A Hungry, Happy, Hippie

Sandhya Menon's newest young adult read is all about culture, high school friendships and first love. It tells a one-of-a-kind story that is sure to make you bawl your eyes out. (Which I can confirm - I did). Aspiring filmmaker Twinkle Mera has spent her whole life with a crush on Neil Roy. This all begins to change when she begins to work on a film with his twin, Sahil. And not only is she navigating her confusing love life, but also navigating her high school friendship circle with (but more like without) her best friend Maddie. Similarly to many real life high-school students, Twinkle just wants to find her way through friendship groups, popular cliques and the boys in her life. Sandhya Menon has done a great job of creating a realistic high school setting. Too often main characters of young adult novels, feature the popular girl without a care in the world and a sure ride to college. Twinkle is the exact opposite. Her best friend Maddie has become friends with what Twin...

I See London, I See France  by Sarah Mlynoski is the perfect book for a summer read. When it seems like all your friends are going to Europe and you've got the biggest case of FOMO, it is time to pick up this book. Scattered with journeys from all over Europe, you won't feel like you're missing a thing! Sydney is spending her first summer in college, travelling through Europe with her childhood best friend Leela. Unfortunately her plans have been thwarted when Leela's cheating ex-boyfriend (and his very, VERY hot friend), turn up on the same travel cycle. It doesn't help that all Sydney can worry about is the fact that she's left her mother who suffers from a mental illness, back home with her little sister. Sydney just wants to find the balance between planning things out, and letting go. This book made me feel like I was right there in Europe with all the characters. Reading through Sydney's adventures will make you feel the need to kick your feet up a...