The Lilac People by Milo Todd

How I Came Across It... *I was in need of a Kindle novel to read while on my summer European vacation during the end of June and early July. I had seen this novel on several "must-read" lists so I decided to download it and read while traveling. I didn't get much time to read while in Europe, but did finish the novel when I returned home. What It's About - Five Things You Need to Know... *Bertie is a trans man living in Berlin during the 1930's.

*As Hitler rises to power, the Queer population is at risk of of violence and arrests.

*During the Nazi Regime, Bertie and his girlfriend Sofie, escape Berlin, and hide on a farm disguised as an elderly couple.

*As WWII is coming to an end, Bertie and Sofie, discover a young trans man that has recently escaped from a concentration camp. They take him in and hide him.

*Even with the war over, there is still a danger for trans and queer people so the three main characters make plans to escape Europe and make their way to America.

What I Thought of It - Five Observations/Reflections... *I was excited to read this novel published for adults, and hoping the historical fiction story would be a page-turner.

*The beginning of the story was a bit slow and I began to worry that novel wasn't going to be for me.

*The writing was "highbrow" and "academic" with lots of details and descriptions.

*I found the subject matter to be educational, disturbing, and eye-opening to how people were treated back then. The sad fact is many people are still mistreated because of their differences.

*Overall, the novel wasn't for me, but I do know it was well research and covered an important aspect of WWII.  

Who Should Read It... *Readers who gravitate toward historical fiction would be a great audience for this novel about Bertie, Sofie, and Karl. You should know the plot moves at a slow pace, there is a lot to sift through, but the overall theme of hope, resilience, and being yourself, comes through on each and every page. Happy Reading!

Rating... 3 out of 5 stars

Growing Home by Beth Ferry

How I Came Across It... *Several reading friends, both online and in person, recommended this middle-grade novel. I ordered a copy and got to reading as soon as it arrived. What a pleasant and different kind of reading experience. What It's About - Five Things You Need to Know... *The story centers around a young girl, named Jillian Tupper, and her parents who all reside at Number 3 Ramshorn Drive.

*In this house is an octagonal fishbowl which houses a goldfish named Toasty.

*There is also a beloved houseplant at Number 3 Ramshorn Drive whose name is Ivy.

*Throw in a spider named Arthur, a second plant named Ivy, and the household is in for an adventure like no other.

*As these household characters get to know each other, they realize there is an element of mystery and magic lurking around them.

What I Thought of It - Five Observations/Reflections... *I was pleased to see this is more of an illustrated novel than your typical middle-grade story.

*The illustrations were top-notch and completed by The Fan Brothers.

*The plot was unique, fresh, and quite different from any other story I've read.

*I loved the relationships that were formed between the animals, plants, and even the humans.

*While reading I wasn't sure how the characters and events would all come together to make sense, but author Beth Ferry tied everything together with a big beautiful bow.

Who Should Read It... *This is the perfect middle-grade novel for readers in grades two and above. I know the story would make for a strong and entertaining class read aloud in the second and/or third grade classroom. Readers in grades three and above, would be able to read the book with easy because of the format and illustrations. I'm thinking it going on my list of books to share with my upcoming fourth grade class. Happy Reading!

Rating... 4 out of 5 stars

When We Ride by Rex Ogle

How I Came Across It... *I was looking for some titles to download onto my Kindle for my summer trip to Europe. This young-adult title has been on my TBR list for quite some time. I decided it was time to read and boy am I'm glad I did. What It's About - Five Things You Need to Know... *Diego. and Lawson have been best friends since they were little boys. They treat each other more as brothers than friends.

*Diego has dreams of going to college and making something of himself.

*Lawson knows he doesn't have what it takes to get into college, so he takes a different path than Diego.

*As the school year proceeds, the boys find themselves on two very different routes.

*Diego knows what he should put at the forefront of his life, but he is also fiercely loyal to Lawson.

What I Thought of It - Five Observations/Reflections... *I literally read this book in one sitting. I could not put it down.

*Now, it was written in free-verse so that made the reading go a bit faster.

*As soon as I began, I was hooked and invested in both the lives of Diego and Lawson.

*The writing was so good and I found myself angry and frustrated with some of the decisions each boy made throughout the story.

*The ending was not what I was expecting and certainly tugged at the heart-strings. Who Should Read It... *I would recommend the novel to all readers in high-school along with the adult reader who enjoys reading young-adult novels. The story moves at a fast-pace and will keep the reader hooked for the entire reading experience. Happy Reading!

Rating... 5 out of 5 stars

Busted by Dan Gemeinhart

How I Came Across It... *I have been a fan of Dan Gemeinhart since his very first novel. I have loved them all. Many have been shared with my readers in my fourth grade class. I've met Dan on several occasions, and he is the best. I was excited to see he had written a new middle-grade novel and was even more excited when I was granted an E-Galley from NetGalley. The book will be released into the wild on October 7, 2025. What It's About - Five Things You Need to Know... *Oscar Aberdeen doesn't have the typical life of a twelve-year-old boy.

*He lives in a retirement home with his grandfather and has been there for quite some time.

*When Oscar finds out their rent is going to be increased, he wants to step up and help his grandfather get the money.

*When Oscar confides in resident, Jimmy Deluca, he finds a way to get the cash he is in need of.

*Oscar helps Jimmy "break out" of the retirement home and they set off an an adventure of a lifetime.

What I Thought of It - Five Observations/Reflections... *One of the things I admire most about Dan Gemeinhart is that each of his novels is quite different from his previous works.

*This was the perfect story to read during summer vacation 2025 because it was full of adventures, mysterious, and one wild ride.

*I so enjoyed the relationships between Oscar, Jimmy, and a new friend of Oscar's.

*For the most part, the plot is fun, silly, and full of twists and turns.

*There were some heart-warming moments toward the end of the story which is "signature" Dan Gemeinhart. Who Should Read It... *Dan's stories are perfect for readers in grades four, five, and six. They are also geared toward students in the middle-school setting. This particular story could be used with kids in grades three and above. It would make for a fun and engaging class-read aloud. Happy Reading!

Rating... 4 out of 5 stars

The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb

How I Came Across It... *I am a HUGE Wally Lamb fan. I was able to get an advanced copy of his latest novel via NetGalley. Even though I had read the E-Galley, I still wanted a hard copy for my at-home library. When the novel arrived on release day, I was surprised to see that it was an Oprah Book Club Selection. What It's About - Five Things You Need to Know... *Father and husband Corby is having a difficult time in life.

*He has lost his job and is silently struggling with an addiction.

*After a horrific accident, Corby is sent to prison.

*While in prison, Corby not only learns a lot about himself, but that of the other prisoners.

*He tries to make the best of his time, but also worries about what he has left behind outside the prison walls.

What I Thought of It - Five Observations/Reflections... *Because I'm such a fan of Wally Lamb novels, I was extremely excited to read his newest work of fiction. It had been many years since he had published something.

*When I began the novel, I noticed the writing was different from what I had come to know of Wally.

*The story line wasn't as deep, the writing wasn't as detailed, and the character development wasn't quite there.

*When I compared it to his other novels, I thought it fell short. When I compared the story to itself, I thought it was a decent story.

*There were moments of heartbreak, but overall the story wasn't what I was hoping for. But I'm certainly glad I read it and have another Wally Lamb novel in my collection. Who Should Read It... *If you have not read any previous novels by Wally, you will definitely find this story satisfying and enjoyable. If you have read his other books, you may be a bit disappointed that it doesn't measure up to "She's Come Undone", "I Know This Much Is True", and "The Hour I First Believed". Happy Reading!

Rating... 4 out of 5 stars

The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong

How I Came Across It... *I always love to see what Oprah is going to pick for her book club selections. Sometimes I'm on board and sometimes I take a pass. After hearing her describe this novel and watching her book club Podcast with the author, I bought myself a copy of the book. What It's About - Five Things You Need to Know... *Hai is nineteen years old and wants to end his life.

*Grazina is an elderly woman who saves Hai from making a horrific decision.

*After spending some time together, Grazina invites Hai to stay with her for a period of time.

*Hai gets himself a job at the local store/restaurant and meets a variety of locals who have a profound impact on him.

*Grazina leans on Hai and Hai leans on Grazina. A alternating relationship.

What I Thought of It - Five Observations/Reflections... *I was a little nervous going into the story because I thought it would be "above" my head.

*I found myself enjoying the start of the novel and reading about how the two main characters came to know each other.

*The story slowed down a bit and not much happened.

*This was definitely a story about "regular" people leading "regular" lives.

*The most powerful aspect of the story was the relationship between Grazina and Hai. Who Should Read It... *Readers of rich, strong, and highly praised literature, will definitely want to check out Ocean Vuong's second novel. While there might not be a lot of "action", you will definitely get to know the characters and feel what they are going through. Happy Reading! Rating... 3 out of 5 stars

The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff

How I Came Across It... *I'm actually not sure where or when I heard about this novel published for adults. There must have been some good reviews for me to buy a physical hard cover of the book. I finished it earlier this spring. What It's About - Five Things You Need to Know... *Ryan and Lillian Bright seem to have it all; marriage, child, and love.

*Lillian has a secret she is keeping from Ryan.

*Ryan has a secret he is keeping from Lillian.

*As Ryan and Lillian's daughter grows up, she begins to distance herself from her parents and the life they created.

*When a "stranger" shows up, the daughter must not only face her past, but the truths about her family.

What I Thought of It - Five Observations/Reflections... *Overall, I found the plot to be quite slow and had some moments when I struggled with continuing.

*The writing was beautiful and the characters were well developed.

*Because of the pace, I found myself skimming and scanning throughout the story.

*I just think the subject matter and pacing, wasn't for me personally.

*As I was writing this review, I did find many readers out there found this to be a strong and powerful. Who Should Read It... *I'm not sure? I know the story wasn't for me, but as I stated, many readers online have given this book rave reviews and high marks. If you enjoy character driven stories with beautiful prose, then his definitely might be the story for you. Happy Reading! Rating... 3 out of 5 stars