Book Review - In Limbo by Deb J.J. Lee

 

In In Limbo by Deb J.J. Lee, a Korean American teenager navigates the pressures of identity, mental health, and family expectations in a deeply personal memoir. Deborah (Jung-Jin) Lee has always known she’s different from her peers ever since her family emigrated from South Korea. She often feels like she doesn’t fit in. Her teachers mispronounce her Korean name, her English isn’t perfect, and her classmates tease her for her appearance—especially her eyes, which look different from theirs.

As high school draws to a close, the pressure to get into a good college and maintain strong grades begins to take a toll on Deb. To make things worse, her friendships are shifting, and she feels like her friends are leaving her behind. School becomes a place of alienation, but home offers no relief. Tensions with her mother escalate, and Deb begins to feel like she’s spiraling out of control.

I thought the graphic novel was okay. It's difficult to critique someone’s real-life experiences, so I approached it as if it were a fictionalized story. I had a hard time connecting with Deb at times. The narrative would occasionally jump back and forth, making it hard to follow certain events. Sometimes the story hinted at deeper issues but didn’t fully explore them, and some events seemed to happen abruptly without enough buildup.

That said, I sympathize with Deb and saw parallels between her experiences and my own. When my family moved from South America, I was also teased for my unique name. It was difficult to balance my heritage with my new American identity and to feel like I truly belonged. Deb also explores emotional trauma in her relationships with friends and family, and I could relate to some of those struggles.

While the illustration style was appealing, I personally would have preferred a more colorful palette. 

Book Review - Hulk Teach! by Jeffrey Brown

 

In Hulk Teach! by Jeffrey Brown, the Hulk takes on the challenge of substitute teaching a classroom of students, learning as much about patience and teamwork as the students themselves. Bruce Banner is a brilliant scientist, but when he loses control of his emotions, he transforms into the superhero known as the Hulk—often causing more destruction than intended.

After his latest outburst, the Hulk is sentenced to community service and assigned to teach a group of unruly middle school students. As the kids constantly test his patience, Bruce finds himself transforming into the Hulk on a daily basis. The question becomes: can Bruce learn to manage his anger and help the students succeed?

This graphic novel feels like the kind of idea I might have imagined as a kid—it’s fun to picture someone with serious anger issues navigating a classroom full of chaos. While the story has entertaining moments and humorous situations, it follows a fairly straightforward plot without any major twists or surprises. I think younger readers, especially those who enjoy Marvel characters, will have fun with this light-hearted and imaginative read.

Book Review - Run Away with Me by Brian Selznick

 

Run Away with Me by Brian Selznick is a novel that intertwines the lives of two teenagers who spend a transformative summer together. Sixteen-year-old Danny is sent to Rome after his mother takes a temporary job at a museum. She travels the world restoring old books, leaving Danny to explore the city alone and not having anywhere to call home. Bored and restless, Danny’s summer takes a turn when he hears someone calling his name. Following a series of clues, he meets another boy his age named Angelo.

Danny and Angelo quickly become inseparable, spending every moment together as Angelo introduces Danny to his beloved city. As they wander through Rome, Angelo shares stories about its history and culture, and gradually, their personal narratives begin to intertwine. A romantic bond forms between them, but both fear what will happen once summer ends.

The book started off fine, and I appreciated the early illustrations—they were beautifully done and added to the atmosphere. However, I ultimately found the story dull and slow-paced. It often felt like I was reading a textbook rather than a novel. Despite my efforts to stay engaged, I struggled to connect with the characters, who came across as one-dimensional. Although the book is relatively short, I ended up putting it down with about 50 pages left because it simply didn’t hold my interest. There were long stretches where very little happened, and although the story had two narrative threads, neither felt fully developed. Overall, the plot felt scattered and underwhelming.

Book Review - The Executioners Three by Susan Dennard

 

The Executioners Three by Susan Dennard follows a group of high school students who unwittingly unleash an ancient curse after a prank goes horribly wrong. Freddie Geller believes she’s doing the right thing when she calls the police after hearing screams coming from the woods—only to later realize it was just a group of kids partying, and her call led to their arrest.

The next day, a body is found in the woods. Although the sheriff rules it a suicide, Freddie’s instincts tell her otherwise—she’s convinced it was murder. Determined to uncover the truth, Freddie sets out to prove foul play and expose a killer on the loose.

The book was an okay read. It had some creepy themes, though nothing particularly scary. I appreciated the nostalgic moments and pop culture references, which reminded me of things I enjoyed growing up. The story included humor and even some slapstick elements. However, certain parts felt over-the-top and unrealistic—for instance, the final showdown takes place in the middle of town, yet no one else is around to witness or intervene in the chaos.

Despite some outrageous moments, the book was fun at times, and I’d be open to reading more from the author. If you enjoy quirky, campy stories with a dose of nostalgia, you might find this an entertaining read.

Book Review - Tough Luck by Sandra Dallas

 

Tough Luck by Sandra Dallas is a historical novel that follows a resilient fourteen year old girl, Haidie Richards, and her brother, Boots, as they navigate the dangers and hardships of life while traveling across the country to Colorado in search of their father. Shortly after their mother dies, Haidie and her younger brother are sent to an orphanage, as they are considered orphans. Their father had left four years earlier to search for gold in the Colorado Territory. In that time, he sent only three letters, but Haidie remains convinced he is alive—and that he struck it rich. She believes it’s only a matter of time before he comes back for them.

Determined not to wait any longer, Haidie decides to escape the orphanage with Boots and set out to find their father. To help them travel safely through the dangerous Western frontier, she disguises herself as a boy. Along the way, the siblings learn how to survive in the wild and deal with unsavory characters, but they also come to understand the value of community. They form fast friendships with an unlikely group of companions: a cheating card shark, an ex-nun, two independent spinsters, and a loyal dog. When they finally arrive in Colorado, Haidie realizes they will need the support of all their newfound friends if they want a chance at a happy ending.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I initially expected a dull Western, but I was hooked from the very first page. The story was compelling, and I appreciated how well-developed and unique the characters were. I especially liked how the author portrayed the female characters as complex and dynamic. They weren’t one-dimensional or solely focused on men, but also on what they wanted from life. I would definitely be open to reading more books by this author.

Book Review - American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins

 

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins is a harrowing and emotional novel that follows a Mexican woman, Lydia, and her son, Luca, as they flee a drug cartel boss and undertake a dangerous journey north toward the U.S. border in search of safety and freedom. Lydia and her family live in Acapulco and love their life there—until her husband, Sebastián, publishes an article about a local cartel boss named Javier. When Javier reads the article, he is enraged and retaliates by massacring Lydia’s entire family. By a stroke of luck, Lydia and Luca survive and are forced to flee. They soon find themselves among countless others making the perilous trek toward the United States.

I meant to read this novel years ago when it was first published. I remember the controversy surrounding it at the time, but for this review, I’m focusing solely on my personal thoughts about the book itself. I found it to be beautifully written and emotionally impactful. It felt well-researched, as expounded on by the author, and the storytelling was so vivid that I felt like I was experiencing part of the journey alongside Lydia and Luca.

The characters were well-developed and likable, and I admired how Lydia and Luca found the strength to push forward after enduring such unimaginable trauma. That said, without giving away spoilers, I would have liked more detail about what happened to them at the end. The novel focuses heavily on the journey rather than the destination, and while that approach was powerful, I think a few more moments of hope or resolution would have added emotional balance after so much hardship.

Book Review - Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson

 

Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson is a gripping thriller about a teen girl, Kaylani, who must uncover the truth behind the shocking death of a young man during a mysterious summer trip. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Kaylani feels out of place when she’s invited to spend the summer in Martha’s Vineyard with her grandmother’s friends, the Watsons. She would much rather stay home and talk on the phone with her father, who is currently incarcerated, but her mother insists that a change of scenery will do her good.

The Watsons live in Oak Bluffs, a town rich in Black history, and while Kaylani is curious to learn more about the culture and vibe of the area, she’s met with coldness from her former friend, London Watson, who wants nothing to do with her. With London brushing her off, Kaylani spends much of her time alone—until she begins connecting with other neighborhood kids and finally starts to enjoy her time on the island.

That is, until tragedy strikes: a young man is found dead, initially believed to be the victim of a shark attack. But it’s soon discovered that someone made it look that way—he was murdered. Determined to uncover the truth, Kaylani dives into the mystery. But can she solve it before becoming the next target?

The book was an entertaining and suspenseful read. There were a few solid twists, including one I didn’t see coming. It was compelling to see how Kaylani navigated new friendships while grappling with the stigma surrounding her father’s incarceration. I did feel the mystery could have been developed further, and the ending felt a bit rushed. Still, I enjoyed the author’s writing style and would be interested in reading more of her work.

Book Review - Our Little Secret by Lisa Jackson

 

Our Little Secret by Lisa Jackson follows Brooke Hastings, a woman who tries to end a passionate six-week affair with the charming yet obsessive Gideon Ross. Although determined to preserve her marriage and family, Brooke quickly realizes that Gideon has no intention of letting her go. Convinced they’re meant to be together, Gideon begins to insert himself into her life and he promises that they will be together forever. He’s not someone who breaks his promises, even if he has to destroy everything to keep his promise.

I was surprised by how much I disliked every single character—there wasn’t a single redeemable one in the entire book. And yet, much like watching a trashy reality TV show, I couldn’t stop reading. The writing style is easy to follow, and while there were no shocking twists or turns, the story was still compulsively readable.

Overall, Our Little Secret is an entertaining, drama-filled read—perfect for a beach day when you're in the mood for something light, messy, and addictive.

Book Review - The Roommate Arrangement by Samantha Markum

 

The Roommate Arrangement by Samantha Markum follows college student Blair, who ends up living with her brother’s best friend, Jamie Atwater. Blair has always been type-A. She enjoys planning and prefers everything to be in its place and clean. She never thought she was overbearing until her two best friends, just a week before college, decided they no longer wanted to live with her.

Blair must hurriedly find new living arrangements but is in a tight spot. She knows if she tells her parents, they will make her give up her expensive sculpture classes with her dream mentor to pay for new housing. Desperate, Blair looks for an alternative and finds an ad for a fifth roommate for four off-campus sophomores seeking a new roommate. Blair is relieved to find a solution but then becomes upset when she learns she will be living with her brother’s best friend, Jamie.

Blair fears Jamie will tell her brother, Sawyer, about her new living situation. She knows her brother would then inform their parents, who wouldn’t approve. So Blair strikes a deal with Jamie: she will help him finish coding an app he’s building if he promises to keep her secret. As they spend more time together, Blair begins to notice Jamie romantically. Will she be able to keep her side of the dea as she is struggling to keep up with life’s demandsl?

I thought the book was an okay read. I liked that the main characters didn’t fall into insta-love and instead gradually developed feelings. Without revealing too much, there are other romantic elements in the story as well. I enjoyed the playful petty bickering and passive-aggressive reactions between Jamie and Blair, which kept the novel from feeling overly sentimental.

I wish the book included more background about certain characters. I would have liked to see more history between Blair, Jamie, and their families. The book hints that Blair’s parents didn’t really like Jamie or her friends but doesn’t explain why. I would have appreciated more details about Blair and her family’s history; at times, it feels glossed over. I also enjoyed the scenes where Blair and Jamie spent time with their roommates, which were some of my favorites. Overall, I liked the book, and I would be interested in reading more from this author.

**Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and were not influenced by the publisher or author.** 

Book Review - The Last Resort by Erin Entrada Kelly

 

The Last Resort by Erin Entrada Kelly is about two kids whose family inherits a mysterious hotel that serves as a halfway point between the living and the dead. 

Lila has two goals for the summer: to win back her friends and to stop being so dramatic. However, her plans are quickly derailed when her grandfather, Clem, dies and leaves his eerie Victorian hotel to her father. As a result, Lila’s family decides to move to Ohio to figure out what to do with the property.

Lila is upset—how is she supposed to prove she’s no longer dramatic if she’s not even around her friends? Things go from bad to worse when the family is in a car accident. Thankfully, no one is seriously hurt, but afterward, Lila starts noticing strange things—people that no one else can see or hear.

She chalks it up to her imagination—until she encounters her grandfather. Clem reveals that he didn’t die of a heart attack as everyone believes, but was murdered. Lila suspects someone killed him to gain control of the portal hidden within the hotel. With no one believing her and everyone assuming she’s being dramatic, Lila turns to the only people who might help: her skeptical younger brother Caleb, and her new neighbor Teddy, a ghost enthusiast. Together, the unlikely trio sets out to uncover the truth behind Grandpa Clem’s death.

I thought the book was an okay read. I found Lila to be mean-spirited and over-the-top at times, which made it hard to connect with her. I didn’t like that she pressured others to help her after treating them poorly earlier in the story. However, I did enjoy the interactive online element, which young readers may find engaging. The book had a few spooky moments—nothing too frightening—and while some of the twists were predictable, the mystery may still appeal to its target audience. I’d be open to reading more from the author in the future.

Book Review - Sword of the Champion by Eric Lide

 

Sword of the Champion by Eric Lide is a fantasy graphic novel that follows Orin, a reluctant hero whose life is upended when he discovers he is the reincarnation of a legendary warrior destined to defeat the evil Fiendlord. To fulfill his destiny, Orin must first seek out a mystical sword and come to believe in his own strength—joined by loyal friends and facing dark forces along the way.

The graphic novel is visually stunning, with bright, vibrant colors and dynamic, gorgeously illustrated panels. Its humor and style pay homage to classic RPGs, making it especially enjoyable for fans of the genre. While the story ends on a cliffhanger—which was unexpected—it left me eager to continue reading. Watching Orin grow in confidence and embark on new adventures with his companions is both fun and inspiring.

Book Review - Girl in the Creek by Wendy N. Wagner

 

In Girl in the Creek by Wendy N. Wagner, freelance writer Erin Harper returns to the remote Pacific Northwest town of Faraday, Oregon, still haunted by her brother’s long-ago disappearance. Hoping for closure, Erin’s investigation takes a sinister turn when another young woman goes missing—and Erin finds her body in a nearby creek, covered in spores and mushrooms. When the girl’s body mysteriously vanishes from the morgue and her fingerprints surface at a murder scene, Erin and her friends realize they’re facing something far more terrifying than they imagined: a sentient fungal force preying on hikers and residents alike.

The book blends mystery with eco-horror, but for me, the execution fell short. While I enjoyed the chapters told from Erin’s point of view, the sections written from the perspective of the fungal spores felt overly verbose and difficult to follow. The writing style in those sections was stilted and confusing—I often had to reread sentences and still struggled to grasp the meaning.

Additionally, the novel was weighed down by an excessive number of characters, many of whom lacked development or distinct voices. In the unedited ARC version I read, even the author appeared to mix up two characters in a scene. With tighter editing, fewer characters, and more focused storytelling, this could have been a much stronger novel.

Book Review - The Amish Farmer’s Proposal by Barbara Cameron

 

The Amish Farmer’s Proposal by Barbara Cameron tells the heartfelt story of Abe Stoltzfus, a devoted Amish dairy farmer who faces uncertainty about his livelihood and recovery from an injury. Despite his deep love for Lavinia Fisher, the woman he has been courting, Abe is hesitant to propose—worried he cannot provide for her the way he believes a husband should.

Abe and his family are struggling to keep their dairy farm afloat due to falling milk prices and recent harsh weather, which has damaged crops and the barn roof. In an attempt to save money, Abe tries to repair the roof himself but suffers a serious fall. Determined to wait until the farm is financially stable, Abe continues to postpone their future together.

Lavinia, a talented crafter and farmer’s daughter, witnesses Abe’s accident and worries that his hesitation is putting their relationship at risk. While she remains hopeful, she eventually grows tired of waiting—and decides to take matters into her own hands.

This is a gentle, clean romance with a straightforward plot and a cozy, small-town atmosphere. While the pacing can be slow at times, especially in sections where little happens, the story is ultimately a sweet exploration of love, faith, and perseverance. If you enjoy Amish romances centered on family values and emotional honesty, you may find this novel a comforting read.

Book Review - Pillow Talk by Stephanie Cooke

 

Pillow Talk by Stephanie Cooke is a vibrant YA graphic novel that follows college freshman Grace Mendes, who—under her fierce alter ego “Cinderhella”—joins the underground Pillow Fight Federation. At first hesitant to attend a match, Grace quickly falls in love with the sport and decides to join, despite feeling like the complete opposite of the confident, larger-than-life personas that dominate the league.

The league has only one rule: the pillow must be the first point of contact—after that, anything goes. Grace, who struggles with body image issues and low self-confidence, is surprised when she makes the team and is warmly welcomed. As her first official fight approaches, she battles her own internal insecurities and fears of being mocked or judged.

The graphic novel is a quick and enjoyable read. The illustrations are bright, expressive, and beautifully complement the story. At its heart, Pillow Talk is a story of self-acceptance and personal growth—watching Grace come into her own and believe in herself is both heartwarming and empowering.

The book gave me the same energy as female roller derby competitions, with its bold characters and empowering message. If you enjoy stories about overcoming body image struggles and finding confidence through unexpected communities, Pillow Talk is a fun and uplifting choice.

Book Review - Penitence by Kristin Koval

 

In Penitence by Kristin Koval, 13-year-old Nora fatally shoots her older brother, Nico, unraveling a complex web of family secrets, grief, and the pursuit of forgiveness in a small Colorado town. 

Angie and David Sheehan’s lives are shattered when their daughter kills their son. Desperate for help, they turn to small-town lawyer Martine Dumont and her son Julian, a successful criminal defense attorney from New York City—who also happens to be Angie’s first love. However, Angie and Julian must find a way to put their shared past behind them if they hope to help Nora.

I thought the novel was an okay read. By the end, I was left with more questions than answers. Nora’s story and motivations felt secondary to other plotlines, and her character didn’t feel fully developed. The novel is told through alternating points of view and timelines, which, in my opinion, made the pacing feel slow and caused the story to drag without clear forward momentum.

Book Review - Deathstalker: The Damned Blood by Slash

 

In Deathstalker: The Damned Blood, co-created by Slash, the legendary sword-swinging antihero is thrust into a chaotic quest involving a virgin-worshipping cult, a mad scientist sorcerer, and a vengeful ex-lover. Hired to escort a priestess to a festival celebrating her purity, what should have been a simple mission goes terribly wrong. He soon finds himself on the run, pursued by both a fanatical cult and a deranged sorcerer.

The graphic novel is packed with sex, blood, and gore, with humor woven throughout. The artwork is detailed and well executed. Overall, it’s an entertaining read, and longtime fans of Deathstalker will likely enjoy this latest adventure. As someone unfamiliar with the franchise, I appreciated the background information included at the beginning, along with the mention of an upcoming movie adaptation for fans who are interested in seeing a live-action version of the book. My favorite part of the graphic novel was the bonus short story featuring Barbaric.

Book Review - Flesh by David Szalay

 

In Flesh by David Szalay, a Hungarian teenager named István navigates a life shaped by trauma, emotional detachment, and fleeting moments of connection. As a teenager, István and his mother move to a quiet apartment complex in Hungary. He is shy, new to the area, and doesn’t have many friends, leaving him feeling isolated—until his mother asks him to help a neighbor with errands. The neighbor, a woman around his mother’s age, initially becomes his only friend, but their relationship soon turns into an affair. István is deeply conflicted about the relationship, and he begins to feel as if his life is spiraling out of control.

After a violent encounter with another man, István relocates to London, where he drifts from job to job until he eventually finds steady work as a chauffeur for the city’s billionaires.

I found the novel rather pointless. I read the entire book and still couldn’t discern the message. István remains essentially unchanged throughout the story; there is little to no character growth. Everything that happens to him seems driven by external forces, and he passively goes along with it. The narrative feels like it revolves around two main themes: bad or uneventful things happening to István, and sex. Despite the constant stream of traumas he experiences, the story feels oddly static. At times, I felt overwhelmed by his life, yet strangely detached—as if nothing meaningful was truly happening.

Book Review - Count My Lies by Sophie Stava

 

In Count My Lies by Sophie Stava, compulsive liar Sloane Caraway fabricates her way into the lives of a seemingly perfect New York couple as their nanny, only to uncover that their polished facade hides something dangerous underneath. Sloane tells mostly harmless lies to make her life seem more interesting than it is. She cannot help herself when she sees a young girl crying in the park with her very attractive father. Sloane offers to help pull the bee stinger from the girl’s foot and tells the father that she is a nurse, even though she is a nail technician.

Jay and Violet Lockhart, the father and mother of the young girl, are very grateful that Sloane helped their daughter. They offer Sloane a nanny position that comes with great perks. The seemingly perfect couple has a brownstone, their daughter attends a private school, and they summer on Block Island. Since Sloane is the nanny, she now has access to those same perks. As Sloane’s life starts entwining with the Lockharts’, something is amiss…could it be that Sloane isn’t the only one keeping secrets?

The book was an entertaining read. It was full of twists and turns. Some were expected, while a few took me by surprise. The premise felt similar to other books I have read before. I didn’t like Sloane at first, but when the book switched POV towards the end, it became much more interesting. The ending caught me off guard, emerging out of nowhere, and I am not exactly sure it was realistic either. However, I would be open to reading more books by the author.

Book Review - "The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night" by Steven Banbury

 

In "The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night" by Steven Banbury, Evelyn, an orphan, is adopted by the mythical Pumpkin King.

Newly orphaned, Evelyn escapes her dreary orphanage on Halloween night and is unexpectedly taken in by the Pumpkin King. She becomes the Pumpkin Princess in the magical realm of Hallowell Valley, where she must navigate a world filled with supernatural creatures who are either afraid of or are wary of humans. Just when Evelyn thinks she has won over the town, she uncovers a sinister plot threatening her newfound family. 

The novel was an entertaining read, filled with spooky elements, and offers a heartwarming story of two people trying to define their idea of family. I appreciated how the author incorporated humor throughout the book. My favorite parts involved the scarecrows, making me wish I had a whole gang of them as friends. The mystery had some twists, although I managed to predict a few of them. The book is part of a series, and I can’t wait to dive into their other adventures.

Book Review - Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

 

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo follows 17-year-old Lily Hu, a Chinese American teenager who discovers her queer identity and navigates first love with classmate Kathleen (Kath), all while confronting cultural expectations and political paranoia in 1954 America. Lily can’t remember when she started feeling different from other girls; however, she does know that her feelings shifted when she and Kath went to the lesbian bar called the Telegraph Club.

Being in love with another woman wasn’t common or safe in 1954, especially in Chinatown. The Red Scare impacted Chinese Americans like Lily, and with deportation looming over her father, is Lily willing to risk everything for her love for Kath?

The novel is a heartwarming coming-out story that has tender moments when Lily decides to stand up for herself and prioritize her needs. I enjoyed reading about her finding her voice. The book switches between different points of view and time, which I found confusing and didn’t feel this contributed meaningfully to the story.

Although Kath and Lily are main characters, I felt we rarely got to know them deeply. I was surprised to learn that Kath was 17 years old, as she sometimes acts much younger. The novel is a standalone, but the author has another book that includes a conclusion for Lily’s and Kath’s relationship, which remains unresolved at the end of this one. While I liked the book, I don’t think I would go out of my way to read another work by the author.