lastingliterature's reviews
1001 reviews

One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin

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4.0

Please don't go into this one thinking it's going to be a fun romance -- we got cover fooled again!

This book is mostly about love & friendship. In a weird twist of events, the boys, Angus and Rob, were my favorites! Oh, sweet, sweet Angus. Natalie.... oof.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. Reminded me a bit of Where Rainbows End/Love, Rosie with the time jumps and missed opportunities. The audio was done well.

I'm landing somewhere around 4⭐
If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson

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4.5

I felt it coming but I was not ready. Miah!!! 

I always struggle with insta-love in books, but I do know this is a loose retelling of R+J, so I will allow it. I am teaching the play in a couple of months, and now I am wondering if I should include this as a pairing?? 

Anyway, my poor heart. That ending. Oof. 
Guava and Grudges by Alexis Castellanos

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4.0

This was cute! Definitely similar plot to many YA books out there, but I don't mind that much. The food descriptions made me so hungry -- I'd die for one of those Cuban doughnuts right now! The romance is clean, but there are many mentions of drinking/partying, so I'd have to be careful recommending this one to some students.
Lover Birds by Leanne Egan

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3.75

Such a cute sapphic YA! I loved the Liverpool setting, and the teens in this book felt very realistic, IMO. I appreciated that this was a different take on coming out than you typically see. Although I don't have ADHD myself, Lou's experience felt very reminiscent of my family's and students' experiences. I'd recommend!

3.75⭐