Review: Love, Penelope

Penelope is about to become a big sister. She's super excited. She can't wait to share the world with her new sibling. Her moms give her a journal so she can start writing to the baby. Penelope writes about her secret crush, things she loves (Warriors basketball), lying to her teacher, friendship drama, and so much more.

My Thoughts: At first, I didn't understand why this book was set in 2014-2015 but then the narrative took a turn. And it was amazing. I got it. And I loved it. I loved how Penelope loved basketball (even if it was the Warriors). I loved the friendship moments - both the good and the bad, but more importantly how they worked things out. I loved Penelope's two moms and the family dynamic. Obviously I didn't like Rick, but he was an important part of the story. I loved the letters to You (the not yet born sibling). I really enjoyed this read. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation:  A great read for your library and perfect for a Pride display!

Review: Inside of Out

The day before their junior year, Daisy's best friend Hannah comes out. Daisy's determined to become the best ally ever. Except the group isn't that welcoming and Hannah doesn't seem all that interested in the group.

But Daisy forces her way in, making a point that sax sex couples should be allowed at homecoming. She's so gung-ho about it that she volunteers to speak at the school board meeting.

After she speaks, a college reporter writes about her. After his article hits, Daisy becomes something of a celebrity. But his article hints that Daisy is gay.

Daisy has a history of not following through on her big plans, but she's sticking to this one. Hannah's not thrilled at the attention nor is her secret girlfriend, Daisy's enemy. But with the spotlight on Daisy and the cause, she's reluctant to share the truth.

My Thoughts: I had a lot of mixed feelings about the book, but I really did enjoy reading it. Many of the choices Daisy made were terrible, but they did come from good intentions and she had the backing of the group. But some of the choices she made had real consequences. I liked her. I liked her banter with Adam. I liked her relationship with her mother. I enjoyed her father. I liked how father came out if his shell a little as Daisy started growing her own backbone. I wasn't a fan of Hannah. I love how things turned out between Daisy and Natalie. I really liked the other members of the LGBTQIAP+  group. I think this book is great for book discussion groups because there's SO much to talk about.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Recommended for YA collections.

Review: Everything Leads to You

As a production designer, Emi spends hours looking for the exact piece to make the room come together. When a screen legend dies, she has the opportunity to look through his belongings. She purchases a few items, in which Emi finds a letter from the actor to his daughter.

It’s a heart wrenching letter and Emi decides to track her down. She learns the daughter died years ago, but was survived by her own daughter. Between finishing high school, working on a movie, and figuring out her love life, Emi leads a busy life, but she’s not about to let this opportunity to pass her by. It turns out to be a great decision, because what she finds will change her life.

My Thoughts: This one could be a New Adult book as it takes place just as high school is ending, but focuses a lot on Emi's job. It's a beautifully written novel that discusses a number of issues, but never makes those the main focus of the book. I confess I don't read many LGTBQ books, but I devoured this one. I loved the love story, the Hollywood angle, and the friendship between Emi and Charlotte. I liked how Emi's brother made her promise to do something Epic with his apartment as he let her live there while he filmed a movie on location. I loved reading about Emi putting together sets from the movies and finding the right pieces.  A fantastic teen romance.  

Cover Thoughts: I love the softness of the cover and the skyline in the background

Source: Sent for review for Voya