Reviews of Young Adult Fiction on The Candid Cover YA Book Blog.
Jack Kerouac is Dead to Me by Gae Polisner is a book that explores coming of age with a parent who has mental health issues. The main character is interesting, although not very likeable. It is a story that has some intriguing aspects, but falls short with its flip-flopping timeline. Continue reading
What I Like About You by Marisa Kanter is a story about a love triangle that really only has two people in it. I normally shy away from books about social media or books since they are generally cringey, but this one has a little more depth to it. I enjoyed the balance of wholesome moments with more heavy ones, but the main character became a little bit frustrating. The love triangle is meant to be a nice tension, but since Halle brings all the drama upon herself and technically has the power to end it at any time, it is difficult to feel sorry for her. However, I still liked the overall concept, and I enjoyed reading the book. Continue reading
Thorn by Intisar Khanani is a unique fairy tale retelling that sweeps the reader off their feet. This Goose Girl retelling has a fantastic cast of characters and a theme of justice that is prevalent throughout the story. It is a must-read for fans of the genre. Continue reading
Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales is a book I had been highly anticipating since it is being described as Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda meets Clueless with inspiration from Grease. I enjoyed the mix of fun and seriousness in the book, although the plot is not overly unique, and the characters are all so complex. There is also a theme of family, which I always love in a book. Ultimately, this is a great book for those looking for a more meaningful contemporary that will also deliver laughter. Continue reading
Anna K.: A Love Story by Jenny Lee is a unique retelling of the classic Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. There are multiple perspectives and a lot of drama in this book that explores whether true love exists. Keep reading to learn more about the book and read my interview with the author of Anna K., Jenny Lee. Continue reading