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Review: A Bit of Earth by Karuna Riazi

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Contemporary, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , ,
A Bit of Earth by Karuna Riazi cover shows a girl looking back over her shoulder toward the camera. In the background is a tall tree whose leaves form a path, winding around the tree and swirling around the girl.

A Bit of Earth
Karuna Riazi
Greenwillow Books
Published March 14, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About A Bit of Earth

Maria Latif is used to not having a space of her own. But what happens when she feels the sudden urge to put down roots in the most unexpected of places?

Growing up in Pakistan, Maria Latif has been bounced between reluctant relatives for as long as she can remember–first because of her parents’ constant travel, and then because of their deaths. Maria has always been a difficult child, and it never takes long for her guardians to tire of her. So when old friends of her parents offer to “give her a better life” in the United States, Maria is shipped to a host family across the world.

When Maria arrives on Long Island, things are not quite what she was expecting. Mr. Clayborne has left on an extended business trip, Mrs. Clayborne seems emotionally fraught, and inexplicable things keep happening in the Claybornes’ sprawling house. And then Maria finds a locked gate to an off-limits garden. Since she’s never been good at following rules, Maria decides to investigate and discovers something she never thought she’d find: a place where she feels at home.

With a prickly main character, a sullen boy, two friendly allies, and a locked garden, A BIT OF EARTH is a reimagining of THE SECRET GARDEN.

My Review

I probably say this every time, but I feel like it’s always a little bit of a risk to read a reimagined version of a childhood favorite story. One of the reasons I was excited about this is that it centers on a girl from Pakistan with an inclusive cast.

I loved the way this book highlighted and connected Maria’s rigidity and contrariness with her grief and loneliness. This is present in the original story, too, but I loved the way the author brought those parts of Maria to the page. I felt like I understood Maria’s character and her heart in a way that I’m not sure I ever understood the main character from the original.

Another fantastic but unexpected element of the story for me was in the relationship between Maria and Lyndsay. She’s the second wife of Mr. Clayborne, the wealthy couple who has taken Maria in. Not only does Maria find a way to bring life back into the neglected garden, but she also helps Lyndsay’s courage to blossom again. I loved the way the story captured that transformation and celebrated the relationship between those two girls.

Readers who enjoy reimagined stories will like this one. I think readers looking for realistic fiction about a lonely girl and the way that gardening helps her find herself again will also love this one.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
Maria is from Pakistan. Additional characters are Desi, too.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Maria attends a Milaad, which she tells Lyndsay is a religious celebration.

Violent Content
None.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support this blog. I received a free copy of A BIT OF EARTH in exchange for my honest review.

Review: The Absinthe Underground by Jamie Pacton

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , , ,

The Absinthe Underground
Jamie Pacton
Peachtree Teen
Published February 6, 2024

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About The Absinthe Underground

Moulin Rouge meets Holly Black in a thrilling sapphic friends-to-lovers romantasy!

For Sybil Clarion, the Belle Époque city of Severon is a wild, romantic dream, filled with cafés, cabarets, and glittering nightclubs. Eager to embrace the city’s freedom after running away from home, she’s traded high-society soirées for empty pockets and barren cabinets. At least she has Esme, the girl who offered Sybil a home, and maybe—if either of them dared—something more.

Ever since Esme Rimbaud brought Sybil back to her flat, the girls have been everything to each other—best friends, found family, and secret crushes. While Esme would rather spend the night tinkering with her clocks and snuggling her cats, Sybil craves excitement and needs money. She plans to get both by stealing the rare posters that crop up around town and selling them to collectors. With rent due, Esme agrees to accompany—and more importantly protect —Sybil.

When they’re caught selling a poster by none other than its subject, Maeve, the glamorous girl doesn’t press charges. Rather, she invites Sybil and Esme to The Absinthe Underground, the exclusive club she co-owns, and reveals herself to be a Green Faerie, trapped in this world. She wants to hire thieves for a daring heist in Fae that would set her free, and is willing to pay enough that Sybil and Esme never have to worry about rent again. It’s too good of an offer to pass up, even if Maeve’s tragic story doesn’t quite add up, and even if Sybil’s personal ties to Fae could jeopardize everything she and Esme have so carefully built.

Jamie Pacton, author of THE VERMILLION EMPORIUM, dazzles in this lavish and decadent LGBTQ+ fantasy romance that will leave readers utterly enchanted!

My Review

I don’t know how Jamie Pacton does it, but both times I’ve read her fantasy books, I’ve fallen deeply into them and not surfaced until the story concluded. I love this immersive fantasy world inspired by 1890s Paris.

The chapters alternate point-of-view, flipping back and forth between Esme and Sybil’s perspectives. Esme is organized and orderly. Sybil is pure creative chaos, but somehow, the pair really works. I liked the differences between them and watching them navigate those differences in their friendship and as participants in a dangerous heist.

The girls pine for one another a lot throughout the story, which was okay, but sometimes felt a little bit distracting from the other elements. The romantic arc progressed perfectly, though. I loved that– it’s so sweet.

The Fae elements felt both magical and otherworldly, which I find I really like as well. The magic elements were used in very cool ways in connection with the plot.

All in all, this is another hit for me with this author. I think fans of Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fae series or Roshani Chokshi’s The Gilded Wolves books will very much enjoy this one.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 12 up.

Representation
Sybil, whose family is wealthy, has had past romantic relationships with people of all genders. Esme, who grew up poor and in an orphanage, would like a romantic relationship with a girl.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Mild profanity used very infrequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing between two girls. The story hints they slept together but does not show this.

Spiritual Content
Contains Fae and characters who can use magic.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. References to physical abuse. Two characters get into a fight, and one is stabbed with a knife.

Drug Content
Characters drink a strong alcoholic drink called absinthe.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions my own.

Review: Drawing Deena by Hena Khan

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Drawing Deena
Hena Khan
Salaam Reads
Published February 6, 2024

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Drawing Deena

From the award-winning author of AMINA’S VOICE and AMINA’S SONG comes a tenderhearted middle grade novel about a young Pakistani American artist determined to manage her anxiety and forge her own creative path.

Deena’s never given a name to the familiar knot in her stomach that appears when her parents argue about money, when it’s time to go to school, or when she struggles to find the right words. She manages to make it through each day with the help of her friends and the art she loves to make.

While her parents’ money troubles cause more and more stress, Deena wonders if she can use her artistic talents to ease their burden. She creates a logo and social media account to promote her mom’s home-based business selling clothes from Pakistan to the local community. With her cousin and friends modeling the outfits and lending their social media know-how, business picks up.

But the success and attention make Deena’s cousin and best friend, Parisa, start to act funny. Suddenly Deena’s latest creative outlet becomes another thing that makes her feel nauseated and unsure of herself. After Deena reaches a breaking point, both she and her mother learn the importance of asking for help and that, with the right support, Deena can create something truly beautiful.

My Review

One of the things I remember most from AMINA’S VOICE and AMINA’S SONG is the way that the author creates these rich family connections and still keeps the story centered on its kid characters. Deena has complex relationships with both her parents, where sometimes she feels like they don’t see or hear her, yet it’s clear they love her, and she loves them, and they have a good relationship in other ways.

In this book, Deena explores both her artistic style and talent, learning about other artists, especially Vincent Van Gogh, whose work she feels a connection with. She also wrestles with feelings of anxiety that build to a panic attack. Like lots of people, she can’t tell at first what’s happening to her body. She only knows she feels nauseated and tense. At first, she doesn’t even connect those feelings to any particular fears or worries.

I liked the way that process played out and the way people in Deena’s life responded to her once they understood what was going on. That part felt really realistic, and I couldn’t help celebrating with Deena as she finds her voice and speaks up for what she needs.

I also really enjoyed the descriptions of artwork in the story. It made me want to visit a museum– and especially to look up the names of the artists mentioned in the book.

Fans of Hena Khan’s earlier books will love this one, and readers who enjoy books about artists will also find lots to love here.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Deena and her family are Pakistani American. Deena has anxiety.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
References to prayer and Muslim celebrations.

Violent Content
Descriptions of a panic attack.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.

Marvelous Middle-Grade Mondays

I’m sharing this post as a part of a weekly round-up of middle-grade posts called Marvelous Middle-Grade Mondays. Check out other blogs posting about middle-grade books today on Marvelous Middle-Grade Mondays at Always in the Middle with Greg Pattridge.

20 Most-Anticipated Young Adult Books Coming Winter 2024

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20 Most-Anticipated Young Adult Books Coming Winter 2024

I’m scurrying to catch up from a long Christmas celebration with family and friends, but at last– here I am with a list of young adult books coming out in January and February that I can’t wait to read.

As you can tell from the list, my interests generally land somewhere near contemporary romance and fantasy. I’m also trying to catch up on the Remixed Classics series, which I’ve only read a couple of novels from so far. (I loved both the books I read.)

Note: This list contains affiliate links that don’t cost anything for you to use but do generate support for this blog when you use them to do your shopping. Thanks!

20 Most-Anticipated Young Adult Books Coming Winter 2024

Diary of a Confused Feminist by Kate Weston

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Fifteen-year-old Kat journals her adventures pursuing a feminist mindset, something she’s still trying to wrap her brain around. Hilariously awkward and relatable.

Published January 2, 2024 | My Review

Sky’s End by Marc J. Gregson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A seventeen-year-old desperate to save his family joins a team of elite hunters tasked with taking down the giant monsters threatening the floating cities of his people. Packed with adventure and high-stakes danger.

Published January 2, 2024 | My Review

Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Theater. After school jobs at the family business. Dungeons and Dragons. Fake dating. I think I’ve always been okay with fake dating as a trope, but this book made me love it.

Published January 9, 2024 | My Review

Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A young adult reimagining of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE in which a transgender boy longs for freedom to be himself and finds the unexpected possibility of solace in a wealthy young man named Darcy. Part of the Remixed Classics series, a project I want to follow more closely.

Published January 23, 2024 | My Review

The Summer Queen by Rochelle Hassan

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: In the sequel to THE BURIED AND THE BOUND, Leo, Aziza, and Tristan face a new threat from the fairies of the Summer Court. I devoured the first book in the series and must have more.

Published January 23, 2024 | My Review

Destroy the Day (Defy the Night #3) by Brigid Kemmerer

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Prince Corrick, a captive with few options, must ally with a rebel leader to escape. Tessa, his love, is stranded unless she agrees to her own unlikely alliance. Back at home, Corrick’s brother is on the run and unable to help anyone. I’ve followed this series since the beginning and I have to know how it ends.

Published January 23, 2024 | My Review

My Fair Brady by Brian D. Kennedy

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Wade agrees to help shy Brady learn to be popular in a bid to get his ex back that could backfire when Wade realizes he may be falling for Brady. The cover copy describes this one as MY FAIR LADY meets SHE’S ALL THAT. Wouldn’t it be loverly!

Published January 23, 2024 | My Review to Come

The Dark Fable by Katherine Harbour

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A lonely orphan is invited into an elusive magical family only to learn there are dangerous secrets within. I’m getting CARAVAL vibes maybe? I need to check this one out.

Published January 30, 2024 | My Review

No Time Like Now by Naz Kutub

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Described as a “timely twist” on A CHRISTMAS CAROL, this is about a boy with the ability to give more life to any living thing… who gave away more than he has left and now has to collect some of the time back. Sounds super unique.

Published February 6, 2024 | My Review

All This Twisted Glory (This Woven Kingdom #3) by Tahereh Mafi

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The thrilling conclusion to a trilogy that’s packed with betrayal, magic, romance, and possibly revenge. I’ve only recently started reading this series, and I’m unbelievably hooked.

Published February 6, 2024 | My Review to Come

The Cursed Rose (Bone Spindle #3) by Leslie Vedder

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: This is the finale I’ve been long anticipating to a gender-bent reimagining of Sleeping Beauty with a bit of a Little Red Riding Hood mash-up. The Spindle Witch has our four heroes in her sights. Fi, who broke the prince’s curse, is caught by a curse of her own. I absolutely cannot wait for this book.

Published February 6, 2024 | My Review

The Absinthe Underground by Jamie Pacton

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Hailed as a MOULIN ROUGE meets Holly Black sapphic romantasy. I’ve loved everything Jamie Pacton has written so far.

Published February 6, 2024 | My Review

The Boyfriend Wish by Swati Teerdhala

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A wish for the perfect boyfriend appears to deliver him right next door. Ooh, and there’s a prank war! This is a rom-com for me.

Published February 13, 2024 | My Review

Call Me Iggy by Jose Aguirre and Rafael Rosado

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A boy tries to win over the girl of his dreams with advice from the ghost of his grandfather. For fans of THE MAGIC FISH, which I adored.

Published February 13, 2024 | My Review

With a Little Luck (Fortuna Beach #2) by Marissa Meyer

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A boy with magic lucky dice seems to have it all until he loses them. How can he win the girl of his dreams now? Sounds like a sweet music-filled romance.

Published February13, 2024 | My Review

This is How You Fall in Love by Anika Hussain

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Fake dating– maybe friends to lovers? Since those are two of my favorite rom-com tropes, I predict I’m gonna love this one!

Published February 13, 2024 | My Review

The Someday Daughter by Ellen O’Clover

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: An estranged mother and daughter reconnect on her mom’s book anniversary tour, where she faces truths and possibly finds love? O’Clover’s debut absolutely blew me away, so I can’t wait for this.

Published February 20, 2024 | My Review

A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A teahouse by day becomes a vampire haven by night, and its owner will do whatever it takes to save her establishment. This promises swoony romance and a dangerous heist. All I can say is, “Yes, please!”

Published February 20, 2024 | My Review to Come

Where the Dark Stands Still by A. B. Poranek

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The cover copy is giving me some Beauty and the Beast vibes. A girl is sentenced to a year in a secluded castle after breaking an anti-magic rule. She’ll only survive by uncovering her host’s secrets and facing his past.

Published February 27, 2024 | My Review

Daughter of the Bone Forest by Jasmine Skye

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A princess desperate for magical allies in a war teams up with a magical girl desperate to save her grandmother. Romance, political intrigue, dark fantasy. I am intrigued!

Published February 27, 2024 | My Review

What are your most-anticipated young adult books coming winter 2024?

Are any of the books I listed above on your reading list? What’s coming soon that you can’t wait to read? Is there anything I need to add to my reading list?

Leave a comment and let me know!

Review: Always Matt: A Tribute to Matthew Shepard by Lesléa Newman and Brian Britigan

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Always Matt: A Tribute to Matthew Shepard
Lesléa Newman
Illustrated by Brian Britigan
Abrams ComicArts
Published September 26, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Always Matt: A Tribute to Matthew Shepard

A poignant tribute to the life of Matthew Shepard and his legacy in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, published on the 25th anniversary of the formation of the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

On the night of October 6, 1998, in Laramie, Wyoming, Matthew Wayne Shepard (1976–1998) was brutally killed solely because he was gay. It was a shocking murder that was nationally covered in the media, and it became a rallying cry for the LGBTQ+ rights movement. In 2009, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act was signed by President Barack Obama, expanding the federal hate crime law to include crimes motivated by a victim’s actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

With a foreword by Jason Collins—the first openly gay, active player in the NBA—and written by Lesléa Newman—author of the Stonewall Honor–winning novel-in-verse October A Song for Matthew Shepard, and a friend of the Shepard family—Always Matt is an emotional yet ultimately hopeful look at the progress that’s been made, as well as the work that still continues, in advocating for the dignity and equality of all people. Without shying away from the pain and tragedy of his death, moving, lyrical prose and minimalist line drawings present a celebration of his incredible life.

Twenty-five years after the formation of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, which dedicates its mission to erasing hate, Matthew’s story still resonates for those who lived through it, and remains a vital piece of LGBTQ+ history for younger generations to learn.

My Review

I don’t have any strong memories from when these events happened, but I know I’d heard about Matthew Shepard before reading this book. Despite not having a personal connection to the tragedy, I found reading this book so deeply moving. Each page drew me into thinking about what Matthew Shepard’s life was like. His childhood. Adolescence. Early adulthood.

When I got to the page that references his death, I felt gut-punched. I felt gut-punched again reading about the hateful protests at the courthouse and the funeral service. Is there anything as destructive as hate? Awful. I loved that people dressed up as angels with giant wings that they used to shield people from those messages of hate and fear.

What’s truly beautiful, though, is the way that Matt’s family and community have rallied together to share a message of peace and kindness. It’s courageous.

This is a brave book. It’s unflinching in its truth-telling, but it centers around celebrating a boy’s life, his dreams, and hopes for the future. In the foreword, Jason Collins shares how Matthew Shepard’s death impacted him personally. The author and illustrator also share their personal connections. There were a few other brief stories about people who’ve been impacted. All were so heartfelt.

This is an incredible tribute to a young man whose life has, without doubt, changed the world. I am honestly in awe, and I’m so grateful that the author reached out and asked me to review this book.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
Includes a foreward by Jason Collins, the first openly gay active NBA player. The story focuses on the life of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
The family received comfort in Matt’s ashes being interred at an Episcopal church with a ceremony led by the first openly gay bishop in the church.

Violent Content
One illustration shows Matthew Shepard lying on the ground after being attacked. It isn’t graphic, but I did find the image shocking because it really brings home what happened. The text talks about the murder briefly but spends much more time talking about the impact this senseless death had on the community and world.

There are brief references to homophobic protests held at Matthew Shepard’s funeral and outside the hospital.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support this blog. I received a free copy of ALWAYS MATT in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.

Matthew Shepard Foundation

The Matthew Shepard Foundation is an organization that works to promote dignity and equality among all people through sharing Matt’s story and his passion for creating a kinder world. You can learn more about the foundation on their website.

Review: Destroy the Day by Brigid Kemmerer

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , ,

Destroy the Day (Defy the Night #3)
Brigid Kemmerer
Bloomsbury YA
Published January 23, 2024

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Destroy the Day

Left for dead, but desperate to survive . . . they have one last chance to save their kingdom.

Prince Corrick is out of options. Held captive by the vicious Oren Crane, he’s desperate to reunite with Tessa, but will need to ally with the rebel leader Lochlan, who until now wished him dead. An unlikely but deadly pair, Corrick and Lochlan must plot their next moves carefully.

An island away, Tessa Cade is heartbroken and angry. Grieving Corrick, and unsure how to find a way back to Kandala, she doesn’t know who to trust. Until Rian—the man she trusts least—makes an offer: aid in a plot to finally oust Oren Crane and see what the future holds . . .

Meanwhile in Kandala, Harristan is dethroned and on the run. He’s struggling to unite the rebels in his fractured kingdom, but he finds support—and maybe more—in unexpected places.

Can Harristan be the king his people need? Can Corrick and Tessa find their way back to each other? As outside threats loom and the fires of revolution burn from within, time is running out to save their kingdom.

In the thrilling conclusion to the Defy the Night series, Brigid Kemmerer crafts heartrending twists and devastating turns that will keep readers breathless to the very end.

My Review

We’ve finally made it to the last book in another Brigid Kemmerer series! And by finally, I mean we made it. There were only three books, so it’s not like it took a decade, but it felt like one while I was waiting. Haha.

This book picks up pretty much where DEFEND THE DAWN leaves off, so if you remember what was going on, it’ll be easy to dive right back into the world of Kandala and all the political machinations threatening the characters we know and love.

Tessa thinks Corrick is dead, so she’s understandably deep in her grief about that. She does make some new friends and unexpected allies as she tries to figure out a way to get back home, if only so she can tell Harristan what’s happened to his brother.

Corrick also makes some new friends and unexpected allies. He learns to trust others more deeply. His point of view probably has the most banter and silliness, so I enjoyed that quite a bit.

Harristan also has chapters from his viewpoint, so we get to go behind the scenes with the rebels left behind, and watch him figure out how to retake his throne while the consuls cook up ever more ways to keep him from doing so.

Lots of political intrigue. Definitely some battles we’ve been looking forward to. And– some confessions of feelings we’ve been looking forward to, too. This is a pretty big chunk of a book at 522 pages, but I read this in two sittings, and I felt like I needed every chapter in it.

This is one of the few books I’d already preordered for this year, and I’m so glad I did!

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 12 up.

Representation
One major character is gay, as is a minor character.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Mild profanity used infrequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing between boy and girl. Kissing between two boys. Some scenes lead into sexual encounters but fade to black after characters undress one another.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. Someone has been poisoning people. Battles between pirates and soldiers or soldiers on opposing sides. References to torture.

Drug Content
Characters (adults) drink alcohol.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support this blog.