March reads
Here are some reads from March:
You Don’t Know Everything, Jilly P! [3/5]
This is a young adult book about a teen, Jilly who just got a new Deaf baby sister. Jilly and her parents maneuver thorough the deafness, finding the best resources and doing what is best for the baby sister. Meanwhile, Jilly already has a Deaf friend she connects with online. This book shows Jilly learning how to be an ally to the Deaf world, as well the Black community (her aunt is married to a Black person and her Deaf friend is Black). I felt it lacked some authenticity. The author provided a note (in the back of book) explaining that she herself is not Deaf (nor Black). I applause that she wrote as a hearing character learning about her Deaf sister, instead of writing from a Deaf POV. I am hesitantly recommending this book, it is good as it shows a teen learning how to be an ally.
The Hawthorne Legacy [5/5]
The sequel to ‘The Inheritance Games’ book - I read last month. I loved the first book so much and I had to read the sequel immediately. I’m usually bad with series, I put off reading the next book all the time but not this series! I was glued to every page, it was constantly making me think and trying to figure out what will happen next. I’m amazed this is a YA genre but it’s fun read! I can’t wait for the last and final book that will come out in August.
Renegades: Born in the USA [2/5]
I’m a Bruce Springsteen fan. If you didn’t know, I’m a Jersey girl! This book fell flat for me. I didn’t realize it was a coffee table book, so I borrowed it from the library to get the full effect. It’s mostly photos more than text. I thought I’d be reading more about their lives and stories, there is some. Just not as much as I expected. Others have said its a transcript from their podcast, so its a personal preference if you rather listen or like to see it in print.
The Betrayal of Anne Frank [4/5]
This book is about a cold case investigation of who betrayed Anne Frank’s family. I was drawn to every page, each suspect had a dedicated chapter explaining their connection, proof of possible betrayal, etc. I couldn’t stop reading until I saw a name or names. When they shared who they believed to be the betrayer, I didn’t feel like I was satisfied. I didn’t think it was sufficient proof. Very interesting read, despite my disappointment with the research conclusion.
A Keeper [4.5/5]
Taking place in Ireland, I picked this book up at the library. What a read! It goes back and forth between a daughter in present day and her mother when she was younger in the past. Presently, the daughter traveled to Ireland after her mother’s passing to get her affairs in order. In the past, her mother shared her life experiences. It was full of twists and turns, I finished this read in two days. I was constantly surprised as I read thru this book. Another part that I loved is the author’s description of the Irish countryside. I felt like I was back there in Ireland!
The Library at the Edge of the World [1/5]
I picked this book up as it said in the blurb, it’s perfect for Maeve Binchy fans. Unfortunately, I had a really hard time getting into this book, it was very slow. It follows around this local librarian getting back on her feet after leaving her husband who cheated on her. I couldn’t connect with the character as she was a very reserved person. I loved Conor, the library assistant tho! I enjoyed the coastal Ireland ambiance in the book too. The title/cover tempted me as a book/Ireland lover but it fell short for me.
Angela Ashes [5/5]
A memoir about growing up during Depression-era in Brooklyn then growing up in the slums of Limerick, Ireland. The author, Frank had an alcoholic father who would drink the money (needed to feed his family) away. Let me be transparent, this was second time I attempted to read the book. It is VERY depressing as it is about extreme poverty. The author’s writing (and humor) kept me in it, he talked about his childhood very beautifully as horrible it was. Worthy of a read!