Death/Dying

Sofia’s YA Book Nook: We’re a Bad Idea, Right by K. L. Walther

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Sofia is a 13-year-old brilliant reader who aspires to be a book reviewer. Since she was 8 years old, on select weeks, Sofia shares her favorite books with other young people her age! She is one of the most well-read youth that we know, so she is highly qualified for this role!

 

Dear readers,

If you are looking for the perfect romantic and fun read for the summer, let me introduce We’re a Bad Idea Right? by K.L. Walther! I have been wanting to pick up a book by this author for a long time because of the fun cover art and raving reviews. This relaxed read would be a nice vacation book as it is easy to read and positive! I am glad to say that I look forward to reading more of her novels.

Goodreads Summary

This stunning first edition of We’re A Bad Idea, Right? will feature special designed edges! The business of love gets messy when two best friends decide to fake a romantic relationship in this uproarious and swoony novel by the bestselling author of The Summer of Broken Rules. Audrey Barbour has had enough of following the rules. Eighteen years of being the perfect daughter-exceptional grades, enviable college acceptances, tame dating history-and still, her parents don’t trust her enough to let her study her passion, glassblowing, on a prestigious fellowship. So when her best friend Henry proposes an outrageous fake-dating scheme to win back his ex-girlfriend, it feels like the first step to shaking up her perfect life. And the second? That comes when Audrey’s parents go out of town, sparking a high-risk, high-reward solution to pay for her fellowship-renting out her family’s Connecticut mansion online. With the help of her new fake-boyfriend, it shouldn’t be hard to pull off… right? But when her best intentions start to unravel, Audrey will have to reckon with who she is, what she wants, and what it really means to play life by her rules-all with her heart on the line.

My Thoughts

Everything about this book is very immersive. I found myself getting sucked into it and forgetting about reality because of the cute characters and setting. Audrey is a likeable main character who seeks to forge her own path as a glassblower, a career path that her affluent parents would have never considered. At times, she finds herself questioning whether chasing her dreams is really the right choice when she has a college offer at UPenn Wharton that her wealthy parents are happy to sponsor. Her parents see glassblowing as a hobby, not a future. This forces Audrey to decide between pleasing her parents or living the way she wants to. While sorting out her academic life, Audrey’s close friend Henry gets broken up with. They decide that the best way for Henry to get back with his ex is an elaborate fake dating scheme. The only issue is, Audrey could discover some feelings for him. When Audrey takes a leap of faith and commits to Blueridge while her parents are away on vacation, she needs to figure out how to tell them, and pay the $10,000 fee. She has less than half of that in her savings and needs to find a way to pay it back to her parents before they notice it in their missing bank account statements. Luckily, their house has a beautifully designed guest house which could be rented out to tenants. Sounds like the perfect plan, right?

We’re a Bad Idea Right? is a YA novel which includes the mature theme of alcohol.

**Thanks so much, Sofia!**

Sofia’s YA Book Nook: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab

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Sofia is a 13-year-old brilliant reader who aspires to be a book reviewer. Since she was 8 years old, on select weeks, Sofia shares her favorite books with other young people her age! She is one of the most well-read youth that we know, so she is highly qualified for this role!

 

Dear readers,

Please let me introduce you to The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab, a twisty time travel novel that explores themes of identity! The plot for this book is very interesting, following main character Adeline who is immortal and is unable to leave an imprint on anything or anybody. This means people forget who she is as they look away, even her own parents. As Adeline navigates her lonely existence with no one but the devil for company, she must decide if her life is even worth living for.

Goodreads Summary

A Life No One Will Remember. A Story You Will Never Forget. France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever-and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world. But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name.

My Thoughts

The premise of this novel is very intriguing and I love how Schwab hints at different parts of Adeline’s 300 year existence throughout the story, separating the long amount of time very nicely. Since the time period changes so frequently, I never found myself getting bored of one setting. I was actually looking forward to revisiting the time plots. I listened to about half of this book on audiobook but found that I preferred physically reading the words on the page as it made the story feel more impactful. Anyway, this book is 18 hours long so if you are looking for a story you can listen to for a long time, this is it! The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue explores what it means to be forgotten and the impact that leaves on a person. 

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is an adult novel that handles themes of death, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, toxic romantic relationships and being forgotten. For these reasons, I believe a mature high schooler could appreciate this piece of literature.

**Thanks so much, Sofia!**

Sofia’s YA Book Nook: When Haru Was Here by Dustin Thao

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Sofia is a 13-year-old brilliant reader who aspires to be a book reviewer. Since she was 8 years old, on select weeks, Sofia shares her favorite books with other young people her age! She is one of the most well-read youth that we know, so she is highly qualified for this role!

 

 

Dear readers,

If you are looking for a tragic book about what it means to lose the people you care about, let me introduce you to When Haru Was Here by Dustin Thao. I have been wanting to read this book ever since I read You’ve Reached Sam (link to review) which literally brought me to tears. Eric is still finding himself after the sudden loss of his best friend and love interest Daniel. In the previous summer in Japan, Eric meets adventurous and charismatic Haru who wants to show him through Tokyo, but even though they are having fun, Eric cuts it short to hang out with Daniel. After Daniel’s sudden death, Eric is in a cafe, processing the news when Haru goes and sits down next to him. This book reminds me of Studio Ghibli films with their magical realism components and atmospheric writing! Fans of “My Neighbor Totoro” might enjoy Haru’s similar, yet more complex presence.

Goodreads Summary

We Are Okay meets Wandavision in this novel about loss, and learning to let go. After the death of his best friend, Eric Ly creates imaginary scenarios in his head to deal with his grief. Until one of them becomes real when a boy he met last summer in Japan finds his way back into his life. When he least expects it, Haru Tanaka walks into the coffee shop and sits down next to him. The only thing is, nobody else can see him. In a magical turn of events, Eric suddenly has someone to connect with, making him feel less alone in the world. But as they spend more and more time together, he begins to question what is real. When he starts losing control of the very thing that is holding him together, Eric must finally confront his reality. Even if it means losing Haru forever.

My Thoughts

When Haru Was Here shows the journey as Eric goes through many emotions regarding Haru, and how confusing his appearances are. A significant motif throughout this novel is the little bell Eric hears each time Haru is about to appear. To me, the bell served as a clear sign that Haru was a figment of Eric’s imagination, an idea that Eric struggled with. In his state of grief, Eric is manipulated by people around him and taken advantage of. His new coworkers take him to parties with excessive liquor even though he is underage. This exposes him to wealthy men who don’t have his best interest in mind, only looking for a disposable lover. Eric is forced to choose between Haru and his abusive partners. The entire novel shows what grief can do to a person, as Eric seems to be slipping in and out of reality constantly. When Haru Was Here portrays the emotional trauma that occurs when one loses a loved one, and the implications on people’s mental health.

When Haru Was Here is a YA novel that is appropriate for ages 13+. Some mature themes to be aware of are death of a loved one, grief, and excessive alcohol consumption.

**Thanks so much, Sofia!**

Sofia’s YA Book Nook: The New Girl by Jesse Q. Sutanto

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Sofia is a 13-year-old brilliant reader who aspires to be a book reviewer. Since she was 8 years old, on select weeks, Sofia shares her favorite books with other young people her age! She is one of the most well-read youth that we know, so she is highly qualified for this role!

Dear readers,

Hello and welcome to another book review! Today I want to share with you, The New Girl by Jesse Q. Sutanto! This YA thriller had me HOOKED for two days and I couldn’t stop reading it! I have read another book by Sutanto, The Obsession but I prefer The New Girl (even though I also loved The Obsession). This book talks about the struggles Lia faces as she starts school in a place where wealth is common and diversity is practically nonexistent. As Lia starts her adventure at Draycott, she slowly discovers that nothing is as it seems.

Goodreads Summary

Lia Setiawan has never really fit in. When she wins a full ride to the prestigious Draycott Academy on a track scholarship, she’s determined to make it work even though she’s never felt more out of place. But on her first day there she witnesses a girl being forcefully carried away by campus security. Her new schoolmates and teachers seem unfazed, but it leaves her unsure of what she’s gotten herself into. As she uncovers the secrets of Draycott, complete with a corrupt teacher, a golden boy who isn’t what he seems, and a blackmailer determined to get her thrown out, she’s not sure if she can trust anyone–especially when the threats against her take a deadly turn.

My Thoughts

Wow, The New Girl was just too exciting to put down! I love the plot, and I really feel like I am with Lia as she is discovering Draycott. After the first day, she already feels out of place and that feeling just grows. When she starts getting bullied and blackmailed I truly feel bad for her. I had a lot of fun though trying to uncover what is actually happening at Draycott, between corrupt teachers, bullies and drugs. I found it cool that Lia’s character was a good example of resilience, because even after all of the challenges she faced coming to a new, elitist school, she never gave up on fighting for what she thought was right. 

On Amazon, The New Girl is recommended for ages 14-18 and this is most likely for the constant mentions of drugs, people dying, sometimes from overdoses, and the vast amount of bullying. They literally have an app that is dedicated to bullying, Draycott Dirt. Overall, The New Girl was a captivating, fast-paced thriller that I absolutely loved! Happy reading!

**Thanks so much, Sofia!**

Sofia’s YA Book Nook: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

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Sofia is a 13-year-old brilliant reader who aspires to be a book reviewer. Since she was 8 years old, on select weeks, Sofia shares her favorite books with other young people her age! She is one of the most well-read youth that we know, so she is highly qualified for this role!

Dear readers,

Please let me introduce The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, a mind-bending novel about time paradoxes and the meaning of life. In this impactful book, Nora Seed overdoses on antidepressants, but instead of dying, she is transported to a magical library that allows you to experience all of your possible lives if you were to make different decisions. Nora discovers lives where she is married to the man she left at the altar, is an Olympic swimmer, or pursues her childhood dream job, all while learning valuable lessons along the way. Nora’s intense emotional journey is an interesting one to follow, and the unique plot makes it very intriguing!

Goodreads Summary

Between life and death there is a library. When Nora Seed finds herself in the Midnight Library, she has a chance to make things right. Up until now, her life has been full of misery and regret. She feels she has let everyone down, including herself. But things are about to change. The books in the Midnight Library enable Nora to live as if she had done things differently. With the help of an old friend, she can now undo every one of her regrets as she tries to work out her perfect life. But things aren’t always what she imagined they’d be, and soon her choices place the library and herself in extreme danger. Before time runs out, she must answer the ultimate question: what is the best way to live?

My Thoughts

The Midnight Library challenges the ideas of regret and living one’s life to the fullest. Many decisions lead Nora to take her own life, but as she journeys through the library and the possible lives she could’ve had, she realizes that not one of them is perfect. When faced with all of the things that went wrong, but also right in her “root life,” she sees that life is worth living no matter what happens. I love the overarching theme of trying to live life without regrets, taking opportunities as they come and not mourning past decisions as they might not’ve turned out the way you would’ve liked. This novel has shown me the power decisions hold, while also teaching me not to spend time regretting decisions I’ve already made. As Nora searches through all her lives, one can’t help but wonder if she will end up finding her true self?

The Midnight Library is an adult novel, categorized by its mentions of suicide, death, drugs, and depression, though it would be appropriate for most high school audiences. The deep exploration into the meaning of death reveals a powerful message that rings true from YA readers to adults.

**Thanks so much, Sofia!**

Sofia’s YA Book Nook: The Heart of Everything by Marc Levy

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Sofia is a 13-year-old brilliant reader who aspires to be a book reviewer. Since she was 8 years old, on select weeks, Sofia shares her favorite books with other young people her age! She is one of the most well-read youth that we know, so she is highly qualified for this role!

Dear readers,

Hi and welcome to another book review! Today I would like to introduce The Heart of Everything by Marc Levy! This shorter story detailing what it means to lose someone was originally published in French, but this translated copy is still written beautifully. Thomas, the main character, feels like he is being delusional when his father who has been dead for five years comes knocking at his door. This moment turns out to be the beginning of a journey, physical and emotional, that this father and son duo embarks on. Raymond, Thomas’s father has such a funny personality that it lightens the sadder themes of the book and definitely made me laugh out loud a few times! 

Goodreads Summary

Even death can’t break the bond between father and son in an uncannily funny and poignant novel about love, loss, memory, and family by Marc Levy, the bestselling author of P.S. from Paris. There’s nothing too unusual about a father asking his son for a favor—unless, of course, the father in question has been dead for five years. Thomas, a young virtuoso pianist living a quiet, carefully structured life in France, is stunned when his late father, Raymond, suddenly appears in his home. He’s not a ghost in the traditional sense-he’s real enough to ask for help. His request? That Thomas travel with him to San Francisco to find Camille, the long-lost love of his life. For Thomas, it’s as surreal as it sounds. And yet…it might be his last-in-a-lifetime chance to know his father as a man and to square the regrets of the past. Together they embark on a five-thousand-mile journey that questions the very nature of existence, proves that love never fades, and rekindles the curious, heart-tugging bond between a parent and child that somehow endures beyond death.

My Thoughts

This book had an unsuspecting hold on me while I was reading it, and I was always thinking about when I could read the next bit! The interesting boundary this book sits between makes it feel realistic while also having fantastical elements. I highly recommend picking this book up, not just because of the valuable insight it offers, but because it is such a funny and exciting novel. If you have any traveling coming up soon, I feel like this book is perfect for a flight, or even to read while on vacation. The entire book took me about 4.5 hours to read, which entertained me throughout my four day winter break trip! The chapters are on the shorter side, meaning that you can pick this book up anytime, even if you only have 15 minutes! The Heart of Everything is a sweet and impactful novel about the father-son bond, and how it overcomes death.

While The Heart of Everything is an adult novel, I believe it is perfectly readable for anyone who enjoys YA books. Some mature themes to keep in mind though are death, loss of a loved one, and drugs. Enjoy your reading!

**Thanks so much, Sofia!**

Sofia’s YA Book Nook: Nothing More to Tell by Karen M. McManus

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Sofia is a 13-year-old brilliant reader who aspires to be a book reviewer. Since she was 8 years old, on select weeks, Sofia shares her favorite books with other young people her age! She is one of the most well-read youth that we know, so she is highly qualified for this role!

Dear readers,

Let me introduce you to, Nothing More to Tell by Karen M. McManus, a thrilling YA mystery told from two perspectives! You follow Brynn as she investigates the murder of her former teacher while being an intern at an up and coming true-crime podcast called Motive. You also get to see the story from Tripp’s eyes, one of the people who found the teacher’s body four years prior. As Brynn and Tripp work together, overcoming their past, they uncover secrets that will change them forever. This book was such an amazing read, and I feel that anyone who enjoyed A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder would absolutely love it! 

Goodreads Summary

Four years ago, Brynn left Saint Ambrose School following the shocking murder of her favorite teacher—a story that made headlines after the teacher’s body was found by three Saint Ambrose students in the woods behind their school. The case was never solved. Now that Brynn is moving home and starting her dream internship at a true-crime show, she’s determined to find out what really happened. The kids who found Mr. Larkin are her way in, and her ex-best friend, Tripp Talbot, was one of them. Without his account of events, the other two kids might have gone down for Mr. Larkin’s murder – but instead, thanks to Tripp, they’re now at the top of the Saint Ambrose social pyramid. Tripp’s friends have never forgotten what Tripp did for them that day, and neither has he.

Just like he hasn’t forgotten that everything he told the police was a lie. Digging into the past is bound to shake up the present, and when Brynn begins to investigate what happened in the woods that day, she uncovers secrets that might change everything – about Saint Ambrose, about Mr. Larkin, and about her ex-best friend, Tripp Talbot. Four years ago someone got away with murder. More terrifying is that they might be closer than anyone thinks.

My Thoughts

Nothing More to Tell is a riveting story that kept me on the edge of my seat! It is so exciting to see Mr. Larkin’s murder unravel, clue by clue, while Brynn and Tripp investigate. I loved the occasional flashback that Tripp had about the day Mr. Larkin was murdered, which allowed me to combine the information I already knew about the case with small details from when it actually happened. During the story, Brynn is also struggling with her friends, who she has barely talked to in the four years she was in another school. I liked the depth that Brynn’s friend struggles added to this book, making it more relatable than just a murder. Brynn and Tripp’s relationship is also fun to watch, as they decide how they feel about one another. The character dynamic plus the murder makes Nothing More to Tell a fixating read!

I would recommend this book for ages 12+ because of murder and many instances of underage drinking. All in all, Nothing More to Tell is an exciting book that is a must-read for lovers of murder and mystery! Enjoy!

 

**Thanks so much, Sofia!**