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2022 Top Books

Here are my overall top books of 2022!

If I See You Again Tomorrow by Robbie Couch
This was such a amazing book! Clark is stuck in a time loop. No matter what he tries to say or do will get him out of it and he is sure this is how life will be forever. Until he meets Beau. Beau walks into his calculus class one day and creates a ruckus, so Clark knows that he has to follow Beau. Beau introduces him to a life filled with love and joy and Clark realizes how much Beau means to him. But the next day, Beau is missing and Clark can’t find him anywhere.

I really enjoyed this book because of how beautifully detailed the story was. It was an amazing ride and I loved the whole story from start to finish.
Dear Medusa by Olivia A. Cole
I really loved how powerful this book was. Alicia has gotten used to being bullied, being an outcast, her only friend being one she made in detention. But when she gets to meet with a mentor, she learned just how to channel that anger out and how to become the most powerful version of herself.

I really enjoyed this book because of how the eloquent the writing style flowed. The poetry was beautiful and there were a lot of beautiful lines and quotes. The book also displayed sexual abuse very well.
Dear Mothman by Robin Gow
This was such an interesting book! Noah and Lewis used to be best friends. But when Lewis dies in a car accident, Noah is forced to survive alone. He decides to do his science project on Mothman to honor Lewis’ legacy, but when his teachers and his parents start to doubt him, he knows he needs real evidence. As he continues his search for the legendary creature, he learns how to make friends and move on while honoring Lewis.

I really enjoyed this book and the portrayal or LGBT+ characters. The writing style, in letters and poetry, was incredible and I really liked the drawings. The story flowed incredibly well and I loved the quotes I got from it too.
The Insiders by Mark Oshiro
This was such an amazing book! Back home, Héctor being gay didn’t change anything. But now, when he gets bullied relentlessly, he needs a safe space…and finds it in the janitor’s closet that isn’t exactly what it seems. Soon he meets 2 other students who also don’t exactly fit in at their schools. The Room gives them a safe space, but they have to learn to face their problems on their own too.

I really enjoyed this book and the way that Héctor and his friends are written. They are all incredibly lifelike and I loved the LGBT+ representation. The story was beautiful and can easily help people feel more welcome.
Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar
When Hani comes out to her friends as bisexual after they try to set her up, they don’t believe her. When they confront her about it, she panics and claims she’s dating her friends’ enemy- Ishita Dey. Ishita agrees on pretend to date Hani on one condition- she helps Ishita win the election to be head girl. But as Hani and Ishu get closer, Hani’s friends get jealous, punishing her and pushing her out.

I really enjoyed this book because of how realistic the two main characters were. The representation was also beautiful and I enjoyed the book a lot.
Loveless by Alice Oseman
This is such a great read. Georgia has never had a crush, only one that she’s forced onto herself. So when university starts, she is determined to date someone. But when no one, male or female, appeals to her, and she joins the LGBT+ soc in her school, she realizes that maybe she’s a little different. I really loved coming along on the journey of Georgia figuring out who she is, while navigating her friends and their own feelings.

I really enjoyed this book because of how beautifully Georgia’s college life is portrayed, especially as she and her friends learn how they are. It’s such a nicely written book.

Top Books of January: click here
Top Books of February: click here
Top Books of March: click here
Top Books of April: click here
Top Books of May: click here
Top Books of June: click here
Top Books of July: click here
Top Books of August: click here
Top Books of September: click here
Top Books of October: click here
Top Books of November: click here
Top Books of December: click here

2022 lookback

January:

I started the year in India. We didn’t really do much that first month, but it was a good and clean beginning to the new year.

February:

We took a quick staycation in Downtown, which was definitely a lot of fun. It was a great opportunity to relax while staying in the city.

March:

We went to Miami this year which was a lot of fun! We got to see a lighthouse and also got to visit Calle Ocho, which I had been learning about in school. I also visited the science museum which was a fun experience.
We also got to see Hamilton, which was awesome. I loved watching the songs come to life and it was overall a great experience.

April:

I did two dance performances this month- an annual recital for Bharatanatyam and my first ever Mohiniyattam performance!
I also got to watch an arangetram which was a new experience for me.

May:

We went to New Mexico which was really cool! I really enjoyed viewing the Carlsbad Caverns and the Petroleum Museum, as well as Monahans Sandhills State Park.
Our school also put on Matilda the Musical and I really enjoyed watching it, especially as a lot of my friends starred in it.

June:

Right before 7th grade ended, we had our schoolwide International Peace Festival, in which my friend and I put together a project on gender equality. During summer, I went to India which was a lot of fun, as usual.

July:

I went to Delhi in the beginning of July, which was a place I’d never been before. I really enjoyed visiting The Taj Mahal, Qutab Minar, and Isa Khan’s tomb, as well as other places.
I came home from India early (☹️) to go to Leadership Camp, hosted by my Leadership teacher for 8th grade. I really enjoyed camp and definitely made a lot of memories there.

August:

I started 8th grade around the middle of August which was an incredible new experience.
I also competed in a duet and a group Bharatanatyam competition and won first place for the duet!

September:

I celebrated my birthday this month and turned 13! Other than that we didn’t do much, but I really enjoyed celebrating my birthday and cherished everyone in my life that day (and month).

October:

I started the month with a roller skating party for everyone in Leadership. At first, I was a bit shaky, but I eventually got the hang of it and had a lot of fun!
I also got to see another musical- Hadestown, which was inspired by Greek mythology, which I love.
After that, we had Homecoming, which is definitely one of my highlights this year, as I got to have a lot of fun that night.

November:

I started November off with my UIL theater class performing twice, once for parents and once at a competition. I had a lot of fun both times and I can’t wait to do it again in the spring!
After that, we went to my last musical of the year- SIX the Musical. I also saw two of my friends there which was such a fun experience!
Then, during Fall Break, we went to Boston and I saw a lot of historical monuments, which went perfectly with what we were learning in US History.
Lastly, I ended the month with Fall Show, a performance organized by the dance teachers so we can show off what we have learnt in the first semester.

December:

Our school’s first semester has ended, meaning we’re halfway through the school year. This was also the first year I had to do midterms, because I’ve started taking high-school level courses.
As the semester ended, I went to our school’s winter concert, as I had many friends in orchestra. I really enjoyed watching them perform and they did great!
Lastly, I closed the year off by going to India for winter break.

How has your year been?

Top Books of September

Here are my top books of September!

Salt Magic by Hope Larson
This was such a cute book! It has a perfect Studio Ghibli style to it and the drawings are amazing. I also loved the story line and the way the story flowed. When Vonceil’s brother, Elber, returns from war, now more serious, and proposes to his girlfriend, Vonceil is shocked. She was hoping for him to meet someone new and different. When Greta, a stranger to all except Elber, shows up, she doesn’t except for Elber to be married. In a fit of jealous rage, she curses their spring, the only thing that keeps them alive, to spew salt water. Vonceil goes on a journey to fix this, making friends, and learning new stories at every turn. This is a great book!
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
I really loved this book. Addie was cursed to be forgotten. When a new day began or a door was closed, people who used o know her would forget. That was the price of her immortal life. That is, until she meets Henry, who remembers her. Who knows who she is and loves her for it. But the creature who laid that curse on her keeps returning, asking for her soul. I really enjoyed this book! It was really descriptive and the word choice was both beautiful and perfect. I totally recommend it to you!
Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
I read the graphic novel retelling of one of my favorite books, Aru Shah and the End of Time. Revisiting this book was amazing, especially seeing some of my favorites scenes reimagined and defined in color and pictures. When Aru breaks a lamp and releases a trapped demon. An ancient mentor decides to help her put the world back in order, but along she way, she discovers secrets she never thought could be true. This is such a good book and I totally recommend both the original book itself and the graphic novel to you!
The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat
This was an amazing graphic novel. When Christina first sees the cheerleaders, she is in awe. They hold power and don’t get bullied or harassed. So when cheerleading tryouts start, she and her best friend, Megan, sign up right away. I really loved this book and how it was about being a POC in a majority white school. It’s a great read and I totally recommend it to you!

6 Word Memoirs

Recently, in my English class, we created 6 word memoirs. They were really fun and easy to create and so, I thought it would be nice to share that over here! 6 word memoirs can either be 6 words that sum up a big part or your whole life, or they can describe one specific event. With the way that my English teacher led us through it, there are 4 main steps to writing a 6 word memoir.

Step 1. Take anywhere from 3-5 minutes and write down a big list of life events. These events don’t have to be in order or make sense to anyone but you. Make sure you keep writing and let your subconscious bring up some of the major events you have experienced.

Step 2. Pick any one of the events and write 2-3 sentences about it. You can add any details you want, but don’t let it become a full paragraph.

Step 3. Cross out any unnecessary information. This step can sometimes be hard, but try to think of the main points of your event. Also make sure to keep the mood of the event intact when you cross things out (for example, if you’re writing about a scary moment, don’t cross out all the scary parts of it).

Step 4. Using the words or phrases you have left, experiment with different wording choices and ideas. When you have one you think that fits best, congrats! You’ve written a 6 word memoir.

Here’s an example that I made in my English class:

Step 1. I had around 32 events written down in the span of 5 minutes. Some of my most important/memorable were the Austin trip, COVID/google classroom, online lunch, PUPS potluck (all grades), my mock algebra STAAR, Murder on the Sea (my group’s theater production), and getting into leadership. All of these events definitely influenced me a lot and helped me become who I am today.

Step 2. I chose to write about Murder on the Sea, a theater production my and my ensemble created last year. My 4 sentences were:
My first look at theater performances. I had practiced all weekend and probably wore my grandfather out as he listened to me practice. I remember being extremely nervous, but also ready before the performance. It was the time I decided to join UIL theater.

Step 3. The next step was crossing out unnecessary information. Below is what I had after step 3.
My first look ~~at theater performances.~~ ~~I had~~ practiced all weekend ~~and probably wore my grandfather out as he listened to me practice.~~ ~~I remember being~~ extremely nervous, but also ready ~~before the performance. It was the time I~~ decided to join UIL theater.
At the end, the main phrases I had left were “first look”, “practiced all weekend”, “extremely nervous, but also ready”, and “decided to join UIL theater.”

Step 4. Some of my ideas included:
– practicing all weekend, UIL the goal
– first look at theater, in love
– never forgetting shining on the stage

Finally, I chose this one- “Memorizing done, am I good enough?”

I picked that specific one because it not only ties into theater, but also dance, a huge aspect of my life.

Have you ever written a 6 word memoir? If not, will you give it a try?

My Top Reads of July

Here are my top reads of July!

Loveless by Alice Oseman
This is such a great read. Georgia has never had a crush, only one that she’s forced onto herself. So when university starts, she is determined to date someone. But when no one, male or female, appeals to her, and she joins the LGBT+ soc in her school, she realizes that maybe she’s a little different. I really loved coming along on the journey of Georgia figuring out who she is, while navigating her friends and their own feelings. I really enjoyed this book and I totally recommend it to you!
Out of Range by Heidi Lang
This was such a good book! Abby, Emma, and Ollie are done with each other. Even though they’re sisters, each one seems to hate the others more. When they’re dropped off at a wilderness camp together, they know it won’t help the situation. Until they’re forced to go on a hike together and Abby leaves the guide behind. Soon, they’re lost and none of them know what to do, especially after Emma almost drowns. This is such a great book and I really enjoyed it! I totally recommend it to you.
Grounded for all Eternity by Darcy Marks
This book was so enticing! Mal and his friends live in Hell, a generally safe place. So when the bells go off and the fire wall is raised for more than 5 minutes, they realize that someone has escaped. After being stuck at home, Mal, Lilith, Crowley, and Alistair find a portal that’ll take them to another dimension and soon find themselves tumbling through it, but unable to get back without capturing the escaped spirit they bought with them. I really enjoyed this book and the way that it flowed. It’s a great read!
The Rise of The School For Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
This prequel was so satisfying and amazing! Usually, there is one School Master. But this time, two brothers, Rafal and Rhian, have been named, one for Good and one for Evil. Soon Rafal leaves and Rhian is forced to carry the burden of leading two schools, a task he soon realizes isn’t easy. He soon realizes he needs help. But who he chooses sets a grim fate for the rest of the students. I really enjoyed this book and the way the ending was twisted! I also love how Rhian was queer-coded and totally recommend this book to you!
The Prince and The Dressmaker by Jen Wang
This was such an empowering read! Frances has always loved designing powerful, silly dresses, so when she gets called to the castle to design for them instead, she is shocked. Soon she learns that her client is the very own Prince Sebastien who loves dressing up and going out. Soon, he is himself, but Frances she decides she’s had enough of an anonymous life and leaves. I really enjoyed this book and the powerful message behind it. I totally recommend it to you!

Top Books of January: click here
Top Books of February: click here
Top Books of March: click here
Top Books of April: click here
Top Books of May: click here
Top Books of June: click here

My Top Reads of June

Here are my top reads of June!

The Fear by Natasha Preston
This was such an amazing book! It started simple, with a meme in which people shared their biggest fear. Yet, when people start dying in the way that they were scared of the most, it becomes less simple. Izzy is determined to find the murderer, but nothing seems to click. As she watches so many she knows and loves die, she realizes she must find out who it is, even if it’s just for her cousin and best friend. This was such an amazing book and the ending was perfect. I totally recommend this book to you!
Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel
I absolutely loved this book! I’ve heard of Kaikeyi before, but only as a jealous mother who exiled Rama so he wouldn’t take the throne. This book completely changes my viewpoint on that in the best way possible. Kaikeyi has always known she wasn’t as wanted as her brothers, simply because she was female. So when she realizes she can do a magic that no one else seems to be able to see. When her father arranges her marriage, her world changes drastically as she moves from her hometown to a new world. I really loved this book and the new perspective of Kaikeyi. I totally recommend this book to you!
One of Us is Next by Karen McManus
This was such a great book! It’s been a few years since Simon’s death. But now, someone has started what he’s done again, this time with a new game- Truth or Dare. Phoebe was targeted first. By choosing not to play, her secret was revealed. After that is Maeve, then Knox. But by this time, the dares are deadly, meant to harm, or even kill. I really enjoyed this book and the way in which the author writes and flows through the plot. It’s a great book!
Two can Keep A Secret by Karen McManus
I really loved this book! Echo Ridge is a dangerous place to be prom queen, especially when 2 of them have died. So naturally, that’s what Ellery starts investigating when she and her brother, Ezra, move there. Yet, when Ellery is chosen as a candidate for Prom Queen, the stakes rise higher than ever and she knows she has to solve the mystery before anyone else gets hurt. I really loved this book and totally recommend it to you!
Radio Silence by Alice Oseman
I absolutely loved this book. Frances has been obsessed with a podcast, Radio Silence, for a while now. So, when she gets an invite to make official art for them, she is over the moon. Later, the same day, at a party, Aled, known for being studious and very introverted, reveals that he’s the Creator to her. As they start working together, Aled makes it clear that no one else can know who he is. But when people figure out who’s been doing the illustrations, discovery follows…. I really loved this book! It was so diverse and I loved all of the characters. It’s definitely one of my top reads this month!

Top Books of January: click here
Top Books of February: click here
Top Books of March: click here
Top Books of April: click here
Top Books of May: click here

My Top Reads of April

Here are my top reads of April!

Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
This was such an amazing book! Alex, the First Son, has pretty much just ruined America and Britain’s relationship. And now, because of this, he has to pretend to be friends with His Royal Highness, Prince Henry, aka the person who he cannot stand. But as they spend more time together, Alex realizes that maybe Henry isn’t exactly what he thought he was. I loved the way that Alex slowly warmed up to Henry and how we saw his mind change. The writing style is great and fits the book perfectly! I can’t wait to read more by this author.
This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron
This was such a great book! Briseis has a special power-she can make plants grow. But when she accidentally ingests a poisonous plant, she realizes how twisted her power actually is. When Briseis’ adoptive mother dies, she leaves her a dilapidated, old estate that’s teeming with magic. Briseis realizes that here, she can let her power free, but only is she realizes the extent of it. I really enjoyed this book and the plot twists. It was super fun and I loved the Greek mythology references. I can’t wait to read the next one!
Blaine for the Win by Robbie Couch
This was such an amazing book! When Joey, Blaine’s boyfriend, breaks up with him on their anniversary because “he’s not serious enough”, Blaine knows he has to win Joey back. And what’s more serious than running for president? As Blaine tries his best in speeches, getting votes, and being himself, he starts to question what he actually wants. I really loved this book and the way the story is told. Blaine is such a great character and I really enjoyed this book!
Small Town Pride by Phil Stamper
This was one of the most beautiful books I’ve read. Jake has just come out to his parents. And everything is going fine. But then his dad puts up a huge pride flag in their backyard, which sparks comments from their neighbors, some good, some bad. As Jake starts researching more about it, he starts thinking about the idea of a pride festival. The only problem? The mayor doesn’t approve. I loved this book and the way we got to see Jake face his problems. The characters are great and I loved it a lot!
Answers in the Pages by David Levithan
This was an amazing book! Donovan’s class has been reading The Adventures, but when Donovan’s mother sees it, she tries to stop them from reading it. Donovan doesn’t understand why his mother is so upset at the fact that the main characters might be gay. As he bonds with his classmates over the injustice of it, he soon realizes that his mother is not protecting him, like she claims she is. And he knows that he has to speak up. I really enjoyed this book and the different timelines we got to see. They all interconnected perfectly at the end and I enjoyed it a lot!

Top Books of January: click here
Top Books of February: click here
Top Books of March: click here

Category: lists