Poems and Poets

                                                              Publication Date: February 28th, 2017 Genre: Young Adult, My Goodreads Rating: 5/5 Source: Own Copy Starr Carter attends a fancy suburban prep school. She has friends who live in suburbia and spend hundreds of dollars on clothes and makeup. Starr can't afford that. Starr goes home to a poor neighborhood, where tragedy seems to be the norm. The balance she's managed to strike between her two worlds is shattered when tragedy befalls her community again. Starr witnesses a policeman shoot her childhood friend, Khalil. He was unarmed. Now his death is making headlines around the country. People are calling him a drug dealer, a gangbanger and so many other things. The cops try to intimidate Starr. The local drug lord tries to intimidate Starr's family. All the while, sh...

Hey, everyone! Whew- it's been a while since I've done one of these! I probably won't do one every week, but I'll try my best to get one in at least every two weeks. IMWAYR is hosted by Kathry @ Book Date Here's what I've been reading this week: I finished reading " The Gene " by Siddhartha Mukherje . It's a non-fiction about the evolution of the study of genetics. It took me a really long time to get through this one! I started reading " India After Gandhi" by Ramchandra Guha . The book is a comprehensive history of post-independence India. Normally, this period is considered a part of the present, never studied in classes- or even colleges. This one is also going to take a while! For some lighter reading, I've picked up "Ask the Passengers " by A.S. King , I'm currently reading this one. I've barely  made any progress though- so I'll let you know how it is next time! How has your ...

Publication Date: October 3rd 2017 Genre: Thriller My Goodreads Rating: 5/5 Source: Own Copy Robert Langdon, the reputed Harvard professor of symbology and religious iconology, has been invited by his former student to a precious unveiling. Langdon arrives at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, to hear his student's discovery that will "change the face of science forever". The evening has been wonderfully organized, with special effects and constant surprises. As Kirsch (student) begins his presentation, providing two of humanity's most sought-after questions, however, it seems that these answers might be lost. In life-threatening circumstances, Langdon flees Bilbao and works to de-code Kirsch's password and reveal his hard work. He's accompanied by Ambra Vidal, the museum director who helped Kirsch create this marvelous display.

Publication Date: April 5th 2016 Genre: Historical Fiction My Goodreads Rating: 5/5 Source: Borrowed Caroline Ferriday works at the New York French Consulate. Well, she doesn't work there really, she doesn't get paid, but she puts her heart and soul into ensuring the welfare of French immigrants. When Hitler invades Poland and sets his sights on France, her life turns upside down. Of course, Kasia Kuzmerick's life takes an even worse turn when Hitler invades her home country, but she works with the Polish underground to retain some sense of independence. In a neighborhood surrounded by hopeful Poles and resentful Germans, one slip can lead to death. Herta Oberheuser sees a sign for a government medical position and recognizes it as a great way to show that she can be as good as a male doctor. Unfortunately, she finds herself stuck in a Nazi camp working with even more dominating males. All their lives are about to change forever, when Kasia's sent to Rav...

Hey guys! I'm linking up with Kathryn @ Book Date to participate in IMWAYR again. I know I'm not very consistent with these posts- but I figured that since I had some things to update you on, I might as well participate. School just ended, so I'm going to have a lot more time to read (and blog!), which is why I'm hoping to be more consistent with these posts. Okay, here goes: This week I finished reading Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly, a fabulous book about World War II. It's the story of 3 ladies (Polish, German and American ) that intertwine into a great novel. Look out for my review soon- and pick up this book! I also finished reading "Origin" by Dan Brown. The latest installment in his "Robert Langdon" series, this one knocked my socks off! I finished the book in less than 24 hours- not usual for a 400+ pages novel- and desperately wanted more! I should have a review out sometime next week.  I am currently reading "Thi...

Publication Date: August 15th, 2017 Genre: Young-Adult Contemporary My Goodreads Rating: 3/5 Source: Own Copy Emma's life had forever revolved around the actions of her elder sister, Henri. This wasn't some sort of eternal punishment or trap she couldn't escape- Emma simply adored Henri to the extent that she worshiped her every step and molded her life to fit Henri's. While this may seem like an unhealthy relationship to some, Emma and Henri had perfected their routine- sharing a seamless experience together for all their teen years. Suddenly, after a devastating fight (left a mystery to the audience), the siblings find themselves awash on an island after a boating trip gone wrong, with only a fellow teen to guide them. They must find their way back to each other to find their way home- but with their shattered past, can the sisters shape a new future?

Publication Date: October 3rd, 2017 Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary My Goodreads Rating: 5/5 Source: Publisher (Through Edelweiss) This is the story of three siblings who didn't know they could rely on each other. Joaquin has been in the foster system for 17 years. He's lived the hard life, trying to rid himself of emotions. Finding out that he's an older brother is not what he needs, specially not when his younger sisters want to bond over their biological mother. Grace is an only child, adopted at birth- or so she thought. Now she finds out that she's a middle child, in a family that doesn't want to get closer to one another. Maya is the sarcastic younger sibling, who always thought she was the older child. Adopted at birth by a well-to-do family of red-heads, her younger sister was the miracle birth that came after her adoption. The siblings struggle to form memorable connections, share secrets with each other, or even communicate like regular si...

I'm back with a Top Ten Tuesday Post-after a really long time! My list this week is "Top Ten Books that feature characters that are LGBTQ". I'm linking up with The Broke and the Bookish for this post. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz  I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson  Nowhere Near You by Leah Thomas  This Adventure Ends by Emma Mills  The Gallery of Unfinished Girls by Lauren Karcz  You're Welcome Universe by Whitney Gardner  The Loose Ends List by Carrie Firestone  This is Where it Ends by Marieke Nijkamp  Unbecoming by Jenny Downham  Any other titles you think should be on this list? Let me know in the comments below!

I only signed up for 3 challenges this year- and unfortunately I'm not doing so well with any of them! I signed up for the "Travelling the World with Books" Challenge, hosted by Mom's Small Victories. The book encourages you to read books set in different countries. So far, I've read books set in 12 countries. (All links go back to my reviews) Mali : Blood and Ink by Stephen Davies Italy: The Loose Ends List by Carrie Firestone Heist Society by Ally Carter The 12 Dares of Christa by Marissa Burt Australia: Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta Germany: Nowhere Near You by Leah Thomas Smoke and Ashes by Barbara Rogasky Brazil: The Loose Ends List by Carrie Firestone United States of America: Back Home by Michelle Magorian Far From the Tree by Robin Benway Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson The Escape Artist by Di...

Publication Date: September 19th 2017 Genre: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction My Goodreads Rating: 4/5 Source: Publisher (Through Edelweiss) Kadi is a young girl in modern-day Timbuktu. Daughter of a scripture librarian. A fan of literature, music and art, she hopes one day to become the esteemed guardian of the scriptures her father currently looks after. Ali is a small-town boy from the villages of Mali. He's joined the Defenders of Faith, a branch of Al Qaeda and is an important player in the take of Timbuktu. As life changes drastically in Timbuktu, Ali and Kadi meet. They hate each other instantly- but something about their natures encourages them to interact with one another. Opening up to each other was a huge mistake- or was it?

Publication Date: September 12th 2017 Genre: Young Adult Fiction My Goodreads Rating: 4/5 Source: Publisher (Through Edelweiss) Wendy's dad was a police officer in Chicago. She always thought he resembled the heroes in movies. That is, until he was arrested. Her life turns upside down when she is ostracized for her last name. To make things worse, she gets threatened on the way back from a party one night. Finally, Wendy meets exactly the right kind of girl to help her build up a defense system. Kenzie is mean, popular, and an alpha. Along with two other girls, Wendy has become part of the school's most popular clique- where no one can touch her. This "toxic friendship" begins to drain Wendy. She knows bullying others to protect herself is wrong. She knows that Kenzie is possibly one of the worst people she has met. But is she so addicted to the safety and power that she should compromise her values?

Hey guys- today's list is a bit of a freebie. Over at The Broke and the Bookish the only guideline we've been given is "Back to School". I've been wanting to do this list for a while- because my school began over a month ago! Today I'm listing my Top Ten Historical Fictions to Complement History Lessons. *All links are to my reviews (World War II and The Holocaust) 1. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr 2. Code Name Verity and Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein 3. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay 4. Annexed by Sharon Dogar 5. No Stars at the Circus by Mary Finn 6. The Siege by Helen Dunmore (Post-War Fiction) 7. Back Home by Michelle Magorian  (Non-Fiction) 7. Anne Frank- The Diary of a Young Girl 8. Smoke and Ashes- The Story of the Holocaust by Barbara Rogasky (Indian History) 9. Empire of the Moghul Series by Alex Rutherford Hope you guys check out these books if...

Hey guys! I'm linking up with Kathryn @ Book Date once again to update you all on my week. I had quite a good reading week. I finished two review books and started a third one (the last one that's been approved). I also finished a light read in between. Hopefully next week I'll have time to pick up The Dream Thieves, the second book in the Raven Cycle Trilogy I finished "Blood and Ink" by Stephen Davies.  It was quite an interesting take on radicalism and terrorism in Africa. I also finished reading "The 12 Dares of Christa" by Marissa Burt. I loved it so much- it's a great middle grade book. I devoured Allie Carter's Heist Society in one or two sittings. It was the perfect, light-hearted book to separate the two review books.  I'm currently reading "Far From the Tree" by Robin Benway. This is the last of a series of review books that were approved for me. I'm looking forward to picking up some books I...

Before I say anything else- let me wish all the Indians reading this a Happy Independence Day! We celebrate our 70th year of Independence this year! Getting back to the post- I'm linking back up with the Broke and the Bookish for a Top Ten Tuesday post- the first after a break they took over the summer. My theme today is Young Adult books that are a must read- even for people with a strong dislike of Young Adult books! (All links go to my review) 1. Unbecoming by Jenny Downham 2. Made You Up by Francesca Zappia 3. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell 4. Because You'll Never Meet Me by Leah Thomas 5. This is Where it Ends by Marieke Nijkamp 6. The List by Siobhan Vivian 7. Night Road by Kristin Hannah 8. This Adventure Ends by Emma Mills 9. Mosquitoland by David Arnold 10. My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Warga These were some of my all-time favourite reads. I think that any of these books will be enou...

Hey guys! I've had a busy few days. My sister just left for college for the first time- so naturally our house was a mess! I'm linking up with Kathryn @ Book Date to update you all on my reading. I finished reading a review book "Neighborhood Girls" by Jessie Ann Foley. I absolutely loved it- the review will be coming out sometime in early September. I didn't finish anything else this week, but I did start reading another review book."Blood and Ink" by Stephen Davies is a story of teen radicalization.  I began reading a light, non-review book "Heist Society" by Ally Carter. It seems like just the quick read I need now! Hope you guys all had great reading weeks too! Let me know all about your week in the comments below.

Publication Date: January 5th 2016 Genre: Young Adult My Goodreads Rating: 5/5 Source: Own Copy I know that this is normally where I have a summary of the book- but this book is just so hard to describe without ruining the story. I'm going to say this- the story is about a school shooting. The Opportunity High School students find themselves locked in the auditorium after the principal's speech. A few minutes later someone starts shooting. "Everyone has a reason to fear the boy with the gun". This book has been quite a controversial one. I've been through so many reviews and ratings and what I've understood is that people either hate it or love it. I absolutely loved it!