Category Archives: Wednesday Books

June 4, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: Hurricane Summer by Asha Bromfield

Title: Hurricane Summer by Asha Bromfield
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult
Length: 400 pages
Book Rating: C+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In this sweeping debut, Asha Bromfield takes readers to the heart of Jamaica, and into the soul of a girl coming to terms with her family, and herself, set against the backdrop of a hurricane.

Tilla has spent her entire life trying to make her father love her. But every six months, he leaves their family and returns to his true home: the island of Jamaica.

When Tilla’s mother tells her she’ll be spending the summer on the island, Tilla dreads the idea of seeing him again, but longs to discover what life in Jamaica has always held for him.

In an unexpected turn of events, Tilla is forced to face the storm that unravels in her own life as she learns about the dark secrets that lie beyond the veil of paradise—all in the midst of an impending hurricane.

Hurricane Summer is a powerful coming of age story that deals with colorism, classism, young love, the father-daughter dynamic—and what it means to discover your own voice in the center of complete destruction.

Review:

Hurricane Summer by Asha Bromfield is a complex family-centric young adult novel.

Eighteen-year-old Tilla is excited and nervous about spending two months in Jamaica with her dad. She and her nine-year-old sister Mia live full-time in Canada with their Jamaican-born mother. Their father splits his time between Canada and Jamaica but recently, he has not returned to visit them. Tilla’s expectations about her dad are low because of his history of breaking promises. She is also old enough to remember the constant arguments between her parents.

As soon as their plane lands, Tilla’s hope for a different version of her father are dashed when he takes her and Mia to the country. He then leaves them with their relatives and returns to the city. Mia immediately makes a connection with her cousins while Tilla is confused by the resentment and abuse she experiences at the hands of family members. With a hurricane bearing down on the island, Tilla weathers her own storm as discovers shocking secrets and endures a heartbreaking assault.

Tilla is uncomfortable for much of her time in the country. Her aunt makes no effort to hide her antipathy towards her. Tilla is also confused by the family’s adulation of her father. She is also stunned to witness colorism and racism throughout her visit. Tilla is delighted to be reunited with her cousins but she is shaken to realize the depths of their hostility. After experiencing a horrific betrayal, Tilla wants to return home and put the harrowing ordeal behind her.

Hurricane Summer is a well-written young adult novel.  The characters are interesting but they are a little underdeveloped. The Jamaican countryside springs vibrantly to life and it is very easy to visualize the various places Tilla visits. The storyline is engaging but a bit slow paced. Asha Bromfield deftly handles a number of sensitive topics. Due to the subject matter, I recommend this young adult novel to older teenagers.

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Filed under Asha Bromfield, Contemporary, Hurricane Summer, Rated C+, Review, Wednesday Books, Young Adult

March 22, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: The Last Secret You’ll Ever Keep by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Title: The Last Secret You’ll Ever Keep by Laurie Faria Stolarz
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Mystery
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Bestselling author Laurie Faria Stolarz returns with The Last Secret You’ll Ever Keep, a thrilling novel of an eighteen-year-old girl’s search for answers and what she finds instead.

Four days…
Trapped in a well, surrounded by dirt, scratching at the walls trying to find a way out.
Four days of a thirst so strong, that when it finally rains, I drink as much as possible from the dripping walls, not even caring how much dirt comes with it.

Six months…
Since my escape. Since no one believed I was taken to begin with – from my own bed, after a party, when no one else was home…
Six months of trying to find answers and being told instead that I made the whole incident up.

One month…
Since I logged on to the Jane Anonymous site for the first time and found a community of survivors who listen without judgment, provide advice, and console each other when needed.
A month of chatting with a survivor whose story eerily mirrors my own: a girl who’s been receiving triggering clues, just like me, and who could help me find the answers I’m searching for.

Three days…
Since she mysteriously disappears, and since I’m forced to ask the questions: will my chance to find out what happened to me vanish with her? And will I be next?

Review:

The Last Secret You’ll Ever Keep by Laurie Faria Stolarz is an intriguing young adult mystery. Although this newest release is a companion to Jane Anonymous, it can be read as a standalone.

Several months after being kidnapped, Terra is desperate to prove to herself and everyone that she was, in fact, taken from her bedroom. Everyone, including her Aunt Dessa, initially believes her story. But after not finding any evidence to back up her claims, Detective Marshall, Dessa and her friends arrive at the conclusion she is not being truthful. Having lost her parents in a fire that she survived, Terra has a troubled history including stays in psychiatric hospitals. Now on medication and undergoing therapy, Terra turns to the online support group Jane Anonymous where survivors share their stories and offer support. She has formed a bit of a friendship with Peyton whose experience closely matches her own. While still trying to prove she is not lying about what happened to her, Terra is also concerned for Peyton’s safety. Will Terra find the evidence she needs to prove she is not lying? And is her worry for Peyton warranted?

After losing her parents, Terra moves in with her aunt. She struggles to come to terms with her loss and she clings to the few items rescued from the fire. Terra attends an alternative school where she has a small circle of friends. She and a friend attend a sorority party and leaving early, she decides to walk home after meeting college student Garret. With a heightened sense of fear, Terra is relieved to arrive home. After locking up and going to bed, Terra is startled awake by a man in her bedroom who then kidnaps her. For four long days, she is left by herself in a well. After managing to escape, Terra tries to cope with a myriad of issues arising from the kidnapping.

The people she meets in the Jane Anonymous forum are supportive of each other. Terra is especially close to Peyton who fears her kidnapper is planning to take her again. As Terra attempts to keep to her daily routine, she spends a great deal of time on the forum commiserating with the others and chatting privately with Peyton. She is also trying to balance her job as she works to get her high school diploma. She is also obsessive about finding the well where she held captive.  Unable to sleep, Terra is already on edge when the situation with Peyton takes a dangerous turn and she contemplates trying to locate her on line friend in real life.

Moving back and forth in time, The Last Secret You’ll Ever Keep is an engaging mystery with an unreliable narrator. The storyline is interesting but the first half is a little slow moving. The pace picks up in the last half as Terra becomes more desperate to find where she was held. With a shocking plot twist, Laurie Faria Stolarz brings this compelling young adult mystery to an edge of the seat conclusion. An enjoyable read that I recommend to older teen readers.

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Filed under Contemporary, Laurie Faria Stolarz, Rated B, Review, The Last Secret You'll Ever Keep, Wednesday Books, Young Adult

February 15, 2021 · 12:02 am

Review: Amelia Unabridged by Ashley Schumacher

Title: Amelia Unabridged by Ashley Schumacher
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult
Length: 296 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Sparks fly between two teens as they grapple with grief, love, and the future in this unforgettable debut novel sure to entice fans of Jandy Nelson and Jennifer E. Smith

Eighteen-year-old Amelia Griffin is obsessed with the famous Orman Chronicles, written by the young and reclusive prodigy N. E. Endsley. They’re the books that brought her and her best friend Jenna together after Amelia’s father left and her family imploded. So when Amelia and Jenna get the opportunity to attend a book festival with Endsley in attendance, Amelia is ecstatic. It’s the perfect way to start off their last summer before college.

In a heartbeat, everything goes horribly wrong. When Jenna gets a chance to meet the author and Amelia doesn’t, the two have a blowout fight like they’ve never experienced. And before Amelia has a chance to mend things, Jenna is killed in a freak car accident. Grief-stricken, and without her best friend to guide her, Amelia questions everything she had planned for the future.

When a mysterious, rare edition of the Orman Chronicles arrives, Amelia is convinced that it somehow came from Jenna. Tracking the book to an obscure but enchanting bookstore in Michigan, Amelia is shocked to find herself face-to-face with the enigmatic and handsome N. E. Endsley himself, the reason for Amelia’s and Jenna’s fight and perhaps the clue to what Jenna wanted to tell her all along.

Ashley Schumacher’s devastating and beautiful debut, Amelia Unabridged, is about finding hope and strength within yourself, and maybe, just maybe, falling in love while you do it.

Review:

Amelia Unabridged by Ashley Schumacher is an endearing young adult novel of healing.

Amelia Griffin and Jenna Williams are best friends who are enjoying their last summer before college. Their first adventure is a book conference where Amelia will finally get to meet her favorite author N. E. Endsley. She is devastated when he abruptly cancels his appearance. After Jenna makes a startling confession, Amelia is absolutely furious. Her anger soon turns to regret and sorrow after Jenna’s death in a car accident. After receiving a package from a bookstore in Michigan, Amelia decides to go to the small town of Lochbrook to try to figure out who sent her the book and why. A week in the magical town not only helps her work through her grief. Amelia also finds love but will someone else’s expectations for her future prevent her from following her heart?

Amelia’s life drastically changes when her parents divorce. After a chance meeting at the local bookstore, she and Jenna are soon inseparable.  Amelia’s home life is miserable so she is thrilled Jenna’s parents’ treat her as part of their family. After Jenna’s death, Amelia is grateful for their support  as she tries to find meaning in the unexpected gift of a special book.

Amelia’s journey to Lochbrook contains many surprises and delights. She is enchanted with the quirky but inviting bookstore and her warm welcome by the store’s owner. Amelia is also delighted by her unanticipated new friendships. She is quite charmed by a new acquaintance but with the weight of expectation hanging over her, Amelia is faced with an untenable decision.

Amelia Unabridged is a heartwarming young adult novel with a great cast of eccentric characters. Amelia is a well-rounded young woman who is easy to root for. The secondary characters are well-developed and likable. The storyline is engaging which makes for a fast-paced read.  With a late in the story conflict, Ashley Schumacher brings this delightful novel to a heartfelt conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this marvelous novel to teen and adult readers.

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Filed under Amelia Unabridged, Ashley Schumacher, Contemporary, Rated B+, Review, Wednesday Books, Young Adult

February 5, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: The Project by Courtney Summers

Title: The Project by Courtney Summers
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 339 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From Courtney Summers, the New York Times bestselling author of the 2019 Edgar Award Winner and breakout hit, Sadie, comes a sensational follow-up—another pulls-no-punches thriller about an aspiring young journalist determined to save her sister from a cult.

“The Unity Project saved my life.”

Lo Denham is used to being on her own. After her parents died, Lo’s sister, Bea, joined The Unity Project, leaving Lo in the care of their great aunt. Thanks to its extensive charitable work and community outreach, The Unity Project has won the hearts and minds of most in the Upstate New York region, but Lo knows there’s more to the group than meets the eye. She’s spent the last six years of her life trying—and failing—to prove it.

“The Unity Project murdered my son.”

When a man shows up at the magazine Lo works for claiming The Unity Project killed his son, Lo sees the perfect opportunity to expose the group and reunite with Bea once and for all. When her investigation puts her in the direct path of its charismatic and mysterious leader, Lev Warren, he proposes a deal: if she can prove the worst of her suspicions about The Unity Project, she may expose them. If she can’t, she must finally leave them alone.

But as Lo delves deeper into The Project, the lives of its members, and spends more time with Lev, it upends everything she thought she knew about her sister, herself, cults, and the world around her—to the point she can no longer tell what’s real or true. Lo never thought she could afford to believe in Lev Warren . . . but now she doesn’t know if she can afford not to.

Welcome to The Unity Project.

Review:

The Project by Courtney Summers is a poignant young adult novel that is full of suspense.

Bea Denham is heartbroken when her parents die in a car accident. Her younger sister Lo survives the crash but she is in critical condition. Bea is looking for a miracle when she encounters Lev Warren, the charismatic leader of The Unity Project, in the hospital chapel.  Lo survives her injuries but she has a long road to recovery ahead of her. Bea is supportive but when their great aunt steps in to help them, she spends less and less time with her sister. Lo leaves the hospital and not long after, she loses Bea to Lev and The Unity Project.

Six years later, Lo is now working at a digital magazine with hopes of eventually becoming a journalist. She has never given up on she reuniting with Bea, so after witnessing a tragic event, she decides to investigate the Project. Lo believes it is a cult and she is determined to find Bea and answers about the Project. She begins by attending a public event in which Lev’s speech is designed to  bring in new members. However, after being unceremoniously removed by his assistant, Lo tries to figure out her next move. She also continues trying to reach out to Bea.

Bea’s part of the storyline unfolds in a series of flashbacks. Her feelings about Lo following the accident are complex as she joins Lev at the Project. She never stops missing Lo but she is soon distracted by Lev and their efforts to recruit more members into their fold.  As her circumstances evolve over the years with Lev, Bea reflects on her choices.

The Project is an engrossing young adult novel with an engaging storyline. Lo and Bea are well developed, sympathetic characters. Lo’s research into the Project takes an unexpected turn yet she never stops trying to find Bea. With shocking twists, Courtney Summers brings this emotional novel to a bittersweet yet gratifying conclusion.  I enjoyed and recommend this unique young adult novel to adult and teen readers.

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Filed under Contemporary, Courtney Summers, Mystery, Rated B, Review, Suspense, The Project, Wednesday Books, Young Adult

July 20, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn

Title: More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

Growing up under his punk rocker dad’s spotlight, eighteen-year-old Luke Greenly knows fame and wants nothing to do with it. His real love isn’t in front of a crowd, it’s on the page. Hiding his gift and secretly hoarding songs in his bedroom at night, he prefers the anonymous comfort of the locally popular podcast he co-hosts with his outgoing and meddling, far-too-jealousy-inspiringly-happy-with-his-long-term-boyfriend twin brother, Cullen. But that’s not Luke’s only secret. He also has a major un-requited crush on music blogger, Vada Carsewell.

Vada’s got a five year plan: secure a job at the Loud Lizard to learn from local legend (and her mom’s boyfriend) Phil Josephs (check), take over Phil’s music blog (double check), get accepted into Berkeley’s prestigious music journalism program (check, check, check), manage Ann Arbor’s summer concert series and secure a Rolling Stone internship. Luke Greenly is most definitely NOT on the list. So what if his self-deprecating charm and out of this world music knowledge makes her dizzy? Or his brother just released a bootleg recording of Luke singing about some mystery girl on their podcast and she really, really wishes it was her?

In More Than Maybe, Erin Hahn’s swooniest book yet, Luke and Vada must decide how deep their feelings run and what it would mean to give love a try.

Review:

More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn is a charming young adult romance.

Luke Greenly is the son of a former punk rock sensation.  Although he and his twin brother, Cullen, produce a weekly podcast, Luke is shy and does not want to be in the spotlight. Under pressure from his father, Luke gave up writing music years earlier, but he has recently begun to compose again. The song he has recently written is inspired by his long-time secret crush Vada Carsewll. When the two begin working on a school project together, will Luke work up the courage to act on his feelings for her?

Vada is also big into the music scene.  She writes a very popular music review blog and she is thrilled by her acceptance to Berkeley.  She is frustrated and hurt by her  bio-dad’s reluctance to truly invest himself in her life. But luckily for her, Vada’s mom is absolutely wonderful and her boss and mom’s boyfriend, Phil Josephs, is supportive and caring. And despite being tongue-tied in his presence, the absolute highlight of her week is chatting briefly with Luke. Agreeing to collaborate with Luke on a music and dance project, will Vada’s infatuation with Luke turn into a real romance?

Vada and Luke are wonderfully drawn, appealing characters. Vada’s struggle to come to terms with her absentee father is heartbreaking to watch. Equally frustrating is Luke’s inability to convince his father that he truly has no interest in pursuing a singing career. Despite their respective issues with their fathers, Vada and Luke’s friendship is fun and angst-free. Their friendship and love of music are the perfect springboard for their delightful slow burn romance.

More Than Maybe is a fast-paced and engaging young adult romance.  The primary and secondary characters are vibrantly developed and likable. The storyline is well-written and unique. The various friendships and romances are realistic and supportive. Music lovers are sure to enjoy  this light-hearted, enjoyable young adult romance by Erin Hahn.

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Filed under Contemporary, Erin Hahn, More Than Maybe, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Wednesday Books, Young Adult

June 21, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: What Unbreakable Looks Like by Kate McLaughlin

Title: What Unbreakable Looks Like by Kate McLaughlin
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: A

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

Lex was taken–trafficked–and now she’s Poppy. Kept in a hotel with other girls, her old life is a distant memory. But when the girls are rescued, she doesn’t quite know how to be Lex again.

After she moves in with her aunt and uncle, for the first time in a long time, she knows what it is to feel truly safe. Except, she doesn’t trust it. Doesn’t trust her new home. Doesn’t trust her new friend. Doesn’t trust her new life. Instead she trusts what she shouldn’t because that’s what feels right. She doesn’t deserve good things.

But when she is sexually assaulted by her so-called boyfriend and his friends, Lex is forced to reckon with what happened to her and that just because she is used to it, doesn’t mean it is okay. She’s thrust into the limelight and realizes she has the power to help others. But first she’ll have to confront the monsters of her past with the help of her family, friends, and a new love.

Kate McLaughlin’s What Unbreakable Looks Like is a gritty, ultimately hopeful novel about human trafficking through the lens of a girl who has escaped the life and learned to trust, not only others, but in herself.

Review:

What Unbreakable Looks Like by Kate McLaughlin is a poignant young adult novel of healing.

Groomed by Mitch, a friend of her alcoholic mother, Alexa “Lex” Grace becomes a victim of trafficking. With her name changed to Poppy, she endures horrific abuse made bearable by the drugs supplied by Mitch. Knowing all too well how difficult it is to adjust to their new circumstances, she takes newcomer Jaime (who is renamed Ivy) under her wing. When the police raid the motel where they live and work from, Poppy and Ivy are taken to the hospital where preparations begin for the next phase of their lives. Unfortunately, Ivy returns to Mitch while Poppy eventually goes to live with her Aunt Krys and her husband Jamal Morgan.

Reclaiming her legal name, Lex begins her arduous journey of recovery at a nearby rehabilitation home.  She is not addicted to drugs but she craves the numbness she experiences while under their influence.  Her coping mechanism is indifference as Lex compartmentalizes her experiences. After her time at the home comes to an abrupt end, she moves in Chrys and Jamal where she struggles with trust issues and extremely low self-worth. Lex is often detached with a fatalistic attitude about what she perceives is a precarious new life.

Lex finds a small circle of support with new friends, Elsa and Zack.  Her recovery from what happened to her is slow as she catches up on school work and prepares for her senior year of high school. A fateful decision that exposes her past unexpectedly becomes a turning point in her healing process.  Despite a few missteps and poor choices, Lex finally begins to reflect on her time with Mitch.  With the help of her aunt, Jamal, Elsa and Zack, Lex is truly on the path to recovery.

What Unbreakable Looks Like is a heartrending young adult novel with a complex storyline.  Lex is a multi-faceted teenager with an authentic voice and realistic reactions to what she has endured. The secondary characters are diverse and well-developed. The subject matter is difficult to read but Kate McLaughlin deftly handles these issues with sensitivity. I highly recommend this thought-provoking and surprisingly uplifting novel to older teen and adult readers.

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Filed under Contemporary, Kate McLaughlin, Rated A, Wednesday Books, What Unbreakable Looks Like, Young Adult