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saheffernan

saheffernan

Joined October 2017

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The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
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saheffernan
Pickpick

This book is in the hilarious style of the Lady Jane books by the same authors. It had me invested deeply in the young life of Queen Mary. Her adventures as both human and mouse. I highly recommend to anyone who likes history with a bit of laughter.

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saheffernan
Long Way Down | Jason Reynolds
Pickpick

This book deserves all the hype it gets. For a story that takes place mainly in a minute this book will be with me for a lifetime. I read it in 1 sitting devouring the lines written in verse while pulling the strings of my soul. Relevant, important stories to be shared and light to be shed on such a soul crushing subject.

7 likes1 comment
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saheffernan
Blood & Honey | Shelby Mahurin
Mehso-so

I felt like I slogged through a rather large book (for me) for it to go nowhere. You did get to explore more of the world and meet a few people along the way. There were lots of unsolved things in this book. Characters that appear are mentioned then just arent mentioned again. I feel like there were multiple characters left in cliff hanger situations I don't believe a middle book needs to be that way to keep the story going or people reading.

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saheffernan
Serpent & Dove | Shelby Mahurin
Pickpick

I enjoyed this book. I love witch stories and the enemies to lovers troupe was well done. Lou is funny and brings a light-hearted part to the story. I love the strong female characters within the book. Adventure, romance, debauchery and mystery are all within the story.

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saheffernan
The Initial Insult | Mindy McGinnis
Pickpick

I was provided a free copy of the audiobook from NetGalley for an honest review*

A retelling of Poe with Mindy McGinnis raw, dark and gritty writing is the story I didn't know I needed. I loved the play on names and how she twisted the story to make it fit her style just perfectly. Exceptional story that kept me drawn in. Betrayal of friendship, big cats, seeking revenge, and a long waited answer to the question of what happened to her parents.

LibrarianRyan Loved this book. Getting ready to post my review in a few minutes. 3y
3 likes1 comment
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saheffernan
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Mehso-so

3.5 stars. I loved the roadtrip story with the crazy roadside attractions following the journey of the siblings as they are forced to come together and recreate their first roadtrip for an inheritance. Dead parents, husbands, siblings, trying to solve all the mystery and thrilling aspects you follow along. The book ends very aburpt leaving you wondering what happened/happens next but overall a great audiobook in my opinion.

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saheffernan
Punching the Air | Ibi Zoboi, Yusef Salaam
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Pickpick

I throughly enjoyed this book in verse. I think the poems had great value and education to those who don't know what it's like to be prosecuted for the color of your skin and only that. Trying to keep the hope while being pushed down on a consistent basis.

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saheffernan
Unpregnant | Jenni Hendriks, Ted Caplan
Pickpick

Although the subject matter at hand isn't "funny" the writers made it lighthearted while still addressing a very heavy topic that instead of being shoved into a corner no one wants to talk about should be discussed in whatever way we can. A roadtrip to an abortion clinic , a broken friendship, a broken future, a boyfriend who's overbearing and comedic relief for the heavy parts a book I'd recommend if you need to talk about the heavy topic

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saheffernan
The Black Kids | Christina Hammonds Reed
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Pickpick

This book will stick with me like The Hate You Give. Showing police brutality and how it greatly affects people of color. You'll get glimpses of 90s nostalgia along with a story of repression that has been happening since long before and unfortunately many of these things are still an issue with the us. It's an important read but not in your face with the message, a message that needs heard. Amazing debut book!

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saheffernan
Wave, Listen to Me! 1 | Hiroaki Samura
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I really enjoyed reading volume 1 excited to continue with the others. I found it funny and highly educational on the things in and around where and when this takes place the cliff notes helped to make the story whole like a longer manga closer to a short novel feel. I also found the main character funny although a bit of a flake in her adult life but we don't have it all together all the time so definitely believable that this would happen.

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saheffernan
Mehso-so

I enjoyed the mystery though parts of it were definitely confusing. It all came to a good conclusion in the end even if I did suspect parts of the end. I expected more of the podcast as it was definitely advertised as being what I felt was a bigger part of the book.

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saheffernan
This Is My America | Kim Johnson
Pickpick

First of all this cover is stunning. I have been waiting to read this book for weeks. It did not disappoint. The author tackles many hard subjects at great lengths. I feel it's incredibly important for people to read this book even though it is fiction it has many ties to reality and what is happening in our nation today. I highly recommend reading the authors note at the end if you're unable to see the resemblance to our world.

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saheffernan
Pickpick

I enjoyed the story and the twist that this first volume gave. I'm excited to continue on with the story learn the fate of the characters.

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saheffernan
Dear Martin | Nic Stone
Pickpick

Imagine trying to figure out who you are as a teenager so you pick a role model like Dr. MLK Jr. you write him letters to learn more of yourself and your world.Dr. MLK Jr was fighting for your rights to be the same as others around you over 72 years ago you have more rights you still don't have the same rights. I recommend this for anyone wanting to learn more about racism, police brutality, white privilege and media issues.

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saheffernan
RWBY | Shirow Miwa
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Watched a few booktubers who made me want to try a few new mangas. The only one I've ever read (and absolutely think it's amazing is Battle Royale) so it's been some time. If you've read any and loved them let me know!

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saheffernan
Pickpick

A relevant read. This book gives understanding and a thought process on 2 different girls 1 white and 1 black as they survive a night in a riot together. They come to understand and learn from another gaining understanding that was needed from both sides. I highly recommend a read of this book addressing riots and police brutality.

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saheffernan
Felix Ever After | Kacen Callender
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This book helped me to understand the way the LGBTQ community is seen by the world. It also helped me to understand though they are a community each person deserves to be seen and a chance to shine. If we aren't letting people be themselves then we are missing out. I definitely think this book is worthy of all it's praise and a read. Though it is a fiction book it still has very educational moments that we should pay attention to.

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saheffernan
Pickpick

I can't say enough great things about this book. An eye opening honest look at history and definitely not what you were taught in school this book is it. The amount of subtle and not so subtle things in our history that has been done to create racism and keep it alive is so disheartening/disgusting. Everyoneread this book, I hope they get as much out of it as I have. Anything to understand the tree of racism so that it may once and forever fall

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saheffernan
Good Girl, Bad Blood | Holly Jackson
Pickpick

I am a huge fan of how these books are written. They keep me engaged with the right amount of intrigue. The series continues with Pip looking for a friends missing brother. Since the police can't help Pip is really on her own (except of course Ravi) to find out what really happened. Opening more secrets the town would like to keep well, secret or hidden.

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saheffernan
The President Is Missing | James Patterson, Bill Clinton
Pickpick

After the first few chapters of meeting all the characters it was very fast paced which is pretty indicative of James Patterson and co authors. It is a great mystery thriller type book with a good twist, very relevant to these times. It is about the POTUS so it does have obvious political things within the plot. With the current climit of the Pandemic and our current economic downturn if you want an escape this is not it.

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saheffernan
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
Pickpick

For a debut novel this contains fantastic writing. How I imagine one might act suffering such abuse by someone of authority. At 15 Vanessa believes this to be a real first love, then as she matures she finds all the things left broken by it. I do think it's fair to say that there are people out there that suffered to have to turn it into something else so that all isn't ruined. That's what this book does so well shows the struggle of realization.

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saheffernan
Darling Rose Gold | Stephanie Wrobel
Pickpick

I enjoyed this fictional accout of the Dee Dee and Gypsy Rose story. I liked the twist and turn that it took and how Rose Gold grew into a stronger person, not always a good person but what would anyone expect with how she grew up.

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saheffernan
Angel Vol. 1: Being Human | Joss Whedon, Bryan Hill
Pickpick

I am a major fan of Buffy and Angel to this day years beyond years later, so as no surprise I loved this graphic novel. I love the world, the story line and jumping timelines was great. The art is incredibly beautiful the color the likeness to the main characters. Fabulous!

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saheffernan
I Am Alfonso Jones | Tony Medina
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Pickpick

Would you pay more attention to police brutality, racism, and the #blacklivesmatter movement if everywhere you walked was the blood stains and plaque telling you another life that didn't have to be lost? The art style I really enjoyed though sometimes it did make a scene hard to understand. We followed a lot of characters but the important one's stand out and don't seem to get lost in all the movement of the story.

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saheffernan
City of Girls | Elizabeth Gilbert
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Pickpick

19 year old Vivan writing to women about how she came to know and what she was to this womens father. It takes us on her journey 1940s New York, the war and after. Vivian does focus a lot on Vivian the story is hers to tell, and she isn't shy about her faults. I loved her, I have to say there were things she did, said and felt that I connected w deeply.A beautiful story that took at times a slow pace but still felt as though my time was valuable

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saheffernan
Plain Janes | Cecil Castellucci
Pickpick

This bind up of the 3 P.L.A.I.N Jane comics was very enjoyable. I liked the narrative of each story, I liked the theme was carried throughout each addition. I also liked that in the 3rd installment it felt like it had reached a conclusion. The art was good each addition was in a different color so that whole book was either blue, pink or green it could have used a few different colors but it helped to not distract from the message of the story.

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saheffernan
Panpan

Overall I enjoyed most of this book. There was a few writing issues that took me out of the story like certain descriptions of sounds characters would make would be used multiple times. In the beginning it was also hard to keep track of which character was which. This story took a turn for the bad towards the end. It reminded me heavily of one of us is lying. I really disliked the ending but the book keep me reading so it gets points there.

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saheffernan
Dry | Neal Shusterman
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Pickpick

Reading this during the CoVid-19 Pandemic gave me a different crisis to think about. The characters are teenagers they made some dumb choices but it stuck to that theme. Were they changed in the end yes, but only in the ways you'd expect teenagers to be they didn't suddenly become wise. The story kept me engaged and the suspense hit at the right points. The ending did seem to come a little fast but it doesn't take away from the story

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saheffernan
Such a Fun Age | KILEY. REID
Panpan

This book had a topic that had drawn me in and I had high hopes for. Halfway through the book it seemed as if I had started reading an almost entirely different book. The dialogue and parts of the story had seemed to fall apart. In the end the book left me feeling gross and sad for the way many of the characters had acted

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saheffernan
What Kind of Girl | Alyssa Sheinmel
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Pickpick

This book addresses some heavy topics. I feel like this book did a fantastic job of being in the emotions and questions that would come along with the subject matter discussed. I only wish there was what I feel a better more complete ending but I also feel like that was the way it was meant to be to prove no decision has to be permanent you can keep a secret or decision to be quiet but thats not how it has to stay.

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saheffernan
Saint X | Alexis Schaitkin
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Mehso-so

There are different parts I loved and different parts that were just so slow. 1/4 of the way in it picked up and continued for about a few chapters, we got to mid way and it just started to get hard to believe and continued on a slow pace until the end.
I like how we learned of Alison through articles many people's recalled memories, her diary entries. These are the parts I felt kept the book interesting after each chapter we'd get more and more.

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saheffernan
Pickpick

What a great thriller debut book for Holly Jackson. I was engrossed from the start to the end with helping Pippa and Ravi find the real killer of Andie Bell. There were so many twist and turns I felt like I was watching a documentary on how solving a real murder case might go. I was invested in the characters as well as the writing was on point.

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saheffernan
People Kill People | Ellen Hopkins
Pickpick

There are multiple trigger warnings for book. Sexual assault of a minor, gun violence, violence against women, white supremacists (racial slurs). It is not Ellen Hopkins typical style throughout the whole book I feel how it was done was much needed to put context to this book. There will be characters you relate to, those you hate but in the end it gives multiple perspectives on heavy topics I feel it was covered well.

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saheffernan
Pickpick

It's hilarious and real while tackling real issues that today's teens have to deal with while trying to grow up and find themselves and their place in the world. In this book Izzy really comes into her own and finds that space while rallying to help others also be able to be teenagers doing stupid things because we all have. It was a good conclusion with an open ending for Izzy.

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saheffernan
The God Game | Danny Tobey
Pickpick

**I was sent an ARC of this from the publisher for review**
I enjoyed the video game /A.R. aspect that was brought into the game. I felt the characters were developed well I knew who each was I can't say that I personally connected to any of them. I enjoyed the religious aspect that was brought into the book and learning different parts of world religions and how they tied it into the game. The world building inside the game was great.

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saheffernan
The God Game | Danny Tobey
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Pickpick

Happy Book Birthday to The God Game! If you didnt pre-order this book run out and get it today. Fast paced, teens, virtual reality game with mystery YES, PLEASE!

Thank you to stmartinspress for an ARC copy to review.

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saheffernan
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Pickpick

I have to say that Holly chase was the perfect introduction into a Holiday book character that I needed. I loved her snarky comments and commentary during the novel. The play on the classic Christmas Carol made it relatable enough because I knew that story and making the connection between the two during the story was fun to see in what ways it would come together. I think this is a classic book that could hold up to multiple re-reads even.

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saheffernan
Paper Girls Vol. 2 | Brian K. Vaughan
Pickpick

This vol gave more of the story line and sove further into the sci fi elements that vol 1 hinted at. I liked this vol a little more if only because I felt like I had a bit more of the story but it again landed on a confusing note as I'm sure thats to encourage moving on to the next vol.

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saheffernan
SLAY | Brittney Morris
Pickpick

I really enjoyed all the points of this story. I enjoyed learning things within black culture that I may not have known before. Even if you arent into video games this was a great book. I will say I didn't care for how blinded she seemed to be to the toxic relationship the main character was in throughout the book.

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saheffernan
How We Became Wicked | Alexander Yates
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Pickpick

A disease has consumed most of the world leaving behind 3 types of people. The wicked, the true and the vexed. The wicked are described like children with no impulse control and a want to kill. I didn't see the twist coming. It was a good book with a decent storyline maybe a bit lacking here and there mostly of how the disease came about. Quick read with a Walking Dead world full of wicked people and survival feel.

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saheffernan
Paper Girls Vol. 1 | Brian K. Vaughan
Pickpick

My first graphic novel. I liked the illustrations and the multiple timeline story. I will definitely be continuing with the story if only because there was a lot going on in this first volume and I'm not sure I grasped the entire arc and storyline. If you enjoy action packed fast paced Sci Fi this is for you.

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saheffernan
Jackpot | Nic Stone
Mehso-so

Rico, was a likeable character in the beginning I definitely understood her desperation to find the ticket because of her economic standing, I believe as the book went on her constant reminder of just how poor she was, was overdramatic. I loved the different inanimate object point of views. I would have liked to learn more about her partner in crime background throughout the book to understand his point of why he did what he did in the end.

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saheffernan
How We Became Wicked | Alexander Yates
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What to do on a cold day ... lush bathbomb, candle, good book and as the bookmark says wander through another world! #HappyFriday

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saheffernan
Jackpot | Nic Stone
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My current read

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saheffernan
Pickpick

The writing was great. I found the characters odd enough to fit where the author was going but relatable enough. I did find out the twist early on but it didn't take away from the book at all. Enjoyable, funny read highly recommend.

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saheffernan
Wilder Girls | Rory Power
Mehso-so

This was one of my most anticipated books and I just did not love it.The writing was able to pull me in, the story was entertaining enough to finish. The middle took a weird turn for me and never seemed to come back. I didn't like the ending although it does leave room for drawing your own conclusions. Some of the characters you are to believe they are resourceful, cunning, smart seemed to believe things that they were told at face value.

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saheffernan
The Kingdom | Jess Rothenberg
Pickpick

This was a unique new idea and I loved this book. If your a fan of new ways of story telling, murder/mystery, amusement parks (think Disney), and technology this book is for you.

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saheffernan
The Last Book Party | Karen Dukess
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Pickpick

I really thought this book was true to what might happen of you worked in New York City in the book publishing world. How easy it would be to get caught up with powerful writers, thinking you could learn so much from them instead lose yourself and your dream of making it big. In turn, causing you to do a few things you might not do usually. I also like that to me the title had multiple meanings in the book.

Djspens Sounds like a good read for my newly graduated journalism/English major daughter who would loooove to be an author in NYC... 5y
saheffernan I would highly recommend this book as a fictional look at that world for sure. It was a good fast read! 5y
8 likes1 stack add2 comments
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saheffernan
Pickpick

Addresses tough issues with some humor. Toxic relationships are the main theme and they really seemed to cover how it happens that you end up in a toxic relationship and continue in that cycle. How people in those relationships change and hurt other parts of their life while in them.

3 likes1 stack add
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saheffernan
The Female of the Species | Mindy McGinnis
Pickpick

What an incredible book broaching subjects often talked about under the cover of darkness, or in a light that points fingers in all the wrong directions. This book is dark and scary but also so real because this is the world teenagers live in. To speak up or not speak up vigilante justice because technicalities or influence mean more than you as a person do.