The Sun Is Also A Star

The Bookworm says... Yes! The Sun Is Also A Star is truly a shining sophomore novel for the lovely Nicola Yoon. Natasha and Daniel collide in a near fatal moment on a corner in Times Square. It is a big day for each- Natasha's family is being deported, and Daniel has an interview with a Yale alumnus. Natasha is a firm believer in science and the accuracy of the scientific method; her only mission is to reverse her father's mistakes and keep her family in America. Daniel is a poet, a dreamer, who is trying to be happy in his life while living up to his parents' expectations. Once Daniel sees Natasha, his interview immediately fades from his mind. All that matters is getting to know this intriguing, beautiful girl with the "DEUS EX MACHINA" jacket and the afro. Daniel invites Natasha to get coffee, and she obliges; his most pressing issue is no longer the Yale interview- it's making a girl who doesn't believe in love fall in love.

The Sun Is Also A Star proved itself to be an outstanding new YA romance that questions the power of fate and expectations, and what happens if you defy them. I'm not going to lie, the beginning of this book did not have me sold. I was unsure if I would finish the book pleased or disappointed. Just looking at the exposition, the cliche is undeniable- love at first sight in Times Square? Come on. But, as I continued to read, Daniel and Natasha drew me in, their different cultures (Korean American and Jamaican) providing something unique and interesting to the story. After around 100 pages, I could not deny the quality of this story. By the end, any hint of cliche that would take away from the reading experience was gone. Upon finishing the book, I was beyond crushed that the twenty-or-so pages I thought I had left was actually a preview of Everything, Everything, Nicola Yoon's first novel. I could have read another hundred pages of this book easily. This is an adorable YA that is sure to tug at your heart strings- don't miss out!

"The sun is also a star, and it's our most important one."

Previously reviewed by Nicola Yoon: Everything, Everything

DISCLAIMER: Review is based on an advance reader's copy. Tentative on-sale date is November 1, 2016.

History Is All You Left Me

The Bookworm says... Absolutely!!!!! History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera is easily my favorite read of the year (so far!). Even though Theo and Griffin broke up, Griffin still loves him... Even though Theo is away at college and dating someone else, Griffin still loves him... Even after Theo drowns, Griffin still loves him... In the wake of his ex-boyfriend's death, Griffin realizes two things to be true- One: losing people you love sucks. A lot. And, two: his OCD is getting increasingly worse as each day without Theo passes. When Theo's boyfriend from college, Jackson, comes to New York for the funeral, Griffin wants nothing to do with him. Once he realizes that Jackson is the only one who understands what he is going through, everything changes.

This book blew me away, so much so that I don't think any review I can write will do it justice. This is my best shot. Adam Silvera, author of More Happy Than Not, has managed to produce yet another outstanding young-adult novel. First of all, it is told from Griffin's  point of view, with Theo as the audience. The reader is often addressed as "you", referring to Theo. Silvera skillfully weaves through time, alternating chapters between "History" and "Today". Changing setting between chapters runs the risk of having a lost and confused reader, but I didn't feel lost in the slightest while reading this book. It's one of those books that makes you everything but lost- you find yourself in it. Love and loss, common themes in both of Silvera's novels, are driving forces of the plot. The characters experience love and loss, and so will the reader. I cannot tell you how many times I had to put this book down while reading during school so I wouldn't break out in tears in front of my classmates (mostly because it's an embarrassing number). Griffin's OCD is conveyed perfectly, truly showing what it is like to live with the disorder and how it takes control of your life. Anyone that has ever lost someone they love will find true meaning in this book. I found myself constantly writing down the numbers of pages that held passages I felt I truly connected with, or even pages that I just loved. From the artful setting changes, incredibly developed characters, themes that are easy to relate to, and emotional depth of the story to Adam Silvera's all around gorgeous writing, it is pretty much impossible not to love this book. I am heavily anticipating this release, because I know that it is going to change the entire YA world for the better. So now, I urge you, mark your calendars for January and run to get a copy of this astounding novel.

"I feel like a rock being skipped through the ocean- pain, relief, pain again, relief again, eventually destined to sink."

Previously reviewed by Adam Silvera: More Happy Than Not
More Happy Than Not was one of my top ten reads of 2015! See my top ten here!

DISCLAIMER: This review is based on an advance uncopyedited edition. Tentative release date is January 2017.

Tell Us Something True

The Bookworm says... Yes! Tell Us Something True  by Dana Reinhardt is a cute new YA coming of age novel. Penny breaks up with River, but it's more like she just took his soul and crushed into tiny pieces and scattered them around the country. He hopelessly tries to get back with her, but it is to no avail. In his despair he finds himself at a support group for troubled teens, A Second Chance. River fakes his way through the meetings, trying to blend in with Los Angeles's most corrupted teens. By attending these meetings on Saturday nights, River learns more than he could've hoped for about himself, Penny, love, addiction, and life in general. 

Tell Us Something True was definitely an enjoyable book to read! It's sweet, romantic, comical, and sad, all wrapped into around 200 pages. There were "aweee!" moments, "haha!" moments, and some "oh noooo :(" moments as well. Though at some points a tad slow, I would say that the novel developed very well to reach an enthralling climax at the end. This book isn't the book to read if you are looking for something to blow you away, but it's good if you just want something quick that you know you will enjoy- the ending WILL take you by surprise, I promise. 

"Don't let perfect be the enemy of good."

DISCLAIMER: review is based on an uncorrected proof. Tentative release date is June 14, 2016. 

Holding Up the Universe

The Bookworm says... Yes! Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven has been one of my most anticipated new novels for a while now, and trust me- it did not disappoint! This YA novel follows Libby Strout, formerly known as "America's Fattest Teen", and Jack Masselin, popular kid with a secret neurological disorder. Following her mother's death, Libby stayed close to home, attempting to recollect herself and deal with her grief. She gained so much weight that she was housebound for six months. For as long as he can remember, Jack hasn't been able to remember faces- every time he sees someone it's as if it's the first time. Self diagnosed with prosopagnosia, Jack makes his way through the day by using identifiers (the arrangement of freckles, catch-phrases, etc.) to recognize people, and by making sure never to get too close. After a cruel game is played, Libby and Jack's worlds collide in a group counseling session. At first less than thrilled to see each other, they begin to realize that spending time together may not be so bad after all.

I really, truly enjoyed Holding Up the Universe. As many of you know, Jennifer Niven's other YA novel All The Bright Places was my number one read on 2015 (see my top ten here) Clearly, that set a very high bar for this one. While I can't say that Holding Up the Universe was as incredible as ATBP, it was amazing in its own way. It is a very unique story about issues that do not get talked about- bullying, obesity, and rare neurological  disorders. Before reading this book, I had never heard of prospagnosia. It has the same educational effect as Wendy Mass's A Mango Shaped Space, which follows a protagonist with synesthesia. Libby is such a fierce, independent character that I wish I knew her. I wish I could have her personality. The more I think about it, the more I realize why Holding Up the Universe didn't overcome ATBP- it's significantly less simple to relate to, yet I feel that that is a further advantage. It's not often that I read a book in which the main character is so different from myself, yet so similar once I take the time to examine them more. To sum up my thoroughly scatter-brained review (Jennifer Niven, this is what your writing does to me!)- Holding Up the Universe is a fabulous new novel. Ignore the naysayers that will tell you otherwise, and run to the bookstore on October 4th to get a copy of this fantastic book.

"It's been my experience that the people who are most afraid are the ones who hide behind mean and threatening words."

Previously reviewed by Jennifer Niven: All The Bright Places

DISCLAIMER: review is based on an uncorrected proof. Tentative release date is October 4th, 2016.

Half in Love With Death

The Bookworm says... Yes! Half in Love With Death by Emily Ross is a great YA thriller and coming-of-age novel wrapped in one. Caroline's older sister, Jess, was always the "problem child" of their family, if you will. She was, after all, the reason they had to move across the country. One night, Jess sneaks out of the house after their parents are in bed- nothing out of the usual. What is unusual- she doesn't come home. Before Caroline can even think about what's happening, her older sister is missing and nobody seems to care about what Caroline has to say. Tony, Jess's boyfriend and local  bad-boy, is the only person that is there to comfort Caroline. Tony is convinced Jess ran away to California, and he begins to convince Caroline of the same. Caroline starts hanging out with Tony's group, and by the time she realizes the bad-boy act might not be an act, she may be in too deep.

I really enjoyed Half in Love With Death! The plot kept my attention in a tight grip, and I found my thoughts drifting back to Caroline and Jess even after I put the book down. The setting, Arizona in the 1960's, provided a unique twist to the story. Though I would say the ending is kind of predictable from early on, I do not think that that took away from the experience of reading it whatsoever. Bravo, Emily Ross!

"Was the one thing that I'd dismissed as a dream the only thing that had actually been real?"

**SPECIAL NOTE: If you happen to be residing in the South Shore area of Massachusetts, there's an excellent opportunity to attend a YA author event featuring Emily Ross! The event is being held at Buttonwood Books and Toys in Cohasset on Sunday, April 10th at 1:00. For more information, you can call 781-383-2665, visit buttonwoodbooksandtoys.com, or send me a message!

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."

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

The Bookworm says...No. I really did not enjoy Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews. Greg Gaines has mastered the method of staying invisible in high school, there in making a friend out of everyone. He acknowledges that without any friends, just people he is friends with, he is deprived of a normal high school experience, though he doesn't seem to mind. Greg is also a very unsuccessful filmmaker; he makes films with his business partner, Earl Jones. Very bad films, to be clear. When a girl Greg dated in his prepubescent years, Rachel Kushner, is diagnosed with leukemia, Greg's mom forces him to befriend her. Simply acquainting himself with Rachel is the flaw that brings down Greg's entire, carefully structured life, but also gives it a a new meaning.

This book is written from the point of view of Greg, as a book that he is writing for an unknown reason. This gives the reader direct insight into Greg's teenage mind. I did not like this book, as you may have seen above. I didn't particularly enjoy the writing style, and I thought the plot was dry and boring. A read that I wished to be finished before I was halfway through.

"I mean, you can know someone is dying on an intellectual level, but emotionally it hasn't hit you, and then when it does, that's when you feel like shit."