In Our Stars

In Our Stars

by Jack Campbell

Titan, 2024. 383 pages. Sci-Fi

Book #1 in the series "Doomed Earth"

Earth, 2180. Genetically engineered with partly alien DNA, Lieutenant Selene Genji is different from ordinary humans. And they hate her for it. Still, she’s spent her life trying to overcome prejudice by serving in the Unified Fleet while Earth’s international order collapses into war. Genji is stationed on a ship in orbit when factional extremism on the planet reaches a boiling point, and she witnesses the utter annihilation of Earth. When the massive forces unleashed by Earth’s death warp space and time to hurl her forty years into the past, Genji is given a chance to try to change the future and save Earth – starting with the alien first contact only she knows will soon occur. But altering history could put her very existence in danger.

Campbell has written a fast-paced story with likeable characters. The social commentary was veiled a bit thinly at times, but it didn't detract from the plot. To say it ends on a cliffhanger is an understatement: rather, it ends in the middle of the story, which is difficult because the sequel has not been released at the time of this review.

Spare

Spare

by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex

Random House, 2023. 410 pages. Biography

Before losing his mother Princess Diana, Harry was the carefree Spare to the serious Heir. Grief changed everything: he struggled at school and in the spotlight. Military service gave him structure – as well as post-traumatic stress and crippling panic attacks. The world was swept away by his romance with Meghan and their fairy-tale wedding, but from the beginning, they were subjected to waves of abuse, racism, and lies. Their safety and mental health at risk, Harry saw no other way to prevent the tragedy of history repeating itself but to flee his mother country. For the first time, Harry tells his own story, chronicling his journey with raw, unflinching honesty.

I know I kinda missed the trend with this one; it was really big when it first came out, and then slipped into quiet obscurity. However, maybe it worked out okay to read this when I did, precisely because I could view it more objectively without the hubbub. I enjoyed learning the behind-the-scenes peek at the British Royal Family and their relationship with the press, and my heart broke to hear of how Harry and Meghan were treated. Harry speaks with candor and honesty, giving an honest and raw look at his life thus far. What this was missing was a true purpose: Harry doesn't seem to have a clear call to action or any goal for this work. Instead, it just seems to be him telling his story and what things were like for him. But I suppose that's fine, isn't it.

What You Are Looking For Is in the Library

What You Are Looking For Is in the Library

by Michiko Aoyama

Hanover Square, 2023. 304 pages. Realistic fiction

What are you looking for? This is the question routinely asked by Tokyo’s most enigmatic librarian, Sayuri Komachi. She has read every book lining her shelves – but she also has a unique ability: for anyone who walks through her door, Komachi can sense exactly what they’re looking for in life and provide just the book they never knew they needed to help them find it. Each visitor comes to her library from a different juncture in their careers and dreams, from the restless sales attendant who feels stuck at her job to the struggling working mother who longs to be a magazine editor. The conversation that they have with Sayuri Komachi – and the book she lends each of them – will have life-altering consequences.

I may have a personal connection to this story in particular, since I am a librarian by profession. This brief book was lovely to read, with five separate yet interconnected stories who find inspiration and clarity in the library. I love when we see glimpses of the author's culture shine through the translation, as they did in this work. I do wish Aoyama had introduced us to Komachi and let us get to know her in a way beyond just her physical appearance. With its simple, digestible writing style, this made for a heartwarming and uplifting read that underscore the importance of libraries and literature.

Too Big for a Single Mind

Too Big for a Single Mind: How the Greatest Generation of Physicists Uncovered the Quantum World

by Tobias Hürter
Klett-Cotta, 2021. 398 pages. Nonfiction

There may never be another era of science like the first half of the 20th century. Many of the most important physicists ever to live – Marie Curie, Max Planck, Wolfgang Pauli, Niels Bohr, Werner Heisenberg, Ernst Schrödinger, Albert Einstein – came together to uncover the quantum world: a concept so shockingly contrary to traditional physics that its own founders initially rebelled against it. Hürter takes us back to this momentous time when war and revolution upended the lives of renegade scientists. These brilliant thinkers are revealed anew as friends and enemies, lovers and loners, and men and women just like us. Quantum mechanics is a concept too big for a single mind – and its birth is a testament to the boundless potential of collaboration.

Having a background in science, I had heard of all of these scientists and their discoveries. However, my formal education focused more on the interactions between the ideas, whereas Hürter here portrays them as real people, showing how their complex individual and professional lives interacted (and sometimes clashed). The writing is exquisite and flawless, which isn't always the case for work on scientific topics -- or for any narrative nonfiction, for that matter. If you're looking for a deep dive into the science, you might want to look elsewhere. On the other hand, you don't need any sort of prior knowledge to fully appreciate this work, making it quite accessible to the average reader. I'd recommend this to any nonfiction reader interested in science or history.

The Last One

The Last One

by Will Dean
Atria, 2023. 448 pages. Thriller

When Caz steps onboard the exclusive cruise liner RMS Atlantica, it’s the start of a vacation of a lifetime with her new love Pete. On their first night, they explore the ship, eat, dance, make friends. But when Caz wakes the next morning, Pete is missing. To her horror, she soon realizes that the ship is completely empty. No passengers, no crew: nobody but her. The Atlantica is steaming into the mid-Atlantic, and Caz is the only person on board. But that’s just the beginning of the terrifying journey that she finds herself trapped on in this white-knuckled mystery.

I loved the premise of this book. As an avid cruiser, I found myself drawn in and invested in this setting, even though there wasn't much reason to connect to the characters. None of them seemed to experience much character development or growth -- with perhaps the exception of some minor characters (but it turns out, they were plants all along, so that doesn't really count.) There was a sharp change in tone around the 35% mark: this book went from a thriller to a survival story bordering on horror, and that was unexpected to say the least. I also wish the pace were a bit quicker: for a thriller, there is an awful lot of reflecting and remembering that didn't seem to influence the plot at all. I was also a bit mystified by the ending: the way I understood it, she is set up again to be a contestant on another Dark Web broadcast show, but this time it's on a plane? It seems a bit too far-fetched for my taste. All thing considered, it gave me a lot to think about.

To Shape a Dragon's Breath

To Shape a Dragon's Breath

by Moniquill Blackgoose
Del Rey, 2023. 511 pages. Fantasy

Book #1 in the series "Nampeshiweisit"

The remote island of Masquapaug has not seen a dragon in many generations –until fifteen-year-old Anequs finds a dragon’s egg and bonds with its hatchling. To her people, Anequs is revered as Nampeshiweisit: a person in a unique relationship with a dragon. Unfortunately for Anequs, the Anglish conquerors of her land have different opinions. Only with great reluctance do they allow Anequs to enroll in a proper Anglish dragon school on the mainland. Anequs and her dragon may be coming of age, but they’re also coming to power, and that brings an important realization: the world needs changing – and they might just be the ones to do it.

I'm always a fan of a protagonist that goes to lengths to disrupt the social hierarchy, especially one that is racist and sexist. While it has roots in reality, the world that Blackgoose has created is complex and rich in its history and scope. I particularly enjoyed learning  the details about their fantasy version of chemistry, which others in the genre gloss over or ignore altogether. However, I see how this could be a bit laborious and cumbersome to those with a different academic background. Also, dragons are always fun, but I feel they could have been developed a little further as characters. And the romance was a very slow burn: IIRC first kiss somewhere around 70%. This one definitely needs a sequel.

The Daughters of Izdihar

The Daughters of Izdihar

by Hadeer Elsbai
Harper Voyager, 2023. 384 pages. Fantasy

Book #1 in the duology "Alamaxa"

As a waterweaver, Nehal can move any water to her will. She desires nothing more than to attend the Weaving Academy, learn control of her powers, and join the first all-female military regiment. But her family cannot afford to let her go due to her father's crushing gambling debt, and Nehal is forcibly married into a wealthy merchant family. Her new spouse, indifferent to Nehal's dreams, pines for the bookseller Giorgina. However, Giorgina has her own secret: she is an earthweaver with dangerously uncontrollable powers. Her only solace comes from the Daughters of Izdihar, a radical group that fights for women to have a say in their own lives. As Nehal and Giorgina fight for their rights, the threat of war looms in the background, and the two women find themselves struggling to earn and keep a lasting freedom.

I absolutely loved the magic system: elemental magics are my jam! It was also lovely to have the cultural influences of Egypt and Western Asia reflected in this work. I'm usually not a fan of multiple POVs, but Elsbai made the work flow effectively and smoothly between the two tightly intertwined storylines. There were times when the gentle pacing seemed to drag, and the allusions to (and outright portrayal of) civil rights seemed a bit heavy-handed. I wish we had seen more of the protagonist's relationship with Malak, the leader of the Daughters of Izdihar. I also was disappointed that this book was quite long, and yet the ending was extremely unsatisfying. I understand that it's part of a duology, but it felt like the plot was arbitrarily interrupted by the end of the book.

The Shamshine Blind

The Shamshine Blind

by Paz Pardo
Atria, 2023. 320 pages. Sci-Fi / Mystery

In an alternate 2009, Argentina has supplanted the USA as a world superpower ever since development of psychopigments to win the Falkland’s War. Created as weapons, these colorful chemicals can produce almost any human emotion upon contact, and they have been embraced in the West as both pharmaceutical panaceas and popular recreational drugs. Black market traders peddle everything from Blackberry Purple (which causes terror) to Sunshine Yellow (which induces happiness). Psychopigment Enforcement Agent Kay Curtida works a beat just outside the ruins of San Francisco, chasing down smalltime crooks. But when an old friend offers a tantalizing lead on a career-making case, Curtida’s humdrum existence suddenly gets a boost. Little does she know that she's on a tangled path leading to an overdue reckoning with her family and her own emotions.

I'm a big fan of works that blur the lines between genres, and Pardo manages to do that beautifully here. This work is a combination of the gritty noir and hardboiled detective stories from the early 20th century on one hand, and the post-apocalyptic alternate history science fiction on the other. The idea of weaponizing human emotion is fascinating and refreshing, though I wish there had been more of a good twist at the end. And as an Argentine American myself, I secretly relished in this world where Argentina was a superpower, conquering both the Falkland Islands and Great Britain itself (even though Argentina is made out to be the bad guys; haters gonna hate).

Body Neutral

Body Neutral: A Revolutionary Guide to Overcoming Body Image Issues

by Jessi Kneeland
Penguin Life, 2023. 432 pages. Nonfiction

Have you ever thought that, if only you could change the way you looked, your life would be better? We all know that our problems wouldn’t actually be solved by magically attaining a so-called "perfect body". That’s because body image issues are never just about the surface: they’re always about something deeper inside. As a personal trainer and coach, Kneeland set out on a quest to discover how to help people understand, process, and heal their body image issues for good. Body Neutral will help you discover why you are unhappy with your body and how to defuse its power, freeing you to enjoy a life of true confidence, security, and satisfaction.

I've had body image issues for at least a decade and a half now, and this may sound naïve, but I had never really considered what might be the underlying reason(s) for them. Kneeland presents four "avatars" that describe common profiles of people who struggle with body image. This book will make you work, and it has a lot to unpack, including specific actions to take on a personal level. I liked this book enough to purchase myself a copy after reading (which is not something I do very often, as a public librarian). I'll for sure revisit this book as I continue to work on seeing my body through a neutral, impartial, unbiased lens. (I also especially appreciated that Kneeland wrote to a diverse audience in this work: body image issues are not women-exclusive, thank you very much.)

How to Be Remy Cameron

How to Be Remy Cameron

by Julian Winters
Duet, 2019. 340 pages. Realistic fiction

Everyone on campus knows Remy Cameron. He's the out-and-gay, super-likable guy that people admire for his confidence. The only person who may not know Remy that well is Remy himself. So when he is assigned to write an essay describing himself, he goes on a journey to reconcile the labels that people have attached to him, and get to know the real Remy Cameron. 

I enjoyed how this book presented true-to-life depictions of queer adolescence (which, if you're a regular of this blog, you know that YA sometimes misses the mark for me in that regard). I also love how Remy refuses to let either his race or his sexuality be his sole defining characteristic, and Winters grapples with this important issue head on. This book is beautifully written, and there are passages and lines that really captivated me. This work is not so plot-driven and focuses more on introspection while maintaining a lighthearted and positive tone.

Man Enough

Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity

by Justin Baldoni
HarperOne, 2021. 368 pages. Nonfiction

The effects of traditionally-defined masculinity have become one of the most prevalent social issues of our time. Actor, director, and social activist Baldoni reflects on his own struggles with masculinity. With insight and honesty, he explores a range of difficult, often uncomfortable topics including strength and vulnerability, relationships and marriage, body image, sexuality, racial justice, gender equality, and fatherhood. He challenges men to be brave enough to be vulnerable, strong enough to be sensitive, and confident enough to listen. 

Every so often, I come across a book that changes my life. This is one of them. Baldoni speaks from his experiences and his heart in a raw and honest way as he discusses the challenges he has faced throughout his life when it comes to the expectations society places on us as men. Not everything in this book was perfectly relatable to me (such as the portions about his relationships with his wife and children), but most of the work rang true to what I have experienced. It was also lovely to hear him narrate the audiobook version of his work. I'm inspired to continue my work to embrace all the aspects of myself, including the masculine and the feminine. 

The Forbidden Wish

The Forbidden Wish

by Jessica Khoury
Razorbill, 2016. 352 pages. Romantasy

When Aladdin discovers Zahra's jinni lamp, Zahra is thrust back into a world she hasn't seen in hundreds of years – a world where magic is forbidden and Zahra's very existence is illegal. She must disguise herself using ancient shape-shifting magic to stay alive until her new master has selected his three wishes. But when the King of the Jinn offers Zahra a chance to be free of her lamp forever, she seizes the opportunity – only to discover she is falling in love with Aladdin. Is winning her freedom worth losing her heart? 

This was a great retelling of Aladdin, and I had my doubts considering it was billed as a YA romance. The romance was a part of the story, but not the main focus, and it built up so organically that it didn't seem forced in any way. The powerful, smart, flawed women in this work were a breath of fresh air, especially seeing them work together instead of tear each other down: a far cry from the typical fairy tale stereotype of a damsel in distress. Khoury strikes a good balance of familiarity from the original folktale and freshness of an original storyline with intricate and lavish descriptions. While I generally shy away from comparing retellings to their originals, I think it's safe to say I enjoyed this significantly more than the 1992 animated Aladdin (Sorry, Robin Williams. RIP).

The God Box

The God Box

by Alex Sanchez
Simon & Schuster, 2007. 272 pages. Realistic fiction

Paul, a religious teen in a small conservative town, finds his world turned upside down when he meets Manuel – a young man who says he’s both Christian and gay, two things that Paul didn’t think could coexist in one person. Doesn’t the Bible forbid homosexuality? As Paul struggles with Manuel’s interpretation of the Bible, thoughts that Paul has long tried to bury begin to surface, and he finds himself re-examining his whole life.

Honestly, this book was difficult to read because of how relatable it was. I also grew up religious in a Latinx family in a conservative town, and I struggled (and to a certain extent, still struggle) to reconcile my beliefs with my homosexuality. Sanchez raises some good points in regards to Christian beliefs and Biblical passages regarding homosexuality, like the needed "reformation" of "same-sex attracted" individuals into something less "sinful". While I'm unconvinced as to its efficacy as a tool for "converting" Christian readers into tolerance and acceptance, I don't think that was his goal to begin with. Understandably, some of the events (particularly towards the end of the work) are a bit dramatized and overexaggerated, and some plot elements are a bit predictable, but perhaps that's par for the course for a YA novel written in the mid-2000s. But notwithstanding, it reads as an authentic, believable story in terms of the experience as a homosexual Latino Christian.

Cabin Fever

Cabin Fever: The Harrowing Journey of a Cruise Ship at the Dawn of a Pandemic

by Michael Smith and Jonathan Franklin
Doubleday, 2022. 272 pages. Nonfiction

In March 2020, the world was on edge. An ominous virus was spreading, and no one knew what the coming weeks would bring. Far from the hot spots, the Holland America cruise ship Zaandam was preparing to sail from Buenos Aires, loaded with 1200 passengers – Americans, Europeans and South Americans – plus 600 crew. Within days, people aboard Zaandam begin to fall sick. Zaandam became a top story on the news and was denied safe harbor everywhere as the world's ports shut down. With only two doctors aboard, few medical supplies to test for or treat COVID-19, and food and water supplies dwindling, the ship wandered the oceans on an unthinkable journey.

Even now, some three-and-a-half years after the events of the book at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, this was still a difficult book to read. My family and I love travelling by cruise ship, and it's haunting to think that we could have easily been among those who endured the hellacious ordeal aboard Zaandam. This work reads like a thriller, and the writing style lends itself quite readily to a movie format. The subject matter is spooky enough to make anyone think twice about cruising in general. Yet amid the terror and despair, you read of the optimism and heroism of a few individuals that literally saved thousands.

When Stars Are Scattered

When Stars Are Scattered

by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
Dial, 2020. 264 pages. Graphic novel

Seven years ago, Omar and his little brother Hassan arrived in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya. Their father was killed the day they left home, and they haven't seen their mother since they joined their neighbors fleeing to Dadaab. Now Omar is eleven and Hassan is nine, and Omar has quit school to look after Hassan, who seems to have an intellectual disability. When Omar is given the opportunity to return to school and carve out a future for himself and Hassan, he feels torn. He loves school and could have the opportunity to earn a coveted scholarship to a North American university – and with it a visa for himself and Hassan. But is it worth the risk and heartache of leaving his vulnerable brother for hours each day?

This is an important story to read, especially for young readers. Many in the Western world (myself included) don't truly understand what refugees experience. This story, told in a graphic novel format, is at times hopeful, frustrating, depressing, and moving. Mohamed's experiences are portrayed in a realistic and relatable way, with bits of humor here and there and with candor throughout. This work and stories like it can help readers achieve a level of deeper understanding of lives dissimilar to their own, which in turn can help the rising generation live lives filled with empathy while inspiring them to achieve their highest potential.

Deaf Utopia

Deaf Utopia: A Memoir - And a Love Letter to a Way of Life

by Nyle DiMarco with Robert Siebert
William Morrow, 2022. 317 pages. Biography

A cultural icon of the international Deaf community, Nyle DiMarco is half of a pair of Deaf twins born to a multi-generational Deaf family in Queens, New York. One day after he was born, DiMarco "failed" his first test – a hearing test – to the joy and excitement of his parents. In this moving and engrossing memoir, he shares stories, both heartbreaking and humorous, of what it means to navigate a world built for hearing people. Deaf Utopia is more than a memoir; it is a cultural anthem – a proud and defiant song of Deaf culture and a love letter to American Sign Language, DiMarco’s primary language. Through his stories and those of his Deaf family members, he opens windows into the Deaf experience.

I haven't seen the reality shows where DiMarco earned his fame, and I didn't really know who he was when I started this book, but I did have an interest in his story, and it only grew the more I read. Intersectionality is the concept that any given individual belongs to several different identities at the same time, such as LGBT and Deaf, in DiMarco's case. It's refreshing to hear stories about how multiple identities interact and overlap in the life of a single person, and I was grateful for the safe spaces DiMarco has been working to create for many marginalized communities. I'm also always interested to self-discovery and coming out stories; it really is so different for each of us.

I'm Glad My Mom Died

I'm Glad My Mom Died

by Jennette McCurdy
Simon & Schuster, 2022. 304 pages. Biography

Nickelodeon child star Jennette McCurdy opens up in this hilarious yet harrowing memoir. She tackles tough topics like her eating disorders and anxiety, the role of religion in her life, and her multifaceted relationship with her overbearing and abusive mother. McCurdy steps the reader through her journey from being cast in iCarly through the launching of the spin-off series Sam & Cat, her mother's death from cancer, and her decision to quit acting, find recovery, and decide for the first time what she really wants for herself.

I loved iCarly growing up, and I was excited to see McCurdy's biography on the shelves. The title notwithstanding, I still thought it would be a mostly lighthearted behind-the-scenes romp. In reality, this work is a powerful and candid exploration of mental health, the impact of a toxic and abusive parent, and the exploitation of child actors in Hollywood. This was by no means an easy read, and there were moments I had to take a break before I was ready to continue. For those of us who have struggled with disordered eating, it can be a bit difficult to hear the level of detail McCurdy puts in this work. McCurdy moves at a pretty quick pace, and the story she tells is very engaging. 

I'm glad her mom died too.

Jack of Hearts and Other Parts

Jack of Hearts and Other Parts

by Lev A. C. Rosen
Little, Brown and Company; 2018. 352 pages. Mystery

Jack Rothman is seventeen and loves partying, makeup and boys. His sex life makes him the hot topic for the high school gossip machine, but when he starts writing an online sex advice column, the mysterious love letters he's been receiving take a turn for the creepy. Jack's secret admirer loves him, but not his unashamedly queer lifestyle. And if Jack won't curb his sexuality voluntarily, they'll force him. As the pressure mounts, Jack must unmask his stalker before their obsession becomes genuinely dangerous.

I wish I'd had this book when I was in high school, but Teenage!Daniel never would have read it. This irreverent and raunchy novel frames sex-positive advice for audiences of diverse sexualities in the context of humor with well-developed characters and remarkable queer representation. Rosen does get a bit graphic with the sex, yet he tackles heavy issues like consent, gender fluidity, BDSM, and the fetishization of the queer community by straight people. If you're shy about teenagers having casual (gay) sex, you may want to skip this one.

The Last Fallen Star

The Last Fallen Star

by Graci Kim
Rick Riordan Presents, 2021. 336 pages. Fantasy

Book #1 in the series "Gifted Clans"

Although she has no magic herself, Riley Oh can't wait to see her sister Hattie earn her Gi bracelet and finally be able to cast spells without adult supervision. But Hattie gets an idea: what if they cast a spell to share Hattie's magic? The sisters perform a forbidden incantation from the old family spellbook, but in so doing, they violate the laws of the Godrealm. With Hattie's life hanging in the balance, Riley has an impossible task: find the last fallen star. But what even is the star, and how can she find it? Riley meets fantastic creatures, collaborates with her worst enemies, and uncovers secrets that challenge everything she has been taught to believe. Now she must decide what it means to be a witch, to be family, and ultimately, to belong.

I love the way in which Kim has seamlessly incorporated Korean mythology (about which I know very little) into modern life without info-dumping tons and tons of backstory. She deftly addresses the struggles of immigrants' descendants to connect with their roots while keeping the story entertaining and the plot moving. This work is definitely set up for a sequel (or multiple), of which there are already two published.

The Awakening

The Awakening

by Nora Roberts
St. Martin's, 2020. 435 pages. Fantasy

Book #1 in the series "Dragon Heart Legacy"

In the realm of Talamh, a teenage warrior named Keegan emerges from a lake holding a sword – representing both power and the terrifying responsibility to protect the Fey. In another realm known as Philadelphia, a young woman has just discovered she possesses a treasure of her own. Breen Kelly is mired in student debt and working a job she hates, until she stumbles upon a shocking discovery: her mother has been hiding an investment account in her name, funded by her long-lost father – and worth nearly four million dollars. But little does Breen know that, when she uses some of the money to journey to Ireland, it will unlock mysteries she couldn’t have imagined.

I've not read anything by Nora Roberts before (nor her pseudonym J.D. Robb), so I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. I was delighted by how easily I was swept away into the storyline, despite the somewhat relaxed pacing. I had expected more romantic elements, but I wasn't bothered that they were not the focus of the work. I do wish that the queer side characters were developed a bit further; some of them seemed a little like caricatures of stereotypes. The story definitely has an open ending, which makes sense considering the trilogy has an additional two volumes. Roberts's book makes me all the more excited to pack my bags and explore the British Isles this coming autumn.

Reasons to Stay Alive

Reasons to Stay Alive

by Matt Haig
Canongate, 2015. 266 pages. Nonfiction

About one in five people suffer from depression, including both Matt Haig and the author of this review. If you're not a member of this group, chances are that someone you love dearly is. In this work, the author of The Midnight Library shares the ways in which he was able to work through his personal darkness. 

A large part of this work is written as his present self, coping and managing his life, chatting with his past self, drowning in the depths and at the end of his rope. His candor spoke to me and made me feel seen in the midst of my struggle, as I'm sure it would help those on the outside understand what depression truly is. This book changed my life because Haig was willing to 1) honestly address how depression feels, 2) legitimize the challenges of depression as a real, valid medical disorder, and 3) phrase it in such a natural and accessible way.

That's 2 for 2 on Matt Haig books I've read.

How High We Go in the Dark

How High We Go in the Dark

by Sequoia Nagamatsu
William Morrow, 2022. 304 pages. Sci-Fi

Follow a cast of intricately linked characters over hundreds of years as humanity struggles to rebuild itself in the aftermath of a climate plague. Beginning in 2030, a grieving archeologist arrives in the Arctic Circle to continue the work of his recently deceased daughter, where researchers are studying long-buried secrets now revealed in melting permafrost, including the remains of a girl who appears to have died of an ancient virus. Once unleashed, the Arctic Plague will reshape life on earth for generations to come, quickly traversing the globe, forcing humanity to devise a myriad of moving and inventive ways to embrace possibility in the face of tragedy. 

I love how complex and intricate this story was. I'm generally not a fan of nonlinear, sweeping storylines, partly because it's hard for me to keep everything straight. However, Nagamatsu presents what feels like a collection of disparate short stories -- until you realize that they're all thoroughly interconnected. It was a fun realization to have as a reader because it was executed so expertly that it felt effortless.

Mr. Malcolm's List

Mr. Malcolm's List

by Suzanne Allain
Lemoyne House, 2009. 220 pages. Romance

The Honourable Mr. Jeremy Malcolm is searching for a wife, but not just any wife; one who will meet the qualifications on his well-crafted list. But after years of searching, he's beginning to despair of ever finding this paragon. Having been scorned by Mr. Malcolm, Julia Thistlewaite invites her friend Selina Dalton, a vicar's daughter of limited means and a stranger to high society, to London as part of a plot to exact revenge on Mr. Malcolm. But when Mr. Malcolm begins judging Selina against his unattainable standards, Selina decides that she has some qualifications of her own. And if he is to meet them he must reveal the real man behind the list.

I read this book with my book club, and it was delightful! It's what I call a cotton candy read: light and sugary, with nothing to heavy or serious. Was it predictable? Perhaps, but maybe that's part of the appeal. I also feel that, while Mr. Malcolm was a little arrogant, he didn't deserve all the backlash he got. Julia was a terrible friend, and Selina truly got the short end of the stick. While lacking in historical accuracy, this was a gentle, fun, light-hearted romp that avoided the tragic miscommunication that seems so common in this genre. 

Spin Me Right Round

Spin Me Right Round

by David Valdes
Bloomsbury YA, 2022. 352 pages. Sci-Fi

All Luis Gonzalez wants is to go to prom with his boyfriend, something his so-called "progressive" high school still doesn’t allow. Not after what happened with Chaz Wilson. But that was ages ago, when Luis’s parents were in high school; it would never happen today, right? He’s determined to find a way to give his LGBTQ friends the respect they deserve (while also not risking his chance to be prom king). When a hit on the head knocks him back in time to 1985 and he meets the doomed young Chaz himself, Luis learns firsthand that a conservative school in the ’80s isn’t the safest place to be a gay kid.

I love how this story featured voices from a variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds, as well as a variety of LGBTQ identities. It certainly went far beyond tokenism to provide a richly developed cast of characters that each felt true-to-life. I do wish Valdes had unpacked Luis's selfishness a little more, as there was an opportunity for some real growth that wasn't fully realized. He was also relatively unlikable, and it never really got resolved. That said, the writing was top notch, and it was fun to see the compelling, Back-to-the-Future-esque plotline adapted for a modern audience.

The Charm Offensive

The Charm Offensive

by Alison Cochrun
Atria, 2021. 354 pages. Romance

As the most successful producer in the history of reality dating show Ever After, Dev Deshpande always scripts the perfect love story for his contestants, even as his own love life crashes and burns. But then the show casts disgraced tech wunderkind Charlie Winshaw as its star. Charlie doesn’t believe in true love, and only agreed to the show as a last-ditch effort to rehabilitate his image. In front of the cameras, he’s a stiff, anxious mess; behind the scenes, he’s cold, awkward, and emotionally closed-off. As Dev fights to get Charlie to connect with the contestants, they begin to open up to each other, and Charlie realizes he has better chemistry with Dev than with any of his female co-stars. But even reality TV has a script, and they’ll have to reconsider whose love story gets told.

My friend recently introduced me to Bachelor Nation (thanks, Mickala!), and I've been hooked on watching Bachelor in Paradise, mostly because other people's drama is easier to deal with. I love the idea of the behind-the-scenes realness of reality TV (since you know the show is very scripted). I was pleasantly surprised to see how Cochrun addressed the issue of LGBTQ+ inclusivity in show biz, and it made me hopeful for the future. And now I'm off to watch season 8 of MTV's Are You the One?

It's Elemental

It's Elemental: The Hidden Chemistry in Everything

by Kate Biberdorf
Park Row, 2021. 304 pages. Nonfiction

Have you ever wondered what makes dough rise? Or how your morning coffee gives you that energy boost? Or why your shampoo is making your hair look greasy? The answer is chemistry. From the moment we wake up until the time we go to sleep (and even while we sleep), chemistry is at work – and it doesn't take a PhD in science to understand it. Biberdorf demystifies the fundamental principles of the science that may have eluded you in high school and shows how chemistry comes alive in everything we do.

I studied chemistry in university, and it's always made sense to me. I loved this crash course in the basic concepts of the field, but if I put myself in the shoes of someone who didn't "get" chemistry in high school, I fear I might have been lost after the first few chapters. Biberdorf can get a bit technical with her details, but that was no issue for me. I loved exploring the chemical principles at play in our everyday life, but it might go over some people's heads.

Dolly Parton, Songteller

Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics

by Dolly Parton and Robert K. Oermann
Chronicle, 2020. 380 pages. Biography

In this celebration of the remarkable life and career of a country music and pop culture legend, Parton reveals the stories and memories that have made her a beloved icon across generations, genders, and social and international boundaries. As told by Parton in her own inimitable words, explore the songs that have defined her journey, illustrated throughout with previously unpublished images from Parton's personal and business archives.

For the full experience, I would recommend a combination of the print and audio formats of this book, which provides access to images of rare artifacts and memorabilia as well as Parton's own voice in spoken word and song through what feels like a casual extended interview.

More Than a Body

More Than a Body: Your Body Is an Instrument, Not an Ornament
by Lexie Kite and Lindsay Kite
Mariner, 2020. 352 pages. Nonfiction

"Positive body image isn’t believing your body looks good; it is knowing your body is good, regardless of how it looks."

Our beauty-obsessed world perpetuates the idea that happiness, health, and ability to be loved are dependent on how we look. Kite and Kite here offer an alternative vision with an action plan to reconnect with your whole self and free yourself from the constraints of self-objectification. From media consumption to health and fitness to self-reflection and self-compassion, Kite and Kite share powerful and practical advice (that goes beyond “body positivity”) to help readers develop body image resilience. In the process, they show how facing your feelings of body shame can become a catalyst for personal growth.

I was gifted a copy of this book by the husband of one of my book club gals, and I'm so grateful he did. This book truly changed my life and helped me to begin addressing some of the long-standing issues I have had with body image. Although it is written for a female audience, it is tremendously beneficial for anyone dealing with body image and/or dysmorphia issues, regardless of gender. 

The Guncle

The Guncle
by Steven Rowley
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2021. 326 pages. Realistic fiction

When tragedy strikes, Maisie and Grant lose their mother, and their father has a health crisis of his own. Their gay uncle Patrick finds himself suddenly taking on the role of primary guardian, despite the fact that he’s been hiding out for years, dealing with his own grief. Quickly realizing that parenting – even if temporary – isn’t solved with treats and jokes, Patrick’s eyes are opened to a new sense of responsibility, and the realization that sometimes being larger than life means that you’re unfailingly human.

It can be difficult to address grief in fiction, particularly without being morose and heavy. Yet Rowley manages to do just that, tackling this serious subject with humor and warmth. The main focus of the book is on moving forward and making new relationships and friendships. Patrick and the children slowly realize that they need one another (I don't even think that's a spoiler), and that it's only through their shared bond that they can overcome the hardships in their lives.

I Have Something to Tell You

I Have Something to Tell You
by Chasten Glezman Buttigieg
Atria, 2020. 256 pages. Biography

A moving, hopeful, and refreshingly candid memoir by the husband of former Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg about growing up gay in his small Midwestern town, his relationship with Pete, and his hope for America’s future.

In 2020, I was very excited to see an openly gay candidate run for presidential office with his husband by his side; I honestly didn't think I'd live to see that happen in the United States. Politics aside, it was lovely to read this engaging and emotional memoir of a sensitive, genuine gay man coming to terms with his identity, making his way in the world, and finding love with someone who would eventually run for president. (I'm still rooting for Buttigieg to become our country's first First Gentleman, but only time will tell.)

Happy Pride Month!

The House in the Cerulean Sea

The House in the Cerulean Sea
by T. J. Klune
Tor, 2020. 396 pages. Fantasy

Book #1 in the series "Cerulean Chronicles"

Quiet homebody Linus Baker spends his days overseeing the well-being of magical children in government-sanctioned orphanages. When he is unexpectedly given a curious and highly classified assignment regarding the Antichrist, Linus meet the charming and enigmatic caretaker Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn.

This heartwarming story has such a witty and engaging writing style that I didn't want to set it down. But the real gem is the intricately crafted characters, and they felt so realistic. Arthur is the embodiment of kindness, purely steadfast and dependable. His magical charges are colorful and eclectic, which contrast sharply with Linus's restrained and monochromatic personality. These disparate pieces come together to prove that family has nothing to do with blood and everything to do with love. 

Furia

Furia
by Yamile Saied Méndez
Algonquin Young Readers, 2020. 368 pages. Realistic fiction

In Rosario, Argentina, Camila lives in her brother's shadow, with her mother's expectations, and under her father's abusive rule. But on the field, she is La Furia, a powerhouse of skill and talent. When her team qualifies for the South American tournament, everything is set for her rise to greatness – only her parents would never approve if they knew she was playing fútbol, and she'll need their permission to continue. As life becomes even more complicated, Camila faces her secrets and makes her way in a world with no place for a girl's dreams and ambitions. 

What's striking to me is how Camila never yields to her circumstances and difficulties. She lives a double life and has deep secrets, and Méndez effectively conveys the agony of concealing oneself and passions. We also feel the stigmatizing stereotypes regarding sports and gender in Latinx culture, as well as the (in some cases, toxic) family dynamics and friendships. The fact that this novel is set in my mother's hometown added an extra layer of personal interest and begged me to compare Camila to my own strong mother who also wasn't afraid to break the mold and be herself.