Live Well

The Measure by Nikki Erlick delves into a life in which everyone has the ability to know exactly when they’ll die. All people twenty two years old and up receive a box containing a string. The string’s length determines their life span.

Several characters’ experiences are explored in the aftermath of this life-changing event. Many of their tales intertwine in varying degrees.

String length becomes a divisive element in the world. One presidential candidate begins to campaign that short stringers shouldn’t hold certain jobs (military, president). There are many other situations also at stake, familial, romantic and friendships. Some choose to open their box while others don’t and the way they treat each other ranges too.

The main theme is that life is precious and its length doesn’t change the impact a person can have. This book will appeal to those who like emotional, thoughtful stories that explore multiple characters.

Power Trip

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell tells the downfall of a wealthy family due to some crazy houseguests. David, his wife and two kids along with another couple slowly infiltrate and eventually take over all aspects of the house.

The book is told from multiple perspectives. Henry is the wealthy son who narrates the past events including the decline and eventual death of his parents and David. Lucy is his sister. She has been living in France since leaving the house. She has two kids from different marriages, and they’ve been scraping by. Now she is trying to get back to London to see the baby. The baby, Libby, is the final perspective. She was born just about a year before everything came to an end in the house. She is now twenty five, and has inherited the huge house along the Thames. Her birthday is bringing the now grown children back for a reunion of sorts.

This is an engaging read with plenty of surprises and crazy situations.

Writerly Life

Bunny by Mona Awad has a very trippy Mean Girls/Heathers meets Frankenstein vibe.

Samantha is part of an exclusive creative writing program in which she is the sole outcast of a clique of women. They refer to each other as Bunny. At the beginning of a new semester, Samantha is invited to become part of their group.

She falls out of touch with her only friend Ava, and spends several drug/alcohol filled months with the Bunnies. Their purpose is to turn actual rabbits into men while maintaining several odd routines both in and out of class.

Samantha finally creates her own man, and this is when everything starts to unravel between her two worlds.

I’m not sure I really understand what actually transpired, but I love that I’m still thinking about it. It’s a creepy, twisted and strangely satisfying read.

Before Fame

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah is an autobiography of his life before becoming a well known tv personality.

Noah’s birth to an interracial couple is a crime in apartheid South Africa. Much of his young childhood is spent pretending his mom and dad are not his actual parents (depending on the neighborhood they’re in or who they’re with).

Noah writes his life story by mixing in historical information about post apartheid in South Africa. He describes himself as a colored person, neither fully black nor white. This automatically sets him up for many uncomfortable situations in school and life as he attempts to fit in.

His mom is a very important part of his life. She is devoutly religious and they spent every Sunday going from church to church. She raised him to be an independent thinker. Noah was always a troublemaker and entrepreneurial. He started making money off his peers at a young age.

He recounts many of his pivotal life stories. There is a mixture of funny, scary and emotional events that make up Noah’s life. This was a very interesting read and it opened my eyes to a life and place I had no prior knowledge about.

Unsafe

The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith kind of drove me nuts. At the beginning, this story reminded me of Speak (which I really enjoyed), but it progressed for a longer time period with different reactions.

Eden is raped in her own bed by her brother’s best friend. He threatens to kill her if she tells anyone. This begins an almost four year aftermath of trauma.

Each year, Eden becomes a bit harder. She turns away a caring boyfriend and friends, and is full of animosity toward her parents and brother. She turns to drinking and meaningless sex as a coping strategy.

Spoiler- It isn’t until another girl is victimized that Eden finally realizes that she needs to break her silence. I spent the entire book waiting for her to say something so that she could begin properly coping and healing. And of course, waiting for justice against the perpetrator.

Coming Out

Heartstopper 2 by Alice Oseman continues Nick and Charlie’s relationship.

Nick struggles with if he’s ready to tell others about being in a gay relationship. As the story progresses, he begins telling people he trusts.

Nick must also decide if his own friends are worth keeping or not.

Overcoming Solitude

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Amiee Sáenz is a multi-award winning book.

It’s about Aristotle, aka Ari, and his friendship with Dante. Ari has always been a loner, but something is different about Dante. They first meet at the public pool one summer when Dante offers to teach Ari to swim.

From this point, they develop a friendship that provides balance to each other. Ari’s tough around the edges and Dante is more sensitive. Ari’s relationship with his dad is strained while Dante is super close with his parents. Ari’s older brother went to prison when he was much younger, and his parents never speak about him. This instilled anger and loneliness in Ari.

The school year progresses with the boys only corresponding through mail (Dante’s family moved during the year for his dad’s job). During this time both grow and realize more about themselves as individuals.

When Dante returns, he comes out to Ari. They attempt to rekindle their friendship, but it isn’t quite the same. This changes when Dante is beaten badly by a gang of boys who see him kissing a boy.

Spoiler- Ari comes to realize ( with help from his parents) that his feelings for Dante are much stronger than he allowed himself to admit.

There is beauty in the way this story unfolds (and more important scenes than I can mention here). It speaks of family love, friendship, romantic love, loyalty and forgiveness.

To Mexico

We Were Here by Matt De La Peña is Miguel’s story following a tragic accident that sent him to a juvenile facility and then a group home. Miguel is angry and non compliant to any form of support or relationship with his fellow residents.

This changes when he breaks out with the seemingly insane, violent Mong and the incredibly strong and not very bright Rondell. They attempt to make it to Mexico. Their journey reveals more about each boy’s background. They experience loss while confronting their own demons along the way.

Miguel and Rondell finally circle back to Miguel’s grandparents. He is able to admit his indescribable guilt and pain for his wrongdoing and is finally willing to serve his time in an attempt to make things right.

This story is written in Miguel’s voice as a series of his journal entries. The author captures his grit and turmoil through the entries while not completely revealing his crime until near the very end.

Rehabilitation

The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater is based on an actual event occurring in California.

Richard is a black sixteen year old who sets a gender fluid person’s skirt on fire while riding the city bus. Sasha is the victim who suffers from serious burns across their legs following the incident.

Slater does an excellent job giving both Richard and Sasha’s backgrounds/personalities before detailing the horrific prank. The book provides the rehabilitation, publicity and legal processes following the incident. Richard is being tried as an adult for his crime. Interviews/information is included from both of their family and friends.

This book is eye opening and discussion worthy in many respects: gender, race, society, our justice system, media, and more deeply about empathy and forgiveness.

New Love

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman is my final 2024 Nutmeg nominee. It’s a graphic novel.

This book has been flying off the shelf and I completely understand the hype. It captures a sweet, budding relationship between Charlie and jock Nick.

They meet in a class, and their friendship takes off quite naturally. Charlie has already come out as gay the year before. Nick is completely comfortable with Charlie and is clearly developing some feelings.

My brief summary doesn’t do justice to the story, which for me perfectly shares the angst and giddiness of a new love interest. I’m excited to keep reading the series.