R. Eric Thomas's book Kings of B'more--great double entendre of a title--takes place in and around Baltimore (B'more). The narration ping-pongs between two sixteen-year-old gay friends, Linus and Harrison. Linus is moving out of state in a few days and has yet to tell Harrison. An anxious soul, Harrison wants to give his friend, Linus, a final fantastic day together. I moved a lot growing up because my dad was in the military, and this book captures the poignancy of losing your best friend when you need each other most. Navigating growing up is better when you have someone who gets you, what you're going through, and is striving to "be more."
🩳🌞☀️😎🚗🏳️🌈
J. K. Rowling has become a controversial figure of late. Is that why Audible is offering her book Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone for free, if you're a member, through August 10th? https://www.audible.com/about/newsroom/stream-the-first-harry-potter-audiobook-free-on-audible-stories
Jim Dale does an award-winning narration of a complex, many-character book. This book is always delightful. The characters are multilayered, with several storylines, and they are humorous and clever. I admire how the three friends work together, shoring up each other's weaknesses and celebrating each other's strengths. The despised child becoming the hero never gets old for me, and this is probably why I love A Wrinkle in Time, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and Inkheart.
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The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner is her first novel. It is interesting and well researched--it is historical fiction, but it is too closely following a formula for its multiple plot lines. I found the main character too flawless. It also gets off to a slow start, but gains momentum. I think her subsequent novels will improve as she ventures out a little more into her own style. It is a worthwhile read, especially if you are an Anglophile.
🧪💍🧐🗺️🇬🇧
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