My first Alan Gratz didn't disappoint. This dual narrative, of a young NYC boy who was caught in the twin towers when the planes hit on 9/11 and an Afgan girl in 2019, brings a humanitarian and global perspective to the events and war in general. Perfect for a YA or adult audience.

Is this just a stereotype or is it true?

I'm still loving this series as much as I did in book one, which is rare for me. Delilah's story really drove home the lesson that holding a grudge hurts the person who is holding it more than anyone else.

This was a great listen for our road trip. Hubs likes YA and said he wanted something light. I loved the relationship between the three sisters, the Song girls. We may listen to the sequel on the way home.

I found myself relating to Gary Andrews as he shares his grief journey through his collection of daily comics after the death of his beloved wife Joy. In the last 2 years I've lost my only sibling, our dog, and my dad, in that order. This would be an amazing gift for a grieving friend.

I can't wait to better recommend this one to my students. It highlights the school to prison pipeline that exists in much of America. It is about how small decisions can have big consequences and about accepting what you cannot change.

Stunning!

I loved this more than expected. Character driven, a true coming of age story. Readers learn to love Michael as he learns who he is and to love himself.

I thoroughly enjoyed DIVINE RIVALS. Suspense, the brutality of war, and hope weaved through the entire narrative kept me turning pages even though I didn't want the story to end. I can't wait to read more about Winnow and Kitt.

Presenting my summer stack. I never read them all or stick to it without adding others along the way, but it's good to have plans. #summertbr

Atlas Blakely invites six powerful magicians to join an ancient, secret Alexandrian society that hold all the world's secrets and power. Told from each character's perspective, this dark academia YA fantasy had me hooked!

7th grader, Eden must find a new place to belong after a shoulder injury end her career as an elite gymnast. She ends up bonding with a girl name Maribel who comes to her rescue from a bully at school. When they‘re both suspended as a result, Eden finds a new group of friends and a cause she cares about, but it seems to conflict with everything her mother stands for. Chaos and beauty ensue.

A beautiful story about finding lost loved ones that reminds us that there is so much to be learned about the way our world works than what we know, and that the mother child bond is boundless. Oh and the elephants are majestic.

This is the newest book by the same author.

Noticing by Kobi Yamada was the perfect read in the quiet of the morning on the day after my father took his flight from this world. May we all take the time to “pause and allow for the extraordinary“ that this beautiful life offers!

A perfect little rom-com for couple listening on our all day drive. A little Hallmarkesque in its story arch and predictability but sweet and funny with a satisfying conclusion.

This deep dive into brothers Grayson and Jameson's lives was the perfect way to stay immersed in the world of this series. The ending was satisfying AND expertly sets us up for the next on the series.

Violet must beat the odds to survive and become a (dragon) rider. Then she has to choose between the kingdom she's been raised to protect and the well-being of the entire realm. Suspense, action, steam, and Violence. A definite 5⭐️ read!

“Hope is a fickle, dangerous thing. It steals your focus and aims it toward the possibilities instead of keeping it where it belongs—on the probabilities.“

Here we go!

Predictable, but delicious. New girl in town wins everyone over. Steamy, spicy, and satisfying.

I wasn‘t sure what to expect when I walked into Cafe Rev, but it sure as hell wasn‘t a picture of myself behind the register under the cheery headline “Do Not Serve.”

#FirstLineFriday
@ShyBookOwl

This will be a contender for my favorite book of 2024. I love Harrow's style, characters, and voice. I often find myself stopping to appreciate sentence construction, description, and diction. Add that to a loveable protagonist and an imaginative Gothic story and this is a can't miss add to your TBR.

1. A Biblical character.

2. How about a book I love with an author who has the same first name as me?

#Two4Tuesday @TheSpineView

Like many others, I loved this book that gives an inside look at the ruthless world of publishing. Unpopular opinion: I loved the main character. I think I've always been fascinated by people who make out-of-character, horribly awful choices that loom with gnawing guilt until it finally implodes and their life shatters.

Maddy Washington deserved so much better than the childhood she'd had. If I could write her a new story, I would. Even though I want to know more, the author's ending is perfect! Themes of racism, bullying, and police brutality. A skillful retelling of King's Carrie.

I went into this one blind, as Albom is an automatic read for me. I'm glad I did, because although I adore historical fiction, WW2 and Holocaust stories are not my favorite. This one may have opened me back up to the era. I love how the story is told with four protagonists but one narrator, Truth. This ranks up there with The Time Keeper and Have a Little Faith!

The final book in this trilogy was just as exciting as the first two. Student in my 10th and 11th grade English classes are loving this series, and for good reason. Luxury, unimaginable riches, intrigue, mystery, action with a side of love and family loyalty, what's not to love?

Lucky was abandoned on the steps of a Catholic church as a newborn. She lives her whole life with a man named John who she believes to be her father. But just when it seems her luck has run out, everything changes.

I listened to the first 75 minutes, and I just couldn't find anything to care about.

Yasmin and Josiah, divorced co-parents and business partners, have the most well-adjusted relationship. It's not hard to believe this is fiction. The best part of this book is how it helps remove the stigma from seeking professional health help and normalizes going to therapy.

1. Nothing specific, but it's my daughter's birthday. She is turning 28.
2. Nothing specific, but something you can lose yourself in.

@TheSpineView #Two4Tuesday

Welcome Kelly, host of this podcast, to Litsy! Let's show her the #litsylove #LitsyWelcomeWagon

@Booksofkell