I adored this book. But it wasn’t always an easy read. It’s a book drowning in grief and desperation, finely wrought and deeply felt, and it’s an understatement to say that at parts it was so good and so sad and so precise in its pain that I was simply made of tears. So fair warning, if your heart can’t handle a story of surviving the unexpected loss of a parent, there’s nothing wrong with … Continue reading Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo →
We’re approaching the end of the year and there’s only one more Whatcha Reading left after this one in 2021! Lara: I’ve hit a rough patch emotionally so I’ve turned to a series that Sarah has recommended: the Cadfael books by Ellis Peters. They’re a marvel and a balm for the soul! Sarah: Aren’t they lovely? I am so glad they are giving you the mellow reading feels. Lara: They’re just the best! I’m trying … Continue reading Whatcha Reading? December 2021, Part One →
In Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed, bestselling and award-winning authors as well as up-and-coming voices interrogate the different myths and stereotypes about the Latinx diaspora. These fifteen original pieces delve into everything from ghost stories and superheroes, to memories in the kitchen and travels around the world, to addiction and grief, to identity and anti-Blackness, to finding love and speaking your truth. Full of both sorrow and joy, Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed is an … Continue reading Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed →
As I mentioned a few gift guides ago, this year I’m doing a lot of advanced shopping for friends and family, and sending a lot of gift cards for future shopping possibilities. This year, since it’s Small Business Saturday AND Shopping During the Pandemic is Difficult, I wanted to gather some links and coupons for independent bookstores for easy shopping. Obviously: The Ripped Bodice – Use code SMALLBUTMIGHTY for 10% until Monday 11/30/20 Love’s Sweet … Continue reading Small Business Shopping Saturday! →
We are approaching the end of August. How? When? Why? I have this fear that we’ll get to December and then December will just keep going and 2020 will go on forever. Anyway, should we get into the books? Carrie: My daughter finally talked me into reading the Percy Jackson series, so I’m hooked on that. I am in the middle of Book Three, The Titan’s Curse. Also I just started Rocket Science by Emily … Continue reading Whatcha Reading? August 2020 Edition, Part Two →
A fierce coming-of-age verse novel about identity and the power of drag, from acclaimed UK poet and performer Dean Atta. Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo, Jason Reynolds, and Kacen Callender. Michael is a mixed-race gay teen growing up in London. All his life, he’s navigated what it means to be Greek-Cypriot and Jamaican—but never quite feeling Greek or Black enough. As he gets older, Michael’s coming out is only the start of learning who … Continue reading The Black Flamingo →
In a novel-in-verse that brims with grief and love, National Book Award-winning and New York Times-bestselling author Elizabeth Acevedo writes about the devastation of loss, the difficulty of forgiveness, and the bittersweet bonds that shape our lives. Camino Rios lives for the summers when her father visits her in the Dominican Republic. But this time, on the day when his plane is supposed to land, Camino arrives at the airport to see crowds of crying people… … Continue reading Clap When You Land →
We’re slowly approaching the end of February and it’s a Leap Year! That means one more day to enjoy some (hopefully) good books. Sneezy: The Likability Trap by Alice Menendez, and City Kitty and Country Mouse by Alyssa Linn Palmer! The Likability Trap has been “I see myself in this picture, and I don’t like it,” from literally the first sentence. City Kitty and Country Mouse is cute as FUCK, and already layering feels, and … Continue reading Whatcha Reading? February 2020 Edition, Part Two →
A gutsy, queer coming-of-age story perfect for fans of Nina LaCour, Rainbow Rowell, and Elizabeth Acevedo. Juliet Milagros Palante is a self-proclaimed closeted Puerto Rican baby dyke from the Bronx. Only, she’s not so closeted anymore. Not after coming out to her family the night before flying to Portland, Oregon to intern with her favorite feminist writer–what’s sure to be a life changing experience. And when Juliet’s coming out crashes and burns, she’s not sure her … Continue reading Juliet Takes a Breath →
