Review: Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli & Aisha Saeed

Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed

Published by Simon & Schuster
Released on 4 February 2020
ISBN: 9781471184666

Read: 24 – 25 December 2019

Yes No Maybe So is a thoughtful novel that encompasses a broad range of topical issues, wrapping them in a deliciously cute romance that will appeal to fans of Simon versus the Homo Sapien Agenda, which let’s face it, is practically every living teen on the planet right now. Albertalli’s novels reflect the concerns and celebrate the inclusiveness of this generation, and Aisha Saeed’s contribution to this one will ensure it continues.

Basic plot is simple, but effective. Socially awkward, Jewish white boy, Jamie fears public speaking which is does not bode well for his dream of becoming a politician. Maya, an American-Pakistani Muslim girl, finding herself at a loose end for the summer, for a variety of awful reasons, is encouraged (more like blackmailed) into canvassing for Jordan Rossum, the democratic candidate for her local district election. Her reward at the end? A car. Jamie and Maya were best friends at childcare, over 10 years ago, and when their mothers reconnect and push them together, only one really is keen – Jamie. Maya is on board for the car. Not that she tells Jamie that. Unfortunately.

Slowly, over the summer, they begin to share their fears, but not only that, as Rossum’s campaign gathers momentum, their optimism grows that they might be contributing to a brighter future. They also develop feelings for each other as they reconnect and support each other through family and friendship breakdowns. As you would imagine, they both make terrible mistakes towards the end, hurting each other. But of course, we know once they sit down, hash it out, and actually take some risks, everything will be okay.

Look, it’s adorable.

But more than, it’s a call to arms. Albertalli and Saeed break down American’s political system into digestible chunks that will inform and entertain young readers. Other countries don’t have the exact systems of the US, however, connections can be made and parallels drawn, so that readers can see how corruption and power make it almost impossible for marginalized groups to be heard. The authors are having none of that. They make it clear that individuals can all do his or her (or their) bit to defeat racists, bullies, homophobes, or whoever else stomps on the rights of others. It’s inspiring stuff, and it never sounds preachy. The two main characters always feel like teenagers—awkward, powerless, and prone to impulsive acts and words—so their insights and observations feel true. They genuinely realise that helping local communities, uniting under a common belief despite differences, and working towards a single purpose is uplifting and exciting.

There are many complications that aren’t even touched on here. Messy family situations, the role of the media and the lasting impacts of social media, the additions of terrific animals, and the eventual realization of strong feelings make Yes No Maybe So an engaging and triumphant reading experience. I have no doubt any teenager will love its message and the way the message is delivered.

Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for advanced copy. I believe it’s out everywhere on February 4^th. Highly recommended for contemporary book lovers, who enjoy well developed characters bumbling around trying to be their best selves. Who love inclusive stories that don’t shy away from tackling big subjects, but in a readable manner that isn’t heavy handed. I found it really hopeful and loved the way it presented options for teenagers who might be feeling overwhelmed by the constant barrage of negativity offered by mainstream media outlets.

New Release Reviews: January to March 2018

I have read lots of books that have come out in the first three months of this year. I am going to write short sharp reviews of those I enjoyed and those I can see a place for in libraries for young people.

January

The Harper Effect by Taryn Bashford Pan Macmillan ISBN 9781760552091 AUS

Actually came out in the last week of December but could have been easily overlooked in those first and last weeks of the year. Harper’s tennis career is well developed. She’s a talented player, and her journey to make it to the elite level rings true. Her new coach offers advice that would be welcome for any teen willing to listen. Her family life is also complicated, but she is well supported by loving parents. The love triangle with Jake and Colt doesn’t devolve into the disaster it could have. Harper’s preference comes through quite early, and although there is some miscommunication with both boys, it’s resolved quite easily. Harper does behave foolishly, but she is only 16, and is inexperienced in romance due to all her training and travel. I thought she learned from her mistakes, and always tried to be better. Taryn wrote about the importance of seeing sporty girls in fiction, and her comments are valid and interesting.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black Hot Key Books ISBN 9781471407031 

This was on my highly anticipated list, and it didn’t disappoint. Jude is a worthy hero, and her attempts to sort through the twisted politics of the faerie world in which she finds herself, is absorbing and unpredictable. We know she acts for her family, and this loyalty to them is well plotted. Holly Black loves to play around with tropes and stereotypes, and readers will need every bit of their faith in Jude to see her through this first ‘folk of the air’ novel. All the characters are fully realised, but none of them are easy to categorise. We are never sure who stands with Jude or who is against her. It’s a delicious dilemma to face because the tension runs high, and the climax is very satisfying. Of course, we are left wanting more. We wouldn’t want it any other way.

February

Between Us by Claire Atkins Black Inc Press ISBN 9781760640217 AUS

Beautifully written, richly diverse, nuanced and credible, this authentic tale has many layers and yet avoids sounding like an ‘important lesson we should all read’. That’s not to say it isn’t important. It is. That’s not to say we shouldn’t all read it. We certainly should. But we should read it because it is engrossing, and compassionate, and full of contemporary insights. Young people are given a glimpse into life in a detention centre, and older people will be asked to see issues from a modern teenager’s point of view. It’s challenging for all readers. Ana’s fears, Jonno’s vulnerabilities, and Kenny’s distress are all understandable. Atkins has done all her research well, and the story of these two young people struggling with identity, politics and relationships will open eyes and hearts to their plight. It’s really good.

Tin Heart by Shivaun Plozza Penguin Random House ISBN 9780143786276 AUS

Marlowe has just had a heart replacement, and while that is enough for anyone to deal with, she also has to content with a vegan-warrior mother taking on the local butcher, and a younger brother, who creates an inspiring costume every day, and must be protected from bullies and bigots. Returning to school means she must speak up for herself and find new friends, and that’s a big ask for an introvert, partly obsessed with the person who died and gave her their heart.

Plozza has created a sympathetic main character, whose actions reflect her dismay at how little she can control her life. She becomes braver, and more confident, and yet some of her actions have negative repercussions, and Marlowe has to own up to some mistakes, and seek forgiveness from people who she has let down.

A poignant story about finding a way through the complexities of life.

The Endsister by Penni Russon Allen & Unwin ISBN 9781741750652 AUS

Utterly charming, and thought-provoking, this family drama transports five siblings from country Australia to urban London, when their parents receive news of an exciting opportunity. Each child reacts differently, and the multiple viewpoints allow readers to experience a wide range of emotions.

Eldest siblings Clancy and Else are our dominant travel guides, in first person narrative whereas 6 year old Sibby’s voice is third person. There are actually two more brothers, twins Oscar and Finn, who are, for the most part, interchangeable and silent. Not only do we have access to the children’s thoughts, we are also privy to the conversations of two spirits who still reside in the London house. Sibbi’s ability to see and feel them affects her emotional state, and we watch a vibrant happy child transform into a sickly one. A mystery develops about why they are still haunting the place, and the children’s involvement opens up secrets and a long lost history that is both poignant and compelling.

Russon’s story explores the notion of family and belonging, and is pitched perfectly at readers aged between 9 and 12. There is a strong sense of location, the contrast between rural Australia and hectic London described through sights, sounds and smells. It’s very visceral and layered.

March

The Date to Save by Stephanie Kate Strohm Scholastic ISBN 9781338149067

A book with an odd but compelling style called ‘oral history’, that needs time to settle. Readers will have to contend with many narrative voices, and the interplay between each varying opinion and agenda. To say too much about the plot would spoil the big reveal that happens at about the halfway point, but much can be said about its humour, style and messages.

First of all, it is very funny. The snarky humour spreads throughout the book, as characters contradict each other, defend themselves, and blurt out secrets. It is all very high school. But there is also a satirical element to the humour, and it’s almost as if the author is cheekily taking aim at some of the stereotypes and tropes of YA fiction, even as she is writing one. The story in complicated and layered, and that the resolution is pulled off so satisfactorily, it’s a testament to a clever, organised author, who has clearly spent time, ensuring threads tie together neatly.

The messages are ones we continue to need to hear. We should be kind to each, and try not to be judgmental about people’s choices. The author comments on sibling rivalry, ambition, loneliness and persistence. She argues we need to realise it isn’t bad to ask for help, nor is getting support from your peers. We all have value, something to contribute, and our individual gifts or talents help balance and increase community and society. I loved hearing these positive messages while being entertained and challenged.

If I Tell You by Alicia Tuckerman Pantera Press ISBN 9780646961255 AUS

While there are several queer teen books set in Australian cities, there isn’t much set in rural towns, and If I Tell You is very much a book about being an outsider in a close community, and finding the right time to reveal who you really are. Tuckerman’s depiction of Alex’s conflict and fragile self esteem is authentic and strong. She has known for a while that her mother, particularly, will struggle with a lesbian daughter. Her standing in the CWA, her strong faith and family values will not allow for such a gap in her understanding of the way people ought to be. I found her narrow mindedness extremely difficult to accept, to be honest. Alex is emboldened by the arrival of the charismatic Phoenix but unfortunately her depiction is just a little too manic pixie dream girl, and I was a little disappointed by the way the plot unfolded in the last section. It isn’t even a gay trope, it’s a basic coming-of-age scenario I thought YA was well past. Having said that, it is handled with care and careful sensitivity. I think this story will resonate with readers because of its compassionate portrayal of first love.

Review: Renegades by Marissa Meyer

Renegades by Marissa Meyer

Published: Feiwel & Friends US (Pan Macmillan Australia)
Released: November 7 2017 (in the US) November 14 2017 (in Australia)
ISBN: 9781760555313

Read: September 17, 2017

US Cover

AUS Cover

This is a bold, ambitious novel dealing with many of the big questions challenging contemporary society. Placing it in a fictional world with super heroes brings a much welcome degree of separation, allowing teenagers to consider the political and social mores objectively, before making connections to their own world.

Meyer gives us both sides of the super hero debate. How much should we ‘ordinary folk’ rely on those with powers to aid us? The Anarchists believe people should rely only on themselves, and not on governments or organisations. Prior to the start of the book leader Ace, initiated chaos and destruction to force people to be more self-sufficient. It creates a power vacuum quickly filled by villains and terrorists, which leads to further decaying of civilisation.

To try to balance the evil over running Gatlon City, the Renegades appear, and ultimately triumph, but now twenty years on, have themselves fallen into corrupt and bureaucratic ways, with regular citizens still desperate for help. We are told Ace perished in the final battle and his legacy lives on in a very small number of Anarchists, one of whom is our leading lady, Nova.

Our leading man Adrian, naturally, fights for the Renegades, and when Nova infiltrates to cause maximum disruption, the scene is set for a push and pull of epic proportions. While we despair about Nova’s goals, we also have enormous sympathy as she witnessed the violent deaths of her family when she was very young. Her need for vengeance keeps her angry and motivated.

Adrian is filled with idealistic dreams of gaining affirmation. He wants to ‘do good’ and ‘be a hero’, but somewhere things become muddled, not only with his attempts at creating a (second) super secret identity, but also the distraction that is enigmatic Nova. Nova’s on her own journey of discovery; it’s not surprising that she realises her version of truth is far too simplistic. Never mind her attraction to a boy who lives a life of privilege and oblivion to some harsh realities.

Clocking in at over 560 pages, Meyer creates a crumbling world bursting at its seams. While there does seem to be some stability, we can see the grey twisty complications are going to expose a brittle foundation. Some of the Renegades are behaving badly, and not all the Anarchists deserve punishment.

The plot builds to a climax that involves betrayal and threatens exposure. As it is the first in a new series, Meyer leaves us trembling for more, not only in regards to the complex relationship between Nova and Adrian, but also with a myriad of sub-plots including the secrets surrounding Adrian’s younger sibling, Max, the unsolved mystery of the death of Adrian’s biological mother, and of course, Nova’s ultimate revenge. I have one niggle that I need to talk through with someone else (anybody? anybody?) who has read it, but it didn’t diminish my pleasure and appreciation of such a clever book. Great to see so many entertaining and well written genre novels for teens in this second part of the year.

Highly recommended for readers who love the idea of building a super hero origin story, and who like their plots twisty and overflowing with characters. Both our leads are troubled and while they do team up to solve crimes, they are also keeping a lot from each other. There are inclusive characters, including Adrian’s adoptive parents—two male super heroes in a strong loving relationship, and a range of ethnicities scattered among the secondary characters. Its pacing balances tense action and moments of quiet introspection carefully and deliberately. There are major reveals at the end, but are foreshadowed and not completely unexpected. I was fully engaged with this long, absorbing novel, and am eagerly anticipating the next. Renegades is out today in America, and due to be released in Australia on November 14.

 

 

Review: Traitor to the Throne

Traitor to the Throne (Rebel of the Sands Book 2) by Alwyn Hamilton

Published by: Faber & Faber (Allen & Unwin Australia)
Released on: February 2 2017
ISBN: 9780571325412

Read: December 23 2016

Trying to defeat your despotic father’s large and powerful army with your small but dedicated band of rebels is a big task. No sooner have you managed to triumph in one part of the country, then a protest in another part is soundly beaten, and you must re-group. This is what faces the Rebel Prince and his band of merry misfits, part-djinn children, and hopeless romantics. They carry a fire, that’s certain, but success is determined by choices, and their youth, inexperience and lack of resources means their task is overwhelming.

Which is why Traitor to the Throne works on many levels.

Amina has developed a lot over the course of the first book. Now aware of her Demdji powers, her confidence is growing. Assured of Jin’s love initially, she is now rethinking their relationship when he keeps his distance, both physically and emotionally. She has meet people who are now her family and her loyalty to them is unrivaled. But there are small disputes among the Rebel Prince’s cohorts. We see Amina and her friends defy his orders, mostly as a counterpoint to the Sultan himself.

For much of the book, Amina, captured and without magic, observes the way Ahmed’s father rules, and there are moments when she almost admires his actions, and herein lies the opportunity for Hamilton to open a conversation on leading and ruling, and the moral ambiguities faced by all people. It’s a little uncomfortable really. We want our villains to be evil, and to have our main character show sympathy for this treacherous man is confronting. During this part of the story, Hamilton dials back on the action, slows the pace, and takes the opportunity to fill the pages with myths and stories of the history of her world. Some readers will love these tangents, while others will rush through them, looking for the excitement and thrill of the inevitable clashes between the opposing forces. While I appreciated Amina’s downtime, I was always preparing myself for the bad times to come (They did. They were.)

There are many new characters introduced, and we lose some dear friends. We also meet up with some who had seemingly been lost to us in the first book. Structurally, Traitor to the Throne is tighter, cleverer, as it builds to its shattering climax. All the pieces seem to be in play now for the final and desperate conclusion to the series. While the first book played on a mash-up of the ‘Old West’ elements inserted into a magical Arabian setting, Traitor to the Throne focuses the tone on a political intrigue genre, with the two sparring armies trying to one-up the other in spying and counter-spying. The stakes are high, and Hamilton deftly highlights how much and how many innocents suffer in war-time.

This advanced copy was approved by Netgalley, via the publisher, and read with thanks. Released everywhere on February 2, 2017.

Recommended for readers who love their fantasy series twisty and complicated. For every one thing where the rebels succeed, there are four more where they don’t, ensuring the rebellion is hard fought. While there are some romantic moments, it’s isn’t a priority, given the characters are more focused on surviving battles and betrayals. The rebel group is diverse, have snarky conversations, and depict true loyalty to Ahmed and each other. The second book in what I believe is a trilogy.

 

Best of 2016: Final books in series

I wanted to stick to three books in each of my ‘best of…’ categories, but this one just would not stay within the rules. I have had to stretch to six, because each book and each series are testament to the quality of work that YA readers are lucky to have. They are all amazing and bring to an end magical stories that will stand the test of time. These were all the series I finished in 2016, but I would still like to see how The Last Star by Rick Yancey, resolves the The Fifth Wave series, and I have all the books in Marie Lu’s Young Elites, and Claudia Gray’s Firebirds Series which both concluded in 2016. I want to read them too.

The Winner’s Kiss (Winner’s) Marie Rutkoski (March 2016)

In my Goodreads review, I wrote how perfectly this ended. It was slow, and our heroes spend a lot of time apart, but that is crucial to ensure all the pieces fell into place authentically. Kestral and Arin battle inner demons and external enemies to finally confront both head-on. I loved every minute of this book and series. A re-read for sure.

A Tangle of Gold (The Colours of Madeleine) Jaclyn Moriarty (March 2016)

I was fortunate to receive an early copy of this and gushed about it at Reading Time. All the words I want to say about this original and clever series are there. I loved loved loved this series.

The Raven King (The Raven Cycle) Maggie Stiefvater (April 2016)

I was anxious to delve into the fourth and final Raven Cycle book, not surprising since almost from the first page we know Blue will kiss her true love and he will die. Although it was released in April, I didn’t read it till August. And Stiefvater nails it. It’s brilliant. Gansey, Adam, Ronan and newly introduced Henry, battle and triumph, and the ending is so Maggie! (muscle cars!!)

The Ocean of the Dead (Ship Kings) Andrew McGahan (August 2016)

Another one I reviewed at Reading Time (always there for series books that no-one else has started. Ha). This is more literary, more middle years, more adventure than action, but McGahan’s weaving of myth and legend, twisting in destiny and fortune, is astonishing. Amber Dow remains elusive and wondrous, and the nautical descriptions provide a rich backdrop. Epic fantasy at its finest.

Shield (Spark) Rachael Craw (September 2016)

New Zealand author Rachael Craw has written a highly engaging and explosively action-packed series with Spark. I raced through each book, with my heart tripled beating and my butt on the edge of my seat. Protagonist Evie barely gets any down time as she learns to navigate her new existence, and Shield does not let up the speed. Evie’s team has grown, but her enemies have multiplied too. She is prepared to sacrifice everything to keep her loved ones alive, and Craw really makes her struggle real and tense. I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows) Leigh Bardugo (October 2016)

This is only a duology, but Bardugo shoves about five books worth of plots and characters into these two. Billed as a paranormal heist story, it’s populated with many endearing (if not completely law-abiding) heroes. Unfortunately, they can’t all survive the dangerous exploits, so there is a fair amount of sadness here too. It is also impressively diverse, inclusive, and the snark and romance is strong and appealing. I read both books, one after the other this year, and Crooked Kingdom has cemented Bardugo as the go-to author for young adults.

Because I can’t help myself, I will be back tomorrow with eight (!) more books I couldn’t leave out.

Best of 2016: Historical

Although a novel can be set in a different time, and be regarded as ‘best of’ in another category, there are still three books I read this year that are the best because of their historical context. These authors comment on the ways of the period, but also include a connection to our own time. Reflecting on our time can be valuable when seen though the lens of another. Others that I enjoyed that don’t appear on other lists include: V for Violet and Wolf Hollow.

Front Lines by Michael Grant (March 2016)

Michael Grant gained many fans with his Gone series, and have veered off into a different direction with Soldier Girls. He talks a little about that change in an interview he did for Reading Time. This alternate timeline set in World War II offers a realistic version of a world where females were allowed to fight in the front lines. Grant sticks authentically to many factual events and values of the time period, so there is many examples of sexist, racist and cultural inappropriateness, which of course add to the obstacles standing in the way of our five heroes. The girls come from different socio-economic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, but they are all determined, brave and intelligent. The story is detailed, absorbing, and does not wimp out on the horrors facing soldiers in wartime.

The Passion of Dolssa by Julie Berry (April 2016)

I loved every bit of this complicated and confronting story set in Medieval France. Its look at the way the Catholic Church dealt with heresy and so-called witches is both gruesome and clever. Berry excels at witty, original characters, and her research is impeccable. I wrote a long gushing review at Reading Time. I cannot recommend this sophisticated, important book enough. It’s amazing.

My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, & Jodi Meadows (September 2016)

Contemporary takes on historical characters and events have been around a while. Inserting zombies into Pride and Prejudice, turning Queen Victoria into a demon hunter, and Lincoln to a vampire slayer has meant that literary classics are fodder for YA updates. Choosing Lady Jane Grey, queen for only 9 days, is an inspired choice for a number of reasons. She isn’t well known, there is real pathos in her short life, and how wonderful is it to recreate history magically to give Jane a happy-ever-after. It’s a bit silly, totally irreverent, and so much fun to read.

On Wednesday my musical high notes will be posted.

Best of 2016: First in a series

There were as many new series started as there were finished in 2016. I am sure many of you can add to this list in the comments with your favourites. I read quite a few (and dnf’ed some of them) so when they all begin to blur into each other, a book that stands out, and makes me wish for the next one will make it to the list. Other ones that just missed out: Lady Midnight, Knights of the Borrowed Dark, & The Girl from Everywhere.

Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton (February 2016)

Just won best debut novel on Goodreads, so that says something about it. I loved the Arabian night style setting, its rebels with many causes, and Amira herself is snarky and brave. The plot twists around and leads us in unexpected directions. Looking for to Number 2, (which I actually already have thanks to Netgalley).

The Road to Winter by Mark Smith (June 2016)

A well crafted Australian post-apocalyptic survival story, set in the not-too-distant-future. Finn is a admirable protagonist, full of resilience and moral character. His attempts to save Rosie and find her missing sister make for a suspenseful, action-packed thriller. Better though is the insightful comments about the direction Australia is heading, and it’s not pretty. Short, tight and worth the fast, furious ride.

The Crown’s Game by Evelyn Skye (July 2016)

Another fantasy novel that is grounded with historical detail, and a strong sense of setting. Imperial Russia has never looked so magical. Nico and Vika know they have to fight for the right to be the only enchanter, and the crown’s game pits them against each other. Of course, there’s a love story, and a third love interest, so it’s all very complicated. But the magic the two create is a highlight in this tense duel to the death.

Come back on Monday when I talk about my favourite historical novels of 2016.

Royalty: Favourite royal characters

Yay, it’s the purple day in the #rainblowblogchallenge. My fav colour. And of course, what else to discuss except those of noble and royal birth. Hmm, actually I have struggled to write find appropriate books because I have never read Princess Diaries, nor am I a huge fan of fairy tales (even the re-imagined ones). So, it’s with this warning, I give you three books with royal characters and why I love them.

I read The Darkest Part of the Forest (January 2015) a week after it was released. This is how much I love Holly Black’s book. Okay, so I said I didn’t really read a lot of re-imagined fairy tales, and some people could say this is a version of sleeping beauty. The faery prince tucked away in the glass coffin is certainly a pretty boy. And while he sleeps, Ben and Hazel make up stories about him. They both love him, and are aware that the faeries around their small town tolerate the humans, but in reality can be lethal.

By the time the prince awakes, Black has us spellbound with fascinating characters, and a captivating landscape. Her vision of faeries are dark and sinister, and it takes all the four main characters’ courage to keep the village and its folk safe. Royally creepy.

I read The Winner’s trilogy over a number of years, finally finishing with The Winner’s Kiss this year (March, 2016). While Kestral is only a general’s daughter, and Arin a soldier (spy), they both rise up through the ranks in their respective countries to be people of power. Their romance moves from innocent forbidden, to surviving trauma and separation. Their scheming and politic-ing really binds the world-building and the plotting together. A royally cohesive series.

Finally, most recently, I read the first book in a new series by Amy Tintera called Ruined (May 2016). Em is a princes of a destroyed kingdom. When she pretends to be someone else to marry the son of her despised enemy, readers know the set up with be filled with tension of her discovery. There is considerable bigotry towards those with magic, and the torture scenes are quite graphic. Tintera lets us know that war is hopeless and cruel. The conclusion of the first book sets up an intriguing second book, in which it seems Em will have to choose between her country and her family (also her love). Oh, princesses do not have it easy, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.I am royally keen to read on.

The absolutely best thing about all three books/series is the inclusion of same-sex relationships as normal, healthy and accepted. I would love to see this attitude in more contemporary novels too. Love is love is love. Irrespective of how royal your blood.

Thanks to the hosts of the #rainbowblogchallenge for these terrific prompts.