Early Book Review: Pumpkin Heads by Wendell Minor

Pumpkin Heads by Wendell Minor is being reissued and released on August 10 2021. This Halloween classic uses simple language and striking autumn settings to celebrate pumpkin heads.

Pumpkin Heads is a celebration of jack-o-lanterns and the variety of ways pumpkins can be used and decorated in the fall. The text is simple, and very limited, which makes it good for the youngest book lovers and enjoying the book in a storytime settling, perhaps paired with a craft. The images are bold and memorable, and will definitely capture the interest and attention of the audience. It could also be used to inspire some crafts and pumpkin decorating. I certainly have some idea for what I might want to do this fall. 

Early Book Review: A Kid Is a Kid Is a Kid by Sara O'Leary, Qin Leng

A Kid Is a Kid Is a Kid, written by Sara O'Leary and illustrated by Qin Leng,  is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on August 3 2001. 

Being the new kid is hard, a child in the school playground tells us. I can think of better things to ask than if I’m a boy or a girl. Another child comes along and says she gets asked why she always has her nose in a book. Someone else gets asked where they come from. One after another, children share the questions they’re tired of being asked again and again — as opposed to what they believe are the most important or interesting things about themselves. As they move around the playground, picking up new friends along the way, there is a feeling of understanding and acceptance among them. And in the end, the new kid comes up with the question they would definitely all like to hear: “Hey kid, want to play?”

A Kid Is a Kid Is a Kid is a wonderful book, and a follow up to the equally well done A Family is a Family is a Family. It shows that everyone is different. Yes we all look different, like different things, have different skills, have different experiences. However, and more importantly, we are also all the same. We all want acceptance, friendship, and fun. I think the book handles this simple, but oh so important idea very well and the books makes for an enjoyable and thought provoking read for all readers. I think this is an important read, and one that could be shared in many classroom and other group settings with a positive response and as a great conversation starter for those that might be struggling.

Book Review: Inked Obsession (Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins) by Carrie Ann Ryan

Inked Obsession is part of the Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins series world by Carrie Ann Ryan but can be read as a stand alone. When men in uniform showed up on Eliza Wilder-Strong’s doorstep, she knew her life would be irrevocably altered. She not only lost her husband, but the future she’d carefully planned. A year later, she’s looking to start over—beginning with a solo healing vacation. Only she never expects to see a familiar, tempting face along the way. Beckett Montgomery refuses to want his little sister’s best friend—especially because she’s a widow. Yet there’s no stopping the connection between them. As the temptation to give in intensifies, so do the reasons they shouldn’t stay together. Painful ghosts from both of their pasts stand in their way and sometimes it’s the living that can haunt you when you’re not looking.

Inked Obsession is a romance that deals with second chances, grieving, secrets, family, lies, and so much more. Fans of the related series and the world Ryan has created will have a head start in understanding the characters and some of the issues the main and secondary characters are going through. However, the new (or sporadic ) readers of the authors work are not left in the dust and can fully enjoy the ride- and it is quite the ride. Eliza and Beckett each have big issues in their lives to deal with, and they seem to only get bigger as the story unfolds. The emotions and complications are high, and I loved watching them discover each other and figure out how to handle it all. The book also holds some of my favorite tropes- friends to more and forced or accidental proximity. I loved these aspects. I also loved the characters and the family and support system they have- and I wish that everyone had that many people in their corner. The amount of drama, hurdles, and danger seemed a bit over the top for me- as I just wanted all these people that have been through so much to have a good day, some peace and quiet. However, fans of the related series know that that is not likely to happen soon, as more Montgomerys and Wilders find their happy endings.

Inked Obsession is an emotional contemporary romance. Fans of the author will definitely want to give it a read. 

Early Book Review: Role Model (Game Changers) by Rachel Reid

Role Model is the fifth book in the Game Changers series by Rachel Reid and is currently scheduled for release on August 10 2021. Each book in the series can stand up fine on its own, but some subtext and inside jokes will be missed if you have not read the previous books. 

The hits just keep coming for Troy Barrett. Traded to the worst team in the league would be bad enough, but coming on the heels of a messy breakup and a recent scandal… Troy just wants to play hockey and be left alone. He doesn’t want to be in the news anymore, and he definitely doesn’t want to “work on his online presence” with the team’s peppy social media manager. Harris Drover can tell standoffish Troy isn’t happy about the trade—anyone could tell, frankly, as he doesn’t exactly hide it well—but Harris doesn’t give up on people easily. Even when he’s developing a crush he’s sure is one-sided. And when he sees Troy’s smile finally crack through his grumpy exterior, well… That’s a man Harris couldn’t turn his back on if he wanted to. Suddenly, Troy’s move to the new team feels like an opportunity—for Troy to embrace his true self, and for both men to surrender to their growing attraction. But indulging in each other behind closed doors is one thing, and for Troy, being in a public relationship with Harris will mean facing off with his fears, once and for all.

Role Model is a read that tackles some of the same big issues as previous books in this series (homophobia and all the trauma that comes with it) and adds in the rape culture that seems to be all to common. Even with all that going on the character development and growth of the characters is not lost or diminished. I hurt for Troy as he comes to terms with the things he lost and tries to become a better person. I found his journey to be realistic and very well written. Seeing returning characters get some page time and play a solid role in Troy's story made me very happy. I have to say that I love Harris. He is sweet and understanding but does not come off like a doormat, rather just someone that can wait for the right moment and doing what he can to make everyone's life better. I loved the honesty and direct handling of the varied elements of the story and cannot wait for more from the author.

Role Model is another great read from Reid. It is a definite must read for fans and a simply great read for everyone else. 

Early Book Review: Glass Syndrome by Eiko Ariki

Glass Syndrome by Eiko Ariki is a graphic novel currently scheduled for release on August 10 2021. Class president Nijou is a talented athlete, popular honor student... and a total people-pleaser who can't stop living up to others' smothering expectations of him. When his teacher asks him to check on Toomi, a classmate who's stopped coming to school, that chance meeting leads to an unexpected connection that neither young man expects. Toomi sees right through his diligent facade, and Nijou can't forget the cool comfort of Toomi's undemanding touch. But when Nijou discovers the reason behind Toomi's frequent absences — that he's been working as an online cam "girl" — he doesn't know how to react. How can he bring up what he knows? And how will it change their relationship?

Glass Syndrome is a nice romance, with a second story included in the volume. I thought it was well done in terms of story, text, and art. I felt for Nijou and Toomi as they face their individual struggles. I kind of wanted a bit more oft hem actually figuring the relationship thing out- it felt more like they just decided that they would be together without ever saying anything. Then the switch to the second romance confused me for a bit- I knew they were different people from the first couple but could not figure out how everyone related only to decide that it was a completely unrelated story. It was also good in its way, but was short. I think I would have liked it more if I could have connected the two stories and the main story was expanded on a bit more. However, I did enjoy the read and think it is a quick, fun read.

Early Book Review: Why Longfellow Lied: The Truth About Paul Revere's Midnight Ride by Jeff Lantos

Why Longfellow Lied: The Truth About Paul Revere's Midnight Ride by Jeff Lantos is a nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on August 3 2021. Do you know how historically inaccurate "Paul Revere's Ride" is? And do you know why? Author Jeff Lantos pulls apart Longfellow's poem, tells the real story about Paul Revere's historic ride, and sets the record right. Not only that, he lays out when and why Longfellow wrote his poem and explains how without it, many of us wouldn't know much about Revere at all. 

Why Longfellow Lied is an interesting read. I liked that the actual events (as best we can glean from documents and statements) was laid out in comparison with the poem. It is examined piece by piece, and gaps that were not covered in the poem at all filled in. I liked the frank and narrative style of the writing flowed and did not gloss over some common misconceptions and assumption. I love learning new things, and even more so when common held beliefs are examined, challenged, and clarified. I liked that the depth and expanse oft he operation was described, showing just how many people put themselves and their families at risk to do what they saw as right, rather that just one or two. I also like that the variety of social standing and fortune of these people was shown, Some really risked it all with little hope for a bright future if things went poorly. I also liked that the sources and proper citations and index were included at the end of the book. I always appreciate when authors insist on doing it right. I liked that the author included maps and whatnot- unfortunately the formatting on my galley did not allow me to enjoy these to the extent readers of the final version will. I expect that they will really enhance the reading experience. My issue with the read might also be solved in the formatting for the final version, there are random asides of unrelated information (like a gruesome landmark, spreading of a specific type of apple, when someone got married, and so on) that were interesting but did not really flow with the history explored in the main text. I suspect that these will be in separate text boxes or otherwise separated in the final print (if not they should be). 

Why Longfellow Lied is a well researched and written book. 

Early Book Review: Weekend Arrangement by Sophie Penhaligon

Weekend Arrangement by Sophie Penhaligon is a contemporary romance currently scheduled for release on August 1 2021. When opposites attract, sparks fly … Aspiring travel writer Olivia Jefferson has a penchant for tequila and an interesting dress code. When she discovers her live-in boyfriend in a compromising situation, she realizes she will either have to face poverty or buckle down and get a proper job. A call from a prestigious publishing house interested in her travel guides appears to be the golden opportunity she’s been waiting for, along with a proposition she wasn’t expecting. Suave & sophisticated businessman Daniel Lane has been living his life on autopilot. When circumstances force him to take over the family publishing business, he finds himself living a life that lacks the adventure he so desperately craves. That is until Olivia walks into his life and turns it on its head. He finds himself drawn to this rather unconventional girl, but can he have his cake and eat it too, or will he have to sacrifice his well-ordered lifestyle in order to live the life of his dreams?

Weekend Arrangement is a book that left me with mixed feelings. In fact, there were moments when I almost put it aside and marked it as DNF. I thought Daniel came off a bit creepy on the beginning, verging on stalker and more than a little arrogant. The creepy, stalker vibe got worse rather than better as the story continued. He was sneaky and controlling- and things that should have come off as caring or thoughtful only made him feel more manipulative to me. On the other hand, I liked Olivia but then she was framed as the sterotype of the perfectly imperfect girl that everyone wants but does not recognize her own worth.  I love an honestly quirky character, but I felt that that's not what she turned out to be. The innocent but crazy drunk and seductive dichotomy just did nothing for me. I thought the set up and story line really could have worked, I liked the secondary characters for the most part, and the occasional commentary from their thoughts that came into the story worked fairly well.   However, I felt so weary of Daniel through the whole book- like it was an instruction guide for falling into an emotional and financially abusive relationship rather than a romance. 

Weekend Arrangement is a romance I found to be a bit problematic, but others might enjoy it.

Book Review: Hexing the Ex (House of Magic) by Susanna Shore

Hexing the Ex is the first book in the House of Magic series by Susanna Shore. I didn’t expect to be evicted the first thing I returned from my holiday, but thanks to my roommate Nick, that’s what I was facing. It’s not exactly easy to find a new place to live in London, so when Phoebe Thorpe spots a room-to-let sign at the window of a magic shop, she doesn’t hesitate. The room is perfect, even if chores are part of the rent. There is only one thing odd about her new landladies. They seem to believe magic exists. Phoebe doesn’t believe in magic, but unfortunately magic believes in her. A mysterious statuette is sent to her boss, Archibald Kane, and she accidentally triggers a curse meant for him. Naturally, the first person she curses is her ex-boyfriend. But why would anyone want to curse her boss, a perfectly ordinary antiques dealer? Or is he? Phoebe sets out to break the curse with the help of her new housemates. But it isn’t easy trying to solve a mystery she doesn’t even believe is real. Then again, that hellhound chasing her seemed pretty solid.

Hexing the Ex is a good series starter that hits a good balance of world and character building with action and fun. I liked Phoebe and enjoyed getting to know her and the group of characters that are or become part of her life.Her self awareness and willingness to adapt to new revelations made everything interesting and fun.  I thought the reveal of the magical world was well done and the mystery storyline had some really good twists in it, finishing off with something very different than I expected. The amounts of humor and action were very well balanced, with the characters not taking themselves to seriously. I found the curse and other magic elements to be well handled, using both traditional and fresh interpretation to the story and world building. I really enjoyed the read and plan on reading more from this author- including future installments of this series and their back list. 

Hexing the Ex is a fun and enteraining read. I hope to continue with this series. 

Book Review: Hematite 1. Serenade by Script by Victoria Maderna, Federico Piatti and art by Victoria Maderna, Federico Piatti

Hematite, Volume 1, Serenade is written by Victoria Maderna, Federico Piatti and art by Victoria Maderna, Federico Piatti is a graphic novel. Hematite is a young vampire who is trying to find her way. As a member of the illustrious Blackwood family, she faces pressure to conform to high society standards, but such grandstanding isn’t for her. And neither is drinking blood—she’d rather have vegetable soup! So it is that she opts for the more diverse Wolven School, rather than joining the ranks of her fellow vampires at the Diaemus Academy. Being different can be hard, though, and doesn’t always help to make friends. Luckily for Hematite, she has her poetry, as well as Drunela—a draugr who won’t let their differences keep them apart—and Emile, a human boy fascinated by the occult who would just love to take a peek at the Blackwoods’ private library. Unfortunately, bridging societal divides isn’t always easy, and can lead to terrible consequences.

Hematite, Volume 1, Serenade is well written start to a series. Hermatite is a vampire that wants the same things other teenagers want. She wants to be different from expectations, her crush to notice her, to experience things, and get through school with good friends and adventures. As someone whose school years are well behind them I admit to chuckling a bit at the melodramatic poetry, battles with parents, and the struggles with friend group dynamics. I remember everything feeling that life or death at that age- and when the characters are vampires and other creatures that just get turned up a bit. I did enjoy seeing some character and friendship growth, and the story moving forward a bit. I know serialized graphic novels need to stay reasonably short and hook the readers to keep them going, but I felt like I had just gotten to where things were going to shift from setting the stage into the meat of the story when it ended. I am not sure I am hooked enough to go looking for the next volume. However, if I run across it I will gladly pick it up to see what happens next.

Early Book Review: What's Up, Beanie? by Alina Tysoe

What's Up, Beanie? by Alina Tysoe is a collection of 160 comics that is currently scheduled for release on August 3 2021. Eccentric and self-aware, Alina Tysoe, the pink-haired illustrator, captures relatable topics like family, the awkward pains of social anxiety, sweet moments of love and a growing relationship, amusing childhood stories, and her intense love of dogs. These endearing snapshots of Alina's life are surprisingly familiar, as if they've been taken from your own life: finding solace with a lone puppy at a crowded party, the frustration of deciding what to eat for dinner, making the mistake of hitting the snooze button, accidentally stepping on a dog's foot and feeling like a MONSTER, and tons more!

What's Up, Beanie? is a cute and relatable series of comic. I liked the art style, I found it to be fun and enjoyable to look at. I thought the situations and mood were something most readers can relate to on some level, especially the love of animals. Getting to go through some of Beanie's childhood and adult years was fun. I liked getting to see what growing up with two older sisters, and in her family dynamic, was like and how that differed from my own- even if the key moments of embarrassment and anxiety were consistent with my own. This was a really fun and engaging collection and I really enjoyed every minute of it.