Hello book world *waves* I am back with a pair of 2019 ARC reviews that I am very excited to share with you!
When I Was Summer by J.B. Howard
4.5/5 stars
This story follows Nora, an adoptive daughter, a talented bass guitarist, and is currently in love with someone who is in love with someone else. Along with her fellow band mates, she's on a road trip across the state to not only play music (and maybe even get scouted), but to find out information on her biological mother. With three stops for three gigs, and three addresses of potential parents, it's going to be a hectic week!
In this contemporary adventure, Nora learns that love is not always a fairy tale, but also that she is stronger than she thought. Her development as a character was smooth but dynamic, and despite feeling more lost and confused than when she began, she never gave up. The writing style is easy to read, and the realistic challenges they face were well written too.
Honestly, my favourite part of the book, beyond Nora's character, was the ending. While it could be bittersweet for some readers, I thought it was the perfect situation Nora needed to find herself, and her own perseverance to accomplish her dreams. Every contemporary novel does not need to have a 'happily ever after' ending, and I think this is a perfect example of how true friends will stick by you, no matter what.
* Thank you Penguin Teen Canada for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review *
What We Buried by Kate A. Boorman
4/5 stars
This novel follows Livy - a former beauty pageant queen and reality TV star, and her brother Jory - who was born with a partial facial paralysis, in alternating perspectives throughout a fast paced mystery. After suing her parents for emancipation, Livy is vying for justice against her parents. Jory is just trying to make it through without drawing too much attention, and then he can have some freedom. Neither expected to be road tripping through the desert in the middle of the night, especially as the situation gets darker with every twisting turn.
This novel really surprised me, it was fast-paced, dark and daring, and had a unique writing style. It might be a bit a confusing for readers at times when the writing flashes back to the past, but the shift only adds to the suspense. The characters were more developed than I expected, with deeper motives and aspirations that are revealed throughout the story.
While the beginning was a bit slower paced, the second half picked up, and it ended with a bang. I liked that the plot twists kept coming, and it was exciting to see how the novel played out. For mystery, and even thriller, fans, I definitely recommend!
* Thank you Raincoast Books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review *