The Smell of Other People's Houses

The Bookworm says... Absolutely! The Smell of Other People's Houses is an outstanding debut novel for Alaska Native Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock. Ruth, Alyce, Dora, and Hank are all faced with very different situations that similarly challenge their wit, ability to survive, and overall strength and perseverance. Their lives intertwine as they all try to deal with what they were given. Who could have guessed that four teenagers, a secret, a passion for dance, a need to escape your roots, and a plot to run away from home could draw four people together and provide such unlikely success for each individual.

The Smell of Other People's Houses is new, fresh, different, and brilliant in more ways than I can count. Set in Alaska in the 1970's on the verge of entering statehood, the novel doesn't appear to be something modern young adults could relate to. That observation, however, is immediately disproved upon reading the first chapter. The writing style is incredible- Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock is a voice that has been sorely needed in the world of young adult literature. The manner in which she brought together all of the characters in her novel was beautiful, and I was left speechless upon turning the final page. With a beautiful cover, intriguing name, and an exquisite plot, everything about this book screams, "READ ME!

"We don't have to be blood to be family."

More Happy Than Not

The Bookworm says... Yes! More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera is a great book!! Aaron lives in the Bronx projects, where two things are true; being gay is a crime, and miracles don't exist. Aaron is gay, but he is still very much in the closet and has a girlfriend named Genevieve. His father killed himself, his "friends" aren't his friends at all, his mom makes barely enough money to pay rent on their one bedroom apartment, and he may or may not have a crush on his one true friend. Everything is going wrong for Aaron and he wishes he could forget everything, but that's impossible. Until the Leteo Institute opens. Leteo specializes in relief of memory, or helping to forget. If Aaron can find the cash and confidence to go through with it, Leteo may be the unlikely miracle he is hoping for. 

Reminiscent of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, More Happy Than Not confronts race, sexuality, and economic class. Adam Silvera pushes deep into the world Aaron is trying so hard to forget, dragging out every painful detail. The questions Aaron asks himself are those that all teenagers ask themselves over and over again. Adam Silvera is a piercing voice diving into young adult, and let me tell you, you do not want to miss this book. 

"In that moment, I wish my existence were as simple as being set on fire and exploding in the sky."

Tentative release date is June 2015. 

The 5th Wave

The Bookworm says... Maybe. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey was a great book, don't get me wrong. Some parts were just a bit unclear in point of view (although I think this was intended) and some times very vague. That aside, I loved it. After the 4th wave, a few things are for sure. If you're alive, you're very unlucky and definitely not weak. You also know that you can't trust ANYONE. Cassie abides by these rules as she tries to find her little brother Sammy. Until she meets Evan Walker, that is. He decides to help Cassie in her mission to find Sammy. She starts to trust him, but is this the right choice? Trust or do not trust? Run or stay hidden? Surrender or fight back? Some choices prove to be simpler than others.

"In the end it wouldn't be the lucky ones left standing.

Glory O'Brien's History of the Future

The Bookworm says... No. I can't say that Glory Obrien's History of the Future by A.S. King was my favorite book. Everything began on "Letter N Day" when Glory's mom committed suicide by sticking her head in the oven. Then, just before her high school graduation, Glory and her sort of best friend Ellie drank a bat. Yes, they drank a bat. The bat gave them the ability to see an individual's future by looking them in the eyes. And let me tell you, the things they were seeing weren't any good. Civil wars, slavery, and lots of war. There were certain passages in this book that I adored, but I didn't overall enjoy the plot. I am, however, a fan of A.S. King's writing style. She was very blunt, which isn't for everyone, but I enjoyed it. Additionally, there was one topic that is usually avoided and/or shamed, but King addressed it. She praised it. That topic? Feminism. For that reason, I applaud her.

A.S. King is a Printz Honor Author
"Not living your life is like killing yourself, only it takes longer."