Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: My Uneven Reading Week

My fingers are crossed, but I think we may be seeing the end of the monsoon season. This past weekend was beautiful, and I managed to get outside and work in my gardens. They aren't the best they've looked, but I think the flowers are happy for the improvement.

The good weather couldn't have been better timed because a friend was in town, visiting from England. We were invited to lovely afternoon cookout, which was the perfect way to reconnect and relax.

I didn't get much reading finished this week, mostly because I had to bail on two -- yes, two -- of my books. One I ditched fairly early on, but the other I stupidly hung in there for way too long. Fortunately, I managed to finish one audiobook and made good progress on print books.

Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner (Crown Books for Young Readers, Feb. 2019). This young adult novel is about two best friends struggling to balance their teenage loyalties and dreams with the realities of their after-high-school opportunities. Josie and Delia have spent two years as hosts of a weekly fright night, which shows raunchy horror flicks on local-access television. They've had some success with their on-screen banter and intermission acts, and their show has been syndicated to several other local-access stations across the country. As their senior year ends, their future as TV co-hosts comes into question. A cute boy, an invite to a horror com (think Comic Com, except for horror movies), and family issues leave Delia and especially Josie with tough decisions.

Zentner nails this story. The girls were easy to connect with, their dilemmas seemed realistic, and the conclusion was satisfying. I loved the humor and quick dialogue but was also heartbroken for the girls as they dealt with the first steps of becoming adults and faced the consequences of their choices. Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee has good crossover appeal to older readers, and I fully recommend it. Note that I listened to the unabridged audiobook (Listening Library; 10 hr, 20 min) read by Sophie Amoss and Phoebe Strole, who blended well together and delivered on the full range of emotions. See AudioFile magazine for my audiobook review. (Review copy provided by the publisher; audiobook provided for a freelance review)

I gave Ancestral Night by Elizabeth Bear (Gallery, March 2019; Simon & Schuster Audio, 16 hr, 48 min) more than a fair chance. This first in a new space opera series has garnered much praise. In the far future, Haimey Dz and her partner Connla Kurucz (male) fly a space salvage ship, collecting debris that has been left behind by all kinds of sentient species. When trying to score big, they uncover a secret and catch the attention of space pirates and the universe authorities. The entire story is told from Haimey's point of view (supposedly her diary), which is full of introspection and angst. I wish I knew why I devoted 10 hours of my life to this audiobook. There was too much "being in Haimey's head" for me, which consisted mostly of her wondering if she was doing the right thing, missing her friends, tweaking her emotions, ruminating over her upbringing, and reviewing her one big failed relationship. I guess I kept thinking something or other would happen. Sigh. Narrator Nneka Okoye did a fine job delivering Haimey's inner voice, but in the end, I had to say good-bye. (audiobook copy provided by the publisher)

Fortunately, I didn't spend much time at all with The Wolf Connection: What Wolves Can Teach Us about Being Human by Teo Alfero (Atria, June 25). This book was compared to Clarissa Pinkola Estés's Women Who Run with the Wolves and with Sy Montgomery's The Soul of an Octopus. Who could resist downloading a review copy? I pretty much jumped at the chance to read this. I wish I had paid closer attention to the publisher's summary, because I quickly realized this was not a book for me. On the other hand, it may be the perfect book for you. I was looking for a study about animal behavior, but what I got was the story of a program that helps heal people and guide them to a fuller life through a connection with these amazing animals. I support any program that can help people move past trauma while at the same time preserve Native American lore and can further our understanding of wolf behavior. It just wasn't the book I was expecting to read this week, and so put it aside. I may return to The Wolf Connection later in the year, now that I understand what it's all about. (digital copy provided by the publisher)

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4 New Books for YA Readers (Not a Fantasy in Sight)

Do you think all young adult fiction is fantasy? Sometimes it can feel that way, but in truth young readers are very much interested in contemporary issues, mystery, and even some romance. Today's round-up offers suggestions to please more down-to-earth readers, of any age. Don't be put off by the audience; you just might find a beloved book or author among the titles originally written for youthful readers. Harry Potter, anyone?

Give Me Thrills and Chills

• A Danger to Herself and Others by Alyssa Sheinmel (Sourcebooks Fire, Feb. 5): Hannah doesn't want to spend her senior year under psychological observation and confinement. She insists she had nothing to do with her BFF's accidental fall from a high window. No one believes Hannah, until she gets a roommate at the mental institution. At first Hannah's circumstances improve, but soon her perception of reality seems to unravel, and she wonders who she can trust. Themes: friendship, mental health.
• Following by Jeffry W. Johnston (Sourcebooks Fire, Feb. 5): Alden wants to be an investigator and often practices by tailing his classmates and making observations. Alden thinks what he's doing is harmless, until he witnesses a boy murder his girlfriend--but then the girl shows up again a few days later. What did Alden really see and who will believe him? Themes: telling the truth, loss, parenting, friendship.

Contemporary Life

• Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner (Crown BYR, Feb. 26): Best friends Josie and Delia make the most of their out-of-school hours by hosting a Friday-night local cable TV show that features horror movies and fright-night fun. As graduation from high schools nears, Josie is hoping to pursue a career in television, while Delia is left with many fewer choices. When they see a chance to take their show to a wider audience, they jump on it, but will the end of their road trip fulfill their dreams? Themes: friendship, family, depression, socioeconomic issues, dreams.
• No One Here Is Lonely by Sarah Everett (Knopf BYR, Feb. 5): Summer after senior year, Eden finds herself at loose ends. Her best friend has drifted onto her own path, the boy she was crushing on died in a car accident a few weeks earlier, and her siblings seem so self-assured. Eden withdraws into herself, pretending life hasn't changed, but as summer progresses will she be able to resist the call of new possibilities? Themes: friendship, grief, finding one's self, maturing

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: Last Week's Hits and Misses

Happy New Year's Eve to everyone. My wish is for all of you to have the best year ever.

Despite working full-time between Christmas and New Year's, I managed to read two short books, make progress on a third and listen to a fourth.

For many years now, we've hosted a New Year's Eve party for just a few friends. I make a fancy dinner and then we all retire to living room to watch a movie, eat dessert and snacks, and wait for the ball to drop in Times Square. Some years the last person leaves at four in the morning, and other years we're alone by one. Either way, we're always happy to have friends to our house.

I'll try to pop in to visit your blogs in between cooking and setting the table and all the other little things we need to attend to today. Tomorrow is one of my favorite days: I put away the Christmas things, hang the new calendars, and get ready for a new year and a fresh start.

Here's what I read last week.

Book Love by Debbie Tung (Andrews McMeel, January 1, 2019): Put this book on your reading list and add it to your gift list for every book lover you know. This gem of a book is a series of black-and-white comics: some are one panel, some are several, and all will touch the core of the book nerd in you. Tung hits all the familiar bookish problems: staying up too late reading, packing books for trips, the impossibility of passing a bookstore without going in and buying something, the pain of transitioning to digital formats, and the book hangover. I know I'll return to this collection again and again -- Tung has so brilliantly captured the life of a reader. Don't miss this! (review copy provided by the publisher)

Parkland Speaks edited by Sarah Lerner (Crown Books YR; January 22, 2019): The subtitle of this moving collection of essays, poems, quick thoughts, photos, and art will tell you what this book is about: "Survivors from Marjory Stoneman Douglas Share Their Stories." On February 14 of last year, the teenagers of MSD high school were thinking about valentines and dates, getting to sports practice, hanging with friends, and all the other everyday things. When shots were fired, leaving 17 dead, the lives of the surviving teachers, students, and families were forever changed. You could read this collection in a single day, but the stories and memories and tributes are so moving, it would be hard to absorb all that emotion in one sitting. The feelings and voices of these teens are raw, heartbreaking, and elegant. The firsthand accounts of fear and confusion and the resulting sadness, guilt, and anger will stick with you. I hope the words of these teens encourage us all to work harder make our schools safe. (review copy provided by the publisher)

China to Me by Emily Hahn, read by Nancy Wu (Blackstone Audio; 22 hr, 1 min; November 2018): I'm not at all sure what I think of this autobiography of Hahn's unconventional life in China in the years before the war and after the Japanese invasion (1935-1943). She lived in Shanghai and Hong Kong, among other places, and traveled in many social circles. Her detailed account of China at that time is very much from the perspective of a Westerner and very much a response to the times and to war. The book was originally published in 1944, after Hahn was able to return to the United States with her infant daughter. It's sometimes extremely difficult to listen to the language and the prejudicial statements; I had to keep reminding myself of the time period and that Hahn's life was truly in danger at the hands of the Japanese. She was often fearless, a true feminist, and ahead of her time in many ways. She met some of the most important people in China at the time (including Sun Yat-sen and Chiang Kai-shek), and worked as a journalist, writer, and teacher. Her story is fascinating, though hard to stomach from today's sensibilities. Narrator Nancy Wu is one of the best for Chinese accents and pidgin English, and she projects Hahn's emotions well. (audiobook provided for a freelance assignment)

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5 Novels About Contemporary Life for Teens & Tweens

 Many adults dismiss novels geared to young adult and middle grade readers, thinking they're pretty much all either speculative fiction or full of teenage angst. It's too bad, because those adults are missing out on many excellent books that feature regular kids dealing with 21st-century life. Today's round-up highlights five contemporary stories that examine relationships, families, growing up, and a variety of social issues.

• The Freshmen by Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison (Delacorte Press, June 12): A story of adjusting to college, told from two viewpoints. Although Phoebe and Luke went to the same high school, they didn’t get to know each other until college. Phoebe is all about new beginnings and completely shedding her old life. Luke doesn’t really have a plan except to play soccer. They make an unlikely pair, and just as they start to hook up, rumors and #metoo issues threaten their new relationship. This rom-com has been getting positive buzz.
• The Museum of Us by Tara Wilson Redd (Wendy Lamb Books, June 26): A debut novel that explores the differences between our inner worlds and outer realities and what happens when the two collide. Sadie guards her secrets, even from herself, until she wakes up in a hospital with her fantasy world exposed. As the 16-year-old faces the demons of her past, she learns she isn’t alone. Booklist notes that the novel softens the stigma attached to mental illness.
• Almost Impossible by Nicole Williams (Crown Books FYR, June 19): A modern-day romance tempered with deeper themes and set in California. Jade has grown up on the road with her mother’s rock ’n’ roll band, home schooled, well traveled, and street smart. She breaks ranks when, at 17, she tells her mom that she wants to spend the summer living a “normal” life with her aunt. A flirtation with the cute guy next door threatens to derail her secret plot to try to meet her father. The book features relatable characters and looks at families, parenthood, and different kinds of relationships.

• Just under the Clouds by Melissa Sarno (Knopf Books FYR, June 5): An affecting debut focusing on what it’s like to be homeless in New York. After Cora’s father dies, her mother has trouble keeping the family safe and together, especially because Cora’s younger sister is “different.” Remembering her father’s horticultural lessons, Cora searches for solace in the trees and green spots of Brooklyn, all the while trying to take care of her sister and find security. A story about life for way too many youngsters in 21st-century America.
• Drum Roll Please by Lisa Jenn Bigelow (HarperCollins, June 6): A summer camp story in which a young girl copes with change and self-discovery. Just as Melly, a budding drummer, heads off to music camp with her BFF, her parents announce they’re getting a divorce. Throwing more coals on the fire, Melly’s friend spends all her time with a cute guy, and Melly herself begins to question her passion for the drums. Stir in a new girl friend who just might be a girlfriend, and you have one transformative summer. A contemporary coming-of-age story that focuses on friendship, families, and LGBTQ themes and features a diverse cast.

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: The Red Cover Edition

I don't care who you're rooting for, this year's World Series has been great. For the most part, the long games have been exciting, with big hits good action, and extra innings. What a postseason!

We spent most of Saturday hiking in a local state forest. It's finally looking like fall, with gorgeous leaves and deep blue skies. Well, except yesterday (Sunday), which was non-stop rain. The rain, though, was just the excuse I needed to spend the day making lace. All in all, a near-perfect weekend.

Work has picked up in the pre-holiday season, which is a good thing, though it can cut into my reading time. I also have a new sideline gig that I'm very excited about and will share with you next week.

What I Read Last Week

Where the Past Begins by Amy Tan (Ecco, Oct. 3) is a different kind of memoir. Instead of sticking to a chronological structure, Tan muses about a variety of incidents and issues, from her early experiences with family deaths to life as a child of immigrants, her relationship with her mother, her struggle with medical problems, her writing life, and her fascination with language. I've enjoyed Tan's novels, so I liked getting to know her better, If I were to sum up her life in one sentence, I'd say she is a survivor who has found a way to thrive in the face of difficult challenges. Her writing style is loose and personal and easy to connect to. Tan herself narrates the audiobook edition (Harper Audio, 14 hr. 31 min). She is engaging, and I liked her portrayal of her mother and her rendering of Chinese American accents. The only problem with the audiobook is that you miss out on the Tan family photographs. I'll have more to say over at AudioFile magazine.

Dear Martin by Nic Stone (Crown Books for Young Readers, Oct. 17) is heart-wrenching in its authenticity of what it's like to be a black teen in the South (or, really, anywhere in the United States). Justyce is smart and one of only a couple of black students in an Atlanta private high school. He's also a scholarship student among wealthy white kids. One night when trying to help his drunk, light-skinned biracial girlfriend, he's picked up by the police, who immediately assume he's a black boy trying to take advantage of a white girl. The handcuffs, the total disrespect, and the racial profiling affect him deeply. Justyce tries to cope with the mixed signals from his seemingly friendly classmates with their ingrained prejudice and with his general outsider status by writing letters to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and trying to model his reactions by "what would Martin do?" Justyce doesn't always make the right choices, but he does make believable choices. This book will eat you up. Author Stone makes it clear that civil rights and racial equality are far realized in this country and shows this through Justyce's story. Although written for a young adult audience, readers of all ages will find plenty to think about. The autdiobook (Listening Library 4 hr, 32 in) is read by Dion Graham, who handles the dialect and emotional impact of the book beautifully. His characterizations weren't particularly strong, but his respect and understanding of Stone's book had me listening all in one go. (thanks to the publisher for both print and audio review copies)

Other Stuff

Besides baseball and lacemaking, I've started Alice Hoffman's Rules of Magic. If you liked Hoffman's Practical Magic (book or movie), you really do need to read her new novel, which takes place in (or at least starts in) the 1960s when the Owen children learn their true nature. The sisters in this book grow up to be the aunts we meet in Practical Magic. I'm thoroughly enjoying the audiobook (read by Marin Ireland) and will report back next week.

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6 Contemporary Novels for Young Readers

This week is the 98th annual Children's Book Week, and I'm celebrating the event by featuring books geared to young adult and middle grade readers that were (or will be) published in March, April, and May of 2017. Last week, I recommended 8 books that included a little magic or fantasy. Today, I recommend 6 books set in the real world and focusing on contemporary themes that concern young readers.

• When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon (Simon Pulse; May): This rom-com for teens explores the dilemma of respecting cultural tradition in a tech-filled twenty-first century. Now that young women fashion their own futures, are arranged relationships doomed before they even start? This is novel offers both great escape and a look at family, cultural expectations, and modern love.
• Antisocial by Jillian Blake (Delacorte Press; May): The social structure of a prep school is turned upside down when the cool kids' phones are hacked and photos, texts, and emails are made public. While the students are humiliated and relationships are shattered, one girl tries to bury her secrets while protecting her friends. This book asks, What are consequences of our always-online lives?
• Bodyguard: Recruit by Chris Bradford (Philomel Books; May): A teenage kickboxing champ is recruited by the government and trained to be the bodyguard for the president's fun-loving and sometimes reckless daughter. This action-packed story is the first in a new series and provides an accurate picture of what it's like to be a professional bodyguard.

• Speed of Life by Carol Weston (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; April): When Sofia needed someone to talk to, she turned to teen advice columist "Dear Kate." Imagine her distress after she learns her widowed father started dating the very woman who knows all her secrets. This novel looks at families, grief, and trust.
• The End of Our Story by Meg Haston (HarperTeen; April): Set in Florida, this book explores what happens when two teens are reunited after a family crisis. Although they've changed over their year-long breakup, can Bridge and Wil once again find common ground? And if so, will they be friends or sweethearts?
• Lemons by Melissa Savage (Crown Books for Young Readers; May): Lemonade Liberty Witt has trouble seeing the positive when she moves in with her estranged grandfather after her mother's death. But then she meets 11-year-old Tobin, a Bigfoot nerd, who asks her to help with his investigations. Themes of friendship, grief, and family are lightened by a big dose of humor.

Note: Books featured for Children's Book Week represent only those titles that came to my attention through a variety of avenues. They are also books I've had a chance to look through or read (print, audio, or ebook). I'm grateful to the publishers and other agencies that provided copies of these books for my honest opinion in a review or feature.

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8 Magical Books for Children's Book Week

Next week is the 98th annual Children's Book Week, and I'm celebrating by featuring books geared to young adult and middle grade readers that were (or will be) published in March, April, and May 2017.

I have so many great books to talk about, I'm starting early with today's post, which concentrates on fantasy and on novels that include a bit of magic or other worldliness. Next week, I'll look at contemporary stories, graphic novels, and thrillers.

Note: Books featured for Children's Book Week represent only those titles that came to my attention through a variety of avenues. They are also books I've had a chance to look through or read (print, audio, or ebook). I'm grateful to the publishers and other agencies that provided copies of these books for my honest opinion in a review or feature.

• Dream Magic by Joshua Khan (Disney Hyperion; April): This standalone novel is set in the Shadow Magic universe. Lilith Shadow, the young queen of Gehenna, faces a host of problems: trolls are on the march, the dead are awakening, and her citizens are mysteriously disappearing. The story combines several familiar fantasy and mystery elements in new ways and introduces us to unique creatures, including a giant bat. The book has won praise from the likes of Rick Riordan and Jonathan Stroud.
• Carmer and Grit by Sasrah Jean Horwitz (Algonquin Young Readers; April): Young readers will be won over by this fresh mix of fantasy and steampunk. A disabled faerie princess teams up with a magician's apprentice to save their world from destruction by evil mechanical creatures. Great themes of friendship, good versus evil, being true to one's own dreams, and solving mysteries. Don't miss this action-packed first installment of a new series.
• The Lost Staff of Wonders by Raymond Arroyo (Crown Books for Young Readers; March): Set in the late-1800s, this second book in the Will Wilder series takes place in a familiar world, except for the little problem of ancient demons. When, 12-year-old Will is wrongfully accused of stealing Moses's staff from the local museum, he must use his magical powers to find the real thief and protect his town from being destroyed by the seven plagues. Action, adventure, and biblical tales come true make this a gripping read.
• Xander and the Dream Thief by Margaret Dilloway (Disney Hyperion; April): This fairy tale retelling takes young readers out of Western traditions by focusing on Japanese myths and legends. In this second book in the Momotaro series, Xander, our biracial warrior hero, is still getting used to his new fighter status and how to use his powers. When his bumbling takes hope away from his family, Xander must find the strength and courage to face the evils that have stolen their dreams. The novel includes themes of self-confidence, learning from mistakes, love of family, and personal fortitude.

• The Shadows We Know by Heart Jennifer Park (Simon Pulse; March): This debut combo of romance and fantasy is set in contemporary Texas. Every night Leah escapes her dysfunctional family by secretly leaving food for three creatures who live in the woods behind her house. One evening she sees a human boy with the Bigfoot trio and she begins to fall in love. Besides the love story, this novel explores grief, family issues, and alcoholism. A coming-of-age story for teens and adults.
• The Door in the Alley by Adrienne Kress (Delacorte Books for Young Readers; April): Middle grade readers will love this new action / adventure series, which begins with a tiny pig in a tiny hat that leads to a mystery, a curious boy, a girl in need of help, and a secret society. The whole family will find it hard to resist the witty dialogue, groan-inducing puns, charming black and white drawings, funny footnotes, and fantastic characters.
• Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk (Dutton Books for Young Readers; May): Early in the last century, on a small island off the coast of Massachusetts, a baby was rescued from the ocean. Now 12-years-old, Crow begins to question her origins, which sets her on a dangerous journey of self-discovery on several levels. Strong female role models and lessons about the meaning of family round out this compelling and haunting novel.
• Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder (Waldon Pond Press; May): Nine children live on a utopian island, where all their needs are met, the weather is perfect, and there is always plenty to eat. Their world is unbroken except when a mysterious boat arrives once a year to take away the oldest child, leaving another to take his or her place as the youngest in the group. When Jinny's best friend is taken away, she becomes the eldest orphan. As she begins to teach new child the rules of the island, Jinny starts to question her universe. A beautifully conceived look at the transition from childhood to adolescence.

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: A March Miscellany

Not much happening in my world this week. The weather turned cold and snowy again, I'm still editing seven days a week, and I'm still so grateful for audiobooks, which remain a mainstay of my reading life.

BEA. Book Expo (the convention formally known as BookExpo America) will be here before I know it. I'm looking forward to a few days in New York to be immersed in all things bookish. I have a feeling this year may be a little odd because the organizers are trying to cut down on attendance (not sure why, but there you have it).

If you think you're going to the convention, please let me know; I'd love to know who else is going and to see if there will be any get-togethers.

Mini Book Reviews

I finished two audiobooks and two comics (graphic novels / nonfiction) this week. I made little progress in straight reading, but that's the fault of my job.

• The Rise of Empire by Michael J. Sullivan (Recorded Books): In this installment of the Riyria Revelations, our heroes were perusing different goals, so there were three separate plot lines, although two converged at the end. The story contained some sad deaths, new people to cheer for and new villains to boo, and deeper world building. Sullivan matured as a writer from the first book in this epic fantasy series, and I am looking forward to seeing his skills continue to grow in the final entry. Rise of Empire ended on a twist, a cliffhanger, and the promise of new directions. Tim Gerard Reynolds's performance on the audiobook is fabulous.
• The Futures by Anna Pitoniak (Hachette Audio): The novel is told from the alternating perspectives of Julia and Evan from about the time they meet as freshman at Yale to the months after graduation, when they try to make a go of it in New York City, just as the economy collapses in 2008. There isn't a lot new in this novel, the pace is on the slow side, and much of the story was predictable. The good news is that Sarah Mollo-Christensen and Michael Crouch both did a fine job reading the audiobook, so that helped me through. My full audiobook review will be available at AudioFile magazine.
• Lucy & Andy Neanderthal by Jeffrey Brown (Crown Books for Young Readers): In this first in a series graphic novel, Brown uses his trademark humor to transport us 40,000 years into the past, where we get a look at what it may have been like to have been a Neanderthal. This is a well-researched story, that accurately describes the tools, social structure, and technology of the Neanderthals. Don't worry, it's not all an anthropology lesson: We follow young Andy as he and his sister get into trouble, help their parents, and have some fun too. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. The book is geared to middle grade readers, but it's perfect for the whole family.
• California Dreamin': Cass Elliot before The Mamas & the Papas by Penelope Bagieu (First Second): Dare I admit that I remember the Mamas and the Papas as well as the words to all their major hits? I really liked this look at how Ellen Cohen, daughter of a struggling Baltimore deli man, became pop music icon Cass Elliot. The graphic biography takes a frank look at her over-the-top personality and large size and shows how these signature characateristics both helped and hindered Elliot's career.

Books to Screen

Did you know Masterpiece Theater (PBS / BBC) will be airing a film about the Brontes? To Walk Invisible: The Brontë Sisters (written and directed by Sally Wainwright) airs on March 26 at 9pm (Eastern Time). Here's more information from the press release:

Based largely on Charlotte’s voluminous letters, the film follows the Brontë sisters in the eventful three-year period that saw them rise from ordinary, unmarried women, taking care of the household and their widowed father, to the secret authors of the world’s most sensational literature.

Take a look at the trailer; I think this is going to be great.

Coffee Anyone?

Finally, if you're as much of a coffee fan as I am, you'll want to download this free eBook: The Book Lover’s Guide to Coffee, created by Signature (Penguin Random House) in partnership with Sprudge and Birch Coffee. The short book contains essays covering all kinds of ways coffee and books intersect. I particularly like the cool infographics. Take a look (click to enlarge):

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Today's Read: As Red As Blood by Salla Simukka

Suppose you were a teenager who was accepted into a prestigious school for the arts, living on your own away from home. You like to keep to yourself (for reasons you keep to yourself) but accidentally get caught up in dangerous business that a trio of snotty rich kids stumbled into. Do you help your fellow students or do you find a way to continue living under the radar? This is Lumikki Anersson's situation.

Glittering white lay all around. Over the old snow, a new, clean layer of soft flakes had fallen fifteen minutes earlier. Fifteen minutes earlier, everything had still been possible. The world had looked beautiful, the future flickering somewhere in the distance: brighter, freer, more peaceful. A future worth risking everything, worth going all-in, worth trying to make a break for it.

—As Red As Blood by Salla Simukka (Crown Books for Young Readers, 2017, p. 5 [opening])

Quick Facts

• Setting: Contemporary times;Tampere, Finland
• Circumstances: Lumikki (whose name means Snow White), discovers €30,000, newly washed, in the high-school dark room. She doesn't touch the money, but three other students are now worried she'll rat them out. Instead of turning Elisa (daughter of a cop), Tuukka (son of the principal), and Kasper over to authorities, she helps them figure out how a backpack full of blood-soaked bills ended up in Elisa's backyard.
• Genre: Scandinavian thriller / mystery
• Themes: friendship; being different; drugs; corruption; bullying; affairs of the heart
• Characters: Lumikki, an all-A student who's hoping to be a painter; Elisa, daughter of a police detective who appears to be a spoiled rich kid; Tuukka and Kasper, Elisa's sidekicks, who like drugs and enjoy their popularity at school; various bad guys involved in a Russian-Scandinavian drug cartel; the kids' parents
• Why I read this: I said yes to this novel because the book was pitched a "Nordic noir for young adults," and that caught my attention. One of my goals this year is to read more books in translation, and As Red As Blood is translated from the original Finnish. Finally, I've enjoyed several Scandinavian crime series, so I figured this would be a good match for me.
• General thoughts: Let me jump to chase: I found the book to be only okay. One of the problems was that Simukka was trying to do too much in this first installment of a trilogy starring Lumikki: we have flashbacks to Lumikki's young childhood, we have high school/teen issues, we have things happening in a very adult drug cartel, and we see life in Elisa's house. Some of these plot lines were better developed than others, but I never fully connected with any of them.
• Lumikki and the central plot: (I'm purposely vague here so I don't spoil the story for you.) I didn't quite buy all of Lumikki's talents and her ability to infiltrate certain social events or to extract herself from trouble. Simukka gave Lumikki a well-rounded background, but still, I'm not sure the teen could have escaped from all those situations relatively unscathed. Lady luck was always on Lumikki's side.
• Audiobook: I listened to the unabridged audiobook (Listening Library; 7 hr, 26 min) read by Ann Marie Lee. I can only assume that Lee pronounced the Finnish words and names correctly because her accent (as far as I could tell) was consistent. Her narration was expressive and sounded appropriately young, but her delivery was excessively earnest and somewhat choppy. I stuck with the audiobook, but my recommendation is to read As Red As Blood in print or at least to listen to a sample of the production before committing.
• Extras: Note that Salla Simukka's novel won starred reviews from Booklist, Kirkus,and Publishers Weekly and the School Library Journal liked it too. So perhaps it's not the novel but just me. The other books in the series are titled As White As Snow and As Black As Ebony. If I continue with Lumikki's story, I'll be turning to print.

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