Last month, I posted my DNF reviews of books throughout the first half of 2019 here . In July, I ended up dnfing two earcs. Not Hungry by Kate Karyus Quinn A special thank you to Netgalley and West 44 Books for providing a free advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I was looking forward to this book, but it just kept getting worse and worse until I dnfed it at 61%. I rarely ever dnf something this far in, especially when it's this short, but I legitimately couldn't finish it. This may have a few spoilers, but the content was not sensitively portrayed and far too graphic. I felt really uncomfortable with the far too detailed descriptions of June puking after binging, but hoped it would get better. This is also a poorly written verse novel, but I could see that not bothering some other people. The part I ended up dnfing is when someone records June binging and then puking and I just can't read that video being released. None of the characters are likabl...

Title: Watches and Warnings Author: Ryan Wolf Genre: Young Adult, Verse Novel, Contemporary Trigger Warning: Mentioned Drug Abuse, Character Death, Description of Corpse Rating: 5 stars Release Date: August 1, 2019 Synopsis Hi-lo. Sixteen-year-old Philip is the son of two Evangelical youth pastors. He also secretly helps his older brother pay for his heroin addiction. When a massive tornado touches down in their small town, Philip’s family becomes heavily involved in the post-disaster cleanup as Philip struggles with the return of his detoxing brother. With his life swept into sudden chaos, Philip grapples with questions that cut him to the core. Review A special thank you to Netgalley and West 44 Books for providing a free advance digital copy in exchange for a honest review. This is going to be the book I point o...

Title: And We Call It Love Author: Amanda Vink Genre: Poetry, Young Adult, Contemporary Trigger Warning: Abuse Rating: 4 stars Release Date: June 1, 2019 Synopsis A hi-lo verse novel about best friends Clare and Zari. They write music together, go everywhere together, and they know everything about the other. At least they did before Zari started dating Dion. The more Zari falls for Dion, the less she has time for anything else. At first, Clare chalks it up to a new and exciting relationship, and she tries to be happy for her friend despite her loneliness. When Zari starts to show up to school with half-hidden bruises, Clare knows there's something darker about this relationship that has to be stopped. Review A special thank you to Netgalley and West 44 Books for a free advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review. This verse novel follows the friendship of two girls despite the barriers...

Title: Little Pills Author: Melody Dodds Genre: Poetry, Contemporary, Verse Novel Triggers: Addiction, drug addiction Rating: 4 Stars Release Date: April 2, 2019 Synopsis Seventeen-year-old Charlotte Navarro never asked to be anyone's hero. If you're a hero, your sister isn't supposed to hate you. And you're definitely not supposed to get hooked on Gramma's painkillers. Even so, Charlotte's sister's friend Mia looks at her like she's some sort of hero. As Charlotte starts taking pills more and more, she has to question how it could hurt herself and others, even Mia. Is it a harmless habit or a dangerous addiction? Review A special thank you to Netgalley and West 44 books for providing a free advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review. This verse novel follows Charlotte. One thing I find interesting in verse novels is that the plot can be a lot more relaxed, more about capturing moments in time and experiences. This is a p...

Title: Sanctuary Somewhere Author: Brenna Dimmig Genre: Poetry, Young Adult, Contemporary Trigger Warning: Rating: 3 stars Release Date: April 1, 2019 Synopsis Seventeen-year-old Osmel dreams of being a meteorologist. His world is shattered when he finds out he is undocumented. Osmel fears his dreams for college and career are now impossible. Then, ICE begins raiding the orchards his family works in. Will Osmel and his family ever find safety and peace in the place they call home? Review A special thank you to Netgalley and West 44 Books for providing a free advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review. This verse poem follows the story of Osmel as he works towards his dreams while dealing with obstacles like discovering the fact that he is undocumented. The story was really powerful and I loved the characters as they tried to determine what would be best for them over everyon...

Title: Second in Command Author: Sandi Van Genre: Young Adult, Poetry, Contemporary Trigger Warnings: deployment of a parent, drugs, underage drinking, bomb threat My Rating: 5 Stars Release Date: February 1, 2019 Synopsis Sixteen-year-old Leo dreams of becoming an Eagle Scout and, someday, a police officer. He makes sure to always do the right thing and be responsible. With his mom deployed and his dad constantly working, Leo is often left in charge of his two younger siblings. Then Leo's brother, Jack, gets caught up in a dangerous plot that rocks the community. Can Leo keep his promise to stand by his brother no matter what, or will he stand on the side of justice? Review A special thank you to Netgalley and West 44 Books for a free advance digital copy in exchange for a honest review. I love verse novels and the raw emotions explored in this one make it a definite 5 star read. Leo is the eldest chi...