Best Reads of February

1. Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan

Rating: 2/5

When I first started this romance, I was expecting great things to emerge from this; especially because of the cover since I thought Colleen Hoover had wrote this, but I finally noticed once the book took a wrong turn. At the start, the novel intrigued me, but then became immensely cliché once the protagonists started dating. After reading a scene where Archer, the guy, had a panic attack when he heard sirens coming from the general direction of his girlfriends home. Not only the fact that he can’t speak is disconcerting, its also the “coincidence” that Bree, the girl, could speak sign language since her father was deaf. It was a unique story, but not something I would recommend to others. 

2. All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir

Rating: 4.5/5

I got this book from the “free section” of my school library, and it had no reason to be free. This novel was so insightful and meaningful, explaining the numerous awards it’s earned. The story between the two protagonists follows a heart wrenching series of events from two Pakistani teenagers. Going through trauma, heart break, and money problems outline the hardships of many immigrant children today. Although there were some religious references I did not completely understand, it was compelling to read and follow their journey. 

3. Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney

Rating: 3.5/5

This book was a little below my reading level, but I found it to be a interesting book overall. Featuring a African-American girl who has trouble standing up to her friends about their racism, she conceals all her feelings and identity into a journal through the form of lists. I really liked the aspect of the lists throughout the book because it was a different approach to showcasing who the character was, and how she changed over time. I thought it was a easy book to read and enjoyed it. 

4. The Quarry Girls by Jess Lourey

Rating: 4.5/5

This novel was a very unique and exciting thriller book, especially to read on top of school. Although it wasn’t as complex as Pretty Girls, it’s numerous twists and turns kept me waiting for the next scare. I really enjoyed the unique aspect of the book, the underground tunnels that the protagonists (and antagonists…) spent time in, and it added a feel of surprise throughout the book. Since many of the girls in the book are around my age, it was also interesting to read about how they handled the situations they were faced with, and how it differed from each girl.  

5. Beach Read by Emily Henry

Rating: 4/5

This was a very unique book that I enjoyed. Although some parts of it were cliché: the girl having a personal issue and the guy accepting it- it was overall interesting to read. I liked how both the protagonists had the same profession and knew each other from long ago, and also how they organized cute twice-a-week “dates” to go on together. It was definitely an interesting romance novel, and definitely a “beach read”.

6. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Rating: 5/5

My friend bought me this book a few months ago. Thinking it was overrated because I saw it on social media too much, I neglected it’s presence until just a week ago. The book is one of the best novels I have ever read. The historical fiction book followed the perspective of a poor foster German girl in the midst of World War II. Risking their lives and reputation, the German family hid a young Jewish man inside their home, where the girl bonded with him over the course of a few years. Their bond is one of the most significant parts of the story, opposing the ideas thrown around during World War II at the time. One of the most significant aspects of the novel was the narrator, who was essentially a soul collector, I assumed. Not only had I never read a book from the perspective of a German girl (as oppose to a Jewish girl), but I also had never cried reading a book. The ending of this book was one of the most sad and depressing things I have ever read, but was the best read this year. 

7. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab

Rating: 5/5

This book was pretty big. When I first picked it up, I was expecting a two week-long read, maybe more, but this book went by so quickly since I couldn’t stop reading it. So many aspects of magic, love, and sacrifice came out of the book, in all types of forms. I admired and felt sad for the protagonist, but also learned how she thought as the story progressed, evoking evil spirits, and a chance of love. Although I imagined a separate twist at the end of the story, how it was left off was very interesting, and hopefully there’s a second book to finish it off. I really enjoyed reading this, and the complexity of each of the character’s really stood out when I was reading.