 1891, offering a history lesson alongside a story about identity and destiny.

Favorite Moment: *spoiler alert* When Emilia is brought face-to-face with her real father, she meets a man whose life of recklessness and frivolity has caught up with him, leaving him sick, frail, and full of regret. 

Favorite Character: If Paulina del Valle was my aunt, I would probably never want to visit her. However, she helps Emilia and is crucial to her achieving several of her goals, despite being very vocal in her opposition to them.

Recommended Reading: Allende's Daughter of Fortune is the first mention of Paulina del Valle, and a great introduction to the author's work.

Nonfiction: Searches by Vauhini Vara

If there is one topic that is currently nearly impossible to escape from, it is the discussion around artificial intelligence. Vauhini Vara's Searches: Selfhood in the Digital Age leans into this, exploring the history, development, use, potential, and limitations of the technology, while also telling her own story as a journalist, editor, and sometimes user of AI.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a nonfiction book in which Vara begins by talking about her first experiences with the internet while at a friend's house as a kid. But before that, the books opens with the author conversing with ChatGPT, asking if it will give her feedback on book chapters that will eventually become part of the published product. This sets up what will continue to be a running theme of certain sections being a conversation between the author and the AI technology, with the latter often providing long and detailed notes on what Vara has presented, or a question that was asked. ChatGPT provides notes on chapters that evaluate the more problematic aspects of AI, big corporations, and even social media, with Vara at one point asking the application pointed questions, and pointing out what it got wrong. With a blend of memoir and journalism, Vara evaluates where we are with AI, and where we may be headed.

My Verdict: This is a fascinating and ambitious premise, with a novel approach to presenting information on something so many are already talking about. But somehow, the parts of this book that make it unique are also the parts I found to be the most cumbersome, and that is the sections that are simply large amounts of responses from ChatGPT. Its notes and feedback are often repetitive, boring, and hollow, and there are a lot of them throughout the book. The end of the book puzzles me as it is a collection of responses from a survey Vara sent out to women aged 18 and older, with questions on identity, family history, and of course, AI. Responses are seemingly copied and pasted, therefore amounting to another large section of the book that was not actually written by the author. 

Favorite Chapter: Chapter 8: "I Am Hungry to Talk," is about Vara's time in Madrid and her experience learning Spanish. But the entire chapter is presented in both English and Spanish, with the translations appearing side by side on the page. Vara first wrote the chapter in Spanish, and the English is what was presented by Google Translate.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor, which features a story within the story about conflict between AI and its human creators. 

Contemporary Fiction: The Imagined Life by Andrew Porter

Author Andrew Porter was one of the many writers featured at this year's San Antonio Book Festival, and I was fortunate to be able to hear him talk about The Imagined Life, his novel that follows a man attempting to learn more about his father, in particular his current whereabouts, and what happened to him after he disappeared from his son's life. And while searching, the man also reflects on his childhood, and the events that lead up to his father's disappearance.

The Situation: As a grown man, Steven Mills finds himself separated from his wife, but also on a strange and somewhat sudden trip to look for his father, whom he has not seen since he was 12 years old. While looking for him, Steven also goes back in his memories to 1984, the year his father disappeared. It is also the year his father was denied tenure at St. Agnes, an event that, on the surface, seemed to be the catalyst for his father's leaving. But looking back, Steven will remember the parties his parents would throw around the pool in their backyard; some of the mysterious guests; his father's increasingly erratic behavior; the rumors; and the often persistent sense that something was about to go very very wrong.

The Problem: While Steven continues to remember the past, he is able to compare his memories with what he learns from the people he is able to interview, people who knew and worked with his father. Many of his father's associates are honest, but guarded, often willing to say just enough for Steven to have more questions instead of less. Even family members are not willing to reveal all of what they know, even though Steven is now an adult and no longer a kid. But he stays determined in searching for his father, or at least in finding out what happened to him, though the information may be unpleasant. And as he continues to search, and remember, it becomes clear that his father was complicated, as is what happened to him.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a work of fiction set both in 1984, and in present-day California. With Steven as the first-person narrator, the reader is given a first-hand account of late night pool parties that eventually became a source of anxiety and tension for Steven and his mother. As his father began to unravel, so did his relationship with Steven's mother, something that was made more complicated by the near-constant presence of one of the party guests. It is tempting to point to his father's issues at work as the main problem, but Steven must confront all of the factors, which includes mental health issues, and be honest about how the experience has shaped his own life. 

My Verdict: With more focus on characters and relationships, this book is a slow burn. And while things are certainly happening, the scenes and events are given ample time to breathe, with every line of dialogue, every glance, every action, and every decision seeming like it was carefully considered. The book may be less than 300 pages, but within it, the main character fully examines the last few months he was in contact with his father, while attempting to track him down in the present. It is a complex and intriguing and powerful narrative about a young man growing up with a parent who is going through something he does not quite understand, but the events will most certainly shape the rest of his life. 

Favorite Moment: Near the end of the book, Steven makes a declaration to one of his father's friends about the music he likes that is so striking and moving, but also sad, considering his experiences, and the story he had been telling up to that point. It is hard to explain without spoilers, but Steven's statement left me stunned.

Favorite Character: Steven's mother is not perfect, but she did her best, considering the circumstances. 

Recommended Reading: I recommend Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day, if only due to the reflective nature of both novels as the main characters look back and consider their relationship with someone close to them.

Nonfiction: Tequila Wars by Ted Genoways

Growing up, there was a period of my life, about nine years or so, when my father owned and operated a liquor store. Having bartended in his 20s, my father knew a lot about alcohol, alcohol sales, distribution, laws, etc. By proximity, I ended up learning a lot too, and would occasionally run the register at the store. And yes, it was strange for many of the patrons to walk up to the counter with their purchases and find a young girl standing there ready to ring them up. And despite not being much of a drinker now that I am an adult, I still hold on to a lot of that knowledge, which is what initially led me to look into Ted Genoways' Tequila Wars: José Cuervo and the Bloody Struggle for the Spirit of Mexico, as the author was part of this year's San Antonio Book Festival. 

Genre, Themes, History: This is a nonfiction book that mostly focuses on the life of José Cuervo, the man who inherited his family's distillery, and managed to nurture and cultivate it into the tequila empire we know the brand to be today. But as is detailed in Genoways' book, that growth did not come easily, as Cuervo's successes and setbacks were closely tied to the political turmoil of the country of Mexico during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As president's were elected to power, and then plotted to hold onto their positions despite the country's constitution not allowing for a president to be re-elected, leading to inevitable uprisings and rebellions, Cuervo had to be strategic about who he supported, ultimately needing to be sure that whoever was in charge would allow his empire to grow unbothered, and with few taxes. Little has been known about Cuervo, and while the general belief was that he was a nice man, but not terribly great at business, Genoways' account attempts to set the record straight.

My Verdict: This book not only gives the reader a lesson on Cuervo, but also on the disorder and unrest that was Mexico's politics during his lifetime. Specifically during the later chapters of the book, many pages will go by without any mention of Cuervo as the nation's political players literally go to war over who will hold key positions of power. Through thorough research, which includes accounts from Cuervo's niece, readers are given rare insight into the man whose name so many of us are familiar with, but little is known about. Even after reading this book, there is still an heir of mystery to the man, who clearly had to navigate a difficult landscape in order to keep his business afloat, and often also to keep himself and his family alive. Genoways offered a fascinating history, which may lead readers to do more research on their own.

Favorite Moment: The story of how Cuervo ended up marrying his wife Ana is pretty humorous, and attests to his careful and often hesitant nature when making big decisions.

Recommended Reading: For more nonfiction, I recommend Custodians of Wonder by Eliot Stein. 

Historical Fiction: The Eights by Joanna Miller

Happy 4th of July y'all, and welcome to a review of The Eights by Joanna Miller, which does not take place in the U.S, but instead in England at Oxford University in the 1920s. The historical university has finally admitted women, and the book follows four of them through their first year of college, when their country, and many of the people, are still recovering from the Great War.

The Situation: In Corridor Eight of St. Hughs, Beatrice Sparks, Marianne Grey, Theodora 'Dora' Greenwood, and Ottoline 'Otto' Wallace-Kerr are all settled into their rooms and ready to make history. As the daughter of a famous suffragette, and as a woman who stands over six feet tall, Beatrice is well versed is gaining and commanding attention, especially if it means advancing equal rights for women. Marianne is not sure she belongs at Oxford, especially considering her past, and while Dora feels the same way, it is for entirely different reasons. She lost both her brother and fiance in the war, and knows she has only been allowed to attend university in their place. And Otto is excited about social aspect of college life. Sure, she loves mathematics, but she also wants to put the war behind her and return to gaining men's attention and attending parties.

The Problem: Naturally, not everyone is excited that Oxford has decided to finally admit women. There are some students, and certainly some faculty, that are more than ready hold the new female students to different standards than the males, if only to help prove that the women do not belong there. But the four women from Corridor Eight have formed an unlikely though solid friendship, and when one of them is having a hard time, the other three are there to help her through it. They will have to deal with sexism, the threat of getting the flu, drafty rooms, and stern advisors. But if they manage to stick with it, they will be building a legacy for many women to come.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel set primarily during the 1920-1921 academic year at Oxford University. The four women at the center of the narrative are all from different backgrounds and have different motivations, but are able to form an unlikely friendship that will help carry them through the difficult course work, frustrating pranks, and hauntings from their respective pasts. Having to attend a lecture by a professor that believes you should not be at the university is certainly a problem, but so is believing your new friends would not like you if they knew what you have done.

My Verdict: In between announcements, articles, letters, and bulletins is a story of four women all willing to be part of the first females officially admitted to Oxford University. With a third person narrator moving between the stories of each, the reader gets four different experiences from four different temperaments. The story is interesting enough, and the setting certainly had my attention from the beginning. If anything, it maybe would have worked better for there to be more focus on fewer characters. Or perhaps to have one of the women serve as a first-person narrator. Hard to say, but it is still an engaging story as it is, chronicling an academic year in the life of pioneering women. 

Favorite Moment: Otto is used to certain luxuries that her life in Corridor Eight simply does not have, but she finds a way to make it work (which mostly involves money), and her friends often benefit.

Favorite Character: Marianne, named after a Jane Austen heroine, may be the one in the group who is easy to overlook, but for me, she has the most interesting story.

Recommended Reading: The Women by Kristin Hannah is about a different war, but also looks at the attitudes around women showing up in a place that was historically reserved for men.  

Young Adult Fiction: Dear Manny by Nic Stone

When Dear Martin first appeared on shelves back in 2017 (same year as Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give), I had no clue that it would end up as the first book of a trilogy, and if the letter to the reader at the beginning of Dear Manny is any indication, neither did author Nic Stone. But here we are, and it could not feel more appropriate. I once had the pleasure of hearing Stone speak and having her sign two of my books, and I am thrilled to see her continue to tell stories, even difficult and challenging ones, aimed at younger readers. It is the perfect book for this last week of YA Fest.

The Situation: Jared Peter Christensen is being challenged. Sure, he is currently sitting in his Constitutional Law class, which is a class that is taught with the students and professor all sitting in a circle of bean bag chairs as they discuss, well, the constitution. The questions are challenging on purpose, as are the ensuing debates as the students' often opposing views are argued. But Jared also has to deal with a fraternity he is a part of, but does not particularly like; a father he knows does not approve of him, but whose approval he is not sure he wants; plus, the last few years have been pretty rough, beginning with the night his best friend Manny died. And now, it seems he has foolishly accepted Dr. Yeh's challenge by attending a meeting of the Undergraduate College Council, and becoming a candidate in the upcoming student elections.

The Problem: Enter Jared's next big challenge in the form of his opponent, John Preston LePlante IV. Like Jared, John Preston is a straight, white, wealthy legacy student, but his stance on the issues is incredibly different. Standing out and apart from him as an opponent should prove no problem, but when a third candidate enters the running, Jared is not at all sure what to think about Dylan M. Coleman. He has never met the guy and has no clue what he stands for. All Jared knows is that he has to win, and John Preston for sure has to lose. But in the coming weeks, Jared will have to wrestle with more than just campus politics. When he starts writing letters to Manny, Jared has to confront what really motivates him, what he actually stands for, and decide what kind of person he wants to be.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction novel set at an Ivy League university where Jared is a student with the protagonist of Stone's first book, Dear Martin. Justyce McAllister is now not only Jared's close friend, but his roommate as well, even though in that first book, the word 'enemies' would not have sufficed to describe how they felt about each other. In this book, Justyce is someone Jared trusts, almost looks up to, and serves as a grounding force while he works through everything that is happening, including the campaign. Like Justyce, Jared is confronted with racial injustice and inequities, while also having to look honestly at his own privilege, and what he is willing to do about it, and with it.

My Verdict: Confession: I am, in general, not a person who looks for or enjoys confrontation. Facing and examining hard truths? Fine. Arguing about them with someone else? No, thank you. With that said, that mental exercise of readers putting themselves in the book and wondering how they would do? Pretty sure I would wither away in this one. If readers thought Stone 'went there' with Dear Martin, then for me, this book does something else entirely. But the things is, as uncomfortable as I often was, I am still glad I read it, and still looked forward to being able to read it until I finished. And, I am looking for reasons to gift it to those close to me. Yes, the book is challenging, but not in an obnoxious or heavy-handed way. It is simply honest, and having the focus be on Jared is a bold and brilliant move.

Favorite Moment: Witnessing the debate between the three candidates was both painful and fun. I will still avoid having to watch one between real political candidates, but the one in this book is worth suffering through. 

Favorite Character: Justyce is not present in this book a whole lot, but when he is, it is during moments when Jared either needs a reality check, or simply someone to talk to. It is nice to see these two become close, real friends after everything that has happened.

Recommended Reading: For some reason, my mind goes to James by Percival Everett as a good follow-up. It is not even remotely YA, but it is a great story, and deserving of all of the attention is has received. 

Young Adult Fiction: All Better Now by Neal Shusterman

What I love about Neal Shusterman's books is that they attempt to answer a seemingly impossible question, or maybe even a question we hope to never have to answer. His Arc of the Scythe series falls into the former category, as it asks what would life on earth be like if humans could live forever. His novel Dry falls into the latter category, as it asks what would happen if the state of California ran out of water. For his most recent book, All Better Now, and the third novel for this year's DSN YA Fest, Shusterman asks what would happen if another pandemic were to take place in the near future, only this time, the survivors of the disease experience utter contentment. Would people risk the odds of being one of the 4% of the population that is guaranteed to die from it for a chance at true happiness? And would the world fall apart as a result? 

The Situation: The name they have chosen this time is Crown Royale. That is the name of the virus that is known to kill at least one out of every 25 people who contracts it. But here is the thing: The other 24 people, the ones who survive, have the long-term effect of being utterly content with their lives. Billionaires who only served their own interests before are now giving up their fortunes and disappearing to live their lives in peace and with generosity. Both small and large communes and collectives are popping up everywhere to take in anyone who needs help, whether sick or healthy, recoveree or uninfected. While there is a race to develop a vaccine, most recoverees are ready to argue against the need for one, seeing the virus as more of a savior than a scourge. And this divide is the beginning of a much larger war.

The Problem: Mariel is used to a life on the streets, with only her mother to trust, but when they unknowingly check into an Airbnb that is managed by Rón Escobedo, the son of one of the world's richest men, the two teens are started on a path that will put them at the center of the fight. There are those who wish to spread the virus as far and as fast as they can, and those who will do whatever it takes to stop it, no matter how questionable. Those with the most to lose from a virus that can eliminate jealousy and greed will live and act out of fear, claiming to help humanity while possibly dooming it as well. Families will be split, friendships will be tested. But both sides believe they are right. And both sides insist they are saving the world. 

Genre, Themes, History: This is a work of young adult fiction set in different locations all over North America and other parts of the world. At the center of the story are Mariel, a tough young woman who has been living on the streets with her mother for quite some time; Rón, the youngest son of a very rich man for whom contracting the virus may mean a slightly higher risk of death; and Morgan, a smart and shrewd young woman who has been chosen to help find a vaccine, even though her benefactor has had a change of heart. This novel brings up many of the questions and arguments that were brought forward during the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, only this time the recoverees experience a happiness and joy that some are eager to embrace and willing to risk death for, while others find the need to shut it down as soon as possible. Greed, fear, ambition, joy, and even pity (on both sides, for the opposing side) are all there.

My Verdict: When Shusterman asks an impossible question like this, he carries it out through all of the difficult moments and takes the reader along for the ride, showing his work along the way. Every characters' motivations are clear, and both the villains and the heroes of this book (if there truly are any) remain three-dimensional. Even those who recover from Crown Royale, who no longer feel anger or resentment or the need for revenge, are not immediately good (or even better) people. They are simply different, with new goals and reasons for what they do. My only real gripe is with the ending, which does make sense considering the impossible question Shusterman is trying to answer. But with a book that is already over 500 pages, a few more chapters would have been nice, if only for clarity.

Favorite Moment: There is a moment when the selfish and almost monomaniacal Morgan is face to face with her worst fear, and is shown that she is not as secure behind her money and masks as she thought.

Favorite Character: Dame Havilland is a recoveree who was once a very rich and spiteful old woman. She will spend the entire book attempting to fix one of her biggest mistakes, and is as delightful in her new life as she was hateful and vengeful in her old one. 

Recommended Reading: I recommend Dry, also by Shusterman, and for me, it is his most terrifying book thus far. 

Young Adult Fiction: Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours

For the second week of YA Fest, I picked up Channelle Desamours' Needy Little Things. A young girl with the ability to hear the needs of others races against time when a close friend goes missing. But when her ability to hear people's needs refuses to go quiet, and others learn about what she can do, it becomes difficult to stay focused and follow the clues, especially as time seems to be running out.

The Situation: Seventeen year-old Sariyah Bryant's most useful possession might be her noise-canceling headphones. They may not provide complete protection against the needs of those in close proximity to her, but they do offer some relief. Sariyah has the ability to quite literally hear the needs of others around her. Usually it is small things like a hair tie, lip balm, marker, or nail file, and sometimes the need allows the receiver to do something silly, or even wasteful. The only needs Sariyah cannot hear are those of the people closest to her, which is both a relief, and infuriating. And when her friend, Deja, goes missing, what Sariyah needs is to be able to put all the clues together and find her, soon.

The Problem: Deja's disappearance mirrors two previous cases of a young girl going missing in her town. And while Sariyah wants to remain hopeful, those other cases did not end in the young girls being found alive. With other people's needs continuing to intrude, Sariyah and her friends Malcolm and Jude are not only doing what they can to keep Deja's disappearance at the front of everyone's minds via social media, but they are trying to figure out what exactly happened to her. Could she have run away? Who would want to hurt her? What was her life like at home? And then Sariyah does the thing she was always warned against, which is use her ability to make some quick cash, therefore drawing attention, and potentially making herself the next target.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction novel set in and around modern-day Atlanta. Told exclusively through Sariyah's point of view, the book touches on several topics, such as depression, grief, guilt, caring for a sick sibling, and of course, the disappearance of young girls. Years earlier, Sariyah's friend, and Malcom's twin sister, Tessa, went missing, and the two of them cannot help but see similarities between that situation and this one. Malcolm is particularly focused on keeping awareness on Deja's disappearance, while acknowledging how difficult that may be since she is a minority. And then there is Sariyah's ability to know what those around her need. Unfulfilled needs have her playing the 'what if' game, but sometimes, what she gives people leads to a chain of events that has her questioning if 'need' is the right word.

My Verdict: This is a fast-paced and interesting story that does not take long to get into the action, while also taking the time to introduce characters, describe the settings, and build out the world and the relationships. Before Deja's disappearance, it is clear that Sariyah already struggles with her ability, and that there is some history when it comes to missing girls. After the disappearance, the urgent need for action can be felt coming off of the page, along with the sense that not everything is as it appears, and many people (most of them, actually) are not telling everything they know. The grand reveal of what exactly happened seems a little bit confusing and convoluted, while still managing to be tense and troubling.

Favorite Moment: At one point, Sariyah has to get someone away from her, quickly, and she manages to do it by essentially out-crazying them.

Favorite Character: Josiah is Deja's little brother, and while he lives with sickle-cell anemia, he is bright and funny and clever and full of energy, and also incredibly perceptive.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson, another YA thriller concerning a missing young girl. 

Young Adult Fiction: Mystery Royale by Kaitlyn Cavalancia

Welcome to the annual Door Stop Novels YA Fest! This year we are starting off with Mystery Royale, the debut novel of Kaitlyn Cavalancia. Set in an old estate, seven children are gathered together to participate in a series of deadly games, with a magical inheritance as the ultimate prize.

The Situation: Sixteen year-old Mullory Prudence has a routine: savor the mornings with a book and a gas station burrito, go to school, go to work at a crappy part-time job, and return home to take care of gran, all while ignoring the stares and whispers. Everywhere she goes, everyone knows who Mullory is: She is the girl whose mother burned their house down, before disappearing and leaving her daughter with one ominous warning, "Run if the strange finds you." When strange letters begin appearing in even stranger places - inside of her burrito, in a bag of pet food - Mullory is certain this is what her mother was talking about. But then one of the letters promises an estate and an inheritance that she could certainly use, should she win a mysterious game. And so despite her mother's warning, Mullory moves towards the strange instead of away from it.

The Problem: At Stoutmire Estate, nothing is as it seems. If Mullory is to claim the ultimate prize of the inheritance, she must play and win a game of Mystery Royale. Over the next nine days, a series of clues will be given to every participant, and the correct answer to the mystery must be declared before time runs out in order to win. But with the exception of one other person, Mullory is the only participant not related to the reclusive Xavier Stoutmire, the person whose estate and magic she is competing to inherit, and whose murder they must solve in order to win. It makes sense for Whitaker and Ellison Stoutmire to be here, the twin brother/sister duo, as well as their youngest sibling Lyric, even if he was exiled while very young. But Mullory has no ties to the Stoutmires, at least none that she knows of. 

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction book set mostly in the strange, mysterious, and magical estate of the deceased Xavier Stoutmire. Although there are seven participants in the game - Stoutmire relations Whitaker, Ellison, Lyric, Quinby and Martin, as well as Mullory and Mateo - only three of them serve as narrators for the reader. While Mullory provides the outsider's point of view, the uptight and orderly Ellison gives a view of what it was like growing up as a Stoutmire. She may have money and privilege, but it turns out that life as a Stoutmire was often nightmarish. And then there is Lyric, who resents his entire family because of something that happened years ago, and is determined to win the game no matter the cost. 

My Verdict: It took me a good 100 pages or so to find a rhythm and a groove with this book. At first, many aspects of the world and of the game were hazy and unclear, even while reading the chapters narrated by Ellison, who, of the three narrators, has maybe the clearest and most accessible view of what is going on. But once the games get under way and alliances begin to be made, the rules for both the Mystery Royale and the magic that runs in the Stoutmire family begin to make sense, and become vastly more interesting. And while some readers may be able to figure out the answer to the mystery, as well as how it will all end, the way it all unfolds is still a surprise, and I credit Cavalancia for giving readers a clear ending, instead of an open or vague one.

Favorite Moment: Mullory is timid and unsure of herself for most of the story, which makes sense given her background and the environment of the Stoutmire Estate. But there are moments when she makes up her mind to charge ahead and take action, come what may.

Favorite Character: Aunt Cecilia is an eerie figure who moves around the estate with a padlock around her neck, due to her ability to tell the future, and therefore potentially spoil the game. Like many of the people in this book, she speaks in riddles and knows more than she says, but she was an interesting character that I would have liked to have seen more of.

Recommended Reading: Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor is another YA story of mystery and magic, filled with characters that have strange and incredible abilities. 

Contemporary Fiction: Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

There is something about a plot or setting involving a remote location that will almost always draw me to a book. Often, books that are set somewhere that is isolated fall into the historical fiction category (at least that is true for the books on this blog), but Charlotte McConaghy's Wild Dark Shore is set in the present day, on an island off the coast of Antarctica, where a family is up against time and the elements when a strange woman washes up on their shore.

The Situation: Dominic Salt and his three children live on Shearwater, an island that was once full of researchers. But with the rising sea levels and the ever worsening storms, Dominic and his family has been left to monitor the seed vault, though their time on the island is also limited. They must hold out until the next ship arrives in a few months, but without notice or warning, another boat appears during one of the worst storms the island has ever seen, and a woman washed up on the shore, unconscious and badly injured. It is clear that Rowan attempted to come to Shearwater because she is looking for something, or someone, but neither she nor the Salts are forthcoming with information, and both have plenty to hide.

The Problem: Being one of only four people on an island for an extended period of time would make make almost anyone feel a little out of it, and while it is clear to Rowan that Dominic has done his best, especially with three children to look after, she cannot shake the feeling that the Salts are hiding something from her. But then again, she has secrets of her own. Life on the island is hard, but Rowan is not afraid of hard work, and is able to find a place among the Salts, despite her misgivings. And with the rising tide, and the growing threat to the precious seeds, themselves, and the animals of Shearwater, the five of them must pull together to save what they can, or risk losing everything.

Genre, Theme, History: This book is a work of fiction, set on the fictional Shearwater Island, where Dominic Salt lives with his teenage son and daughter, Raff and Fen, and his youngest son, nine year-old Orly. In a note about the location, McConaghy explains that she based Shearwater on the real Macquarie Island, a place halfway between Tasmania and Antarctica, and the location of the Macquarie Island Research Station. While the Salts are not researchers, they do now have the responsibility of looking after the seeds and saving what they can before the vault is taken over by water. In chapters where each of them, along with Rowan, take turns telling the story, the reader encounters five people dealing with grief and uncertainty in a world where atrocities can be committed, and disaster can strike, in even the most remote locations.

My Verdict: This book hits the ground running, but does not continue to simply sprint through the story and towards the ending. Even with two big mysteries to reveal, the journey the characters take while on this remote island, while attempting to survive its harsh conditions and also relate to one another, was clearly carefully planned and thought out. Each revelation fits easily into the narrative, even the more shocking ones, which means none of them feel cheap or convenient. It is the story of five incredibly complex characters (including the nine year-old), who are doing their best in the strangest and most unforgiving of circumstances. 

Favorite Moment: There is a point when the five inhabitants have a near-impossible task before them, one that is almost certain to end in failure, but they put everything they have into accomplishing it.

Favorite Character: Dominic has his flaws, surely. And he has certainly made his mistakes as a father, many of which were guided by immense grief. But he knows he has to keep going, and he knows that sometimes it is important to try, even when the situation seems hopeless.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Walk the Vanished Earth by Erin Swan, and also The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman. 

Nonfiction: Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green

Having been a fan of John Green's writing since picking up Paper Towns in 2008, I was more than curious when I received notification of the release of Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection. This is Green's second nonfiction book, after 2021's The Anthropocene Reviewed. This time, Green takes a close look at tuberculosis, going into his fascination with the disease; the people he has met who have worked to cure it, and have lived with it; and what can be done to potentially stop it.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a nonfiction book that is all about tuberculosis: its history, how it has spread, the stigma surrounding it, how its treated, and how it has managed to persist as long as it has. Throughout the book, Green focuses mostly on one person, and that is Henry. Henry is a young man Green met when in Sierra Leone, while visiting the Lakka Government Hospital, where Henry was being treated for TB. After wrongly assuming that Henry was much younger than he was, his small size a result of his body's long fight with the disease, Green becomes interested in Henry and his story, and ultimately, in TB and why the disease has ceased being a large concern in Europe and North America, but in poorer countries is still wreaking havoc. Medicine is helpful, but prevention and complete eradication requires a deeper look at poverty and injustice.

My Verdict: In less than 200 pages, Green lays out a compelling and fascinating narrative about TB that could easily be filled with simple (and boring) facts, figures, and dates. But he relates it all to his own personal experience and the experiences of those he has met, people whose daily realities involve TB and its effects. Green is not a scientist or a doctor, but as an author he is able to convey just how prevalent TB remains to be (and why, and where), retelling the history of an illness that can be treated, and yet many around the world still die from it every year. The book is informative, touching, heartbreaking, but also hopeful, while also providing further reading material, and ways to assist in the fight against TB.

Favorite Chapter: The chapter titled "Virtuous Cycles" offers rays of hope where there seem to be few, highlighting how the fight against TB is not a futile one.

Favorite Quote: "Tuberculosis is so often, and in so many ways, a disease of vicious cycles: It's an illness of poverty that worsens poverty. It's an illness that worsens other illnesses - from HIV to diabetes. It's an illness of weak healthcare systems that weakens healthcare systems. It's an illness of malnutrition that worsens malnutrition. It's an illness of the stigmatized that worsens the stigmatized. In the face of all this, it's easy to despair. TB doesn't just flow through the meandering river of injustice: TB broadens and deepens that river."

Recommended Reading: I recommend Green's The Anthropocene Reviewed, as well as The Icepick Surgeon by Sam Kean.

Science Fiction: Where the Axe Is Buried by Ray Nayler

Words and phrases like 'cybernetic,' and 'geopolitical espionage,' and even 'political intrigue' were used in the synopsis for Ray Nayler's Where the Axe Is Buried. Honestly, those are not normally descriptors that would cause me to pick up a book. But I was intrigued by the idea of one book being the catalyst for a revolution, to the point that even having a copy in your possession would be a punishable crime, and that the author would be exiled to a lonely wilderness. Meanwhile, the use of artificial intelligence has progressed to a point where only self-driving cars are allowed on the road, and entire governments are run by computers.

The Situation: When Lilia made the decision to return to The Federation to visit her father, she knew the risks. In London she had the freedom to go where she pleased, do what she wanted, even read what she wanted. In The Federation, activist Zoya Alekseyevna's book is banned, but when Lilia first made it to her new home across the ocean, she found the book for sale at the airport. Even so, Lilia had to visit her father one last time, and is immediately arrested after stepping off of the plane. Now, she wonders if she will ever make it back to London, and then a strange message reaches her in an even stranger way. Someone is offering her a way out, and it involves a project that made her a target in the first place.

The Problem: With The Federation currently under the rule of a President who has essentially found a way to stay in power forever, revolution and change seem nearly impossible. And in Europe, nearly every country is governed by AI Prime Ministers, and they are failing. When one continues to raise energy prices without any reason or caution, the citizens revolt, putting any remaining human officials in danger. And while Lilia is hard at work helping to potentially bring down the immortal Federation president, she fears she cannot trust the people she is working for, and wonders if this is yet another decision that will put herself and the people she loves in danger.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a science fiction novel set in a not-so-distant future where artificial intelligence has been allowed to replace top government officials, in-home robot caretakers are a real thing, and the ability to place ideas directly into someone's mind is no longer something found only in movies. With the advancement of AI, human beings have been replaced in many areas, except for those where having human labor is actually cheaper. And while The Federation is being ruled by a president who continues to download his mind into a new body, therefore maintaining his hold on power, Europe has come to rely on AI Prime Ministers, only for them to malfunction. There are plots within plots at work here, some to maintain things as they are, and others to create real and lasting change, and it is often difficult to distinguish between the two.

My Verdict: My fear with every science fiction book I pick up is that I will not be able to understand a thing, and that the technology used and introduce within the story will go over my head. And while that was the case some of the time while reading this book, the descriptions and contexts surrounding everything made it accessible to me, and it was all within a story that was interesting and thrilling. There are several characters whose stories are brought to the front, but each one is necessary and offers a perspective of the situation that not only adds a layer to the world, but provides a deeper understanding of our own. 

Favorite Moment: Lilia is not entirely sure about who she can trust, and even though it is unclear what the consequences will be, I appreciate one moment where she takes a chance and breaks free of a group whose motivations are unclear, but are desperate for her skills and abilities.

Favorite Character: Nikolai is the Federation president's personal physician, and all he wants is to be able to return home to his family in Italy. He knows Federation officials would rather he stay with them and continue his work of taking care of the immortal president, but he keeps his head down and does his job, even though he hates it, if it means he will eventually get to go home.

Recommended Reading: George Orwell's 1984 came to mind pretty much immediately.

Young Adult: Solving for the Unknown by Loan Le

Loan Le's Solving for the Unknown is a follow-up to her 2021 debut, A Pho Love Story. Certainly the thing I remember most about the first book is the food: It made me hungry every time I picked it up, and honestly, the actual story did not make that big of an impression. Even so, I was excited to pick up today's book, if anything expecting a light and fun read in a college setting.

The Situation: Việt is not sure what will happen at home once he goes off to college. Living on a campus six hours away means no longer having to witness the constant bickering between his parents, which has been going on as long as he can remember. Even on moving day, the fighting does not stop, and once his parents leave, Việt is suddenly living with a stranger, and on an unknown campus where he must now find his own way to new friends and experiences. Evie is in her third year at UC Davis, and is looking forward to hanging out with friends, maybe securing a job at a clinic, and being with her boyfriend Jake. It is through a clumsy accident that she and Việt meet, but they soon find themselves securing an important place in each other's lives.

The Problem: Việt's weekly calls home confirms what he has feared. His parents are still fighting, the old familiar patterns playing out even without him there. And while he has managed to make friends at college, even finding a peaceful balance with a roommate he has very little in common with, what he would really like is to be closer to Evie, who is still with Jake. But Evie struggles to admit to herself what her friends seem to see, which is that she and Jake no longer really fit. And she worries about Việt, who seems to retreat into himself and away from others when things get to be too much. But the two of them, along with their friends, continue to navigate college life, and the chaos that can come with it.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction book that takes place in and around UC Davis in California. In alternating chapters, it follows first-year student Việt, and third-year student Evie, as a third-person narrator details the events. Việt and Evie are also from the same area of California as Bảo and Linh from A Pho Love Story. In fact, Việt is Bảo's friend, and Evie is Linh's older sister. So this story's two protagonists each know what the other pair had to go through to be together. This book also deals with mental health struggles, which can become more pronounced in college, as well as family expectations, and the experience of simply wanting to be seen.

My Verdict: I always lament that there are not more books that are set during the college years as most young adult novels take place during high school, or even in that summer between high school and college. Việt's experience of suddenly having to occupy a too small space with someone you just met will be relatable for many people. Plus, there is the balance of new friends, and challenging courses, plus making space for any outside interests, all of which Le portrays well. And the relationship (or lack thereof) between Evie and Jake is clearly flawed, but the author manages to show how there can be just enough positive moments that will keep someone hanging on, despite the bigger red flags. There is more conflict and tension here, which many believed Le's first book lacked, and readers will get to follow-up on Bảo and Linh.

Favorite Moment: When Việt gets involved in a forensic science club, this mean he is occasionally presented with practice or test cases to solve, and these were definitely interesting to me, almost like fun side puzzles in the middle of the bigger story.

Favorite Character: Việt is certainly believable as a somewhat dorky and offbeat freshman student bumbling his way through his first year of college. Things get better for him once he finds a solid group of friends who refuse to simply let him go when he begins to retreat. 

Recommended Reading: I recommend Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, also set during the main character's first year of college.

Historical Fiction: Red Clay by Charles B. Fancher

It was understood when picking up Red Clay by Charles B. Fancher that difficult scenarios would be encountered, as the bulk of the book takes place in the late 19th century in Alabama, and on a slave plantation. But the premise of an older woman visiting the descendants of a man whose family her own family used to own was too intriguing to pass up.

The Situation: It is 1943, and well-known local Red Clay resident Felix H. Parker has died. While at the funeral, his granddaughter notices an older white woman she does not recognize, and no one else seems to know either. When that same woman shows up at the house, she introduces herself as Adelaide Parker, and simply states "my family owned yours." What follows is a story of both families, one that begins just as the Civil War is nearing its end, and into Reconstruction, and the tumultuous time that was the Jim Crow era. Adelaide talks about her family, and Felix's life with them at the Road's End plantation, right there in Red Clay, Alabama.

The Problem: There are more than a few gaps in Adelaide's knowledge of Felix's story, and while Eileen and her family would love to have had all of the answers, there are simply some things that Felix did not like to talk about. Of course, being a slave at Road's End came with the expected hardships and complications, but the end of the Civil War brings with it a different era of uncertainty, apprehension, and also outright resentment and betrayal. Discerning between friends and enemies is not easy, and when secrets become currency, everyone must do what they have to for the ones they love. 

Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel that opens in 1943, after Felix Parker has died, though most of the story details his life growing up in the late 19th century. The son of two slaves, Felix will grow up on the Road's End plantation, and remains to work there once the Civil War ends and the slaves are officially freed. Felix's family are not quite sure what to think of Adelaide when she comes to tell her story, but they invite the older woman into their home anyway. In the Afterword, Fancher speaks of his own experience of listening to stories about his great-grandfather, and finding inspiration for this book about a resilient young Black man finding his way after the Civil War.

My Verdict: This book is indeed a journey, and due to its setting near the end of the Civil War and into early Jim Crow, tensions remain high even during moments or relative joy and peace. There is always something that is about to go wrong, and always someone ready to take action against those they believe are, or at least should be, beneath them. With that in mind, there is also this deep sense of resilience and hope, even during the darkest of times and when things appear to be at their most impossible. I appreciate the attempt to explore the nebulous moment when the slaves were declared free, but no one really knew what to do exactly. And if anything, what came through to me was the importance of stories and storytelling. As someone who recently lost a nonagenarian relative, this truth probably hit home harder than it normally would have. Readers who love a good family saga will enjoy this book, and maybe become more curious about their own family's history.

Favorite Moment: Closer to the end of the book, an antagonist from Felix's early life makes a surprising and redemptive return.

Favorite Character: Jimmy becomes a long-time friend of Felix's, beginning when they are children helping to bring water to the slaves in the field. He will remain a loyal friend as the two boys grow older and learn their respective trades. 

Recommended Reading: I recommend River Sing Me Home by Eleanor Shearer.