Jamie K. Dives Into Other Realities - 2023
The voices in this novel cry out in pain, demanding to be heard, to be remembered, to be put first. Following two sisters in post-slavery Brazil, we observe their entrance into adulthood as they decide how they want to live their lives: according to tradition? Or progress?
Keegan breathes such life into her work, it truly makes reading a joy. That is not to say that this is entirely a happy book. Life ebbs and flows, and a young girl's story has been forever changed. Just gorgeous.
This is such an unhinged read. The book bounces around the POV's of Sisi and Ludwig, jumping from landmark decision to seemingly inconsequential moments. As a reader and a history fiend, I found this this book hilarious!
Stanley is a little boy who, in public, speaks softly and expresses himself even softer. His tap dancing is a closely held secret, but talent like this can't be hidden forever. Join Stanley as he grows in confidence and amazes his friends, both with dance and in everyday life.
After Kayla is transported to a magical world, it is up to her to take up her birth father's legacy and become the next Dark Lady. Or at least, that's what was supposed to happen. Instead, her mom and her little brother are ALSO transported, and Dark Ladying isn't really what Kayla is interested in. Can she make pizza here?
Now, more than ever, it feels as if society is failing us. And those experiencing houselessness are disproportionately affected by these failures. We follow Dr. Jim O'Connell as he practices patient-first medicine, driving around town in his van, looking for rough sleepers to meet them where they're at. Adopting even the smallest amount of his empathy would make us all better humans. Do yourself a favor and grab this book.
You know those post-apocalyptic books with the kid and their posse of messed up adults? This is that, but a western, and with demons. Bloody, comedic, and an all-around good time.
With no new information on their missing sister in years, the search feels over for the Ramirez siblings. That is, until they spot Ruby (aka Ruthy) on a reality TV show. Hijinks ensue as they attempt to get in contact with her without their mother finding out.
Hilde acts as a shepherd for the deceased, living among her life-giving sisters. The human world provides an escape from her duty, but this liberation carries its own chains. This novel deserves all the praise I can give.
Baldree opens his newest novel by dropping us in the middle of Viv's big battle moment. From then on, the fighting ceases to exist on the battlefield, and instead takes root in restless, healing Viv. I loved the coastal seaside town of Murk and its many colorful residents. They carry themselves with little-to-no urgency, starkly contrasting Viv and her way of life. It's exciting to glimpse where Viv's idea of owning her own coffee shop began, and I appreciate that the realization is not the conclusion, nor the focus of this book.