Young Adult Fiction: Midnight on the Celestial by Julia Alexandra

It is the final week of YA Fest, and to close out June we are going to take a closer look at Midnight on the Celestial by Julia Alexandra. When it is determined that people with magical abilities cannot be trusted to use them responsibly, they are sent to the Celestial, a ship where they can earn a second chance, or potentially lose their magic forever.

The Situation: For Roe Damarcus, death is really not that big of a deal. As a resurrector, she has been summoning spirits of people who have died since she was a girl. Many find what she can do to be scary, until they wish to see someone they love who is no longer alive. Then they risk being close to her, even holding her hand, as their loved one takes shape before them. But Roe's trial is coming up, and if she fails, she will have her Morphia - the substance that gives her the ability to summon the dead - extracted from her body. The other option would be to board the Celestial, a ship where Morphics who have failed their trial can earn a retrial. But Roe's father, Lord Damarcus, has made it clear that working on the ship is a different experience from being a guest on it.

The Problem: When the unthinkable happens and Roe fails her trial, she decides to take her chances aboard the Celestial. But her life of luxury has not quite prepared her for small living quarters, rude guests, unforgiving bosses, and a ship with unspeakable horrors that come alive after dark. Thankfully, Roe has found a small network of friends willing to help her out, although their strong and handsome leader seems less than excited that she is there. It is clear that being aboard the Celestial is going to be hard work, but when things turn deadly for a guest, Roe must confront the ship's true dark reality, and her family's connection to it.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a fantasy young adult fiction novel set in the fictional land of Tamarynth, where Morphics exist, each with their own abilities. There are shifters, enhancers, emotives, illusives, time winders, crafters, menders, alchemers, and of course, resurrectors such as Roe. If a Morphic is determined to be too dangerous, their Morphia is taken, which is the exact fate Roe is wanting to avoid. For Roe, being a Morphic is everything, and she cannot imagine what her life would be like if she was not one. With the majority of the action taking place on the Celestial, readers will also get to see different parts of Tamarynth, and plenty of magical displays.

My Verdict: What drew me to this book was the idea of a ship where the guests can have magical experiences such as creating artwork that moves, and flying over the water with magical wings, but for the workers, conditions are brutal and the work is beyond demanding. While the book certainly delivers on that front, what I did not expect was for the horrors of the Celestial to be as horrific as they are. Many of the descriptions are more gross than they are terrifying, and the reasons for why the ship becomes so dangerous at night are not exactly clear. Neither are the motivations of the villain for their exact course of action. Ultimately, the overall adventure is entertaining and not at all predictable, with the story leading readers through a world of fearful magic. 

Favorite Moment: The guests that Roe must work for on the Celestial are privileged and demanding, but she does get a glimpse into their humanity at key moments.

Favorite Character: Alana is an emotive who is key to helping Roe get acclimated to the Celestial.

Recommended Reading: I realize I recommend this book often, but Emily J. Taylor's Hotel Magnifique would pair fairly well with Alexandra's book. 

Young Adult Fiction: The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer & Tamara Moss

People who love escape rooms really love escape rooms. And there are those people that are also really good at them...the more challenging the better. They are elaborate puzzles that often come with a story, and a time limit that adds to the challenge. For this third week of YA Fest, The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer & Tamara Moss brings the idea of escape rooms into a reality TV game show, where teams of four teenagers compete for an ultimate prize. But things get serious when the stakes get raised, and a contestant ends up dead.

The Situation: Sierra Angelos is back for season five of The Escape Game...which has to be the twists of all twists given how season four ended. When the body of Alicia Angelos was discovered during last season's final episode, it was pretty much universally believed that Sierra, her sister, was responsible. But she is back for the new season, and her teammates are as shocked as the audience. Beck is obsessed with the show and even makes escape rooms in his own time. Carter is a math-whiz and influencer with her own impressive following. And the cryptographer Adi...did not actually want to be on the show, but his mother pulled some strings, and it does bring him closer to one of his personal goals.

The Problem: Sierra knows she will be painted as this season's villain, just like she was last season, but she is determined to find justice. This means being a team player and working with the three people she just met, even though she is pretty sure they all see her as a murderer. Add to it that her team is the one the other teams will be eager to sabotage, and things get more difficult. When the clues start showing up, and not the ones that are related to the show, but the ones related to the very real murder of season four, everyone realizes just how high the stakes really are. The players must use their skills to stay on the show, stay alive, and find Alicia's killer.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult thriller set mostly on a set in Hollywood for the reality TV show The Escape Game. The four main characters, Sierra, Beck, Carter, and Adi, are set to participate in the fifth season of the show, and it is a highly anticipated season given that season four ended with the murder of Sierra's sister, Alicia. Each chapter is told from the point of view of one of the main four, with the occasional interview or map of an escape room placed in between. Given that the book includes escape rooms as part of a bigger murder mystery, there are plenty of puzzles and riddles that both the characters and readers have a chance to work through, including one letter that can be read by holding the book up to a mirror. 

My Verdict: I expected twists and turns, the occasional red herring, more than a few betrayals, and perhaps even a surprisingly touching or heartfelt moment, but there is a lot going on in this book. I am happy to report that the actual escape rooms for the game show do play a big part in the story and do not end up being an afterthought, even when it becomes clear that there is so much more happening. And each character has their own history and motivation for being on the show, and a reason for why they specialize in what they do. If I had any issue with the book, it would be how often readers may have to employ the suspension of disbelief. But overall, this is a fun mystery and adventure.

Favorite Moment: There is a moment when Carter rises to meet a challenge that nearly everyone (including Carter) believed she could not do.

Favorite Character: This is a grab bag of flawed people, but Adi has his moments of both genius and redemption.

Recommended Reading: I recommend One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus.

Young Adult Fiction: Carnival Fantástico by Angela Montoya

We roll right into the second week of YA Fest with Angela Montoya's Carnival Fantástico. This year's San Antonio Book Festival allowed me the pleasure of meeting the author and having my book signed, further adding to my excitement for the story inside. With the dazzling cover art and the promising premise, I knew this was going to be a page-turning adventure.

The Situation: If Esmerelda hopes to secure a future that does not involve time in jail or a life on the run, then she must become the top act in the Big Top Show at Carnival Fantástico. Currently, she is serving as the carnival's fortune-teller, using her cleverness and boldness to gather just enough information about her patrons before feeding them a future she does not actually see. Becoming the top act means not only being invited into a competition, but also being able to meet three challenges and impress the ageless ringmaster, Ángel Veracruz. Esmerelda is ready to do whatever it takes and let nothing ruin her chances, not even the reappearance of the only boy she ever loved.

The Problem: Ignacio is desperate to find evidence of his father's crimes. He never thought the search would lead him to Carnival Fantástico, but key clues pointed in the direction of the magical show, and Ignacio believes someone there can tell him the real reason his father has kept his country and his people involved in an ongoing and terrible war. When he finds Esmerelda, he has to focus if he hopes to succeed in his quest, but her previous betrayal, and his current feelings, are making that difficult. They manage to come to an agreement: If she helps him expose his father, then he will help her become the lead act. But neither of them know that the carnival holds bigger and older secrets than they thought possible.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction novel that I have seen tagged as fantasy, romance, and of course, romantasy. Set in the early 1900s in the fictional land of Costa Mayor, Esmerelda is a young woman who is ten months into her one-year contract with the magical Carnival Fantástico, though she is desperate to stay on, for her own safety. Not only has Ignacio defected from his father's army, but he has joined a resistance movement and is desperate to expose the war for what it really is. The two teenagers have now found each other after a painful separation that left both sides extremely hurt and angry, but they realize they have a better chance of achieving their goals together than they do apart.

My Verdict: This is the kind of romantasy I can get behind. I love the setting of the carnival. I love that it travels by train (I love trains...) as it moves about the country. I love that those that enter the carnival are encouraged to dress up in costume. I loved all of the animals and how nearly each one was given a distinct personality and traits. And I loved that the initial story was not the whole story, and that even the secrets in this book have their own secrets. It is a magical adventure with just enough twists and turns to keep things interesting, but not exhausting. Sure, some of the characters occasionally got on my nerves, but it was often short-lived frustration, and it all pays off in the end. 

Favorite Moment: It felt incredibly satisfying when Camila confronted Esmerelda over what a terrible friend she can be.

Favorite Character: Camila is part of a strong woman show with her sister, Pilar, and the two of them also have a chance of becoming the main act in the Big Top Show. She is a good friend, a great sister, and may be loyal to a fault.

Recommended Reading: I recommend The Reader Trilogy by Traci Chee. 

Young Adult Fiction: They Call Her Regret by Channelle Desamours

It is YA Fest once again, which means all the posts for the entire month of June will be on a young adult fiction title. And to kick things off, we have They Call Her Regret by Channelle Desamours. In this speculative mystery, a young girl finds herself in a race against time after making a deal to save her friend's life.

The Situation: Simone Washington is known for her horror-themed parties, and this Halloween is her last chance to throw a memorable one before she graduates. But when she reads about the local Doll's Head Lake and the spirit that is supposed to haunt it, she decides to throw a small overnight party with only her friends just a couple of weeks before. With the help of her best friend Kira, she knows this will be a night to remember, and will probably allow for even more excitement for the ultimate Halloween bash. Or at least that was the plan until Kira had to be pulled from the lake, unresponsive, after an argument. Now Simone would do anything to change what happened, and there is a spiteful spirit that is willing to help her out, at a cost.

The Problem: Simone has 14 days to come through on her end of the bargain she made with Regret to save Kira's life. If she succeeds, not only does Kira live, but Simone will be freed from all of the regrets that have consumed her over the last few years. But should she fail, Kira will surely perish, and Simone will be the one to make it happen. The clock is ticking, and Simone must unravel the mystery of Doll's Head Lake, causing her to dig deep into the past of her town, and the disappearances that have occurred at the lake over many years. She desperately wants to succeed, while also doing what is right. But when she struggles with her own secrets and hidden truths, it is the life of her best friend that may be sacrificed.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a work of horror fiction, with a healthy amount of mystery, thriller, and paranormal worked in. On the night of her 18th birthday, Simone hosts an overnight party at her brother-in-law's cabin near Doll's Head Lake. The lake has another, much more normal name, but it is known for the collection of dolls that people have left behind for the spirit known as Regret. And it is after an unfortunate argument that Simone is forced to deal with Regret herself. There are many secrets that are dealt with, and of course regrets, along with incredible guilt, shame, and even some grief.

My Verdict: This is a short read that moves quickly, but has a lot to offer in its pages. Partying teenagers in a cabin near a lake; a vengeful spirit; creepy dolls; fortune tellers; buried secrets; and a ticking clock as time runs out towards a deadline with terrible consequences. From the beginning, Simone and her friends are pretty annoying, and a little clueless, but really, that fits when it comes to the horror theme. Things get real for everyone pretty quickly, but Simone must examine her own motivations and past, and acknowledge her own part in everything. Horror fans will have a good time, as will those who enjoy a good mystery.

Favorite Moment: The first appearance of Regret is appropriately creepy and unsettling.

Favorite Character: Everyone is dealing with some amount of regret, large or small, in this book. But Simone's friend Cory is helpful, forgiving, and kind, and can listen without interrupting or diverting.

Favorite Quote: Simone asks "Why does the cost of correcting my mistakes have to be so high?" Oh honey...

Recommended Reading: Nearly anything by Tiffany D. Jackson would work well. 

Historical Fiction: A Far-Flung Life by M.L. Stedman

One book that seemingly all historical fiction lovers were talking about back in 2012 was M.L. Stedman's The Light Between Oceans. And now, 14 years later, readers have been treated to her second novel, A Far-Flung Life. Set in mid-century Australia, the story follows the MacBride family and the life they made themselves in the vast, dry land.

The Situation: It is 1958, and three of the MacBride family members head out on a routine errand in relation to their sheep station. No on realizes that this will be the day that everything changes, and when Phil MacBride swerves to avoid hitting a kangaroo, the result is a crash that alters what was a fairly predictable trajectory for the whole family. The following years will be difficult for Matt as he recovers, while also piecing together his memories of what happened. Phil's wife, Lorna, will do her best to hold her family together, which includes their daughter. Rosie has made it a point to never accept responsibility for anything she has ever done, but the guilt over the crash continues to eat away at her.

The Problem: While Matt makes great strides in his recovery, Rosie makes one questionable decision after another, until she eventually returns home after having left abruptly months before, and with a baby in tow. Not only does Rosie refuse to name the baby's father, but she also refuses to name the baby. Many in the area feel that the MacBrides have already been through enough, but it seems fate is still not done with them, and the next few years will have Matt coming to terms with everything that has happened, while also wondering if happiness is something he can have while knowing what he knows, and having done what he did.

Genre, Theme, History: This is a historical fiction novel that begins in 1958 in western Australia, where the MacBride family is in charge of large amounts of land for their sheep station. The book will continue on through time, with the majority of the pages being devoted to 1969, where the MacBrides continue in their work, despite the unreliable weather; the threat of mining corporations hungry for what is underneath the land; and people in the community that are always keen for a bit of gossip or news. Both guilt and grief are big themes in this book, as well as secrets with enough weight that they can crush a person. And then there is the setting of a part of Australia that rarely gets the attention that the big cities on the eastern coast of the country receive, here laid out in its vastness and scale.

My Verdict: Bold and courageous narrative choices are made from the beginning in this book, and they are shocking, and devastating, and interesting, and make for a heck of a way to start what ends up being an incredible family epic. Add in the setting of the incredibly large and open western Australia landscape, and the story takes on the feel of something Steinbeck would have written. If I had one issue about the book it would be that the ending feels rushed. Readers are taken on this incredible journey through this family's trials, and it wraps up so quickly (though not cleanly) in a third part that is less than 30 pages. And there is one threat to the MacBride family's biggest secret that disappears so easily, though I do not think most readers will mind its removal.

Favorite Moment: Matt is nearly completely altered after the crash, but he turns into someone able to confront bullies with wisdom and discernment.

Favorite Character: It would be a tie between Matt and Pete Peachey, a man who roams the MacBride family's land and keeps the kangaroo population under control. 

Recommended Reading: I do recommend The Light Between Oceans for those that have not read it, as well as East of Eden by John Steinbeck. 

Science Fiction: Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin

Always on the lookout for science fiction that I will have an easier time understanding, I stumbled across Cecile Pin's Celestial Lights. An ambitious young man starts on a path that will lead him to become one of the greatest astronauts of our time, but there must be sacrifices along the way.

The Situation: Oliver Ines is born the day the Challenger space shuttle falls out of the sky. Little does he or anyone else know that one day he would be launched into space on an ambitious and historical mission. When he is young he excels at math and science, and eventually receives a prestigious scholarship in order to continue his university studies. After a few years in the navy, Oliver will be given the opportunity to become an astronaut and go to space, something he perhaps had been dreaming about as a kid when he covered his bedroom in glow-in-the-dark wallpaper made to look like the stars. But as Oliver continues to advance his career, his personal relationships take a hit.

The Problem: When Oliver agreed to be one of four astronauts aboard Talos for the Phoenix mission, he knew the risks, including that he would be away for ten years. This means ten years away from his aging parents, as well as ten years away from his wife, and their young son. It is while aboard Talos that he begins to look back over his life: the first time he met his wife, Philly; his days at the university; his time in the Navy; and of course, becoming a husband and father. Oliver does not know what life will be like when he finally does return to Earth, or what all will be waiting for him. But he has made his decision and must focus on the mission.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a science fiction novel set during modern day, moving into the 2030s. In the book, mankind has managed to advance space exploration to the point of sending astronauts to one of Jupiter's moons, Europa, though the journey will take ten years round trip. At the center of the novel is Oliver Ines, the first-person narrator who tells all about his early life, ambitions, experiences, relationships, and finally, his trip to space. Placed between the chapters are entries from the log Oliver kept while in space, showing the interactions on board between the astronauts, including the discussions, arguments, and the difficult decisions that had to be made.

My Verdict: This book is an interesting look at what can lead people to make seemingly impossible decisions, or what can lead them down a path that we may not be able to imagine for ourselves. Oliver is a complicated character in some ways, but in others he is not. He is an ambitious and intelligent and capable man who becomes the commander of a historic space mission, though possibly at a great price. This book manages to look at the situation from several angles, using several characters to do so, including the other astronauts and their families and friends. It is also a picture of the truths (and lies) we are willing to look away from in order to do what we do. This is a short (less than 250 pages) but powerful book with just enough space exploration to satisfy the space-obsessed.

Favorite Moment: There are small moments when Oliver realizes how other people see him, which causes him to re-evaluate his own behavior. 

Favorite Character: Oliver's wife Philly does not seem afraid to call things as they are, even if it is painful. 

Recommended Reading: Andy Weir's The Martian would be a great follow-up. 

Historical Fiction: Frida's Cook by Florencia Etcheves

The title of today's book is what initially caught my attention, followed by the captivating cover. The synopsis on the book jacket mentioned a mystery surrounding a painting a young woman finds among her dead grandmother's belongings. Frida's Cook by Florencia Etcheves is a book that spans decades, telling the fictional story of a woman's life during and after her time with one of the most recognized and celebrated artists in history.

The Situation: In Mexico City in 1939, a young Nayeli Cruz mourns the disappearance of her sister from her life. She decides she does not desire the same fate - to be married off to a man in whom she has no interest - and runs away from home. After being spotted by the artist Frida Kahlo outside of her Caza Azul, the young girl is invited into the painter's life and becomes her cook. This new position allows Nayeli to witness Kahlo's tumultuous relationship with Diego Rivera, as well as her health struggles. In Buenos Aires in 2018, Paloma Cruz mourns the death of Nayeli, her grandmother and the woman that raised her. Found among her grandmother's things is a painting depicting a young nude Nayeli. It is this painting that will send Paloma on a journey to discover her grandmother's secrets. 

The Problem: The discovery of the painting may have piqued Paloma's curiosity, but it also causes the young woman pain, as it becomes clear that there are some things she did not know about her grandmother. As she seeks out the identity of the person who painted her grandmother all those years ago, she enters into a mystery filled with secrets and betrayal, while also putting herself in danger. Nayeli may have been Frida Kahlo's cook, but the two women formed a bond that will shape the rest of the young woman's life. And the painting holds more secrets than Paloma initially realizes.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel set both in mid-century Mexico City, and modern-day Buenos Aires. In Mexico City, Nayeli will leave her home and find herself employed by Frida Kahlo. In Buenos Aires, Paloma will discover the painting of her grandmother by a mystery artist, and this discovery will set off a chain of events Paloma could have never anticipated. There are long-buried secrets that will come to light, and a hidden history that a granddaughter will learn about her grandmother. The story looks closely at the relationship between Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, as Nayeli is able to witness nearly every argument and intense interaction between the two.

My Verdict: Both stories - the one that begins in 1939 and the one in modern-day Buenos Aires - are intriguing in the beginning. Following a young girl as she runs away from home, and who ends up being taken in by one of the world's most famous painters is a fascinating premise. And a mystery surrounding an old and possibly priceless painting is always exciting. But somewhere along the way, and maybe it was the myriad of twists and turns and deceitful characters, I found myself less interested in Paloma's story and her journey with her grandmother's painting. I would have rather stayed with Nayeli in Mexico City as she lived and worked with Kahlo. And to me, the endings for both stories were neither shocking nor remarkable. 

Favorite Moment: I always enjoy when young characters realize that their parents and grandparents had a whole life before they came along. 

Favorite Character: I pick Frida Kahlo as my favorite character, mostly because every time she enters the page, even when she is struggling due to illness or injury, the image I have of her is as someone filled with and surrounded by intense color.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez. 

Nonfiction: You with the Sad Eyes by Christina Applegate

Late 2025 is when I first saw mention of Christina Applegate's memoir You with the Sad Eyes, and I was immediately interested and excited. This actress has a career that spans longer than my lifetime, as she has been in the business since she was incredibly young. In this book, she talks all about it, and more, completely lifting the curtain on a life lived in front of the camera, but filled with personal struggles few got to see.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a book of nonfiction that is all about the woman that is Christina Applegate, and her over five decades-long career in Hollywood. It begins with her early life in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles, which is where she still resides to this day. And while many were introduced to her through her character of Kelly Bundy on Married...with Children, Applegate had been working and supporting herself and her mother through her acting for years before that. This book deals with her often chaotic home life; her body dysmorphia and harsh inner critic (not to mention the human critics who would comment on her work); as well as her experience with abuse and abandonment; all before her career came to an abrupt end after her multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

My Verdict: I knew reading this book was going to be an intense experience, but I was not fully prepared for what I would find on these pages. There are only two books that have caused me to stop mid-read, close the book, and stare off into the distance because of something that was revealed (points if anyone can guess which books they were). Applegate's book is now the third. Not even one-third of the way in, and a truth is revealed that sent me reeling. As any memoir should be, this book is honest and open, but also full of humor, because Applegate admits that despite everything, she has no interest in just crying all of the time. She tells the entire uncomfortable truth about her life up to this point, and truly believes that "books make people feel less alone."

Favorite Moment: At one point Applegate is describing her wedding, which she meticulously planned, and it is a great picture of someone intent of having the perfect event, while creating a not-that-fun experience, and she herself admits it.

Recommended Reading: Yes Please by Amy Poehler would be a great follow-up.   

Young Adult Fiction: A Stage Set for Villains by Shannon J. Spann

Once in a great while I will take a chance on a book that for whatever reason is not something I would normally pick, usually because it may lean too far into fantasy or romance for me. Oddly enough, Shannon J. Spann's A Stage Set for Villains is both, but the premise is intriguing. Set in a land where performers at an enchanted Playhouse are dangerous and feared, a young woman takes an enormous risk by joining them. 

The Situation: Eighteen year-old Riven Hesper fears both the Players and their Playhouse, just as she has been taught to do as a resident of the North. She also has a terrible memory of being attacked and cursed by a Player ten years ago, and it is a curse that has alienated her from everyone, including members of her family. Also, it is slowly killing her. Then an opportunity is presented to her: a chance to not only be healed, but maybe even exact some revenge. The Playhouse is offering a chance for one person to steal a Player's immortality, all they have to do is win a competition. Truly, Riven has little to lose, and she may even get some answers.

The Problem: It is clear that the competition will be difficult, and dangerous. Riven is one of five competitors, each being mentored by one of the Players, and her mentor just happens to be the charming and merciless Lead Player, Jude. But in the Playhouse, nothing is quite as it seems, and the more secrets Riven uncovers, the less her life, including her place in this competition, seems to make sense. It is also clear that this competition is something bigger, grander, and more horrifying than she initially thought. What is certain is the scripts have power; memories cannot be trusted; and we cannot always be sure we are the hero in the story.

Genre, Themes. History: This is a work of fiction set in the land of Theatron, where an expiring treaty had banished the Playhouse and its fearsome Players to the South, keeping them from having an audience in the North. The Players are beings with incredible power, actors that can only survive if they have an audience, though they are often cruel and unforgiving when wielding their power. At the center of the story is Riven, who was cursed by a Player ten years ago and is desperate to reverse it. The chapters are broken up across three 'Acts' with an intermission between the first and second one, and the book even ends with a curtain call and encore. 

My Verdict: A lot happens in this book, and what is refreshing about it is that the author allows over 500 pages for all of that action to take place. There is plenty of room for these characters to run around and have their adventures, with almost none of it feeling rushed. Sure, there are some parts that are maybe given too much space, and the twists and turns can be tricky to navigate, but readers are never left behind. The world that Spann has built comes through in just enough detail without getting bogged down, and it is a world that is complicated, but not overly so, and with plenty of magic and wonder to satisfy a fantasy reader. 

Favorite Moment: I enjoyed the initial introduction of the five Players and their different characteristics. 

Favorite Character: Titus is my favorite Player. He is big, loud, brash, boarish, and thoroughly insecure...and he knows it and does not care.

Recommended Reading: Some aspects of this book did remind me Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor.

Historical Fiction: Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson

This year has already had a lot to offer when it comes to historical fiction, but I went ahead and decided on Sadeqa Johnson's Keeper of Lost Children for my next selection. The book follows the story of three different people, whose lives all center around occupied Germany in the 1950s. Decisions are made that will change all three lives forever, leading to an incredible story about love and identity.

The Situation: In 1965 Maryland, young Sophia Clark is worked to the bone on her parents' farm, and cannot imagine a life beyond it. But everything changes seemingly overnight when she finds out she is the recipient of a scholarship that allows her to attend the prestigious, formerly all-white West Oak Forest Academy. Sophia may not feel like she fits in at the fancy boarding school, but she never truly felt like she fit in on the farm either. And after a chance conversation with a fellow student, she is set on the path to find out why, and what she discovers changes everything she thought she knew about herself.

The Problem: In 1950s Germany, Ethel Gathers finally feels like she has a purpose, and it involves a local orphanage full of children with American GI fathers and German mothers. Unable to have children of her own, Ethel puts all of her effort in making sure these children are cared for, even doing what she can to have them adopted into loving families in the U.S, despite the road block that is German bureaucracy. Meanwhile, Ozzie is stationed in Manheim, having left the racism back home in Philadelphia only to be faced with racism abroad, though he does find solace in a relationship with a young German woman. The lives of Sophia, Ethel, and Ozzie will interconnect in a way none of them ever imagined, as surprise discoveries and buried secrets reveal a fascinating story.

Genre, Themes, History: This book is a work of historical fiction set between the years of 1948 to 1968. In 1948, Ozzie begins his assignment in Germany, while in 1950, Ethel first takes notice of the orphanage housing the mixed-race children born to Black American GIs and German women. In 1965, Sophia is given the chance to attend an elite boarding school, which is the beginning of her own journey of self-discovery and identity. The chapters are all told by a third-person narrator, but switch focus between the three different characters. A picture is drawn of what racial dynamics were like in both the U.S. and Germany immediately following the de-segregation of some schools and even the army.

My Verdict: I always wonder how a narrative will play out when the focus changes between different characters, much less characters in different locations and time periods. But Johnson manages to get it done and craft a story that is not only interesting, but it is the kind of subject that can cause a reader to want to learn more. The story gives a face and history (though fictional) to a fairly common occurrence that few know about. The characters are well thought-out, and every moment and interaction seems carefully planned to lead to the overall discovery. Historical fiction lovers will surely appreciate this story of family and love.

Favorite Moment: Sophia's mother, Ma Deary, is not exactly the lovey, motherly type. Her main communication with her children involves giving them orders around the farm. But despite her wrath being a source of fear most of Sophia's life, the young girl does eventually stand up to her.

Favorite Character: Ethel does the impossible for the children at the orphanage, in a time when most were content to only do enough to take care of themselves. 

Recommended Reading: I recommend The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan.

Contemporary Fiction: The Astral Library by Kate Quinn

Historical Fiction writer Kate Quinn has done something a little bit different from her previous books, this time leaning towards fantasy with The Astral Library. Readers will still have the opportunity to visit history, but this time only through the scenes and settings of classic works of fiction, as the protagonist moves from book to book in order to save a special library.

The Situation: Alix Watson understands that life is not fair. Her childhood in the foster-care system taught her that people will often let you down. In fact, she was placed in foster care after her mother ran off without her, following a man who was not interested in "the whole kid thing." Now Alix is 26 years old, working three dead end jobs, and has pretty much given up on the idea of ever attending college. One of her few joys is the reading room in the Boston Public Library. Alix has always loved books and big words, and the library is one of the few places in the world someone with little money can hang around for free. And one day, Alix stumbles through a hidden door, and finds that the library is even more magical than she realized.

The Problem: Beyond the magical door is the Librarian, who explains to Alix that she has been chosen, and she will have the opportunity to live inside of a book of her choosing, effectively leaving her old life behind. Alix is all for it and makes preparations, only for an enemy to begin attacking the library and its inhabitants. According to the Librarian, the last time this happened, it was because someone was after the people who had managed to escape their old lives to live in books. So Alix and the Librarian fight back, but this enemy is different. And defeating it may involve more than simply moving patrons to a safer place.

Genre, Themes, History: This book is a work of fiction that involves a magical library that allows people to literally escape into the pages of their favorite book. It begins in Boston where Alix lives and works, as the reading room at the Boston Public Library is one of her favorite places. And through her adventures, she has the opportunity to visit Sherlock Holmes' London, the world of Jane Austen, and the even Gatsby's parties. But Alix will also have to deal with the bureaucratic process, the intense fervor of a book-banner, and the ever-present whispers of both modernization and monetization.

My Verdict: What could be more alluring to any reader out there than the idea of being able to step into and walk around inside of a book? Even for only a little while. What Alix has been offered is a dream come true, and somehow, the magic of the moment does not quite come across. It could be Alix's rough edges, put there by her mother's abandonment and the harsh realities of a childhood in the foster-care system, as well as her current reality of barely being able to make ends meet. But even as she moves around from book to book, following the mysterious and stern Librarian, the movements feel dull, and any remaining magic becomes overshadowed by the author's message.

Favorite Moment: One thing this book accurately portrays is the terrifying power of a librarians "Shhh."

Favorite Character: Dennis is a ghost that lives in the Astral Library, and has apparently never quite been able to finish War and Peace, despite having tried many many times. I get it Dennis...that book is great but it is also a slog.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Sosuke Natsukawa's The Cat Who... series.

Science Fiction: Operation Bounce House by Matt Dinniman

Matt Dinniman, author of the popular Dungeon Crawler Carl series, has released a new science fiction adventure, Operation Bounce House. The premise promised a battle involving mechs on a distant planet, a planet that humans have managed to inhabit and populate. I missed the boat on the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, so I was excited to experience Dinniman's writing for the first time.

The Situation: Oliver Lewis simply wants to run the family farm, and maybe attend the occasional band practice with his friends, though they rarely end up practicing. His life on New Sonora is simple, but busy, and he is surrounded by close friends and family, including his little sister Lulu, his best friend Sam, and his girlfriend Rosita. Then there is Roger, the AI bot that runs everything, and the thing that Oliver's grandfather told him and his sister to protect at all costs. In fact, that is rule #1 of the ten rules Grandpa Lewis drilled into his grandchildren, with rule #10 being more than a little cryptic. But Roger has no idea how crucial his grandfather's words will become in just a few short hours.

The Problem: While the settlers of New Sonora were promised peace and the chance to live unbothered, it seems the plan has changed, as large weaponized machines begin appearing on the planet. There had been some news of this possibility in the days before, but Oliver had more or less ignored the warnings, choosing to continue on with life as usual. Now a mech is here, and appears to be piloted by...a child? With Roger's help, Oliver and his friends soon learn all about Operation Bounce House, a game the citizens of Earth can sign up for if they wish to have a chance to help the government rid New Sonora of what they are telling people are 'terrorists.' Poor Oliver is a simple farmer, not even a soldier, and certainly not a terrorist. But he and his friends have to come up with a plan, and fast. Otherwise, the only life he has ever known or wanted is about to end.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a science fiction novel set in a distant time on a distant planet known as New Sonora. Twenty-five year-old Oliver Lewis lives and works on his family's farm close to a place known as Burnt Ends, where some people settled after arriving on ships from Earth many decades ago. On New Sonora, it is mostly grandparents with their 20 something grandchildren, and very few young kids, as a mysterious disease took the lives of the generation that Oliver's parents belonged to. Civilization managed to push past that threat, only to now be confronted with mechs piloted by gamers, streamers, and simply those with a lot of money, ready to take everyone out as part of a game. Issues regarding AI are discussed at length, as well as what humankind will do to justify a war, the toxicity of internet trolls, and how animals always garner the most sympathy.

My Verdict: As with nearly every science fiction book I read, I am not going to pretend to understand every little thing that went on in these pages. And it was a nice touch for Dinniman to make the protagonist Oliver almost as confused as I was. But the explanations, mostly provided by Roger, were more than thorough and served to show just how advanced everything had become - even when it came to the simple farming life Oliver lived - while also portraying the danger of what was happening, and what it would truly mean if Operation Bounce House succeeded. It is a fun novel where some pretty serious stuff happens, that points to equally serious implications of a lot of things happening on Earth right now.

Favorite Moment: Pretty early on in the battle, Roger proves incredibly (and disturbingly) adept at spewing colorful insults at gamers and streamers.

Favorite Character: Sam is a goofball and a little bit of an idiot, but he is earnest, and committed, and willing to fight what appears to be a losing battle for his home on New Sonora.

Recommended Reading: Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game immediately comes to mind, as well as In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune.

Contemporary Fiction: The Elsewhere Express by Samantha Sotto Yambao

After reading last year's Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao, I looked forward to what would come next from the author. And when I first caught sight of the cover art for The Elsewhere Express, I was thrilled to see that it would seemingly involve trains. Combining the author's imagination with my favorite mode of transportation seemed like a dream come true, and I could not wait to dive in.

The Situation: Raya was born to fulfill a very specific purpose, but when her brother died, that purpose seemingly went with him, along with her dream of being a songwriter. Now she is barreling her way through medical school, surviving on all of the junk food she was not allowed to have as a child. Q is a celebrated artist still angry and grieving over the tragic death of his father. And if life had not already been cruel enough, he is losing his sight, which means his artistic career is nearly over. While strangers in life, Raya and Q will each find themselves swept aboard the Elsewhere Express, a train full of impossible scenes, and cryptic instructions.

The Problem: According to the conductor, the passengers that find themselves aboard the Elsewhere Express are souls adrift without a clear purpose. Raya is immediately intent on finding a way off the train, while Q believes he would like to stay. After all, on the Elsewhere Express, Q is able to see again, and would rather live in this reality than the one he has left behind. But while the train may have a pharmacist that can concoct a tonic that will make people forget painful memories; and a boarding car that resembles a meadow; and compartments that are personalized to the inhabitant; it also has secrets. And it seems a danger has followed Raya and Q onboard, threatening the peace and safety of the train.

Genre, Themes, History: This novel is a work of fiction with the action taking place mostly onboard the Elsewhere Express, a train that never stops moving, and picks up people who feel they have no purpose in their lives. Every train car is different, with few of them even resembling train cars as we know them. Raya may have lost her sense of purpose after her brother died, but she is not interested in staying on the Elsewhere Express. But Q is an artist who is losing his sight, and the Elsewhere Express has allowed him to see again. He cannot imagine returning to a life where that is not true. The novel deals with grief and searching and longing, while also playing with the nature of time and movement.

My Verdict: I love trains, so the book already had major points in its favor. And the Elsewhere Express is a mystical train where it seems nearly anything is possible, and each car contains a different wonder that must be explained. While the grief that Raya and Q are experiencing is relatable and heartbreaking, the constant wonders and fantastic experiences that can be found aboard the train only served to make the story less and less interesting. There was little time allowed to become invested in each new thing, and the ongoing changes only caused me to feel lost, before I eventually gave up attempting to follow the narrative thread. 

Favorite Moment: Each chapter of the book begins with what is said to be a frequently asked question from "The Elsewhere Express Passenger Handbook" and I thought it was an incredibly clever way to title the chapters and introduce what they might include.

Favorite Character: Rasmus is a large man who has been onboard the train for a long time, and even has other versions of himself wandering around in it.

Recommended Reading: I recommend the author's previous novel, Water Moon. 

Nonfiction: The Flower Bearers by Rachel Eliza Griffiths

It was the description on the book jacket that got me on this one, as well as the fact that the author is the fifth wife of famous writer Salman Rushdie. I was in search of a "serious" memoir, and Rachel Eliza Griffiths' The Flower Bearers would prove to fulfil the purpose.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a nonfiction book written by poet and visual artist Rachel Eliza Griffiths. It is a memoir that focuses most specifically on her relationship with her best friend, poet Kamilah Aisha Moon, who passed away suddenly on the day of Griffith's wedding to author Salman Rushdie. Less than a year later, Rushdie would be brutally attacked while speaking at an event, nearly losing his life after being stabbed multiple times. Griffith's book is about the two momentous events, and so much more, including the pandemic, the death of her mother, and her mental health struggles in the midst of all of it.

My Verdict: I admire any author who is able to pack so much life and story and introspection into less than 350 pages. Not only does Griffith talk about her relationship with and the death of Moon, as well as her marriage to Rushdie, but she examines her childhood with the mother that would not live to see the wedding, and discusses in depth her own experience with dissociative identity disorder. In a book that talks about being the fifth wife of a famous author, and the grisly attempt on his life, it is strange how that is not even the most interesting part of the book. Plus, there is Griffith's own writing and poetry that is discussed, as well as Moon's. It is a stunning memoir that is surprisingly easy to read, given the content, while also being heartbreaking, and ultimately quite joyful.

Favorite Moment: I enjoyed reading about Griffiths' time in college, in particular her years at Sarah Lawrence with Moon.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Alice Walker's In Search of Our Mothers' Gardens, as Walker was a favorite author of Moon's. 

Young Adult Fiction: Beth Is Dead by Katie Bernet

Not to judge a book by its cover, but I totally judged this book by its cover. I mean, look at it. The eye-catching pink and impossible to ignore blood dripping off of the letters. And then, that first word in the title...somehow I knew that the Beth in Beth Is Dead by Katie Bernet was the third March sister in the classic novel Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Usually I am not big on retellings or reimaginings, but after reading the premise, I knew I had to give this book a try.

The Situation: Ever since their dad published a book with his four daughters as the main focus, the lives of the March sisters has not been the same. By far his most popular book, Little Women tells a fictionalized story of their lives, and there are readers who love it, and plenty who hate it. Many protested the idea of a man writing about girls. Others believe it was exploitive...and included in that number are at least two of his own daughters. There is the attractive and responsible Meg; ambitious and driven Jo; the party girl screw-up Amy, whom every reader of the book loves to hate; and then Beth. Sweet angelic Beth, who dies at the end of her father's book. The controversy surrounding the book drives Mr. March into hiding, and life moves on as well as it can, until life decides to imitate art, and Beth is found dead.

The Problem: It was New Year's Eve, and while Meg is away at Harvard, Beth and Amy attend a friend's annual New Year's Eve party, as Jo stays home, content to work on her writing. But Amy comes back alone, and when Beth is still gone in the morning, she and Jo go out to look for her, only to discover unimaginable tragedy. Now with a murder investigation underway, the three remaining March sisters find themselves once again in the public eye, and due to the chaos of the night, seemingly everyone is a suspect. What becomes clear, is that everyone also has secrets they do not want uncovered by nosy detectives, including the surviving March sisters. 

Genre, Themes, History: This is a work of fiction that focuses on the March sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, from the Louis May Alcott novel Little Women, originally published in two volumes in 1868 and 1869. Each chapter is from the point of view of one of the sisters, including Beth, and is either set 'Then,' before Beth's death, or 'Now,' after she has died. Bernet brings the sisters into the modern era by giving them cell phones, social media accounts, email addresses, etc. But she also makes Jo's ambition a little more caustic, and turns Amy into a rebellious teenager who is constantly being suspended from school. The sisters also do not get along as well as they did in the classic novel, but they must work to stick together if they are going to find out what really happened to Beth.

My Verdict: I will first say that it has been years since I have read Alcott's classic novel, but I do remember enjoying it, and can recall enough to know that the sisters in Bernet's novel are very different, but with many similarities. The main similarity is that in both books, *spoiler alert for those who have not read the original* Beth dies. And while the original novel paints a picture of a sisterhood that many would envy, the girls in this book made me glad that I only had a brother. Die hard purists may have a hard time with how the sisters are presented against a modern day backdrop, but if readers can allow themselves to have fun with the premise and get a little lost in the mystery, I think they will enjoy hearing from the different sisters and seeing the drama unfold. 

Favorite Moment: Throughout the book, Beth is often seen as the forgotten sister, or at the very least, the one few are interested in. This is mostly because of the way her father portrayed her in his novel, so it was nice to see the moments when she would stand up herself, assert her own opinion, and go for what she wanted.

Favorite Character: Beth is an easy choice, but I will also pick Meg. She has her flaws and makes more than a few questionable decisions, but she takes her role as the oldest sister seriously and shows up for her family.

Recommended Reading: Naturally, I recommend Alcott's original book, as well as Tiffany D. Jackson's The Weight of Blood, a retelling of Stephen King's Carrie. 

Historical Fiction: The Seven Daughters of Dupree by Nikesha Elise Williams

What readers can expect from The Seven Daughters of Dupree by Nikesha Elise Williams is a multi-generational tale following a long line of women who each have their own story to tell; however, those stories follow a familiar thread, and a curse passed down though each generation.

The Situation: It is 1995 and if there is one thing Tati knows, it is that Sunday is when her grandmother, Gladys, will come into her daughter Nadia's basement to have her hair done before Sunday church service. The two will trade barbed words and back-handed comments until it is time for Gladys to leave, but Tati still will not be any closer to learning the one truth she has been chasing her entire life. Nadia refuses to tell her daughter anything about her father, and Gladys is keeping her mouth shut too. As Tati begins to dig, she will uncover secrets that go even further back than Gladys' past, and the real reason she left Lands End, Alabama all those years ago.

The Problem: Tati may be understandably desperate to know about the father she never met, but the truth may be worse than disappointing, perhaps even devastating. Every woman in the Dupree family line has had to confront their own history and pain, beginning with an unnamed woman who risked everything for a chance to be free. Evangeline did what she could to help Emma, and was pivotal in helping to bring Jubi into the world. But Jubi's own decisions, and Ruby's mere existence, would be its own tale filled with gossip and secrets whispered from porch to porch among neighbors. With Gladys as the oldest living Dupree woman, it is her decision whether to give up what she knows to her daughter and granddaughter.

Genre, Themes, History: This book is a work of historical fiction that tells the story of seven generations of women. The book opens in 1995, focusing on Gladys, Nadia, and Tati, but goes as far back as 1860 when Emma's mother is captured. Each woman's story is eventually revealed by a third-person narrator, though they are not told in chronological order, and most of the focus is placed on Tati and her desire to find out about her father. And the 'Dupree' in the title refers to Zephaniah Foster Dupree, the man who was master over Evangeline and Emma (and also Emma's father) before the Civil War changed their status as property, and who ended up leaving everything he had to them. 

My Verdict: With the stories of seven women to tell (though eight really), I knew there was going to be a lot of ground to cover, and some of it incredibly painful. And yet, what is found on these pages is somehow heavy, but not burdensome. There are moments that merit more than a grimace or wince, but they are in service to the story of these resilient women. While I did find myself more interested in what Tati was dealing with, each woman's story is necessary and adds to a novel that is both compelling and fascinating. 

Favorite Moment: Jubi makes a decision to not only confront the truth of her actions, but also the man who insisted on removing her from his life, despite their long history together.

Favorite Character: Tati has a tough time of it when it comes to dealing with her mother and grandmother. She has witnessed Nadia and Gladys' caustic behavior towards each other all her life, while also getting nowhere when it comes to information on her father. Her frustration is understandable, as is her stubbornness, and I could not help but cheer her on.

Recommended Reading: I recommend Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson. 

Nonfiction: 99 Ways to Die by Ashely Alker

The title of Dr. Ashley Alker's book, 99 Ways to Die: And How to Avoid Them, definitely got me interested, and the table of contents looked to be a wide range of ways to die, going from some that come to mind immediately, to those that are not usually top of mind, but no less deadly.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a nonfiction book written by emergency medicine physician Dr. Ashely Alker. Across 13 sections, topics range from infections to heart diseases to brain diseases to sex to poison to crime to warfare, just to name a few. Each section is then further broken down into specific topics, so the section on locomotion goes more into detail regarding cars, planes, and even ATVs. As a doctor in the emergency department, Alker has many personal stories from working in hospitals, but also several anecdotes from her travels around the world. And while there is a lot being discussed, specifically 99 ways a person can die, this still is not all the ways a human being can die, so a reader's personal topic of interest still may not be covered.

My Verdict: Despite the title of the book being very clear about what is in its pages, I was honestly surprised by the sheer amount of information that Alker provides. The book hits the ground running with the first section being on infections, followed by a section of vaccine-preventable diseases. By the time the latter part of the book is reached, and the reader finds themselves learning about death by volcano, so much wisdom has been imparted, not only about survival in general, but also about different causes of death in different countries. And while Alker's stories are often funny, some are heartbreaking, even devastating, but all are shared for the purpose of education and warning.

Favorite Chapter: My favorite section in general was on animals, although it would have been the section on locomotion had there been a chapter about trains. I love trains...

Favorite Quote: "Understandably, patients are nervous about sharing sexual history, but unless the findings are subject to mandatory reporting, your information is protected. Doctors understand sexual emergencies are traumatic for patients, but the last patient put a gun in his pocket and accidentally blew his penis off, so whatever you have cannot shock the emergency department. We've seen it. We've heard it. We are too desensitized and exhausted to have an opinion about it." - from the chapter on Sexually Transmitted Infections: Gonorrhea & Chlamydia. 

Recommended Reading: I recommend John Green's Everything Is Tuberculosis, which is briefly mentioned in Alker's book.

Contemporary Fiction: The Cat Who Saved the Library by Sosuke Natsukawa

Last week's post was all about Sosuke Natsukawa's The Cat Who Saved Books, so it was only natural to follow-up with the sequel, The Cat Who Saved the Library. Readers are reintroduced to the haughty talking tabby cat, who once again needs help on a mysterious and dangerous mission involving books.

The Situation: For 13 year-old Nanami Kosaki, the library is the best place in the world. Not only does she love books and love to read, but the library was once the place she would visit all the time with her dad, who is now often busy working. For Nanami, the library has remained her second home, especially since her chronic asthma makes it difficult to for her to do anything that puts any strain on her body. She is so familiar with the library and the books on its shelves that she notices several books have gone missing. The old librarian insists there is nothing wrong, as the nature of a library is for books to come and go. But Nanami is certain there are books missing, and that a strange man she sometimes sees among the shelves is to blame.

The Problem: When Nanami decides to play detective and follow the strange man, she knows she must be careful because of her asthma. While tracking him through the library, a place she knows almost as well as she knows her own home, she comes across a strange passageway she has never seen before, one in which the rows of shelves seem to go on forever. And when she begins to have a conversation with a talking cat, Nanami knows she is now on an adventure like she could have never imagined. The cat may need help, but he remains dubious if Nanami is up to it, until he sees how determined she is. But the young girl will have to hold onto that determination, as the enemy is powerful, persuasive, manipulative, and determined to make books disappear.

Genre, Themes, History: This book is the second in The Cat Who...Series, and once again involves Tiger the talking tabby cat. While the first book focused on Rintaro, a high school boy who worked at his grandfather's bookshop, this time the reader follows Nanami, an eighth grade girl with fragile health who loves books. Like Rintaro, Nanami believes that books hold power, and is determined to save them. Across four sections, Nanami will follow the talking cat down a strange passageway and encounter a place where books are being taken to ultimately be destroyed. And even though Nanami is only 13, she will have to contemplate the human experience, why books are needed, and even reflect on her own life up to this point.

My Verdict: I was excited to see in what direction this second book in the series was going to go and was pleasantly surprised by the primary setting being moved to a library. While many things are different about this book, including having the focus on young Nanami instead of our previous hero, Rintaro, much has remained the same, including Tiger the talking tabby, and the ultimate goal of saving books. The story is fun while also being serious in the right places, and the questions it asks are important while also not taking away from the fantastic aspects. And Nanami may be smart and determined, but she is also young and therefore understandably confused by several parts of her journey.

Favorite Moment: When it seems a way forward is not possible, Nanami has a crucial conversation with her father that changes everything.

Favorite Character: Nanami is aware of her limitations, but moves forward anyway, understanding that the journey may not be easy, but it will be worth it. 

Recommended Reading: I recommend Haruki Murakami's The City and Its Uncertain Walls.

Contemporary Fiction: The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa

Coming across this book's sequel in the 'New Releases' section of a bookstore is what eventually led me to today's review. Sosuke Natsukawa's The Cat Who Saved Books is the first of two books in a series (so far) and is about exactly what the title suggests. As a young man prepares to close up and leave his grandfather's bookshop, he is visited by a strange talking cat that presents him with a bizarre mission.

The Situation: The two constants in young Rintaro's life were his grandfather, and his grandfather's secondhand bookshop, Natsuki Books. But now Rintaro's grandfather has passed away, and the young high schooler has begun skipping school, instead focusing on closing up the shop, and moving in with his Aunt who lives out of town. Everything is moving along more or less as expected, until Rintaro hears someone speaking to him from inside of the shop, but no one other than himself is inside, and an orange tabby cat. 

The Problem: The cat, which insists its name is 'Tiger,' says it needs Rintaro's help, but remains somewhat cryptic about the details. Before agreeing to follow Tiger, all Rintaro knows is that there are some books that have been imprisoned, and the cat needs his help setting them free. This initial decision to follow the cat will lead Rintaro on a series of adventures, all involving books. His grandfather always said that books hold tremendous power, and it is this truth that will help propel Rintaro forward through every adventure, no matter how puzzling.

Genre, Themes, History: This book is a work of fiction set mostly in a small bookshop in Japan called Natsuki Books. A young highschooler, Rintaro, has recently lost his grandfather, the man that raised him, and now must close up the shop and prepare to move away. While he was always a slightly awkward kid, he worries how his grief will affect him, or if he is not reacting appropriately to his loss. When the strange talking cat appears, Rintaro is shocked, but adapts quickly, as every adventure involves books, something his grandfather taught him all about. He must face down monsters who abuse books through a series of labyrinths, while also learning about himself.

My Verdict: As a book lover, I was immediately enchanted by the setting of a well-loved secondhand bookshop, though I felt for Rintaro and his loss. The young man's experience with grief is relatable and realistic, as grief affects everyone differently, and Rintaro is no exception. When the talking cat enters the scene, it feels like the perfect moment, while still being strange and exciting. This is an incredibly short read, coming in at less than 200 pages, but the adventures are complex and thought-provoking, and I look forward to reading the second book.

Favorite Moment: The cat is snarky, and a little insulting, but Rintaro is eventually able to converse with him on his level.

Favorite Character: Rintaro's classmate Sayo is cheery and helpful, and genuinely concerned about her fellow student's well-being.

Recommended Reading: I recommend A Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami, which is perhaps my favorite book by the beloved Japanese author. 

Contemporary Fiction: The Award by Matthew Pearl

A somewhat short but intimate look into the cutthroat literary world and what happens when ambition collides with desperation and entitlement? Yes, please! That is the premise that sold me on Matthew Pearl's The Award. When a young writer comes into close proximity with someone whose career he has always admired, his life takes one unexpected turn after another.

The Situation: When David and his girlfriend Bonnie begin looking for apartments in Cambridge, Massachusetts, they know the search will be tough, but certainly there have to be better choices than the third floor walk-up with the narrow staircase and steep monthly rent that they are currently viewing. Both David and Bonnie are less than thrilled, until David learns that they will be living above literary legend Silas Hale. Now the apartment is an absolute necessity as David envisions scenes of being invited into Silas' home, maybe even becoming his mentee as the younger writer continues to find his place in the literary world. Bonnie is less than convinced, but she does agree, and the two move in.

The Problem: Living above the Hales becomes a problem for a few reasons. For one, Silas Hale is not exactly the most welcoming neighbor. Not only is his first order of business to bark a command at David regarding the trash bins, but the famed writer is clearly less than interested in aiding David in any way when it comes to his writing. Silas is content to ignore that David and Bonnie even exist in the space above him, until David's debut novel receives an award. When Silas invites him to an annual party, David is thrilled, until he receives unexpected news about the award. From here, things begin to quickly spiral and unravel, proving just how dangerous ambition can be.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a work of fiction set around 2010, and for the most part set in and around the Boston area. David is a 20-something aspiring writer who is doing what a lot of aspiring writers of any age do, which is lament why his time has not come, while it seems that everyone around him is securing agents and selling their books. His meeting with the great Silas Hale disabuses him of any notion of the older man helping him out, and it soon becomes clear that while Silas may be beloved and thought of as a genius, he is also rude, abrasive, and ruthlessly condescending. The author's note contains only one line, which is 'Some of this happened.' This could be related to living above a difficult person; coming into contact with a revered writer who is simply not a nice person; or even the myriad of events that occur as the entire situation falls apart.

My Verdict: I loved the idea for this book and was excited to see in which direction it would go. I loved David's dangerous ambition, Silas' seemingly unchecked toxicity, and the multitude of terrible writing acquaintances between them. David's desire to potentially do whatever it took for him to have his literary moment allowed for some delicious scenes. But it all begins to slowly (and predictably) fall apart somewhere near the middle of the short novel. The twists and turns begin to be tiresome, and the ending only confirms what the reader sadly predicted several chapters before.

Favorite Moment: In the early part of the novel, David admits to an act he committed when applying to graduate school that tells the reader pretty much everything they need to know about him.

Favorite Character: In a book filled with tiresome and self-important authors who cannot even seem to hold a normal conversation with someone, Valentina 'Leni' Maldonado is a refreshing character to have pop up once in awhile.

Recommended Reading: It is hard not to think of R.F. Kuang's Yellowface while reading this book.