Retired Neighborhood Critic

Rating: 5/5 Stars Recommended for: fans of Radio Rebel, Boys Don’t Cry, and Tomboy

Summary: When Riley’s therapist recommends writing an anonymous blog to get a handle on their anxiety, Riley is certain it won’t work; all they want to do is fade into the background. But it doesn’t just work. The advice and stories go viral. So when a classmate finds out it is Riley behind it, Riley is terrified of being exposed. Because Riley is the genderfluid child of a conservative congressman.

Review: Those titles in the recommended section seem weird, huh? But it’s the best I could do. Why? Because there’s nothing else like this work. It is 100% one-of-a-kind kind of story. A beautiful coming-of-age novel that touches on the serious implications of being non-binary in a binary world, we get to see Riley come to terms themself. We see Riley find real friends and a community. And above all, we see Riley find a cause- a cause that motivates them push past their anxiety and fears.

And most of all, we as readers are never given a chance to see Riley as anything other than Riley, our genderfluid wordsmith with a deep-rooted love for music. We never find out their biological sex. In fact, the author’s note says that even he doesn’t know. They’re just Riley. And I can’t see it being done any other way. 

Rating: 4/5 Stars Recommended for fans of: Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda, Geography Club, and Verbotene Liebe Summary: When Beck and Jax find out that their parents are dating - they’re determined to stop it. For one, Beck’s dad has been hurt enough and two, Jax’s mom is a lesbian. But as they set out to do a reverse parent-trap, can the two overcome their differences and become friends (or more)?

Review: This story does what most would be too scared to - demonstrate the life of outcasts in a small bible-belt town. Anyone who has felt outcasted by extreme Christians can find joy in this tale of rising above hate and the sass that an openly gay kid can throw out in spite of it all. I find myself opening this book again and again for my favorite scenes - hoping to imprint them in my brain before I return this book back to whence it came.

Rating: 4/5 Stars Recommended for: Fans of The Spectacular Now and Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life

Summary: Adopted into a Mexican family with a gay, Sal knows that the world is not fair. Unable to take away the pain of those he cares about and with many questions unanswered, Sal finds himself lost and angry. But does this reflect something deeper about his nature? From the author of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe comes this glorious exploration of mortality, adulthood, family, and human nature.

Review: This book was gorgeous. It explored many deep topics in the innocent but profound way that can only be done in a notable coming of age novel. The familial dynamic between main character Salvador, his family, and his friends made my heart ache. It was so well-written that I found myself missing it when I finished the book.

My only complaint with this work is that it probably didn’t have to be so long. Some of the conversations, although important to the situations and character growth that all of the characters were facing, probably could have been shortened or combined. But it all rang true and I often found myself having to stop to process the words (as evidenced by the more than a few quotes down below).

Memorable Quotes:

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Summary: When a revolution in Syria disrupts the safety of her home, Jude and her mother seek refuge with her uncle in America. Confronted with so many changes happening at once, young Jude must find who she is and who she wants to be.

Review: This tale transcends location. It transcends religion. Jude is confronted with uncertainty - the uncertainty of the state of her home and family, of starting at a new school, of learning a new language, of being a middle eastern Muslim in a country torn with prejudices. In a time of change, she must learn that possessing multiple lives does not inherently mean either one is better than the other. She can be American and Syrian. She can be an immigrant and a student. Muslim and free. And a friend to anyone.

Told in the style of a poem, it was not only easy to read but impactful because of its simplicity. This book deserves a spot on every library’s shelves.

Memorable Quotes:

Rating: 3.5 /5 Stars  Recommended for: Fans of Everything, Everything

Summary: Natasha’s family is on the brink of being deported. Determined to stay, she seeks all possible options to reverse the decision. It’s on this hunt that she meets Daniel (Charles Melton from Riverdale). In a twist of fate, their paths cross and the hopeless romantic seeks to prove to the logic-ruled Natasha (Yara Shahidi from Black-ish) that love is more than just hormones.

Review: Told in an intermittent journaling style, we get to see the development of a pure relationship that both characters needed. We follow along on this journey as the characters learn important life lessons about love, family, dreams, life, and even cultural values. 

However, it felt like the relationship saw more development than the characters. At the end of it, I didn’t feel like I got to know the characters as well as in other films. As a result, this film doesn’t stick out amongst other films in the YA romance film subgenre.

I don’t regret watching this film at all. This is perfect for a casual movie night with friends or something to watch to get through laundry folding. I could totally see myself re-watching this. Probably wouldn’t pursue purchasing or renting however. Keep an eye on your streaming services for this underrated film.

Memorable Quotes:

“Compared to the lifespan of the universe, our lives begin and end in a single day.” - Natasha 

“Stars are just balls of gas burning billions of miles away. They are also a reminder of the brief time we share on this planet” - Natasha 

“Time and distance are the heart’s natural enemies.” - Natasha 

Rating: 5/5 Stars Recommended for: Fans of Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda and If I Stay

Summary:  Tripp and Lyla shouldn’t get along. They shouldn’t even acknowledge each other. And, in fact, that’s how it is for the longest time. Tripp scraped by and found solace playing his guitar in his bedroom. Meanwhile, Lyla excelled at everything she did and prepared for elite cello competitions. But that all changes when Tripp and Lyla get assigned to the same school practice room on opposite days, leading to a hilarious exchange of notes between the string of an old guitar.

Review: I cannot sing enough praises for this book. Set at the perfect pace, we get to see Lyla figure out who she is as both characters influence each other to fight for what they want. And this is all set together through true to life notes full of each character’s voice and their mutual love of all things music. Essentially, the plot was fantastic and transported me back to school. The characters were all well-flushed out and it made me curious to see where everything would go. And above-all, it was a perfectly constructed coming of age novel. I cannot believe that I hadn’t heard of this book before.

Memorable Quotes:

“He has been allotted precisely forty-four minutes of joy every other day.”

Rating: 3/5 Stars Recommended for: Fans of The Last Song and Midnight Sun

Summary: Coming from a divorced family, Auden lives a family life of contrast. She lives with her cynical mother most of the year but decides to stay with her father and step-mother the summer before college to get a breath of fresh air away from her mother. While there, she learns valuable lessons from the town’s residents regarding the nature of life. Among those is Eli, a local boy with his own personal tragedy that lives life at the same time as Auden - at night.

Review: Although labeled as romance, all romantic aspects of this story took a back seat to the coming of age self-realization story arch. While there is an appeal to this, it left the first half of the book rather slow. Since Auden had lived full-time with her mother, she started the book with the same cynical and elitist viewpoints, so the slow pace was rather aggravating. However, the supporting characters and their truth-bombs quickly made me a fan of this work. Overall, this a great down-to-earth and realistic coming of age novel that didn’t feel over-dramatized. 

Memorable Quotes:

“That was my brother, the living, breathing To Be Continued. Like my dad’s book, he was always in progress.” - Auden

“It’s never too late to have a happy childhood.” - Eli

“I’d always tell her, why can’t I do both? Who says you have to be either smart or pretty, or into girly stuff or sports? Life shouldn’t be about the either/or. We’re capable of more than that, you know?” - Maggie

Rating: 2/5 Stars

Summary: Crowley is you average demon. Except that he’s rather good friends with an Angel named Aziraphale. And thinks that Earth is fun. And doesn’t want the world to end. So ensues a mad dash to find and guide the antichrist before he brings about Armageddon.

Review: After the amount of love I seen for this work after Amazon’s series based on it, I decided that I NEEDED to read this. 

I will give credit where credit is due. It was witty. And quotable (see below). The ideas and characters are quite interesting and, sometimes, entertaining. In particular, I like the two’s acquired apathy towards what’s good and bad, and their resultant dynamic. Their confusion about what modern inventions are shaped by demons or angels is also hilarious. Told in a bedtime story fashion, I can see where some might like this. 

However, as characterized by bedtime stories - it was stock full of tangents and sidebars. Even more so than many classics I’ve read. If you edited this for lines relevant to the plot and slimmed them down, you’d wind up with a quarter of the currently published book. It was very tedious work from the beginning. I’ll have to see if this style (and the story) is better adapted in the series.

Memorable Quotes:

“Crowley - An angel who did not so much Fall as Saunter Vaguely Downwards.”

“If Bruce Springsteen had ever recorded “Born To Lurk,” these two would have been on the album cover.”

“One of the nice things about Time, Crowley always said, was that it was steadily taking him further away from the 14th century.”

The Queen's Assassin by Melissa de la Cruz - February 4th

In a kingdom where magic is outlawed and the Queen’s assassin Cal, bound by a vow of impossible magnitude, is envied, young Shadow trains privately to control her abilities and follow in the powerful footsteps of Cal. But when circumstances bring the two together, they discover that not all is at it seems.

Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed - February 4th

A modern romance story in a political and cultural backdrop, Muslim teenager Maya and embarasssingly shy Jamie are brought together to request votes door-to-door for a local campaigner. What ensues is bound to be beyond hilariously relatable.

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas - March 3rd

In this adult novel, we will be carried along on an investigation between half-human half-fae Bryce and the fallen angel Hunt as they investigate a string of murders by an evasive demon. In the meantime, secrets are revealed, freedom is reached for, and passion is realized.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins - May 19th

A prequel set 64 years prior to the events of Hunger Games, on the eve of the 10th hunger games (remember Griffin?).

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna - May 26th

When her blood runs gold in a village initiation ceremony, Deka is forced to make a choice between leaving her home to train for a life of fighting for the emperor or certain death as an impure pariah. 

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown - June 2nd

In quests to save their loved ones Malik and Princess Karina find themselves on paths that require the murder of the other. Can their attraction and alliance be enough to save each other and their loved ones? Or will it drive them to mutual destruction?

Forest of Souls by Lori M. Lee - June 23rd

Unveiled as a unique person of power, a soulguide with control over life and death, main character Sirscha must use her powers to enforce peace in the kingdom and keep her beloved friend safe.

Goddess in the Machine by Lora Beth Johnson - June 30th

When Andra wakes up from a cryogenic sleep meant to last to take her to a new planet, she discovers that she has been asleep well past when she was supposed to - 1000 years late actually. Partnered with an exiled prince, she must discover why she was left asleep and why the descendants of her fellow passengers believe her to be a goddess.

Set Fire to the Gods by Sara Raasch and Kristen Simmons - August 4th

Exploring a world at war, we see the two main characters from very different upbringings struggle with a life subject to the whims of fire and earth gods.

Star Daughter by Shveta Thakrar - August 11th

With the promise of a beautiful merging of Stardust and Hindu mythology, we explore the life half-starling Sheetal as she goes on a guest to get the help of a star to save her human father from a stafire injury.

Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff - September 3rd

Dracula This BBC and Netflix co-production holds a lot of promise. This Dracula retelling is set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer starting Jan. 1st before eventually landing on Netflix. If it’s anything like other BBC retellings Merlin, Sherlock, and Robin Hood, you can expect to be hooked. However, as the trailer already tells you, this one is going to be a horror. Proceed with caution.

Katy Keene Following Josie and friends as they aspire to make it as artists, this Riverdale spinoff could set us up for the professional appearance of Josie and the Pussycats. Expect to see it on CW on February 6th.

High Fidelity  Starring Zoe Kravitz (Leta from Fantastic Beasts), this Hulu series based on a book by the same name promises a relatable music-obsessed store owner as she navigates life and is set to appear on Feb 14th.

Stargirl This DC original series can be watched on DC’s streaming service and CW starting in the spring. No one knows exactly what to expect from this titular character that inspired the formation of the Justice Society of America to take down villains set prior to our current DC favorites.

1.) Shazam

This app is the go-to for anyone who has listened to a movie or the radio and wanted to know what that song just was. Click the shazam icon and it starts listening  for you, going through its database to bring you the title, artist, lyrics, and where to find it. AKA. My life’s savior.

2.) Bookbub

For any of you reading ebooks out there, you will thank me for this one. This app not only tells you about various books and reviews, it also tells which books are currently on sale through a multitude of vendors (amazon, apple, b&n, etc.). This not only helps you save money but exposes you to self- and independently published works that you otherwise would likely miss. Go, go now.  

3.) Tapas

This service give you access to a multitude of up-and-coming and established creators’ original works. You have access to novels and comics. Romance and action. Day in the life to comedy. Whatever you are into, you can find it here and usually in great quality. Some works do require certain in-app currency called ink that you can either purchase or earn, as well as wait-for-free period on premium works. However, there are PLENTY that you can read (and sometimes binge) for free. Why don’t I here phone tapping?

4.) Webtoon

Similar to Tapas, we are given free access to comic creators and original content that will strike a cord with numerous types of readers. They are easy to read and allow for plenty of interaction with other readers and the creators themselves. Essentially, a busy reader’s haven.

5.) IMDb

Rating: 5/5 Stars Recommended for: Fans of Game of Thrones and The Legend of the Seeker

Summary: The Witcher follows the adventures of Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill from from Man of Steel), a witcher (mutated monster hunter) as he follows his moral compass and makes a living in a cruel, magical and medieval time. The story also centers on Yennefer (Anya Chalotra), a young mage seeking a purpose in life, and Cirilla (Freya Allan), a young and powerful princess seeking salvation from war. 

Review: Although I have not read the books, I have played the video games for this storyworld. I found myself surprisingly impressed with how well Henry Cavill was able to capture the essence (and voice) of Geralt of Rivia. Verdict: Not just a pretty face in this piece. 

Honestly, I was impressed with the whole piece. The eight hour-long episodes had me craving more each time (I was only kept from binging the whole thing in one sitting by my family who wanted to watch it to). We get to see the beginnings the main characters before they become the people we know and adore from other media. The action and magic were well done (although the CGI sometimes lacked compared to larger-budget works of similar natures).

Is it perfect? Definitely not. In fact, it took way too long to realize that the 3 storylines (Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri) we were watching were in fact taking place at different timespans rather than simultaneously before they converge together in the last episode. Hopefully, now that you know this, I will be sparing you from any confusion as you go forth. Besides the obvious plot points that need addressing, I hope the second season shows how feisty Roach (Geralt’s horse) is and that we get plenty more ballads from our talkative nilly Jaskier the bard.

That’s right, this series has already been greenlit for a second season. I definitely recommend this action-packed epic to anyone with an interest in the story. Be wary, however, for visuals of consensual intercourse and nudity, mentions of rape, violence and death, and self-harm. But essentially, if you were able to make it through Game of Thrones you will be MORE than fine to watch this show. Hmmm... so maybe just adults. Watch and recommend at your own discretion. 

Notable Quotes: “Toss a coin to your Witcher” - Jaskier

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Summary:

When Elena (Naomi Scott from Aladdin and Lemonade Mouth) realizes that a device she helped create could be hacked and weaponized, she does everything she can to get her boss to postpone release of the product. When that fails, she finds herself in the midst of Angels, Charlie’s Angels that is. Sabina (Kristen Stewart  from Twilight and Snow White and the Huntsman) and Jane (newcomer Ella Balinska) have worked together in the past, but must now figure out how to work as a trio to prevent the wide-scale corruption that this device has inspired. Corruption that goes deeper than any of them had thought.

Thoughts:

I am a huge fan of the Charlie’s Angels franchise (my mom argues it’s bordering obsession, but that’s beside the point). So naturally, I had to see this new one in theaters as soon as it came out. It’s now been a week since I’ve seen it – plenty of time to ruminate on my thoughts.          

Despite initial reservations about Kristin Stewart’s participation in the project, as I perceive her roles to typically be monotonous, her performance was impressive. Her character demonstrated a range of emotion not usually seen on the star on screen. In fact, her character was probably my favorite from this rendition of this empowering tale. She makes a perfect conclusion to a triage of accomplished women – consisting of a Tank/MI6 ex-agent with a conscience, a hacker with a mission, and Stewart’s own seductress and foodie.

This version explores the Townsend Agency many years after the other renditions; our beloved Bosley has retired and has become the namesake for an organizational rank. There are several nods in the film to previous renditions of Charlie’s Angels and even has several cameos of notable female celebrities as current Angels. Essentially, HEAD CANNON ACCEPTED!

This is also tied together with tunes audiences can grove to and a nicely-executed plot twist with multiple dimensions. Now, if you excuse me, I’m going to be listening to the soundtrack on repeat until I can get my hands on the DVD.

Quotes:

“Did you know it takes a man an additional 7 seconds to perceive a woman as a threat?” -Sabina

“You’ve got 7 moves Mr. Hodak. I know them all… 7 moves and a fragile ego.” - Jane

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Summary:  Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw find themselves having to come together to save the world from a weaponized virus.The virus, currently under the protection of Shaw’s sister, is being pursued by enhanced mercenary. The duo could be a force to be reckoned with, if they could find a way to get along.

Review: Originally, I was worried about whether this could properly be called a Fast & Furious movie. I need not have worried, however, as the movie contained its fair share of epic car chases and vehicles that viewers would happily steal (I call dibs on the motorcycle). The bickering between the main characters was hilarious and not overworked. 

I would say this film situates well alongside the Fast & Furious franchise with a few splashes of the cyborg sci-fi genre and an occasional Black Panther-esque tone. Viewers also get to see nods to the actors’ filmographies, adding another layer to the story. However, while the mix of sci-fi, racing, and familial and cultural messages was overall refreshing and intriguing, I couldn’t help but notice that the various elements clashed at times.

Memorable Quote:

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Summary: When overzealous lion cub Simba’s childhood is cut short, he finds himself a family in the jungle with meerkat Timon and warthog Pumbaa. However, when his home is revealed to be in devastation, the young prince must figure out who he is and make a choice.

Review: This film kept spectacularly true to the original. In fact, the only significant differences I noticed were scenes that were added for aesthetic, world-building purposes. I did, however, feel that a couple of the casting choices paled in comparison to the original voices (for instance, Whoopi Goldberg).

The visuals were so well done that, at some smaller moments, I wondered if they spliced in documentary footage. However, due to this focus on realism, facial expressions were generally lacking. While this may be a problem for some viewers, I found the music, sound effects, voices, and body language sufficient enough to see what the characters were feeling.

Memorable Quotes:

“It belongs to no one, but is yours to protect” - Mufasa

“Has anyone seen a little lion? He’s small but he’s cute.” - Zazu

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Summary: Passed from the wild to the hands of various master, part-dog part-wolf White Fang has to learn how to adjust and survive in his different circumstances. With a grit that can only come from his heritage and experience, White Fang shows promise to excel in his harsh surroundings, but can he understand and accept compassion when it gets shown to him?

Review: The story is told with an omniscient narrative flow that makes it clear why this story is considered a class. The tale centers on the events that lead to White Fang’s birth and the conditions that shape him throughout his life. In particular, I enjoyed London’s interpretation of what the world must seem like to an animal that humans so often take for granted. He also did a great job explaining the differences between the different cultural situations that White Fang found himself in while being passed between owners.

However, I found the story exceptionally slow to touch on the main plot, with the majority of the book describing the events that shaped his personality in great, and sometimes repetitive, detail (rather like many classics). Additionally, the sentimental animal-lover in me had to resist skipping over the cruelty that White Fang experienced under the hands of less-than-ideal masters. However, the story did an excellent job at relaying the message of how one’s past doesn’t necessarily define them.

I ultimately prefer the televised retelling to this novel, but I appreciate the detail that the narrative was able to bring to White Fang’s past and it’s role in making such retellings possible. This is definitely one of those classics that I will encourage everyone to read.

Memorable Quote:

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Summary: Based on the book of the same name (by Kevin Kwan), Rachel Chu is set to meet her boyfriend’s parents while in Singapore for his friend’s wedding. However, she is about to learn that her boyfriend is none other than THE Nick Young, favorite son of one of the wealthiest families on the island.

Review: This film does an excellent job of setting American/Western Individualist culture in contrast with Asian/Eastern Collectivist culture without making one wholly better than the other. We get to see how both parties view each other’s values and acknowledge their advantages (sometimes reluctantly). 

But viewers would be mistaken if they thought this film only had cultural and romantic undertones. This film also adds a healthy dose of humor, familial love, romantic love, and girl-power messages. It also mirrors movies of similar plots such as Prince & Me. Complete with the signature subgenre trope - a makeover scene. But above-all, we get to see the intelligence and integrity of some of the main women in the film.

I thoroughly enjoyed the film and all the messages it touched on. However, there weren’t many added elements (besides the setting) that made this feel above-and-beyond the genre it sits itself in. In fact, the scenes of this regard mostly center on supporting character Astrid. Additionally, while I can understand the meaning of the title (and that it nods to the book it was based on), I wonder if potential viewers would have been more eager if a better one was chosen.

Memorable Quotes: “It’s not my job to make you feel like a man.” - Astrid Leong-Teo