A Month of Faves 2016: Books Outside My Comfort Zone

So, I was overthinking today’s prompt for A Month of Faves as I am wont to do, but decided to just talk about what it asks for: surprise finds this year. since I read across genres but also didn’t really read anything outside of my preferred genres/types of stories this year, these are less books outside my comfort zone and more books I expected exactly nothing from, so was pleasantly surprised I enjoyed them.

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Some Girls Are Born to Lead by Michelle Markel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hillary Clinton is a badass. Whether you like her politics or not, some facts cannot be denied. Also, this is a great, age-appropriate primer to class, race, and other justice issues.

The illustrations in this book are FANTASTIC. They are gorgeous and so well-detailed and amazing. Really, they made this book. I need to seek out more of Pham’s work because I also enjoyed her art in Grace for President.

Alex + Ada, Vol. 1 by Jonathan Luna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Beautiful artwork and it was actually kind of sweet. Aw.

Alex’s grandmother is the best, naturally.

The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I first started this book, I didn’t think I would like it, but I very quickly changed my mind. This was really sweet (but not twee) and very engaging. Great characters.

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was both exactly what I expected and not at all what I expected, so that was impressive.

Listened to the audio. Narration was excellent & it’s a fast listen. Two thumbs up for that as well.

Now That I Know by Norma Klein
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I feel the same way about this book that I did about Tiger Eyes. Super authentic and relatable, and I wish more current YA were written this way.