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Whatcha Reading? July 2021

August is upon us and with that Team OwlCrate is back with some of the best books they read in the month of July!

Moon of the Crusted Snow
by Waubgeshig Rice
Book cover of 'Moon of the Crusted Snow' by Waubgeshig Rice

My favorite read of July was without a doubt Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice. It's a post-apocalyptic thriller set mostly during the winter on a small Anishinaabe reservation. It follows the secluded community as they try to figure out a way to survive when they lose all electricity, wi-fi and any communication with the outside world. I absolutely loved the descriptions of the winter setting, which felt so atmospheric! And the slow-building tension throughout the entire story was incredibly well done. It's a short book but it definitely packs a punch and will stay with me for a long time.

—Korrina

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Beach Read
by Emily Henry
Book cover of 'Beach Read' by Emily Henry

I could read basically anywhere - but my all-time favorite place to read in the summer months is in my pool on a raft. It is so incredibly relaxing. I just have to be extra careful and ensure I don't drop my book in the pool!

This is one of those reads that feels almost like a movie. I just visualized the characters together so vividly and almost feel like I know them. If you are into romance this is the summer read for you. 

—Jaclyn

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Like a Love Story
by Abdi Nazemian
Book cover of 'Like a Love Story' by Abdi Nazemian
I listened to the audiobook and this story was everything! Set in 1989 NYC, the story centers around three friends - Reza, and Iranian boy in a new school, Judy, a girl struggling with her uncle dying of AIDS, and Art, Judy’s bestie and the only openly gay kid in school. Like A Love Story is a coming of age story, about friendship, first love, finding yourself, family, community, love, loss… it has it all. Even Madonna! It also takes a tough look at the AIDS pandemic in the 80’s and what the struggles were like for those in the LGBTQIA+ community. Heart-warming, heart-breaking, highly recommended.
Speak Easy, Speak Love
by McKelle George

Book cover of 'Speak Easy, Speak Love' by McKelle George

A YA, Much Ado About Nothing retelling set in 1920’s Prohibition, in a struggling speakeasy in Long Island, NYC. Gangsters, rumrunners, jazz and struggling artists. Need I say more? This is my favourite Shakespeare play and this story was so much fun! While Beatrice and Benedick’s banter-filled-romance is quality, I also like the roles the other characters were given in this setting. There was one unlikely match I wasn’t expecting but adored. Blinded by my love for the play, I don’t know how the book will come off to someone unfamiliar with the play but if you read it, let me know in the comments!

—Crystal

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Ace of Spades
by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Book cover of 'Ace of Spades' by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Ace of Spades is a truly impressive debut! This has to be my new favourite YA mystery/thriller. We follow two different perspectives - Devon, a talented musician with a goal to get into Julliard, and Chiamaka, the most popular girl in school who will do anything to get what she wants. They both attend the prestigious Niveus Private Academy where perfection is a given. Shortly after the start of their senior year, the student body starts receiving anonymous text messages from 'Aces,' that might put their time at the school, and perhaps their lives, at risk.
This was a gripping book from page one that not only keeps you wanting to know more but also deftly delves into the many places institutionalized racism shows its face.

—Cori

 

What books did you read in July? Let us know in the comments below!

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— Cori Reed
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