And just like that, it’s June. (May was both a whirlwind and an eternity. Just me?) Amid blooming rhododendrons, sudden downpours and so many emails, here’s what I have been reading:
The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise, Dan Gemeinhart
Since her mom and sisters died in a car crash, Coyote (now 12) and her dad, Rodeo, have been driving around the country in an old school bus. This middle-grade novel follows Coyote’s attempts to get them back home. I loved parts of this (including Coyote’s new friend Salvador and her fraught, loving relationship with her dad), but other parts felt a little forced. Still a good ride.
Expiration Dates, Rebecca Serle
Every time she meets a man, Daphne Bell has always received a piece of paper telling her how long their relationship will last. But when she gets a note with just a name – Jake – she has to decide whether and how to commit with no limits. I liked the premise, and the writing was snappy, but I thought this novel had potential it didn’t quite meet. (I loved Serle’s The Dinner List.)
Christa Comes Out of Her Shell, Abbi Waxman
Biologist Christa Barnet has been happily hiding out on a remote island, studying her beloved sea snails. But when her famous father (presumed dead) reappears after 25 years away, Christa flies to L.A. to reckon with his return. I like Waxman’s witty writing, and I’ve adored her previous novels, but this one was…not my favorite. Too steamy, and I couldn’t connect with Christa herself.
Katharine, the Wright Sister, Tracey Enerson Wood
Most Americans know about the Wright brothers and their trailblazing flights – but most people don’t know their sister, Katharine, was integral to their success. I loved this triple-POV novel told from Katharine’s, Wilbur’s and Orville’s perspectives. So many great details. (Bonus: my mom grew up near Dayton, so I loved learning about the city’s history.) To review for Shelf Awareness (out Sept. 10).
Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster, Jonathan Auxier
Nan Sparrow loved her life as a chimney sweep when her protector, the Sweep, was still around. But since he disappeared, she’s struggled to stay alive and keep her spirits up. I enjoyed this moody, charming middle-grade novel about the (true) hardships faced by London chimney sweeps, and I loved Nan’s companions, Charlie (a golem) and Toby (a fellow sweep).
A Whole Song and Dance, Sarvenaz Tash
I picked up this charming YA novel at Books are Magic in Brooklyn Heights this spring. Nasrin Mahdavi has big musical theatre dreams – but her Iranian parents think she’s going to business school. I loved watching her navigate her first year at NYU; her theatre BFF, Beckett; and the budding romance with her stats tutor, Max. So fun. (All the chapters are named after show tunes!)
Most links (not affiliate links) are to my local faves Trident and Brookline Booksmith. Shop indie!
What are you reading?
cakes, tea and dreams 