Give a Book Tag

Who is up for another book tag? I’ve decided I am going to go on hiatus for the remainder of November (official announcement coming tomorrow), but wanted to make sure I got to this book tag before doing so. It’s all about giving book recommendations and giving reminds me of Thanksgiving and it’s November, so it all sort of makes sense, right? Give a Book Tag was created by The Roomies’ Digest on YouTube. Thank you to Karina @24hrYABookBlog for tagging me! Covers are linked to Goodreads.

Give a Book…You Don’t Talk a Lot About

I know I haven’t talked about Raquel Vasquez Gilliland’s How Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe enough. I always feel like books I read toward the end of the year don’t get as much attention because we are all preparing for the next year’s releases. How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe has gorgeous prose, explores purity culture, and fatphobia. Read it, you won’t regret it.

Give a Book…You Can’t Stop Talking About

I’ve taken every opportunity to tell everyone that my favorite read this year has been Sonora Reyes’s A Girl’s Guide to Catholic School. My heart was put through the wringer with this one, but I’m glad that despite the heartbreaking scenes, there was an undercurrent of hope at the end.

Give a Book…People Are Going to Either Love or Hate

There were a few polarizing reads I picked up this year, most of which I ended up really enjoying. I’ve seen several people say they didn’t like Bethany C. Morrow’s Cherish Farrah, but I personally can’t stop thinking about it. It isn’t the most conventional story and horror in general seems to be rated lower especially when throngs of people not familiar with the genre pick it up. I thought this one was incredibly interesting and the audiobook added another layer to an already unnerving concept.

Give a Book…For Someone Who Needs to Get in Their Feels

I’ve had the pleasure of picking up several really fun and swoon-worthy romance novels this year. One that really stands out if you want to experience all those gooey feels is Denise Williams’s The Fastest Way to Fall. This was such a cute read and gave me all the feels.

Give a Book…With Immaculate Vibes

Have you ever read a book whose entire atmosphere just feels made for you? Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s The Beautiful Ones is that book for me. I am such a fan of quiet fantasy and slow-burn romances. This book does both so so well. I also love that we get to dive deep into three different characters and see each of their personal journeys. I just love every little thing about this book.

Give a Book…For Someone Who Likes to Be Surprised

I haven’t read the last book in The Green Bone Saga yet, but Fonda Lee would not let me rest while reading Jade City or Jade War. So if you are looking for an epic fantasy series that will keep you on your toes and throw you for a loop every now and again, I highly recommend these books.

Give a Book…For Someone Who Needs a Little Love

Rare is the book that just fills you with warmth and acceptance. If you are looking for a book that makes you feel loved (especially if you are queer or questioning), I highly recommend Racquel Marie’s Ophelia After All. I loved that the characters are given so much space to explore their identities. A great affirming read for everyone!

Give a Book…That’s an Old Favorite

A previous prompt had me thinking about quiet fantasies and one of my favorites is Zen Cho’s Sorcerer to the Crown. This book is incredible. It’s been many years since I read it, but I look on it quite fondly. I love that it explores magic, politics, racism, and sexism. I confess I still haven’t read the companion novel. Maybe it’s time I change that.

Give a book…You Think Everyone Should Read

Jenny Torres Sanchez delivered one of the most memorable books I’ve ever read with We Are Not From Here. Honest and heartbreaking, this one recounts the journey three teens take from Guatemala to the US. I won’t soon forget this one and I personally think it’s one of those books everyone should read at least once.