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The Book of Emma Reyes: A Memoir in Correspondence

Emma Reyes and Daniel Alarcon

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This astonishing memoir of a childhood lived in extreme poverty in Latin America was hailed as an...

Summer at Mount Hope

Rosalie Ham

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Phoeba Crupp lives with her squabbling parents and younger sister Lilith on a small farm in rural...

Briannabrown1019 (799 KP) rated Love Letters to the Dead in Books

Nov 9, 2020

Love Letters to the Dead

Ava Dellaira | 2014 | Young Adult (YA)

6.8

(6 Ratings)

Book Rating

Great for fans of Perks of Being a Wallflower!

Contains spoilers, click to show

Trigger warning. This book deals with some deep stuff.

This was a super interesting idea. The story was deep, and it was the first book I've ever come across that told its story through letters to dead celebrities. So bonus points there for sure!
The overall story reminded me a lot of Perks of Being a Wallflower, which is one of my all time favorites.

I did not LOVE the POV/writing of the book but that wasn't because the author didn't do well. In fact I'd say that means she did amazing given the book is told from the POV of a teenage girl. She's young, and the writing reflects that. So while it wasn't my personal cup of tea, it made sense for the book. Bear that in mind when going into this one.

We follow Laurel venting to dead celebrities about her life and the loss of her sister. How did she die? Why does Laurel feel guilty? Why isn't her mom around anymore? Through letters to her idols she reminisces and vents, and we get to see her navigate life and relationships without her big sister.

*Potential trigger warnings for domestic abuse, rape, molestation, drug/alcohol use, and suicide.

Kudos

Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated I Mean What I Say by Viviana in Music

Jul 10, 2019

Viviana is an 18-year-old singer-songwriter from Houston, Texas. Not too long ago, she released an adorable indie-pop tune, entitled, “Rain”.

“You’ll be surprised by how little you really know about yourself today or any day at all. Just leave behind all that mess going on in your brain and for now just enjoy the rain.” – Viviana

‘Rain’ tells a wonderful tale of a young woman who wants to have fun and spend some family time with her sister. Apparently, she wants them to chill and watch old movies of when they were teenagers.

Shortly afterward, she suggests that they go out and play in the rain like they used to do when they were young and carefree.
‘Rain’ contains a relatable storyline and ear-welcoming vocals. Also, the likable tune possesses appealing instrumentation flavored with sentimental elements.

“This song was dedicated to my sister in hopes of reminding her, and everyone who hears it, the simpler and sweeter times of our childhood.” – Viviana

Viviana has been singing and playing instruments such as guitar, piano, and ukulele since she was 10-years-old. This fall, she will be attending Berklee College of Music.

Also, “Rain” is featured on her latest EP, entitled, “I Mean What I Say”.

Kudos

Sammeh Lowry (15 KP) rated Love Letters to the Dead in Books

Jul 13, 2019

Love Letters to the Dead

Ava Dellaira | 2014 | Young Adult (YA)

6.8

(6 Ratings)

Book Rating

The last 100 pages saved this book from a 3 star! Laurel is given an assignment in school which is to write a letter to someone who is dead. She chooses Kurt Cobain, who she feels as a lot in common with her sister May who died young just like she did. Soon she begins writing to lots of other famous people who have died too, through her letters to get to know about her life and her thoughts and feelings. I found Laurel to be very dislikeable at the start, she lives in her sisters shadow but it so caught up in trying to be her she becomes completely wrapped up in it. After finishing this book I can understand why she was portrayed this way to begin with, as the story developed I gained more of an understanding into who she is away from her sister. I loved her relationship with Sky and I love the friendships she also gained (I wasn't too sure of them at first) I felt at times it dragged but the last 100 pages really did it for me and I ended up loving how it all came together. Its definitely worth a read stick with it you won't be disappointed.