(no subject)
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Korede is a nurse and her beautiful sister Ayoola live in Lagos, Nigeria. Ayoola has called on her sister many times to assist in the disposal of the bodies of the men she has killed. When Ayoola starts dating a handsome doctor Korede cares for, Korede struggles even more with her conscience. While the title and the set up may seem campy, this story is compelling and filled with strong characters and dark humor.
Red Rabbit by Alex Grecian
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Sadie Grace is a witch who, depending on your point of view, is a blessing or curse to the small Kansas town she has settled in. Those who believe she is a curse put up a bounty for her which draws many, including witch hunter Old Tom, his mute ward, Rabbit, two cowboys looking for adventure and a widowed school teacher with nothing left to lose. The novel follows their adventures on the way to the witch. I really enjoyed the first two-thirds of this book as a fun, sometimes gory and gruesome adventure, but the final third felt really long and drawn out to me.
[I received an advanced galley from the publisher.]
Lowdown Road by Scott Von Doviak
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This novel is a blast. It’s the summer of 1974. Richard Nixon has resigned from office. Meanwhile, in Texas two cousins plan to steal $1 million worth of weed and take it to Idaho, where Evel Kneivel is going to jump Snake River Canyon on a rocket-powered motorcycle. Full of memorable, dangerous characters, an outrageous scheme set in an outrageous time (full of great references) and great pacing and twists. Highly recommended.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Xiomara Batista is growing up in Harlem in a largely Dominican neighborhood. As she develops curves, she is also finding her own voice, which is at odds with her mother's strict religious mandates. Told in verse, this is a powerful story of a young woman's growing up and finding herself.
View all my reviews