Amari and The Night Brothers by B.B Alston

May 30, 2021

Amari and The Night Brothers

B.B Alston

I was feeling pretty unmotivated to read this month. So when I cracked open Amari and the Night Brothers it was the perfect time. A comfortable, fast paced read filled with magic and mystery, Amari must navigate several trials in order to become a Junior Agent at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. It’s the only way she can find out what happened to her brother, Quinton, who disappeared.

Readers of all ages will enjoy this wild ride, especially those who have a particular love for science fiction and fantasy. As a teacher I loved this because it was so readable and I thought of my readers that sometimes have difficulty reading being able to pick this one up and get sucked in. I know some other series featuring magic can sometimes feel too complicated and the language hard to follow. It can be discouraging. I can’t wait to put this book into my class library (now I apologize to my current class because they’ve been waiting for me to finish, hehe, don’t worry y’all I’ll get a few more copies).

If you know a young reader in your life definitely get this for them, if you’re looking to rediscover some magic from your childhood, I hope you pick this up too. It deserves all the attention. Also can we talk about this cover? Because holy moly it is beautiful.

[ID: The book AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERS resting on a cream colored blanket]

#MiddleGradeLit #ITeachFourth #AmariandtheNightBrothers #WeLoveMGLit #bookstagram #teachergram #fantasybooks

amari and the night brothers by b.b. alston

The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin

Feb 15, 2021

The City We Became

N.K. Jemisin

Anyone else reading a ton but finding it hard to write a reflection? My brain feels like soup. It’s like I can feel things starting to form but I can’t quite grab the words I want to say. I’m probably overthinking it, but no matter! Alas. A reflection!

The City We Became is NK Jemisin’s love letter to New York. And it shines through. Although this book didn’t quite grab me, I still think NK Jemisin’s creativity in speculative fiction is unmatched and she is one of the very best out there right now. I’ve read a lot of her work and nothing is the same and they are all so good. You get lost in her worlds. I did appreciate this story very much because it was just straight up entertaining. I found myself chuckling at NK Jemisin’s sharp commentary on the ills of white supremacy and gentrification. I also loved reading a science fiction, fantasy book about a city. Reading it really felt like being in the city too, it was loud, messy, beautiful, and weird. But there were times I felt like the story got bogged down, as @becksisreading said sometimes it felt like there was too much telling. But then I read @librosconleet and @ellehaunter thoughts and they said the audiobook was absolutely fantastic, making me think that perhaps that is the superior format to engage with this story. I’ll probably give it a listen at some point to compare.

Although this isn’t my favorite NK Jemisin I still think this was a fun ride, especially if you live or have lived in New York. It definitely made me want to visit and discover more about each of the boroughs. In our buddy read we also discussed which city book 2 could be about or if she will continue with New York. With Jemisin who knows? I just know I’ll read it no matter what.

#TheCityWeBecame #Bookstagram #NKJemisin #AlwaysReading #ReadWomeninSFF #ScienceFiction #Fantasy #AlwaysReading #SFF

Gideon The Ninth

Nov 11, 2020

Gideon The Ninth

How we doing bookstagram? I’ve been around but having a hard time posting. Work has been relentless and with the election looming it’s hard to say anything here that feels right. And on that note, this book has seriously been giving me life. I mean lesbian, necromancers in space? Consider me sold. On top of that this book has such a great mix of mystery, horror, sci-fi and most importantly humor. I find myself laughing out loud at Gideon’s biting wit. I’m obsessed. What about you? What are you reading to help you through the day?

#bookstagram #gideontheninth #bookaholic #halloweenreads #spookyseason #alwaysreading

Science Fiction #getlostinabook

Oct 15, 2020

Science Fiction #getlostinabook

Hey bookstagram. It’s been a minute since I have posted and I just want to say it’s because I’m not okay. Things of late have been really hard. My personal life and professional life leave me feeling unmoored and sometimes I feel like I have to remind myself to breathe. I’ve been reading which is nice but when I come here I just don’t have the bandwidth to write something that feels right. So here I am. Just telling the truth. Bc right now it is what it is. When I feel this way I tend to lose myself in a science fiction book. They’re pure escapism but not so totally mindless. (Even though mindless is still okay) It’s nice to get lost in the stars. Also you can love “frivolous” things and still be an activist. In fact you should because everyone needs to rest and frivolity can be recharging. It can remind you to smile. And feel warm. Maybe make you laugh. So how y’all doing? What do you read or do when you need to escape?

#bookstagram #sciencefiction #losangelesreaders #booklover #alwaysreading #escapebooks #relaxwithagoodbook #readersofinstagram #getlostinabook