I’m a huge advocate for Young Adult (YA) books, and I know many stray from them thinking that they’re too immature or childish. They are definitely NOT, and anyone can learn from them (such as Angie Thomas’ “The Hate U Give,” which was also an amazing movie). This sequel was such a fun read, and Read More…

Loved this book so much, I stayed up all night to finish it! It tells a different story of the Korean immigrant experience that so many go through, but aren’t listened to. It reminded me so much of my childhood, esp the swap meets! Notable lines: “How many hours had she spent, words stumbling like Read More…

I absolutely LOVED the Netflix show “The Queen’s Gambit,” and was excited to read the book! I was surprised to find that this book was published back in 1983, and the author passed away in 1984. If only he could know that his book would become a hit show on Netflix one day…! The show Read More…

Great story of several women who grow up in an orphanage and other dire circumstances yet try to make it through life by coping in various ways. I loved Kyuri’s story the best and wish more was revealed about Ara. These women are all strong in their own unique ways, despite battling a sexist and Read More…

What an AMAZING book about the K-pop world, growing up as a Korean American and navigating both worlds! Loved the love story in here, tales about varying friendships, and references to so many things I could relate to growing up! I can’t wait until the second book comes out!! Notable lines: I wish I could Read More…

Such a fantastic book uncovering how women are often not included in so many studies pertaining to work, the building of smartphones, health diagnoses, car safety measures, etc. Additional notes: -women are more likely to travel encumbered (with strollers, for instance) on foot and take public transportation and get more affected by inadequate walkways (I Read More…

Such a fantastic array of poems mirroring/responding to the typical fairy tales! I liked “Photoshopped Poem,” “Rapunzel,” “The Wicked Queen’s Legacy,” “You Go, Girl!”, “Blow Your House In,” and so much more. Notable lines: “It used to be just the one,But now all mirrors chatter.In fact, every reflective surface has opinionsOn the shape of my Read More…

This is book #2 in the Cuba saga, and I definitely enjoyed it more than the first (though “Next Year in Havana” was great as well! I loved Beatriz, her love for her twin brother, her dedication to making a difference and refusal to concede to anyone else’s restrictions. I learned so much about Cuba’s Read More…

I LOVE the New York Public Library! I think I was affected by library closures the most during quarantine, as I have been going almost twice a week for years. I’ve been able to read 150 books each year for the past couple of years, which has served as a major catharsis, increased my empathy, Read More…

This was an AMAZING book!! It captured so much about how it feels to assimilate, fit in at a new school, want your parents’ love, the aspects of rape culture, being believed…everything! I am also in AWE with how BRAVE Kelly Yang is. What a true inspiration!! Notable lines: “Is this what the rest of Read More…