Telling Tales | Birthday Book Haul ’18

So, it was birthday a few days ago and I was lucky enough to receive a few books that I’ve been anticipating reading for so long now. I’m not sure I’ll be able to read them this month, considering I have a lot to read in preparation for YALC in a few weeks. However, I’m hoping to be able to be more relaxed with my reading by August. Who knows, maybe there’ll be a miracle and I can read a few before the end of July!

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue | Mackenzi Lee

Series: Guide Series
Published: 2017, by Katherine Tegen Books.
Pages: 501
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, LGBT, Romance
Summary: Henry “Monty” Montague was born and bred to be a gentleman, but he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions – not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men.
But as Monty embarks on his Grand Tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and travelling companion, Percy.
Still, it isn’t in Monty’s nature to five up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade on last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into questions everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.

I began reading this book as an audiobook a few months ago and fell in love almost immediately. However, life seemed to get in the way and I haven’t touched it since. I managed to get around 50% through before forgetting about it, but I’m hoping owning a physical form of the book will help me get invested properly; the characters seem too adorable to leave.

Tyler Johnson Was Here | Jay Coles

Published: 2018, by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Pages: 296
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Fiction, Realistic Fiction
Summary: When Marvin Johnson’s twin, Tyler, goes to a party, Marvin decides to tag along to keep an eye on his brother. But what starts as harmless fun turning into a shooting, followed by a police raid.
The next day, Tyler has gone missing, and it’s up to Marvin to find him. But when Tyler is found dead, a video is leaked online that tells a chilling story: Tyler had been shot and killed by a police officer. Terrified as his mother unravels, and mourning a brother who is now a hashtag, Marvin must learn what justice and freedom really mean.

This sounds like such an important read, and I’ve read so many positive responses to it. Plus, the cover is just gorgeous.

DROPKICKromance | Cyrus Parker

Published: 2018, by Andrews McMeel Publishing.
Pages: 176
Format: Paperback
Genre: Poetry, Nonfiction, Romance
Summary: A collection of autobiographical poetry about healing and learning to love again from professional-wrestler-turned-poet, Cyrus Parker.
The first half of DROPKICKromance focuses on a toxic, long-distance relationship the author was involved in for several years, while the second half focuses on his current relationship with poet Amanda Lovelace. Ultimately, the collection tells about a profound journey of healing.

I love Amanda Lovelace’s work, returning to her poetry again and again in times of need, so I couldn’t not jump at the chance to read the work of her partner’s.

Ace of Shades | Amanda Foody

Series: The Shadow Game
Published: 2018, by HQ Young Adult
Pages: 459
Format: Paperback
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Summary: Welcome to the City of Sin, where secrets hide in every shadow.
Enne Salta was raised as a proper young lady, and no lady would willingly visit New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin. But when her mother goes missing, Enne must leave her finishing school – and her reputation – behind to follow her mother’s trail.
Frightened and along, her only lead is a name: Levi Glaisyer. Unfortunately, Levi is not the gentleman she expected – he’s a street lord and con man, but could be the only one who can help her.
As their search for clues leads them into the clutches of a ruthless society, Enne will need to surrender herself to the city to uncover the truth.

This is one of my most anticipated summer reads and I’m so happy I got my hands on it. I’m a sucker for quest companions who are polar opposites and this book sounds perfect. Levi sounds like a complete badass, so I can’t wait to read more about him.

Stuff I’ve Been Feeling Lately | Alicia Cook

Published: 2017, by Andrews McMeel Publishing.
Pages: 234
Format: Paperback
Genre: Poetry, Nonfiction
Summary: A poet, journalist, and activist, Alicia Cook offers a soundtrack of survival.
Structured like an old-school mix-tape, Stuff I’ve been Feeling Lately is Alicia Cook’s lyric message to anyone who has dealt with addiction. “Side A” touches on all aspects of the human condition: life, death, love, trauma, and growth. “Side B” contains haunting black-out remixes of those poems.

I’m obsessed with the concept of this poetry collection and it’s been on my wish list for so long now. This is definitely my first afternoon read the moment my reading list is completed.

Dear Martin | Nic Stone

Published: 2018, by Simon & Schuster Children’s UK.
Pages: 208
Format: Paperback
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Fiction, Realistic Fiction
Summary: Justyce McAllister is top of his class, captain of the debate team and set for an Ivy League school – but none of that matters to the police officer who just put him in handcuffs. Released without charges, he’s frustrated that despite leaving his rough neighbourhood, he can’t seem to escape the scorn of his former peers or the attitude of his new classmates.
Justyce has studied the teaching of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but do they hold up now? He starts a journey to Dr. King to find out.
Then Justyce goes driving with his best friend, Manny, windows rolled down, music turned up. Way up. Much to the fury of the white off-duty cop beside them. Words fly. Shots are fired. And Justyce and Manny are caught in the cross fire.

Another read with an important message. This book was one I was hoping to receive from Netgalley but by the time I managed to request it, it was past the release date so I thought I’d wait for a physical copy. There’s been so much hype surrounding this title and is another with a beautiful cover!