17 Favorite Books of 2017

best of 2017: books

I had such a good reading year. I met my goal of 400 books and I fell back in love with the fantasy genre. I read so many books with main characters of color, (especially female East Asian leads), books with positive neurodiversity and mental health representation, and books not afraid to conquer current topics that matter. These are all terrific things that I hope continue into 2018.

I don’t give out a lot of five star ratings and I do admit I’m a tough critic. Most books I read hover around the 3-star mark, which still signifies a book that I enjoyed. Five stars are rare and I gave out several this year, some of which are below.

In no particular order here are my absolute favorite books I read this past year, not all were released in 2017…


Dark Matter, Blake Crouch

“Are you happy with your life?” Those are the last words Jason Dessen hears before the masked abductor knocks him unconscious. Before he awakens to find himself strapped to a gurney, surrounded by strangers in hazmat suits. Before a man Jason’s never met smiles down at him and says, “Welcome back, my friend.”

In this world he’s woken up to, Jason’s life is not the one he knows. His wife is not his wife. His son was never born. And Jason is not an ordinary college physics professor, but a celebrated genius who has achieved something remarkable. Something impossible.

Is it this world or the other that’s the dream? And even if the home he remembers is real, how can Jason possibly make it back to the family he loves? The answers lie in a journey more wondrous and horrifying than anything he could’ve imagined—one that will force him to confront the darkest parts of himself even as he battles a terrifying, seemingly unbeatable foe.” ~ Goodreads synopsis because it’s so hard to describe and this works the best 🙂

This book utterly blew my mind. I stayed up until 3am to finish and then just laid in my bed afterward thinking about life and the universe and other metaphysical things I’ve only really thought about in my college philosophy class. DARK MATTER  is a smart thriller that makes you question life as you know it and I was on the edge of my seat (…or bed) until the end. Believe the hype, people. It’s real.


Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance, Ruth Emmie Lang

Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance | Ruth Emmie LangAfter his parents die in a freak storm, Weylyn Grey is brought up by a pack of wolves in Michigan (just go with it…) There in the woods, he befriends Mary, the daughter of the local butcher. Those around Weylyn notice his unique presence and his seemingly magical gifts. Throughout his life, Weylyn comes to grips with his “powers” and the need to stop running from his past.

This is one of my first forays into magical realism and “Beasts” hit all the targets. Yes, you definitely need to suspend your disbelief, but Weylyn (and his friends’) emotions are so real and human, it doesn’t feel like fantasy. I’m so happy that this book got chosen for a BOTM pick because it’s amazing. Don’t let the premise deter you, “Beasts” is so well written and Lang weaves a truly touching story.


Starfish, Akemi Dawn Bowman

Starfish | Akemi Dawn BowmanKiko has always felt between two worlds—she’s half Japanese and has never learned much about her father’s heritage and culture. She experiences discrimination from classmates who don’t want to date her because she’s biracial. Her intense social anxiety also makes it difficult for her to make friends and be a “typical” high school senior. Her home life includes two brothers, a narcissistic mother, and a remarried father who seems more devoted to his new family.

This book took my cold, little heart and squashed it into a pulp. I was a puddle of saltwater by the end with so many highlighted quotes on my iPad. I’m so happy that I have a published, hard copy now, and the cover is beautiful. And there’s a friends-to-lovers romance involved. All of my favorite things. I love this book with all my heart. I wish 10-year-old Kate would have had this book.


Autoboyography, Christina Lauren

While living in California, Tanner came out as bisexual and was completely supported by his family. When the family relocates back to his mother’s hometown of Provo, he is forced back into the closet due to the disapproving Mormons who populate the city (and state). That’s when he meets Sebastian, a mentor for his writing class and LDS dead set on following his church and going on his mission the following year.

This is one of those books where I finished the ARC the day before its release and I ran to Barnes and Noble the next day for a hard copy because it’s THAT good. AUTOBOYOGRAPHY repeatedly broke my heart, made me laugh, healed my soul, and then broke my heart again. You’re going to cry. You’re going to get mad. You’re going to feel extremely sad about the prejudice still in today’s society. But ultimately, you’re going to feel uplifted by the eventual self-acceptance.


Godsgrave, Jay Kristoff

GODSGRAVE continues the story of assassin, Mia Corvere. Mia’s father was executed for betraying the Republic and she goes on a mission to avenge him. Part of her plan includes infiltrating the training school, The Red Church, for the assassin squad, the Blades. This book introduces a gladiator-esque competition and the continuation of Mia’s plan to kill Scaeva and Duomo. The ending is so completely awesome, I actually squealed in my excitement.


Thunderhead, Neal Shusterman

Scythe, the first book in the Arc of a Scythe series, was one of my biggest surprises of the past year and I was so excited to read the sequel. And it was does NOT disappoint. If you’re not familiar with this world, we’re in the future where death has been conquered. Everyone has the potential of living forever, but of course, Earth can only handle so much. Enter scythes. “Chosen ones” who have the duty of gleaning people to keep the population levels at bay.

Having successfully escaped from the Winter Conclave, Rowan has become a vigilante under the name Scythe Lucifer, where he only gleans scythes who are abusing their title. Think a scythe version of Dexter, here. Citra has now become Scythe Anastasia, and chosen a unique way of performing her gleanings: giving the chosen victims a month’s notice to get their affairs in order. We also get a glimpse into the inner thoughts of the Thunderhead, an omniscient, omnipresent watchdog.


All the Ugly and Wonderful Things, Bryn Greenwood

Wavy is only eight when a motorcycle accident brings “thug” and ex-convict Kellen into her life. She’s the daughter of a meth dealer, and is raising her younger brother, Donal, by herself. Kellen, 13 years her senior, becomes the only form of stability and comfort in her life. The book spans 15 years and the evolving relationship between Kellen and Wavy.

I’m not going to lie. This book made me extremely uncomfortable. And it generally takes something major to upset me like this. This book is twisted. It’s disturbing. It’s absolutely heartbreaking. It took me a little longer to read because I had to keep putting it down and collecting my thoughts. It is truly SO good, but it’s a thinker. It’ll stick with you long after you close. Wavy and Kellen are not your conventional romantic leads. Kellen is not a rich, handsome hunk with defined abs and a secret sex fetish. Wavy isn’t your naive ingenue who blindly dives into relationships. They’re both heavily broken individuals who find solace in each other.


Forbidden, Tabitha Suzuma

Growing up in a dysfunctional family with an alcoholic mother, Lochan and Maya Whiteley have been forced to grow up quickly and be stand-in parents for their three younger siblings. Lochan and Maya’s relationship develops to something more than just brother-and-sisterly and they continue to fight their feelings because they know it’s “wrong.”

This book broke my heart. I read it in one night and was reduced to a weeping pile of salt water. When I try to explain this book to people I can see the judgment in their eyes. Ok, I get it. For a topic that is so taboo, Lochan and Maya’s evolving relationship is so respectfully well done.  If you can leave your judgments at the door for this one, I highly recommend FORBIDDEN.

**Content warning: Self-harm


Six of Crows, Leigh Bardugo

My reintroduction into fantasy lit was led by this book. After reading so many rave reviews and seeing how beautiful the book design is, I picked this up and immediately fell in love. I also was introduced to one of my many book boyfriends, the one-the only- Mr. Kaz Brekker ( who I even forgive for having the dreaded undercut hair-do).

SIX OF CROWS follows six misfits through the island nation of Ravka as they attempt to pull off the ultimate heist. Joining ringleader Kaz are Nina, Jesper, Wylan, Matthias, and Inej. Racial diversity. LGBTQIA+ rep. The Crows are awesome.

I have become a lifelong fan of Bardugo and I want more of the Grishaverse in general, but particularly from the Crows because I need Kaz to TELL INEJ HOW HE FEELS GODDAMNIT. The second book in the duology, CROOKED KINGDOM, is also amazing and these books led me down the fantasy rabbit hole and I’m very happy they did.


The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza, Shaun David Hutchinson

Elena Mendoza is the first human scientifically confirmed to have been born by parthenogenesis; in other words, she is the product of a virgin birth. After she miraculously saves her longtime crush from a fatal bullet wound, Elena discovers she has the power to heal and she must use her power, or else the world will end. But as Elena reluctantly begins healing those afflicted, people begin around the world begin getting raptured in a bright light.

I loved this book so much. It was funny, poignant, and had so much representation.

Also, a certain someone in a big White House gets raptured and it’s highly satisfying


Clockwork Princess, Cassandra Clare

I know this is the first book, but I liked this picture

Clare is another author whose catalog I burned through in 2017. It all stemmed from my love for the show “Shadowhunters” and I wanted to understand more what was going on.  CLOCKWORK PRINCESS is the final novel in the prequel series to The Mortal Instruments: The Infernal Devices.

The prequel series follows Tessa Gray in 18th century London and her adventures at the London Institute. Tessa has been discovering her downworlder ability of being able to morph into other people—making her a target. CLOCKWORK PRINCESS details the battle between the Shadowhunters and metal soldiers known as the “infernal devices.” Oh, and Tessa’s ongoing love triangle with besties Will and Jem.

I wasn’t expecting to love this series as much as I did and I cried into my teddy bear. Things from “Shadowhunters,” like Brother Zachariah make more sense now. But no spoilers, I promise. I also remain firmly on Team Jem and I claim him as my parabatai (sorry Will), but that’s another post.


Behind Her Eyes, Sarah Pinborough

Louise meets David at a bar and later comes to learn he’s her new boss. Her married boss. She ends up befriending Adele, his wife and learns the secrets behind their seemingly perfect relationship.

This was my February selection from Book of the Month and it’s one of my favorite picks from them this year. The bookmark that came with it said, “You think you know the ending, but you don’t. I promise.” And I now promise you, it’s a doozy. I figured out the first twist and was so proud of myself and then the immediate swerve knocked me on my ass. I stayed up until 3 on a work night to finish this baby and I have no regrets.


It Ends With Us, Colleen Hoover

After witnessing the abusive relationship between parents, Lily resolves to never end up like her mother. She’s so happy when she meets neurosurgeon Ryle: Lily gets her fairytale relationship and marriage and it’s all too good to be true. That’s when things go south. Also in her orbit is the return of ex-boyfriend, Atlas, who is all too aware of her mother’s history.

Don’t you love when a book reaches down and strangles your soul? Because that’s exactly what this book did to me. Another read-in-a-day, bawled-my-eyes-out novel. I read a lot of CoHo in 2017. And, yes, every single one of them made me cry, but IT ENDS WITH US is still my fave.

**Content warning:  Relationship abuse


A Conjuring of Light, V.E. Schwab

In the thrilling conclusion to V.E. Schwab’s Shades of Magic trilogy, all your favorites are back in the epic battle for stability between the four parallel worlds, as Black London’s shadow king, Osaron, invades the other kingdoms. The book takes off immediately after the second book’s jaw-dropping cliffhanger and the action just does not stop for over 600 pages. Schwab’s writing is on point, her characters are vividly and consistently developed, and in terms of satisfying endings, Schwab more than delivers in her usual flawless fashion.

This was one my picks for Book Riot’s Best Books of 2017, and I am honored to have been the one to blurb it for the round-up.


This Darkness Mine, Mindy McGinnis

I really can’t say much about the plot of this book without giving away major twists, but it includes parasitic twins, a phenomenon that has exceptionally interested me after watching The Unborn a while ago.

Sasha is your stereotypical good girl: first chair clarinet, excellent student, perfect boyfriend, etc. Then things start happening that she can’t explain: a classmate, Isaac, claims to know her intimately, she has thoughts that definitely aren’t hers… and whatever you think the ending is, you’re wrong. I devoured “This Darkness Mine” in a few hours. This book is so wonderfully weird, creepy, and completely effed up, I loved it.

**Content warning:  It’s graphic. Just…GRAPHIC.


The Serpent King, Jeff Zentner

Our main character, Dill, is the only son of a traditional Pentecostal minister who forces him to handle large poisonous snakes as part of their faith. Their family has been ostracized from the community for their extreme beliefs and even more so after his father is revealed to be in possession of child pornography. Dill finds solace in his friendship with Lydia and Travis, both equally as lost and cast aside as him. This book chronicles their senior year.

This book has one of my favorite book quotes from this year, “If you’re going to live, you might as well do painful, brave, and beautiful things.”  — and this sums up this book perfectly. I loved this so much.


A Little Life, Hanya Yanagihara

When your friends tell you that this is the most depressing book you’ll ever read, believe them. They’re being completely honest. A LITTLE LIFE chronicles the lives of four friends, Willem, JB, Malcolm, and Jude, from college to old age. At the center is Jude, whose horrific past you uncover throughout the 800+ pages of misery and tears. There’s a point when I actually was doubting the believability of the book. Is it really possible that every single terrible thing you can think of happened to Jude before his 60th birthday? Regardless, Yanagihara takes exceedingly difficult subject matter and makes it readable and heart-wrenching. The 816 pages fly by.

Oh, and don’t be fooled by the section, “The Happy Years.” Spoiler: They’re NOT happy. (the cover is actually a picture of me reading that section)

**Content warnings: Relationship abuse, childhood abuse, suicidal thoughts, graphic self-harm, and rape.


Honorable Mentions:  History Is All You Left Me, The Hating Game, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Renegades, Little Fires Everywhere

Books On My List to Finish Before EOY

Guysss….I’ve read 394 books in 2017. My goal is 400. Six to go. I’m so close. I have multiple in the pipeline right now, but here are the ones I’m aiming to start and finish before 11:59 P.M. on December 31:

THE LAST NAMSARA by Kristen Ciccarelli

Throughout history there has been a Namsara, the warrior and bringer of flight; and the Iskari, the destroyer and death-bringer. Our heroine, Asha, is a dragon-slayer and has been named the Iskari of her generation. She is so feared by the general public that people refuse to touch her. Asha is betrothed to a commandant–but is offered her freedom in exchange for the head of Kozu, a powerful dragon responsible for the facial disfigurement she suffered as a child.

I got this in the November Fairyloot and was so excited. I’ve only got 60ish pages to go and I’m really interested in seeing where the series will go from here. Although, I’m getting antsy with the sexual tension between Asha and Torwin, KISS ALREADY.


YOU’LL MISS ME WHEN I’M GONE by Rachel Lynn Solomon (ARC)

“Eighteen-year-old twins Adina and Tovah have little in common besides their ambitious nature. Viola prodigy Adina yearns to become a soloist—and to convince her music teacher he wants her the way she wants him. Overachiever Tovah awaits her acceptance to Johns Hopkins, the first step on her path toward med school and a career as a surgeon.

But one thing could wreck their carefully planned futures: a genetic test for Huntington’s, a rare degenerative disease that slowly steals control of the body and mind. It’s turned their Israeli mother into a near stranger and fractured the sisters’ own bond in ways they’ll never admit. While Tovah finds comfort in their Jewish religion, Adina rebels against its rules.

When the results come in, one twin tests negative for Huntington’s. The other tests positive.” ~ via Goodreads

WOW I’m already crying and the response from my other blogger friends has been overwhelmingly positive. I need a good book cry and I have a feeling this will be the ticket.


TARNISHED CITY by Vic James (ARC)

“Luke is a prisoner, condemned for a murder he didn’t commit. Abi is a fugitive, desperate to free him before magic breaks his mind. But as the Jardines tighten their grip on a turbulent Britain, brother and sister face a fight greater than their own.

New alliances and old feuds will remake the nation, leaving Abi and Luke questioning everything – and everyone – they know. And as Silyen Jardine hungers for the forgotten Skill of the legendary Wonder King, the country’s darkest hour approaches. Freedom and knowledge both come at a cost. So who will pay the price?” ~ via Goodreads

I really liked GILDED CAGE, the first book in the series and I’m enjoying this sequel so far…however, there isn’t enough Abi and Jenner for my liking, yet.


THE FORGOTTEN BOOK by Mecthild Glaser (ARC)

“Emma is used to things going her way. Her father is headmaster of her prestigious boarding school, her friends take her advice as gospel, and she’s convinced that a relationship with her long-time crush is on the horizon.

As it turns out, Emma hasn’t seen anything yet. When she finds an old book in an abandoned library, things really start going Emma’s way: anything she writes in the book comes true.

But the power of the book is not without consequences, and Emma soon realizes that she isn’t the only one who knows about it. Someone is determined to take it from her—and they’ll stop at nothing to succeed.” ~ via Google Books


GUNSLINGER GIRL by lyndsay Ely (ARC)

“Seventeen-year-old Serendipity “Pity” Jones inherited two things from her mother: a pair of six shooters and perfect aim. She’s been offered a life of fame and fortune in Cessation, a glittering city where lawlessness is a way of life. But the price she pays for her freedom may be too great. In this extraordinary debut from Lyndsay Ely, the West is once again wild after a Second Civil War fractures the U.S. into a broken, dangerous land. Pity’s struggle against the dark and twisted underbelly of a corrupt city will haunt you long after the final bullet is shot.” ~ via Goodreads

I traded my extra FURYBORN for this and I’m so happy. The colors on this cover are so pretty and I’m very proud of this photo.


ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE by Gail Honeyman

“Meet Eleanor Oliphant. She struggles with appropriate social skills and tends to say exactly what she’s thinking. Nothing is missing in her carefully time-tabled life of avoiding social interactions, where weekends are punctuated by frozen pizza, vodka, and phone chats with Mummy.

Then everything changes when Eleanor meets Raymond, the bumbling and deeply unhygienic IT guy from her office. When she and Raymond together save Sammy, an elderly gentleman who has fallen on the sidewalk, the three become the kinds of friends who rescue one another from the lives of isolation they have each been living–and it is Raymond’s big heart that will ultimately help Eleanor find the way to repair her own profoundly damaged one.” ~ via Goodreads

One of my BOTM picks for December and I’ve heard a lot of positive feedback from others who picked it!


Wish me luck, folks!

PS, next year’s goal will be much more reasonable. I bit off waaaaay more than I can chew with 2017. How many books did you read in 2017?

REVIEW: Bonfire, Krysten Ritter (Nov. 7, 2017)

Bonfire | Krysten RitterI want to know how it’s even in the realm of fairness that Krysten Ritter gets to be both a terrific actress AND writer? Bonfire is a solid debut novel for Ritter, and just happens to fall into one of my favorite genres: psychological thrillers.

Abby peaced out of her little, rural Indiana town days after turning 18 and never looked back. After years of emotional and verbal bullying, she is determined to never return. Now a big shot lawyer for an environmental protection firm, Abby is sent back to Barrens after the townspeople complain of their water being contaminated by local big shot corporation, Optimal. As Abby and her team start investigating Optimal, she soon realizes that something deeper is happening in her sleepy hometown, something that connects to the mysterious disappearance of a former classmate, and her main tormentor, Kaycee.

This was such a fast read for me, and I mean that in an entirely good way. Ritter does a good job at moving the story along while introducing new twists and turns. For a slow, isolated setting, the pace of Bonfire is continually kept fast and interesting. The ending isn’t necessarily mind-boggling or shocking, but it’s satisfactory and the novel ends the same way.

Solid 4 /5 stars for me.

Thank you Crown Publishing for letting me read. Bonfire is available now and is also a featured Book of the Month pick for November.

REVIEW: A Line in the Dark, Malinda Lo (Oct. 17, 2017)

I’m torn. A Line in the Dark on the surface is my bread and butter: a psychological thriller with diverse characters, an unreliable narrator, and a love triangle. Plus, look at that cover! It opens with a bang (literally) but I was left feeling…unsatisfied at the end? I have some somewhat incoherent thoughts:

Jess Wong has had a long-standing crush on her best friend, Angie. And everything was peachy while it was just the two of them, but then Angie meets Margot, a student at the ritzy private school, and Jess’ world begins to unravel. Jess finds it difficult to share Angie with Margot, as well as keep a cap on her feelings—which she has long denied. At a party one night, Jess has an altercation with Margot’s best friend, Ryan, and after Ryan subsequently goes missing, Jess shoots to the top of the suspect list.

Ok, so. This is definitely personal preference, but I like my thrillers to be a tad more sinister and um…twisted…than A Line in the Dark. In the end, it just felt kind of watered down compared to some of the other thrillers I’ve read this year and really enjoyed. (i.e. This Darkness Mine and Final Girls).  If you enjoy a good mystery but not a graphic one, A Line in the Dark might be a good choice for you. There’s also a really cool art-imitating-life aspect with Jess’ comic book that reminded me of Eliza and her Monsters.

I am notoriously bad at guessing the twist endings, so my interest was definitely piqued the entire way through…but the ending was rushed. Within the context of the plot, the ending makes sense, I just needed another 5 pages or so of resolution.

I’m stuck between 3 – 3.5 / 5. The ending just kind of brought it down for me.

Thank you Dutton Books for Young Readers for my ARC. A Line in the Dark is available now.

Kate Reads 2017: July-Sep Favorites

This year is flying by so incredibly fast. I’m still reading like mad, watching way too many tv shows, and inhaling as much pop culture as I can.

Between July and September, I read 107 books, and additional 7 were left unfinished. I feel terrible not finishing a book, partly because I’m a perfectionist and I NEED TO FINISH WHAT I STARTED, but also because in many of the cases, the writing isn’t bad. It’s no fault of the author. The story just doesn’t interest me enough to continue reading. If I get to the halfway point and continually have to ask myself, “Who cares?” that’s a sign I will typically DNF.

If you’ve missed it, here is my author page for Book Riot and I’m still on Litsy @katekrug. Let’s be friends!

My top books are in the 4-5 star range and deserve to be added to your TBR 🙂 Happy reading!

July-September Faves [in no particular order]

A Little Life, Hanya Yanagihara

When your friends tell you that this is the most depressing book you’ll ever read, believe them. They’re being completely honest. A Little Life chronicles the lives of four friends, Willem, JB, Malcolm, and Jude, from college to old age. At the center is Jude, whose horrific past you uncover throughout the 800+ pages of misery and tears. There’s a point when I actually was doubting the believability of the book. Is it really possible that every single terrible thing you can think of happened to Jude before his 60th birthday? Regardless, Yanagihara takes exceedingly difficult subject matter and makes it readable and heart-wrenching. The 816 pages fly by. Oh, and don’t be fooled by the section, “The Happy Years.” Spoiler: They’re NOT happy.

Content warnings: Relationship abuse, childhood abuse, suicidal thoughts, graphic self-harm, and rape.

Starfish, Akemi Dawn Bowman

This book took my cold, little heart and squashed it into a pulp. I was a puddle of saltwater by the end with so many highlighted quotes on my iPad. I’m so happy that I have a published, hard copy now. And the cover is beautiful.

Kiko has always felt between two worlds—she’s half Japanese and has never learned much about her father’s heritage and culture. She experiences discrimination from classmates who don’t want to date her because she’s biracial. Her intense social anxiety also makes it difficult for her to make friends and be a “typical” high school senior. Her home life includes two brothers, a narcissistic mother, and a remarried father who seems more devoted to his new family. And there’s a friends-to-lovers romance involved. All of my favorite things. I love this book with all my heart.

An Ember in the Ashes series, Sabaa Tahir

In an alternate universe under the Martial Empire, society is split into two classes: The Scholars and The Martials. The Scholars are the lower-class, oppressed individuals, while The Martials rule the Empire and employ the soldiers, an elite group called Masks. Laia is a Scholar who goes on the hunt for her brother who is suspected of treason after their home is attacked by a group of Martials. Our other narrator, Elias, is a Mask and carries the legacy of an important Martial family, but also is reluctant to fully accept his place as a Mask.

The second book, A Torch Against the Night, introduced more characters and adds the equally kick ass Helene as a narrator. I am so pumped for the third book that is going to be released in April. Also, the paperbacks (and future hardcovers) went through a major redesign and the reason is amazing. Tahir tweeted,For the beautiful brown kids who deserve to see themselves on books:You’re heroes too. And these covers are for you.” Love love LOVE.

The Blinds, Adam Sternbergh

The residents of the small, secluded Texas town, Caesura, are an interesting bunch. All come with their memory wiped and are asked to choose new names upon entering (first name of a celebrity and last name of a vice president). Everyone in Caesura or “The Blinds,” has either witnessed a horrific crime or committed one, and this is the government’s way of creating a unique sanctuary where they live in peace. But then a suicide and murder happen in quick succession, and Sheriff Cooper starts to suspect something else is at play.

Sometimes my Book of the Month picks leave me kind of meh, but I REALLY enjoyed this one. This is definitely one of the those books where a character map is helpful, you meet a lot of people, but it’s super interesting and kept me reading into the wee hours of the morning.

This Darkness Mine, Mindy McGinnis

I really can’t say much about the plot of this book without giving away major twists, but it includes parasitic twins, a phenomenon that has exceptionally interested me after watching The Unborn a while ago.

Sasha is your stereotypical good girl: first chair clarinet, excellent student, perfect boyfriend, etc. Then things start happening that she can’t explain: a classmate, Isaac, claims to know her intimately, she has thoughts that definitely aren’t hers… and whatever you think the ending is, you’re wrong. I devoured “This Darkness Mine” in a few hours. This book is so wonderfully weird, creepy, and effed up, I loved it.

Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance, Ruth Emmie Lang

After his parents die in a freak storm, Weylyn Grey is brought up by a pack of wolves in Michigan (just go with it…) There in the woods, he befriends Mary, the daughter of the local butcher. Those around Weylyn notice his unique presence and his seemingly magical gifts. Throughout his life, Weylyn comes to grips with his “powers” and the need to stop running from his past.

This is one of my first forays into magical realism and “Beasts” hit all the targets. Yes, you definitely need to suspend your disbelief, but Weylyn (and his friends’) emotions are so real and human, it doesn’t feel like fantasy. I’m so happy that this book got chosen for a BOTM pick because it’s amazing. Don’t let the premise deter you, “Beasts” is so well written and Lang weaves a truly touching story.

The Hate U Give, Angie Thomas

Reading really hyped up books makes me nervous, sometimes it’s a huge let down. “The Hate U Give” does not fall into this category. It’s poignant, real, and exactly the book we need right now. I can’t wait for the movie to be released and for more people to be exposed to this book.

Starr’s life turns upside down when she witnesses her best friend, Khalil, being killed by a white cop. She’s the only witness, but not wanting to upset her life too much, Starr doesn’t release her name to the public and keeps quiet. As time goes on, Khalil’s name gets dragged through the mud. He’s called a thug and a predator and deserving of his death. Starr, who lives in a poor neighborhood, but attends a ritzy, private school, must choose between speaking her truth and remaining silent.

Pick up this book now. It’s so important.

Autoboyography, Christina Lauren

This is one of those books where I finished the ARC the day before its release and I ran to Barnes and Noble the next day for a hard copy because it’s THAT good. “Autoboyography” repeatedly broke my heart, made me laugh, healed my soul, and then broke my heart again.

While living in California, Tanner came out as bisexual and was completely supported by his family. When the family relocates back to his mother’s hometown of Provo, he is forced back into the closet due to the disapproving Mormons who populate the city (and state). That’s when he meets Sebastian, a mentor for his writing class and LDS dead set on following his church.

You’re going to cry. You’re going to get mad. You’re going to feel extremely sad about the prejudice still in today’s society. But ultimately, you’re going to feel uplifted by the eventual self-acceptance.

The Nevernight Chronicle, Jay Kristoff

Within the first few pages, you’re treated to a brutal murder interspersed with a relatively graphic sex scene, so do not be fooled, these books are decidedly NOT young adult.

Mia Corvere’s father was executed for betraying the Republic and she goes on a mission to avenge him. Part of her plan includes infiltrating the training school, The Red Church, for the assassin squad, the Blades. “Godsgrave” introduces gladiator-esque competition and then continuation of Mia’s plan to kill Scaeva and Duomo. (PS and the ending of “Godsgrave” is so completely awesome, I actually squealed in my excitement.)

The book also comes with footnotes explaining the greater history of the Republic and other information we wouldn’t know as a reader. Kristoff also has a super sarcastic and snarky voice aka I think we’d be great friends. My favorite part of the series though, has to be Mr. Kindly, a not-cat made out of shadow that follows Mia and eats her fear.

REVIEW: Starfish, Akemi Dawn Bowman (Sept. 26, 2017)

Starfish | Akemi Dawn BowmanI read this in two hours on a Saturday morning. I started crying within the first few chapters and I Did. Not. Stop. As a Korean-American adoptee who has dealt with social anxiety and low self-esteem my entire life, I honestly I don’t know if I can accurately describe how much Starfish meant to me, but I’m going to do my best.

THE 411: Kiko has always had a hard time with her identity due to the fact that she is half-Japanese—she doesn’t feel completely accepted by white society, yet doesn’t feel ready to embrace her Japanese heritage. Her parents are divorced, leaving her and two brothers with their narcissistic mother. Her only reprieve is her art, and her dream of attending the Prism art school in New York City. After her dreams are dashed, she’s left to pick up the pieces, as well as deal with the reappearance of her childhood best friend, Jamie.

I don’t know if I’ve ever connected more with a written character than Kiko Himura. I grew up in mostly white Iowa and was almost always the odd duck out. This, in addition to my natural inclination to be self-deprecating, has led to me feeling inferior and ugly for being Asian. And I’ve felt this way my entire life. Reading Kiko’s thoughts about herself, her eyes, her skin tone, was like taking a look at my diary.

Her relationship with Jamie made my poor little heart so happy. As kids, we don’t see colors. Kids are just kids. Friends are just friends. And Jamie leaving when she started realizing that she looked different just reinforced Kiko’s belief that there is something wrong with her Asian features. My love life is practically nonexistent, partly because it’s never been a priority for me, but also because one of my deepest fears is being rejected for being Asian. There’s a scene involving Kiko at a party that is pretty much my worst nightmare personified. At the end of “Starfish,” Kiko isn’t magically cured of her anxiety or 100 percent accepting of herself, but she’s on the right path. And that gave/gives me hope.

It was also amazing to see the depiction of a narcissistic parent in a novel. I wish 10-year-old Kate had had this book.

And Akemi Dawn Bowman, you’ve found a fan for life. I can’t wait for your forthcoming novel.  I was truly touched—I cannot stop singing its praises.


MY RATING: ✰✰✰✰✰ (and one of my favorite reads from 2017 so far)
RECOMMENDED FOR: everyone with a heart aka everyone


Thank you so much to Simon and Schuster for my galley. Starfish is available now.