By no means well-written, nonetheless, a YA book about teenage prostitution, brought on by a long history of abuse as a child, is (I believe) an important book to have on the market. More teens than is realized have experiences similar to main character Kaya's. In fact, Kaya's story was inspired by the life of De Vries's own sister. She wrote the memoir, pictured right, in remembrance of her sister. An important, though imperfect, read.

I read a hundred books searching for books like Brit Bennett's "The Mothers". Finding quickly turns terrifying as the characters bleed into my own deeply understood self. I search and am terrified to look directly at.

Ice Cream Star is one of the best heroines I've encountered, ever--in my mind, only Buffy Summers is a worthy contender. The book is written in a patois created entirely by the author, and the language is as down-right addicting as the comfort food that comprises the heroine's name. I'm going to buy this book and read it everyday on my birthday!!! 🍦🌟🌈✨💗🎉

"Yo, this cowardesse feel right; like every world desire this cowardesse, and call it wisdom."

I can't help thinking that the apocalyptic world of the future in "The Country of Ice Cream Star" too feary resemble today, is vally truth!!! ??

Going to make today a DEAR day and finish up Sandra Newman's wonderful "The Country of Ice Cream Star". Thanks to #allthebooks @Liberty for this very excellent recommendation!

Check out the loot I found at the used bookstore near my new office. Under $10! I ❤️ the trippy "Ida" cover!!! These are going on my TBR!???

This is one of these books that feel a little too "don't believe the hype". Although the protagonist was interesting and the ending comes at you like Derek Zoolander in that coal mine scene in the first movie, the book feels overworked like she cobbled together too many snippets from separate short stories. I think she'll write something great someday, once she gets that pesky stream of consciousness down!

I love "The Liars Club". Karr's talent for language and metaphor is as unique as the life she's lived. "Lit" chronicles her struggle with alcoholism, her divorce, her career insecurities, & her battle with motherhood. While the haphazard timeline and self deprecation work well to bolster these themes, they didn't make for very exciting reading, nor do her obvious success and superior intellect make her relatable through these trials. ☹️??