Review by Sarah B.
This novel takes place through many areas in New Jersey, following the adventures of the KOA; Victor, Mads, Baz, Nzuzi, and Coco. It follows the different points of view, alternating between Vic and Mads. Ultimately it begins with the questioning of Vic and Mads in interrogation rooms trying to solve a crime. Victor has some troubles at home, and meets this group of people who take him in and help him complete his mission revolving around his deceased father. They take on many destinations that circle around these two endless lovers. From the “Flower Duet” on repeat to red lights coming together to Coco’s love of ice cream and to understanding that each person views the same sunset even from different areas, patience and endurance are vital factors in completing this quest. All of these characters grow and learn from each other through each of their pasts which assists their goal. You might wonder why the book started in interrogation rooms with police, but that is a mystery that you have to solve.
Quite honestly, I thoroughly enjoyed taking on this book. Arnold utilizes many similes and metaphors to compare the group's adventures or struggles to lessons that are remote to unusual things that Vic’s father taught him. He also displays many short sentences to highlight times of confusion, fear, and annoyance; resulting in emphasizing the emotion felt by the characters in certain situations. There were many shocking points near the end but that is what makes a book so great. I definitely connected with the characters' pasts, so much so that there were points in the plot where my emotions got the best of me and I did end up shedding some tears! One of my favorite characters would have to be Coco. For someone who is so young, she truly understands what it is like to lose things you love but how to overcome that barrier and understand what the other side of the world is like. She has a big voice but she would not let others tear her loved ones down and is definitely not afraid to protect them against that. I personally enjoyed how Arnold ended off the book, the fulfillment and satisfaction with the ending made it likable and he avoided leaving it unclear. I did some research and if you like the books, Astray by Emma Donoghue or Meet the Sky by McCall Hoyle then I would recommend the Kids Of Appetite!
(Kids Of Appetite is available to borrow as an ebook on owwl2go.owwl.org or using the Libby app)
Little White Lies by Philippa East
Review by Sarah B.
The novel is spoken mainly through Anne, Abigail’s mother, and Jess, Abigail’s cousin as they have to adjust to the fragile Abigail after not seeing her for seven years. Left with pain and guilt from the day of the disappearance, Anne has to reconnect with her daughter and build a relationship that has broken, even though trying to be perfect can be worse than not trying it at all. Jess, on the other hand, has always been close to Abigail, as she thinks of her as her other half. Adjusting to her new surroundings, indulging in past memories, Abigail struggles with understanding how everything happened and trusting her loved ones. To a new routine, escaping the dark and experiencing a teenage life, unexpected birthdays and activities, and the trial, this novel follows the White and Brady family as they take on this scary but glorious chapter of introducing Abigail back into their happy family. The question is, why doesn’t Abigail seem as happy to be home after all these years without her family? That is something that keeps Anne up at night as she and Jesse unravel secrets and lies that were attempted to be buried but soon escape into reality.
This book was one of a kind. Truly I have never quite read something like this before but I very much recommend it. Just being able to understand how easily mistakes can lead to the most unimaginable consequences can just open your eyes on how careful you need to be. It is hard to trust someone after being brainwashed, and seeing the rebuild of Anne and her daughter Abigail is just another chapter in all the other issues they have to face with reestablishing her mental health. The ending with the trial just leaves you on the edge of your seat as secrets from the most unexpected people unfold leaving you questioning who you can trust in the world. It gave me chills thinking about how people can just put on a mask to get what they want. Jess was by far one of my favorite characters. She is always thinking of the positive with Abigail and does not think of her any differently from the last time she saw her. She broadens Abigail’s horizons on everything she has missed. Obviously she makes mistakes along the way, sometimes forgetting the delicacy that has to be taken when introducing Abigail to new things but betters herself from that and does not let others' opinions get to her otherwise. I believe I would recommend this book for teens the age of 14 or 15 and over but seriously such a great novel. East truly connected you with understanding Anne’s anger, Jesse’s empathy, and her family’s disappointment. But of course the hardest one to connect with is Abigail as she is lost like a fish at sea just trying to accept what happened and how to go from there. Little Friends by Donna Tartt which is about a girl trying to figure out the mystery about her brother’s death as she uncovers family secrets is a book that I would relate to Little White Lies. Both are suspenseful and mysterious books at its finest. Overall, such an intriguing book as hardships turn into lessons and acceptance to trust.
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