June by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore

I was enticed by both the cover, and the description of the book upon hearing about it - as well as knowing that this book has been a big hit since hitting the shelves and is frequent bookclub favorite. The writing and prose lived up to expectation, as did the plot and era of the story - I loved the way the book started off with the perspective of the home itself, which was extremely unique and gripping from the first page. Following that, however, I felt like it just took too long to get into the plot - there was so much time spent on getting to know the characters, but in the end I still felt like I didn't know the characters very well at all. 
All in all, a good read. 

*I received a copy of "June" from bloggingforbooks.com 

I Almost Forgot About You by Terry McMillan

2.5 STARS 

I like the way the book was written, and I enjoyed the voice of the main character (Although the supporting characters had nothing much to do with the actual plot, which annoyed me.) I was just looking for so much more. It felt like everything was just on the surface, and I wanted something deeper. I wasn't looking for a fluff read. 
I also found Georgia a bit self-obsessed. Everything revolved around her, all other characters mentioned were not important to the plot and nothing to do with her character development. It was just about her and her self-imposed drama, which made for a very linear read. 
This is a well written book, and is for some people, just not for me. 

I received a copy of I Almost Forgot About You from BloggingForBooks.

A Fine Imitation by Amber Brock

4 STARS

A Fine Imitation is a realistic historical fiction novel, that was an enjoyably quick read, centered around Vera in alternating chapters between two different times in Vera's lifetime - pre-war 1913 and post war 1923. I was worried about the alternating chapters, centering around the same character ten years apart being confusing, but I fell into the rhythm of the book quickly, and the timeline was done in a way that complemented the overall plot. 

The integral theme of wanting to be set free from an imitation of life set in societal norms as opposed to personal fulfillment, in a high society man's world where maintaining reputation means everything - a least to Vera and her family, ended up being less shallow than I thought it would be. I did however like that the conclusion of being able to be set free, having choice, and being daring enough not to answer to anyone unless you choose to was refreshing. 

The climax felt anticlimactic to me after being built up after so long, and I didn't love parts of the ending (her husband's reaction to everything she had done annoyed me - in fact her husband annoyed me in general), but the book itself was well written and intriguing from the very beginning. 

I received a copy of A Fine Imitation from BloggingForBooks.

Chronicle of a Last Summer

4 STARS

This novel is so beautifully written. Yasmine El Rashidi (native, herself, to Cairo) begins the story right after Sadat's assassination, before Mubarak took office, then down through events which eventually led to the takeover of the Islamic Brotherhood. I remember hearing about this back in 2011, but didn't fully understand what what going on since I hadn't learned about the history preceding the event. So this novel was extremely illuminating for me in that sense (along with really making the me feel grateful for American freedom). That being said, to learn the history that goes on in the book....I would have googled it first to supplement the historical context. 

The book is told from the perspective of a young girl (unnamed) growing up and coming of age in Egypt through this (current) historical time for the country. Since it is pretty much her thoughts that are told to the reader as the narration, it is a little vague at times, but also gives more emphasis to her feelings in response to things happening around her, which I really appreciated. 

My favorite part of the book was the fact that the novel started off with the narrator as a young child and El Rashidi wrote it to actually be read like you are reading the consciousness of a little girl living in Cairo. Then, as the story unfolded, the summers pass, and the narrator grows older, and the narration gradually gets more complex. I loved that! Yasmine El Rashidi is an extremely talented author. 

I received a copy of Chronicle of a Last Summer through Bloggingforbooks.com in exchange for an honest review.

I Wish My Teacher Knew by Kyle Schwartz

5 STARS

The title of this book should actually be changed to "The Things All Teachers Should Know". I really think that everything Kyle Schwartz put in this book is absolutely essential to every single teacher, classroom, and administrator...no matter what teaching philosophy you have, or how many years you've taught. If anything, this book would be a great refresher to read every year to get ready for the next. I wish I would have read it in college - it would be a great introduction to teaching textbook for preservice teachers as well. 

Here are a few specific things I absolutely loved about the book:

0 Her undying emphasis on relationships, community, and team building
0 Her amount of research that she shares with her readers (even though sometimes the stats were depressing)
0 The tips and tricks she's found that have worked in her classroom
0 Things that have worked in both her classroom and school, on her own and with colleagues 
0 The specific stories that were included 
0 She included stories from other teachers as well
0 Focus on making things equitable, not equal
0 I love how she starts off with her personal childhood views about school (she didn't really love school as a kid)
0 We should not be our kids' friend - but we should ALWAYS make a point to be their allies. 
0 I love the fact that there was an entire chapter dedicated to student character development
...And...
0 The focus on growth

And I know I'm not technically supposed to quote from the book until publication (which will July 12th, 2016) but...

"In an age of teacher and school accountability, we are missing the something if we don't teach our students that they are the ones who need to take ownership of their own learning." 

**I received an Advanced Electronic Copy of I Wish My Teacher Knew: How One Question Can Change Everything for Our Kids for free through NetGalley**
**This review is based on an uncorrected proof, the novel is subject to change until publication**

Luck, Love & Lemon Pie

4.5 STARS

I loved this book! And far more than I expected I would. I was hooked immediately by the cover and title from the very first time, but by the description I wasn't sure if I would have an appreciation for the plot. Simply because poker bores me, I don't like it...which might have to do with the fact that I can't play worth my life. And there was quite a bit of poker in this book. But I am soooooo glad I read it.
Amy Reichert is such a talented author. (I was actually interested in the poker) I was completely swept away in the story. The characters were so flawed, real, and lovable, and relatable at the same time. There were so many instances where I would be so angered by a character's choices, but they were also so relatable to me at the same time. 
Flawlessly written, this book had just the right amount of romance, family, jealously, and love. 

**I received an Advanced Electronic Copy of Luck, Love & Lemon Pie for free through NetGalley**

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

5 STARS 



This was so beautiful and touching to read. Some of the the most gruesome history stories unfortunately do not make their way into history class. I respect authors who have enough grit to research them and put the horrors into print. 
This book had such a nice rhythm to it that was almost poetic, the story was so detailed and vivid, and the characters were exquisite. 
I usually have much more to say when reviewing books, but this one has, for once, left me speechless. It is a beautiful, tragic, story that takes the reader right to where the characters are. It is a must read. 

Well done, once again, Ruta Sepetys.

When We Meet Again by Kristen Harmel

5 STARS



If I could give this book more stars, I would in a heartbeat. This is now one of my favorite books, and is definitely the best book I have read so far this summer. The plot is unparalleled, the characters are dynamic and real. The family disfunction matches that of, well, real-life family matters. The story is heartfelt, complicated, and entirely engrossing. There are not many authors that are daring enough to include a nazi soldier as, not only human and endearing, but also as the main love interest of the main character. Each love story in this book is completely tragic and wonderful, each character endearing, and the overall book is impossible not to fall in love with. 
This is my first of Kristin Harmel's novels, but after reading, and loving, this heartfelt story I am looking forward to reading {all} of her previous novels as well. 

**I received an Advanced Electronic Copy of When We Meet Again for free through NetGalley**
**This review is based on an uncorrected proof, the novel is subject to change until publication**