Overall mood: jittery. I have been busy this month which has meant I have had to separate myself from my reading stack in my room. Jokes aside, the first half of November was full of work, uni seminars, networking events and family celebrations, and as such I haven’t read as much as I maybe anticipated. I know this sounds hypocritical after my reading crunch post where I said I wasn’t thinking about numbers and getting books read, so let me add this. I also feel jittery because of my excitement for want I will be reading in December. I have been accumulating library books to dive into for a few weeks now, and the remaining physical TBR pile on my shelf is down to single digits. This means my rereads are nearly complete and a lot of new reads will fill my summer.

Books read:

Dead-end Memories by Banana Yoshimoto, 4/5

A short-story collection that touches upon universal themes that transcend language, Dead-end Memories is a collection you need to read. This recommendation will largely be for those who can identify with the female protagonists of the stories, but I think everyone can enjoy these stories. There is a subtle sombre feel to them that makes them linger and a longing within that is brought out by these perspectives.

Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken, 4/5

Returning to the world of dystopian America where kids have special abilties, Never Fade shows a different side of the situation to Ruby. A life where she doesn’t have to run to survive, but she does have to do things to keep herself feed – like use her powers to interrogate the enemy. I have a soft spot for this book because of a certain character, but even without him I would find Never Fade interesting. It builds off the first book, but changes the perspective to show that not everyone thinks the same, or acts the same, not the adults, the kids, or those in power.

A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray, 4/5

If you want multiple dimensions, sci-fi jargon, and diverse locations, then A Thousand Pieces of You is definitely something you should add to your TBR lists. It also contains a YA romance, historical fiction elements, and an artistic view of life, so if that is more convincing then please do consider it. I remember reading this years ago and it opened my eyes to the possibilities of writing YA science fiction. Now, it is a friendly reminder of themes and perspectives I would like to hold onto. I can also understeand the PhD jargon now which makes things funny.

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer, 4.5/5

The second in the Lunar Chronicles series, Scarlet introduces us to more characters and a different side of the story world with keeping the tense, action-packed plot of Cinder rolling. More stakes, more relationships, more drama, and more ships in general. I love this sci-fi story world and the characters within it, and I cannot wait to continue with Cress. If there is one thing I have learnt, it is that a good YA sci-fi world will have my mind running wild.

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali, 4.5/5

A beautiful story full of life, love, food, culture, and protest. Marjan Kamali’s works never fail to touch my heart and The Lion Women of Tehran is no exception. I recommend this to all readers as the themes are so pertinent to today’s world, and the call to action spans many more people than we may realise. This could easily be in contention for my favourites of 2024.

Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong, 4/5

Chloe Gong’s first adult fantasy novel, Immortal Longings continues with the Shakespeare retellings and take on the challenge of Antony and Cleopatra, placing it in a high-stakes contest that could change the fate of the winner for life. The second book, Vilest Things, is out and awaiting its turn to be read, but there is another on the way – another first for Chloe Gong who is known for her YA duologies These Violent Delights and Foul Lady Fortune. Very excited to read more in this adult political fantasy world.

Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado

A unique debut that will not only turn heads but spark interest in the future of this author, Her Body and Other Parties is a short story collection unlike others out there. It has elements from all genres, bleeding together to create a horror-laced science fiction literary landscape that will shock and seduce. Lovers of short story, queer fiction, and stories that will leave you reeling better take note.

Ten Thousand Skies Above You by Claudia Gray, 4.5/5

Ten Thousand Skies Above You takes a darker, more serious tone with its content this time around. Many more questions surrounding ethics, morality, fate and destiny, as well as loss and power and what happens when people have too much say in how things should go. It is full-on, imaginative, and opens up more possibilities within multiverses and alternate lives. A very fun YA sci-fi to get into if you don’t want something more philosophical to go up against the physics and mathematics of science ficiton.

I also read Liam Dann’s BBQ Economics but do not have the picture for it. If you’re a kiwi interested in learning more about money, finances, and general rule of how money impacts New Zealand as a small country, I would highly recommend picking it up.