Today is Show Us Your Books with Jana and Steph
How to Be Remy Cameron by Julian Winters
copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own
I read and enjoyed Winters’ debut, Running With Lions, so I was excited to check out How to Be Remy Cameron. I loved this YA novel. Remy isn’t sure who he is – he’s gay, black, adopted, a friend, an ex-boyfriend. I liked that Remy is obviously not perfect, but he tries his best. You want to root for him. It’s not easy being a teenager, let alone one who came out at 14 and is the only black kid in his white family. Despite not having all the same experiences as Remy did growing up, it was easy to relate to him and I think this is a book that many should read, teen or not.
Goalie Interference by Avon Gale & Piper Vaughn
copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own
Goalie Interference is the second book in the Hat Trick series (the first being Off the Ice). To be honest, I liked Off the Ice a bit more than Goalie Interference, but it’s not a bad addition to the series by any means. I do love books about ice hockey – one of the sports that I’ll go and enjoy live. Ryu and Emmitt are a lot more alike than they first think, and sometimes I wanted to yell at them to get it together and realize this. They have a big career wrench thrown in their burgeoning relationship and I did feel really bad for the two. I can’t imagine it would be easy to date someone when they become your “rival” in a way. Overall, it’s a good read. I’d be curious to see if more Hat Trick books will be released.
I Work at a Public Library: A Collection of Crazy Stories from the Stacks by Gina Sheridan
personal copy; all opinions are my own
I used to work in a public library and I know people that have, or still do, so I definitely know some crazy public library stories. This is a relatively quick read, though I tried to just read a section or two at a time to make it last. Each section – or chapter – focuses on certain kinds of questions or topics, like technology. There are definitely some interesting and hilarious things that people have done or said in a public library. At the end of the day though, these librarians love their jobs and I like that they shared some heartwarming stories too.
Pumpkinheads written by Rainbow Rowell and illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks
personal copy; all opinions are my own
I really like both Rainbow and Faith, so it was exciting when I heard they were teaming up for a graphic novel. I meant to read this in October, since it’s a very Fall book. November still works though, and don’t let me stop you from reading it this Winter either. The graphic novel is about two friends who work at a pumpkin patch every year. The whole novel takes place on their last night of work before their Senior Year of high school. Next year they will be in college and no longer working at the patch. At first I thought Josiah and Deja were your typical best friends, but in fact, they are more “seasonal friends.” They don’t talk or hang out except for when they are working at the pumpkin patch. Regardless, they are still very good friends and I really enjoyed their friendship. This book definitely made me want all the Fall food though!
I also have a longer review of Class Mom by Laurie Gelman. I really enjoyed this one and I need to read the sequel, You’ve Been Volunteered, ASAP!
In The Comments: Have you read any of these? Have I enticed you to add any to your wish list? Let me know how your November reading went!
I work at a public library sounds awesome! I have overheard some weird stuff just being there, and now I can read some stories about it! Going to go find that one today!
I haven’t read any of these and the only one I’ve even heard of is Pumpkin Heads! I love how this link up makes me aware of books I would never have come across otherwise.
That first one sounds pretty good!
I’ve heard that Pumpkinheads was super cute from a lot of people – glad you enjoyed it!
I haven’t read any of these books, but I keep hearing about Julian Winters. I need to check that one out!
Totally interested in the public library book!
I can only imagine the crazy things you encounter working in a library! (Makes me think of that person who used pizza as a bookmark- EW!)
I Work At A Public Library was already on my TBR, so happy t see another positive review of it! You already know how much I loved Pumpkinheads! 🙂
I was all about that Class Mom books!! SUPER FUNNY!!!! Cant wait to hear your thoughts
hmm, the public library one sounds super interesting – adding to my list!
I Work At A Public Library sounds like a read I would be interested in; adding it to my TBR!
I think I’ve seen a positive review of Class Mom before. The Public Library and How to Be Remy Cameron sound like pleasant reads for me.
I just put How to Be Remy on hold at the library. I’d like to read it and I know my teen daughter will likely read it as well. I really liked Class Mom and didn’t realize a sequel was available! Have to put that one on hold too!
I Work at a Public Library sounds like a fun book
I want to read that book about libraries! I also need to read the sequel to Class Mom. Hopefully I get them for Christmas, I put them on my list, but Matt usually goes rogue. LOL!
Oh I think I would love to read I Work at a Public Library. That’s one of the jobs I always wanted to have. 🙂
How to be Remy cemeron sounds like a book I’d really enjoy, I seem to navigate toward books where characters struggle with identity and the human condition. I just find them more relatable. Pumpkin Heads sounds super cute! I’ve seen it around everywhere but really didn’t know what it’s about until now. I’ll have to add both of these beauties to my TBR. Loved the reviews Lauren, so glad you enjoyed all of these!
Pumpkinheads sounds like a cute and fun read! I haven’t read a graphic novel in ages! I’m all for fall foods. *-*
Ahhh you always have the best book reviews, Lauren! I really want to read that Rainbow Rowell book. I think our mutual friend Dani recently reviewed this (and I believe she may have met Rainbow at a trade show in NYC??). Also the one about public libraries looks really interesting. Thanks for sharing!
I didn’t even realize that the author of Remy was the same as Running with Lions. I’ve been wanting to read both.
Karen @ For What It’s worth
I Work At A Public Library- I bet THAT’s interesting lol!
I didn’t realize that Remy Cameron had an MC who’s black growing up in a white family. I should definitely read that one!! I’ve seen the public library one around before, and it sounds hilarious!
Pumpkinheads is one I’ve been really curious about! It sounds really cute!
Class Mom was DELIGHTFUL. I didn’t finish You’ve Been Volunteered, not because I didn’t like it, but because I was in the mood for suspense and that wasn’t it lol. It was also a library book and I didn’t have time to circle back.
I really, really want to read Pumpkinheads! I honestly don’t know why I haven’t yet, but time is likely the culprit. 😉
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? ☃💬
I’ve got the I Work at a Public Library book and love it! It’s so true and so funny, but like you say, librarians still love their jobs!
I adored meeting Remy. He was a great character, and his family was so fantastic. I enjoyed that book a lot
I absolutely loved Class Mom and the sequel to it! 🙂
I’ll have to pick up that Rainbow Rowell book eventually. I don’t usually like romance, but I loved her other books.
I just read Pumpkinheads a couple days ago and I really enjoyed it. I should have read it in time for Halloween. 🙂
Goalie Interference sounds good. I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed books that feature hockey until I recently read and loved Beartown.
I LOVE I Work at a Public Library! I need to snag a copy of that for my shelves.