Gender Queer is a graphic novel memoir about the author, Maia Kobabe. This is one of the first books I've read where I’ve felt really represented. Kobabe tells us a very raw and honest story of self-discovery and exploration. Through this journey we see eir thoughts and feelings, in experiences from eir childhood to adulthood.

I first read this graphic novel at a time where I was heavily questioning my identity. Gender Queer encapsulated the feelings involved in this process and the way labels change. Many of Kobabe's experiences really resonated with me at the time which was very comforting. Now, a year later, I decided to reread this story. I’m happy to see that quotes, along with my feelings of comfort about them, have stuck with me.

The Girl From the Sea is a cute sapphic graphic novel that shows us that sometimes we have to embrace change.

It follows a girl named Morgan in love with a selkie, Keltie. We explore Morgan’s struggle to open up about her identity to her family and friends. Her struggle affects Morgan and her relationships with the people around her. I loved seeing cute and funny moments between the characters and the progress they make. This novel is filled with stunning colourful graphics that really draw you into the story. 

If you’re looking for a lighter read with relatable (and super cute!) queer characters, I recommend The Girl From the Sea!

Hood Feminism is a really important essay collection that focuses on intersectional feminism and how we can do a better job of being more inclusive. This book consistently reiterates how the traditional feminist movement centers around those who have most of their needs met, while ignoring everyone else.

Mikki Kendall explores how violence, poverty, education, medical care, and other social issues disproportionately affect women of colour. This book was personal as she uses her own experiences to express the gravity of the situation rather than only adding information from statistics. 

I would recommend this book to everyone, since the information being provided is applicable to our everyday lives. This book really opened my eyes.

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

I re-read Atomic Habits at the beginning of each year to prepare to abandon bad habits and adopt healthy habits. All of us have dreams and goals we want to achieve, but no real plan to get there. This book includes a list of straightforward, actionable strategies to make progress on your goals. The main idea is that little changes make big differences over time, and the idea of becoming 1% better. James Clear argues that who we are and what we will achieve depends on the small habits that we do everyday. 

I would recommend this to those who want to start reading self-help books because it's broken down into bitesize chapters and is easy to understand. Furthermore, I appreciate that this book doesn’t make you feel like you’re doing it all wrong, rather it motivates you to apply these habits into your personal lifestyle. 

How to Pronounce Knife is a detailed short story collection about the Laotian immigrant experience in Canada. This book was funny while emotional, and we meet many different characters that share the common experience of experiencing new surroundings. I give this book a 3/5 because I feel as though the stories are too short and I wish they went into more depth and got to know the characters better. Nonetheless, I did appreciate how personal this felt being in Canada. 

In the celebrity memoir, Born a Crime by Trevor Noah, the author recounts his experience growing up as an interracial kid in South Africa at the end of apartheid while interracial relationships were illegal and its aftermath. His Xhosa mother looked very different from him, and she couldn’t walk down the street with her son without being fearful of facing a five-year penalty. As a result, Trevor struggles to find himself as he grows up in a world where he wasn’t supposed to exist. It explores his relationship with his extremely religious mother; someone who wanted to protect him from the cycle of violence, poverty, and crime. It was interesting learning about South Africa before and after Apartheid (especially from his unique point of view). 

While this emotional and educational memoir involves heavy topics, Trevor Noah still manages to apply his humor to the situations. I was glued to this book while reading as he is a perfect storyteller.

A book series I recently finished is the Shadow and Bone trilogy by Leigh Bardugo. It is a pretty good book series that ended pretty well, and everything was wrapped up very nicely. I would give this book series a 4 out of 5. It could be a bit better when it comes to the writing style, and I wish that the main trope in the book wasn’t that the main character, Alina Starkov, was the “chosen one.” However, you should definitely read the series if only to get used to the Grisha verse world before you read Six of Crows. (A book series which is a solid 44389320983287/10 and deserves the world, but that’s a whole other story.) It is definitely a good book series and a wonderful introduction to Leigh’s books and the Grisha verse world.

Siege and Storm is the second book in the Shadow and Bone trilogy. It follows Alina as she attempts to build a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. The reader gets insight into Alina’s mind as she copes with PTSD from the events and lives she took on the Fold in the first book. 

If you are in the mood for a slower relaxed read that is still fantasy then this book is exactly what you're looking for. If you have read A Court Of Frost and Starlight, then this book will be similar in the sense that it feels like the author is giving the characters a break to process the excitement of the previous book. This book was a lot slower than Shadow and Bone and I did not really find myself engaged in the plot. 

I would still recommend reading this book as it is a necessary precursor for the third book, Ruin and Rising, which I found much more enjoyable. The Grishaverse (the universe this book is set in) is still an amazing world to read and this book does help develop your understanding for future Leigh Bardugo books. I would say definitely read this book if you are wanting to read other Grishaverse novels, otherwise you may find it a bit slow. 

Ruin and Rising follows up on my least favourite book I’ve yet read: Siege and Storm. However, it manages to redeem the Shadow and Bone series with believable decision-making from the characters. 

While Alina and Mal are less frustrating than before, the story is less exciting, but maintains a consistent pace. The satisfying ending also helps salvage the series. 

The novel delves deeper into the magical system and expands the world, offering new challenges for the characters. Relationships are tested, and alliances are formed as the stakes rise. 

The writing is strong, and you can tell Bardugo is improving with every novel. The themes of power, sacrifice, and destiny add complexity to the narrative, and the character development throughout the story is satisfying. The action sequences are well done, and the plot twists keep readers engaged. 

Despite some shortcomings, Ruin and Rising offers a rewarding reading experience to those able to get through the previous book in the series and concludes the trilogy on a high note. 

King of Scars presents a great addition to the Grishaverse, delving into the post-shadowfold lives of King Nikolai and Nina Zenik. With some of the most emotional moments I’ve ever read, Bardugo crafts an incredibly engaging narrative. 

Despite some less-than-amazing plot elements, the story is well-paced, interesting, and worth the journey through Shadow and Bone. The novel's settings and character elements provide a fresh take on the Grishaverse, and the political intrigue adds a layer of depth. Character relationships are explored, and new alliances are forged, contributing to the novel's richness. The themes of identity, responsibility, and redemption permeate the story, enhancing the emotional impact. 

Bardugo’s writing creates a vivid atmosphere, immersing readers in the world. The action scenes are thrilling, and the pacing is well-balanced, allowing for both introspection and heart-pounding excitement. The development of both Nikolai and Nina is compelling, as they face personal challenges and confront their own demons. Overall, King of Scars is an excellent read that expands the Grishaverse and breathes new life into beloved characters. 

Rule of Wolves is a fantastic conclusion to the Grishaverse, despite some wonky plot devices and character interactions. The book features intriguing lore, fun callbacks to other characters, and satisfying endings for Nikolai, Nina, and Zoya. 

From start to finish, the novel is filled with memorable scenes that will keep readers enthralled. The story is driven by character development, and Bardugo skillfully weaves together various plotlines, resulting in a cohesive and thrilling narrative. The world-building is expansive, and the stakes are higher than ever, adding a sense of urgency to the tale. The novel also explores themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the true meaning of power, creating a thought-provoking reading experience. 

Bardugo's prose is captivating, and the pacing keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Some plot decisions may be questionable, but overall, Rule of Wolves delivers a satisfying conclusion that wraps up the Grishaverse in a way that feels both fitting and emotionally resonant. 

This final entry is bittersweet as Bardugo has stated that it is in fact the end of the stories of our beloved characters and their extraordinary journeys. 

In Julia Vanishes, Katherine Egan introduces readers to the fascinating world of professional criminal and magically mysterious Julia, set in a city stalked by an unknown force. 

The setting, characters, and lore are captivating, and although the glossary at the beginning is tedious to either memorize or make frequent checks back to it, it's essential for understanding the story and is definitely worth the effort.

Egan brings her characters to life with realistic dialogue and relationships, and skillfully executed plot twists that feel well thought out and never cheap. With intelligent characters and a gripping narrative from start to finish, this novel is a standout read. Moreover, the complex world-building and atmosphere are fascinating, with a suspenseful plot that will keep you reading. The prose is engaging, and the story is filled with action and intrigue. As Julia's powers and the secrets of her city unfold, readers will find themselves eagerly turning pages to discover what comes next. 

The novel also explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the consequences of one's choices, adding depth to the narrative. Overall, Julia Vanishes is an immersive and exhilarating reading experience that will leave its readers eager for more. 

Julia Defiant continues the adventure in another rich and complex setting, offering a more lore-heavy experience with a slower start. 

The characters' exploration and development feel natural and engaging, with rewarding relationships and extremely memorable moments. The chaotic yet well-crafted ending is an absolute blast and leaves readers eager for the last book in the series. 

The immersive world-building is further expanded in this sequel, and the intricate plot keeps readers guessing. Julia's journey is fraught with danger, and the stakes are raised, heightening the suspense. Additionally, the novel touches on themes of power, trust, and sacrifice, adding nuance to the story. With a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and struggles, the novel is a complex reading experience. 

The novel strikes a balance between action, emotion, and introspection, creating a well-rounded narrative. Julia Defiant is an excellent sequel that, while dealing with a more information focused plot, remains as exciting as ever. 

I found Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff to be a thrilling and unique reading experience. The innovative writing style, which is made up of chat logs, audio transcripts, and mission reports from a spaceship fleeing an attack, is fully engaging and adds a sense of investigation to the story. The action and horror elements were expertly executed, utilizing the unorthodox format to enhance the suspense and create chilling scenes that genuinely raised my heart rate. The authors masterfully crafted the more intense moments, making them enjoyable to read and clearly organized within the unique style. 

Although the book is a little on the longer side, the format makes it easy to progress through the pages quickly. There were a few character interactions that came across as slightly silly, but overall, Illuminae serves as an excellent first entry in a series that will undoubtedly pique your interest and leave you wanting more. 

If you were told to read The Marrow Thieves by your English teacher, you may think it is simply another book about Indigenous struggles. If you chose to read this because of the back of the book, you may think it is another run of the mill YA dystopia. The Marrow Thieves is both of these and more. The story follows an Indigenous protagonist, ‘French’, as he navigates a dystopian world where Indigenous people have been hunted and marginalized for their ‘powers’. The story is both heart-wrenching and beautiful as French finds and loses his ‘found family’ and his first love. 

The entire novel reflects the suffering that Indigenous peoples have experienced throughout history, all while navigating a dystopian post-climate change world. It was both compelling and eye-opening, with its cautionary tone on climate change. I would highly recommend this as both a pleasure read and for class work. 

The Poppy War was a brilliant 5-star read that I cannot recommend enough. A beautifully written fantasy novel, it follows Rin, a war orphan, as she escapes her bleak fate in her hometown to join the most prestigious military academy in the empire. Discovering the truth of her empire and the gods, Rin finds the power she has been craving, but at what cost? 

R. F. Kuang incorporates East Asian history seamlessly into the plot while touching on themes such as colourism and sexism. In addition to the compelling plot, the novel is filled with complex and lovable characters. You may find yourself hating the pretty rich boy one chapter and crying over Rin's friendship with him in the next. The plot only gets more engaging as it goes on. Kuang is constantly adding new layers of ‘magic’, political intrigue, and social relationships. The plot was both unpredictable and exactly what I was anticipating at the same time. 

If you like fantasy and political intrigue with a splash of historical fiction, then you will absolutely love The Poppy War. Your English teacher will also love you writing about how it covers the issue of marginalization, if you want to read this for class.  

The Inheritance Games was a lovely YA novel with elements of both mystery and romance. The novel follows Avery Kylie Grambs, an intelligent but otherwise average teenage girl as her entire life gets flipped upside down. She finds herself living in the massive, luxurious Hawthorne mansion with the eligible Hawthorne grandsons and a bundle of family secrets to discover. 

While Avery is a relatable and likeable protagonist, the side characters were definitely a highlight of this book. They add some much needed comedic relief to the thrilling mystery. The love triangle is about as love triangle as one could get. You will not know which Hawthorne to root for. 

This is the type of book you won’t want to put down. Whether it’s the mystery or Avery and the grandsons, you will always be on the edge of your seat with anticipation. I ran to the library the second I finished The Inheritance Games to get the sequel as the book will leave you wanting more. 

Crooked Kingdom was the perfect conclusion to the perfect duology. Six of Crows was one of the most intriguing, brilliant books I have ever read and I thought there was no way a sequel could live up to it. Crooked Kingdom certainly matches, if not surpasses, the masterpiece of Six of Crows. 

It has all the political intrigue and shocking plot twists of the first book and brings them to a satisfying, heartbreaking, conclusion. It follows the same six protagonists as the first book as they navigate their post-heist lives and interpersonal relationships. 

If you enjoyed the found family and hints at romance in Six of Crows then this book will be everything you want and more. Kaz and Inej’s dynamic will have you kicking your feet and wanting to throttle them at the same time. Jesper and Wylan on the other hand… you’ll see. 

I honestly don’t know why someone would waste the time reading a review before reading this book because Six of Crows will have left you so eager for more. But, if you are taking the time to read reviews, stop right now and go read Crooked Kingdom. If you liked Six of Crows, then this book cannot disappoint. 

The St. Claires are picture perfect. You have to be when you're part of this family. Rich and beautiful, the family has an island with three cottages that they summer at each year. 

The novel centers around a group of cousins and their adventures each year. However, Candace, the main character, senses something is off. Though she can't seem to put her finger on what exactly it is, something is not right. Can her memories help her uncover whatever her family is hiding from her? 

I really enjoyed this novel as the eerie feeling that something is off sticks with you throughout it. Even when you just want to be excited about something seemingly positive and cute, the tickle down your spine as you read never fully goes away. The setting of the island is also lovely and makes me long for summer. This novel was hard to put down and evoked so much emotion.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is the beginning of the magical journey, where readers are introduced to the enchanting world of Hogwarts and its captivating characters. 

The imaginative universe offers a fun read; however, it is crucial to acknowledge the problematic portrayal of goblins, which draw upon anti-Semitic stereotypes. Readers should appreciate the creativity while remaining aware of Rowling’s critical flaws, especially when it comes to topics such as the goblins of Harry Potter. 

The novel also explores themes of friendship, bravery, and self-discovery, making it a relatable story for many. The tale of the young orphan boy discovering his magical heritage is both heartwarming and inspiring. As Harry embarks on his journey, he learns the value of true friendship and the importance of standing up against evil. 

The novel's vivid descriptions and whimsical world-building make it an enjoyable read. Furthermore, the book's exploration of love, trust, and the power of choice add depth to the story, even if Rowling herself cannot be as loving as the characters she created. 

I could not put this book down and heavily recommend it to all. This young adult book tells the story of a group of friends at a boarding school in Alabama. The story is told from the perspective of Miles Halter. A teenage boy whose hobby is finding and memorizing the last words of famous people throughout time. These interesting phrases are sprinkled throughout the book and are very engaging. As Miles connects these interesting last words to his own life, it causes the reader to also pursue this kind of self-reflection. The 16 year old is nervous to start at his new school, not knowing anyone and being far from his family. To his surprise he meets a great group of friends and even coins a nickname! The novel is split into two parts “before” and “after”. The vagueness and mystery in these subheadings compelled me to zoom through this book in mere hours. If you enjoy coming of age, young love, you will like this book. 

This classic tale takes place in Georgia, USA, between 1909-1947. The setting of this story is crucial to the story itself as it tells the story of a young black woman named Celie as she deals with mountains of discrimination from the world around her. The story is told in Celie’s perspective through letters she writes documenting her life. 

This novel is not easy to read as it includes multiple rape and abuse scenes. However, I do think it is something every person should read in their life as it depicts intersectionality and the resulting discrimination heartbreakingly well. 

Although this novel has its heartbreaking points, it also has heartwarming moments. As Celie explores her sexuality and finds herself, the relationships between the other women in this book highlight how even in bad situations, good people can make all the difference. This book is historical and educational while still drawing you in by making you care about the characters. 

I challenge you to read the first page and try not to read more because, even from the beginning, it is fabulous. 

Rating:  5/5 

Themes: Nonfiction and Psychological

Synopsis:

Kody Keplinger's, That's Not What Happened, is a book about grief, anger, and guilt. A third anniversary of the mass shooting massacre is being held at Virginia County High School where only six students survived. A gunman wreaked havoc at the school and, after killing students and teachers, the shooter killed themselves. News reports say Sarah McHale, one of the survivors, was found in the girls restroom with three other survivors. When the shooter threatened to kill Sara, she was reported to have been defending her faith. According to Leanne Bauer, one of the girls who witnessed Sarah's murder in the bathroom, it happened differently. Leanne's guilt is overwhelming after keeping quiet about what actually happened in the girls bathroom for all these years. Sarah McHale isn't the hero to her faith that everyone views her as. She has to tell them the truth. With the other survivors' help/stories of what happened, Leanne tries to tell people what they knew about that day. That's not what happened. 

Review:

This book was phenomenal. Keplinger wrote it in a very engaging way. The author made you feel as if you were inside the story. For instance, she wouldn't mention the shooter's name, stating that "you've probably heard their name in the news." Another interesting aspect of this novel is that it is based on a true story. The Columbine High School massacre happened on April 20, 1999. Keplinger then wrote about the aftermath of this tragic day.

Overall, this book was terrific, from the writing to the characters to the plot, this book was absolutely amazing. It was definitely one of the best books I have ever read. I highly recommend it. 

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, until your physiological and security needs are fulfilled, you can’t fulfill your social needs. This means that until you are comfortable with your shelter, health, and job, you can’t possibly be able to be satisfied with your love for yourself and other people. So, what happens when a terminally ill cancer patient falls in love? Is she destined for a tragedy? 

Hazel Grace Lancaster is a sixteen-year-old girl with stage four thyroid cancer. She is completely over the concept of living. What is the point of living if you are just in the process of dying? However, all of that changes when she meets Augustus Waters. Meeting Augustus is the best thing that has ever happened to Hazel. Is there finally a point to living? 

Rating:  5/5 

Themes: Nonfiction and Psychological

Synopsis: 

Since she was a child, Glory Fleming, a piano prodigy, has sold out stages all over the world. Her dad decides to move so she can attend a music school. Glory invites Francisco, also known as Frank Mendoza, a skilled artist and fighter, to her home one day. The two become friends and eventually fall in love. When Glory’s musical career kicks off, she travels from city to city playing the piano. When Glory misses Frank so much that she starts messing up her songs, her father tries to keep her and Frank away from each other. What will happen to their relationship? Is Glory going to keep messing up and ruining her career? 

Review:

There are only a few words in this book, unlike other books. It is told only through pictures and that makes this book engaging. It makes you feel like you are living the memories of the characters. In addition, the pictures are stunning!

This book is awesome and unique. I love the way the story is told through only pictures and no words, and how the outstanding characters and their relationship are brought to life. I highly recommend this book. 

We live in a drastically changing world, a world where we spend so much of our time online or in the presence of electronic devices. Every single thing about us is tracked and recorded and then later used against us. Sounds pretty terrifying, doesn't it? Just wait until you read this book. 

Permanent Record is a memoir by Edward Snowden. Ed recounts his life from the beginning and how that led him to work for the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) and NSA (National Security Agency), and later how he turned against them. Through every chapter you get a better understanding of not only how, but, more importantly, why Ed turned against one of the most powerful forces in the world: the US Government. This book is the product of seven years in exile and explains why Ed is sure that it was all worth it for all of the incredible things he revealed. 

The Blue Road themes: fiction, magical realism and migration

This was such a beautiful and important story; I love this graphic novel. It was a fantasy book but the fantasy world was a metaphor for modern-day immigration issues. This book shows the struggles of immigrating to a new country through the format of a quest story. Once the protagonist arrives at the new city, she has to carry a mirror with her at all times. This is a perfect metaphor for the additional burden immigrants have to carry in order to adapt to a new country. The art was absolutely amazing and beautiful; I was blown away by every panel!

Rating: 4.5/5 

Gutter Child themes: Fiction, Dystopia and Injustice

Gutter Child is the type of book that automatically makes you feel engaged the moment you read the first chapter. It is the type of book that has a lot of turns in it.

While I was reading Gutter Child, I felt a lot of emotions. Sometimes it made me feel happy, then I would be scared, and then angry. While reading this book you will often say to yourself, “This is not the ending it can’t end like this.” I know I said that a lot of times!

The author Jael Richardson wrote this book really well and gave really good characteristics to the character in this book. She made this a well-written book that talks a lot about wanting to seek freedom no matter what the cost. 

I definitely recommend this book to those interested in fiction! 

This book is about a girl named Vivian who lives in a small town called East Rockport and goes to high school there. She is being raised by her single mom after her dad passed away in an accident. 

Her relationship with her mom has been very close ever since she was little. Vivian is very inspired by how her mom acted and dressed back when she was a teenager. When Moxie and other girls take notice of the extremely strict dress code, Moxie decides to take action. With inspiration from her mom's old magazines, she makes a zine and takes on the new persona of “Moxie”. 

Moxie is a feminist and advocates for the girls' dress code. She has the girls (and some guys) perform little acts of promotion for women's rights. An example of this is when she told everyone to draw hearts and stars on their hands if they thought the dress code was sexist. Moxie didn’t expect everyone to draw the hearts and stars, but they did. 

I don’t want to spoil too much of the book, but I really enjoyed reading it. One thing that stood out to me was that I liked how Vivian was being an undercover activist, and standing up for what was right. Another thing I liked was that the issues in this book are very similar to real life. I would give the book Moxie a 5/5 star rating. 

I would give this book 4 stars. I love the descriptive writing and the philosophical insights of Pi Patel. The only part that I did not particularly enjoy was how some parts were quite violent and gruesome and others were a bit boring for me. 

You should read this novel because of its beautiful prose, which had me hooked from the beginning, and the suspenseful and intriguing adventure of being a castaway. 

This book made me feel smarter because of Pi’s incredible theories, and it even has some comedic parts!

I always get excited when the winner of the Booker Prize for fiction is announced (who doesn’t?). Bernardine Evaristo is the winner of the 2019 Booker Prize and the first black woman to receive this highest literary honor in the English language.

Set in Britain, from 1905 to current day, we meet twelve unforgettable Black characters (all women and one trans) from various backgrounds and experiences through a series of intricately layered stories.

What I love about this book is the author’s ability to balance so many unique characters and give voices to Black identities that have typically been silenced in English literature. Girl, Woman, Other is an absorbing read that loudly proclaims there is no one way to be a

Black. The book is funny, sad, heartbreaking and hopeful – full of wisdom.

Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez is a fictional story about undocumented workers who work on a dairy farm in Vermont. This novel discusses not only illegal immigrant issues within America, but also teenagers' insecurity and self-doubt at a sensitive age. 

The author tells the story from two perspectives--third person for the main character, Tyler, and first person for Mari's letters--to narrate the story. Alvarez also uses some Spanish words to replace some English words to bring in a different reading experience and more involvement for readers who don't understand Spanish. 

After Tyler's father is injured in a car accident, his family decides to hire some workers from Mexico to help out on their farm. As Tyler learns more about Mari's family, he gradually changes his attitude toward illegal immigrants on his farm. Alvarez is very good at blurring the dividing line between laws and morality. In the novel, she explores the definition of family and how laws and morals alter people's judgement on particular issues. 

This book is very easy to read and understand. The interesting story and perfect emotional expression make it an easy start for anyone, even for people who don't read frequently. Return to Sender is suitable for everyone, but especially for older children and English Language Learners. I highly recommend it!! 

This graphic novel has been on my ‘to read’ list for a few weeks – I took it home on the weekend intending to start it, and I kind of accidently ended up reading it all in one go quite late on Friday night.

The book follows brothers Ebo and Kwame as they try to make it from Niger to Europe. There are some truly devastating moments in this realistic portrayal of the dangers and risks involved in the lives of refugees.

It was one of those books that once you start, you just can’t put down! This is in part because of how the book plays with setting and timeframe, bouncing from present to past – you just find yourself desperately needing to find out what happens to these characters. Most importantly, the book questions how any human being in this day and age can possibly considered ‘illegal.’

Come to the Library Learning Commons and borrow this AWESOME book!

Six of Crows deserves the world. Out of ten, I would give it 44389320983287 because it is perfect. The characters? Amazing, funny, brilliantly written. Wylan and Jesper? Gay and bisexual icons that have my heart. Nina and Matthias? My heart is an endless stream of misery because of the way their story ends. A word of advice that everyone reading this series should know? Chapter 40 never happened. You might say, “You can’t just pretend something in the book never happened, that’s not the way the story goes.” Well guess what? I just did and you will understand why once you read it. Kaz and Inej??????? Icons, perfection, slow-burn that gets me excited when they hold hands and he is not wearing his gloves. Just read it. If you don’t like it, read it again. It is fabulous. It is perfection. It is guys, gals, and non-binary pals, Six of Crows.

When Ms. D’Sylva (who didn’t love reading as a kid) went looking for her next book, she was a little disappointed by the lack of diverse voices she found in most book clubs. A friend suggested she try The

Secrets Between Us by Thrity Umrigar, which felt like a good fit for Ms. D’Sylva who is interested in South East Asian voices and experiences.

The book is both a stand-alone read and a sequel, continuing the story of characters from The Space Between Us. This surprisingly uplifting story, set in modern day India, is about two women born into

poverty and the lowest level of the caste system.

The book’s unique perspective lets readers peek inside the lived experience of millions of women in Mumbai. There is a hopeful message about what happens when people really support each other and make the most of the life they are given.

The Secrets Between Us will take readers to a harsh and very real place that they might otherwise never even know exists. Read this book!

A book I have read recently is The Night Circus by E. Morgenstein. If you haven’t read it, read it. Read it right now. The writing is perfection, the characters are perfection, the description is perfection. This book is perfect in every way, shape, and form. It is a slow-burn forbidden romance book that takes place in a magical circus with a deadly competition going on around them. It takes place from many different points of view, all of which are important to the plot, and it is amazing how you see it all come together by the end of the book. I adored this book and everyone should read it. 

I read Everything Beautiful is Not Ruined by Toronto author Danielle

Younge-Ullman in one day on the boat this summer. I read a LOT of YA, and this is one of the best I have read yet…. Look beyond the weird title and put this on your reading list!

We meet Ingrid, who wants to go to Music school overseas next year, but her disapproving former Opera star mother says that to ‘earn’ that opportunity, she has to survive a wilderness camp for at-risk teens. I certainly wouldn’t sign up for this camp! No cabins, no kitchen, no showers or bathrooms (!), only one set of clothing, and very little else. Ingrid is cold, miserable and unimpressed by the ‘leaders’ who don’t do much leading.

Told from alternating perspectives (past Ingrid and present Ingrid), we find out that at home, she struggles to support a mother with declining mental health, the challenges of a blended family and friends who just don’t ‘get it.’ To escape all of that, she has to find a way to survive this camp.

Ingrid is like no character I have ever read and I couldn’t wait for her two timelines to come together. Read this book!

Despite only being the first in the series of 23, this volume does a wonderful job of building characters and setting the stage for the future. 

Even if you have a very limited understanding of the game, it explains moves well and builds tension. In this volume, we get to see the beginning of a wonderful rivalry. 

All in all, I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who enjoys subtle supernatural stuff, logic-based games, and a little bit of comedy. 

I really loved the audiobook High School by Tegan & Sara.

Fun fan fact: Tegan and Sara went to the SAME Calgary high school as I did, where they had the SAME influential Drama teacher!

High School, which is a memoir told through the alternating perspectives of the twins, shares their experience of being LGTBQ teens and coming out in the 90s. The book also tells the story of the rise of these Canadian singers as they go from recording their first album (in their school broadcasting class) to being world class superstars who use their platform to advocate for the LGTBQ community.

I was interested to learn that these super close sibs were not always so tight, and how differently their story could have turned out if it were not for their commitment to music.

Read this honest and inspiring book!

The Glass Castle is one of those books you will find hard to put down. I felt immediately so immersed in the bizarre elements of Jeannette's life that sometimes hours would pass and I would forget I was still reading. 

The memoir will take you on the journey of Jeanette and her family's life, travels, relationship dynamics and more. You follow the Walls family on their adventures from small desert towns to big cities, and sometimes even the streets. 

The voice of the narrator was strong, but not in an irritating way. You knew who was telling the story, but the narration wasn't so glaringly obvious that it was annoying. The book starts off with Jeanette's childhood and follows her up until her adulthood. I found that I had to remind myself that this is a memoir and that these are real people, real stories. That is part of what makes this book great. 

I 100% recommend this book to anyone who wants a good read, but can also handle depictions of violence, abuse, and assault. Because this is a memoir, it had to be handled especially carefully as these are real people, and I believe it was. 

It is genuinely one of the most well written books I have ever read. Overall, I would rate this a 4.5/5. 

A while back, I read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson. It is a big fat book and may seem intimidating to get through but I could not put it down!

If you want to read a book that is a psychological thriller, that is Law and Order SVU (In the criminal justice system, sexually based offenses are considered especially heinous…) meets Katniss Everdeen (from The Hunger Games) except set in Sweden–read this! Warning: there are adult themes including sexual assault, human trafficking, and captivity.

This is the first book in a series of three. Since the book was so incredibly engaging, it lead me to read the next two in the series – The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest. They are all worth the read!

I have mixed emotions about this book. It is great, well-written, and there are no plot holes. However, the plot itself is all over the place. 

The main character, Evan, does everything he can to keep his sexuality from his emotionally abusive Christian mother. As the book continues, it keeps straying from what it is trying to say, which is that Evan is trying to become more confident to stand up for himself and who he is. Instead of following this plot line, Evan stays in the bubble of being ‘less than’ and ‘a straight teen.’ If the author had developed the characters in this novel more fully, it would have been a better read than it is. 

I would still recommend this novel because, even though the character development could have been stronger, the message of the book—self-acceptance and self-worth—is great.