What I'm Reading 💖 First week of 2025
This isn't all I read, but they were my favorites!
The Underwood Tapes is a mystery story that revolves around two teens communicating through cassette tapes, one back in the past, and one in modern day. They're both dealing with the grief of parents dying, and I loved seeing their connection grow and how realistic their friendship really felt. DeWitt writes a lot of aspec books, so I choose to believe the.door is open to aro characters here!
I Am Not Jessica Chen is great at writing academic struggles and Chinese diaspora, and since her first book was about someone trying invisible, I was really forward to getting to see her revisit that kind of magical realism plot. She did it great (no surprise) and I loved the messiness and bittersweet feeling of the whole thing. I'm also a picky person when it comes to romance, but she always knocks it out of the park, and this was no different!
#ayearinthemaking #lemon8bookclub #books #2025bookreleases #currentlyreading
This week, I dived into a couple of amazing YA books that truly captivated me. 'The Underwood Tapes' by Amanda DeWitt blends past and present through the lens of cassette tapes, telling a beautiful story about friendship and loss between two teens. As they navigate grief, their bond deepens, making it a heartfelt read that connects with anyone who has faced similar experiences. DeWitt's ability to integrate aspects of queer representation is commendable, opening doors to more diverse narratives in young adult literature. Another gem was 'I Am Not Jessica Chen', featuring magical realism through the lens of the Chinese diaspora. The author masterfully tackles themes of identity and belonging, reflecting on the intricacies of cultural struggles. The book revisits the charm of invisible barriers, bringing an engaging narrative filled with emotional depth. Chen's writing is refreshingly honest, capturing the complexities of relationships and romance, which resonates well with readers looking for relatable and profound storytelling. Both books promise not just entertainment, but also deep connections to universal feelings of grief and joy.
