Book Review: Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline

Ready Player Two

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Ready Player Two 〰️

First off, I loved this book. Maybe even more than the first. The stakes were so much more real in this book. (I mean, they were high in the first, and we did see characters die, but this was global). And yes, there was still a lot of info dumping, just like in the first book, but it felt different this time. Handled better, maybe? Most of it was necessary for the story, and I found it to be written in a way that helped and didn't bog the story down, unlike most info dumps.

I also found the writing improved. There were many more character interactions and involvement with the environment than simply relaying backstory and worldbuilding. I think that is another reason I loved this story more than the first.

Don't get me wrong, I still highly enjoyed the first book. I just think this is a worthy sequel, and it ended in the best way possible. The first book had a nice ending and could have stopped there, but it was still able to have more story. And with this second book, it ended on a high note. Still not the perfect ending for our characters but the best we could get as readers. If Cline writes a third book, it would only be a cash grab and ruin this good ending. (I mean, this could still be a cash grab, but it works, so I'm not mad).

Would I ever log onto the OASIS if one were to come into our world? Probably. Would I log onto the OASIS with an ONI? Absolutely. Mostly because I could live with my cat and our happy memories forever. But I do worry I'd never leave, so I guess it's for the best we don't have this technology around at this current moment in time.

If you enjoyed the first book, are a true (or even a small) geek at heart, and enjoy nostalgia, then this book is for you.

Book Review: The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

The Upside of Unrequited

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The Upside of Unrequited 〰️

This book was a bit of a hit-and-miss for me. I didn't love it like the first book, but I didn't dislike it. It was just okay. It did get really good near the end, but I wasn't super into the start. That's not because the writing wasn't good, it was. It just didn't vibe with me, I guess.

I hate that Albertalli was trying to convince the readers there was a love triangle between Will and Reid. Mainly because it felt like she was trying to convince us that Will was even an option, Molly barely interacted with him and only thought about him briefly when she was with Reid saying things like she should be thinking about WIll and not Reid. There was zero chemistry between Molloy and Will from their first interaction, yet most of the book tried to convince us she was super into in and that he was an option as a love interest. From her first interaction with Reid, they had chemistry and interacted more. It was clear he was the love interest, and Will was just there for lame reasons.

Aside from that, I love all of the representation in this story. We've got multiple people on the LGBTQ+ spectrum (bi, lesbian, pan, gay). We've got multicultural characters (yay, Mina! She was my favourite character and not because we share the same name). We've got different religions and friend groups. We even got some plus size rep. Love all of that.

However, I'm not sure I'd call this a companion to Love, Simon. Besides having Abby as a side character and a few Simon name drops (and one cameo), there wasn't much that made this a cameo. It was its own book, and I feel it should stand alone. This is not how you'd write a companion. But at least there was more of Abby in the world, so I can't fault the book for that.

Was this my favourite Albertalli book? No. But would I still recommend it? Absolutely. When the book does cute moments, it does them right, and they hit hard. I'm a sucker for cute moments. And I like Molly's voice. She came across well on the page and was fun to read.

Book Review: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

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Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda 〰️

This book is just so wholesome and adorable and filled with cute moments that made me actually laugh out loud. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I found it extremely relatable. I thankfully never experience any homophobia with my family and friends, so I can't relate to those aspects, but I can for sure relate to the nerves of coming out for the first time. And the second. And every time after that. (Because sadly coming out is never a one and done thing).

The emails between Simon and Blue were just too cute. I had a similar relationship with someone at that age so it was all very realistic to me. The dialogue in both emails and spoken was great.

I do feel like Nick could have had a bigger role, however. He wasn't in the story much other than to be the straight love interest to a secondary character. I think he was mentioned more than actually present in the story. I would have loved to see Simon hang out with his friends more. He talks about them a lot but he mostly pines over Blue.

Overall, this is a great debut by Albertalli. I've read her later books and love those, and when I realized I haven't read her earlier works (or seen the movie!) I knew I had to get on that. It didn't disappoint.

If you love a cute YA romance with witty banter and a coming out story, this is a great book for you. And if you really loved it, they made a movie! Love, Simon. (I'm glad they made the title shorter because this one was a mouthful). I haven't seen the movie (yet!) but I will soon!

Book Review: And They Lived... by Steven Salvatore

And They Lived...

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And They Lived... 〰️

I cannot praise this book enough. This story was exactly the type of story I love to write. I see a lot of my novel, SOUTH, in this story, from the animation to self-discovery journeys, super cute moments, the real hardships of life and mental health, and excellent characters. This story has it all; it was an honour to read.

I love how healthy all the relationships are in this novel. It's nice to read. And not only are the main characters dynamic and exciting to read, but the side characters are just as flesh-out and entertaining. (And OMG, I love Benny and Rae so much. Can we get a book on them just being the best of friends?)

And who doesn't love a good self-discovery story? I know I do. I've written one! We've got self-discovery with love, a journey of trying to love your body, and a journey of self-discovery regarding gender. And it's all handled very well. (And I'm happy the author included resources for those needing help in the book. There is no shame in seeking help when you need it).

The plot was solid, the cast was perfect, and the ending was *chef's kiss*. I can't recommend this book enough.

The only thing I have negative to say (and this is based on my own experience and is highly nitpicky) is that the animation program Chase attends seems awfully advanced for a first year. I actually went to an art school, studied animation and worked as an animator for years before changing careers. I say this to say that your first year, especially your first month of an animation program, is usually learning about the basics of animation. The program Chase is in and the work he's making sounds more like second-year work rather than first years, let alone the first semester. But maybe animation programs are just different in the US as opposed to Canada, where I went to art school.

That all being said, if you're looking for an excellent queer read, this book is 100% for you.

Book Review: The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers by Adam Sass

The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers

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The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers 〰️

The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers

What a perfect book to end the year on.

This book was a complete 180 from the author's first novel, Surrender Your Sons. (A book which I've read and thoroughly enjoyed). While his debut was a much darker read, this book is a light, fluffy romance full of love and family support, and I'm here for it. Comparing the two books Sass has written, I can tell he has perfected his writing craft. The tone and characters are so different, yet Sass still has his unique voice.

As for this book, I loved it from the first page to the end. It was a wonderful romance filled with so many cute moments. I absolutely love how all the parents in this book are so supportive. (Also, how cool was it that Micah, the MC, and his sister both turned out to be gay/lesbian? And their parents still love and accept both of them. Love that).

Sure, some of the romance can be a bit cheesy, but I will admit, I'm a sucker for cheesy romance. And having it be gay romance? I'm all aboard the cheese train.

I knew from the start that Boy 100, though as great as a couple they were, weren't going to last. I could tell Elliot was the better fit. I still love that Micah and Grant were still a great couple and got along well, but I felt the vibes were better with Elliot. Plus, having Micah get a boyfriend so early meant something would happen with their relationship. It's how stories (and life) go.

If you are looking for a read that has a fun MC as a narrator and a light cute romantic read filled with lots of little happy moments, this book is perfect for you. It's also good for mental health because there isn't anything triggering in the book. A great way to relax in a world where almost all the characters are gay. Also, how can you not want to read this book based on the cover alone? It's stunning. I highly recommend this lovely read.

Book Review: All That's Left In The World by Erik J. Brown

All That's Left In The World

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All That's Left In The World 〰️

Wow, what a rollercoaster of emotions this book was. From start to finish, I was hooked and invested in this story.

All That's Left in the World Cover

I love reading post-apocalypse stories, and having there be an LGBTQ+ element to it was a huge bonus. I find it funny (unclear why) about the brief mention of COVID in this book, especially seeing how it's still going on. While the author did talk briefly about writing COVID into his book in the author's note, the main focus was the superflu and the aftermath. It's interesting to see how humanity could behave if a virus rapidly wiped us out. After all, even during a worldwide pandemic in real life, you'd think the world would have united to stop the virus, but we are anything but. So to see how the world is after the superflu in this novel feels scarily accurate, despite it being fiction.

I love a good slow-burn romance, and the buildup between Andrew and Jamie was perfect. I could feel them slowly fall in love and come to terms with their feelings.

Pretty much the only negative I have to say about this book is the passing of time, and this is a huge nitpick. After all, the boys are travelling all across America by foot, and that takes a while. But I just felt like there were a lot of "days passed" scenes, and it made it feel a bit filler-y. But I get it, and it was necessary; it just felt like filler all the same.

All in all, 10/10. There are a few scenes that may be super sensitive to some readers, but I think it's definitely worth the read.