This book hooked me from the prologue and I immediately became emotionally invested in Eva and Shane's story. From their tortured (and really problematic) seven days when they were in high school, to the seven days together, 15 days later, one can't help to root for these two for their HEA, and, as individuals. The book/publishing aspect was so on point, especially with literally snobbiness and fandom. But above all else, this is about Black struggle, love and JOY. I loved this SO much.

Such a cute and fun read. One can't help but root for Tara and her happily ever and Trevor is just a cinnamon roll disguised as a grump. Tara's growth and self realization, that despite her exes labelling of her as "crazy," she leaned to accept herself for who she was and not who they wanted her to be. Some definite swoon worthy moments mixed in with some laughs as well. And the epilogue was giant heart eyes.

This is an extremely promising start to a new series featuring Syd Walker, an archaeologist for the BIA. She's an enrolled member of the Cherokee nation, living on Narragansett land, protecting Indigenous history. And, she has a violent origin story which continues to haunt her. This mystery, revolving around missing Indigenous women, is also so personal to Syd, who goes home to not only find her missing sister, but to reconnect with her family and neighbors. This is so rich and vivid, and I hope her OK family and friends, appear in future installments. Readers of Attica Locke, Kathleen Kent, Sara Paretsky and Sue Grafton will naturally gravitate towards Syd Walker.

Following Kip, Leslie Z, and Kira, three outcast teens who become bonded by their love metal music and end up forming a family together that is far more caring than their biological families. They escape their small town in swamp country Florida by running away in the night. They make it all the way to LA to try and start over and delve deeper into the metal scene there. While all of them struggle to find their footing in LA, Kira falls deeper into the darker side of metal and death cults. A few years after their move Kira vanishes at a show on her 22nd birthday without any explanation. Two years after her disappearance they finally start to get some information about what happened to her, which reunites Kip and Leslie Z in the hopes of finding her alive. I was enthralled by this book, Wray wrights about being outcast, friendship, and the way music can feel all encompassing with such depth.

I have been SO excited for this book since Elliot announced he was writing one! He writes with such a strong voice, deep vulnerability, and honesty about his career, finding himself while being so prominently in the public eye, transitioning, and finally being seen as he truly is. Such a phenomenal book for queer folks and allies alike, everyone should read it.

A hornet's nest of family secrets, Gothic horror with a blanket thrown over it, the institutionalization of women who would not or could not confirm, and a dramatic ending. Page-turning suspense from the author of Hamnet and The Marriage Portrait.

This immigrant story is so well done and a bit unusual since it gives both the parent and child perspective, along with a family friend. Parental love and sacrifice is something that Tony willingly gives, but Tammy reluctantly accepts, since Tony's way of showing this love and sacrifice is mean and abusive. It's the only way he knows and it takes a long time for Tammy to understand what her parents gave up and the hardships they dealt with, here in the US. An act of violence, starts the story off and brings in Oliver, the third perspective, as he becomes the generous family friend. The non linear time line really works and this is a family one can't help rooting for.

Such a fun and cute romance that's not quite second chance, and not quite enemies to lovers. Maybe annoying friends to lovers? Also really appreciated the BIPOC Jewish Queer rep in this book, clearly showing that not all Jews are white. Also appreciated how late 20s navigate the job world and find their own way of dealing with various pressures, in this case, as a found family therapy group. And really loved the focus on Chicago's Field Museum, as well as the CTA and how Daniel and Liyah both promoted these two institutions. I hope there will more from this world.
 

I picked this up because I loved the art style and I’m so glad I did! Peculiar Woods is heartfelt, funny, and delightfully weird. Nine-year old Iggie is new to town and discovers that it is full of talking everyday objects that hide from everyone except for him. When the king (a sentient chess piece) asks for his help, Iggie sets out with his chair and blanket companions on a wild adventure through some very peculiar woods. 

Cinematic in scope, Big Tree follows Louise, a sycamore seed in the prehistoric era who longs for adventure. She gets her wish when a fire sweeps through the forest, forcing Louise and her brother Merwin to journey out into the world in search of a new home to plant their roots. Along their journey, the two encounter dinosaurs, mushrooms, and volcanoes, learning how interconnected the world is. With an epic story and stunning illustrations, Big Tree is an instant classic and shows that you can make a big difference in the world, no matter how small you are. 

No sophomore slump with Happiness Falls. This should be the IT book of the fall season. This compulsive read has it all - complex family dynamics, filled with secrets, philosophical discussions on happiness and human worth, all wrapped in a mystery. Best of all, was the narrator, Mia, the overly analytical twin to optimist John, and sister to Eugene, who is the lone, non oral speaking, witness to his father's disappearance. Her voice is so sharp, and at times funny, but always thoughtful, and the foot notes, are just a chef's kiss. Readers' happiness quotients may shift with this book as the baseline. TL:DR - Reader, I loved it.

A beautiful portrayal of fun and fierce little girl, and a look at a year in Black American History: 1904 for the Harlem Renaissance. Morrison's gorgeous paintings never fail to capture the movement and energy of both a loving family and powerful time. Datcher's words are poetry, creating a seamless flow between the two Harlem portraits.