Cannonball Read 17

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

Summer dares and becoming aware

Ready or Not by Andi Porretta

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Ready or Not by the author by Andi Porretta is overall a nice coming of age story. Sometimes the characters are likeable and sometimes less so. They are relatable and each is unique to themselves. There are good illustrations that are not busy but not lacking with good colors in a traditional style. There is some drinking, overdrinking (a quick vomit scene) and “teen angst” situations. There isn’t anything you haven’t seen before, it is just presented in a way that feels a bit fresh […]

Bruh.

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

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As my kids would say.  A Little Life is a behemoth of a book, focused on the lives of four college friends as they make their way in the world. There’s Willem, attractive and easy-going, who wants to be an actor; Malcolm, an aspiring architect; JB, a promising your artist; and Jude, an enigmatic lawyer with a brilliant mind and a troubled past. We follow their lives as they grapple with fame, addiction, relationships and trauma.  At least, that’s what google will tell you if […]

Look forward with the words of Watson

Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson and Ekua Holmes

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Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson was one of those books I had heard about, seen, but never really wanted to read. I mean, I like young adult literature, I like poetry and I like young adult poetry. However, I judged the book by the cover and theme. I assumed it would be some flowery “poor me” story. Instead, it is a truly strong and amazing short collection of poems that are relatable, informative and thoughtful. The language is lovely, but straight forward. […]

While looks easy, there is a lot packed it and not all of it is nice, but worth the read

Fitting Indian by Jyoti Chand and Tara Anand

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Fitting Indian by Jyoti Chand and Tara Anand has several potential triggers. They include (but are not limited to): self-harm, alcohol consumption, sexual context, suicidal thoughts, bullying, mental health, suicide attempt, and cultural situations/responses. Despite the issues, or maybe because of them, this is actually a fantastic story about how mental health is “hidden” even when it is right in front of you. The idea of being the “perfect Indian girl”, the idea of the “favorite son,” the idea of family and honor, and more, […]

“To slowly, slowly give in to the inevitability of adulthood in the hopes that I will age as gracefully as Paris has.”

French Milk by Lucy Knisley

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First, a word on ratings and expectations. French Milk is by my quick count my third Lucy Knisley book (I read Relish way back in 2016 and An Age of License in 2018). So, when I decided to restart my Knisley experience I figured might as well go back to the beginning with her 2007 book French Milk thinking I knew what to expect having read books previously from the author about her mom, food, and travel and this book combines those in Paris. I […]

One of those books I hated everything about it, but DANG! is it a fun trip!

The Girl Who Flew Away by Lee Dean

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The Girl Who Flew Away by Lee Dean was sent to me as an online reader copy. And I am glad of that as this is the kind of book I hate everything about… yet it is one of the most amazing books I have read.  We are getting a slice of life from some really not nice people (including our girl who flew/the point of view the story is told from) who are just trying to get out alive. The feeling of the time […]



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