“You don’t have to be afraid or embarrassed. No one does you better than you. You can’t be replaced. Not everyone will see that, but only you need to.” In fifth grade, Misha’s teacher set him and his classmates up with pen pals from a different school. For the next seven years, Ryen was his… Continue reading Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas
Genre: Fiction / Coming of Age
Credence by Penelope Douglas
“You never smile... You never feel joy. No dreams for the future. No plans. You have no fight in you. You’re barely alive” Tiernan de Haas doesn’t care about anything anymore. The only child of a film producer and his starlet wife, she’s grown up with wealth and privilege but not love or guidance. Shipped… Continue reading Credence by Penelope Douglas
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline had been on my TBR for a long time. We read this for book club. This was a very touching story. If you like historical fiction this one is for you. Families looking for servants, farm labourers, or occasionally more children would come check out the orphans and see… Continue reading Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
The Ensemble by Aja Gabel
This was the book I didn't know I needed. A captivating novel unfolds the story of four young friends as they navigate the competitive realm of classical music, exploring the intricate web of ambition, passion, and love that weaves through the tapestry of their lives. The characters in this were so complex and I was… Continue reading The Ensemble by Aja Gabel
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
“No woman should be made to fear that she was not enough.” This standalone epic fantasy novel is set in a richly developed world. The story is characterized by intricate world-building, complex characters, political intrigue, and a unique twist on classic fantasy elements. It is set in a world where dragons are a central part… Continue reading The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
True Biz by Sara Novic
True Biz was an interesting and informative book about the deaf community that I didn't know I needed. Novic created a well-written book that included a mini ASL lessons and history regarding the ASL community. Combining elements of a tender coming-of-age narrative, an electrifying political awakening, and a heartfelt homage to Deaf culture, TRUE BIZ… Continue reading True Biz by Sara Novic
The Incredible Winston Brown by Sean Dietrich
This was a heartfelt story about a small town hero and is for anyone who has any interest in baseball. In this story, Winston Browne is a small town sheriff with a big heart. This takes place in the 50's in Florida. I thought the small town of Moab, FL with it's population of 912… Continue reading The Incredible Winston Brown by Sean Dietrich
A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole
“Maybe we’re like the cherry blossom, Rune. Like shooting stars. Maybe we loved too much too young and burned so bright that we had to fade out.” She pointed behind us, to the blossom grove. “Extreme beauty, quick death. We had this love long enough to teach us a lesson. To show us how capable… Continue reading A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole
Saint X by Alexis Schaitkin
“I fooled myself into believing I was after closure, when all I really wanted was never to let go. Because, as Alison’s scar was her most sacred vanity, her death was mine." Claire is only seven years old when her college sister, Alison, disappears on the last night of their family vacation.. Several days later,… Continue reading Saint X by Alexis Schaitkin
Normal People by Sally Rooney
“Most people go through their whole lives, without ever really feeling that close with anyone.” At school Connell and Marianne pretend not to know each other. He’s popular and well-adjusted, star of the school soccer team while she is lonely, proud, and intensely private. But when Connell comes to pick his mother up from her… Continue reading Normal People by Sally Rooney