Book Review: The Book of Boy

"The Book of Boy," by Catherine Gilbert Murdock is an adventurous middle grade novel that dabbles in religion, fantasy, history, and a touch of philosophy.

Boy is a humble goat herder who is ridiculed for the hump on his back.  Boy is called a monster wherever he goes, and he believes them. He doesn't touch his hump or even look at it, keeping it covered by his cloak day and night.

When a pilgrim arrives and asks him to join him on a quest to steal the relics of St. Peter, Boy doesn't want to go. That quickly changes and their journey becomes a quest for salvation, for both of them.

Boy is a lovable character who goes through a miraculous transition. And we are cheering for him all along the way, along with the herds of animals who stop to help him. Who wouldn't want to wake up in a pile of sheep?

Book Review: What the Night Sings

"What the Night Sings," by Vesper Stamper, was a finalist for the William C. Morris Debut YA Award in 2019.  In addition to being the author, Vesper produced the illustrations for this novel, adding to the feel that this isn't just a book, but a work of art.

It isn't a happy tale as we follow Gerta and her father into Auschwitz and another camp during the Holocaust. It's heartbreaking. But this isn't about the Holocaust, but what comes after, because Gerta is freed.

What happens after you leave a concentration camp? How did Holocaust survivors re-enter society after such terrible treatment?  It's a question I haven't seen before in literature, and this book is a lovely, if not painful, exploration.

My local library says this is YA fiction, and Gerta is a teenager, but the story feels very adult-like with romance and marriage a central theme.

Book Review: Darius the Great is Not Okay

"Suicide isn't the only way you can lose someone to depression." Stephen Kellner tells his son, Darius while sitting on a rooftop in Iran.

It was a lovely moment in Adib Khorram's YA novel, "Darius the Great is Not Okay," the story about a boy who discovers who he is, and that he is okay with that, during a trip to Iran to visit his dying Babou.

Darius doesn't consider himself a true Persian. He doesn't speak Farsi like his mom and sister. He was born in Portland and has exactly one friend. Things change for him when he meets Sohrab, who may be the first true friend he ever had.

Darius is a funny, self-effacing narrator who walks the reader through Persian customs, celebrations, and food while trying to be okay with himself, his faults, and being a Fractional Persian. Meeting Sohrab may be the best thing that ever happened to him, and the story.

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.

Book Review: The Unforgettable Guinevere St. Clair

True to its title, "The Unforgettable Guinevere St. Clair," by Amy Makechnie, is memorable story about a very spirited Gwyn who moves from New York to flat, boring, small-town Iowa. Her father, Jed, hopes living in their hometown will help Gwyn's mother, Vienna, regain the memories she lost after suffering a brain injury. 

Gwyn makes some friends and an archenemy, Gaysie Cutter, who she believes is responsible when a neighbor, Wilbur Truesdale, goes missing. Gwyn, an aspiring lawyer, is certain she is the one to find the evidence to prove it. 

The more she investigates, the more questions arise about her father's involvement, Gaysie Cutter, and the mother she never got a chance to know. 

Book Review: The Astonishing Color of After

"The Astonishing Color of After" by Emily X.R. Pan is not a light read. In the aftermath of her mother's suicide, Leigh is certain her mother embodies a beautiful red bird that is sometimes there, and sometimes not.

On top of that, Leigh meets her grandparents for the first time in Taiwan, and she isn't fluent in their language.

This book alternates between past and present, real and dream-like sequences, and a burgeoning romance that may or may not be real. The language is beautiful, with color saturating the pages.