Bookworm: I Just Finished... Count All Her Bones and Little Fires Everywhere (Holiday 2017)

Count All Her Bones by April Henry

A sequel to the popular Girl Stolen, Count All Her Bones is a fast-paced, young adult novel that centers around Cheyenne, a blind teenager coping with the aftermath of her accidental abduction and attempted execution. Days before she is scheduled to testify against her captor, she is contacted by Griffin, the boy who inadvertently kidnapped her while stealing her stepmother’s Escalade. Griffin and Cheyenne formed a connection in the previous novel; and, although Cheyenne had feelings for him, she shut him out.  They reconnect in Count All Her Bones and the reader embarks on a wild, suspenseful adventure. Sure, the book was predictable, but I still kept turning the pages. One of the most impressive factors to me was the amount of research that went into the novel, especially relating to technological advances for the blind and self-defense strategies. I’d recommend this book to anybody who enjoys young adult fiction and/or is looking for a quick, vacation-esque read.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

I’ve read a lot of awesome YA fiction lately, but it felt great to get back to an adult read. I was intrigued by Little Fires Everywhere because it was endorsed by some of my favorite authors. Little Fires Everywhere is told from an omniscient perspective, giving insight into the thoughts and feelings of all the characters. Teenage Pearl and her artist mother Mia have lived a fairly nomadic lifestyle prior to settling down in a rental apartment in Shaker Heights, a small town that boasts a progressive attitude whilst still asserting that anything is possible with a solid plan. Upon arriving in town, Peal befriends Moody, a lifelong resident of Shaker and son of her landlord, and his three siblings. The characterization is so rich, you can’t help but become intrigued by these people because of/despite their idiosyncrasies. The novel starts with the burning down of Moody’s home, leaving lots of questions. It then jumps back in time to explore the events leading up to this tragedy. What unfolds is emotional and surprising, yet lyrical in its style. I didn’t want to put this one down. I would highly recommend Little Fires Everywhere to anybody who enjoys a solid fiction read.