Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo is about two teenage girls, Camino and Yahaira, who live in different worlds—Camino in the Dominican Republic and Yahaira in New York City. They don’t know about each other until their dad dies in a plane crash, revealing a big family secret: he had been living a double life. As the girls deal with their grief, they learn about each other and their complicated family situation. The story touches on themes like family, identity, and loss, all told through powerful verse. My review: This book isn’t my usual style since it’s written in verse, but I loved it — it’s definitely a style I’d now consider for future reads. The story and themes really pulled me in that included grief and loss, cultural background, complexity of families and betrayal - I would recommend it. The verse format makes it a quick and engaging read.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is the first book in a series of short stories set in a small Tokyo café where customers can travel back in time, but only under strict rules: they must sit in a specific seat, can’t change the present, and must return before their coffee gets cold. The novel follows four characters who revisit pivotal moments with loved ones to seek closure, make amends, or express unspoken feelings. Through these emotional journeys, the story explores themes of love, regret, and acceptance, highlighting the significance of embracing the present. My review: What I love about this book is its focus on acceptance rather than rewriting history. Kawaguchi’s writing is straightforward yet deeply moving, and it really captures the messy emotions of love, loss, and regret. It’s a great reminder that even though we can’t change our past, we can still learn from it and move forward. If you’re looking for a heartfelt story about human connection and finding p...