2024 Books Reviewed

College Girl, Missing: The True Story of How a Young Woman Disappeared in Plain Sight / Shawn Cohen

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
College Girl, Missing: The True Story of How a Young Woman Disappeared in Plain Sight
By: Shawn Cohen
Genre: True Crime
Number of Pages: 272
Published: May 28, 2024
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Dates Read: August 4, 2024 - August 5, 2024
Format: Library Book / Paperback

Indiana University student Lauren Spierer disappeared early one morning after spending the night partying with friends. What makes this case so interesting is the 20-year-old was out with dozens of classmates, the public, and seen on security cameras, but at the end of the night, she ended up at a townhouse complex with several wealthy, well-connected male students – who claimed Lauren left on her own, but is never to be seen again.

With Lauren’s parents’ support, Shawn Cohen leads readers through the investigation again with never-before-seen evidence that chronicles a cover-up, a botched investigation, conflicting testimony, and new interviews. 

This is the first true crime novel I’ve personally read. I’ve listened to many episodes of the podcast, Crime Junkie, but physically reading a novel is new. And, I think this one may even be a bit different than most, because we don’t really have an ending for Lauren.

She lost her phone, ID, and shoes. She was not only intoxicated from alcohol, but from drugs as well. She had a heart condition she tended to ignore.

Was she murdered? Did she die by accident and get dumped or thrown in the trash bins? She did get picked up on her way home and someone picked her up?

Cohen gives you plenty of theories and speculations as to what happened to Lauren. And, though he doesn’t outright say what he thinks happened to her, you kind of get the hint as to what he’s thinking.

I myself have an idea, but I don’t believe we will ever know unfortunately.

This is definitely a book that doesn’t have definitive answers for the reader – it is an unsolved mystery. So, I feel like as long as readers go into that knowing that’s the case, this will still fascinate you.

A Witch’s Guide to Burning / Aminder Dhaliwal

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
A Witch’s Guide to Burning
By: Aminder Dhaliwal
Genre: Graphic Novel
Number of Pages: 400
Published: May 28, 2024
Publisher: Drawn and Quarterly
Dates Read: August 1, 2024 - August 4, 2024
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

A witch’s magic is relied on by her town; the more powerful and stronger, the better the town prospers. But what happens when a witch can’t keep up? She’s burnt – her magic and memories erased. When a witch’s burn ceremony is interrupted by rain in Chamomile Valley, a witch is left crumbled at the bottom of the stake. It’s up to a witch doctor and her toad friend to save the signed witch and nurse her back to health.

I don’t remember how I found out about this title. I think from one of the many publisher previews I go to, but I’m always down for witchy stuff, so I was all about it to start. I’m so glad I asked for it, because I absolutely fell in love with it from the first page. 

I know this is categorized as being a graphic novel, but I almost want to say it’s like a mixed media type of book – loads more text than just dialog like your usual graphic novels! The art was beautiful, even in the grayscale that it was in. And, I say grayscale, because I would usually describe manga as being black and white, but there is just way more to this than you see in manga panels.

Lovely book about grief, self-love, healing, friendship, and sacrifice. You can bet I will be putting this on many suggestion and recommendation lists to come. This is also one I will be purchasing my own copy of when I have the chance!

Stoked for This: August 2024

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment

I’m going to be a bit honest and have been a bit discouraged in doing my Stoked for This this month. I know I’m not the most popular website, I’ve only had this for a little over 1.5 years, so I’m not expecting a lot. But even if I don’t get a lot of interactions with this, I still actually do enjoy looking over everything and seeing what’s coming out this month. Maybe one day someone will read one of these things and get excited for a release that is coming out they didn’t know about ◡̈

So, without further ado…

There’s some really awesome releases coming out this month! Including a few from author’s I’ve loved in the past, so therefore excited to get my hands on their most recent releases. Be excited – there’s also talking cats and Studio Ghibli is involved…

August 6, 2024

The Pairing

By: Casey McQuiston

Why am I stoked for this release?

Ever since Red, White & Royal Blue I’m been gathering up every Casey McQuiston novel that comes out, so obviously this is on my radar too.

A queer, “Let me show you just how over you I am by hooking up/dating these other people” trope. I don’t read a lot of cis romance (I say as I’ve actually read a few these last few months…) but queer romance I’m always down for.

The Dead Cat Tail Assassins

By: P. Djèlí Clark

Why am I stoked for this release?

I can’t remember how I ended up reading The Black God’s Drum a few years ago – I believe a coworker suggested it to me. Anyway, I really enjoyed that novella and I’m constantly putting it on recommendation lists I make at work. The world building that Clark made in that novel still blows me away now.

I haven’t read his other novels yet, but they’re on my TBR list, but I’ve never heard anyone say anything bad about that – just that I need to read them.

This novel, though has the word cat in the title, says it doesn’t have cats in it, but yea know I’m still going to be interested in it! It also has assassins – which the story DOES have ◡̈

It Happened to Anna

By: Tehlor Kay Mejia

Why am I stoked for this release?

Tehlor Kay Mejia wrote my favorite sapphic YA duology that I read back during Covid lockdown (We Set the Dark on Fire).

This is a middle grade ghost story about a tween girl who’s literally being haunted by loneliness and anytime she tries to make a friend, the ghost scares them away (or causes an accident that kills them).

I’m not sure how this will go since it is aimed at Middle Grade – it could be not that scary, or terrifying (remember how crazy Goosebumps was?!). But it sounds like it could be interesting, so I’m into it!

Five-Star Stranger

By: Kat Tang

Why am I stoked for this release?

Following a narrator only referred to as Stranger, you navigate around New York City under the guise of the characters he plays. But when a nosy client threatens to upend his long-term roles as father to a young girl, Stranger begins to reckon with his attachment to his pretend daughter, her mother, and his own past.

The premise of this sounds familiar, and yet, I can’t pinpoint another actual title where this happens. Honestly, probably all the fake dating fanfics I read in high school & college…

Anywho – I’m picturing a cute little girl who’s probably got this guy wrapped around her finger and that’s adorable okay?

This isn’t being marketed as a romance, so I think it may focus more on the relationship the narrator has and not love stuff.

Guess we’ll see ◡̈

August 13, 2024

The Dollmakers

By: Lynn Buchanan

Why am I stoked for this release?

I’m just going to start off with this little marketing quote, “The Dollmakers is perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli films and the works of TJ Klune and Travis Baldree…”

I would shout my love for TJ Klune and Travis Baldree from the rooftops if I could (I kind of do with the amount I shove their books into people’s hands). Also Studio Ghibli can do no wrong and the I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watch Ponyo, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Totoro.

This is a stand-alone fantasy about a world centered around destructive monsters, magical dolls to fight this force, and the artisans trying to prove herself.

I’m ready for the world building in this and the story premise – I’ve been wanting a good fantasy!

Ash’s Cabin

By: Jen Wang

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is about a young boy and his dog going deep into the California wilderness to see if he could find his Grandpa Edwin’s secret cabin (if he ever built it).

I’m simply excited for this because I too would also like to disappear deep into the wilderness in search of an isolated cabin far from society.

August 20, 2024

The Volcano Daughters

By: Gina María Balibrera

Why am I stoked for this release?

This one is about two sisters raised in the shadow of El Salvador’s dictator, El Gran Pendejo (which I have no knowledge of).

That’s one of the reasons I really enjoy and advocate for historical fiction, a lot of it is based on real events and yes, I could read a history book about it, but I have a hard time with just being given facts. I’m slowly getting into more and more narrative nonfiction, but for now, let me enjoy reading historical fiction.

The Full Moon Coffee Shop

By: Mai Mochizuki

Why am I stoked for this release?

First off, there’s cat on the front of this book. It’s also translated Japanese’s literature – so I dare you to stop me from getting this.

This is a book about a cafe that is run by talking cat who will also consult their customers on their star charts, offer cryptic wisdom, and let them know where their lives veered off course.

My oldest cat turns 14 on the 10th this month – oh how I wish I could talk with her! I can’t wait to live vicariously through these characters.

Helga

By: Catherine Yu

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is a YA retelling of Frankenstein.

Have I ever actually read Frankenstein?

No.

Am I still excited to read a YA retelling of it?

You betcha.

August 27, 2024

Buffalo Dreamer

By: Violet Duncan

Why am I stoked for this release?

Firstly, this cover is beautiful, which is what grabbed my attention when I saw it on the publisher’s preview at a virtual event.

Secondly, this story is actually about “reclaiming the past” and is based on the author’s family history. Set in Alberta, Canada, Summer has begun having vivid dreams in which she’s running away from one of the residential schools. When she learns of the unmarked children’s graves found at the school her grandfather attended as a child, folks begin speaking out about their experiences.

The way history treated Native and Indigenous Peoples is absolutely repulsive and the more I find out about how it wasn’t happy-go-lucky like I was taught in school, the more outrage I feel. So, I try to read and learn about this history from Native and Indigenous authors.

This is aimed for Middle Grade readers, so I know it probably isn’t going to have anything massively intense with it, but I still want to read this stuff, so I know when to offer it.

Cat + Gamer (Volume 5) / Wataru Nadatani

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
Cat + Gamer (Volume 5)
By: Wataru Nadatani
Genre: Manga
Number of Pages: 160
Published: July 9, 2024 (1st Published December 18, 2020)
Publisher: Dark Horse Manga
Dates Read: July 31, 2024
Format: Library Book / Paperback

From fighting the zoomies, to taking a photo worth a million, Volume 5 of Cat + Gamer is bond to have your cracking smiles with every page turn.

I think I enjoyed this volume most out of all of them I’ve read. I read it all in one setting, in bed right before going to sleep, and I laughed out loud so many times I’m honestly shocked I didn’t wake my sleeping partner in the process.

One of the things I enjoyed was the inner thoughts of the cats and how their lives also revolve around gaming and gaming terms. It honestly used to annoy me a lot when Kozakura would compare everything they did to gaming, but now that the cats are also “in on it”, it makes it all the more better in some weird way.

Another thing I really enjoyed was the simple things that you do as a cat owner, that others just won’t get unless you have cats – example: giving your cats a bath. It’s not as simple as it sounds and the facial expressions that Wataru Nadatani gave Soboro had tears in my eyes as I tried not to laugh so hard while reading.

Overall, this is still a series I’ve been handing recommendations out with left and right. I’ve also been getting them from the library as they become available but have decided, after reading this volume, that I need to just physically own the series. So, now I’m in that process.

Seriously, if you have cats, read this book. If you have cats and love gaming, really read this book. You won’t regret it!

Love Letters to a Serial Killer / Tasha Cornell

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
Love Letters to a Serial Killer
By: Tasha Coryell
Genre: Thriller
Number of Pages: 320
Published: June 25, 2024
Publisher: Berkley
Dates Read: July 25, 2024 - July 30, 2024
Format: ARC / Paperback

Not happy where she’s at currently in life, thirty-something-year-old Hannah finds community in a true-crime forum that’s on a mission to solve the murders of four women in Atlanta. After a handsome lawyer, William, is arrested for the killings, Hannah begins writing to him – a perfect outlet for her pent-up rage and frustration. But then William writes back.

Hannah’s interest in the case turns to obsession and she ends up losing her job. With nothing keeping her where she’s at, Hannah drives down to Atlanta to attend the trail. There, she meets other true-crime junkies like herself. When a fifth woman is found murdered, the jury has no choice but to find William not guilty. As soon as he’s released, William calls upon Hannah and the two of them quickly fall into a normal, domestic routine. Well, as normal as one can be while still secretly investigating their partner for serial murder…

The entire time reading this, I kept thinking of the fact that Hannah was mentally unwell and she needed loads of therapy. I honestly kept reading to just see what she got herself into and how she would “justify” it. I also had pinpointed it to two characters pretty early on, and then narrowed it down to one shortly after.

I don’t know if I could tell you exactly why I kept reading this book, especially since I figured it out pretty early on. But in all honesty, I think it was the trainwreck that was Hannah. As much as she annoyed the crap out of me with her decisions (seriously, she gets fired from her job and then goes to the trail of the reason she got fired), I couldn’t help but to keep turning the pages.

I feel like there may be quite a few people that are turned off by Hannah, so this won’t be for everybody. But I enjoyed it and will be keeping the ARC of it on my shelf.

*Thank you Berkley and NewGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Age 16 / Rosena Fung

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
Age 16
By: Rosena Fung
Genre: Graphic Novel
Number of Pages: 312
Published: July 2, 2024
Publisher: Annick Press
Dates Read: July 23, 2024
Format: ARC / eBook

Trigger Warning: Fatphobia, fat shaming, eating disorders, toxic parenting, generational trauma

Told in alternative perspectives, Age 16, shifts between three generations of mothers and daughters as they rebel against stands of gender, race, beauty, and size from Guangdong in 1954 to Hong Kong in 1972, and Toronto in 2000.

Sixteen-year-old Roz is just trying to navigate through normal teenage stuff: high school friendships, college possibilities, body size, and of course, finding the perfect dress for prom. When her estranged Por Por unexpectedly arrives for what seems like an indefinite visit, the already strained relationship between Roz and her mom is tightened some more. With everyone now under one roof, conflicts arise and long, suppressed family secrets bubble to the surface.

One of the things I did enjoy about this novel is being able to see each female member of this family as they struggle with the pressures put on them in their teenage years – rather that’s from society or their mother. Though it didn’t excuse toxic behaviors, it explained them a little more.

I really enjoyed the art style within this graphic novel – it was simple (kind of reminded me a little of Scott Pilgrim). Rosena Fung also used different color pallets for each character, so it helped knowing which narrative was being told.

Overall, I really enjoyed this coming of age, generational graphic novel. Those who are interested in family history, immigration, and/or generational trauma will enjoy this book.

*Thank you Annick Press and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

With Just One Wing / Brenda Woods

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
With Just One Wing
By: Brenda Woods
Genre: Middle Grade
Number of Pages: 176
Published: May 14, 2024
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Dates Read: July 20, 2024 - July 23, 2024
Format: eBook

Everyone always expects Coop to be musical like his parents, but he’s not, because he’s adopted. This summer, Coop is stuck inside after falling out of a tree trying to get a closer look at a mockingbird nest at his grandparent’s place. After the fledglings have left the nest, Coop and his friend Zandi notice one bird is left behind. Upon a closer look, they realize the bird only has one wing. Knowing it won’t survive on its own, they adopt it and name it Hop. But after a hawk injures Hop, the vet says it’s illegal to keep mockingbirds as pets. Faced with the difficult decision about surrendering his little bird to a bird sanctuary, Coop begins thinking about his birth mother’s own decision.

This will be a good book for younger readers, especially those getting into the longer chapter books. I think this story, though simply written, will open the door up for discussion about Safe Haven babies and adoption.

I do wish that it wasn’t written in Coop’s POV, simply so we could get more information maybe about Zandi, because we only get what Coop thinks about her – so when he becomes upset with her, I didn’t feel like it was that justified.

Overall, this was a cute middle grade read filled with the discussion about adoption and giving something up that you love so much.
*Thank you Nancy Paulsen Books and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Slow Dance / Rainbow Rowell

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
Slow Dance
By: Rainbow Rowell
Genre: Romance
Number of Pages: 400
Published: July 30, 2024
Publisher: William Morrow
Dates Read: July 3, 2024 - July 17, 2024
Format: ARC / Paperback

Back in high school, everyone thought Shiloh and Cary would end up together – everyone but Shiloh and Cary, who were just best friends.

Now, it’s been fourteen years since Shiloh’s talked with Cary. She’s been married, had two kids, and then divorced. She’s also moved back in with her mom and living in the same house she grew up imagining running away from.

When she’s invited to an old friend’s wedding, all she can think about is whether or not Cary will be there. Would he even want to see her?

I’m going to start off by saying I don’t read a lot of romance – adult or YA, and if I do, that’s not usually the main focus of the story. But, I love Rainbow Rowell and will always read anything she writes so I was all about giving this one a chance.

I wasn’t the biggest fan of Shiloh’s. I found her incredibly annoying and I honestly don’t know how Cary put up with her half the time, especially when she would continue to mess with him after he clearly told her to stop (if someone continuously poked me or tugged on my hair, I would have stopped speaking to them so fast). Shiloh’s kids were fun!  I adored Cary but wish his character was a little more flushed out. We got a few pieces about his not so great childhood, but sometimes he would do things that I wish I had a better understanding of his background to then understand why he did what he did.

Overall, I’m still going to recommend this book. To me, it’s on the “softer” side of the romance – fluffy if you will; there’s nothing majorly spicy in it, definitely more cutesy with that “just get together already” vibe.

*Thank you William Morrow and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The Witch House / DeAnna Knippling

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
The Witch House
By: DeAnna Knippling
Genre: Middle Grade, Horror
Number of Pages: 213
Published: February 25, 2024
Publisher: Wonderland Press
Dates Read: June 29. 2024 - July 2, 2024
Format: eBook

There is a witch in town and she’s causing trouble. Jayla and her new friend, Lola must work together to save both of their families from being replaced.

This book is definitely a bit different – almost experimental in a way to be honest. It’s told in alternative journal entries between Jayla and Lola and sometimes it’s real entries and sometimes they’re fake. With all that, sometimes I didn’t know exactly what was going on, but that was kind of the whole point (it’s even mentioned at the end that they know it’s confusing, but it’s how it happened).

There were scenes where it was a little confusing what was happening, but if I slowed down a bit and read it – even if it was a faster paced scene – I could “see” everything (and all the horror).

Overall, I think Middle Grade readers will really enjoy the engagement this novel has – adults will too, but Knippling does an excellent job at writing for her audience for sure.
*Thank you LibraryThing and DeAnna Knippling for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review (I’m sorry it took me a minute to get to it!!)

Stoked for This: July 2024

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment

I know. I know. I didn’t get around to June’s :/ I had a chunk of it done, but by the time I could actually put time into it, it was halfway over and I didn’t think anyone would want to know what I was stoked for in the past… I don’t know, maybe I should have still posted it? I know a lot of people don’t really read this – that this is more for myself. But I need to do better at remembering to actually get this done – cause here I am at 11 am Tuesday morning, trying to get this together 🙂 Still a work in progress I guess haha.

Anywho – this month is really going to hone in on female rage. What’s the rage level?? Read on to find out! ◡̈

July 2, 2024

49 Miles Alone

By: Natalie D. Richards

Why am I stoked for this release?

Two cousins go out on a hiking trip in the Utah desert to rekindle their relationship. While out, they run into a couple, Finn and Riley. They hear the couple argue in the middle of the night and Riley running off into the wildness with Finn chasing her. With their supplies dwindling, the girls try and find Riley before Finn does.

This is marked as YA, but I don’t know if it could technically be New Adult based on a few things (I’ll let you know when I read it!).

This just sounds like it could be an adventure – and of course, hiking in the desert in this heat right now wouldn’t be too hard to imagine!

Age 16

By: Rosena Fung

Why am I stoked for this release?

The first sentence of this novel is this: “A powerful coming-of-age graphic novel about three generations of mothers and daughters passing down and rebelling against standards of gender, race, beauty, size, and worth…”

Like – how could you not be excited for that?!

As we know, I love me a good feminine rage book – and make it, what looks like, will be a beautifully drawn graphic novel too?? YES.

The Night Ends with Fire

By: K.X. Song

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is inspired by the legend of Mulan, so I have high hopes for this – especially since the last book that told me that, gave me a big let down and I was so bummed.

So, I may be holding this higher standards, but this one is getting good reviews!!

Another kind of feminine rage if you will – or rather, proving the fact that women can do most things men can do too..

July 9, 2024

The Confidence Games

By: Tess Amy

Why am I stoked for this release?

Okay, this one is a little outside my usual read for sure; a mystery thriller.

But, it’s two female con artists – who only swindle men, and only ones who deserve it – must pull off the ultimate heist! Reminds me of that all female Ocean’s 8.

The Spellshop

By: Sarah Beth Durst

Why am I stoked for this release?

THERE IS A MAGICAL SPIDER PLANT IN THIS! I have a freakin’ spider plant tattoo because I love them so much.

This is also said to be “like a Hallmark rom-com full of mythical creatures and fueled by cinnamon rolls and magic”.

God, that just sounds magical and maybe the perfect escape from this dang heat we’ve got going on!

July 23, 2024

Bodega Cats: Picture Purrfect

By: Hilda Eunice Burgos

Illustrated By: Siara Faison

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is totally for the younger crowd – but I’m here for the cat.

The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky

By: Josh Galarza

Why am I stoked for this release?

Though the title of this YA novel is funny – this one will be nothing of the sort. It’s going to deal with anxieties, eat disorders, parents with cancer, and a whole lot more.

It’s going to probably rip my heart out, but sometimes you just need a book to destroy you.

Slow Dance

By: Rainbow Rowell

Why am I stoked for this release?

The day I’m not excited for a Rainbow Rowell novel, I’ll probably be dead.

This is an adult romance where two best friends from high school, who everyone thought would end up together, find each other again after fourteen years without speaking to one another.

Also – I have a signed copy of an ARC of this thanks to my beautiful Readers Services Department I work with.

The Lost Souls of Benzaiten

By: Kelly Murashige

Why am I stoked for this release?

“A young outcast transforms into a robot vacuum”

Okay. Okay. I thought WTF when I first read that too – but my friend Lucy (we worked together is the RS Department) picked it up for me at PLA cause she thought I’d like it.

It’s about friend breakups and being human.

I’m sure I’ll have quite a few feels about this after reading it too.

Your Letter

By: Hyeon A. Cho

Why am I stoked for this release?

After transferring schools due to bullying, Sori’s new school seems like it may just be a repeat – until mysterious trail of letters leads her on a magical scavenger hunt.

So this is a Manhwa (Korean Manga; it’s set up like manga, but read left to right like English). I’ve actually only read one other Manhwa before, so I’m excited to read another one.

July 30, 2024

Pink Glass Houses

By: Asha Elias

Why am I stoked for this release?

Two reasons I’m stoked for this.

1. Elite Elementary School PTA Moms. My parents were huge PTA parents while my siblings and I were in elementary school. My mom was the treasurer and secretary and my dad did a lot of the physical work (he also made Fun Night activity stuff that, as far as I’m aware of, is still used today).

2. One of the mom’s is from Wichita, KS – which was where we use to go to “be in a bigger city” while we were in Salina. Totally use to make a shopping trip before school started with my Grandma down there.

That’s it haha. Mostly into for how ridiculous the rich can be.