YA

When the World Tips Over / Jandy Nelson

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When the World Tips Over
By: Jandy Nelson
Genre: YA
Number of Pages: 528
Published: September 24, 2024
Publisher: Dial Books
Dates Read: September 16, 2024 - October 6, 2024
Format: ARC / Paperback

The Fall siblings live in Northern California wine country where years ago, their father mysteriously disappeared. Now Dizzy, twelve, bakes cakes, sees kissing, floating spirits, and wishes she was a part of a romance novel. Miles, seventeen, is a brainiac, athlete, and telepathic dog-whisperer, but he’s desperate to step out of being perfect. Wynton, nineteen, is an amazing violinist, but is set on a path of self-destruction he can’t seem to get off of. They all seem to be spiraling.

But then a rainbow-haired girl shows up. She may be an angel. Or a saint. But her showing up tips the Falls’ world over. Before anyone can figure out who she is, catastrophe strikes, leaving the family more broken than ever.

With a story filled with road trips, rivalries, family curses, love stories (with many layers), unsent letters, and generational trauma, this young adult novel peels back the layers of a family’s complicated past and present. 

This will definitely stick with me for years to come. And, I honestly don’t know how to put into words what I thought of this, because I’m in love with the entire Fall family (okay, there are a few I don’t like…) and their many, many layers of their lives. I just tried to explain this all to my coworker and the amount of time I said, “well but you find out this…” was endless.

It absolutely gave me East of Eden by Steinbeck vibes – the length alone, but also how good and overcome evil in the end is also a running theme in this novel too. Again, this is a long read, and it’s not one you can skim over either, because you want to take your time with it and immerse yourself in with these characters and this family. As much as I love to devour book after book, this one reminded me to slow down and to enjoy it.

Overall, this book is long and is a multi-sit read, but I can guarantee you will fall in love with at least one member of the Fall family after reading this!

49 Miles Alone / Natalie D. Richards

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49 Miles Alone
By: Natalie D. Richards
Genre: YA, Thriller
Number of Pages: 273
Published: July 2, 2024
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Dates Read: September 10, 2024 - September 14, 2024
Format: Library Book / Paperback

Trigger Warnings: Mention of rape

Desperate to heal from a night that left their world fractured a year ago, cousins Katie and Aster tackle a grueling four day hiking trip through the backcountry of Utah. But this trip is throwing multiple curveballs at them: an illness, an injury, and a freak storm leave them short on both confidence and supplies.

When they come across a couple with extra supplies, they’re grateful and relieved – at first. Later that evening, after getting troublesome vibes from Finn, Kaite and Aster wake up and hear the couple fighting. The cousins watch desperately as the girlfriend, Riley, disappears into the night with Finn chasing after her. In the morning, their camp hasn’t been touched. Katie is sure Riley is in trouble, but with help a two-day hike away, they know they’re the only ones who can offer aid before Finn – or the desert – gets to her first.

I really appreciate the way that Natalie D. Richards describes hiking and the difference between a day hike and a 4 day hike where everything you need is supposed to be on your back. Richards also did a great job at describing the landscape and both the beauty and the ruggedness of Utah’s backcountry. I’ve gone on a trip to the Rocky Mountains where we did a lot of day hiking and that was so much fun – but one of our days, we experienced every type of weather; heat, rain, snow, ice, wind, all in one trip! I don’t think I could even do a day hike in the desert, yet alone a 4 day hike! I hate being hot and sweating, so gross.

Anywho, this was an interesting read. I will admit it’s a bit slow at the beginning because it’s a lot of the cousins refinding their footing with one another after the events of that night nearly a year ago. There’s a weird vibe between them that they’ve got to work through but neither one really knows where to start.

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

Twenty-Four Seconds From Now… / Jason Reynolds

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Twenty-Four Seconds from Now…
By: Jason Reynolds
Genre: YA, Romance
Number of Pages: 256
Published: October 8, 2024
Publisher: Atheneum / Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
Dates Read: September 1, 2024
Format: ARC / Paperback

Twenty-four months ago: Neon gets chased by a dog at his grandfather’s funeral. He’d love to forget that moment, but not the dog’s owner, Aria…

Twenty-four weeks ago: Neon’s dad talks to him about tenderness and intimacy. Neon and Aria definitely love each other, and are talking about taking the next big step.

Twenty-four days ago: Neon’s mom finds her bra in his room. The hooks are complicated! He figured he’d need to practice, especially since the special day is only a month away.

Twenty-four minutes ago: Neon leaves his shift at his dad’s bingo hall, chicken tenders for Aria in a bag. They’re not caviar, but they’re her favorite.

Right this second? Neon is locked in Aria’s bathroom, mid panic attack because twenty-four seconds from now, he and Aria are about to… well… they won’t do anything if Neon can’t get out of his head!

Oh my goodness, I really enjoyed this novel. A book from the guy’s perspective about doing “it” for the first time. But also, this is about healthy Black teens, in a healthy relationship, talking about and discussing sex in a healthy and positive manner with members of their family and friends – though of course there are some friends who may over exaggerate what it is they’ve actually done.

Every conversation Neon had with members of his family, though he may have been hesitant to voice his anxiety and fears, his family was always very supportive and honest with him. His sister corrects misconceptions and emphasizes communication. His mom talks about allowing himself feelings and for checking Aria’s as well (in such a funny way). And his dad talks about his relationship with his mom and how he’s made mistakes, some from advice from bad role models, and how he wants better for Neon.

Overall, this novel is a sweet story about young love and first times, filled with awkwardness, reassurance, and anxiety. I can definitely see this becoming one of those staple coming-of-age novels like Judy Blume’s Forever.

*Thank you Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Six of Sorrow / Amanda Linsmeier

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Six of Sorrow
By: Amanda Linsmeier
Genre: YA, Horror
Number of Pages: 336
Published: June 25, 2024
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Dates Read: August 26, 2024 - August 29, 2024
Format: Library Book / Audiobook

Sixteen years ago, six girls were born on the same day – they became friends in Sorrow, Louisiana until a rift between them occurred. Isabeau and Reuel remain best friends while the other girls separate. But when Reuel goes missing, the former friends gather once again.

Days later, Reuel returns sick and with no memory of where she was. Then, when another girl in their group goes missing, questions begin to swirl between the friends. What is their connection? And why are their moms, who seemed like they could barely stand each other, all of a sudden have started talking to one another?

I really enjoyed this creepy, supernatural YA read. It’s set in May, so springtime, but it totally gives off spooky season vibes (so, in all honesty, can be enjoyed in any season!).

This is my first read of Amanda Linsmeier but she writes really well – this entire novel played out like a movie in my head and I could vividly “see” all the locations.

The narrative is also pretty fast paced and catchy – I had a good chunk of time to read it on my third day of reading and couldn’t put it down until I finished.

Overall, if you’re looking for a spooky, supernatural, kind of witchy, YA horror read that’ll keep you turning page after page until you find everything out, this book is for you!

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

Where Sleeping Girls Lie / Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

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Where Sleeping Girls Lie
By: Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé (Narrator Natalie Simpson)
Genre: YA, Mystery
Number of Pages: 416
Published: March 14, 2024
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Dates Read: August 16, 2024 - August 24, 2024
Format: Library Book / Audiobook

Trigger Warnings (as of author’s website): Death of family members (including parents), grief, murder, sexual assault, rape, suicide and suicide ideation, alcohol consumption, emotional abuse, anxiety, misogyny, rape culture, drugging and drug use, aftermath of C-PTSD

Sade Hussein is starting her third year of high school at the prestigious Alfred Nobel Academy boarding school. She’s been homeschooled her whole life and feels like a magnet for misfortune, but she’s ready for a fresh start. What she’s not ready for is her roommate, Elizabeth, to disappear after Sade’s first night.

With rumors swirling around her, Sade catches the attention of the most popular girls in school and they bring her into their group. Between learning about them, especially Persephone, playing catch-up in class, and working with Bas, Elizabeth’s best friend, to try and find the missing girl, Sade has a lot on her plate. It doesn’t help that she’s dealing with her own grief from the many tragedies in her family.

And then a student is found dead. The more Sade investigates, the more she realizes there’s more to Alfred Nobel Academy and its student body than she realized. There are secrets everywhere.

I had a digital ARC of this book but then grabbed the audiobook from my library as soon as I could as I needed one to listen to on my drive to and from my hometown. Let me tell ya, the audiobook was amazing! Natalie Simpson was captivating and even did multiple voices for characters. It made my 2.5 hour drive both ways (almost) enjoyable.

I’ve had Ace of Spades on my TBR shelf for ages but for some reason haven’t gotten around to it. I will tell you, after reading Where Sleeping Girls Lie, I will be moving that up on my list for sure. Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is an amazing author and I cannot believe I’ve slept on her as long as I have. I’m usually kind of “meh” when it comes to mysteries or thrillers, but this novel kept me on the edge of my seat and guessing, because it could have gone so many ways and it sometimes was a shock as to which direction it went!

This will be on many recommendations lists for sure. I would say it could be enjoyed by everyone, but there is the angsty-ness of YA relationships, so it may not be for everyone. But, if you’re down for a page turning, or ear turning, read, this is for you!!

*Thank you Feiwel & Friends and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The Forest Demands Its Due / Kosoko Jackson

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The Forest Demands Its Due
By: Kosoko Jackson
Genre: YA, Horror
Number of Pages: 432
Published: October 3, 2023
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Dates Read: August 8, 2024 - August 13, 2024
Format: Hardcover

Douglas Jones wants nothing to do with Regent Academy’s influence on its ability to mold teens into leaders; he just wants to survive and graduate. But then a student is murdered and the next day, no one even remembers him existing – except Douglas and the groundskeeper’s family, The Everley’s. In his process to uncover the truth, Douglas pokes at the horror hidden in the woods on the edge of the school’s grounds and begins to unearth secrets hidden for centuries.  

I was invested in this book – until the last quarter of it to be honest. There was so much going on and the explanation of stuff didn’t make sense – which, I know the forest is supposed to be super confusing and cause all that, but the explanations that are given weren’t I guess satisfying enough for me <spoiler> like, why were the creatures still around after </spoiler>.

I also didn’t quite understand the romance aspect of it. Everett went from not talking to Douglas to willing to die to protect him. I just – meh…

Overall, I don’t know if this would be horror? Definitely dark academia with fantasy aspects. I also don’t read enough horror to be the best opinion on it truth be told.

Sugaring Off / Gillian French

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Sugaring Off
By: Gillian French, Caitlin Davies (narrator)
Genre: YA, Thriller
Number of Pages: 352
Published: November 1, 2022
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Dates Read: June 20, 2024 - June 23, 2024
Format: Library Book / Audiobook

Left partially deaf by an early childhood tragedy that ended with her father incarcerated, seventeen-year-old Owl lives with her aunt and uncle on their maple sugar farm. Owl and her aunt and uncle never speak of the attack that brought her to them, but Owl is perfectly content with hiking the steep forested acres surrounding their farm. After meeting a stranger trespassing among the maples, Owl’s sheltered life is blown wide open by Cody – the new farmhand hired to help with the sugaring off. 

Cody seems to see her, the real her, and the duo challenge each other. But, when Owl learns that Cody always seems to head towards self destruction, she must reevaluate their relationship at the same time her father is released from prison and requesting contact. When a motiveless murder draws attention to Cody, Owl realizes that Cody is in far more serious trouble than first realized – and he’s brought it up the mountain.

This book deals with a lot more than the description gives off truthfully (much like life), such as Owl trying to figure out how to best utilize both the help from her ASL tutor at school, and using ASL in general. The author also did an excellent job at showing how someone who is partially deaf might feel. Including how Deaf she is. Owl also deals with attempting to figure out how a new romance can teeter the balance of other relationships.

My only thing is – I wouldn’t really market this as a mystery. It can definitely be a thriller, but any “mystery” that was happening in the novel, I feel like readers were given enough information to piece everything together rather quickly.

I really enjoy Caitlin Davies as a narrator. I think she did an amazing job at the different voices and the pacing.

Overall, I loved being inside Owl’s head during this journey. I’ve got another book to add for my Rep: Deaf or Hard of Hearing character titles.

Sync / Ellen Hopkins

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Sync
By: Ellen Hopkins
Genre: YA, Novel in Verse
Number of Pages: 448
Published: August 27, 2024
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Dates Read: May 10, 2024 - May 11, 2024
Format: ARC / Paperback

Trigger Warnings: Child abuse, child neglect, homelessness, mention of drug use, rape, suicide, homophobia, prison/juvie

Twins Storm and Lake have always been in sync growing up – until they get separated within the foster care system. Storm’s been through juvie but his current foster dad and his girlfriend are helping him find a normal life again – until an incident makes him lose control again. Lake likes girls, but her bible loving foster parents would immediately kick her out if they find out – so she and her foster sibling, Parker, must keep their relationship secret. Both twins have rough patches ahead and both fight to come out on the other side.

Sooo, I’ve never read an Ellen Hopkins book – at least that I can remember anyway. I did NOT keep track of books I read until I was in my late 20’s… That being said, I feel like I would remember the emotional damage that probably would have been done with her books, especially with how I feel after finishing this one.

Hopkins didn’t shy away from the hard topics. Doing so allowed me to feel every emotion alongside the twins as they were. I’ve recently really gotten into novel-in-verse books and it absolutely makes me understand how poetry can really hit your gut with just so few words; Hopkins didn’t have to go into detail about what things looked like for you to understand what was going on.

The ending was bittersweet because I didn’t want it to be over, but at the same time, Hopkins finished it beautifully without needing the words. God, this book is going to stay with me for quite some time. I’m going to think of Storm and Lake and hope they’re doing okay.

Overall, this book will grab your heart and twist it tight, absolutely leaving an imprint when it finally releases you on the last page. Even though it’s a 400+ page novel, it reads quickly and one could probably finish it in one setting. The only reason I hadn’t was because I started it super late at night and then had plans the following morning.

*Thank you Nancy Paulsen Books and BookishFirst for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

This Day Changes Everything / Edward Underhill

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This Day Changes Everything
By: Edward Underhill
Genre: YA, Romance, LGBTQ+
Number of Pages: 288
Published: February 1, 2024
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Dates Read: March 9, 2024
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

Abby believes in the magic of the universe – especially since her high school marching band is going to be in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. She now gets to spend the next few days in New York City with her best friend, Kat. The exact same New York City their favorite book is set in – and the perfect place to finally tell Kat she loves her (and that she’s gay). She’s got a signed copy of the book that she’s spent months annotating, now she’s just got to find the perfect moment to create her own rom-com.

Leo on the other hand, just wants to get through the next few days without too much of a family blowup – especially since he’s about to be outed on national television to his Southern family as the trans boy he really is. He’s not excited for the parade, he just wants to get it over with – yet alone spending the day sightseeing with his band.

When fate throws both Abby and Leo on the wrong subway trains heading in the opposite direction of their bands, the duo get lost in Manhattan. And worse yet, Leo makes Abby lose her one of a kind gift for Kat. To hopefully fix it, they decide on a new mission: find a souvenir at every location mentioned in the book, while their friends can hopefully cover for them during sightseeing. Maybe, just maybe, fate and a little magic will make this a day that changes everything.

I wasn’t sure what year this was supposed to be set in. They mention Tumblr a lot and I used it religiously for twelve years, but haven’t messed with it too much in the last five when my dash became so slow because people stopped posting. Is that still a popular website, or was this set roughly ten years ago? I think knowing this would also help me in understanding where Abby was in knowing about Queer activities in and around the KC area. 

I’m not the biggest Romance fan, but this just sounded super cute when I read the premise – plus a lot can happen in a big city in 24-hours and this book doesn’t disappoint. 

Overall, great representation of Teen Queer communities. Also for those who love that grump and sunshine trope.

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

The Eternal Ones (Deathless #3) / Namina Forna

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The Eternal Ones (Deathless #3)

By: Namina Forna

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Number of Pages: 480

Published: February 13, 2024

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Dates Read: January 19, 2024 - January 28, 2024

Format: Library Book / Audiobook

Mere weeks after confronting the Gilded Ones, Deka is on the hunt for the truth behind her divinity. But her human body is on the verge of crumbling to pieces and that’s pushing her time to save everyone even closer. When Deka’s search leads her and her friends to the edge of the world, they discover a whole new realm, filled with knowledge they weren’t aware of – especially knowledge that holds the key to Deka’s past.

Now, Deka must decide to be reborn as a God or bring about the end of the world.

This book had a lot going on in it, a lot of Deka finding everything out, but it always kept my interest and kept me turning the pages. I was also so fond of her little found family – and the fact that they were always calling each other that too!

All the main characters in this series come full circle by the end of the book – nothing left open ended that wasn’t meant to be left to your imagination, you know? Also, I absolutely love Ixa and if this ever becomes a movie or a series, can’t wait to see him in the flesh! I do not have drawing abilities, but shall absolutely be on the lookout for fanart of him! Britta is also a favorite and I love her so much, and her support for 

I also wanted to point out the romance in this that isn’t anything crazy. Deka and Keita were cute and realistic. None of their relationship felt forced and Ketia was so understanding of everything. It all just felt right and you don’t always see that in YA romance. And, it’s obviously not the main focus of this book, so that may be why as well.

Overall, this series is amazing and I love it so much. I can’t wait to get it in the hands of those who love high stakes YA fantasy with a badass female lead.

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