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Book Summary

Victor Benucci and Madeline Falco have a story to tell.
It begins with the death of Vic’s father.
It ends with the murder of Mad’s uncle.
The Hackensack Police Department would very much like to hear it.
But in order to tell their story, Vic and Mad must focus on all the chapters in between.

This is a story about:

1. A coded mission to scatter ashes across New Jersey.
2. The momentous nature of the Palisades in winter.
3. One dormant submarine.
4. Two songs about flowers.
5. Being cool in the traditional sense.
6. Sunsets & ice cream & orchards & graveyards.
7. Simultaneous extreme opposites.
8. A narrow escape from a war-torn country.
9. A story collector.
10. How to listen to someone who does not talk.
11. Falling in love with a painting.
12. Falling in love with a song.
13. Falling in love. 

Flo's Review
I finished Kids of Appetite and immediately wanted to read everything else David Arnold has ever written. I picked this one up because I'm meeting the author at YALLFEST next month, and I'm so glad I did! I even had the KOA wristband that I will 100% be wearing at the time. (Stay tuned to our social media accounts for pictures and details!) 

David Arnold's writing is absolutely beautiful. He doesn't just tell you a story straight. He looks at every aspect of the situation from various angles and then again through different lenses. This leads to a story that is deep and layered. On the surface, you might be able to summarize it in a sentence or a paragraph. But then you can just keep going deeper and deeper and bringing more up from it. Social issues, society, justice, family issues -- I could go on. So many things are faced directly, with open eyes, and addressed. And it's through these characters who have all seen and lived so much and so differently coming together to create their own unique unit.  So many of passages had me thinking, "Wow..." 

I cannot praise this book highly enough. 5 out of 5 stars from me. I can't wait to read anything else from David Arnold. In the meantime, if you can read Kids of Appetite -- do it.

Book Summary
What if your town was sliding underwater and everyone was ordered to pack up and leave? How would you and your friends spend your last days together?

While the adults plan for the future, box up their possessions, and find new places to live, Keeley Hewitt and her friends decide to go out with a bang. There are parties in abandoned houses. Canoe races down Main Street. The goal is to make the most of every minute they still have together.

And for Keeley, that means taking one last shot at the boy she’s loved forever.

There’s a weird sort of bravery that comes from knowing there’s nothing left to lose. You might do things you normally wouldn’t. Or say things you shouldn’t. The reward almost always outweighs the risk.

Almost.

It’s the end of Aberdeen, but the beginning of Keeley’s first love story. It just might not turn out the way she thought. Because it’s not always clear what’s worth fighting for and what you should let become a memory.

Flo's Review
This was one of those books I've had sitting on my shelves for years. The author's appearance at the upcoming YALLFEST inspired me to push it up my TBR. I am so glad I did. I thoroughly enjoying seeing the last days of Aberdeen through Keeley's eyes.

Keeley is a unique main character. She is not the popular girl, but she has friends. She is sassy, but she doesn't get all the boys. In fact, she lags behind her two best friends in that area. She is fiercely loyal to her family and friends, though she screws up things a lot. Her way of dealing with deep things is to make a joke or try to have fun. This helps get her and her loved ones through hard times, but also closes her off in a way. Ultimately, it causes estrangement in her relationship with her best friend Morgan and has her falling for and doing things for the wrong boy, Jesse Ford. Morgan has a great line about Jesse and Keeley. I can't find it, exactly, but she says something along the lines of: "I used to think you two were perfect for each other, but you're just broken in the same ways." 

The characters in this story and their relationships were so interesting to witness. Along with Keeley and Morgan, there's also an interesting dynamic with their third best friend Elise. And along with Keeley and Jesse, there's Keeley and Levi Hamrick. I won't get into them in this review, but they are all so nuanced, layered, and fun to read. The storyline, of course, was unique as well. How do you say goodbye to your hometown, and not in a, "I'm off, but will be back for the holidays," kind of way? In a Forever way. This story as inspired by true events and I am curious to learn more about what actually happened. 

The Last Boy and Girl in the World was such an enjoyable surprise. If you have the opportunity to read it or listen to the audiobook, I would recommend it.

I was very excited to hear that Susie Orman Schnall was having an event in my backyard to promote her latest book The Subway Girls. The event was at this cute little shop called Coco and Co. and was complete with books and wine -- two of my favorite things!

Book Summary

In 1949, dutiful and ambitious Charlotte’s dream of a career in advertising is shattered when her father demands she help out with the family business. Meanwhile, Charlotte is swept into the glamorous world of the Miss Subways beauty contest, which promises irresistible opportunities with its Park Avenue luster and local fame status. But when her new friend―the intriguing and gorgeous fellow-participant Rose―does something unforgivable, Charlotte must make a heart-wrenching decision that will change the lives of those around her forever.

Nearly 70 years later, outspoken advertising executive Olivia is pitching the NYC subways account in a last ditch effort to save her job at an advertising agency. When the charismatic boss she’s secretly in love with pits her against her misogynistic nemesis, Olivia’s urgent search for the winning strategy leads her to the historic Miss Subways campaign. As the pitch date closes in on her, Olivia finds herself dealing with a broken heart, an unlikely new love interest, and an unexpected personal connection to Miss Subways that could save her job―and her future.

The Subway Girls is the charming story of two strong women, a generation apart, who find themselves up against the same eternal struggle to find an impossible balance between love, happiness, and ambition.

Book Summary
Every twenty- or thirty-something woman knows these books. The pink covers, the flimsy paper, the zillion volumes in the series that kept you reading for your entire adolescence. Spurred by the commercial success of Sweet Valley High and The Babysitters Club, these were not the serious-issue YA novels of the 1970s, nor were they the blockbuster books of the Harry Potter and Twilight ilk. They were cheap, short, and utterly beloved.

PAPERBACK CRUSH dives in deep to this golden age with affection, history, and a little bit of snark. Readers will discover (and fondly remember) girl-centric series on everything from correspondence (Pen Pals and Dear Diary) to sports (The Pink Parrots, Cheerleaders, and The Gymnasts) to a newspaper at an all-girls Orthodox Jewish middle school (The B.Y. Times) to a literal teen angel (Teen Angels: Heaven Can Wait, where an enterprising guardian angel named Cisco has to earn her wings “by helping the world’s sexist rock star.”) Some were blatant ripoffs of the successful series (looking at you, Sleepover Friends and The Girls of Canby Hall), some were sick-lit tearjerkers à la Love Story (Abby, My Love) and some were just plain perplexing (Uncle Vampire??) But all of them represent that time gone by of girl-power and endless sessions of sustained silent reading.

In six hilarious chapters (Friendship, Love, School, Family, Jobs, Terror, and Tragedy), Bustle Features Editor Gabrielle Moss takes the reader on a nostalgic tour of teen book covers of yore, digging deep into the history of the genre as well as the stories behind the best-known series.

Flo's Review
This book was just completely fun. I knew from the second that I read about it that I would adore it -- and I did. Reading this was basically a trip back into my childhood, and I enjoyed every second of the journey. I got to see familiar and expected old friends like Sweet Valley High (and Twins...and University) and the Babysitters Club. But I also got to see familiar titles that I'd forgotten about until I saw them in this volume and remembered reading and loving them. For example: Pen Pals. I was all over that series. And the book Megan the Klutz? Had it. And remember The Fabulous Five? See, I bet you didn't until you just now read my last sentence! That's what this book was like for me.

The author kept reiterating the same point though: these books weren't diverse, these books weren't diverse, oh-- and guess what? These books weren't diverse! Yes, we know. I feel like she could have just mentioned that in the introduction and that would have been enough, instead of mentioning this observation, like, every single chapter. 

Hubby mentioned that boy books weren't really covered in this one, and I think it would be interesting to see that perspective in another volume. Because, honestly? I bet I would have read a lot of those, too. 

Overall, Paperback Crush brought me lots of smiles and nostalgia for a time where I loving reading and devouring basically anything I could get my hands on. Wait. That's pretty much now, too. But, oh what a fun blast to the past this was!

Thank you to Quirk Books for providing me a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Book Summary
Self-proclaimed fat girl Willowdean Dickson (dubbed “Dumplin’” by her former beauty queen mom) has always been at home in her own skin. Her thoughts on having the ultimate bikini body? Put a bikini on your body. With her all-American beauty best friend, Ellen, by her side, things have always worked…until Will takes a job at Harpy’s, the local fast-food joint. There she meets Private School Bo, a hot former jock. Will isn’t surprised to find herself attracted to Bo. But she is surprised when he seems to like her back.

Instead of finding new heights of self-assurance in her relationship with Bo, Will starts to doubt herself. So she sets out to take back her confidence by doing the most horrifying thing she can imagine: entering the Miss Clover City beauty pageant—along with several other unlikely candidates—to show the world that she deserves to be up there as much as any twiggy girl does. Along the way, she’ll shock the hell out of Clover City—and maybe herself most of all.

With starry Texas nights, red candy suckers, Dolly Parton songs, and a wildly unforgettable heroine—Dumplin’ is guaranteed to steal your heart.

Flo's Review
I cannot wait for this on Netflix! It is going to translate so well to film. I look forward too seeing Willowdean's house with the broken front door, all the people in their Harpy's uniforms, and the insanity of everything around the pageant. 

Dumplin' was one of those books that was a cute and fun read, but also brought deep issues to the forefront in a relatable way. Willowdean is such a great character. Her thought spirals are so real and honest. There's kick-ass in there, but there's also doubt and vulnerability. There's toughness, but also fragility. This reads to me like the thesis statement of the book and is spelled out pretty well toward the end when Willowdean thinks:

Sometimes figuring out who you are means understanding that we are a mosaic of experiences. I'm Dumplin'. And Will and Willowdean. I'm fat. I'm happy. I'm insecure. I'm bold. 

Amanda, Hannah, and Millie were all fantastic secondary characters and I loved watching the friendship build among them. The narrator was also 100% on point. I flew through this audiobook in no time and am looking forward to continuing the journey in Puddin'.

I heart this series so much! And, yes, I am missing the third book. I need to fix that...

Book Summary 
The final, thrilling installment in this extraordinary series from bestselling authors Holly Black and Cassandra Clare.

A generation ago, powerful mage Constantine Madden came close to achieving what no magician had ever achieved: the ability to bring back the dead. He didn't succeed . . . but he did find a way to keep himself alive, inside a young child named Callum Hunt.

Facing up to what he is, Callum has battled chaos and evil across four years of magical training at the Magisterium, eventually defeating the armies of chaos in an epic battle.

It came at a cost.

Now, triumphant and heartbroken, Callum Hunt has just about had enough, and is ready to complete his training. But the evil Callum faced has not given up just yet...

Flo's Review
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series! It's been 5 books of fun. I feel proud of how the characters have grown, almost as if they are my little brothers and sisters. The Golden Tower found a creative and effective way to both solve a seemingly unsolvable problem and also give the reader all the remaining background information on the events that led up to this series. It was kind of a lot -- there was what seemed like a pretty big reveal in there, but basically nothing came of it. Also, what was the point of including Gwenda? I feel like her only purpose was to -- ahh never mind, I won't say it (minor spoiler), but it's not a big or necessary plot point in the story. Jasper however -- Jasper FTW! I love that crazy little boy. 

I found myself getting teary eyed as I listened to the closing scene of the book, which was 100% perfect...
and true to Holly Black and Cassandra Clare. That's all I can say about that.

The Magisterium series is such an overlooked gem in middle grade literature. You don't hear much about it, but I simply adore it. I love how it purposely is kind of like Harry Potter, but then is totally not. I love how all the book endings are true to Black and Clare (read: cliffhangers of the "OMG!" variety). I loved this trio of main characters, and some of the supporting ones as well. And when I reached the end of The Golden Tower, I felt the happy combination of satisfied with the ending, curious about what may come, and sad to say goodbye.

Read our reviews of the Magisterium series:

The Iron Trial: http://www.booknerdsacrossamerica.com/2015/02/the-iron-trial-by-cassandra-clare-and.html

The Copper Gauntlet: http://www.booknerdsacrossamerica.com/2015/10/the-copper-gauntlet-by-holly-black-and.html

The Bronze Key: http://www.booknerdsacrossamerica.com/2016/10/the-bronze-key-by-holly-black-and.html

The Silver Mask: http://www.booknerdsacrossamerica.com/2017/10/book-review-silver-mask-by-holly-black.html

Life in real-world Atlanta isn't always so simple, as Alice juggles an overprotective mom, a high-maintenance best friend, and a slipping GPA. Keeping the nightmares at bay is turning into a full-time job. But when Alice's handsome and mysterious mentor is poisoned, she has to find the antidote by venturing deeper into Wonderland than she’s ever gone before. And she'll need to use everything she's learned in both worlds to keep from losing her head . . . literally.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36952594-a-blade-so-black

I'm spoiled and have been lucky enough to meet Tomi twice. This picture is from when she came to  my favorite local bookstore, Books & Books, earlier this year.

Book Summary
They killed my mother.
They took our magic.
They tried to bury us.

Now we rise.

Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.

But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.

Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.

Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers and her growing feelings for an enemy.

Flo's Review
I am about a thousand percent late to the party on reading this book. Especially since my journey with Children and Blood and Bone started way before it was even released. I was lucky enough to snag a sampler at Comic Con 2017. I was going to give it away to a blog reader, but then my Dad got ahold of it and I never saw it again.

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A post shared by Book Nerds (@booknerdsacrossamerica) on Feb 8, 2018 at 3:33pm PST

Then, the awesome ARC box became my very first unboxing video:

My very first unboxing video! (Be gentle!) I'm showing off #ChildrenofBloodandBone by @tomi_adeyemi. Thank you @FierceReads for the awesome box! ❤️❤️ I can't wait to read this one! pic.twitter.com/G7PNwjzxLv

— BookNerds Blog (@booknerdsblog) November 18, 2017

Anyway, all this has led us here. I read this book in a combination of book reading and audiobook listening, over a period of months during which I set it aside and then picked it up again. One of my strongest memories of listening to this audiobook will be of yelling at the characters when they did things I did not approve of. Like, all 3 of the main characters. I definitely yelled at all 3 of them at least once at some point.

Needless to say, I was invested in the story. I (luckily) hadn't been spoiled about the ending, so I really wanted to know how it would all end up and that kept me listening and turning the pages. I tend to struggle with long books and audiobooks, so even though I split this up into multiple periods of listening and reading, I was by the end ready for the end. I've seen and read many reviews of the book, so I won't rehash everything floating around. But everything this story represents, all the issues it brings up, all the power struggles and the representation, and at the very base a strong plot with action and romance -- it truly is legendary. This book deserves all the hype.

Here's Tomi reading from it:

Book Summary
When a bullying incident sends twelve-year-old Nico Holland over the edge of a cliff into the icy waters of Still Cove, where no one ever goes, friends Tyler and Ella - and even 'cool kid' Opal -rush to his rescue... only to discover an island hidden in the swirling mists below.

Shrouded by dense trees and murky tides, the island appears uninhabited, although the kids can't quite shake the feeling that something about it is off. Their suspicions grow when they stumble upon an abandoned houseboat with an array of curiosities inside: odd-looking weapons, unnerving portraits, maps to places they've never heard of, and a glass jar containing something completely unidentifiable.

As the group delves deeper into the unknown, their discoveries - and their lives -begin to intertwine in weird and creepy ways. Something ancient has awakened... and it knows their wishes and dreams - and their darkest, most terrible secrets. Do they have what it takes to face the shadowy things that lurk within their own hearts?

Flo's Review
First of all, I have to let you know in full disclosure -- I'm kind of obsessed with Ally Condie. Did you know that there used to a fansite for the Matched trilogy? That's right. Guess who was the main writer? This girl. Wanna hear about Atlantia? Here's the review I wrote for Fangirlish. Anyway, I love Ally.

So when I read about this middle grade story she was co-authoring with Brendan Reichs, I immediately wanted it. First the cover: it's cute and creepy at the same time! Yes, a contrasting combination, but it somehow manages to pull it off, what with the 4 kids in the rowboat (aww!) heading toward a big, dark scary thing (eek!)

What a creative story! I don't want to give away details, but so many elements are so unique and quirky. I can definitely see a kid exclaiming, "Cool!" as he experiences some of the supernatural things in the story. But there's also so much more to the Darkdeep than I think we learned in this first book. I was impressed and intrigued with the back story and I am so curious to learn more about its history. 

The Darkdeep also does so well with character relationships and development. Everyone has that super enthusiastic friend like Emma. Tyler's comments made me laugh at several points in the story, because, dude, Tyler is me! He reacted to the Darkdeep probably how I would react. But he will drop everything for Emma and that is just adorable and I love it. I also thought the relationship between Opal and Nico was well done, especially for a middle grade novel. It's true to the age group, but there's definitely more to it that I hope will be uncovered in future Darkdeep novels. I can't say too much about Logan's character arc and remain spoiler-free, but I appreciate his journey and contribution.

The Darkdeep publishes on October 2, and if you're looking for a creative, easy-to-read middle grade novel, I'd recommend you check this out. But I have to know....what's the thing in the jar??!?

Book Summary
Arthur is only in New York for the summer, but if Broadway has taught him anything, it’s that the universe can deliver a showstopping romance when you least expect it.

Ben thinks the universe needs to mind its business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things.

But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them?

Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated.

Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited.

But what if they can’t quite nail a first date . . . or a second first date . . . or a third?

What if Arthur tries too hard to make it work . . . and Ben doesn’t try hard enough?

What if life really isn’t like a Broadway play?

But what if it is?

Flo's Review
I apologize in advance for this review, which is basically going to be a big, gushy mess. I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH, Y'ALL. I think it's my favorite book I've read this year. Because I was 18% into it when I started reading it again last night and I literally couldn't put it down. I stayed up until 2 a.m. when I turned the last page with a huge smile on my face. The last time I remember a book having quite that effect on me was the Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead. (I stayed in one weekend and just read books 3 and 4. Like, that's all I did all weekend. Zero regrets.)

But this book. Oh my goodness! First of all, I love both of these characters so much. They are fun, smart, sassy, vulnerable, loyal, and brave. I wasn't to hug them both and then start a group hug with both of them. I want them to be my friends! I would have so much fun talking Hamilton and writing and pop culture with them.

I love how Arthur's ADHD was presented as part of him that he and everyone accepts and it's not stigmatizing. I love how the reality of ignorance and hatred is in there, honestly, as a little reminder that wow, it's 2018 and some attitudes and hearts can still open and grow more. I love how Ben is proudly Puerto Rican and calls out someone he loves on it from a place of wanting them to be better and not from a place of judgment. I love Dylan, but that guy is crazy! I loved seeing New York through Arthur's new eyes and the East Village through the eyes of Ben, who grew up there. I love that both boys had real and open relationships with their parents. I loved the scene where Arthur reads Ben's story and Ben listens to Hamilton for the first time -- the writing there, the wordplay, is so well done. I loved the reality in the way  all the relationships -- the romantic ones and the friendships -- grew, developed, and morphed as time went on. I laughed out loud at several parts, and I wanted to cry at a few as well. 

I could go on...and on...and on.

This book filled me with the same level of happiness of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and The Upside of Unrequited -- if not more. I definitely need to read all Adam's other books now. 

What If It's Us comes out October 9, 2018 and oh my gosh, guys. In case you didn't get the gist of my review -- I love it so much! Get thee to the bookstore or the library and get your copy ASAP!!