Hello, Readers! 📚
So, just to review, here is my original list:
 |
| #MustReadin2019 |
Finished reading May 18, 2019
I should start off by saying how much I enjoyed Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson, and I love Monday's Not Coming even more! This is the story of best friends Claudia and Monday. They do everything together, have plans for the future, and help each other get through school (and the rumors, drama, and bullies that go with it). After visiting her grandmother for the summer, Claudia is so excited to get back to school and see Monday. But Monday is a no-show on the first day. And the next. And the next. Claudia can't figure out how Monday could just up and leave her without a word, and spends the rest of this brilliant novel trying to piece together what is really going on. This book is masterfully written, and will keep you on the very edge of your seat!
Finished reading July 7, 2019
There is NO way you can lose when you have Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera writing a book together! What If It's Us is AMAZING! Arthur is staying in New York for the summer. He meets Ben who is on his way to the post office to send back a box of his ex-boyfriend's belongings. It's a pretty cute first meeting, and it seems like the two have a connection. But then the first date doesn't go so well (or the second first date for that matter). The sense of humor in this book is so great...I found myself stopping to reread conversations that made me laugh out loud! I was really rooting for both of these characters (and their friends were pretty cool, too).
Finished reading August 1, 2019
I was hooked on Born a Crime by Trevor Noah from the very first page. This memoir shows different moments from Trevor's life as a young child through adulthood. You would think that a book written by a person who was literally born a crime under apartheid (his mother is Xhosa and his father is Swiss) could not possibly be funny, but you would be so wrong. I laughed out loud in places! But the stories and experiences described in the book are also eye-opening and very powerful. If you haven't read this yet, I highly recommend it!
Finished reading August 12, 2019
I became a fan of Jeff Zentner because of The Serpent King, which is one of my favorite books of all time. So, if I see Mr. Zentner's name on something, I will absolutely read it. This is the story of Josie and Delia, and their public access show that airs Friday nights. These best friends in their senior year of high school are beginning to grapple with the next phases of their lives. One thing I want to point out about Rayne and Delilah's Midnite Matinee is that if you find yourself in need of fantastic examples of dialogue, I would definitely mark some pages in here (in fact, I did). Some of Delia and Josie's conversations made me laugh so hard that tears were streaming (the two guys they encounter at the fights immediately come to mind). But (*spoiler alert*) there were also sad tears as well. I really enjoyed this one!
Finished reading August 25, 2019
Mysteries are probably my favorite genre, and what I love most about Karen McManus is that she kept me guessing the ENTIRE time. In Two Can Keep a Secret, twins Ellery and Ezra are forced to move in with their grandmother in the small town where their mom grew up. Ellery's aunt disappeared from there at age 17, and five years ago the Homecoming queen was killed in the town's Halloween-themed amusement park. Just after Ellery and Ezra's arrival, someone begins targeting the Homecoming court again. And the twins can't seem to get any straight answers from their mom or grandma, either, so mostly what they have to go on is the small-town gossip (and some firmly held grudges). I sincerely enjoyed every twist and turn!
Finished reading September 14, 2019
Genesis Begins Again will be placed in the "Ms. Green's Favorites" bin in our classroom library. I simply could not love this book more! It starts out with Genesis walking home from school with friends to find all of her furniture arranged neatly on the front lawn. Once again, her dad's gambling and drinking have gotten them evicted. Genesis starts a new school, deals with family issues, self-loathing, and having friends (real ones) for pretty much the first time. This book made me hopeful that I can be a Mrs. Hill to somebody someday. Oh, and definitely stop reading (you'll know when) to listen to some of the music that Mrs. Hill recommends. What I will remember most is, "I just want to look in the mirror and be okay with myself, that's all." And what a fantastic reminder that adults don't always have their stuff together, either. Every one of us is a work in progress. This one is going to stay with me for a very long time. Bravo, Ms. Williams!
