I knew going in that this would be a sad read, yet I was still struck by how heavy my chest felt as I made my way through. Emezi provided us with a narrative that takes a deep look into the burden of how it feels to not belong. We watch, through the eyes of multiple characters, many flawed behaviors & decisions that make us uncomfortable, but also pulls out of us a sharp compassion that can leave you clutching your chest. Be gentle with this one.

“I watch a TV show and imagine Babygirl as a famous actress winning an Oscar. There‘s so much I want for her that sometimes I think the seams of my skin aren‘t enough to contain every hope I have.”

Am I Diana? Nubia? Regardless, Happy Halloween. From one Legend to another. 🗡🛡✨

I had this pic sitting in the drafts for ages and just kind of wanted to post it. Lol that‘s it. I hope everyone is doing well byyeeee 😂✌🏾♥️

“She thinks stories are about beauty. Beauty that is there to be admired by anyone, like a herd of clouds grazing overhead. She thinks people who are busy working for a living deserve beautiful little stories, because they don‘t have much time and are often tired. She has in mind a book that can be opened any page and will still make sense to the reader who doesn‘t know what came before or comes after.”

Acevedo did it again! Clap When You Land is a beautifully crafted story about secrets, grief, lost family, and found family. Literally. There‘s just something about the way Acevedo writes family dynamics and culture. Each relationship is nuanced and fresh and full. Love and the need for love manifests itself beautifully. Her characters make themselves comfortable in your heart and give you no choice but to FEEL and I really, truly, dig that.

Addie LaRue doesn't give up, even if she has to crawl and scrabble through the muck to grasp at small victories from the shadows. After all, there is no one way to win.
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Thanks a bunches to Tor and Netgalley for my copy! It was greatly appreciated, and gave me a wonderful moment of joy and exercise when I ran laps around my house in excitement. And of course, thanks to Victoria Schwab for another gut punch of a tale! Lookout for Oct 6th. 👁👄👁

Actually spectacular. The buildup towards the intersecting lives was so good. The loss, longing, and desperation described was incredibly poignant. Everyone goes on their own journey, some discovering themselves, others getting heartbreakingly lost. Each character shined, even the ones I wanted to take by the shoulders and give a long, hard, shake. The complexity of Bennett‘s characters had levels. LEVELS. I‘m floored. How. What!