The Dangerous Art of Blending In by Angelo Surmelis

Hi Lovely People,


I haven't read a book this good since 2015 when I read All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. Y'all I love this book so much! It deserves every award and every ounce of love you can give it! This review is going to be so hard to write because I honestly loved it so much and there aren't enough words AHHH!!! 

Summary: 

Evan Panos is struggling to find his place in this world. His Mother thinks that he is a constant disappointment and she makes sure Evan knows that. His Father just remains quiet and tries to make everything up for Evan's Mother's behavior but not much can anymore. Especially when Evan comes back from Bible camp to his best friend looking more attractive than ever before. The good news is Henry has the same feelings as Evan but then there is Gaige who Evan kissed at camp :( Evan is just trying to survive his life while trying to figure out who he is at the same time.

We need more stories like this. I'm still in book hangover from this one. I legit could not put this book down! This story had me wanting more. I had to put it down while I went to practice and it was sad. It was tragic when I finished it and I had to put it down because I felt like I was a part of this world. I was sad to leave Evan and Henry because I felt like I had been through all that they had been and it was odd leaving that place that I was so invested in.

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK:

1. EVAN AND HENRY ARE SO ADORABLE 

2. MAKES YOU APPRECIATE PEOPLE AND WHO THEY ARE

3. MAKES YOU AWARE 

4. ITS SO FREAKING CUTE

5. REALIZE WHAT TRUE FRIENDS ARE

6. ITS SO GOOD THAT YOU WILL HAVE BOOK HANGOVER

7. YOU WILL WANT TO READ IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN

8. MAKES YOU BELIEVE IN TRUE LOVE

This book is life changing! 

This was the first book that I read about parental abuse and the emotional restraints it puts on a person. Evan is one of the strongest people I have ever read about. I felt like I was experiencing this with him and I felt completely helpless because I couldn't do anything. Now I feel differently because I did do something; I read this story, and I am aware, and I have been impacted by it.  I will never understand what it is like to live under his roof but I know his story and I appreciate and respect him. I am aware at how uncomfortable it makes people and how the people you trust are the ones that often let you down. I’m so honored to have read Evan’s story and his story has given me something new to think about. You can’t choose who you are and to be in an environment where you are not accepted is cruel. Evan is a character that I believe will be with me for the rest of my life because he has showed me how to be yourself when people don't support you.



I'M SERIOUSLY SO IN LOVE PLEASE GO READ IT AND SUPPORT THE DANGEROUS ART OF BLENDING IN!





Much Love,
Channy

What To Love About What To Say Next by Julie Buxbaum

"It's nice to sit with someone and not have to think about what to say next."

Hello!!

I'm so excited to review What To Say Next! I loved Tell Me Three Things by Julie Juxbaum so when she said she had another book coming out in July I freaked out! Not only was I obsessed with the summary but have you seen the cover? It perfectly captures how I feel about July! Definitely 10/10!

Summary:
Kit has recently lost her father and finds she needs a change in her life. What better way to change than to go sit with the kid who sits by himself, David. David is dorky and smart but has trouble lying. David's older sister, Miney, high school legend, tries to help him fit in but it has been hard since she left for college. When Kit starts sitting at David's table they start to develop a nice friendship that turns into finding the truth in what happened to her father's accident and many milkshakes.


"The world is shitty enough without people being shitty to each other."

What To Love About David:

1. David is the sweetest human in the world. He always says the right things except when he doesn't.
2. He is constantly listening to the best tunes to avoid the noise of high school. He reminds me of Baby Driver (excellent movie go see it!)
3. He writes in a notebook that contains information about many of the students and teachers and who to trust. Personally, I think that is a great idea everyone needs a good journal.
4. He is brutally honest which is refreshing but sometimes too much to handle.
5. He can stand up for himself and for others when he feels it is necessary. He gives fair warning before he kicks butt!
6. He is so passionate that it makes you want to listen- even if you have no idea what he is talking about!
7. I love his sister and his relationship. They help each other be stronger in the world.


What To Love About Kit:
1. Kit is just trying to find herself since the devastating accident.
2. She noticed David before anyone else.
3. She stands up for David when no one else will.
4. Kit isn't afraid to flirt a little.
5. She is a very cautious driver and offers a ride to David even though he has a car! I was crying!
6. She has good taste in guys (as of now).

What To Love About Kit and David:
1. David loves Kit so much and it makes me cry every time. He left her little notes and letters that are beautiful.
2. Kit challenges David to get out of his comfort zone.
3. Their first kiss is probably the greatest moment in history.
4. My favorite part of this story is when they go on an ice cream date and Kit licks David's ice cream cone. I almost had a heart attack.
5. David ran after Kit when she almost had a breakdown in class. They share a perfect spot on the bleachers because of that moment!
6. Their lunch table conversations get me in my feels!

"I forget about the barrier between the inside of my head and the rest of the world."

Honestly, I love this book so much! I'm in love with David and Kit's relationship. I love the idea of helping a friend find a missing piece to a big puzzle. But this book wasn't about finding the cause of the accident, it is about forgiving yourself and learning how to resolve your mistakes. It is about going out of your comfort zone and trying to be your best self in the worst place, high school. I truly believe everyone will love this novel and be able to relate to the cringy moments of high school while understanding loss and learning how to appreciate the different people around you.

Much Love,
Channy
                                          

Six Reasons Why I Loved Paper Hearts by Ali Novak

  Hello!

Two summers ago I read The Heartbreakers by Ali Novak and I absolutely loved it. It was such a perfect beach read. I found out the other day that she has written the second one to The Heartbreakers called Paper Hearts. I rushed over to Target right then and read it in one sitting!!! Super cute summer read!

Summary:

Paper Hearts is based on the bass player in The Heartbreakers band, Alec, and his new love interest Felicity! Felicity hasn't seen her troublemaker sister in years after she ran away from home. Ever since then, it has only been Felicity and her Mom. Felicity's dream is to go to Stanford and become a lawyer just like her father. Felicity works day and night trying to make the money necessary for her education and studying non-stop. Felicity works a shift at the CCA's masquerade ball and meets Aaron, a quiet yet lively boy. Only Aaron isn't some ordinary boy he is the bass player in the Heartbreakers named Alec. Felicity and Alec spend time listening to the playlists he makes and hanging out. Felicity, getting ready for her date, stumbles across an old guitar case in her Mom's room full of letters from her sister. Alec, Felicity, and her friends travel on the ultimate road trip across California and Washington in search for Felicity's long lost sister in hopes of getting answers. Along the way, the fall in love and have the best playlist!


Six Reasons Why I loved Paper Hearts:

1. An ordinary girl and famous band member fall in love.













2. There is an EPIC road trip.



3. The band member basically makes mixed tapes for her.


4. Alec inspires Felicity to find who she really is.


5. Alec and Felicity play a cute game of tag with the band.












6. Alec dedicates a song to Felicity and they dance together!





I love books that are super easy to read and you don't want to put them down! The Heartbreaker Chronicles is something everyone needs to look out for because they are perfect reads to get you out of a slump and hit the ground running from the first page! I strongly suggest picking this up for your day in the sun!


Much Love,
Channy