Fresh Reads for Spring 2025

 I am tooting my own horn this month as I have finally started to reach personal goals and work on my TBR list. Work has been amazing, with a fun Mary Blair Tea Party under my belt for Women's History Month and some progress completed on my own YA manuscript, I can't believe I still managed to finish two fantastic reads from noteworthy young adult authors. 

I started the month off with"Take a Chance on Me," by Elizabeth Eulberg. The title features all things London, swoony buskers, and a sarcastic quirky main character that many will relate to. Spoiler alert, this title also touches on body image and self-love, an important topic that needs to be addressed and Eulberg weaves it into the story with so much care and delicacy! I absolutely loved this story and teens will too. 

Mid-month, I braved the Los Angeles commute to work with an audiobook by Kim Culbertson titled Catch a Falling Star. Summary: Carter Moon is a high school student whose world is turned upside down when Hollywood comes to town, thus entering teen heartthrob, Adam Jakes. Carter agrees to play a part in his movie star world for a hefty price that comes with strings and the risk of putting her trust in Adam's hands. Readers will love this sweet romance full of spunk and a great back story to boot. 

November Reads 2024

 

This November, I picked up another fun read from one of my favorite juvenile authors, Lisa Greenwald. This story follows three friends who have not spoken in a year due to a misunderstanding and post-pandemic events. 

Summary: Millie, Bea and Nora bonded over paper fortune tellers that they would create and share but it was also what tore them apart. Now the girls are living in different cities and trying to survive their own challenges. As their day to day lives continue, fortunes are appearing in unexpected places with messages that seem tailored to their circumstances. Readers will be drawn to the story as the characters make amends and try to save something much more important than paper fortunes. 

This month, I became intrigued with the Hulu series Tell Me Lies by Lovering. Of course, no great series is without an excellent novel behind it so I can't wait to get my hands on the paperback. After some research, I learned that while the side characters are at the forefront of the series, the novel focuses more on Steven and Lucy. Let me know what you think! 

And last but not least, The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez. Fans of the first title, The Friend Zone will be excited to follow Sloan's journey as she starts to heal from the past. I loved the humor and heartfelt dialogue in the book and romance fans will too. 

November Reads 2023

 We are in the thick of fall. Can you believe it? As I sit here in my thick plaid sweater, braving the cold of the air conditioner at work... I wonder where the time went.

I have finished a couple of great books, so let me catch you up to speed:

During October, I picked up a middle school spooky read about an orphan who is adopted by a family haunted by their own secrets. This was creepy, with just the right amount of terror to keep you reading but not too much for those that spook easily. The Haunting by Duga is a quick horror fix for upper elementary and middle school readers. 

In early fall, I had to order the best-selling book " The Woman in Me," to read all about my favorite pop icon, Ms. Britney Spears. This one is juicy my friends! From Justin Timberlake, to the conservatorship, to all things Britney.... fans will enjoy this memoir of what makes her tick and what has brought her down. 

Drop a line and tell me what you are reading this fall. I am looking into cozy Christmas reads as we head into late November/December. 

Happy Reading! 

2023 Fall Reads

 Hello Everyone!

The Wacky Librarian is back with another great recommended read to get your ready for fall. I just finished a fantastic novel that has been on my "to read," list for many moons. If you have not read titles by this fun YA novelist, Julie Buxbaum, you have been missing out. 

Readers follow Jess; a self-conscious teen who is still healing from the lost of her mother. Throw in the fact that her father has decided to remarry and move then across the country to sunny California with the rich and elite. As Jess tries to fit in with her prep school classmates, she receives a mysterious text from a stranger who appears to be helping her navigate the high school  waters. Can Jess trust this mysterious friend or is it just another ploy to make her life miserable? 

Other books by Buxbaum that you might enjoy:

#Juliebuxbaum

Love Decoded by Jennifer Yen

 Ambitious high school student Gigi Wong has created the perfect matchmaking app, inspired by the traditional match making skills taught by her Great Aunt. As she enters the app in a school contest, her life turns upside down. She has always been the perfect student, daughter and classmate, but when it comes to love and life she has a few lessons to learn especially when it comes to her new friend and transfer student Etta. As Gigi tries to help Etta become popular and accepted, she learns a few things about maintaining friendships and competiton. 

Teens will love Jennifer Yen's simple writing style. Her book "A Taste for Love," is a gem as well! These smart, kind, and beautiful characters host light fun-hearted reads perfect for the summer. I also love when Asian characters are depicted on the covers as this needs to be done more often. 

Summer 2023

 Wow! It has been over five months without posts. Never fear though, the Wacky Librarian is back with fun summer reads and recommended titles.

I just finished this historical fiction gem this month taking you back to Martha's Vineyard in the late 60s. It is full of social class clashes, drama and romance. 

Foster is a talented writer as she introduces us to a young nanny trying to fit into this elite world and get through the summer. Her ultimate goal? Find a husband a keep her college secret safe. Readers will love the style and flow of this perfect "escape" read as we are whisked into the world of catty housewives and overworked nannies seeking romance. This title was giving me all the MadMen vibes.

The Twelve Days of Dash and Lily by Cohn & Levithan

In the 2nd installment from the Dash & Lily series, we find young Lily in a holiday funk. As her ailing grandpa recovers slowly, she spirals into a depression full of doom and gloom... putting her holiday plans to a halt. Her devoted boyfriend Dash feels disconnected from the relationship and tries to put the holiday spirit back into Lily so that they can move forward with their love. Fate, drunk Santas, and Lily's new pattern of "disappearing" deem his tasks difficult though, and the two end up in a dance of breaks and makeups.

A must-read for holiday fanatics and admirers of the Netflix series based on the adorable book series by the dynamic duo Cohn and Levithan. 

What have I been reading?

 Is it really November? And the weather has actually changed? Well, pinch me I must be dreaming! 

 Here are a few reads I am currently enjoying: 

STAY TUNED FOR HOLIDAY PICKS COMING SOON!!!!!!!!!!

Sunkissed by Kasie West

 I've been a fan of  Kasie West for quite some time and find her to be a fun, lighthearted romance novelist. She seems to have grown in her writing with this summer themed title Sunkissed. Avery, is a people pleaser who has been betrayed by her best friend and boyfriend. Her parents have whisked her away to summer camp for family bonding with her social media crazed sister. It is here that Avery embraces her love of music and finds her voice. A perfect end of summer read for fans of Jenny Han and Nicholas Sparks. 

Bad Best Friend by Rachel Vail

 Hello Summer! Hello Readers!

I realize I am very late to the game with my book reviews, however I am right on time to share with you a special book by Rachel Vail that deals with some important issues. 

Niki is about to start 8th grade without her best friend. Much to her surprise, Ava picks another girl as her "best friend" during P.E class, leaving Niki shocked and upset. As the story progresses, we learn that Ava has no interest in being friends with Niki, at least not "out in the open." She is hoping to score points with the "in crowd," and leave Niki behind. 

Niki on the other hand longs for their friendship as she  tries to deal with her family struggles, her brother's autism, and new friendships without Ava by her side. I loved the way the author incorporated positive self-talk, and the aspect of "people pleasing." I believe this book is an important one for young girls to understand and grow upon. Kudos to Rachel Vail for writing fabulous realistic books for middle schoolers. Enjoy! 

#rachelvail #middleschoolreads #middleschoolbooks

We Used to Be Friends by Amy Spalding

 Not only is this title the same as one of my favorite iconic songs from the OC it is also just as fantastic! 

This dual narrative involves to besties Kat and James who are going through their senior year. It is an authentic story of what happens sometimes in friendships when we don't listen to words unspoken and hidden cues from our loved ones. Kat becomes involved with a female Quinn who she adores and James feels like an outsider. Kat can't quite wrap her head around James feelings and actions. James is currently dealing with her decision to break up with her wonderful boyfriend as she struggles with her parents' divorce. In this high school tale of friendship and coming into adulthood these two ladies unravel the truth about their differences as senior year comes to a close. 

A bit confusing to read as an  audio book but entertaining just as well. 

Romantic February Reads

 It's February! Time for romantic reads, Galentine's and all the good feels (or 'situationships' ?) Here are a few of my pics on the list for the month:

Juniors by Kaui Hart Hemmings 

Author of "The Descendants" brings us a teen read about romance and social class set in the islands of Hawaii. Lea Lane, a witty and strong junior must gauge how much she is willing to change to fit in with Hawaii's elite. Her move to the "upper east side" of the island, living in the guesthouse of  a popular classmate, has her world turned upside down. As her friendship with her housemate and her handsome brother grows, she must learn to trust her instincts in regards to risky behavior- both in love and friendship. Readers will love how this story does not down play adult themes in young adult fiction. 

Paris is Always a Good Idea by Mckinlay

Our heroine, still grieving the loss of her mom takes a trip to Paris and other romantic cities to settle herself and "find her mojo" again. As she travels, she rekindles old romantic friendships each giving her a new perspective on life. Although not a teen book, older teens might fun this romantic read light and full of self discovery.  

January Reads 2022

 This month I came across two very different books that hooked me in. Both titles are for middle school readers and hold different topics for this age group. 

Pumpkin Spice Up Your Life by Nelson

On a lighter note, I also read another title from the beloved Wish series. Nadine and Daniel have been best friends since they were little and have a love of creating coffee concoctions. Daniel, the barista and Nadine the cello star who loves to sample his delights. Just as  her feelings for him are starting to surface, Daniel falls in love with the new coffee shop owner's daughter Kiya.  At first, Nadine starts to help him woo over his crush as she plans her audition for an important music summer camp. Then things start to crumble as her mom resurfaces again into her life . Just when Nadine needs him the most he starts to focus all his attention on this new girl, while she must struggle to map out her feelings before its too late. Readers will be taken for an emotional ride with this touching story of first love and friendship. 

When You Know What I Know by Solter 

One day, afterschool Tori's uncle does the unforgiveable and touches her inappropriately. She tells her mom immediately, but her mom does not believe her. As Tori learns to find her voice, goes through therapy and feels her emotion and pain; she learns that he has done this to other children too. The author gives us a look at the emotional trauma of abuse through prose and careful imagery. This is such an important book. I loved that the author included resources at the back of the book for families experiencing trauma and abuse. 

Hot Cocoa Hearts by Nelson

    Hello fellow readers! I am ending the year with a  sweet book from the ever popular Wish Series. 

    This is a charming tale of first love, friendships, and dealing with grief. Emery Mason, our main character hates  Christmas. Ironically, she works at her parents' photo booth in the mall as an elf every holiday and her house, known as the Holly Jolly House in the neighborhood is always decorated with lights and plastic animals for all of the neighborhood families to enjoy. This year however, Emery is trying to impress  her  crush Sawyer, who hates the stereotypical winter season. She is torn between her authentic self and impressing him as memories spent with her late grandmother come back to haunt her during this time. She learns to share the past with a trusted friend, Alex. He is always there with a lending ear and a hot cup of cocoa. 

 Readers will enjoy finding out which crush Emery chooses this holiday season. It will be between staying true to what she knows or coming to terms with the past. 

Holiday Picks

 Tis the season for fun teen books and romance novels! I know it has been a minute since I have posted and let's not beat around the bush... since I have completed a book. I just finished Jennifer Yen's, A Taste for Love. This book is perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Jenny Han as we follow a young bright protagonist who has aspirations of becoming a famous baker much to the dismay of her strict mother. It is a timeless tale with a Jane Austin vibe that will have you well engaged. 

I am also hoping to get my hands on " So this is Christmas," for the holiday season. It sounds like the perfect book to cozy up with this winter. Let me know your thoughts and your favorite holiday reads in the comments below. 

#authorjenniferyen #authortracyandreen

#teenholidaybooks 

Summer Constellations by Sevigny

 What a summer it has been! With a blink of an eye, we are knee deep into fall. I wish the weather would catch up, but in Southern California we are here facing a 97 degree afternoon in mid September. 

I just finished a fun, quick read titled Summer Constellations by Alisha Sevigny. Our fierce protagonist, Julia looks forward to another summer working at her family's resort. Her summer fling Dan returns to the resort each year and she hopes they can rekindle their flame into something permanent. Much to her surprise, Dan brings his new girlfriend and she soon learns that the resort is in jeopardy of being sold. She befriends Dan's cousin in hopes that he can help her as a friend and maybe more. With spirit, spunk, a younger brother who suffers a serious illness and summer romance... this book is a great one to add to your list. 

Other titles I'm trying to finish...

Happy reading! 

Glitter Gets Everywhere by Clark

 Hope, sorrow and grief fill the pages of this title as we witness Kitty navigate the everchanging waters of grief. She longs for things to return to normal but they never will, leaving her sister and father trying to cope as a family. Her dad uproots the family to New York due to his work and we follow Kitty along as she tries to make the best of things and understand her grief. 

As a woman who just lost her own Mom, I found this book to give me hope, sorrow and many memories. 

The Retake by Jen Calonita

     It is so exciting to be back in the library exploring new books. I ran across a newish title from Jen Calonita and it did not disappoint. 

    Zoe has just started seventh grade and with that comes problems! Her and her best friend Laura have not been connecting on the same level as she had hoped. Zoe longs for their friendship to stay the same, but Lara has other people and things on her mind that don't include her. As our protagonist struggles to hold on tight to her friendship she comes across a mysterious app on her phone that allows her to "retake" scenarios in her life. She goes back in time to manipulate her circumstances surrounding the lost friendship only to find that fate still has its own agenda. Mixed with emotion, lessons on female friendship and middle school drama, this book is a must read for both contemporary fiction and fantasy readers. By the way.... who wouldn't want to "retake" the bad moments in their life? 

Books for Healing and Other Soft Reads

Hello fellow readers! I know it has been quite some time since I have blogged. 2020 was quite a year for me with many changes, and 2021 has quickly become a year of growth, healing, and then some! I have been reading and working on my own young adult fiction novel as many of you may already know, but if you're looking for some fresh reads... check out these books perfect for a year of healing: 

Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend by Katie Finn

Gemma's heart is broken at the beginning of summer by the love of her life. Rejected in a parking lot by her perfect guy and spotting him with a flirty tattooed girl was not quite how she pictured her season of fun to begin. She is sent off to the Hamptons with her father and pushed into a past that she must now come to terms with. As Gemma tries to get over her heartbreak and make amends with an old best friend, she is caught between telling the truth and finding a new love that may last. Fans of light romantic fiction will enjoy this read and may learn a lesson or two on revenge and love. I can't wait to finish off the series and share it with you.  

How to Be Calm by Anna Barnes

This easy to follow guide book focuses on ways we can input calmness and peace into our lives. The chapters include beautiful quotes and ideas which include changing our diet, scenery, and home for a peaceful life. Young adult will find the writing practical, inspiring and easy to follow. 

The Velvet Room by Snyder

This week, I re-read an old favorite from my childhood, The Velvet Room, and it was just as beautiful as I recall. What are some of your old favorites that you are reading during quarantine? Share them below. Also, if you love mysterious old mansions, historical fiction, and wanderlust characters... The Velvet Room is for you! 

She also wrote the fantastic novel, The Egypt Game, which is a fantastic story for middle schoolers depicting the time of Ancient Egypt. 

I'm also trying out a new hot pick from Barnes and Noble.... I'll be posting the review next week so stay tuned! 

#JessicaPennington #teensummerreads