Category: Book/Author Highlight
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Book Highlight: The Tale of Despereaux
I finally read this Kate DiCamillo classic. I admit I vaguely knew the story since I had the graphic novel adaptation of the movie but we all know movie’s take artistic liberties so I was interested to see what changed and what stayed the same. While I found the narrator addressing the readers a bit…
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Author Highlight: Avi
I know this classic children’s author primarly through his historical fiction work though he has dabbled in various genres like fantasy, realism and animal adventure. What makes Avi’s writing so wonderful besides how prolific he is that he cuts to the human emotions and carefully builds his suspense even in the day to day life…
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Author Highlight: Min Jin Lee
You might be noticing the trend of notable authors having generation sprawling sagas. What can I say, I like the subgenre. As such I enjoyed Pachinko a bit more than Free Food but both are well-written tomes exploring themes of immigration, class, and family.
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Author Highlight: Jen Lancaster
So here’s a new one, she may not be as well known or high profile as authors I’ve put in the notable section but damn if she isn’t funny. And well known in her own mind. I’ve read only two of her memoirs, Bitter is the New Black and Pretty in Plaid but they give…
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Book Highlight: K-Pop Revolution
Stephan Lee delivers a highly satisfying sequel/conclusion to K-Pop Confidential with Revolution as Candace becomes the head of big changes in the K-Pop industry and S.A.Y. Entertainment. Or so she thinks? With the bombshell she dropped on live television, Candace’s life is left in what seems to be ruins but with the widespread support she gains…
rachelbeerwoman
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Book Highlight: Song of the Lioness
Ah, The Song of the Lionness. The quartet that helped put Tamora Pierce on the map as premiere fantasy novelist with a feminist hero for the ages. It also founded the expansive Tortall universe. Since the books have been around since the 80s I’m not going to repeat what happens in them. Everyone has probably…
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Author Highlight: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
I have heard about her from numerous sources but I finally read two of this award-winning, beloved Ted-Talker and author’s books: Purple Hibiscus and Half a Yellow Sun.
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Book Highlight: Grandes Dreamers
This heartfelt children’s book by Argelia Atilano with vivid illustrations by Anna Alvarado covers 12 inspirational Latinas that have broke barriers and changed perceptions of what Latinas can do in the U.S. Most of them are well-known like Rita Moreno, AOC (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for those who don’t know the popular acronym for the representative), J.Lo.,…
rachelbeerwoman
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Author Highlight: Elizabeth Acevedo
So I’m back with another notable author, Elizabeth Acevedo. Originally Acevedo had wanted to be a rapper, inspired by her neighbohood and Afro-Latin heritage to rap about the abuelas who fed her pastelitos and the racism and sexism she faced. But since that was too “soft” for the rap word, she switched to spoken word…
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Author Highlight: Isabel Allende
So I’ve finally read one of the greatest writers of our time, and I have to join the thousands that agree. My mom gifted me with her first, The House of Spirits, and latest books, Violeta respectively and they were beautiful.