Tag: YA Books

Charming as a Verb | Book Review by Felicia

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 This was a 3.5 star kind of book. It was quite a charming and intriguing book to read. Ben Philippe has a great writing voice that is quite relatable. This book will have you on the edge but it accurately expresses how the college application process can be intense, overwhelming, and stressful. Plus, there is teen love and a happy ending. 

About:

This is a young adult novel about Henri, a Haitian American boy embarking on the journey to get into his dream college. 

Review:

This book starts off as a wholesome read then it sends you off on an emotional roller coaster. Henri has all the charm in the world but his charming skills can’t compete with the resources other students have at their disposal when it comes to getting into college. As a child of Haitian immigrants Henri’s college dreams become a family dream that involves an immense amount of pressure to commit to only one kind of future. However, Henri’s life intertwines with Corinne, a fellow classmate who helps him realize there might be value in pursuing your true passion and still having a successful life. This novel was an emotionally heavy read with the way it coincided with my own life. There were a few twists and turns that made me even reconsider my own path about college and that’s part of what reading is about. Sometimes it’s about decompressing but other times the reading journey can really help a reader navigate or affirm certain emotions. 

One True Loves | Book Review by Sam

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I’m giving Bryant’s second novel 4 stars. I’m loving this author’s quirky yet cool take on young adult romance. She has a fan in me and I can’t wait until her next release.

About:

One True Loves by Elise Bryant is our 2nd read from the author. This story is still within the same universe as Elises’s first novel Happily Ever Afters. This book follows Lorene and her journey of self-discovery and learning more about herself as well as true love. In this book we are confronted with the downsides of Black excellence as the standard and what it means for those who consider a nontraditional path in a traditional family.

Review:

Lorene is an eclectic and artistic young woman. This should not be a surprise considering that Lorene is a graduate of an elite arts high school. However, her family’s expectations weigh on her heavily. She has a lawyer dad and a nonprofit executive mother. More than that she has a genius little sister and an older brother on track to go to law school. Lorene has been accepted to NYU so she is no slacker, however she isn’t sure of her major. This has put her parents in crisis mode, and are demanding that she have a major by the end of the summer. 

For the duration of the summer Lorene and her family will be on a European cruise. Tessa, Lorene’s best friend and the main character from Ms. Bryant’s first novel, believes this is Loren’s opportunity to fall in true love (and Tessa has lots of pop culture references to millennial favorite the Lizzie McGuire Movie). However, Lorene is preoccupied with trying to determine what she will do about her college major. 

As the story goes along we find Lorene opening herself up to love interest Alex. They had a rocky start and they seem to be polar opposites, in contrast to Lorene’s high level artistry and indecisiveness about her future, Alex is a Pre-Med major with a 5 year plan to follow in his mother’s footsteps to become a doctor. Despite Alex’s seemingly straight and narrow personality, he is the one that makes Lorene realize that her artistic accomplishments is just as valuable as her family and siblings’ academic accomplishments. Lorene opens up more and more to the idea that she can follow her passion for art as well as follow her heart. 

In the end, Lorene realizes that the Black excellence standard that her family has upheld, while done out of the belief that this was the way for them to be successful and achieve all that they could out of life – it can be quite damaging. It can cause anxiety and keep one from pursuing a life of their dreams. She learns to no longer be afraid of her passions or her desire to be truly in love. 

I continue to love the quirky teenagers that Ms. Bryant writes about. Within each of her novels there has been a message larger than romantic love. These teenagers are learning to fall in love with themselves and to recognize the greatness within themselves outside of what the world describes as “success and achievement”. I suggest this read to anyone who is interested in stories with multi-layered messages and cute romance woven together.

Podcast 11 Show Notes

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 For episode 11 we read J. Elle’s debut novel Wings of Ebony.

About the Author

J. Elle is a former educator and first-generation college student. She has a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas at Austin, where she majored in Journalism with a minor in Rhetoric & Writing. She also has a Master’s in Educational Administration. J. Elle became a published author by winning DVPit in October 2018 (DVPit is a Twitter pitch contest literary agents and publishing professionals peruse to scout for talent). When she’s not writing, Elle can be found mentoring aspiring writers, binging reality TV, loving on her three littles, or cooking up something true to her Louisiana roots. 

Book Look

This book has a beautiful fantasy-esque cover and is reminiscent of other fantasy book covers the sisters have read such as Legendborn. The representation of the natural hair on the cover is a beautiful touch.

Bookmark

  • And for you reader, there is an amber in you that’s hungry to burn. That is your magic. Let it. (dedication)
  • You don’t get it. I see you trying to work through it, but I can’t let you keep hurting me or anyone in the process. p. 593

POV

Felicia’s least favorite character was the General, his character and motives ultimately didn’t really add up to her. In a world of magic – he still hates Black people. Sam was questioning throughout the novel, who can she trust? Sam’s least favorite character was the Chancellor, and hated that he ruled as a dictator but was treated as a God. Sam also didn’t like “The Gray People” or basically all the white people in the magic world. The sisters agreed on their favorite character being the grandmother figure, Ms. Iyelola, she was a courageous boss! Sam also was found of Jamal and Bati, who were from the tribe of true magic wielders. They came through for the main character, Rue.

Deep Dive

A major theme of the book was Black identity, giving back to your neighborhood, and showing up for your family and closest friends – As Rue would put it your ride or dies. For a fantasy novel, the back and forth timeline came off as confusing for Sam at some points. Rue had to navigate friendship and family to get to the truth of the magic inside of her. The story is based in magic, but it speaks to larger themes based on the Black experience. The sisters talk through and recognize the parallel between circumstances in the book and the reality/ramifications of slavery, racism, and white privilege. Sometimes, it seemed contradictory how much Rue wanted to put on for her hood and talked about “the block” supporting each other but, Rue couldn’t really get over the idea that she had to do everything her self or save the community herself until the end, when she realized that a victory would require everyone’s help. Although the sisters did comically disagree about how much Tasha could help. In Sam’s mind, with no magic Tasha had no business trying to help and jeopardize the mission while Felicia suggested she be the lookout (or something!). It wasn’t either sisters favorite read, but they both found the message to be beautiful, sister, family and knowing that your magic can’t be put out or dimmed by others, it’s forever inside of you.

Podcast 10 Show Notes

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In honor of Pride month  The Bootleg Book Club read You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson 

About the Author

Leah Johnson was raised on the west side of Indianapolis, Indiana. While in college at Indiana University Bloomington, she interned at the Wall Street Journal, WFIU, and WPLN. Johnson received her MFA in fiction writing from Sarah Lawrence College. Leah currently lives in Brooklyn, her debut novel helped her with accepting her queer identity,  it was a Stonewall Honor Book, the inaugural Reese’s Book Club YA pick, and named a best book of the year by Amazon, Kirkus, Marie Claire, Publishers Weekly, and New York Public Library.

Book Look

This book has a vibrant purple background with the profile image of a young black girl with natural hair, a crown on her head, and a smile on her face. This cover immediately showcases the wonderful joy and happiness a Black girl can embody.

Bookmark

  • “The place in which I’ll fit will not exist until I make it” James Baldwin 
  • I’m sorry I never told you to slow down when I saw how hard you were pushing yourself. … my little star. I never want to tell you not to burn as fast and as bright as you can”  246
  • “I never needed this race or a hashtag or the king to be a queen. I was born royalty. All I had to do was pick up my crown.” p.390
  • “Just because it could be worse doesn’t mean you don’t get to acknowledge how much it sucks, you know.” p. 474

POV

Samantha’s favorite character/group was how the main character’s ,Liz’s, family unit worked together. Felicia’s favorite character was the band teacher and Mack. Both individuals were great people who truly supported Liz and ensured she knew her worth. Both Sam and Felicia agree that the obvious least favorite character choice is Rachcel the main villain in the story. 

Deep Dive

This novel was a great coming of age, young adult romance story. Leah Johnson writes with charisma and a unique tone that immediately gets readers interested in the book. Sam and Felicia dive into how this novel made them think about their high school memories and what it felt like to lack confidence in yourself. In addition, the co-host talked about how race, class, and sexual orientation impact the main character’s journey.

Podcast 8 Show Notes

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A Retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice 

About the Author

Ibi Zoboi was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and now lives in Brooklyn, New York with her family. She has an MFA in writing for children and young adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She is well known for writing American Street, a National Book Award Finalist. 

Book Look

This was the shortest novel Sam and Felicia have read but it packed a punch. A retelling of Pride and Prejudice with a great modern edge added. Even the cover shows historical style with a new and vibrant graffiti effect on the top. 

Bookmark

  • “We were not supposed to be proud. We were not supposed to love these things so hard: the chipping paint, the missing floorboards, the gas stove we have to light with matches, the cracks in the windows, the moldy bathroom tiles, the mice and the roaches. But I’ve never known anything else. These broken things all spell home to me.” p. 444
  • “I wanted to write a love story filled with sweetness, joy, and beauty. But our current political situation was a constant noise and distraction. So much was happening in the world, and at times, it was hard to focus on the magic of first love […] I needed an anchor-a structure to hold on to, something that would guide this love story toward healing and reconciliation, if not for the characters themselves, then for me.” p. 472

POV

Overall Sam and Felicia’s favorite part is the poetry the main character writes all throughout the novel. Felicia loved the Janael Sisters as a whole; they were great characters to read. Felicia’s least favorite character was Zuri. She had a good heart but she came off a bit too judgmental and unwilling to be open to change. From Sam’s point of view she didn’t have much attachment to these characters. She appreciated the effort written to develop them but they can’t compare to the original. 

Deep Dive

Set in Brooklyn, New York Ibi Zoboi creatively uses the rich history of the city as the backdrop for a current and diverse new version of Pride and Prejudice. For the most part Pride follows the original storyline of Pride and Prejudice but this time around it follows an Afro-Latina family dealing with a few more issues such as gentrification in their neighborhood. 

Podcast 7 Show Notes

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The 7th book is Charming as a Verb by Ben Phillipe

About the Author

Elise Bryant was born and raised in Southern California. She graduated from California State with a B.A. in Africana studies. She also has a Masters in Special Education from Loyola Marymount University. Prior to her writing career, she was a special education teacher. Happily Ever Afters is her debut novel and her follow up One True Loves has also been published (our next read!).

Book Look

Sam and Felicia discuss how this book cover is bright and creative just as the main character Lenore. It showcases her vibrant art and readiness to go on vacation. We also love another natural hair style being showcased with Lenore’s beautiful locs.

Bookmark

  • “But maybe caring for ourselves is the ultimate celebration of how they’ve raised us. Having options you know? Not just surviving in this world..but living.” p. 134

POV

This time around Felicia and Sam had the same favorite character Etta. Etta was the youngest child but her personality shined bright. As a child genius, Etta had some funny lines and was a great advocate for her older sister Lenore. On the other hand, Lenore’s parents in the novel were two characters who ended up putting too much pressure on their kids. Even though the parents embodied Black excellence we got to see the consequences of taking the demands of Black excellence too far.

Deep Dive


There were many topics discussed in this week’s deep dive from Black excellence, heartbreak, to college decisions. Sam and Felica both agreed that they could relate to Lenore’s struggle to meet the Black Excellence expectations from parental influence and society. They further discuss how heartbreak impacts a young girl and the difficulty with moving forward. Lenore’s journey is quick but Sam and Felicia still understand how hard it is to decide what to do with your future. Overall, Sam and Felicia  are looking forward to the next novel by Elise Bryant.

Podcast 6 Show Notes

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The 6th book is One True Loves by Elise Bryant

About the Author

Elise Bryant was born and raised in Southern California. She graduated from California State with a B.A. in Africana studies. She also has a Masters in Special Education from Loyola Marymount University. Prior to her writing career, she was a special education teacher. Happily Ever Afters is her debut novel and her follow up One True Loves has also been published (our next read!).

Book Look

Sam and Felicia discuss how this book cover is bright and creative just as the main character Lenore. It showcases her vibrant art and readiness to go on vacation. We also love another natural hair style being showcased with Lenore’s beautiful locs.

Bookmark

  • “But maybe caring for ourselves is the ultimate celebration of how they’ve raised us. Having options you know? Not just surviving in this world..but living.” p. 134

POV

This time around Felicia and Sam had the same favorite character Etta. Etta was the youngest child but her personality shined bright. As a child genius, Etta had some funny lines and was a great advocate for her older sister Lenore. On the other hand, Lenore’s parents in the novel were two characters who ended up putting too much pressure on their kids. Even though the parents embodied Black excellence we got to see the consequences of taking the demands of Black excellence too far.

Deep Dive


There were many topics discussed in this week’s deep dive from Black excellence, heartbreak, to college decisions. Sam and Felica both agreed that they could relate to Lenore’s struggle to meet the Black Excellence expectations from parental influence and society. They further discuss how heartbreak impacts a young girl and the difficulty with moving forward. Lenore’s journey is quick but Sam and Felicia still understand how hard it is to decide what to do with your future. Overall, Sam and Felicia  are looking forward to the next novel by Elise Bryant.

Podcast 5 Show Notes

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The 5th book is Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant

About the Author

Elise Bryant was born and raised in Southern California. She graduated from California State with a B.A. in Africana studies. She also has a Masters in Special Education from Loyola Marymount University. Prior to her writing career, she was a special education teacher. Happily Ever Afters is her debut novel and her follow up One True Loves has also been published (our next read!).

Book Look

Felicia and Sam talk about how the cover of Happily Ever Afters captivated them right away. They wanted to know what the girl with the cute mini afro was thinking and loved all the stickers on her laptop. The sisters love beautiful black hair on display and the foreshadowing that all the designs provided for. 

Bookmark

Most of their favorite quotes came at the end of the book, but Sam did share a sweet moment between the main character Tessa and her new friend as he tried to help make sure the cream from her wash and go was properly worked in. 

  • “Don’t worry, I won’t touch your hair, I know that’s not kosher” pg. 50 
  • “You need to get out of this mindset that you don’t deserve to be here. You’re here for a reason. As a writer, an artist, you belong here. And nothing, not some mean girl, or even your own inner critic, can take that away from you.” pg. 303
  • “I thought I needed a real-life love story of my own to start writing again… but what I really needed, to find my own words and my voice again was to love myself. And I do” pg. 373 

POV

Sam’s favorite character was – Sam (the character). How fitting! She loved how he made an effort to be an ally without overstepping. He was a great listener and a great friend – Felicia completely agreed. They both also really liked Lenore who was a helpful friend to Tessa starting on day 1 at the art school. 

Their least favorite characters were Nico and Poppy. Poppy was clearly set up to be the mean girl and easy to dislike. Poppy’s distaste for Tessa was understandable, but Poppy just took it too far in Sam’s opinion. Nico just wasn’t the one and was never the one (Felicia’s words!). He was your typical bad boy and was clearly self absorbed. 

Deep Dive


Sam and Felicia absolutely adored Elise Bryant’s debut novel. The story was charming, funny, and took them back to their own high school days in some ways. The novel touches on young romance, friendship, and family. The book reminds the main character and you that your creativity has always been inside you and you are right where you belong – you just have to believe and be open to it! Happily Ever Afters is about self-love as much as it is about falling in love for the first time. This book is for every romance lover and should be on your TBR if you haven’t read it already.  Watch the full video to get more details on their thoughts or read Felicia’s book review. The sisters can’t wait to read One True Loves!

Happily Ever Afters | Book Review by Felicia

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Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant is a fresh, funny, and fantastic read.  I’m giving this novel a 3.5 because I wasn’t locked in and loving it all the way through. But, I still highly suggest you get a copy and read it for yourself. 

About:

Happily Ever Afters is  a novel about Tessa, a young high school girl with a passion and gift to write. She attends a new school where she can learn in an environment dedicated to the arts. But, at this new school she struggles with writing new material and starts to doubt her place at school.  In order to regain her writing spirit Tessa and her best friend create a plan for Tessa to experience her own love story in hopes that real life experiences will help Tessa to write again. 

Review:

Elise Bryant is a very talented writer. I enjoyed her style of writing and the voice she gave Tessa. I wasn’t super into the actual storyline but I did find delight in the character development and the care/ detail descriptions in certain scenes. 

I think that the energy Tessa gave certain people in the book who did not deserve her attention was frustrating. Tessa is such an amazing, chill, and artistic young girl who becomes enamored by the popular crowd despite having a solid friend group of her own. At the end of the day she acted like a typical young girl who needs to build up her confidence. Elise definitely succeeded in capturing the tone and struggles of the young Black girl experience. 

There is no doubt in my mind that Sam, Tessa’s new friend, was my favorite character. I am team Sam everyday, allday and I wish I could read more scenes with him and Tessa. His ability to be such a wholesome person was so refreshing.  He was just a young boy working on his cooking craft. There were other great characters but I really like the way Elise placed Sam as such a good friend and ally for Tessa to have in her life. 

Again, I wasn’t too into the storyline because it didn’t excite me or make me want to keep on turning the page. I did appreciate that Elise touches on themes related to  disability, friendship, mental health, and anxiety. This book did remind me of what it was like to be in high school. I was just like Tessa, an antsy girl who had talent but doubted her own skills and was up to crazy antics. Elise also touches on themes related to  disability, friendship, mental health, and anxiety.  

I would suggest reading this book and I am planning to read the next book in the series.