Review: Yes, No, Maybe So

Maya's having a rough time lately. Her best friend is leaving for college soon and is too busy to spend time with her. Her summer vacation was just canceled. Her parents are testing the waters with a trial separation. Ramadan just isn't the same this year. Maya gets roped into canvasing for a senator with a boy she barely remembers from her childhood.

Jamie's not thrilled about canvasing; he hates public speaking. He'd rather be doing something behind the scenes. But being partnered with Maya isn't so bad.

As they start to work together more often, they start caring more about the campaign and each other. As they reconnect, their conversations deepen. Could their friendship turn into something more?

My Thoughts: This is a long book - but I didn't want it to end. I loved reading about Maya and Jamie. I loved learning more about canvasing and the issues Maya and Jamie faced. I loved how their conversations became deeper the longer they hung out together. I loved how they became invested in the campaign (and each other). I loved Jamie's grandmother and her social media account. The dual perspectives made this book. I found the ending hopeful and inspiring. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it.
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: A great political book for your romance collection that touches on racism, religion, and friendship. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.

YA Political Books - Contemporary (again)

Just in case you like politics, but need a better world than the one we have today, I'm linking to a fun book list made previous in the year when we all had so much more hope for the country. Since this is going to be a tough weekend, I've decided to do what makes me happy. So I'm watching West Wing and crafting and playing with the puppy all day because that makes me smile. I invite you to do something that makes you smile (maybe read one of these books!)

Check out my list of books here.

Mini Review: Take the Key and Lock Her Up

 * Book 3 in the Embassy Row trilogy *

Secrets have a way of coming out. Now that Grace knows the truth about her lineage, she's on the run. She's worried about her injured brother. She's worried about her friends. Most of all, she's worried about her future.

And when she's worried, she comes up with a terrible idea for a plan...

Things I enjoyed:
All the plot twists and turns
Danger
Action
Secrets
Royalty
Friendship
Romance
Betrayal
Loyalty
Bravery
Determination

There's so much going on in this last book of the trilogy. I really did like Grace. She was determined to find the answers. Sure she made some bad choices (who doesn't). But she's strong and she's a survivor.

I can't wait to see what Ally Carter writes next!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommend this series for all YA departments.

Review: Interference

Kate must take the high road in every situation due to her father's political career. But when her ex-boyfriends leaks unflattering pictures of her, where she looks angry and possibly on drugs, her father's political career takes a hit.

The family moves back to Texas, where they haven't lived in years. At first, Kate thinks this move is to become a family again, to heal. But in actuality, there's a seat open and her father's running yet again for office.

Kate isn't interesting in finding a new life in Texas, she's ready to extract revenge on her ex-boyfriend and land the best college recommendation she can. But of course life interferes with her plans.

Kate discovers herself in Red Dirt but when everything goes haywire yet again, she must figure out what she's willing to fight for.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this Emma novel crossed with Friday Night Lights. Emma's influence was subtle at first, but really struck a cord. I quite enjoyed Kate's failing as a matchmaker and the messes she created. I loved watching her attempt to fix them. I loved watching her love for photography grow and change in Texas. I liked her interaction with the yearbook coordinator. I enjoyed the banter between Kate and Hunter. I liked Kate wearing down her aunt. I liked Kate and Ana's relationship. I love how Kate didn't back down from a fight. Her determination carried her through several tough moments. A fantastic novel filled with friendship, romance, politics, and finding yourself.

Cover Thoughts: Cute, but doesn't match the book
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Perfect for school and public libraries looking for more contemporary reads, political YA books, or those looking for modern class retellings. 

Teen Book Recommendations: Political YA Books

With so much in the world right now about politics, I thought it might be fun to round up some YA political books because there are quite of a few of them. 

Defending Taylor * Red Girl, Blue Boy * Wrong Side of Right * Zero Day * Unexpected Everything

First Daughter * The Fixer * All American Girl  * My Life Next Door

President's Daughter