The Rest of Us Just Live Here, by Patrick Ness

 Hi, Readers!

I'm so sorry that this month was so slow in postings...being a pug of many talents, I was helping write questions for next season's OBOB and it took me away from my regular reading schedule for a while. But, I'm back - more ornery than ever, sharing my pug wisdom about all things books with YOU, my favorite audience!

The Rest of Us Just Live Here isn't super new. In fact, it came out in 2015. But it's been one of those books that I keep hearing about and wanting to read, and, well, the time was right to read it! And, well...it was very...high school? The main characters are a few weeks away form graduating high school, but a group of kids in their school start to disappear. And it happened before, years ago. Not in an April Henry sort of way, but more of a slightly funny Twilight sort of way. Does that make any sense? No? It probably shouldn't because this book's story line was a lot like that, too.

It's not a bad book - in fact, when it was released it got oodles of starred reviews! But it's not a great middle school read. I don't even know if it's a great high school read, but perhaps kids that age are truly more angsty, so the angst throughout the book will resonate with them. It didn't really curl my tail. It was good, but not great. Would I recommend it? If you are 8th grade or above, and you really like sarcasm and teen angst, you would probably really like this! If that is not you for any of the listed reasons, you could find a better book. Pretty easily. 3 paws. Next!

Fighting Words, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

     Author Bradley wrote one of my favorite historical fiction books, The War That Saved My Life. It won a Newbery Honor, which is a very big deal in the book world. In Fighting Words, which I believe is her fourth book, she won yet another Newbery Honor. She is clearly a very talented writer!

    Fighting Words is a very important and powerful story. Brubaker writes in the author notes that she was abused as a child. Fighting Words is a story of abuse, so it is powerful and serious. The story of sisters Della and Suki, who have landed in a foster home after their addict mother nearly blows them up in a hotel room making meth, are trying to deal with the memories of abuse at the hands of their mom's boyfriend that lasted several years. It is not an easy road.

    But at times it is a healing road. And that part of the story is beautiful and full of hope. Both girls look hard for their power and their voice. In the mind of such a talented writer, their story unfolds, in all of its imperfections and pain...and strength.

    This is a very important book, and so honestly written. 5 paws, and a wag for Brubaker for her bravery!