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Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

I’ve lived in Boston for almost 5 years now and am just now starting to read more books set there/about the city. This is one example, as I frequently walk through Villa Victoria and have had this book on my tbr for a while. I finally picked it up over the summer.
#booksky

Brown background with cover of Villa Victoria by Mario Luis Small. Light yellow text with title, author, and general information
Published: July 2004
Genres: nonfiction sociology
Setting: 1970s-90s Villa Victoria, Boston
POV: first person he/him
Review: 3 stars
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Brown background with light yellow text synopsis:
For decades now, scholars and politicians alike have argued that the concentration of poverty in city housing projects would produce distrust, alienation, apathy, and social isolation-the disappearance of what sociologists call social capital. But few have examined precisely how such poverty affects social capital or have considered for what reasons living in a poor neighborhood results in such undesirable effects. This book examines a Puerto Rican enclave in Boston to consider the pros and cons of such social scientific thinking. Mario Luis Small dismantles the theory that poor urban neighborhoods are inevitably deprived of social capital. He shows that the conditions specified in this theory are vaguely defined and variable among poor communities.
According to Small, structural conditions must be acknowledged, but individual motivations and the importance of timing must be considered as well. Brimming with fresh theoretical insights, Villa Victoria is an elegant work of sociology that will be essential to students of urban poverty.
From GoodReads
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Brown background with light yellow text review:
So to preface this review: 1 am not a sociologist, so l am reviewing this from an architecture student's perspective instead, which is probably why this book did not blow my mind. Also, this book was already outdated in some aspects when it was published, and is certainly more so today. That said, I did still find it interesting to read. It got off to a bit of a rough start, with the opening chapter on existing methods of study going over my head. I also struggled with the history chapter, since I felt it lacked greater historical and Boston context. But the actual chapters on the author's findings were interesting. I learned a lot about the neighborhood and started to understand the sociology. I appreciated how the author criticized typical methods and assumptions and used the Villa to do so. I also appreciated how imbedded he became in the community during his study, and the respect he showed for it as a result. The actual conclusion in terms of application to sociology as a whole went a bit over my head. So while this was a bit outdated, I still found it interesting.
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November 14, 2025 at 2:20 PM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

This was one of the first books I read immediately post top surgery, and I’m glad I had nothing else to do except read because I did not want to put this book down in the middle of it. I needed to get to the end to know they had been rescued before I tried to get a full night’s sleep.
#booksky

Gray background with cover of In Harm’s Way by Doug Stanton. White text with title, author, and general information
Published: January 2001
Genres: nonfiction history
Setting: July-August 1945 Phillippine Sea
POV: third person
Review: 4 stars
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Gray background with white text synopsis:
A harrowing, adrenaline-charged account of America's worst naval disaster - and of the heroism of the men who, against all odds, survived. Interweaving the stories of survivors, Doug Stanton has brought this astonishing human drama to life in a narrative that is at once immediate and timeless. The definitive account of a little-known chapter in World War II history, In Harm's Way is destined to become a classic tale of war, survival, and extraordinary courage. On July 30, 1945, the USS Indianapolis was torpedoed in the South Pacific by a Japanese submarine. An estimated 300 men were killed upon impact; close to 900 sailors were cast into the Pacific Ocean, where they remained undetected by the navy for nearly four days and nights. Battered by a savage sea, they struggled to stay alive, fighting off sharks, hypothermia, and dementia. The captain's court-martial left many questions unanswered: How did the navy fail to realize the Indianapolis was missing? And perhaps most amazing of all, how did these 317 men manage to survive?
From GoodReads
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Gray background with white text review:
This book told a harrowing tale. The author clearly did so much research, and it shows in how comprehensively this history is told. The book is split into three clear parts of before, during, and after the sinking. The before section introduces us to the USS Indianapolis and its men, and provides background about the ship and the war. There is a clear chronological progression that continues into the next part. The second part is the darkest and most difficult to read, as each chapter is a different day stranded at sea, and a different threat the men had to survive. I was able to make it through this part because of how the author focused on the men's strength and perseverance. The last part focused on the rescue and aftermath. I wish the author had continued the book further, rather than wrapping up so quickly. I wanted to know more about how the men coped long term with the trauma. I also hated the prologue, as it was exceptionally dark and I felt it did not fit the overall tone of survival and hope. But overall this was a very strong account of this terrible disaster.
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November 12, 2025 at 2:31 PM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

I recommended this to my uncle and after reading it he said he was “simultaneously fascinated and disturbed” which is very accurate to how I felt as well. Eye-opening in a concerning way.
#booksky

Blue background with black text synopsis:
From trips on private jets and encounters with world leaders to shocking accounts of misogyny and double standards behind the scenes, this searing memoir exposes both the personal and the political fallout when unfettered power and a rotten company culture take hold. This eye-opening memoir reveals what really goes on among the global elite. Sarah Wynn-Williams tells the story of Facebook, mapping its rise from stumbling encounters with juntas to Mark Zuckerberg's reaction when he learned of Facebook's role in Trump's election.
She experiences the challenges and humiliations of working motherhood within a pressure cooker of a workplace, all while Sheryl Sandberg urges her and others to "lean in." Careless People is a deeply personal account of why and how things have gone so horribly wrong in the past decade. A deep, unflinching look at the role that social media has assumed in our lives, Careless People reveals the truth about the leaders of Facebook: how the more power they grasp, the less responsible they become.
From GoodReads

Blue background with black text review:
This was an eye-opening read. For starters, I love the origin of the title, coming from a The Great Gatsby quote. It really set the tone for the book. I also really enjoy the narration style. I found the author's voice very charismatic and conversational with a dry wit, making even tough topics easy to read about. I absolutely flew through this book. Of course, I was also fascinated by the topic. I learned so much about global policy, social media policy, and social media global policy. I thought the information was well organized, with the tale unfolding mostly chronological but with a clear topic in each chapter. My one issue with book was I felt the author lacked self-reflection. She hid behind the excuse of idealism and ignorance, rather than truly examining her role in everything and taking some responsibility. I also wish she had commented on current issues at the end, rather than stopping with her leaving in
2018. It would have been even more relevant if she talked about Al and Gaza in some way. But overall, I enjoyed this memoir.

November 7, 2025 at 3:10 PM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

This book is also super short and quick to read, for anyone looking to squeeze in more books before the end of the year!

Red background with cover of Recognizing the Stranger by Isabella Hammad. Black text with title, author, and general information
Published: September 2024
Genres: nonfiction lecture
Setting: delivered September 2023 at Columbia University
POV: first person she/her
Review: 5 stars
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Red background with black text synopsis:
Isabella Hammad delivered the Edward W. Said Memorial Lecture at Columbia University nine days before October 7th, 2023. The text of Hammad's seminal speech and her afterword, written in the early weeks of 2024, together make up a searing appraisal of the war on Palestine during what seems a turning point in the narrative of human history. Profound and moving, Hammad writes from within the moment, giving voice to the Palestinian struggle for freedom. Recognizing the Stranger is a brilliant melding of literary and cultural analysis by one of Granta's Best of Young British Novelists and a foremost writer of fiction in the world today.
From Goodreads
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Red background with black text review:
This was an absolutely brilliant read that made me think deeply about the subject. It packed a huge punch for its short length. For starters, I loved how the author blended literary analysis and current issues. As a huge reader, I am a complete nerd for anything to do with books and literary analysis, so I was immediately hooked.
I also love a good twist in my books, and this analysis was focused on the moment of recognition, a key element of a good plot twist or major character shift. All this is to say the literary analysis component alone deserved all the stars. But Isabella Hammad took it one step farther, applying that analysis to the real life situation in Palestine, and used it to shape paths forward. The lecture, given in September 2023, ended on that note, but the book continued with an addendum written in 2024. I found the addendum deeply moving, with more palpable emotion, and a strong compliment to the more academic tone of the lecture. So overall I think everyone should read this and I highly recommend it.
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November 6, 2025 at 2:22 PM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

Huge shout out to my roommate (who lent me this book) for answering all my questions and confusions. This book is very strongly Love Island inspired, and I therefore did not understand a lot of the references and challenges. But my lovely roommate was willing to explain them to me.
#booksky

Blue background with cover of Hot Summer by Elle Everhart. White text with title, author, and general information
Published: June 2024
Genres: queer romance
Setting: Hot Summer Villa, Cyprus
POV: third person
Review: 4 stars
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Blue background with white text synopsis:
Cas Morgan has spent years of her life watching Hot Summer, the hit reality dating show that pairs together a bunch of sexy singles in an exotic island location. But she never quite thought she'd be a part of it, until her company secures a partnership with the production team behind the show, and Cas is handpicked as a contestant. She won't get any extra help making it through the eight weeks in the hot Cypriot sun, but if she makes it to the finals, her long-awaited promotion will be secured. Cas is ready to spend the summer trying to make herself more likeable to win over the voting public. But just as she steps into the villa, her entire plan goes off course. She's instantly smitten with fellow contestant, Ada, who is on the show to find a genuine relationship, one Cas can't give. Ada is gorgeous and charming. Cas isn't used to the side of herself Ada brings out, and when their connection becomes undeniable and Cas's own standing in the villa precarious— she's torn between listening to her heart or sticking to her strategy.
From GoodReads
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Blue background with white text review:
I absolutely flew through this book! It was such a wild and absurd ride, especially since I do not watch Love Island and therefore the challenges were bonkers to me. Yet despite not understanding what was happening most of the time, I still loved the romance so much. I truly adored Cas with my entire heart and soul. I was thrilled the entire book was her perspective, which is rare for me. She felt so real and messy and vulnerable and I wanted the world for her. She certainly deserved so much better than she got from her company and Hot Summer producers. As for Ada, she is literally an angel I'm pretty sure. She was perfect for Cas, being so open with her love and affection and easily pushing past all Cas' defenses and insecurities. And despite their hyper-heterosexual surroundings they were able to build such a beautiful relationship. The only thing I did not like about this book was the set up to get Cas onto the show. It made absolutely no rational sense.
But once I got over that hurdle, this book was really a joy to read and I recommend it.
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November 4, 2025 at 2:23 PM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

I picked this book up on Indie Bookstore Day after enjoying Here for the Wrong Reasons so much and this book coming up in that book club discussion. I read it almost immediately, and I loved it so much! Now I want to read more books by Alison Cochrun.
#booksky

Orange background with cover of The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun. Black text with title, author, and general information
Published: September 2021
Genres: queer romance
Setting: USA, Germany, South Africa, and Bali
POV: third person
Review: 4 stars
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Orange background with black text synopsis:
Dev Deshpande has always believed in fairy tales. So it's no wonder then that he's spent his career crafting them on the long-running reality dating show Ever After. As the most successful producer in the franchise's history, Dev always scripts the perfect love story for his contestants. But then the show casts disgraced tech wunderkind Charlie Winshaw as its star. Charlie is far from the romantic Prince Charming Ever After expects.
He doesn't believe in true love, and only agreed to the show as a last-ditch effort to rehabilitate his image. In front of the cameras, he's a stiff, anxious mess. Behind the scenes, he's cold, awkward, and emotionally closed-off. As Dev fights to get Charlie to connect with the contestants on a whirlwind, worldwide tour, they begin to open up to each other, and Charlie realizes he has better chemistry with Dev than with any of his female co-stars. But even reality TV has a script, and in order to find to happily ever after, they'll have to reconsider whose love story gets told.
From GoodReads
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Orange background with black text review:
This book delivered so much. It had such a beautiful, wholesome romance, unpacked stigma about mental health, and showed the unrealistic expectations of reality tv. But to start with the characters. Each one felt so nuanced, made up of good and bad decisions, and capable of growth. I loved both Dev and Charlie, and both their points of view. It was easy to fall in love with Dev from the very first page, with his optimism and love of love. But in the end I think I liked Charlie more, with his touch aversion and how certain he was of his feelings despite everything. I also loved Charlie because he was able to see how toxic Ever After was, and called Dev out on how he enabled toxic behavior in the name of a good story. He also encouraged Dev to go to therapy, and overall made Dev a better person. Dev also helped Charlie come out of his shell and be himself. So overall they had such a strong romance, and I loved them together. My one critique was how quickly everything got resolved with the show and Maureen. But overall I loved this book!
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November 3, 2025 at 2:21 PM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

I have never been interested in watching reality dating shows, so I don’t think I would’ve ever picked this book up if it wasn’t for book club. But I really enjoyed it in the end and have gone on to read a couple more reality tv inspired queer books.
#booksky

Red background with cover of Here For the Wrong Reasons by Annabel Paulsen and Lydia Wang. White text with title, authors, and general information
Published: May 2024
Genres: queer romance
Setting: USA, Buenos Aires, Patagonia, and Costa Rica
POV: third person
Review: 4 stars

Red background with white text synopsis:
Krystin knows exactly what she wants: a husband, a horse, and a place to hang all her competitive rodeo blue ribbons. But when none of the eligible bachelors in Montana end up being right for her, she turns to reality TV. On Hopelessly Devoted, Krystin will compete against dozens of other women for the heart of this season's Hopeless Romantic, Josh Rosen. She's determined to win the perfect life she came here for. Lauren has never done anything for the right reasons-and she's definitely not on Hopelessly Devoted to win Josh's heart. Lauren's plan is simple: stay on the show long enough to build her social media following, and then gracefully leave when it's her turn to be eliminated. With enough followers, she'll finally have enough influencer clout to do whatever she wants-including come out of the proverbial walk-in closet. But neither contestant expects a heteronormative dating show to challenge their own deeply-ingrained ideas of who they are-and what they want.
From GoodReads

Red background with white text review:
I enjoyed this book way more than I expected, considering I hate reality dating shows. But I guess I love it when it's in book form. For starters, I loved the characters. Krystin is so sweet, and I loved her journey of self discovery. Throughout the book she discovers not only her sexuality but comes to understand that there is not a set path for happiness. I also really liked Lauren, and that was a sign of great writing, because Lauren did a lot of unlikeable things but I still loved her as a main character. She is smart and clever and so deeply in love with Krystin. I loved their relationship so much. It is so sweet from the very beginning, with scenes that had me giggling and kicking me feet. My one thing about their relationship was there was way too much Josh in it. And way too much kissing Josh. I did not really like Josh, as I found him boring and dumb. But he was supportive once he found out. And he helped organize the big confession, which was so amazing and made me so happy. So overall I loved this book and highly recommend it.

November 2, 2025 at 2:12 PM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

For this book there are three main pieces of art, showing the main character Elena as a hero, villain, and conquerer. They are absolutely stunning and you should check them out!
Thank you Orbit Books and NetGalley for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
#booksky

Red background with cover of The Burning Queen by Aparna Verma. White text with title, author, and general information
Coming out soon: November 2025
Genres: fantasy sci-fi
Setting: Ravence and the second continent
POV: third person
Review: 3 stars
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Red background with white text synopsis:
"So what will you become, Elena? Villain, hero, or conqueror?"
Ravence has fallen. Her enemies have ravaged her people. And now Elena Aadya Ravence must decide how far she will go to reap her revenge. As she is pulled into a bitter war that will decide the fate of her kingdom, a new tyrant rises to reclaim his home, and Elena finds that perhaps her hunger isn't enough.
And his knows no bounds.
From Netgalley
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Red background with white text review:
It took me the entirety of part one of this book to get into it. I struggled with Elena, finding her naive; and Samson, finding him cruel. I struggled with how fast the action was happening, not giving time inside either character's head to understand their emotions, especially Elena's grief. Yet there were enough hints of character work and other things to come that I stuck with it. And it was well worth it. By part two, I was hooked, rediscovering my love for Elena. I also loved the expansion of the world building in terms of the gods and agni. By part three, I was fully engrossed in this book. I feel in love with Samson, and enjoyed the council politics. Jaya also grew on me, and while I didn't love her actions, I understood her motivation. Lastly, the ending was brutal in the best way, though I did find Elena a bit naive again, and I predicted one of the big reveals. But it was more than strong enough to leave me counting down the days to book three and the conclusion of this trilogy. So overall I recommend this book and of course book one.
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November 1, 2025 at 1:40 PM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

Music is huge in this book, and while I didn’t quite get it, I still really enjoyed the vibe and how passionate Ollie was about it.
#booksky

Light yellow background with cover of Ollie Fitzgerald’s Heartbreak Anthems by Charlie Arrigo. Black text with title, author, and general information
Published: June 2023
Genres: ya queer romance
Setting: high school
POV: first person he/him
Review: 4 stars
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Light yellow background with black text synopsis:
Ollie Fitzgerald is finally ready to move on.
After spending his entire life crafting the perfect plan for every situation, he wasn't expecting his best friend's brother, Nash, to kiss him on the first day of summer.
Something else he wasn't expecting? Nash ghosting him a week later when he left for lacrosse camp. Now, hurting from his first real heartbreak, Ollie dives into his Heartbreak Anthems playlist to let go and follow the music wherever it leads him, and hopefully that's away from Nash.
But when Nash comes back at the start of the school year, avoiding his feelings isn't as easy as it sounds. And when Dee, Ollie's best friend, confides in him after a school prank puts prom in jeopardy, the three of them decide to work together to save the dance. Even with a well-curated list of pop songs, moving on isn't easy, forcing him to face the idea that he might not even want to in the first place. And maybe moving on means something different than he originally thought.
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Light yellow background with black text review:
Second chance friends to lovers? Yes please! This was such a sweet romance. For starters, I loved Ollie so much. He felt so real and so high school, with his uncertainty about his future but certainty about his sexuality and what he wanted. I also loved his friends, especially Steve and Millie. They were so supportive of Ollie and helped him find happiness. Of course, I also loved Dee, but more because of how real and flawed she felt. Nash was the one character I struggled with a bit. Some things in his personality were alluded to that were never fully resolved. I think it would have helped to have his perspective incorporated more in some way. But I loved how happy he made Ollie in the end. And I liked that even though they often miscommunicated, they still tried so hard and put so much effort into their relationship over the course of the book. It felt realistic yet optimistic, the perfect balance for a young adult romance. Iloved how it all culminated at prom, the most high school event ever. So overall I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!
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October 23, 2025 at 2:08 PM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

I loved this book and the World’s Fair setting so much, and I loved the author’s note about the injustice and inhumanity at the fair even more.
Thank you Union Square and Netgalley for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
#booksky

Light gold background with cover of The Ivory City by Emily Bain Murphy. Dark red text with title, author, and general information
Coming out soon: November 2025
Genres: Historical mystery romance
Setting: 1904 St Louis World’s Fair
POV: third person
Review: 4 stars
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Light gold background with dark red text synopsis:
Grace and Lillie are cousins and have been best friends since birth, despite Grace's inferior social status. When Lillie invites Grace to the biggest event of the century-the legendary World's Fair, also known as "The Ivory City"-Grace doesn't hesitate.
Then: a murder. A young woman at the fair is brutally killed, and suspicion quickly falls on Grace's cousin Oliver.
Grace has to help prove Oliver innocent before he is jailed and her beloved cousin's family is ruined forever.
And along the way, discover whether the city's wealthy elite-not least of all Oliver's handsome, irritable friend Theodore-aren't quite who they first appeared to be.
Because a killer is still on the loose, and all the glitz, glamor, and magic of the Ivory City is about to become a lot more dangerous to behold.
From GoodReads
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October 18, 2025 at 3:35 PM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

My Sister the Serial Killer is one of my all time favorite books, so I was screaming with joy when this book was announced. I was lucky enough to grab an arc at Thillerfest this year and I even got it signed.
Thank you Doubleday for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
#booksky

Blue background with cover of Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite. White text with title, author, and general information
Coming out soon: November 2025
Genres: literary fiction
Setting: 1994-present Lagos, Nigeria
POV: third person
Review: 4 stars
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Blue background with white text synopsis:
When Ebun gives birth to her daughter, Eniiyi, on the day they bury her cousin Monife, there is no denying the startling resemblance between the child and the dead woman. So begins the belief, fostered and fanned by the entire family, that Eniiyi is the reincarnation of Monife, fated to follow in her footsteps in all ways, including that tragic end. There is also the matter of the family curse: "No man will call your house his home. And if they try, they will not have peace..." which has been handed down from generation to generation, breaking hearts and causing three generations of Falodun women to live under the same roof. When Eniiyi falls in love with the handsome boy she saves from drowning, she can no longer run from her family's history. Is she destined to live out the habitual story of love and heartbreak? Or can she break the pattern once and for all, liberating herself from all the family secrets and unspoken traumas that have dogged her steps since before she could remember?
From GoodReads
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Blue background with white text review:
This book was absolutely phenomenal. I was instantly hooked from the very first chapter, and my love of this story only grew from there. For starters, I loved how it alternated perspectives and time periods between Monife in the 1990s, Ebun in the early 2000s, and Eniiyi in the present day. showing so much of the family history and tying together with the main plot so cleverly, I also loved the family curse tales woven in, The way the sections layered together created created such a rich, captivating, beautiful story. I loved all three of the women so much, and they were incredibly nuanced and compelling. Lastly, this book demonstrated Braithwaite's total writing mastery. The prose was so stunning, and even the smallest details were important, creating such a vibrant story. However, I did find the plot a bit predictable towards the end. I also had mixed feelings about the ending, as while it was a very strong ending I actually wanted slightly less resolution. But overall this book was amazing and I highly recommend it!
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October 12, 2025 at 2:30 PM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

This book, with its emphasis on the holiday spirit, traditions, and movies was so perfect for me and I loved the vibes in it so much.
Thank you to the author for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
#booksky

Gold background with cover of Hot Chocolate and Holiday Mishaps by Samantha Picaro. White text with title, author, and general information
Coming out soon: November 2025
Genres: queer contemporary
Setting: Madison Grove, New Jersey
POV: first person she/her
Review: 3 stars
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Gold background with white text synopsis:
Ellie Conti finds comfort and joy in her movie and TV show review blog, especially after failed efforts to keep a job or join a club. She's happy to try new things based on the movies and shows she watches, even if she sometimes wishes she had a friend to do them with.
She plans for a low-key holiday season until her older sister, Bianca, asks for help. Bianca works for a celebrity manager and requests Ellie's help in keeping an eye on a client named Robin Darcy, a teen actress. Ellie agrees to help so Bianca can gain her boss's approval and so Ellie can promote her blog. Robin participates in the town's holiday activities to fix her negative public image following a holiday-related incident. It doesn't help that Robin makes her displeasure known about having to improve her image and being chaperoned by someone close to her age. But through hot chocolate and honest talks, they form a bond that motivates them to leave their comfort zones and learn to let people in.
From GoodReads
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Gold background with white text review:
This book made me so ready to skip fall completely and go straight to the winter season. The holiday vibes were absolutely perfect! I loved how each chapter opened with a different tradition, from decorating cookies to snowball fights. I am also a huge fan of hot chocolate in winter and all seasons, just like our main character Ellie, so l loved her from that alone. But I also loved her passion for her blog and representation in media, her fearlessness determination trying new things based on what she watched, and her phenomenal development putting herself out there in the public eye and making new friends. But as much as I adored Ellie, I struggled the other characters a bit. I didn't love the way Bianca consistently put her job over Ellie, and I wanted more sibling bonding between them instead. I was also impatient with Robin's development. So often it felt like she was so close to realizing the problems with her behavior, and then didn't. Lastly, I did not like Jane at all. But overall this was an amazing holiday book that I recommend!
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October 8, 2025 at 5:22 PM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

This book has a lot of cooking in it and I loved that so much. Overall I enjoyed this book, but I definitely had strong thoughts about it. So did others, making for a very lively book club discussion on it.
#booksky

Pink background with cover of Interstellar Megachef by Lavanya Lakshminarayan. Yellow text with title, author, and general information
Published: November 2024
Genres: queer sci-fi
Setting: Uru, Prima, Primus
POV: first person she/her and third person
Review: 3 stars
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Pink background with yellow text synopsis:
Stepping off a long-haul star freighter from Earth, Saras Kaveri has one bag of clothes, her little flying robot Kili... and an invitation to compete in the galaxy's most watched, most prestigious cooking show. Interstellar MegaChef is the showcase of the planet Primus's austere, carefully synthesised cuisine. No one from Earth--where they're so incredibly primitive they still cook with fire--has ever graced its flowmetal cookstations before, or smiled awkwardly for its buzzing drone-cams. Until now. Corporate prodigy Serenity Ko, inventor of the smash-hit sim SoundSpace, has just got messily drunk at a floating bar, narrowly escaped an angry mob and been put on two weeks' mandatory leave to rest and get her work-life balance back. Perfect time to start a new project! And she's got just the idea: a sim for food. Now she just needs someone to teach her how to cook. A chance meeting in the back of a flying cab has Saras and Serenity Ko working together on a new technology that could change the future of food--and both their lives--forever...
From GoodReads
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Pink background with yellow text review:
I have very strong, mixed opinions on this book. On the one hand, this is probably one of the best sci-fi genre pieces I have ever read. The heart of sci-fi, in my mind, is criticism of society, and this book embodies that. It bashes racism and xenophobia, elitism and classism, reliance on technology, dissociation from reality, and disconnect from other people. It talks about propaganda and microaggressions and so much more. And it has a super strong villain to be in Optimism Mahd'vi. Unfortunately, Optimism Mahd'vi was the only character and plot I found compelling. I hated Serenity Ko, who was entitled and had painfully slow development to be a better person. And I found Saras naive. Her entire plot could have been eliminated if she got therapy instead of trying to gain approval from people that hated her. And therefore I did not approve of the romance blossoming between Saras and Serenity Ko. So overall this was a spectacular work of sci-fi, but with a plot and characters I did not love. But I still recommend and look forward to book 2.
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October 3, 2025 at 5:25 PM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

School is starting to pick up for me and as a result my captions are going to get shorter and shorter sorry. Not much to say about this book either except that I was lucky enough to meet the author and get my copy signed.
#booksky

Yellow background with cover of Hammajang Luck by Makana Yamamoto. Black text with title, author, and general information
Published: December 2024
Genres: queer sci-fi
Setting: Kepler
POV: first person they/them
Review: 3 stars
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Yellow background with black text synopsis:
Edie is done with crime. Eight years behind bars changes a person - costs them too much time with too many of the people who need them most.
And it's all Angel's fault. She sold Edie out in what should have been the greatest moment of their lives.
Instead, Edie was shipped off to the icy prison planet spinning far below the soaring skybridges and neon catacombs of Kepler space station - of home - to spend the best part of a decade alone.
But then a chance for early parole appears out of nowhere and Edie steps into the pallid sunlight to find none other than Angel waiting - and she has an offer.
One last job. One last deal. One last target. The trillionaire tech god they failed to bring down last time.
There's just one thing Edie needs to do - trust Angel again - which also happens to be the last thing Edie wants to do. What could possibly go all hammajang about this plan?
From GoodReads
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Yellow background with black text review:
I think I went into this book with incorrect expectations. At the end of the day, this is a heist novel, plain and simple. It has all the cliches and plot points one would expect. Unfortunately, I expected more from it, and so l was a bit let down. But let's start with what I enjoyed. I loved Edie. I loved that they had such a tight family that they were so devoted to. I loved how quickly they adopted the junior members of the crew. And I loved how confident they were at their abilities to navigate Kepler and how much they cared about their home. I also loved the cliche elements of the heist, from the recruitment montage to the gala and casino scene. But what I struggled with was Angel. Her and Edie had so much history from the start, and every time they started to talk about they were interrupted, and it drove me mad. I also found her character predictable in how her lies and secrets were supposed to be twists.
And once everything was over I thought Edie forgave her too fast. But overall this was certainly a fun read and I would recommend it.
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October 2, 2025 at 1:51 PM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

I loved how this book had a magic system involving the four elements. It reminded me so much of Alta, but this book definitely made the system unique as it went on.
Thank you Bindery Books and Netgalley for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
#booksky

Red background with cover of To Bargain with Mortals by RA Basu. Gold text with title, author, and general information
Coming out soon: October 2025
Genres: fantasy
Setting: Marnapur, Viryana
POV: third person
Review: 4 stars
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Red background with gold text synopsis:
In the colonized nation of Viryana, Poppy Sutherland lives between cultures. As the brown-skinned adopted daughter of the Viceroy, she is both rejected by white high society and alienated from the people of her native island. When she discovers her opportunistic fiancé's plot to exile her, Poppy flees-straight into the clutches of the Jackal.
Hasan Devar, the ruthless criminal known as the Jackal, has long been targeted for his family's divine magic, a gift the colonizers have tried to stamp out. When his brother is arrested, he seizes Poppy as leverage. But Poppy has powerful secrets-and political ambitions-of her own. As allies, they could do more than just free Hasan's brother and keep Poppy safe. They could topple the very power structures that hold them all back.
From GoodReads
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Red background with gold text review:
This book is so blatantly anti-colonial and did hold back in its criticisms, and I was really truly in love with that aspect of it. I also loved the magic system so much, with the gods and elemental powers. And Poppy was a very compelling main character. She was so nuanced with her upbringing and her ambitions. She was deeply flawed, but that just meant she had many opportunities to grow and develop. I also appreciated that she did not have a romance plot. As for the others, I liked Hasan and the Devar family, though personally I found Samina more of a compelling mirror to Poppy. As for the ending, it had enough resolution to satisfy me, but with enough loose threads left that I am looking forward to the next book. However, I still struggled with two things in this book. I did not fully understand what time period, aka historical or contemporary, this was set in. I also thought there were too many points of view throughout the book, and I wish it been kept to just a few. But overall I enjoyed and highly recommend this book!
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October 1, 2025 at 1:59 PM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

I would like everyone who engaged with this post and were rooting for me to know that I have now read 2 books from my planned tbr for the month

Grace (they/she) @astudentreading.bsky.social · Sep 20

How is it already the 20th?? I feel like the month has absolutely sped by. And somehow I’ve only managed to read one book from my planned tbr for the month. So many more books to read and so little time!
#booksky

September 29, 2025 at 1:20 AM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

I need to offer my roommate a formal apology. She gifted me a copy of this book forever ago, saying it was one of her favorites and an absolutely amazing read. I finally read earlier this year it, and she was right. This book is absolutely phenomenal, and I will never doubt her taste in books again.

Gold background with cover of Her Name in the Sky by Kelly Quindlen. Green text with title, author, and general information
Published: July 2014
Genres: queer ya romance
Setting: Louisiana
POV: third person
Review: 5 stars
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Gold background with green text synopsis:
Hannah wants to spend her senior year of high school going to football games and Mardi Gras parties with her tight-knit group of friends.
The last thing she wants is to fall in love with a girl--especially when that girl is her best friend, Baker.
Hannah knows she should like Wally, the kind, earnest boy who asks her to prom. She should cheer on her friend Clay when he asks Baker to be his girlfriend. She should follow the rules of her conservative Louisiana community--the rules that have been ingrained in her since she was a child.
But Hannah longs to be with Baker, who cooks macaroni and cheese with Hannah late at night, who believes in the magic of books as much as Hannah does, and who challenges Hannah to be the best version of herself.
And Baker might want to be with Hannah, too--if both girls can embrace that world-shaking, yet wondrous, possibility.
From GoodReads
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Gold background with green text review:
This book emotionally destroyed me, and proved yet again friends to lovers superiority. I was obsessed with Hannah and Baker from the very first page. They are truly the embodiment of to be loved is to be known. As a result, the yearning was off the charts and so amazing.
The other thing I loved about Hannah and Baker, and all their friends, was just how much they behaved like high schoolers. They made so many dumb decisions and overreacted to things because at the end of the day they are teenagers, and that was so realistic and well done.
That youth also allowed for a lot of character development. Hannah was questioning her sexuality, her faith, and her future. And she coped with this inner turmoil by hitting self destruct on pretty much all her relationships, which again was just so realistic for her age. It also caused a lot of angst, which I enjoyed and had me in tears towards the end. Thankfully, the ending was so optimistic and sweet, and made all the pain and suffering worth it. So overall I loved this book so much and I highly recommend.
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September 26, 2025 at 1:09 PM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

This was my first foray into the cozy horror genre, and I definitely want to read more like it. Just hopefully with less body horror.
Also this book would fit the Sapphic September prompt for ace sapphics
#booksky

Olive green background with cover of Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell. White text with title, author, and general information
Published: April 2024
Genres: queer cozy horror
Setting: Underlook
POV: third person
Review: 3 stars
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Olive green background with white text synopsis:
Shesheshen is a shapeshifter, who happily resides as an amorphous lump at the bottom of a ruined manor.
When her rest is interrupted by hunters intent on murdering her, the hunters chase Shesheshen out of her home and off a cliff. Badly hurt, she's found and nursed back to health by Homily, a warm-hearted human, who has mistaken Shesheshen as a fellow human. Homily would make an excellent co-parent: an ideal place to lay Shesheshen's eggs so their young could devour Homily from the inside out. But as they grow close, she realizes humans don't think about love that way. Shesheshen hates keeping her identity secret from Homily, but just as she's about to confess, Homily reveals she's hunting a shapeshifting monster that supposedly cursed her family. Shesheshen didn't curse anyone, but to give herself and Homily a chance at happiness, she has to figure out why Homily's family thinks she did. As the hunt for the monster becomes increasingly deadly, Shesheshen must unearth the truth quickly, or both of their lives will be at risk.
From GoodReads
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Olive green background with white text review:
This genre of horror was a bit out of my comfort zone, and for that reason I struggled with it a bit. Yes it was cozy, but it was a still a bit too heavy on the body horror for my taste. But once I was able to get through those elements, I did enjoy this book. I loved Shesheshen and Homily so much. I loved the dark humor we got through Shesheshen's narration. There were so many great one liners that made me laugh out loud. There was also amazing development as Shesheshen learns how to love and care for Homily. Homily got lots of great development as well she learned to accept love in a healthy way and heal from everything her family put her through. Of course, the plot was far more than their romance, and there was lots of great action that I really enjoyed. When I was able to look past the body horror, Shesheshen's species was fascinating and fun, though I wish there had been more lore about it. I also did find the plot predictable, though some twists took me by surprise. And I loved the ending. So in the end this was a fun read.
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September 24, 2025 at 2:02 PM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

How is it already the 20th?? I feel like the month has absolutely sped by. And somehow I’ve only managed to read one book from my planned tbr for the month. So many more books to read and so little time!
#booksky

September 20, 2025 at 12:54 PM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

This book is perfect for anyone who loves book clubs and it’s also perfect for sapphic September, coming out September 23.
Thank you Luna Literary Management and the author for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
#booksky

Pink background with cover of Can We Skip to the Good Part? by Melissa Brayden. White text with title, author, and general information:
Coming out soon: September 2025
Genres: queer romance
Setting: Everly Springs, Virginia
POV: third person
Review: 3 stars
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Pink background with white text synopsis:
Ella Baker is tired of being an afterthought in her own life. First, her fiancé dumps her six days before the wedding. Then her family jets off on a world tour— without her. And just when she thinks it can't get worse, her longtime employer forgets to lay her off...That is, until now. It's time for a reinvention, starting with joining a book club. Thank God for her best friend, Rachel, who's always there with popcorn and wine. But when a kiss from a smart, gorgeous, and maddeningly irresistible book club member leaves Ella breathless, she's stunned to learn the woman is the very ex who broke Rachel's heart. Max Wyler doesn't believe in forever. As a divorce mediator, she's built a career on helping people walk away amicably. The book club is just an escape-until new member Ella Baker arrives, all sunshine and sass, making Max question everything she thought she knew about love. But Ella's best friend is Max's worst mistake. Which means those pretty blue eyes? Completely off-limits. Or at least, they should be.
From GoodReads
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Pink background with white text review:
This book was so cute and perfect for book lovers! For starters, I loved the setting of the book club so much, and adored all the Weepers. They were such a wholesome and supportive friend group. Of course, I also adored Doug and his book store, supplying the book club's reads and Ella's coffee needs. I thought Ella had amazing character development learning to stand up for herself and be loved the way she deserves. I loved her friendship with Rachel so much, and Rachel also had strong development and was an incredibly nuanced character. As for Max, I admired her strength as she navigated her complicated relationship with her mother, and I loved their relationship in the end. I wish Ella had gotten more resolution with her family though. And like Ella, I prefer a slow burn, so I found the pacing of her and Max's romance a bit fast for my taste. Lastly, as much as I loved the book club and book store, I felt the rest of Everly Springs underdeveloped compared to what l've come to expect from Brayden. But overall this was a super fun read!
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September 19, 2025 at 6:10 PM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

I love a small town romance, and Melissa Brayden truly delivers amazing ones. I fell so in love with Dreamer’s Bay and all its residents.
#booksky

Purple background with cover of Beautiful Dreamer by Melissa Brayden. White text with title, author, and general information
Published: July 2019
Genres: queer romance
Setting: Dreamer’s Bay, South Carolina
POV: third person
Review: 4 stars
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Purple background with white text synopsis:
Philadelphia real estate broker Devyn Winters is at the peak of her career, closing multimillion-dollar deals and relishing it. She's pretty much blocked out her formative years in Dreamer's Bay, where the most exciting thing to happen was the twice a year bake sale. Unfortunately, a distress call hauls her back home and away from the life she's constructed. Now the question is just how long until she can leave again? And when did boring Elizabeth Draper get so beautiful?
Elizabeth Draper loves people, free time, and a good cup of coffee in the warm sunlight. In the quaint town of Dreamer's Bay, she's the only employee of On the Spot, an odd jobs company. She remembers Devyn Winters as shallow in high school, but now everything about Devyn makes her lose focus. Though her brain knows Devyn is only home temporarily, her heart didn't seem to get the memo.
From GoodReads
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Purple background with white text review:
This book had me crying by page 50. I was not prepared. But it was a phenomenal opening that made me instantly fall in love with both characters. Nothing like a huge crisis to show what your characters are truly made of. And as emotional as the beginning was, the romance was so adorable. I loved their flirting so much, and how Elizabeth announced it. Elizabeth was literally an angel, with her big heart and unending kindness to everyone she met. I would do anything for her. And for Scout!
Devyn was a tougher nut, but I loved her devotion to her sister and I related to her complicated relationship with her hometown. I thought she had the best development, as she fell in love with Elizabeth and small town life, and wrested with what that meant for her career. I found her internal dilemma so realistic. As much as I liked their fun little fling, liked it even more when Devyn and Elizabeth had to put hard work into their relationship. There were a few steps along the way I didn't love, but they got an amazing, happy ending. So overall, I highly recommend!
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September 17, 2025 at 1:15 PM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

Hitting Sapphic September hard so far! I’m about to start my third sapphic read of the month: Hot Summer by Ellie Everhart. So far I’ve read two great arcs I highly recommend: When They Burned the Butterfly by Wen-Yi Lee and Can We Skip to the Good Part by Melissa Brayden.
#booksky

September 13, 2025 at 10:42 PM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

I love fire powers, especially in books when it symbolizes feminine rage. This book does that so well it is phenomenal! I cannot recommend it enough.
Thank you Tor Books and NetGalley for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
#booksky

Reddish brown background with cover When They Burned the Butterfly by Wen-Yi Lee. Light green text with title, author, and general information
Coming out soon: October 2025
Genres: queer historical fantasy
Setting: 1972 Singapore
POV: third person
Review: 4 stars
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Reddish brown background with light green text synopsis:
Singapore, 1972: Newly independent, a city of immigrants grappling for power. Here, gangsters are the last conduits of the gods. Adeline Siow has never needed more company than the flame she can summon at her fingertips. But when her mother dies in a house fire with a butterfly seared onto her skin and Adeline hunts down a girl she saw in a barfight, she discovers she's far from alone. Ang Tian is a Red Butterfly: one of a gang of girls who came from nothing and sworn to a fire goddess. Adeline's mother led a double life as their patron, Madam Butterfly. Now that she's dead, Adeline is the sole thing sustaining the goddess. Between her search for her mother's killer and the gang's succession crisis, Adeline becomes quickly entangled with the girls' dangerous world, and even more so with the charismatic Tian. But bodies are turning up in the red light district. suffused with a strange new magic. Adeline may have found her place, but it may take everything she is to keep it.
From GoodReads
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September 12, 2025 at 1:06 PM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

This book was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and it did not disappoint. I truly adore everything AM Woody writes. They have mastered the balance between humor and deep emotion.
Thank you to the author for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
#booksky

Light blue background with cover of Most Valuable Player by A.M. Woody. Dark brown text with title, author, and general information
Coming out soon: October 2025
Genres: Queer YA contemporary romance
Setting: Elwood
POV: first person he/him
Review: 4 stars
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Light blue background with dark brown text synopsis:
Cameron Morelli is hot sh*t. Worse, he knows it. With a godlike physique and a position as his varsity football team's star quarterback, there's nobody he can't charm.
So one might imagine his mortification when he's rejected by Mason Gray, the team's snarky water boy. To make matters worse, this disgrace is followed by Cam's coach benching him until he can get his grades up.
Luckily, a reliable tutor steps forward to help Cam reclaim his dignity-the boy who just humiliated him.
For Mason, tutoring an airheaded jock is nothing but a distraction from a past he can't escape. What he doesn't expect is to find something worthwhile in their conversations-something softening in the ice between them. Nor does Cam expect that Mason's calm smile hides a harrowing story. As they slowly nudge through each other's steel gates, the dangerous realities beyond high school threaten their deepening bond.
From Penguin Teen
Rock with eyes and a mustache in corner

Light blue background with dark brown text review:
Another amazing book by A.M. Woody! This book was the perfect balance of heartwarming and heartbreaking, and I absolutely devoured it. For starters, I loved that it was written in two first person points of view. Both Cam and Mason had such captivating, distinct voices. I really enjoyed reading from both of them, and how it gave clear insight into both of their thoughts. I also just loved both Cam and Mason so much as characters. They both had issues in their pasts that they were working to heal from, and they made so much progress over the course of the book. I loved that as they spent time with each other they learned to read each other and supported each other through everything. They had such amazing chemistry and it created such a wonderful relationship that I really enjoyed reading. My one thing was that I needed at least, but preferably both, of these characters to be in therapy by the end of the book. I also wanted to see more of Mason's interactions and friendships with the rest of the team. But overall this book was so amazing and I highly recommend it.
Rock with eyes and a mustache in corner

September 10, 2025 at 1:26 PM

Grace (they/she)

@astudentreading.bsky.social

I just finished When They Burned the Butterfly and omg that was such an intense ending. I’m going to need a long minute to process this book but I can definitely already say I highly recommend it!
#booksky

September 9, 2025 at 1:38 AM

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