Dareen's Reviews

My attempt to write coherent thoughts about the books I read

[dareenreads]

“A Million Junes” by Emily Henry -- Review

To preface this, I am A HUGE EMILY HENRY fan – meaning this is just a love letter to her writing. “A Million Junes” is her YA novel and her most underrated book, in my opinion. This follows Jack “June” O’Donnell as she enters her senior year and collides with Saul Angert. Her family has two rules: No jumping in the falls and avoiding the Angerts at all costs. 

This novel covers SO many topics, and despite being YA, there’s SO MUCH DEPTH! June is still grieving the loss of her dad, despite losing him 10 years ago. Saul had lost his sister, Bekah, three years prior to the events in the book. And we see how they navigate through their losses, especially as it ties into the magical realism aspect of the novel. 

Additionally, the themes of friendship are so strong in this novel. June’s best friend, Hannah, is ALWAYS there for her. They’re literally platonic soulmates and I loved their bond, it was so so sweet, and some of their quotes made me cry. 

Speaking of soulmates, June and Saul have their own little “forbidden” relationship going on (because their families hate each other) and it’s just written so well. They have such witty banter, and make light of the situations they’re in. But they’re also there for each other, especially when the other needs them. I also will never get over how Emily Henry writes about hand holding – something so mundane, yet so monumental in all of her books.

I loved this book, so so so much. It made me laugh, it made me cry and it just solidified that Emily Henry is my favorite author ever. I recommend this to anyone who loves “Beach Read,” or YA novels that have depth to them, or magical realism, or just a really well-written book!

Here are some of my favorite quotes:

“She’s most beautiful when she’s this relentless kind of happy. Maybe that’s when everyone is their most beautiful, especially to those who love them” (50).

(I loved, loved, loved this description of Hannah from June’s perspective. With true friendship, you love to see your friends shining and this was just so sweet.)

“It’s almost funny, in a tragic way, that the fiery thing at the center of my universe did die and that I, a girl whose name is synonymous with summer, am expected to live without it” (66).

“He smiles, and I anticipate then physically feel the cusp of his gritty laugh rise then slip down back his throat, and a tiny and hopefully nonessential piece of my heart flakes off” (80).

“I expect him to take his hand away, but he doesn’t, and I’m acutely aware of every spasm in my hand, the way my fingers involuntarily arch up between his as if to pull his fingers down through mine. His thumb starts moving gently back and forth on the back of my hand, which makes my whole body feel like I’m standing outside in a lightning storm” (107)

(I could quote the whole book, but I’m trying to convince you to read it sooo that’s where I’ll leave off for now)

[dareenreads]

“Five Survive” by Holly Jackson -- Review

Date(s) Read: Jan 3 - Jan 4

Rating: 5 Stars

Holly Jackson knows she is the queen of writing YA mystery novels, and this was no exception. “Five Survive” follows a group of six friends on their way to spring break in an RV when they get stuck in the woods with a sniper who plans to find out the secret before sunrise or else they’re dead. 

The novel is third-person point of view, but focusing on the inner thoughts of Red. She seemed to be an unreliable narrator of sorts, in the sense that she had a lot of secrets. But so did the others; her best friend Maddy, Maddy’s brother Oliver, Oliver’s girlfriend Reyna, their friend Simon and newest friend Arthur. 

I don’t typically gravitate towards any type of mystery or thriller books because they tend to scare me (and I just don’t like to be scared!) but this. was. amazing. I loved Holly Jackson’s “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” trilogy so I knew I had to give this standalone a chance. At first, I felt a little disconnected from the characters because of the secrets they were hiding from not only each other, but from us readers as well. But I became hooked and had to find out not only what the secrets were, but how were they going to survive this mess they were in? And if there were six of them, which five were going to survive? 

I couldn’t put this book down, my jaw dropped after every twist and turn. To be fair, this could be because I don’t typically read this genre. But still, I was so invested and it was just secret revealed after secret. And the ending????? I don’t want to spoil anything so I won’t say much, but it was just: wow.

I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes Holly Jackson’s other books or to anyone who likes a good mystery. Even if you don’t read thrillers, this one isn’t too scary but will keep you hooked. 

(PS: If I could assign a Taylor Swift song to this book, “Out of the Woods” is the one I’d pick, for sure!).

[dareenreads]

“The Key to My Heart” by Lia Louis -- Review

Date(s) Read: Jan 1 - Jan 2

Rating: 4 stars

“The Key to My Heart” follows Natalie’s journey as she tries to come to terms with losing her husband and sense of self as a result of the loss. We meet her two years after her husband, Russ, passed and she’s struggling to feel like herself again. However, Natalie feels a sense of hope after she starts finding sheet music that reminds her of Russ at a public piano she regularly plays at. She also befriends Tom, a man she was set up with by her friends, who helps her feel more at ease.

Going in blind for this book, I was a little wary of reading a story about someone who lost their spouse because I wasn’t really in the mood for a sad story. (I’m a big mood reader!) But, I was hooked within the first few chapters after finding out about the sheet music left at the piano for Natalie to find. I love a good little mystery, and this one didn’t disappoint at all.

I also loved the importance of friendship in this book. Natalie’s friends, Priya, Lucy and Roxeanne, were all concerned for her and tried to help her regain a sense of self again. I liked how realistic Louis was when it came to the hardships that friends face. There were times they didn’t see eye-to-eye and it definitely caused some issues, but I found it relatable to my own life. I also loved, loved, loved how Tom and Natalie’s relationship began as platonic. I’m a sucker for a friends to lovers storyline and this didn’t disappoint. 

Tom’s mom, Shauna, was also an important character that I absolutely adored. She owned the coffee shop that Natalie frequently visited. She was a comforting character but also had her own struggles, as she was dealing with troubles in her marriage. I loved her advice and how understanding she was. She was one of my favorite characters, for sure!

I definitely would recommend this book to anyone who loves women’s fiction with a touch of romance, because this really was a story about growth and dealing with grief. There were times Natalie really struggled, but she had so much support around her that it was really uplifting to read as well. However, there is some romance which makes it a little fun as well! I definitely will be looking for more Lia Louis books in the future!