I read two books over the last week that hit deep and left me with so many conflicting thoughts. Both books were beautiful and needed, and the conflicting thoughts weren't at all about the writing or the plot, but instead about why books like this, that hold a mirror up to society, are somehow neccessary, full of hope, and deeply saddening. These are both books that I wish I had when I was in Middle School and High School (and for one specific plot line... college) - when trying to figure out who you are and where you fit in was often an isolating adventure. Back then, when the internet was a baby, you were often bound to the community you lived in and that could be a scary prospect when it seemed like no one was quite like you. To be fair- I had a good childhood, access to activities (like community theater!) where no one cared if you were different, but at the end of the day I was a still living in a very small town, where people said they were accepting, but their words and actions were anything but. You could be yourself, so long as it didn't make waves, and the effect was, at least for me, that I swung wildly from keeping myself hidden and open defiance, neither a recipe for accepting oneself. At nearly 40 I'm still grappling with what that looks like for me, because years of programming and self-talk are hard to climb out from under. These books though (and so many others) give me so much hope. Like insane amounts of it, not just for books, but for my students who get to read these books and see themselves and their stories.... the good and the bad.... reflected back at them. I know that you can find solace within the pages of a book, and even though we have so much farther to go, the diversity of stories that they have access to is lightyears from what I had and that makes me pause and remember that change may be slow, but that they'll be alright in ways that I wasn't. So these books- I used to do proper reviews, but after awhile it felt cheap and repetative, and I'm loathe to go back to that because I don't think anyone benefits from book reviews that just check boxes. Instead I'll leave you with the things that I felt most deeply about each book and ask that you hit the library or bookstore and grab a copy, let yourself live with these characters for a bit, let them change you for the better. Happy Reading. I Wish You All the Best by Mason Dever Release Date: May 14, 2019 Goodreads Link Author Website Why I love this book: This one is simple for me, the main character, Ben wormed his way into my heart from the word go. As a Non-binary kid who finds himself without a home and dealing with crippling anxiety I saw myself in them and the way that they wanted to just be accepted and not feel broken anymore. Anxiety can do that to you, make you feel broken in ways you can't explain, make you feel ashamed about things you can't control, and make you question if what you are doing it the right thing. Finding someone, the way Ben finds Nathan, who you desperately want to trust, but you don't know how, is so incredibly relatable that it hurt to read sometimes. Deaver's weaves this story to perfection, and even when it's hard to read, it remains a beautiful story about finding hope during the low points and creating the family you need when the one you were given let's you down. The Music of What Happens by Bill Konigsberg Release Date: February 26, 2019 Goodreads Link Author Website Why I love this book: Short answer is that I love an odd couple rom-com. Awkward encounters, little glances that lead to something more, two crazy kids learning about each other through wild adventures- I'm in for all of it. Sometimes, that's where the story ends, and that's fine, sometimes that's what you need, this book though, well... it digs so much deeper and the characters and the audience are so much better for it. Both main characters, Max and Jordan, are complex people who are dealing with some really traumatic issues. Konigsberg never treats them with disdain or pity, instead he just lets the reader walk with Max and Jordan as they figure out a way to deal with their issues while also learning that you don't have to do it alone. Life isn't perfect, for any of us, and Konigsberg lets us know that it's okay when things fall apart, that friendship can show up when you least expect it, and most importantly that there are people who will help keep you afloat when you can't find your way to the surface.
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Home of the ramblings of an avid reader. In my spare time I also run, ride, teach, go on adventures and get into shenanigans. Find me here: Goodreads Etsy TikTok Categories
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