the-book-devotee - Tumblr blog

[the-book-devotee]

"Full Disclosure" by Camryn Garret

Description:

Simone Garcia-Hampton is starting over at a new school, and this time things will be different. She's making real friends, making a name for herself as student director of Rent, and making a play for Miles, the guy who makes her melt every time he walks into a room. The last thing she wants is for word to get out that she's HIV-positive, because last time... well, last time things got ugly.

Keeping her viral load under control is easy, but keeping her diagnosis under wraps is not so simple. As Simone and Miles start going out for real--shy kisses escalating into much more--she feels an uneasiness that goes beyond butterflies. She knows she has to tell him that she's positive, especially if sex is a possibility, but she's terrified of how he'll react! And then she finds an anonymous note in her locker: I know you have HIV. You have until Thanksgiving to stop hanging out with Miles. Or everyone else will know too.

Simone's first instinct is to protect her secret at all costs, but as she gains a deeper understanding of the prejudice and fear in her community, she begins to wonder if the only way to rise above is to face the haters head-on.

Rating:

10/10

My Thoughts:

When I walked into the library, I was immediately drawn to the color pallet this book. Dispite the outer shell, it's what's on the inside that counts. I didn't know what I was expecting when I started to read this, but what I found was such a mind opening story of a young girl dealing with being hiv positive for her entire life.

This book is one of the few I read that goes above and beyond when talking about things like sex, masturbation, stds/stis, and a multitude of sexualities and spectrums. As always, I love that the main character is a strong woman of color. I, for once, actually like the love interest in this book. I usually roll my eyes at the patriarchy of f/m couples in ya books, but Miles and Simone has managed to weasel their way into my heart in a way I am very happy about.

I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Not just for the heart pulling plot, but also the array of informational resources about hiv/aids in the back of the book. Please don't hesitate to read this if you have a chance.

[the-book-devotee]

"The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo

Description:

The #1 New York Times bestselling guide to decluttering your home and the inspiration for the hit Netflix show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo . Despite constant efforts to declutter your home, do papers still accumulate like snowdrifts and clothes pile up like a tangled mess of noodles? Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo takes tidying to a whole new level, promising that if you properly simplify and organize your home once, you'll never have to do it again. Most methods advocate a room-by-room or little-by-little approach, which doom you to pick away at your piles of stuff forever. The KonMari Method, with its revolutionary category-by-category system, leads to lasting results. In fact, none of Kondo's clients have lapsed (and she still has a three-month waiting list). With detailed guidance for determining which items in your house "spark joy" (and which don't), this international bestseller featuring Tokyo's newest lifestyle phenomenon will help you clear your clutter and enjoy the unique magic of a tidy home--and the calm, motivated mindset it can inspire.

Rating:

10/10

My Thoughts:

Many people have Netflix and many of those folks have come across the show "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo." (If not go watch it!) No matter the viewer, we have all decided that this lovely woman sparks joy for us. Her book is no different.

I read this in less than two days and gained a lifetime of knowledge in the process. During the time I was reading this, I was just beginning to move. I've previously watched her show and now that I read the book I unpacked everything and made sure to keep only what sparked joy. I was able to relieve myself from things I've been holding onto as a child for no reason other than guilt. I was able to value the thing I own and it felt good.

I believe as an added bonus her book has not just a table of contents, but an index for when you want to read a about particular item/category.

I would reccomend this book to EVERYONE, simply everyone. Read it just once and tell me you don't just want to purge yourself of the objects that held you down, but make sure to thank them before you get rid of then ;)

[the-book-devotee]

"Juliet Takes a Breath" by Gabby Rivera

Description:

Juliet Milagros Palante is a self-proclaimed closeted baby dyke from Bronx. Only, she not so closeted anymore. Not after coming out to her family the night before flying to Portland, Oregon, to intern with her favorite feminist writer -- what's sure to be a life-changing experience. And when Juliets coming out crashes and burns, shes not sure her mom will ever speak to her again.

But Juliet has a plan -- sort of. Her internship with legendary author Harlowe Brisbane, the ultimate authority on feminism, women's body, and other gay-sounding stuff, is sure to help her figure out this whole "Puerto Rican lesbian" thing. Except Harlowe's white. And not from the Bronx. And she definitely doesn't have all the answers...

In a summer bursting with queer brown dance parties, a sexy fling with a motorcycling librarian, and an intense explorations of race and identity, Juliet learns what it means to come out -- to the world, to her family, to herself.

Rating: 7/10

My Thoughts:

Got this book for Christmas and it's such a powerful read. As it may be a bit vulgar, that just adds to the spice of the main character, Juliet.

The plot itself seemed like it was a little lost. The soul searching that Juliet was the only drive of the story. As I was reading the book I was surprised that I was almost to the end and nothing huge seemed to happen other than understanding the truth about the people around her.

It was personally not my cup of tea, but I would reccomend this book to anyone looking to spice up their own views of societal standards of what a powerful woman is.

[the-book-devotee]

"With the Fire on High" by Elizabeth Acevedo

Description:

Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago's life has been about making the tough decisions, doing what hs to be done for her daughter and abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen. There, age lets her hands tell her what to cook, listening tho best intuition and adding a little something magical every time, turning her food into straight-up goodness.

Even though she's always dreamed of working in a kitchen after she graduates, Emoni knows that it's not worth her time to persue the impossible l. Yet despite the rules she's made for her life -- and everyone else's rules, which she refuses to play by -- once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.

From the author of National Book Award winner The Poet X comes a dazzling story of a girl with talent, pride, and a drive to create that keeps her fire burning bright.

Rating: 9/10

My Thoughts:

This book was perfect to start off the new year. Not only does the main character, Emoni, inspire me to keep going, she also makes me feel connected to her fictional life. Her struggles are pulled to the light as you continue reading, while also creating a plot line that is easy to follow. Acevedo's writing really makes you think and put yourself into the character's shoes. How would you react to her situation? What would have you done? Can I be a chef? No, I'm a sad gay who can't cook

It was an amazing read for anyone interested in cooking, POC characters, a dash of LGBTQ+ representation, and a strong female lead!