Did I get this in hardback because of the illustrations? Yes, I did.
#BookHaul
pickBenny, trying to find a place for himself in NYC, instead finds himself helping a Coney Island sideshow capture a merman. Only, when he starts connecting w/ the merman, Benny must decide what his new family is worth.
I really enjoyed this! It‘s a very slow start, setting up all the fun side characters & the show, but it‘s worth it when the plot really kicks in. & NYC was such a fantastically detailed setting. I did predict the twist. 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
pickHere‘s my review for the #whimsicalreadsbookclub book. The song I‘m choosing to match this book is “This Is Me” from the movie The Greatest Showman.
Song: https://youtu.be/CjxugyZCfuw?si=DWt3jCw_Hy94W-kJ
I started this book last night. This is the #whimsicalreadsbookclub June book. I‘m an hour into the audiobook. I‘m not feeling pulled into the story at all yet so I‘m not sure if I‘m going to like it but maybe it‘ll get better. If it doesn‘t get better then I‘ll DNF it.
pickThis book was absolutely lovely. This is a historical fantasy romance that takes place in 1910s NYC. Benny, a Puerto Rican, is there trying to find himself, and in the process ends up helping a sideshow capture a merman. It's a beautiful story with wonderful illustrations throughout the book. Benny and Rio's relationship is so sweet.
I'm almost halfway into this book and adoring it. FYI - the book includes illustrations done by the author.
Starting June with When the Tides Held the Moon.
#currentlyreading
repost for @KateReadsYA:
The winner for JUNE is When the tides held the moon. I've already ordered my copy and I'm so excited to read this with you all. Discussions will be held at the end of the month and we will vote for July's pick around mid June.
pickThis dreamy historical fantasy novel features a Puerta Rican metalworking musician who begins working with a sideshow menagerie after helping capture a siren for their new show. Bennie soon regrets the part he played in the siren's capture and vows to help free him. Falling for the siren wasn't part of the plan. Gorgeous and drenched in historical events and atmosphere. I love all the thought and research Vida Kelley put into this.
pickThis book captivated my heart and soul. And the ILLUSTRATIONS!!! Jaw-droppingly stunning. Every book needs illustrations like these!! Found family, early 1900s New York, queer romance, merpeople, the music of the sea… this story had it all! 🌊🎨🗽🎡🧜♂️ Characters leapt off the page, the romance was larger-than-life, and the writing itself was so poetic and grounded at the same time. Please read it!!!! It will become your most treasured book 🥹
pickI love when a book surprises you in the best way. This was wonderful story of finding family in an unexpected place and finding love with the impossible. There author did a great job of using a historical setting to add emphasis to the story. Also, the illustrations throughout were beautiful (drawn by the author).
#fictionaltraveler: Spanish-speaking @julieclair
#gottacatchemall: someone swims @PuddleJumper
When the Tides Held the Moon | 
