Say a Little Prayer is a realistic fiction young adult novel that follows young woman, Riley, through a difficult time in her life. She and her sister recently left the town’s church due to homophobia and her sister’s abortion, leaving the sisters feeling isolated and judged. Riley then slaps a girl at school and is disciplined with a week of church camp. At camp, Riley challenges herself to commit all seven deadly sins, instead of embracing the seven heavenly virtues.
Last Night at the Telegraph Club is an amazing and detailed historical fiction novel set in 1950s San Francisco, during the Red Scare, when there was a lot of cultural conservatism in America. The book is about 17-year-old Lily Hu, a Chinese American girl living in Chinatown, who is dealing with the struggles of her identity, family expectations and love. Lily is a very smart student who dreams of working at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
RuPaul is a famous entertainer and one of the most well-known drag performers in the world. This book tells the story of his life, starting from his childhood in San Diego and Atlanta to becoming a worldwide star with his TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race. It shows how he used his creativity and confidence to follow his dreams and how he faced and overcame many challenges. The book also talks about how he became a strong voice for being yourself and accepting others.
Summary: It’s been a few months of Nick and Charlie dating and Charlie feels ready to say “I love you” Nick feels the same way but is also concerned for Charlie due to his suspicion that Charlie has an ED (eating disorder) and is worried to come out to his dad. Soon it’s the start of a new school year and the couple have a new set of challenges to deal with.
Summary: Nick and Charlie are on another adventure to Paris with their friends and classmates! They both start telling other people about their relationship and being more open about themselves with each other. On the other hand, Tao and Elle finally face their feelings for each other and express them.
Summary: Charlie has just kissed Nick and feels as if he has ruined everything by doing so. Nick feels confused because he doesn’t understand his own sexuality though he knows that he didn’t want Charlie to feel horrible. They both deal with the aftermath of the kiss and how to proceed with their relationship.
Summary: Charlie Spring, a soft-hearted boy, sits next to Nick Nelson, a rugby player. They start becoming close friends making Charlie think he would never have a chance with Nick. On the other hand, Nick is struggling to understand how he feels. The two of them become closer and work each problem out together.
Simon Snow and his crew are back from America with another person with them, Shepherd. Simon and Baz must face a new mage who claims to be the chosen one, while Shepherd and Penny try to get rid of Shepherd’s curse. This book is the end to this trilogy and summarizes all the loose ties very well.
Adam Silvera’s They Both Die at the End is a Young Adult, LGBT novel that recounts the final hours of main characters Mateo and Rufus’ lives after being informed that they only have 24 hours to live. Confronted by this daunting news, both characters are forced to confront their fears and regrets as they set off together to fulfill their final wishes.
The Song of Achilles is and has remained one of my favorite books of all time. There are many quotes from this book that really hold a place in my heart. The plot doesn't take long to pick up, which is nice if you have a short attention span like me. I love all the Greek mythology references, but if you don't know too much about Greek mythology no worries you can still understand the book! It is a lovely forbidden slow burn romance.
