Poetry Will Save Your Life: A Memoir by Jill Bialosky

1 star A disappointing read from a book with such a catchy title and lovely cover. Loved the idea but the execution did not work for me. For me, this book tries to do too much. It is part memoir, part poetry anthology, and part poetry analysis with some facts and quotes from other poets…

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How to Be an Indian in the 21st Century by Louis V. Clark (Two Shoes)

2 stars An interesting memoir told in poetry and prose. Clark works many topics into the collection, from parenthood and relationships to baseball and a disdain for offensive mascots that claim to “honor” culture and tradition. From mundane experiences to exciting stories, this book covers a lot of ground. It includes much about how indigenous…

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Just Pretend by Tori Sharp

3 stars I’ll start by saying I’m not usually a huge fan of realistic, middle-grade graphic novels and did not initially realize this was a memoir. Overall, I thought the story was okay. There is plenty readers can relate to: parental divorce, fighting with siblings, new friendships, school drama, growing need for independence, friends moving…

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Wow, No Thank You. by Samantha Irby

4 stars A hilarious collection of essays ranging from the writing process to health problems to getting older to relationships and married life. This is the first book I’ve read from Irby (but won’t be the last!). I’ll admit it took me a bit to get into the flow of it. The audiobook is read…

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All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson

3 stars An open and compelling memoir as well as a call to action for representation into the intersection between Blackness and queerness, especially within the YA genre. Johnson does a wonderful job crafting a memoir that acts as a place of relatability for those who share his identities as well as a place for…

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Sisters (Smile #2) by Raina Telgemeier

For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle Okay read. I will say that as an only child, it was kind of hard for me to relate to. Pretty much all I know about having siblings is what I’ve seen on TV and read in books. I’m sure those with siblings would find this more interesting….

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