Trouble

They say don't judge a book by it's cover, but the cover of this book is why I picked it up. It just felt right. Only book lovers will understand that. This one didn't let me down. While it will not be on the shelf in my 8th grade classroom, it will be something I recommend to those who have gone on to high school- if you're still following my blog. This is the story of Hannah. She is fifteen and seemingly making terrible choices in the boy department. A lot of terrible choices. The kind of choices that will change her life. Then there is Aaron. He is running from his own terrible choice. He is heartbroken and damaged and not sure what his purpose in life is. Well, they meet. And Aaron doesn't want Hannah for what the other boys do and this confuses her. He sees her for who she really is and not who the others believer her to be. She isn't easy to befriend, there is a huge chip on her shoulder. But he needs a purpose in life and when they find out Hannah is pregnant, Aaron defines what a best friend is. Someone who sticks by you no matter the consequence. Someone who sticks up for you when it is the hardest. Someone who faces the devastatingly scary future by your side. Hannah didn't know what that kind of friend was until Aaron. Aaron finds being Hannah's friend gives him back his purpose in life. This is a beautiful book told from both Hannah and Aaron's perspectives. The characters grow and change as they become more than best friends, they become family. It is a hopeful book. Even if life throws curves your way, with a friend by your side, you can face anything. A best friend can help you heal. A best friend can throw you a lifeline. You just have to let them in. This is a book of mature content, so be warned. It is NOT for a younger or immature reader. It is also a British book, so some of the terminology can be confusing. That being said, I loved Trouble and look forward to reading more books by this author. Happy reading my friends!

The Wondrous and the Wicked

Oh my friends, the beginning of the school year and a marathon Netflix binge of Hell on Wheels, (Cullen Bohannon I think I love you) has consumed my usual reading time. But today I finally finished the Dispossessed Trilogy. The story of Luc and Ingrid, the gargoyle and the Duster, Nolan and Gabby, the demon hunter and the wannabe demon hunter, Grayson and Chelle, the hellhound and the girl who could never love a hellhound, all mixed in with the evil Axia, the demon with angel blood who wants to take over the world. Ingrid is trying to figure out the best ways to use her powers to take down Axia, who is trying to reclaim her angel blood from Ingrid. She is also trying to figure out a way to have a life with Luc, who is forbidden to have one with a human. Gabby is in hiding after killing a gargoyle, longing for Nolan to reach out to her after he sent her away. And Grayson. Ingrid's twin just wants to make things right for his family while fighting his hellhound blood. One will lose their life saving the others. One will find true love. One will be given the greatest gift imaginable. I will miss this world of the Paris gargoyles. It is such a clever premise. If you love a good supernatural thriller set in the City of Lights, start with the Beautiful and the Cursed. If you don't fall in love with Luc and Nolan, Grayson and Rory and even Hugh, then maybe the city will pull you in. Just find a safe place and hope a gargoyle will be watching over your shoulder. Happy reading my friends.