Review of On the Come Up (The Hate U Give #2) by Angie Thomas

The YA love letter to hip-hop—streaming on Paramount+ September 23, 2022! Starring Sanaa Lathan (in her directorial debut), Jamila C. Gray, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Lil Yachty, Method Man, Mike Epps, GaTa (Davionte Ganter), Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Titus Makin Jr., and Michael Anthony Cooper Jr.

#1 New York Times bestseller · Seven starred reviews · Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor Book

The digital edition contains a letter from the author, deleted scenes, a picture of the author as a teen rapper, an annotated playlist, Angie’s top 5 MCs, an annotated rap, illustrated quotes from the book, and an excerpt from Concrete Rose, Angie's return to Garden Heights.

Review of Does My Body Offend You? by Mayra Cuevas & Marie Marquardt

 This book is hands down one of the best that I have read in 2022! It may be listed as YA, but I think even adults need to read this one.

A timely story of two teenagers who discover the power of friendship, feminism, and standing up for what you believe in, no matter where you come from. A collaboration between two gifted authors writing from alternating perspectives, this compelling novel shines with authenticity, courage, and humor.

Review of Ugly by Kelly Vincent

 

Kelly Vincent is back on the blog today! We have an excerpt and review of Ugly. Be sure to get more opinions as you follow the tour and then leave your own thoughts along the way! Best of luck entering the great giveaway.

Review of Always the New Girl by Kelly Vincent

 

Welcome to the review tour for Always the New Girl by Kelly Vincent. Today you get to read an excerpt and my thoughts on this coming of age YA novel. Be sure to follow the tour for even more after you download your own copy to read. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

Review of A Sporting Chance: How Paralympics Founder Ludwig Guttman Saved Lives With Sports by Lori Alexander

Telling the inspiring human story behind the creation of the Paralympics, this young readers biography artfully combines archival photos, full-color illustrations, and a riveting narrative to honor the life of Ludwig Guttmann, whose work profoundly changed so many lives.

Review of Bad Boys Don't Date Clumsy Girls by KE Strand

 

I really enjoyed Bad Boys Don't Date Clumsy Girls by Ke Strand and will give you more details in my review. You can also check out an excerpt and enter the great giveaway! Follow the tour for even more!

Thoughts on All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque

 

Considered by many the greatest war novel of all time, All Quiet on the Western Front is Erich Maria Remarque’s masterpiece of the German experience during World War I.

I am young, I am twenty years old; yet I know nothing of life but despair, death, fear, and fatuous superficiality cast over an abyss of sorrow. . . .

This is the testament of Paul Bäumer, who enlists with his classmates in the German army during World War I. They become soldiers with youthful enthusiasm. But the world of duty, culture, and progress they had been taught breaks in pieces under the first bombardment in the trenches.

Through years of vivid horror, Paul holds fast to a single vow: to fight against the principle of hate that meaninglessly pits young men of the same generation but different uniforms against one another . . . if only he can come out of the war alive.

“The world has a great writer in Erich Maria Remarque. He is a craftsman of unquestionably first rank, a man who can bend language to his will. Whether he writes of men or of inanimate nature, his touch is sensitive, firm, and sure.”—The New York Times Book Review

Goodreads * Amazon * BN

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

This is one of those books that was required reading back when I was in high school that has held up for me well into adulthood. I've read it several times, though probably not in the past decade (until recently). As I approach middle age, I think it has an even more profound effect on me.

What drew me to this book in my teen years still holds true. You almost forget that this is told from the point of view of a German soldier - one of our enemies in the Great War (aka WWI). Instead it personifies almost any soldier - the chaos and destruction of battle, the importance of friendship, the fear and hunger of the unknown, the frustration of not really understanding what you are fighting for while someone else - in a safe place - is calling the shots.

The horrors of trench warfare are tastefully, yet explicitly described in such a way that you feel as if you are there, but still have the protection of not being there. Remarque, through Paul, waxes rather poetically about all of the trials and tribulations of being on the front and how it changes a man. I'm often moved by the sincere and intense emotions - and abrupt lack thereof. Paul becomes almost a friend. And though he is the enemy as a German soldier, my humanity roots for him and his friends to come out of it okay in the end

It's been over 100 years since World War I ended, of course, but I still think this is an important book to continue reading from a history perspective, but also a human perspective.

Review of Vinyl Moon by Mahogany L. Browne

 

A teen girl hiding the scars of a past relationship finds home and healing in the words of strong Black writers. A beautiful sophomore novel from a critically acclaimed author and poet that explores how words have the power to shape and uplift our world even in the midst of pain.

"A true embodiment of the term Black Girl Magic.” –Booklist

When Darius told Angel he loved her, she believed him. But five weeks after the incident, Angel finds herself in Brooklyn, far from her family, from him, and from the California life she has known.

Angel feels out of sync with her new neighborhood. At school, she can’t shake the feeling everyone knows what happened—and that it was her fault. The only place that makes sense is Ms. G’s class. There, Angel’s classmates share their own stories of pain, joy, and fortitude. And as Angel becomes immersed in her revolutionary literature course, the words from Black writers like Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, and Zora Neale Hurston speak to her and begin to heal the wounds of her past.

This stunning novel weaves together prose, poems, and vignettes to tell the story of Angel, a young woman whose past was shaped by domestic violence but whose love of language and music and the gift of community grant her the chance to find herself again.

Goodreads * Amazon * BN

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

After a traumatizing event involving her boyfriend, Angel's mother decides to move her across the country to stay with her uncle in Brooklyn. 

She finds herself in a bit of culture shock because life in New York is markedly different than in Cali. But she also gets to enjoy a diverse collection of cultures as she gets to know her classmates and her neighborhood. I know I learned a lot, too, in this story that some have called a love letter to Brooklyn.

More importantly, Angel learns about herself. Her story is narrated in the present with several flashbacks along the way. Some of those flashbacks are repeated, but expanded for deeper reflection and understanding. It takes some time, but Angels does find herself and her niche and in ways that she hadn't anticipated. 

I also loved all of the literary references as she is introduced to new books to read. Some of them I read a long time ago and need to rediscover. Others are new and have been added to my TBR.

Adding to the wonderful coming of age story is the poetic way the author expresses herself. One early quote that I loved was "The two of them chat in floral patterns, speaking warmly with the same words and tones that pepper the air of Flatbush, Brooklyn." This poetric prose adds to the beauty of this story that I highly recommend.

Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my request via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of 'A Girl Named Summer' by Julie Garwood

Book Blurb:

A timeless romance from New York Times bestseller Julie Garwood, a tale for mothers to share with their daughters, and for women to remember what it feels like to fall in love for the very first time.

Summer never meant to lie. She just wanted to keep the most perfect guy she ever met interested in her. She had been surprised when David began hanging out with her every day... and dizzy with happiness when he kissed her. David seemed to like her unconventional Irish family, even her eccentric Grandpa. Everything was going great - until Ann entered the picture. She collected boys like trophies. How could Summer compete with someone like that?

Before she knew it, Summer was boasting to David about her passion for long-distance running. She never dreamed he'd enter them in a six-mile race. Summer dreaded the moment when he would discover the truth: she couldn't run six blocks. And the flirtatious Ann was already working on David. Then Summer's Grandpa came up with a plan that was just crazy enough to save the day....

Goodreads * Amazon * BN * Kobo

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**
This is one of those young adult romances like I remember reading when I was younger. It felt true to life and a situation I could easily see anyone getting into. Sure, Summer is a 15 year-old girl, but I could see myself getting into a similar situation as a woman a couple of decades older.

Summer is a typical teenager. She wants to spend her summer vacation relaxing by the pool, earning some extra cash at the pizza parlor, and making a bunch of new friends. Instead, she is stuck taking care of her little brother. The bonus is that he has a gorgeous swimming instructor who actually takes an interest in her. She wants to impress David, and a little stretching of the truth ends up getting her into some potential trouble. Enter the grandfather who is slowly entering into dementia. He may be a little out of it here and there, but he is still full of sage advice that she takes to heart. Grandparents who care can be very wise and are almost easier to listen to than parents.

You can tell that this is an older story that is being re-released as an ebook. First, the kids refer to dating as "going together," which I don't even remember being said when I was in high school. Also, there is no talk of texting, Facebook, or other modern technology so frequently used by teens today. That is okay. That makes the story timeless. The gist of it holds true no matter what generation you're in.

Thank you to NetGalley for fulfilling my review request. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Thorn of Secrets by B. Truly

 It's the second installment of this young adult, coming of age romance series. Read on for an excerpt and my thoughts on Thorn of Secrets by B. Truly. Then follow the tour for even more. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

In love with the same face that haunts me….

The falling leaves of autumn are like the deceit in my family lineage. Closing the door on the infinite cold—winter blossoms into the spring of new beginnings. In the next season of my life, I’m mending the pieces back together. Opening myself up, I even begin to date, which is a big step for me.

After graduating from high school, a shocking development causes me to be on alert. When nothing comes of it, I move forward, wanting desperately to put the past behind me.

About to start college, I bump into someone from my complicated past, and my heart is torn. The dilemma I struggle with: Do I let other people’s opinion define who I am? I must decide if I’ll push through the ridicule and pave my own path. Could the face that’s scorned me be the key to my resolve? I’ll never know if I take the easy way out.

I’ve unlocked my darkest secret only to have it return to torment me. As the thorns of his obsession encompass me, I discover I’m part of a twisted ploy. If I don’t figure a way out of this predicament, then the life I’ve known may cease to exist.

Don’t miss the riveting sequel to Madison’s story that will have you dangling on the edge of your seat.

Read an excerpt:

The power of the wind beating against the windows becomes too much—two of them shatter. Glass explodes everywhere. Justin uses his body as a shield, keeping the invading glass from hitting me. Tanya screams bloody murder.

Jackson shouts from down the hall. “Move your asses, people!”

Justin ushers me in that direction quickly. As I move, I notice putting weight on my right foot is painful. It gives out against my will, then I’m hobbling.

Tanya rushes into the half-bath. Justin stops and scoops me up, carrying me the rest of the way, making me feel like a helpless child. It’s more than humiliating. We huddle in the half-bath. The room doesn’t have windows, thank goodness. Since the house doesn’t have a basement, this makes the half-bath the safest spot.

A flashlight propped up on the counter is our only source of light. Jackson’s forehead is wrinkled. Tanya is sitting on the toilet with the lid closed with her arms wrapped around herself. Justin is near me as I crouch in the corner, shivering uncontrollably. The house feels like an earthquake has gotten a hold of it—shaking under the wrath of the cyclone.

My heart is slamming against my ribcage. The sound blends in with the rumbling of the foundation. With the expressions on the others’ faces, I’m not imagining it. The tornado is right on top of us, and I’m certain the house is inside of it. For a couple of seconds, all sound seems to cease. The vroom of the monster is muted.

“Is it gone?” Tanya wonders.

My senses are waving red flags. The cyclone is nowhere near done. It’s only getting started. My intuition is confirmed when the roaring picks up again and, to my disbelief, is even louder. The theory about the eye is wrong. The center of the storm is not peaceful, only a momentary calm before the beast unleashes its full wrath. The wind is so ferocious, it takes everything in me not to cry.

Tanya lets out her fear. “Why is the house shaking? Why is it so loud?”

A moment later, it becomes clear why the house is trembling. It has been defeated and can no longer stay rooted. The roof cracks open. The cracks spread quickly, like worker ants determined to snag a meal, and then the roof rips off completely.

“Ah, hell!” Jackson yells.

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate link)

**My thoughts**

I've been waiting for this sequel to come out, because I needed to know what was going to happen to Madison in the future. And if you haven't read the first book, you are not going to be able to truly appreciate her PTSD and the growth that she goes through.

The book starts out with a massive BANG and becomes something like VC Andrews meets reality TV. As it continues, it mellows out a bit, skimming over some time as Madison learns to cope with her PTSD and tries to get through her senior year of high school while raising her daughter - more of a coming of age YA story. She really comes a long way, but has had an awful lot of trauma. And the secrets and betrayals just keep on multiplying. And even though there are parts where the story seems to slow down a bit, something always ends up happening that picks up the pace again, making it a true roller coaster of a ride. But I couldn't put it down because I had to know what was going to happen, especially with her and Justin and the drama with his brother. I really enjoyed it.

Thank you to the author and Goddess Fish Promotions for the requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

B. Truly has wanted to be an author since she was fifteen years old. She is grateful to have accomplished this dream. B. Truly has very vivid dreams and a wild imagination. She likes to read, watch tons of TV shows, and movies. She’s addicted to romance and gets a thrill out of suspense and sci-fi. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romance, sci-fi, dystopian, and paranormal genres.

B. Truly likes to explore conflicted plots of romance with thrilling twists. She also loves creating impossible situations for her characters to grow from and try to overcome.

B. Truly has three wonderful children, and a husband who defines the person that she is today. She works full-time as an Ultrasound technologist in Houston, Texas.

Contact Links:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7276631.B_Truly

https://twitter.com/BrandyTruly

https://www.facebook.com/BTrulysFantasies

https://www.instagram.com/brandytruly/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-truly-a917a9b3/

B. Truly will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.

But what Starr does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.

 

Goodreads * Amazon

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

I read this book over two sittings. When I finished, I was absolutely speechless. I pretty much sat for over an hour trying to process it all. That is the mark of a good book – one that keeps you thinking after it is over. And it stuck with me for several days. It also inspired a lot of reflection and some of my own writing – another indication of an excellent book.

They say that you can’t understand someone else’s story until you have walked in their shoes. Reading Starr’s story is the closest I’ll ever get to being a teenage Black girl. You really feel that you are right there with her because the descriptions of what she sees and feels are so articulate and vivid. A lot echoed stories I have heard from friends and other Black people I have met. It was all so real.

But of course, while Starr is a fictional character, what she experiences really is real right now and has been for a while. You would almost think that this had just been written because of events that have transpired over the past year-plus (e.g. George Floyd). But it was published back in 2017.

I am also highly impressed that this is a debut novel, because it is so well written. I admit this gives me very high hopes for Angie Thomas’s other two books, which I believe are a prequel and a sequel to this one.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone who works with youth or has any interest in the current social justice climate. I also think those wo do not understand the current climate need to read this, though they will be harder to convince to do so. You’ll come away with a different perspective and hopefully feel pulled to reflect and to do something.

Review of Battle of the Bullies by Fenyx Blue

 

Welcome to the tour for Battle of the Bullies by Fenyx Blue! This is one that is going to stay with me for a while. Today I'm sharing with you an excerpt from the book as well as my thoughts. Be sure to follow the tour to read what other people thought as well, and leave questions and comments along the way. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

Ebony, Eris, and Emani Robertson have been through so much more than most high school freshman. When they were younger, they survived a school shooting that killed their friend and left their sister unable to speak. After giving home-schooling a try, they enroll in a promising new academy, hoping for the best. Unfortunately, they get the worst news. They have become the targets of an anonymous group of bullies who call themselves The Dimes. Can they bring down The Dimes all while trying to make it through the ninth grade?

Read an excerpt:

An Excerpt from Ebony

This week, my anonymous school survey seems to be a complete success. I’ve walked around the school visiting homerooms, telling them my story. Most of them somewhat know about my old school’s bombings. I answer their questions and offer a few of my best ideas for making changes at this school. School safety may be my platform. I haven’t fully decided.

The students have responded to my one-question survey in large numbers. The only question I asked is this: “If you could change one thing about this school, what would it be?” Replies can be anonymous, and are confidential.

Long lunch lines—Why do upperclassmen go first? —Anonymous

Theft—They stole my inhaler. I could have died from an asthma attack. —Anonymous

Lies—I have never had plastic surgery—I am not even done growing yet. Why would I need liposuction or any kind of work done on my lips, nose, or assets? No more lies, please. —Anonymous

Fees—I had to pay for books that someone else ruined! —Anonymous.

Rumors—They planted roaches in my locker, and everyone saw them crawl out. I was humiliated. I may not be live in a mansion, but we don’t have ROACHES! —Anonymous

Favoritism—I may not be a millionaire’s kid or have a famous last name, but I deserve the same education—even from student teachers. —Anonymous

Teasing—Everyone says I smell bad! —Anonymous

Confidentiality—They told everyone I had to cut my hair because I had lice. I’m sure I didn’t tell anyone but the nurse about that! She should be fired! —Anonymous

Peer Pressure!!! —Anonymous

Bullying—Check the internet . . . you’re on there, too. Sorry. —Anonymous

Gangs . . . oops, I mean the Dimes. —Anonymous

As I look through the rest of the surveys, one name continuously appears: Dimes.

Buy on Amazon

(Affiliate link) 

**My thoughts**

I was absolutely blown away by this book. I adore the three triplets, Ebony, Eris, and Emani. Each one of them has her own distinct personality and each is a strong young woman, even in the face of adversity and unspeakable tragedy. I admire their resilience and determination to fight against the Dimes and injustice. I realized at the end of the story that there is a book that came before this one and I am going to have to get that one soon to check out as well. 

Fear not, even though there is a book before this one, this completely works as a standalone story.

I actually think it would be amazing turned into a Netflix series or something like that. You have enough of the real world problems of school shootings, bullying, dating, sports, and more, with just a little added drama that makes it perfect for the screen. Fenyx Blue also makes every one of her characters come alive and jump right off of the page, so there is plenty to work with. Many times when characters as similar as triplets take turns telling a story, it can be confusing who is narrating without checking the chapter heading. But I didn't have to worry about that with this book, because each character truly had her own authentic voice. 

I think that a lot of young adult readers will be able to relate to a lot of this book, even if the Dimes are maybe a bit more exaggerated than what you typically see in the schools. And honestly, a lot of what they do is unfortunately too commonplace today. Most readers will not have access to the same supplies and methods to take down the bullies, but I think they will be inspired, nonetheless, to work on tackling the problems at their own schools. You could use this as a discussion launchpad with teens.

This story is going to stay with me for a while. I often read books in one sitting, but this one I had to stretch out a bit more. I was completely engrossed in it, but then also needed a break on occasion because it was an intense story. But that's completely up my alley when it comes to books. Like I said, I am planning on seeking out the other books in this series and will likely read this one again at some point. It really was well done.

Thank you to the author and Goddess Fish for fulfilling my review request. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

BLUE: Bold, Loving, Unapologetic, and Evolving are words to describe Fenyx Blue. Ms. Blue is an author, Youtuber (FENYX BLUE INK), speaker, ministry leader, mentor, instructional coach and her school district’s former “Those Who Excel” Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Blue is a soldier in the Blue Fenyx movement encouraging every phoenix in the world to rise up. Blue’s mission is to inspire, motivate and educate. Blue speaks to audiences about their purpose and power and works to coach other authors through their journey to become published.

Her novels are tools for teachers while being candy for students. Fenyx Blue has penned four books in her poetic collection in which she shares true life tales and lessons: Her first Young Adult novel entitled Who Failed Johnny? (Book 1 of The Triplet Trilogy), second YA novel Battle of the Bullies, a Children’s book called Worth the Weight: A Rare Gem, and a Poetry Book by the name of The Blue Ink Movement. With the help of her extended family and friends network, her self-published books will touch many lives this year.

Ms. Blue is a veteran English Teacher who has worked with readers K-12. However, her expertise lies with middle school and high school students which she has mentored, taught, and coached for almost twenty years. Blue created an organization called Team BFF (Team Bully-Free Forever) and has served as its coach for more than ten years. Her students have partnered with other schools, marched, and provided education on bullying. In addition, Blue directs a youth anti-drug program called Snowflake that helps students to solve problems, build relationships and make positive choices. She created an organization called Dads Rock to bring father figures into her school system to develop relationships with students in order to build their confidence and competence in school.

When Fenyx realized her school did not have an activity for spoken word artists, Blue sponsored a poetry club of junior high students that went on to the final rounds of “The Louder Than a Bomb” competition. Her school has now expanded that club to reach all creative young people and to allow them to share their gifts. With the support of other educators, she developed DIVAS (Daughters Inspiring Values and Sisterhood) to build bonds between middle and high school girls and prepare them to be productive citizens.

Ms. Fenyx Blue lovingly refers to her squad as neighbors on her YouTube channel @Fenyx Blue Ink because she believes we are all connected in some way. One of her goals is to transform into the best version of herself as she helps others to realize their destinies. Ms. Blue is a native of Chicago, Illinois, and loves to travel, learn, garden, and read. Ms. Blue is currently working on finalizing Book III of The Triplet Trilogy before moving on to a work of nonfiction for teachers. Follow Fenyx Blue @FenyxBlueInk on all Social Media platforms.

Website for Ms. Fenyx Blue: https://fenyxblueink.wixsite.com/website

Battle of the Bullies
https://amzn.to/31TVLNa

A group of upstanders versus a gang of bullies.

Worth the Weight
https://amzn.to/33U2WXc

A Christian dad expressing his love for his daughter and the song he sings to teach her to love herself.

Who Failed Johnny?
https://amzn.to/2U5stXS

A troubled, mentally unhealthy young man who is dealing with bullying while battling problems at home and the friendships he develops along the way.

The Blue Ink Movement
https://amzn.to/312C4Cj

A bold, loving, unapologetic and evolving collection of inspirational, motivational and educational poems about women, education, culture, relationships, and spirituality.

The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner and a $5 Starbucks GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review of Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: The Remix by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

A remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning for ages 12 and up.

A timely, crucial, and empowering exploration of racism--and antiracism--in America.

This is NOT a history book.
This is a book about the here and now.
A book to help us better understand why we are where we are.
A book about race.

The construct of race has always been used to gain and keep power, to create dynamics that separate and silence. This is a remarkable reimagining of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi's Stamped from the Beginning, winner of a National Book Award. It reveals the history of racist ideas in America and inspires hope for an antiracist future.

Stamped takes you on a race journey from then to now, shows you why we feel how we feel, and why the poison of racism lingers. It also proves that while racist ideas have always been easy to fabricate and distribute, they can also be discredited.

Through a gripping, fast-paced, and energizing narrative, Jason Reynolds shines a light on the many insidious forms of racist ideas--and on ways readers can identify and stamp out racist thoughts in their daily lives.

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * BN

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**
As I have embarked on my own ABAR studies and work, I have cultivated a lengthy list of recommended books. Certain books appear time and again on numerous list recommendations. Of course, Ibram X. Kendi is one of the top authors. I fully admit that when I was ready to start my next read, I glanced at my curated wishlist on Amazon and grabbed this one because it was one of the least expensive. And I am glad I was led to that decision. This is a book that I think everyone should read.

Author Jason Reynolds is known for writing books more geared toward the younger generation. I think it was brilliant for him to take Ibram X. Kendi’s Stamped from the Beginning and break it down. After all, the original is about 500 pages long. Readers are more likely to want to read a more abbreviated version. This book hits on all of the high points of the full text and delivers it in a very conversational format.

I think that aspect is key. We are talking about the need to have conversations. And reading this made me feel like I was sitting drinking a coffee or a beer with Jason while he imparted some serious knowledge on me.

Many of these names were familiar to me. But I never before realized how much I didn’t know about their full stories. I’ve been learning some, thanks to some excellent Great Courses lectures. But this really opened my eyes to even more

And while this book is written with the slightly younger set in mind, I think it is an important one for adults to read as well. It lays the foundation for learning more history than we got at school. Ideally, you will want to then move on to the full text, which I already had on order before I was finished with this one.

I also hope it will inspire some inner reflection in readers. Will you challenge what you have learned and seek out more of the story? Will you better understand the current racial climate and the experiences that your Black friends and acquaintances have had in their past and continue to face? And will you finally recognize yourself as being in one of the three groups – segregationist, assimilationist, or antiracist?

Will you have better conversations?

I know there will be some who have a problem with this book. They are the ones who have the most work to do and would benefit greatly from the education inside it. I hope more people are willing to open their minds to this conversation and are willing to use this book to help them join in. I think this is belongs on required reading lists. I am glad I included it in my reading and will definitely read it again.

Further Thoughts:

Reflecting on Stamped

Why Montessorians Need to Read Stamped

Review of Bake Believe by Cori Cooper

 

Welcome to the review tour for Bake Believe by Cori Cooper! This is a book full of delectable baked goods and an interesting family twist. Read my full review and an excerpt from the book before you download your copy. Follow the tour for even more thoughts and sneak peeks inside. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

Cat Anderson doesn't want much out of life. Give her a circle of friends to giggle with, a few boys to flirt with, a cute outfit, and she is good to go! She especially could care less about food.

But food, it turns out, is a very big deal.

In Cat's family there is a secret too fantastic to be real. Something happens when Cat bakes.

Something amazing.

Something impossible.

Can it be true? Or is it Bake Believe?

Read an excerpt:

Robyn saw the look on my face and sat back up. She reached for a corn tortilla and held it in front of my face. “See this?”

I nodded.

“This tortilla, by itself, is muy disgusting.”

Marissa clicked her tongue.

Robyn glanced at her mom but kept talking. “It is super bland all by itself, but if you add salsa or guacamole or something else, it’s deliciouso!” She spooned salsa down the center, rolled it up and took a bite to prove her point.

I nodded again, even though I had no idea what she was talking about.

As soon as she was done chewing, Robyn spread her hands out. “You don’t want a bland tortilla life, Cat; you want life with the salsa!”

Book Links:

Goodreads * Amazon * Immortal Works

**My thoughts**

My favorite part of this book is definitely all of the fantastic recipes that are interwoven throughout. I love the way that the author puts her personality into the directions for making the various concoctions. They make for a fun collection and I look forward to trying some of them out.

The story was ... interesting. Cat is a lot to take in, especially at the beginning of the book. She's extremely active, loud, and rambles on in that present tense narration where you know every single little detail of what she sees and is doing that is not my favorite. (This does ease up as the story goes on, though.) She's also way overly concerned with what anyone else thinks about her. When I later realized she was just starting the 8th grade, that part made a lot more sense and the abrasiveness eased. I also think that Cat calmed down a bit more.

Her mother is extremely odd. She has a complete aversion to cooking or baking and refuses to let anyone in her household do either. They eat prepackaged foods or order out. Mom also seems to zone out. The teacher in me started getting very concerned about this poor girl and her family.

But then when school starts, everything starts to change. Cat ends up in a Culinary class, thanks to a weird mix-up with the schedules. And then halfway through the book, we find out why her mom is so weirded out about cooking and baking. Everything finally starts to make sense and then I found myself really enjoying the second half of the book. I especially like her interactions with Tobey and her lessons with her Aunt Marissa.

This is definitely a book geared toward younger teens. So if you're not used to that age group, I think you're going to have a hard time enjoying it. But I think kids around the same age as Cat and her friends will like it a lot. And again, the recipes alone are worth it. I do wonder if there will be more with Cat and company in future books?

Thank you to the author and Goddess Fish for fulfilling my request for a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Since I was six years old I wanted to be a published Author. I still have all my early manuscripts, but don't ask to see them - my spelling was atrocious!

I'm a mama of four witty, movie quoting, awesome sauce kids - three teens and one preteen. Yes, they end up in my novels! Don't worry, names are changed to protect the innocent and everything is always GREATLY exaggerated! That's my super power.

I'm also wife to the cutest guy in the whole world. It's true! I'm not bias at all, really. We met in Middle School and got married after he served a mission for our Church. It's been a wild ride, but I wouldn't miss it for a plate full of Cinnamon Rolls.

Or anything else, actually!

I hope you have as much fun reading my stuff as I have writing it. The creative process is so fantastic, I just love every part of it!

https://coristories.com/

https://www.facebook.com/coricooperauthor

https://twitter.com/CoriCAuthor

https://www.instagram.com/authorcoricooper/

Cori Cooper will be awarding a Bake Believe Apron (US Only) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review of Wallflower by Cookie O'Gorman

 

Welcome to the Book Tour!

Today I'm sharing with you an excerpt from and my thoughts on this YA romance that totally captured my heart: 

Wallflower

by: Cookie O'Gorman

Read an interview with the author over at Candrel's Crafts, Cooks, and Characters!

Wallflower 
by: Cookie O'Gorman
YA Romance 

Release Date: March 25, 2021

Summary: 

Wallflower (wohl-flou-erh): Identifier for someone who is shy and/or awkward. For reference, see Viola Kent.

Seventeen-year-old Viola Kent likes being invisible. Well, not literally, but she's content being a loner, reading her books, and hanging out with the animals at the shelter. She just wants to keep her head down and get through her senior year at Durham High.

Driving Dare Frost to school every day wasn't part of the plan.

And when Viola finds out her dad recruited Dare, his number one player, to be her friend?

Her inner Slytherin demands revenge.

The solution: Get Dare to be her fake boyfriend.

Convincing the star athlete to pretend is easier than she'd thought it would be. The hard part is protecting her heart. With every word, touch, and kiss, Viola's feelings become more real.

The problem: Viola knows she's falling for Dare—but he doesn't believe in love.

This book features two sets of soulmates, one happy pooch named Hermione, so many sizzling kisses and answers the question:

Can a dork and a jock fake their way to true love?

Excerpt:

"Come on, Dare.  Show me your moves.  Or did you run out already?"

Dare walked toward me until the top of my thighs hit the couch cushion.  "I've got a ton of moves, flower.  We haven't even tried half of them."

I blinked.  "Really?"

He nodded.  "I'm just trying to ease you into this, make sure you're comfortable.  I don't want to move too fast."

Please, do, I thought.

The words that came out of my mouth were, "I'll believe it when I see it."

It had sounded good, quippy and totally aloof in my head.

But Dare took it as a challenge.

"I'm going to enjoy this," Dare said.

Before I could respond, he gripped the backs of my legs and lifted slightly, making me gasp and throw my arms about his neck.  In the next instant, I was balanced on the couch back, my legs on either side of his hips as he took a step forward.  There hadn't been that much space between us to begin with.  So, the next thing I knew his body was mere inches away from mine.

My cheeks flamed, and he drank in my reaction.

Buy Link:

Amazon

(affiliate link)

**My thoughts**

Viola is precisely what you would expect a wallflower to be. She is attractive enough, but not one to necessarily turn heads upon entering a room. She's smart without being too much of a Hermione. Speaking of which, she's totally into Harry Potter and all kids of other suck books. She can get along with people well enough if she has to, but doesn't go out of her way to do so. She doesn't feel like she needs a lot of friends, instead preferring to spend her time with the animals at the shelter where she volunteers. And deep down, she's a big romantic. She's totally someone I would be friends with.

Her father was a star athlete when he was in high school and is now the coach of the high school soccer team. They're total opposites, but are also completely devoted to each other.

Enter Dare. His name alone tells you a lot about him. He's the star of the soccer team. He's smoking hot and charismatic, which pretty much helps him get away with more than he should. But there is a softer side that is buried within that slowly surfaces as we get to know him.

Viola's father sets up this unlikely friendship by asking Viola to give Dare a ride to school every morning. The kids have chemistry from the start, in spite of Viola's protests to the contrary. And when she vows revenge on her father by pretending to date Dare, the sparks absolutely fly off of the pages.

It's definitely not your typical high school kind of a romance, but it's a fun one to watch unfold. And the characters felt very real to me. I felt like I could envision each character as someone from my own high school class. In fact, Dare's doppelganger quickly jumped into my head from the first meeting, and I almost messaged my old friend to tell him I had found him in a book.

I always love watching strong girls come into their own and having the cocky boys realize and acknowledge their vulnerabilities. It's a reminder that people are often deeper than that persona you usually see put on at the first meeting.

I really enjoyed this story and found out at the end that Viola's parents have their own story as well. So now I have purchased Adorkable and will be reading and reviewing that soon!

Giveaway! 

$25 Amazon Gift Card 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio:

Cookie O'Gorman writes YA & NA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her novels ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About EthanWilder, The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad  and WALLFLOWER are out now!  She is also the author of NA sports romance, The Best Mistake.

Author Social Media Links:

Author Website: http://cookieogorman.com/

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cookie-OGorman/e/B01DCDMJ5U

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14924267.Cookie_O_Gorman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cookieogorman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookieogorman/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CookieOwrites

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cookie-o-gorman