The Other Side of Perfect by Mariko Turk is an impactful story about identity and raising your voice. Following a dancer who suffers a career-ending injury, the emotions in this story run high, and the main character is exceptionally well-written. Her fight against racism in classical ballets is especially powerful, making this a thought-provoking read. Continue reading
Serendipity: Ten Romantic Tropes, Transformed by Marissa Meyer editor) is a collection of short stories inspired by classic romance tropes. With ten adorable stories within it, this is a unique and diverse anthology. I enjoyed each of the authors’ contributions, and I found Marissa Meyer’s and Elizabeth Eulberg’s stories the most impressive. This is the perfect read for romance fans. Continue reading
The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Tiffany Brooks is a treasure hunt with a twist. Depicting a reality show set on a deserted island that is rumoured to hold buried treasure, this one contains drama and a main character who is determined to reinvent herself. I especially enjoyed reading about the show’s entertaining challenges and the mysterious treasure markers. This is a unique contemporary that is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of adventure. Continue reading
Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez is a feminist story about soccer and following your dreams no matter what. As a fan of any book about sports, I loved reading about Camila’s dreams of becoming a professional soccer player in the face of misogyny, and she is a strong main character with an engaging voice. While the author does not shy away from the more painful aspects of a patriarchal society, this is a story full of hope, and I would definitely recommend it to those who, like me, enjoy representation of strong women in sports. Continue reading
Tahira in Bloom by Farah Heron is a story about fashion and flowers that will leave readers with a smile. As a fan of both of these forms of design, I loved reading about Tahira’s summer in the flower capital of Ontario, and she is a strong and confident main character as well. Balancing humour and heartfelt moments with more serious topics, this is a charming contemporary that I would definitely recommend. Continue reading