"It came to him, with the force of a revelation, that you had to have been imprisoned to fully understand what freedom was."

A horrifying book, but not in the same vein of terror in which most of King's novels are written. There weren't any points where I was kept awake at night but the trauma experienced by the children makes your skin crawl in an entirely different way. The story has a sci-fi feel to it with the telekinesis & telepathy.

"How will we ever get out of this labyrinth of suffering?"

I've been meaning to read this for years but had never gotten around to it. However, with the Hulu series out, I decided it was finally time. I am a sucker for the boarding school setting but there was a lot more to like that just that. The characters, while young, were relatable. They reminded me a bit of myself at their age so the book caused a feeling of nostalgia in me.

"You don't believe the sky is falling until a chunk of it falls on you."

A great, long awaited follow-up to The Handmaid's Tale. Margaret Atwood just tied to win the 2019 Booker Prize for this book and it didn't disappoint. The Testaments follows three different narrators: Aunt Lydia, a young girl who grew up in Gilead, & a young teen living outside Gilead in Canada. I don't want to give away much more than that. Go read it ?

I absolutely loved this first installment in a new dragon-based YA fantasy series. It reminds me a lot of a less wordy Game of Thrones, but with more dragons. The narrator changes between 2 dragon-riding orphans, Lee and Annie. My favorite aspect of this book so far though is the history and politics of the world. I definitely recommend this first book in the Aurelian Cycle series to anyone who enjoys this genre. In stores today 10/15/19. 🐲🐉

There really isn't a way to describe The Dutch House. It's almost like nothing happens but so much happens all at once. Everytime I picked it up to continue reading it, it felt like I was coming home. I found out that Tom Hanks narrated the audiobook about halfway through my reading of it, so included that in my experience for the second half, adding to the comforting feeling. The last page of the story wasn't sad, yet I cried all the same.

"Even those broken by fate can pick themselves up and rise."

An awesome middle grades fantasy. It's full of magic and whimsy, creatures and a little darkness. It reminds me a lot of the Nevermoor series mixed with The Labyrinth & Alice in Wonderland. This book reminds you that everything isn't as dire as it seems & you should always believe you can accomplish your dreams.

Anyone else watch In The Tall Grass on Netflix this weekend? Pretty creepy... 😱😬🌾⚰️

I have been meaning to read this book for awhile so October seemed like a suitable month to do so. I have really enjoyed Shirley Jackson's other works, and this had a similar, creepy atmosphere to it. I liked this book quite a bit but it was slightly predictable so I didn't find it to be as good as The Lottery, etc.. I read it all in one sitting though and I really felt unsettled after doing so. Happy early Halloween! 💀🎃🏚️

"To save one is to save the world."

Lale's story is amazing at times, and so tragic in other times. There are so many books about the harshness of Auschwitz, but few have the firsthand experience of a person who survived the ordeal & also found the love of his life doing so. Being the tattooist offered Lale great opportunities at survival, which he shared wholeheartedly with Gita and many other prisoners in the camp. He touched the lives of many.

"Because survival is insufficient."

Originally, I thought this was just another run-of-the-mill dystopian society book (which I'm not knocking, I love this genre). However, Station Eleven has so much more depth than that. It's truly a book about humanity. The storyline jumps back and forth to the time right before a rapid flu kills most people on Earth, and about 15-20 years after the demise.

"???, ??? ???? ??? ?? ????. ??? ??? ???????. ???? ??? ????"⁣
⁣
A beautiful book that reads like a poem. You really get to know the personalities of Iris, Aubrey, Sabe, & Po'Boy. Each has their own issues & insecurities but you quickly come to love them. The families rally around the birth of daughter Melody, to a too young Iris. I also loved the audiobook, read by a full cast that includes the author.

#7days7covers - Day 7

Play along! Post a cover a day for 7 days, no explanations

#7days7covers- Day 6

I thought I had read every type of WWII book but the magical realism here adds to the story in ways that doesn't detract from the overall serious nature. Hoffman highlights the cruelty & unfairness of the world, but also the beauty of humanity through great comraderie with friends, family, & strangers.

In stores today 9/24!

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from #netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

#7days7covers - Day 5

Play along! Post a cover a day for 7 days, no explanations

#7days7covers - Day 4
(This is technically 2 covers but of the same book 🤷‍♀️)

Play along! Post a cover a day for 7 days, no explanations

#7days7covers - Day 3

Play along! Post a cover a day for 7 days, no explanations.

A fun & unique read that involves alternate history, time travel, punk rock, and feminism...so you really can't go wrong here. I absolutely enjoyed the incorporation of true historical events with a twist. It also contains some awesome characters (including great LGBTQ+ representation). I would love to see a screen adaptation one day. In stores 9/24!!

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from #bookishfirst in exchange for my honest review.

#7days7covers - Day 2

@batsy have you been tagged to play yet? 🙂

#7days7covers - Day 1

Thanks for tagging me to play @IndoorDame

Dead Voices gave me the chills, and not just because the ski lodge was freezing. The second book in Katherine Arden's middle grade series was just as good as Small Spaces, possibly even better. Ollie, Coco, and Brian are back again in a creepy story that reminded me of Goosebumps mixed with Are You Afraid of the Dark? & The Shining. I absolutely loved it. I hear there's going to be 2 more books in this series to round out the remaining seasons. 🤞

This book transports you to another place and time. Viewing the world through the eyes of a teen girl, we are introduced to life & culture in rural Pakistan. A touching story that reminds you that there is beauty in life, but there is also pain and suffering.

In stores 9/17.⁣
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𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘳: I 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 a copy of t𝘩𝘪𝘴 book f𝘳𝘰𝘮 #𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.⁣

An adorable little prose book. The writing is captivating. Finding out that a lot of the story was a direct reflection of the author's time as a child refugee from Saigon only made the book more touching. The main character, Ha, is perfectly captured in the story as a child who has the cares and worries of a child but is going through real world, adult problems. All students should read this, for an understanding of refugees struggling today.

Thank you to all the heroes who were made & lost today, ⁣
🇺🇲 9/11/01 Never Forgotten⁣
⁣
FDNY- W.M., P.O., T.H., T.H., ⁣
PAPD- A.I., P.J., K.M., & K9 Sirius⁣

A middle grade read with less science fiction than the Ender's Game series. This story was a lot of fun & definitely warrants a read. Card is so versatile in his writing. His books are always so engaging and absorbing no matter the intended audience. This is a great place to start if you're looking for an intro to this author. In stores today 9/10!

Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I'm not usually a fan of any books that fall under the Contemporary genre, however, I absolutely enjoyed this book. The main character, Frank Li, is adorable & hilarious. The author touches on some important topics affecting today's youth including racism, parental pressure, diversity, inclusion, culture, customs, & more. In stores this Tuesday, 9/10!

⁣Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this from #BookishFirst in exchange for an honest review.

The main character's quick wit and sharp tongue had me laughing out loud multiple times. This book was a great foray into YA historical fiction, and made me realize how much more of this genre is needed. Touching on multiple pertinent societal norms from a time when life was difficult for anyone who wasn't a white male, this story takes place at the end of the nineteenth century but it still has a lot of relevance today.

Recently translated into English, I really enjoyed this dystopian story about an island where things regularly disappear (from perfume to birds to boats). Everyone accepts the disappearances due to a phenomenon that causes them to forget the feelings these items conjure. However, some people are able to retain these memories and that's where the Memory Police get involved, disappearing certain people, as well. Very big brother & thought provoking.

What a beautiful yet haunting story. I didn't realize I was carrying all of their pain and struggle in my heart until the very end of the book. Lefteri is a talented author, painting a picture of Aleppo prior to the ravaging war. It is so heart-wrenching to realize how the bombs have destroyed the longest continually inhabited city on Earth. Even more heart-wrenching are the journeys of those who have lost their homes, families & livelihoods.

This was a nice change of pace for me. With it's small town setting and the bit of magical realism, this book reminded me of a comfort food. While it touches on some tough topics, the overall feel good attitude of this story really warmed my heart.

𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘳: 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 G𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.

The synopsis really does not do this book justice. I was expecting a creepy yet light teen mystery but this is much more than that. The historical fiction aspect of this plotline was surprising but welcomed. I learned a bit about a dark period in Ireland's history that I had not known about. In addition, there were some timely issues discussed.

Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book from #EdelweissPlus in exchange for an honest review.

“We all live day to day completely oblivious to the fact that we‘re a part of a much larger and stranger reality than we can possibly imagine.”

I know that I'm three years late here but Dark Matter is the book I've been waiting for my entire life. It is absolutely fantastic and pretty mind blowing. Blake Crouch wrote a fantastic sci-fi thriller that keeps you thinking long after you finish this book.

My library holds are in!! 📚🎉💃

🎃🌽⁣ Ollie comes into possession of a creepy old book that seems to tell a ghost story of an old farm near her hometown. Horror ensues when her class ends up taking a field trip to this same farm.⁣
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I'd been searching for a story that would remind of the feeling I enjoyed as a kid when reading Goosebumps books and I wasn't disappointed. It also really got me in the mood for fall and Halloween. I can't wait for the next book now. 🎃🌽⁣

Bookmail 🙌📚📬

I enjoyed this book a lot more than I had expected to. I read it because it was chosen as the #ReadWithJenna bookclub pick last month. I was drawn to it due to the mother-daughter relationships. What really hooked me though was the mystery aspect that the title alludes to. I was still unraveling the plot up until the end, actually gasping out loud once I finally put two and two together.

#throwBOOKthursday with Calvin & Hobbes 👱‍♂️🐯

"Safe --- what a joke. Nobody's safe."

I really enjoyed The Chain right from the start. It was completely engrossing and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. When Rachel's daughter is kidnapped as part of the chain, her anxiety is palpable to the reader. I can tell this one will stick with me for awhile. A clever concept that will get you questioning your own morality. I read it really quickly, it felt like the time just flew by.

A quick YA read that invokes the same feel as an Angie Thomas novel. Two different teens are thrown together during a night of chaos. It starts when a fight breaks out at a school & then gets out of hand. This book covers themes of racism, wealth inequality, relationships, belongingness, family, and rioting that rivals the tragedy in Charlottesville.

Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book from Teen Reads in exchange for my honest review.

The Other Americans is a story that covers way more than just the hit-and-run at the center of it. Everyday problems and life's struggles come to the forefront through characters struggling with PTSD, drug addiction, marriage problems, failing businesses, immigration, racism, societal changes, and more. At times I found it hard to keep track of the differing points of view, but I appreciated the overall message.

I'm a day late, but SO excitedd! I got the BEST #happeebirthdaeharryswap stuff from @SmartSassery!!

books, Hogwarts letter, Deathly Hallows necklace, Dobby socks, philosopher's stone pin, the coolest bookmarks, HP journal, tickets for the Knight Bus & Hogwarts Express, Ravenclaw cards, sorting hat bow, tea, Ministry of Magic postcards & candy from the trolley!

Best day ever!!⚡⚡ Thanks again!

And thanks to @laurenslibrary for hosting!!

I enjoy breaking up my more serious reads with a fun middle grade book every now and then. Nightbooks did not disappoint. It was exactly what I was looking for, a nice light-hearted escape from reality. I really enjoyed how this urban fantasy was a modern take on the old tales Arabian Nights and Hansel & Gretel. Throw in some hints of the making of a good Are You Afraid of the Dark episode, and you wind up with this fantastic read by J.A. White.

It all starts when a new neighbor invites herself in to the young Mom's bookclub. She introduces a game that ruffles some feathers and sets Amy, the narrator, on edge. I was very anxious most of the book, waiting to see if the main character's carefully constructed life would come crashing down around her. At times a bit improbable, this book keeps you on the edge of your seat, reminding you how one single moment can change (and ruin) everything.

I'm a bit late to the Grishaverse here, but better late than never, right? This fantasy has everything I ask for in a series, from strong friendships, to an orphan who thought they were worthless, violence, magic, danger, regret, & a chance to save the world.

I am thrilled that I loved this book & now to get indulge in the rest of this trilogy and the Six of Crows duology. I already can't wait for the Netflix series to come out.

Received my #happeebirthdaeharryswap package in the mail today! It's sooo pretty @SmartSassery, I love it & I haven't even opened it yet. Now I have to practice my patience until 7/31. ⚡🎁

"Every ordinary moment holds a potential calamity, and you cannot know when one will rise."

An intriguing book, drawing me in immediately from the first chapter. A sleeping sickness is sweeping through a dorm floor, and no one knows what is causing it. I read really quickly each time I'd pick the book up, I couldn't wait to see who would be affected by the illness next. It's a semi-dystopian story that I recommend to anyone who likes the genre.

Anyone else participating in the #NetGalley #reviewathon?
I'm hoping to get to these 6 ARCs by August 30th 📚📚

#BookishFirst #TeenReads #Edelweiss #ARCs

An extremely timely novel about women speaking up for themselves in a way that helps all women, showcasing female relationships in the same way Big Little Lies does. I had expected this book to be pro-feminism of course, but was pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn't over the top. An easy read, captivating up until the very end.

Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

My #24in48 books, I need to read 10 more hours before midnight 💪📚⏰

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲!... did anyone else have an unnecessarily large book mail stack this week thanks to 𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘴 at B&N, Target, Amazon and/or BetterWorldBooks? 😬📚📬⁣

Quarantined on an island, the girls from the Raxter school are told to sit tight and wait for a cure but things aren't going so well anymore...

I always enjoy a boarding school setting for a story but Rory Power really takes it to another level. Fun and horrifying all at once, I could easily see Wilder Girls being a Netflix movie that I would devour like I did this book. A pretty quick but intense read. I definitely recommend it.