It's Monday, what are you reading? (18)

Hosted by The Book Journey

Last week I finished reading:
The Girl in the Park by Mariah Fredericks

Enjoyable mystery thriller. It's not terribly unique, but I liked the narrator, and it also dealt with some interesting issues.

Lies, Knives, and Girls in Red Dresses by Ron Koertge, illustrated by Andrea Dezso

Didn't seem like a full book to me. Plus the fairy-tale retelling in poetic form has been done so many times before, and if you're going to repeat it it seems like it should be something really special. There were some nice moments but I like Anne Sexton's Transformations much better. 

Torn by Stephanie Guerra

I really liked the bad girl in this book, Ruby, who reminds me an awful lot of Ruby from Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma. My major problem with this book is that the biggest revelation / change of heart happens off-stage. I felt like I was cheated.

Intentions by Deborah Heiligman

I had incredibly high hopes for this book, and while they were not met, there were some enjoyable moments and a hilarious scene where the main character is stoned.

Like Mandarin by Kirsten Hubbard

Beautiful beautiful writing. I've had this one for awhile, and had been planning to read it even before it was released, as I was a follow of the author's blog for the past couple years. I'm not sure what took me so long, but I'm glad I finally made the time. It was worth it.

What I plan to read this week:
Eating Dirt by Charlotte Gill

I had pretty much abandoned this book in November when I needed a non-fiction break while writing my thesis. Going back to it, it's even better than I remember. I didn't quite finish it last week, so I definitely plan to in the next few days.

The Whole Story of Half A Girl by Veera Hiranandani

As was clear with Intentions I love reading books with Jewish aspects to them, and the fact that the main character is half Jewish, half Indian, is a really interesting combination I've definitely never encountered in literature before. I'm excited to see what the author has in store.

The Apothecary by Maile Meloy

Didn't manage to get to this novel last week, as I got distracted by a billion others, but I definitely plan to devour it in the next few days. The little bit I have read is gorgeous in writing and illustrations. 

The Book of Blood and Shadows by Robin Wasserman

From what I've heard, this one has a slow starts but turns amazing by around 100 pages. Hopefully I don't have to wait that long to enjoy it! But I'm excited to give it a try. Plus, that eye on the cover is so creepy.

What are you reading this Monday?