Two Awesome Book Reviews

I am not going to lie, but I read a lot. According to my local library’s records I have read more than 350 books over the past five years. Yes, I am not exaggerating. Today I will share with you two of my favorite books that I think you will enjoy.  Let’s dive right in! 

These book reviews will be rated with stars. With 1 representing the book was the worst and 10 representing the best. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“The Art Of Dumpster Diving”

By: Anne Moses Jennifer

A Quick Summary (Includes spoilers!)

Sixteen-year-old James lives in Crystal Springs, Louisiana with his two parents, little brother Danny, Cousin Lila (she’s more like a sister) and grandma. They are a tight knit family who live comfortably. Soon tragedy hits. Lila walks out in search of her perfect life, which results in the father having a heart attack after chasing behind her. After a while the grandma becomes sick and then dies, leaving the mother and James and Danny. The mother then dies leaving the two brothers alone. With help from a friend they dispose of the mothers body then find a way to continue living as if nothing had happened. Their friend Gabriel comes up with the genius idea to find a woman who resembles their mother so they withdraw money from the bank, pay bills, and simply live life. The plan works well until the woman’s abusive boyfriend comes and terrorizes the small band of misfits. In the end, things turn for the best. Lila then comes back home after learning that the boys are alone; then they live happily ever after.

My Overall Thoughts

I loved this book. The two brothers faced many challenges, but in the end they survived. I think that if they hadn’t listened to Gabriel things may have turned out better. They wouldn’t have ever had a stranger living with them and bringing negative energy and people who mean them no good around them. I like books that are unpredictable, no one would have ever thought that the boys would have pulled through. (Personally I didn't think they would make it)

My favorite part was when the boys actually dumpster dived. Yes, that may seem dark coming from me, but that’s the truth. I thought that it was interesting but still sad at the same time. These young orphans were rummaging through trash because they had nothing else. I was intrigued particularly when James took Danny out to eat after the mom died but didn’t tell him that they were motherless.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and the roller coaster of ups and downs. In my opinion, I think this book deserves a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 9/10

“Something In Between”

By: Melissa De La Cruz

An Even Quicker Summary (J/k it’s longer and includes spoilers)

Jasmine De Los Santos has everything any girl could dream of. She’s cheer captain, has a loving family, is popular, and is most likely to be valedictorian. Jasmine dreams of attending the Ivy League University, Stanford. That dream becomes reality when she receives a 4-year scholarship to any school of her choice from the President of the United States. In order to accept the scholarship, Jasmine needs her Green Card from her parents since she is an immigrant from the Philippines. After asking for her documentation, her parents tell her that they immigrated illegally. Along the way Jasmine meets a congressman's son named Royce. The two become friends quickly and eventually become more than friends. After having been in the shadows of undocumented citizens, word travels out that Jasmine and her family are undocumented. As a result a judge orders their deportation. With the help of Royce and his family, they are issued a permit to stay and Jasmine is accepted into Stanford University.

My Two Cents…

I really enjoyed this book because it was unpredictable. Jasmine is our typical high school “Queen Bee” with the perfect family, perfect friends, and perfect life. While reading, I decided that Jasmine would be very successful, her secret would stay safe, and all would end well. Well... I was wrong. Her secret has gotten and she was almost deported. But, she wasn’t deported thanks to a little help from a friend. During the entire book, I was on my toes not expecting whatever would come next. When she received the scholarship… I didn’t expect that. When she met Royce, I didn’t think she would ever text him. And of course, when she was almost deported I didn’t think that the officials would discover that they were undocumented. This is the book for you if you love surprises.

My favorite part was the ending. The middle was very sad and depressing. I thought our protagonist would be deported to a country she didn’t call home, but things worked in her favor. I liked that this story had a happy ending, because I was rooting for Jas the entire time.

This book was very engaging and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I believe that this book deserves an ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8/10.

So now let's tally which book won. *Drumroll please*........... THE ART OF DUMPSTER DIVING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really enjoyed this book and it was a blast!