Book Reviews | Librariel Book Adventures

The Way the Light Bends by Cordelia Jensen

Posted on May 6, 2018 by LibrAriel Book Adventures

Title: The Way the Light Bends
Author: Cordelia Jensen
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Fiction
Pages: Print 390
Release Date: March 27, 2018
Rating: ★★★★★

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of this book from @KidLitExchange #partner in exchange for my honest review. Thanks again to @KidLitExchange #partner for access to review a free copy of this book! The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or KidLitExchange. The copy used in this review is an uncorrected unfinished copy.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Virtual twins Linc and Holly were once extremely close. But while artistic, creative Linc is her parents’ daughter biologically, it’s smart, popular Holly, adopted from Ghana as a baby, who exemplifies the family’s high-achieving model of academic success.

Linc is desperate to pursue photography, to find a place of belonging, and for her family to accept her for who she is, despite her surgeon mother’s constant disapproval and her growing distance from Holly. So when she comes up with a plan to use her photography interests and skills to do better in school–via a project based on Seneca Village, a long-gone village in the space that now holds Central Park, where all inhabitants, regardless of race, lived together harmoniously–Linc is excited and determined to prove that her differences are assets, that she has what it takes to make her mother proud. But when a long-buried family secret comes to light, Linc must decide whether her mother’s love is worth obtaining.

Favorite Quotes:

“…two paths
one in light
one in shadow
diverging.”

“Light leaks around each finger.
Light that seeps in.
Light that demands to be seen.
Even if I try to block it.
How much am I capturing something with my art
as much as I am releasing it?”

Final Thoughts:

This young adult fiction novel is written in a poem format with three different sections. I enjoyed the flow of each poem, the explanation of each character, and the emotions in each stanza. The author provided poem titles that captured my attention the entire time. I was engulfed in the text from the first page. Linc is such a fantastic character, and I enjoyed the explanation of her name. The character development for Linc is one of my favorites in this book since it is written from her perspective. Linc merely wants to make her family proud and live up to the same expectations of her adoptive sister Holly. While Holly is a straight A athletic student, Linc is a creative teen on the verge of being expelled from school due to her grades. Both girls struggle to find their place in the world and struggle to find themselves. Holly and Linc’s relationship struggles throughout this novel as both grow and build connections on their own. You can feel the tension between Linc, Holly, and their mother through the words displayed in this book. Will Holly and Linc rebuild the relationship they once had? Can Linc count on Holly in her time of need? Will Linc ever be accepted by her parents?

Overall this book reads like a contemporary young adult realistic fiction. The family dynamics in this novel felt relatable, and I felt like I could connect with the turmoil between family members. The author did a great job portraying the challenges faced by parents of an adopted child. Holly struggles to figure out who she is and wants to connect more with her past. While their mother strives to treat both girls equally while simultaneously being harder on Linc, her birth daughter. I recommend this book to any teen looking for a read that focuses on family, love, sibling rivalry, trust, and forgiveness. Each member must learn to trust each other and communicate better. Secrets are what will tear this family about, but those same secrets are what will mend the broken ties.

Interested in me reviewing your book or have suggested reads? Email me at librarielbookreviews@gmail.com

ARC Review: Love & War

Posted on April 23, 2018April 23, 2018 by LibrAriel Book Adventures

Title: Love & War: An Alex & Eliza Story
Author: Melissa De La Cruz
Genre: Middle Grade Contemporary, Realistic
Pages: Print 366
Release Date: April 17, 2018
Rating: ★★★★.5

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of this book from Penguin Young Readers as a part of Penguin Teen #partner in exchange for my honest review. The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or the publisher. The copy used in this review is an uncorrected copy from the publisher, some quotes may have been changed prior to publishing.

Synopsis:

The thrilling romance of young Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler continues in the sizzling sequel to the New York Times bestselling Alex & Eliza: A Love Story

1781. Albany, New York.

As the war for American independence rages on, Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler begin their new life as a married couple. Still, Alex is as determined as ever to prove his mettle and secure his legacy . . . even if that means leaving his beloved Eliza behind to join the front lines at the Battle of Yorktown. But when the war unexpectedly arrives on Eliza’s doorstep, she must fight for a better future–for their fledgling country and for her marriage.

Yet even after the Revolution comes to its historic close, Alex and Eliza’s happily-ever-after is threatened. Eliza struggles to build a home in the hustle and bustle of New York City just as Alex’s burgeoning law practice brings him up against his greatest rival–the ambitious young lawyer Aaron Burr. And with Alex’s star on the rise, Eliza can’t help but feel neglected by a husband who seems to have time for everyone but her. Torn apart by new trials and temptations, can Alex and Eliza’s epic love survive life in the big city?

The battles are just beginning in the sumptuous sequel to Melissa de la Cruz’s New York Times bestselling Alex & Eliza: A Love Story.

Favorite Quotes:

“The say the pen is mightier than a sword, but that is not true in the battlefield.”

“and then there was no more time or desire for conversation, as the most articulate statesman in America found words paled in comparison to the sublime experience of being with his beloved.”

Author Bio:

Melissa de la Cruz is the #1 New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, and Publishers Weekly internationally bestselling author of many critically acclaimed books for readers of all ages, including Alex & Eliza: A Love Story, Disney’s Descendants novels, the Blue Bloods series, and the Summer on East End series. Her books have sold over eight million copies, and the Witches of East End series became an hour-long television drama on the Lifetime network. Visit her at melissa-delacruz.com

Final Thoughts:

Love & War is part two of the Alex and Eliza love story. The author did a fantastic job developing both characters and continuing the storyline. In this book, we follow the life of Eliza Hamilton and Alexander Hamilton as both grow and flourish as a married couple. Alex has been tasked with the challenge of having to support his new wife and try to advance his career. Alex harbors the guilt of growing up as an orphan with no ties to a family. He had to fight for Eliza’s hand in marriage and the approval of her father; now he must fight to continue to prove he is worthy of her love. Alex feels as though the only way to establish himself as being more than just a clerk to General Washington, Alex must command his army. He wants command of the Yorktown brigade and feels he is contributing to the war by helping the fight against the British. Will his efforts lead to victory? Can he support Eliza after the war is complete? Alex must decide where he will reside once the war is over and how he will help his family. Will his new career turn out to be a success or a failure?

Overall this is a well written historical teen fiction. It showcases the struggles many women faced during the war. Women were meant to be seen and not heard. Women were the wives, caretakers, gardeners, seamstress, and midwives. While men spoke politics, fought in wars, and worked difficult positions. This book showcases the gender gap during wartime and the concepts instilled in women. I can also tell that the author did her research before writing this series. I enjoyed the notions of honor, the love between Alex and his new wife, and the importance of relationships. I recommend this book to any teen looking for an informative, realistic historical fiction.

Flower Moon by Gina Linko

Posted on April 19, 2018April 23, 2018 by LibrAriel Book Adventures

Title: Flower Moon
Author: Gina Linko Gina Linko
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Fiction
Pages: Print 242
Release Date: January 2, 2018
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Tempest and Tally Jo Trimble are mirror twins—so alike they were almost born the same person—and they’ve been inseparable since birth. But it’s the summer they turn thirteen, and it seems like everyone can tell something is changing between them.

Pa Charlie, whose traveling carnival is the best part of every summer, is watching them closer than ever. Digger, who sneaks poor kids onto the carnival rides for free and smiles faster than anyone, seems to be fixing for a fight. Even Mama is acting different, refusing to travel with the carnival this year even though her own twin, who she hasn’t seen since childhood, will be there.

And Tally and Tempest are the most different of all. There’s a strangeness between them, a thickness to the air, an unseen push and pull, and it’s getting stronger. It starts as a feeling, but soon it’s sputtering and sparking, hurling them backwards, threatening to explode.

When Tally learns that she and Tempest may not be the first twins in their family to be separated by whatever this force is, she realizes she’ll have to find a way to stop it—or she might lose not only her sister, but everyone she loves.

Final Thoughts:

This book started slow from the beginning. We learn about the twin sisters who Tally Jo and Tempest. Both are called mirror twins or identical twins in this story. There is some sort of pull between the two siblings but halfway through this novel and I am not sure what that pull is exactly. You learn more about the relationship between the two sisters in the beginning of the novel and learn how Tally Jo is mourning the loss of a connection she once had with her twin sister. Tempest is finally brave enough to have her own voice and try out new experiments. While Tally Jo continues to get into trouble trying to defend her sister and shield her from what she deems as harmful situations. Tally Jo has good intentions of protecting her twin sisters, although Tempest doesn’t always see it that way. Tempest is more interested in her experiments rather than her sisters antics. As both grow a part, Tally Jo starts to notice a force that is keeping the two from getting closer and reestablishing the connection they once had. The root of this mystery lies within the relationship between her mother and her mother twin sister Aunt Giana. Tally Jo must uncover many secrets with the help of Dibbler and find out the real reason her Aunt isnt in the picture. She must do this while still trying to figure out the how to save the relationship with her sister.

I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman

Posted on April 16, 2018April 19, 2018 by LibrAriel Book Adventures

Title: I Have Lost My Way
Author: Gayle Forman
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult Fiction
Pages: Print 368
Release Date: March 27, 2018
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Around the time that Freya loses her voice while recording her debut album, Harun is making plans to run away from everyone he has ever loved, and Nathaniel is arriving in New York City with a backpack, a desperate plan, and nothing left to lose. When a fateful accident draws these three strangers together, their secrets start to unravel as they begin to understand that the way out of their own loss might just lie in helping the others out of theirs.

Favorite Quotes:

” I have lost my way.”

“Right here is where I need to be.”

“We all die. It’s the only sure thing in life and the one thing we all have in common with everything else on the planet.”

Final Thoughts:

This captivating book follows the journey of three young adults all uttering the same phrase that has connected each to one another, “I have lost my way.” Gayle Forman has done it again with her new contemporary novel that follows the lives of these young adults, each dealing with their form of loss. Freya must learn to accept the things she cannot change and mourn the loss of an absentee father. She must decide what’s more important, building relationships or her career. Harun is harboring a secret that could change his life and his relationship with his family. He must face facts, he must face his fears, and he must learn what it is necessary, family, love or both. Lastly, Nathaniel is too afraid to face the reality of his situation. He is facing the biggest challenge of the three, but he has to face reality head-on or let his imagination consume him. It is by fate that these three stumble into each other on that day in Central Park and it is by fate that their lives begin to unravel together. Each must face their challenges both individually and collectively. These three were strangers during the day, but by night they are family. Will Huran ever face his fears? Will Freya get over her absent father? Will Nathaniel face the truth?

Overall, this novel had me on the edge of my seat. Of all the characters, I had the hardest time with Nathaniel. His character put me to tears with the internal battle he struggles within this book. Gayle Forman did a great job developing his style and showcasing the challenges of dealing with a loss as epic as his. Huran was the most exciting character, and his trial was one that I had not thought of. I was absorbed in the story of his family, of his siblings, and of his challenge of finding a mate that fit into the boundaries of his cultural upbringing. He faces one of the most significant challenges that isn’t showcased much in literature that I have read, and I enjoyed his character much. Lastly, Freya was one I could relate to the most. The turmoil she faced with her sister and her finally finding a voice of her own is a fantastic story. I enjoyed this entire novel and felt the author did a tremendous job connecting the three characters and focusing on issues that needed to be addressed. I was tearing up at the ending parts of all the characters. This young adult fiction has a hint of LGBTQIA awareness between the pages and information on the importance of building relationships. I recommend this novel to teenagers and up. I personally would have liked more information on Nathaniel’s mother and an epilogue. This only because some pieces left me wanting more.

Happy Reading!

Interested in me reviewing your book or have suggested reads? Email me at librarielbookreviews@gmail.com

ARC Review!: Unicorn Rescue Society: The Creature of the Pines

Posted on April 12, 2018April 11, 2018 by LibrAriel Book Adventures

Title: Unicorn Rescue Society: The Creature of the Pines
Author: Adam Gidwitz , Chris Lenox Smith, Jesse Casey
Genre: Children’s FantasyFiction
Pages: Print 176
Release Date: April 10, 2018
Rating: ★★★★★

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of this book from Penguin Young Readers partner in exchange for my honest review. The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or the publisher. The copy used in this review is an uncorrected copy from the publisher, some quotes may have been changed prior to publishing.

Description:

A fully illustrated, globe-trotting new middle grade fantasy-adventure series about mythical creatures and their cultures of origin, from the Newbery Honor-winning author of The Inquisitor’s Tale.
Elliot Eisner isn’t exactly excited about starting at a brand-new school in a brand-new town; he’d much rather stay at home and read a book. But things take an unexpected turn when he finds out his weird new teacher, Professor Fauna, has planned a field trip for Elliot’s very first day. Along with a new friend–brave, outspoken Uchenna Devereaux–Elliot gets caught up in a secret group of adventurers, The Unicorn Rescue Society, whose goal is to protect and defend the world’s mythical creatures. Together with Professor Fauna, Elliot and Uchenna must help rescue a Jersey Devil from a duo of conniving, greedy billionaires, the Schmoke Brothers.

Unicorn Rescue Society is an exciting and hilarious new series about friendship, adventure, and mythical creatures from around the world by Newbery Honor-winning author Adam Gidwitz teamed up with Mixtape Club founders Jesse Casey and Chris Smith, and Hatem Aly, illustrator of The Inquisitor’s Tale.

Author Bios:

Adam Gidwitz is the author of the critically acclaimed, New York Timesbestselling Grimm trilogy. He spent six years researching and writing his Newbery Honor-winning The Inquisitor’s Tale, including a year living in Europe. Adam lives with his family in Brooklyn, NY. Find Adam online at adamgidwitz.com or @AdamGidwitz.

Chris Lenox Smith is the Creative Director and cofounder of Mixtape Club, an award-winning audiovisual creative studio. Mixtape works with a range of brands and artists, including Google, HBO, ESPN, Spotify, Primus, and They Might Be Giants, to create memorable, narrative-driven films. Chris is a two-time winner of the ADC Young Guns Award for animation and music composition, his work spans across media, from short films and commercial work to musical scores that marry influences from the precomputer era with modern techniques.

Jesse Casey is the Managing Director and cofounder of Mixtape Club, an award-winning audiovisual creative studio. Mixtape works with a range of brands and artists, including Google, HBO, ESPN, Spotify, Primus, and They Might Be Giants, to create memorable, narrative-driven films. Drawing from his twin backgrounds in computer programming and printmaking, Jesse’s work embraces contemporary technology as a means to recreate the craft and artistry of classic film and animation.

ILLUSTRATOR
Hatem Aly is an Egyptian-born illustrator whose work has been featured on television and in multiple publications worldwide. He currently lives in New Brunswick, Canada, with his wife, son, and more pets than people. Find him online at metahatem.com or @metahatem.

Final Thoughts:

Unicorn Rescue Society is a book that will take anyone on an adventure through a forest. In this imaginative tale, two young students make some unlikely friends as they discover the real secrets of the Pines. It’s Elliot’s first day of school, and he has already been roped into an adventure by his new best friend, Uchenna. Uchenna is spunky, outgoing, and not afraid to go on experience. The author did a fantastic job capturing my attention and portraying teachers in a different light. The two adventurers become friends with the teacher they feared the most, Mr. Fauna. But, Mr. Fauna harbors many secrets about the Pines and the mythical creatures that lie within. The two must learn who to trust and learn new ways to protect their newfound friends. I recommend this book to anyone in elementary. This adventurous novel takes any reader on a mythical journey through friendship, trust, and the Pines.

Question: What mythical creature would you like to meet?

-I would actually like to meet a mermaid. I would love to get a selfie with one. It partly has to do with my name being Ariel but, also I think mermaids are interesting creatures. I would also like to meet a Pegasus and see if it will take me on a ride.-

Comment your answers below! I’d love to hear your responses!

Interested in me reviewing your book or have suggested reads? Email me at librarielbookreviews@gmail.com

The Stupendously Spectacular Spelling Bee by Deborah Abela

Posted on April 8, 2018April 8, 2018 by LibrAriel Book Adventures

this image was taken from the following site: https://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/36748599-the-stupendously-spectacular-spelling-bee

Title: The Stupendously Spectacular Spelling Bee
Author: Deborah Abela
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Pages: Print 224
Release Date: April 3, 2018
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

A heartwarming story about a girl who’s afraid to follow her dreams, and the family who help make them happen.

India Wimple can spell. Brilliantly. Every Friday night, she and her family watch the Stupendously Spectacular Spelling Bee on TV. When the Wimples suggest she enter the next Bee, India feels nothing but trepidation. She’s sure she’s not good enough – but with the support of her family, India finds the courage to sign up.

There are plenty of obstacles to reaching the finals, like Summer Millicent Ernestine Beauregard-Champion, a spoiled rich girl who isn’t afraid to step on anyone who gets in her way of winning.

The whole thing seems rather calamitous to India. But with hope, hard work, and a little bit of heart, something splendiferous might be on the horizon…

Final Thoughts:

Overall I thought this was a well-written novel that focuses on the importance of family and friends. The book follows the journey of one girl by the name of India Wimple. India Wimple is a fantastic speller with stage fright. She can spell all the words from the competition but is too afraid actually to enter. With the help of her family, she gets up the courage to enter the contest for the next year. India Wimple is hugely protective of her younger brother and will do anything for him. She must learn to put herself first to win this competition and trust her parents to take care of her brother. The entire town rallies to support India as she travels the world to compete in the most significant spelling bee competition. We watch as she overcomes her fears, makes new friends, and surprises everyone including herself. Will she win the competition? What is the grand prize?

If you are looking for a fast read that showcases essential life lessons, then I recommend this novel. This book is intended for elementary and middle-grade readers. It showcases resilience, support, family, and the importance of not giving up. India is a model character and learns to trust her instincts.

Interested in me reviewing your book or have suggested reads? Email me at librarielbookreviews@gmail.com

The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani

Posted on April 8, 2018 by LibrAriel Book Adventures

Title: The Night Diary
Author: Veera Hiranandani
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction
Pages: Print 272
Release Date: March 6, 2018
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

It’s 1947, and India, newly independent of British rule, has been separated into two countries: Pakistan and India. The divide has created much tension between Hindus and Muslims, and hundreds of thousands are killed crossing borders.

Half-Muslim, half-Hindu twelve-year-old Nisha doesn’t know where she belongs, or what her country is anymore. When Papa decides it’s too dangerous to stay in what is now Pakistan, Nisha and her family become refugees and embark first by train but later on foot to reach her new home. The journey is long, difficult, and dangerous, and after losing her mother as a baby, Nisha can’t imagine losing her homeland, too. But even if her country has been ripped apart, Nisha still believes in the possibility of putting herself back together.

Final Thoughts:

The Night Diary is a compelling novel that follows the life of Nisha and Amil. Two siblings who mourn the loss of a mother they never got the chance to know. The book is written from the perspective of Nisha. It is written in the form of a diary. Nisha writes about her day at the end of each day, she recaps her favorite moments and shares her thoughts. Nisha is a quiet girl with an immense amount of intelligence; she only speaks when she feels it is crucial. Amil, her brother, is the complete opposite. He is a free-spirited, outspoken, artist who fears nothing but the idea of not being able to be creative. Both siblings live in a large house in India while their father works as a doctor at a local hospital. In this home, they have a servant, and their father’s mother lives with them. In the days leading up to India gaining its independence from the British, turmoil is evident. As communities pick sides, families become divided, and this once safe place will become unsafe for this mixed family. Their home is now Pakistan, and they must leave to avoid being killed. This family must journey long and far to get to a safe place. They will face many challenges and hardships along the way. The only hope for these young souls is to get to a place where they can be safe and get to a moment where their father is free-spirited again. Will they survive the long journey? How far is their father willing to go to protect his family?

The author did a fantastic job with this novel. I enjoyed every moment of this book and enjoyed learning a bit more about the challenges faced by those born by both Hindi and Muslim parents. I have a History degree and love a good historical fiction novel. I have to say that this book made me cry. I completely understand the struggle of losing your mother and mourning the loss of a relationship with a parent you never knew. I may start my diary because of this book. I enjoyed the internal monologue that Nisha had with her mother and the connection she felt to her brother. The author built Nisha into a strong character, and Amil serves as her support. Both siblings struggle and cope with loss differently. Not only are they mourning the loss of their mother but the loss of a connection to their mothers family as well as the loss of the person their father used to be. I commend the author for doing such a great job with this book. I recommend this book to any youth between middle school age and high school. The book focuses on resilience, strength, determination, family, and fighting for what you believe. There are numerous life lessons in this book, and it also encourages youth to get a glimpse of the challenges faced by youth in other countries.

Happy Reading!

Interested in me reviewing your book or have suggested reads? Email me at librarielbookreviews@gmail.com

ARC Review: Good Dog

Posted on March 26, 2018March 26, 2018 by LibrAriel Book Adventures

Title: Good Dog
Author: Dan Gemeinhart
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Pages: Print 309
Release Date: March 27, 2018
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Brodie didn’t remember the exact moment that he died. But he did remember the exact moment that he woke up afterward. When he woke up he was already running.

In his awe-inspiring new novel, acclaimed author Dan Gemeinhart brings his signature blend of action, heart, and beautiful, deliberate prose to the story of a good dog who can’t move on to the afterlife until the boy he loves is safe.

Final Thoughts:

Good Dog is a compelling novel written about a dog named Brodie who has just died. Brodie is now dead and stick in between the worlds. He can’t move on because he is not at piece. Brodie needs to go back to the world of the living go save his best friend, Aiden. Aiden and Brodie have been together since the beginning. Brodie remembers all of the amazing moments they shared. He also remembers that something dark is near Aiden and Brodie has to go back to protect him. Brodie will sacrifice his soul to save his human. Will Brodie get to Aiden in time? Will Brodie move on to his forever place?

Overall this novel almost had me in tears. The author did such a great job showcasing the bond between human and animal. Brodie will stop at nothing to get back to his human on earth after his death. Even in the afterlife he strives to protect Aiden from the danger that awaits. Think of a time when your pet did whatever it took to protect you from the danger that awaits. My cat pickles is always crying when I’m in the kitchen. He assumes that I am in danger and I love that he is willing to protect me. Any animal big or small will form a bond with its human and this story brings that bond to life. I loved this book so much and I almost cried at the connection I felt. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartfelt read about the love animals posses.

Interested in me reviewing your book or have suggested reads? Email me at librarielbookreviews@gmail.com

Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda

Posted on March 26, 2018 by LibrAriel Book Adventures

Title: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Author: Becky Albertalli
Genre: Young Adult LGBTQ Romance
Print: 303 pages
Rating: ★★★★

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I purchased a copy of this book from my local bookstore. The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or the publisher.

Goodreads Synopsis

Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now Simon is actually being blackmailed: if he doesn’t play wingman for class clown Martin, his sexual identity will become everyone’s business. Worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he’s been emailing, will be compromised.

With some messy dynamics emerging in his once tight-knit group of friends, and his email correspondence with Blue growing more flirtatious every day, Simon’s junior year has suddenly gotten all kinds of complicated. Now, change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he’s pushed out—without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he’s never met.

Favorite Quotes:

“…I’ve been basically picturing this moment for ten hours, and now that it’s here , I don’t have a clue what I’m supposed to say. Probably something awesome and witty and not school-related.” – Simon

“It’s strange, because in reality, I’m not the leading guy. Maybe I’m the best friend.”- Simon-

“This was supposed to be–this is mine. I’m supposed to decide when and where and who knows and how I want to say it.” -Simon-

Final Thoughts:

Simon Spier is a hundred percent sure that he is gay, but he is also a hundred percent sure that he is not ready to share this information with anyone else. He is so entranced with the fact that someone else at his school is also a “closeted gay” that he forgets to log out of his email at the school library. Simon has had a secret, email, relationship with a student attending the same school as him. However, he has no idea who this student is, and from the looks of the pseudonym Simon is using, he’s not ready to reveal his true identity either. Martin, however, is prepared to use any information he has against Simon to advance his love life. This story follows the life of Simon Speir, a teen male in high school trying to figure out a way to get through his junior year without any hiccups. Martin is a straight teen male who merely wants to get closer to Alice, Simon’s best friend, by any means necessary. Will Martin win the heart of Alice or will his attempt at blackmail fail? Will Simon ever figure out who the other closeted gay in his school is? Will Simon ever feel comfortable to tell anyone about his sexuality before Martin does?

Overall, I thought this book had a lot of potentials. I am a fan of Becky Albetalli and her other works such as “The Upside of Unrequited,” but I thought this book fell a little bit short for me. I wanted more from the author in this tell-all LGBTQ novel. I guessed who the secretly closeted gay was at the beginning of the book. However, I felt inclined to finish the entire story, and I am glad that I did. The book started off a bit slow for me, but I did love the email interactions between Simon and Blue. I enjoyed reading the responses from both parties. I also liked the writing style in this book. The author did a great job portraying the drama and using adequate descriptive terms for all the supporting characters. I was able to channel my inner imagination to create what I assumed Simon’s best friends looked like. There was an adequate amount of drama, romance, tears, and friendship turmoil. I wanted more information about Leah, but overall the author did a great job with this book. I especially loved the developed drama between Martin and Simon and I legitimately almost cried during the epic scene towards the end. I would say that I should not have watched the movie trailer before reading the book. I had preconceived notions of what would happen and how the book began. I recommend this book to any teen looking for a fun, heart-wrenching, LGBTQ romance novel that focuses on the right side of coming out.

Read any good LGBTQ novels lately and want to share it with me, comment below!

Interested in me reviewing your book or have suggested reads? Email me at librarielbookreviews@gmail.com

One Lovely Blog Award

Posted on March 25, 2018 by LibrAriel Book Adventures

one-lovely-blog-award-rules

I was nominated by Jessica from Odd and Bookish for the One Lovely Blog Award. I am beyond honored to have been nominated for this. Thank you so much to Jessica. I got to know Jessica a lot more in these past few months and she is such an amazing person. She is so resilient and is the essence of girl power. Here is the link to her One Lovely Blog Award Post.

HERE ARE SEVEN FACTS ABOUT LIBRARIEL!

I am actually a librarian. My blog name is a combination of my name and librarian. I decided it would be interesting after I received my library science degree. I work full time as a Youth Services Librarian and Assistant Manager. I serve kids 0-18 and ensure there are a wide range of programming available for adults and the youth. I love interacting with the youth in the neighborhood of my library.
I used to be a teacher! Before I became a librarian, I worked as an elementary school teacher. I enjoyed teaching but felt I would be better suited inside a library. I love using my teaching skills to better engage with the youth in the area. Both jobs are rewarding positions!
I am very crafty! I used to create my own clothing from scratch and I own a sewing machine. I have created a lot of materials using my sewing machine and love mixing patterns.
I can’t see! I’ve been wearing glasses since I was three. I love getting new glasses every year.
I love museums and libraries. When I take vacations I make it apparent to visit a museum or library in the area.
My favorite artists are Linkin Park and Eminem. In my opinion, both are classics.
I completed my first puzzle last year! I have never completed a puzzle until last year. My husband and I spent a total of three hours working on a five hundred piece Bob’s Burgers puzzle.

NOMINATIONS!!!

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