New Books in Bloom
The graphic novel "Fitting Indian" by Jyoti Chand explores mental health challenges in South Asian communities through the story of Nitasha, who struggles with parental expectations and feelings of isolation. As she spirals into self-destructive behaviors, she learns to confront her issues and advocate for mental health awareness alongside her mother. The novel provides a raw depiction of these important themes.
The author recounts a recent emergency gallbladder surgery, which disrupted their routine but allowed for some reading. They review "Hoops" by Matt Tavares, a graphic novel about a girls' basketball team in 1970s Indiana. The story parallels current discussions on gender in sports, earning it a four-star rating for its engaging narrative and art.
The summary reflects on the graphic novel "Himawari House," which explores the lives of three exchange students—Nao, Hyejung, and Tina—in Tokyo. They face personal challenges related to cultural heritage and family expectations while forming a strong bond. The novel's black-and-white art and multilingual dialogue enhance the narrative, making it relatable and engaging.
Banned Together is a compelling YA anthology featuring contributions from fifteen diverse authors addressing the critical issue of book banning. Through fiction, poetry, and essays, it explores the impact on young readers and offers strategies for fighting censorship. The book is celebrated for its diversity and depth, providing valuable resources for readers.
The author discusses popular books they choose not to read, emphasizing personal enjoyment over trends. They express specific reasons for skipping titles like "Fourth Wing," "Shatter Me," "Iron Widow," and others due to issues with character engagement, pacing, or content discomfort. The author encourages readers to reflect on their own preferences.
The author shares her reading experiences while reviewing a graphic novel in the Huda series, which follows a high school junior navigating family changes and typical teen challenges. The semi-autobiographical story is relatable, particularly for young adults. The book, praised for its humor and insight into Muslim life, receives strong four stars.
The post describes the author's enjoyable Halloween experience and a book titled "Crumbs" by Danie Stirling. The story follows Ray, a WOC seer aspiring to join her magical city's council while navigating friendships and romantic feelings with Laurie, a struggling musician. The narrative emphasizes healthy relationships and features a diverse cast. The author rates the book five stars.
Rose's Book Garden 