Book review: Strange the Dreamer

Laini Taylor's "Strange the Dreamer" was nominated for the Michael L. Printz award in 2018. It is a modern day fantasy about a young librarian on a quest to find a mythic lost city. While Lazlo Strange is interested in finding out the lost name for this city, his traveling companions are intent on destroying it and taking back the sky.

Unbeknownst to any of them, a group of five blue skinned gods live in the floating citadel, survivors of a mass murder. Lazlo is first made aware when he sees the Muse of Nightmares in a dream.

This starts out as a quest, and turns into a beautiful love story. Be aware that this is the first book in a series, and even after 500+ pages, it ends with a cliff hanger.

Laini Taylor authored the popular "Daughter of Smoke and Bone" series, which may be worth your while checking out if you enjoy this read.

Book Review: Love Hate & Other Filters

A great example of diversity and #ownvoices, Love Hate & Other Filters by Samira Ahmed is about an aspiring film maker struggling with her aspirations, the expectations from her Indian-American Muslim family, and hatred that could put the safety of herself and her family at risk.

“It’s selfish and horrible, but in this terrible moment, all I want is to be a plain old American teenager. Who can simply mourn without fear. Who doesn’t share last names with a suicide bomber. Who goes to dances and can talk to her parents about anything and can walk around without always being anxious. And who isn’t a presumed terrorist first and an American second.” -  Maya Aziz

This young adult novel has a little bit of everything. Seventeen-year-old Maya dares to dream of an impossible future for herself, and navigates romantic relationships. At times, the inner reflections can feel repetitive and slow the pace. Still, this is worth a read for its fresh perspective and it charming main character you can't help but root for.