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Showing posts with label Angeline Boulley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Angeline Boulley. Show all posts
Thursday, April 20, 2023
Thursday This & That
I've been a bit M.I.A. this month. Although I've still been reading, everything else has kind of taken a back burner to the big exam I just completed. I became an accredited genealogist earlier this year, with a specialty in the U.S. Southwest region (Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and California, as defned by ICAPGen), but, because I'm a little crazy, I decided to accredit in an additional region. This one has actually been a long time coming thanks to COVID delays, but I finally took the 8-hour exam to accredit in the U.S. Great Lakes region (Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois). It was stressful, but I'm done. Keep your fingers crossed that I pass it!
As a reward for completing my testing (not that I ever really need an excuse), I treated myself to a Barnes & Noble trip. I considered driving to Tempe to hit up my local(ish) indie, Changing Hands Bookstore, but after a long morning of testing, I was basically on the verge of collapse and I just didn't want to drive that far. So, I stayed really local and bought this lovely trio at B&N:
(My son was shocked that I posed my treasures by the pool. Don't worry, no books were harmed in the making of this post!)
I've been dying to read all of these:
Nine Liars by Maureen Johnson—This is the fifth book in Johnson's fabulous Truly Devious series. The books are YA mysteries starring a teen true crime aficianado who uses her skills to solve cold and hot cases.
The Secrets of Hartwood Hall by Katie Lumsden—There's nothing I like better than a Gothic mystery set in a mysterious old house. This one fits the bill nicely.
Homecoming by Kate Morton—I may have mentioned a few (hundred) times that Morton has a new book out. She's one of my all-time favorite authors, so this was an auto-buy. I should have put Homecoming on top of the stack because it has a gorgeous cover. The novel is about a murder that takes place in Australia in 1959 and the modern woman who's determined to solve it once and for all.
I don't know what the weather's looking like in your neck of the woods, but here in the Arizona desert it's been in the low 80s. It's cool enough (in the shade at least) to read poolside. I'm super wimpy so I don't actually get in the water until the temperature's over 100. Luckily (or unluckily, depending on your opinion of Arizona's ridiculously hot weather), it won't be long now. Summer is my least favorite season, but at least I can always step outside and take a refreshing dip in my pool. Could be worse!
What are you all up to? Read anything good lately? I just started an e-ARC of Warrior Girl Unearthed, Angeline Boulley's second novel, which comes out on May 2. It has to do with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). I'm only a few chapters in and it's already eye-opening and intriguing. On audio, I'm listening to The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan. I've read and loved most of Ryan's books. This one feels slower than her others, but it's still an enjoyable listen.
Breaking news: I'm hoping to actually get a review posted before the week's out! Right? It's been a hot minute since that's happened around here. Stay tuned...
Thursday, August 05, 2021
Buzzy YA Mystery/Thriller an Engrossing, Satisfying Read
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Half Ojibwe and half white, 18-year-old Daunis Fontaine is used to walking the line between her mixed identities and cultures. As an unenrolled tribal member, she's not quite part of the Native world. As a Native, she's not exactly immersed in the white world either. It shouldn't matter, but it does, especially in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. That's why Daunis can't wait to escape to college in Ann Arbor, where she can start studying for her medical degree. A family emergency has delayed her plans, but it won't be forever. Soon, she'll be able to break free. In the meantime, she'll continue volunteering at the rec center, working on her hockey game, and trying not to fall under the spell of the hot new guy on the rink.
When Daunis witnesses a murder, it shakes up her careful plans. Suddenly, she finds herself in the middle of an FBI investigation centering on a dangerous new drug. Reluctantly agreeing to go undercover in order to help, she's thrust into a dangerous world that could put everything she's worked for and dreamed of at risk. She's dedicated to helping her community, but at what cost? People are dying around her; Daunis does not want to be next. As shocking revelations come to light, she learns some startling truths about her family, her friends, and the clashing worlds that combine to make her who she is. Will her life ever be the same again?
Firekeeper's Daughter, a debut novel by Angeline Boulley, has been receiving massive buzz ever since it came out in March. And no wonder. It tells a sweeping, multi-faceted story set against the backdrop of a unique, complex community. With its intimate look at Ojibwe customs and mythology, it feels more layered, more expansive than other teen thrillers. That being said, the mystery at its core is compelling, with enough twists to keep it interesting. Yes, I saw some of the story swerves coming and yes, elements of the tale seem far-fetched, but neither detracts much from this absorbing page-turner. The characters are colorful and well-drawn (with the exception of Jamie, who's pretty blah for a leading man). Boulley's prose is skilled and assured. The plotting is tight and taut. All things considered, I quite enjoyed this buzzy #OwnVoices novel. Pretty sure I'm not the only one who's waiting anxiously to see what Boulley does next!
(Readalikes: Reminds me a little of the Wind River Reservation mystery series by Margaret Coel and Hearts of the Missing by Carol Potenza)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a dozen or so F-bombs, plus milder expletives), violence, depictions of underage drinking/partying, depictions of illegal drug use, sexual content (including a rape scene), and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Firekeeper's Daughter with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Friday, June 25, 2021
The Mid-Year Book Freak-Out Tag—2021 Version
I saw this tag on Nicole's blog, BookWyrm Knits, and thought it looked like a fun way to assess where I am in my reading now that we're just about halfway through 2021. I'm not sure who originally created this tag—if it was you or you know who it was, please let me know so I can give credit where credit is due. At any rate, here's how Nicole did it, so I'm going to follow her format:
Total Books Read in 2021 So Far
98
My goal is to read 200 books this year, so I'm right on track. Goodreads says I'm two books ahead of schedule. Go, me!
Best Book You Read in 2021 So Far
I'm going to go with The Girls in the Stilt House by Kelly Mustain. It's a historical novel about two young women living on the Natchez Trace in Mississippi. Their hardscrabble lives entwine because of a murder, which creates an unlikely bond between them. The setting and characters in this book are so well drawn that I found myself really sinking into the story and caring deeply about what happened to the two main characters. This assured debut was an A read for me, one of only a few books I've truly loved this year.
Best Sequel You've Read in 2021 So Far
I love reading series! I'm always in the middle of a bunch of them, so I've read a number of sequels this year. I think my favorite so far is The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny. The 11th book in the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series, it's a mystery about a shocking discovery searchers find in the woods while looking for a missing boy.
New Release(s) You Haven't Read But Want To
I've talked a lot about new releases this year in my Top Ten Tuesday posts. You can check out this list, this one, and this one to see which I've been most excited about. I'll be listing even more new releases I want to read in my next TTT post, so look for that next week. In the meantime, here are the top three 2021 releases from the first half of the year that I haven't read yet but am looking forward to:
The Removed by Brandon Hobson—This already-released novel focuses on a Cherokee family and the 15-year-old tragedy that still haunts them.
Survive the Night by Riley Sager (available June 29, 2021)—The wait is almost over for this one, Sager's newest thriller. It's about a ride share gone horribly wrong.
Eat Your Heart Out by Kelly DeVos (available June 29, 2021)—I'm not huge on zombie novels, but this YA one just sounds like tons of fun. It's about a weight loss camp that is overrun by the creatures and the intrepid campers who must stop them.
Most Anticipated Release(s) for the Second Half of the Year
This is actually the exact topic for next week's Top Ten Tuesday post. Here are the top three I'm most excited about, although I've already read one of them.
Bluebird by Sharon Cameron (available October 5, 2021)—I loved this exciting WWII novel about a young woman who holds the key to a devastating secret, one that many people would kill to have. I can't wait for Bluebird to finally be out in the world. It's an excellent read!
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty (September 14, 2021)—Lots of readers are chomping at the bit for this new release. It's about a group of siblings who are dealing with the disappearance of their mother, possibly at the hands of their father.
Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney (available September 7, 2021)—This domestic thriller revolves around a couple celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary who win a weekend away in Scotland. The troubled union needs some TLC, but the getaway is not all it seems...
Biggest Disappointment
After Alice Fell by Kim Taylor Blakemore—I was really looking forward to this historical novel about a woman who is trying to get to the bottom of her sister's mysterious death at an insane asylum. The premise promised great things. Unfortunately, the story moves at a glacial pace and the characters are off-putting and unlikable.
Biggest Surprise
The Captive Kingdom by Jennifer A. Nielsen—I binge-read this middle-grade series because the latest book in the series was nominated in an awards competition I was helping to judge. While The False Prince was a decent read, the next two books really dragged for me. Needless to say, I really wasn't looking forward to reading the newest installment. To my great surprise and delight, The Captive Kingdom was a rollicking adventure story that breathed new life into the series. I ended up enjoying it very much.
Favorite New Author
I've read a lot of new authors this year, so this is a toughie. Because I've now read and enjoyed two books by both of these ladies, assuring that they are not one-hit wonders, I'm going to go with Sarah Stewart Taylor and Tessa Wegert. Both write twisty, atmospheric police procedurals.
Newest Favorite Character
Hmmm...the only one that is really coming to mind is Laurent Lepage, the 9-year-old boy who goes missing in The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny. He's an imaginative, boy-who-cries-wolf kind of child, one whom no one takes seriously. It's only when it's too late that his neighbors realize just how important he really was to their community. Unfortunately, Laurent will not be a recurring character.
Book(s) That Made You Happy
I've tried to read happier books this year since I tend to gravitate toward darker, more serious reads. Two of these are classics that I've read several times but decided to revisit in 2021. The other is a celebrity memoir that just made me smile. I listened to all of them on audio and the delightful narrations definitely added to the pleasurable reading/listening experience.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
The Answer Is... by Alex Trebek
Book(s) That Made You Cry
Interestingly, all the audiobooks above have sad parts that made me a little teary.
Favorite Review You Have Written This Year
Uhhh...I don't really have favorite reviews. According to Blogger stats, my review of A Distant Grave by Sarah Stewart Taylor has been my most popular review this year.
Most Beautiful Book You Have Gotten This Year
I don't really read graphic novels or other illustrated books. As far as cover art goes, though, I think The Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley stands out since it's so unique and eye-catching. I enjoyed the story as well.
What Books Do You Need to Read By Year's End?
I don't need to read anything, although I do want to read 102 more books to meet my goal for the year. As far as a reading plan goes, I don't really have one. I'm just choosing whatever looks good and keeping my fingers crossed that they pan out (a method that sometimes works and sometimes doesn't). I also need to catch up on writing reviews since I'm woefully behind. Since I've been rocking my reading challenges this year, I really want to make sure I finish all of them.
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I'm not into tagging people, but if you want to do this one, please do! I'd love to read your answers. How are you doing on your 2021 reading so far? What reading/blogging goals would you like to accomplish before 2022?
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Top Ten Tuesday: My New and Upcoming Spring TBR List, Part Two
There have been some fun Top Ten Tuesday topics over the years, but my favorites are always the seasonal TBR lists. It's enjoyable to see what everyone's planning to read. I love seeing which titles my fellow bloggers are excited about, which I need to add to my own list, and which upcoming reads we have in common. Because I love seasonal TBR lists so much, I actually started mine last week. If you missed it, here's Part One of Top Ten Upcoming Releases on My Spring TBR. There are lots of great books coming out in the next few months, so today I'm going to continue the theme with ten more new and upcoming releases that I want to read.
If you want to participate in TTT (and you definitely do), hop on over to That Artsy Reader Girl for all the details.
Top Ten Upcoming Releases on My Spring TBR List (Part Two)
1. The Block by Ben Oliver (available May 4, 2021)—I enjoyed the first book in this YA dystopian series about a boy who's been incarcerated in a futuristic prison that's (almost) impossible to escape. Now that he and his motley crew of buddies have done the impossible, they have to figure out what is going on in the outside world. Hint: It's not pretty.
2. The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba by Chanel Cleeton (available May 4, 2021)—Not only does this historical have a gorgeous cover, but the story sounds intriguing. It features three women—one of whom is a New York City reporter, another of whom is a Cuban revolutionary jailed for stirring up trouble, and the third of whom is a courier secretly working for Cuba's freedom. This trio comes together as their countries brace for war.
3. Forget Me Not by Alexandra Oliva (released March 2, 2021)—This thriller revolves around a woman who was born to replace a dead child, then left alone to raise herself in a walled-off rural property. When she sees something she shouldn't, she escapes, only to find herself in a modern world she's not prepared to inhabit. Although she tries to lose herself in virtual reality, her traumatic childhood has a fierce hold on her, which forces her to return and confront her past.
4. Girl in the Walls by A.J. Gnuse (available May 11, 2021)—When a new family moves into the home of a girl who has been orphaned, two brothers start catching disconcerting glimpses of a girl who seems to be living inside its walls. Is she real? As they try to cast her out, they bring a whole heap of trouble down on their own doorstep.
5. The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley (available May 25, 2021)—This time travel novel featuring a boy with amnesia sounds fun!
6. A Sitting in St. James by Rita Williams-Garcia (available May 25, 2021)—I've mentioned this YA novel before. It concerns all the residents of a Louisiana plantation, both those who live in the big house and those who reside in the slave quarters.
7. Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian (available May 4, 2021)—The Salem Witch Trials will never not make an intriguing backdrop for a historical novel. I've enjoyed many titles by Bohjalian, so I'm interested to see what he does with his newest book.
8. Are We There Yet? by Kathleen West (available today, March 16, 2021)—I enjoyed West's first novel, Minor Dramas and Other Catastrophes, about suburban moms behaving badly. Her newest concerns another smug mother whose perfect life is upended when she discovers her daughter is struggling, her teenage son has a secret life, and her own mother is keeping a shocking secret. As she tries to deal with these bombshells under the judgmental eyes of moms just like her, she learns some hard truths.
9. You'll Thank Me For This by Nina Siegal (available March 23, 2021)—The Dutch tradition of blindfolding teens and tweens and dropping them in the middle of the forest to see if they can find their way home is disturbing to Grace, an American married to a Dutch man. When her daughter engages in the practice and disappears, Grace is terrified. On her own in the wilderness, 12-year-old Karin fights for survival against something more sinister than just a silly Dutch tradition while her mother launches a desperate search to find her before it's too late.
10. Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley (available March 16, 2021)—This YA novel has been getting tons of pre-publication buzz. It concerns 18-year-old Daunis Fontaine, a young woman who has never quite fit in on her Ojibwe reservation. She's eager to make a new start at college, but she's pulled back to her hometown because of a family emergency. When she meets a dashing hockey player, she's intrigued, especially since he seems to be hiding an intriguing secret. Recruited by the FBI to go undercover in order to root out an illegal drug ring, she becomes enmeshed in a dangerous world that could mean the end of everything that's good about hers.
There you go, ten more new and upcoming releases I'm excited to read this Spring. Have you read any of them? What's on your Spring TBR list? I'd truly love to know. Leave me a comment on this post and I will gladly return the favor on your blog.
Happy TTT!
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