Hands down, one of my favorite things on this planet is reading. It’s in my blood, it calms me down, it’s my stress relief. There isn’t anything quite like curling up with a blanket, some coffee, a thunderstorm, and a good book. I am so excited to share some of my favorite reads so far this summer! I hope to share book reviews on a regular basis, and I will try to be as honest as possible. If you have any recommendations for me, please send them my way in the comments! Happy Reading!
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
When I read The Hate You Give, Angie Thomas’ debut novel, it was a game changer for me. As a teacher, I feel that every single teenager in America needs to read that novel. It was so powerful, and sends the most incredible messages to our youth about tolerance, privilege, and acceptance. Obviously, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on her new novel. Lemme tell you, it did NOT DISAPPOINT. This book hooked me from the first page, and didn’t let go. I immersed myself in Bri’s story. This is a coming of age story in which teen, Bri, wants to become the greatest female rapper of her generation, following in the footsteps of her father. She fights battles, both literally on the stage, and figuratively with trying to fit in at school, dealing with family problems, and the firestorm she causes when her song goes viral. Guys- I was obsessed with all the classic hip-hop references, and the way that Thomas is able to create such rich characters that you can’t help but root for. SO GOOD!
A Nearly Normal Family by M.T. Edvardsson
Ooooohhhh do I love a good thriller! I’m a sucker for them, in fact. This one not only had the breathlessness of a thriller, but also the intensity of a legal courtroom battle that could potentially tear a family apart. I love that this novel switches points of view as it goes on, so that you can experience the events through the eyes of the daughter, mother, and father. Sometimes, this technique can fail in novels, but I believe Edvardsson really has you invest in each one of them, which makes it hard to figure out who’s reliable and who’s not. If you love a thriller intertwined with some family drama, and a murder mystery, then you’ll inhale this one like I did!
The Bride Test by Helen Hoang
This might be one of my favorite “feel good” books of the year so far! Actually, I finished it in one day while I was on vacation from work (my husband says that’s how he can always tell I really loved a book). This second novel by Hoang (you have to read The Kiss Quotient if you haven’t yet!) was just good old-fashioned CHICK LIT! I loved it so much! The story follows Khai, and a woman his mother brought over from Vietnam to become his fiance, Esme. It was so sweet, super hot and spicy, and I love how she is working hard to bring characters with autism into mainstream literature, as Hoang is autistic herself. Such a fun, lighthearted read for lazy summer days!
Miracle Creek by Angie Kim
Guys. You need to grab this novel, NOW. Hands down, in contention for my favorite book of 2019 so far. This is Kim’s debut novel, and it was one of those books that I couldn’t stop thinking about after I finished reading it. I legit couldn’t put it down. It’s a “who-done-it” mystery, a courtroom drama, a family saga, and so much more! I love how she turned the story of the Kim family, and the repercussions they face after their therapeutic oxygen chamber explodes with two patients inside, into full blown lessons on immigration, science, and the dynamics of a family, and what we would do to protect those we love. These characters were so beautifully written, and I had NO IDEA what was coming at the end. After reading, I passed it to my mom, and she read it in one day also. Just incredible!
