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notesbynnenna's Reviews (513)
GUYS. This book was incredible and I’m pretty sure that I have a new favorite YA book.
It follows Tracy, whose father is on death row. Her dad doesn’t have a lot of time left and she’s doing everything in her power to try and clear his name, including writing weekly letters to Innocence X, an organization that helps inmates who are on death row. There’s also Tracy’s brother, Jamal, who’s a promising young track star until the day that a white girl is murdered and he’s accused of killing her. Now Jamal is on the run and Tracy is fighting to save both her father and her brother.
This book tackles so many important themes in such an accessible way. It shows a bit of what it’s like to have an incarcerated parent and the effect that has on the rest of the family. Corinne, Tracy’s younger sister, is growing up without a father. When they have weekly scheduled visits at the prison, Tracy has to remember that she’s not allowed to touch her father. And the whole family is constantly living with a clock that is counting down the days until her father’s execution. I can only imagine the huge physical and mental toll that must take on the entire family.
The author also explores how the rest of Tracy’s family is viewed as guilty by association, since Tracy’s dad was convicted of murder. They’re given strange looks or shunned in town, and even ostracized by their own church members after Tracy’s dad is found guilty. Tracy’s dad, brother, and whole family are tried in the court of public opinion. Instead of being innocent until proven guilty, many in their community believe that Tracy’s dad and brother are guilty until proven innocent, because that’s the narrative that they want to believe. In their minds, of course a Black man is responsible for the death of a white person.
Other themes that are explored include interracial relationships, private for-profit prisons and how they’ve led to the mass incarceration of Black people, white guilt and white privilege, coded language, and more. This book tackles so many topics and I was glad these issues were being explored and discussed.
Can we also talk about Tracy and what an amazing character she was? I loved her determination and willingness to fight for what she knows is right, even when it’s difficult, and despite being scared for her family and for herself. I loved Tracy and the Beaumont family in general. Also, this book was so gripping! It truly had me on the edge of my seat and I was so emotionally invested in trying to figure out what happened in Jamal’s and Tracy’s dad’s case. I feel like I wasn’t expecting the mystery aspect of this story, but it really delivered for me.
In summary, I really loved this book and I would highly recommend it. I thought the writing was so thoughtful and really invited us into the lives of the Beaumont family. Also, don’t skip the Author’s Note at the end! From that note, I learned that she was inspired to write this by JUST MERCY, another book that’s on my TBR.
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Loved it!!! Full review to come.
It follows Tracy, whose father is on death row. Her dad doesn’t have a lot of time left and she’s doing everything in her power to try and clear his name, including writing weekly letters to Innocence X, an organization that helps inmates who are on death row. There’s also Tracy’s brother, Jamal, who’s a promising young track star until the day that a white girl is murdered and he’s accused of killing her. Now Jamal is on the run and Tracy is fighting to save both her father and her brother.
This book tackles so many important themes in such an accessible way. It shows a bit of what it’s like to have an incarcerated parent and the effect that has on the rest of the family. Corinne, Tracy’s younger sister, is growing up without a father. When they have weekly scheduled visits at the prison, Tracy has to remember that she’s not allowed to touch her father. And the whole family is constantly living with a clock that is counting down the days until her father’s execution. I can only imagine the huge physical and mental toll that must take on the entire family.
The author also explores how the rest of Tracy’s family is viewed as guilty by association, since Tracy’s dad was convicted of murder. They’re given strange looks or shunned in town, and even ostracized by their own church members after Tracy’s dad is found guilty. Tracy’s dad, brother, and whole family are tried in the court of public opinion. Instead of being innocent until proven guilty, many in their community believe that Tracy’s dad and brother are guilty until proven innocent, because that’s the narrative that they want to believe. In their minds, of course a Black man is responsible for the death of a white person.
Other themes that are explored include interracial relationships, private for-profit prisons and how they’ve led to the mass incarceration of Black people, white guilt and white privilege, coded language, and more. This book tackles so many topics and I was glad these issues were being explored and discussed.
Can we also talk about Tracy and what an amazing character she was? I loved her determination and willingness to fight for what she knows is right, even when it’s difficult, and despite being scared for her family and for herself. I loved Tracy and the Beaumont family in general. Also, this book was so gripping! It truly had me on the edge of my seat and I was so emotionally invested in trying to figure out what happened in Jamal’s and Tracy’s dad’s case. I feel like I wasn’t expecting the mystery aspect of this story, but it really delivered for me.
In summary, I really loved this book and I would highly recommend it. I thought the writing was so thoughtful and really invited us into the lives of the Beaumont family. Also, don’t skip the Author’s Note at the end! From that note, I learned that she was inspired to write this by JUST MERCY, another book that’s on my TBR.
///
Loved it!!! Full review to come.
About- After a terrible car crash, Jennifer suffers from memory loss and has to slowly piece her life back together. In the present day, Ellie’s life intertwines with Jennifer’s when she stumbles onto a letter Jennifer wrote in the 60s.
Why I picked it– I have not read a book by Jojo Moyes that I didn’t enjoy. I’m slowly going to make my way through all of her books!
Thoughts- Jojo Moyes is very good at keeping the reader guessing. Every time I think I’ve figured it out, she throws another twist in there (but not in an obnoxious or confusing way). I do like that this starts out in the past and then moves into the present, but we spend a lot more time in the book with Jennifer. Ellie doesn’t really appear until the last third of the novel, so I felt less invested in her storyline and much more interested in how Jennifer’s story would end.
Why I picked it– I have not read a book by Jojo Moyes that I didn’t enjoy. I’m slowly going to make my way through all of her books!
Thoughts- Jojo Moyes is very good at keeping the reader guessing. Every time I think I’ve figured it out, she throws another twist in there (but not in an obnoxious or confusing way). I do like that this starts out in the past and then moves into the present, but we spend a lot more time in the book with Jennifer. Ellie doesn’t really appear until the last third of the novel, so I felt less invested in her storyline and much more interested in how Jennifer’s story would end.
About- The life and times of the Buendía family over the course of one hundred years.
Why I picked it– As a Spanish major, I’m embarrassed to admit that I’d never read this book before. When I heard of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s passing, I was inspired to finally pick up this book and read it.
Thoughts- This is one of those books that I really wish I’d read during school. Of course the writing is wonderful, but I do feel like I would have better grasped the nuances of the text if I could participate in a discussion on it. I did generally enjoy it though and I also picked up Love in the Time of Cholera to read at some point.
Why I picked it– As a Spanish major, I’m embarrassed to admit that I’d never read this book before. When I heard of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s passing, I was inspired to finally pick up this book and read it.
Thoughts- This is one of those books that I really wish I’d read during school. Of course the writing is wonderful, but I do feel like I would have better grasped the nuances of the text if I could participate in a discussion on it. I did generally enjoy it though and I also picked up Love in the Time of Cholera to read at some point.
About- Laurel receives a school assignment to write a letter to a dead person and turns it into a coping mechanism for dealing with the death of her sister.
Why I picked it– You guys know me, I like to mix it up, so after a rather heady book I switched to a YA novel.
Thoughts- I’d seen a lot of hype for this book so I thought it was going to be really amazing. I guess my expectations were too high. Compared to gripping YA books like Eleanor & Park and The Fault in Our Stars, this one fell below the mark. One main issue I had was that Laurel is supposed to be a freshman in high school, but her voice seemed a lot younger to me, more like an eleven- or twelve-year-old. Also, over the course of the book, the cause of her sister’s death is really built up and when it was finally revealed I was disappointed. I thought it would provide further insight into Laurel’s character and her actions, but it didn’t for me.
Why I picked it– You guys know me, I like to mix it up, so after a rather heady book I switched to a YA novel.
Thoughts- I’d seen a lot of hype for this book so I thought it was going to be really amazing. I guess my expectations were too high. Compared to gripping YA books like Eleanor & Park and The Fault in Our Stars, this one fell below the mark. One main issue I had was that Laurel is supposed to be a freshman in high school, but her voice seemed a lot younger to me, more like an eleven- or twelve-year-old. Also, over the course of the book, the cause of her sister’s death is really built up and when it was finally revealed I was disappointed. I thought it would provide further insight into Laurel’s character and her actions, but it didn’t for me.
About- While visiting her parents in Haiti, Mireille is kidnapped and endures thirteen days in captivity.
Why I picked it– I listen to a couple podcasts about books and there was a lot of early buzz about this one. Then I read an excerpt of the first two chapters on Longreads and I was hooked- I bought the ebook immediately after.
Thoughts- I could not put this book down. Seriously, I read the first two chapters in the afternoon, bought the book when I got home from work, and stayed up until 4 in the morning finishing this book. Once you start this book, it reaches out and grips you and won’t let go. Ugh, it is brutal though. There are chapters about what Mireille endures that I almost couldn’t read. You know when you’re watching a scary movie and you cover your face with your hands because you can’t look, but at the same time you’re peeking through your fingers because you want to know what happens? That’s how I felt while reading this book. If you’re sensitive, I would say this probably isn’t the best book choice for you.
Why I picked it– I listen to a couple podcasts about books and there was a lot of early buzz about this one. Then I read an excerpt of the first two chapters on Longreads and I was hooked- I bought the ebook immediately after.
Thoughts- I could not put this book down. Seriously, I read the first two chapters in the afternoon, bought the book when I got home from work, and stayed up until 4 in the morning finishing this book. Once you start this book, it reaches out and grips you and won’t let go. Ugh, it is brutal though. There are chapters about what Mireille endures that I almost couldn’t read. You know when you’re watching a scary movie and you cover your face with your hands because you can’t look, but at the same time you’re peeking through your fingers because you want to know what happens? That’s how I felt while reading this book. If you’re sensitive, I would say this probably isn’t the best book choice for you.
About- Philadelphia mayor Ed Rendell’s quest to save his city from the edge of bankruptcy.
Why I picked it– It was chosen for our book club.
Thoughts- If you saw my recent video, you heard me talk a bit about this book and the next one. I’ve mentioned that I don’t read a lot of nonfiction. If left to my own devices, I probably would never have read this book because the subject matter doesn’t particularly interest me. However, I will say that I was pleasantly surprised by the writing. When the author focused on specific people’s lives and their stories, I found that much more interesting than the politics and statistics. If you have an interest in city government or Philadelphia, then I bet you would like this book.
Why I picked it– It was chosen for our book club.
Thoughts- If you saw my recent video, you heard me talk a bit about this book and the next one. I’ve mentioned that I don’t read a lot of nonfiction. If left to my own devices, I probably would never have read this book because the subject matter doesn’t particularly interest me. However, I will say that I was pleasantly surprised by the writing. When the author focused on specific people’s lives and their stories, I found that much more interesting than the politics and statistics. If you have an interest in city government or Philadelphia, then I bet you would like this book.
About- Jacob grows up listening to his grandfather’s fantastical stories, but it’s not until his grandfather’s horrible death that he discovers that all of those stories are true.
Why I picked it– When I saw it in the store, the cover felt familiar to me and looked intriguing. I thought someone had recommend it to me, but I couldn’t remember who or when. I finally figured out where I’d seen the title before- turns out my best friend had mentioned that she’d recently picked it up.
Thoughts- This novel features a combination of words and photographs, which I loved. The author does a wonderful job of describing each image, but being able to see the photographs for yourself really adds to the overall experience. I read a bit of the information in the back of the book and the author actually collects vintage photographs, which gave him the inspiration to write this book. I just found out that a sequel was released earlier this year, so I’ll probably be picking that up too.
Why I picked it– When I saw it in the store, the cover felt familiar to me and looked intriguing. I thought someone had recommend it to me, but I couldn’t remember who or when. I finally figured out where I’d seen the title before- turns out my best friend had mentioned that she’d recently picked it up.
Thoughts- This novel features a combination of words and photographs, which I loved. The author does a wonderful job of describing each image, but being able to see the photographs for yourself really adds to the overall experience. I read a bit of the information in the back of the book and the author actually collects vintage photographs, which gave him the inspiration to write this book. I just found out that a sequel was released earlier this year, so I’ll probably be picking that up too.
Review on Books 1-3:
About- I’m sure y’all already know this, but the Harry Potter series is about a boy who finds out he’s a wizard and chronicles his life and his magical adventures.
Thoughts- I’m so happy that I’m reading this series right now. It’s just so delightful and I feel like it’s a perfect series to be reading in the summer. When started the first book, it took me right back to my seven- or eight-year-old self who was reading the book for the first time and just discovering this magical world. There was some controversy a couple of weeks ago over an article that said that adults should be embarrassed to read young adult (YA) novels. I have to say that I disagree with the fundamental premise of the article. I think that people should read whatever they want to! Of course, not every genre or type of book is for me, but I’m not going to judge people for what they’re reading or tell them they should be embarrassed about it. I was thinking about that article when I started rereading Harry Potter and I’m not at all embarrassed that I’m reading these books now. I am a little sad that I didn’t get a chance to read them when I was a kid and I do feel like I missed out a bit on the cultural phenomenon, but better late than never, right?!
About- I’m sure y’all already know this, but the Harry Potter series is about a boy who finds out he’s a wizard and chronicles his life and his magical adventures.
Thoughts- I’m so happy that I’m reading this series right now. It’s just so delightful and I feel like it’s a perfect series to be reading in the summer. When started the first book, it took me right back to my seven- or eight-year-old self who was reading the book for the first time and just discovering this magical world. There was some controversy a couple of weeks ago over an article that said that adults should be embarrassed to read young adult (YA) novels. I have to say that I disagree with the fundamental premise of the article. I think that people should read whatever they want to! Of course, not every genre or type of book is for me, but I’m not going to judge people for what they’re reading or tell them they should be embarrassed about it. I was thinking about that article when I started rereading Harry Potter and I’m not at all embarrassed that I’m reading these books now. I am a little sad that I didn’t get a chance to read them when I was a kid and I do feel like I missed out a bit on the cultural phenomenon, but better late than never, right?!
Review on Books 1-3:
About- I’m sure y’all already know this, but the Harry Potter series is about a boy who finds out he’s a wizard and chronicles his life and his magical adventures.
Thoughts- I’m so happy that I’m reading this series right now. It’s just so delightful and I feel like it’s a perfect series to be reading in the summer. When started the first book, it took me right back to my seven- or eight-year-old self who was reading the book for the first time and just discovering this magical world. There was some controversy a couple of weeks ago over an article that said that adults should be embarrassed to read young adult (YA) novels. I have to say that I disagree with the fundamental premise of the article. I think that people should read whatever they want to! Of course, not every genre or type of book is for me, but I’m not going to judge people for what they’re reading or tell them they should be embarrassed about it. I was thinking about that article when I started rereading Harry Potter and I’m not at all embarrassed that I’m reading these books now. I am a little sad that I didn’t get a chance to read them when I was a kid and I do feel like I missed out a bit on the cultural phenomenon, but better late than never, right?!
About- I’m sure y’all already know this, but the Harry Potter series is about a boy who finds out he’s a wizard and chronicles his life and his magical adventures.
Thoughts- I’m so happy that I’m reading this series right now. It’s just so delightful and I feel like it’s a perfect series to be reading in the summer. When started the first book, it took me right back to my seven- or eight-year-old self who was reading the book for the first time and just discovering this magical world. There was some controversy a couple of weeks ago over an article that said that adults should be embarrassed to read young adult (YA) novels. I have to say that I disagree with the fundamental premise of the article. I think that people should read whatever they want to! Of course, not every genre or type of book is for me, but I’m not going to judge people for what they’re reading or tell them they should be embarrassed about it. I was thinking about that article when I started rereading Harry Potter and I’m not at all embarrassed that I’m reading these books now. I am a little sad that I didn’t get a chance to read them when I was a kid and I do feel like I missed out a bit on the cultural phenomenon, but better late than never, right?!
Review on Books 1-3:
About- I’m sure y’all already know this, but the Harry Potter series is about a boy who finds out he’s a wizard and chronicles his life and his magical adventures.
Thoughts- I’m so happy that I’m reading this series right now. It’s just so delightful and I feel like it’s a perfect series to be reading in the summer. When started the first book, it took me right back to my seven- or eight-year-old self who was reading the book for the first time and just discovering this magical world. There was some controversy a couple of weeks ago over an article that said that adults should be embarrassed to read young adult (YA) novels. I have to say that I disagree with the fundamental premise of the article. I think that people should read whatever they want to! Of course, not every genre or type of book is for me, but I’m not going to judge people for what they’re reading or tell them they should be embarrassed about it. I was thinking about that article when I started rereading Harry Potter and I’m not at all embarrassed that I’m reading these books now. I am a little sad that I didn’t get a chance to read them when I was a kid and I do feel like I missed out a bit on the cultural phenomenon, but better late than never, right?!
About- I’m sure y’all already know this, but the Harry Potter series is about a boy who finds out he’s a wizard and chronicles his life and his magical adventures.
Thoughts- I’m so happy that I’m reading this series right now. It’s just so delightful and I feel like it’s a perfect series to be reading in the summer. When started the first book, it took me right back to my seven- or eight-year-old self who was reading the book for the first time and just discovering this magical world. There was some controversy a couple of weeks ago over an article that said that adults should be embarrassed to read young adult (YA) novels. I have to say that I disagree with the fundamental premise of the article. I think that people should read whatever they want to! Of course, not every genre or type of book is for me, but I’m not going to judge people for what they’re reading or tell them they should be embarrassed about it. I was thinking about that article when I started rereading Harry Potter and I’m not at all embarrassed that I’m reading these books now. I am a little sad that I didn’t get a chance to read them when I was a kid and I do feel like I missed out a bit on the cultural phenomenon, but better late than never, right?!