Book Review: It's the End of the World as I Know It by Matthew Landis

 Title: It's the End of the World as I Know It

Author: Matthew Landis

Genre: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction

Derrick, or Dee, as his friends and family call him, has just started 8th grade and is sure the Apocalypse will happen before the end of the month.  So sure that he has built and stocked his own shelter. This obsession with the end of the world has come about after his mom dies on active duty.  It consumes most of his thoughts during the day and affects his relationships with his friends.  

His neighbor, Misty, is recovering from a kidney transplant and is looking at life as a new adventure every day.  Together they take on the last steps to complete the shelter before the date that Dee is sure the world is ending.  

Even though this book is dealing with a heavy subject, the author seasons it with a dose of humor.  It also is the story of friends sticking together when they know one of them is going through a bad period and not giving up on him.

Book Review: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

 Title: We Were Liars

Author: E. Lockhart

Genre: YA, Realistic Fiction

For some reason, the more I like a book, the harder it is for me to write a review for it.  I am not sure whether it is because I am afraid I will say too much and give something away - or if I feel I won't be able to give it justice.  This is one of those books. 

I know that we just started 2021, but I think this will go on the best books I read in 2021 list.  

The setting of this book is a private island off the coast of Massachusetts.  There are four houses on the island - the grandparents, and one for each of their daughters' families.  The families all come every summer and bring with them all the familial drama.  

The three oldest grandchildren and a family friend comprise the "liars".  I didn't get a clear picture as to why they were called that by the adults, but it kind of plays into the storyline.  The story really centers around the oldest granddaughter, Cady, and an event that happened on the island the summer she was 15, which has left her with amnesia.  We learn about that summer through her relationships with the other liars on the island a couple of years later.  

For me this book was heart-breaking and I wish that I could have the experience of going back and reading it again for the first time.