Category: General Fiction - JARED R. LOPATIN

FLAMER by Mike Curato (Digital)

3/1/2025

Mike Curato's semi-autobiographical graphic novel tells the story of Aiden, who has to deal with a scouting trip the summer before he heads to a new high school. Just leaving middle school, not being good at sports, not having the "ideal" build, and being of mixed race, he is teased by the other boys, some more cruelly than others. Some try to give him "advice" that is still shaming. Aiden is trying to find his identity and Curato uses the symbolism of fire to help Aiden discover who he is. I related to Aiden for obvious reasons, not the least of which was his struggle to be "normal." I remember my days of feeling different and "othered" and dealing with comments that were maybe meant to be helpful but were actually harmful. I try to watch out for those kinds of comments when it comes to my students as well. I left the book a little teary-eyed and feeling a flicker of Curato's fire inside. I think this book is honest and addresses issues that young people (especially young queer people) tend to deal with. It reminds me a little bit of a queer Then Again, Maybe I Won't and Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret.

4.75/5

THE FACULTY LOUNGE by Jennifer Mathieu (Audiobook)

2/25/2025

Read by Lisa Flanagan.

I know I've said this a few times now but I really loved this book. When an elderly teacher is discovered dead in the faculty lounge of a school, it sets off a series of reactions and a deep dive into the different faculty members that interact with each other on a regular basis. As a teacher myself, it was so true to life in so many ways. I laughed. I cried. I raged. The issues of education are always prevalent but especially nowadays. I know most people prefer not to read about their profession, choosing literature as an escape (and I am always looking for a great escape) but this book contains such loves for the profession that it felt like a bit of an escape anyway. I definitely recommend it and I hope there will be more adult novels coming from Mathieu.

5/5

REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt (Audiobook)

1/30/2025

Read by Michael Urie and Marin Ireland.

I loved this book. It seems I'm late to the game but I'm so glad I found it. The relationships that are built here, the unique perspective of the octopus...it's just so well-written. Van Pelt does such a good job of telling the story through multiple perspectives that seem disparate but are actually all one tale. It really emphasizes the interconnectedness of the world, which I feel is a great theme throughout the novel. It's sad and poignant and reflective. If you're looking for a quietly powerful read, this is one to pick up.

5/5

DAYS AT THE MORISAKI BOOKSHOP by Satoshi Yagisawa (Audiobook)

1/27/2025

Translated by Eric Ozawa.
Read by Susan Momoko Hingley.
#1 - Days at the Morisaki Bookshop

It was a big reading day. I have to admit, this one didn't grab me and I think it's because it was coming on the heels of two mystery novels (despite the fact that this website puts the books in alphabetical order). My mind was in a more analytical, humorous mood for this quieter work. Takako's troubles didn't resonate with me as they probably should have, especially as someone who loves books. I might return to the series when I'm in a more peaceful mindset.

3.75/5

LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE by Celeste Ng (Audiobook)

1/23/2025

Read by Jennifer Lim.

This came up as immediately available on Libby and I thought, "Why not?" I'm glad I did. The goings-on in Shaker Heights were definitely a journey. I really liked the protagonist, Mia Warren, and the truths she unraveled in her journey to discover herself. Ng did a great job of creating the A and B storylines, bringing them together to impact each other. The ending left me with an unsettled satisfaction that would welcome a sequel but is content not to have one. (I want to know what happens to Izzy!)

4.25/5

MY BRILLIANT FRIEND by Elena Ferrante (Audiobook)

1/19/2025

Translated by Ann Goldstein.
Read by Hilary Huber.
#1 - The Neapolitan Novels

I hadn't heard about this before but it popped up on Libby so I thought I would give it a try. It's slice of life which is hit or miss with me. This one was lukewarm. It's an interesting tale and it trips along through the protagonist's childhood and adolescence. The friendship forged is not quite the strong, picture-perfect friendship that might appear in another book, so kudos for a more complicated relationship. I may pick up the second one at some point to see what happens next. We'll see.

3.5/5

TRUE BIZ by Sara Nović (Audiobook)

1/7/2025

Read by Kateo Griffith and Lisa Flanagan.

I have been wanting to read this since it was first announced. I think I probably should have read it in print form; reading a book about Deaf culture in an audial medium was...interesting. That being said, I recognized a lot of moments in this novel as close to my own experience or those around me. I think Nović has a way of writing that both educates and entertains at the same time and though none of the information was a revelation for me, the story was enjoyable. It wasn't the most fascinating book I've read but it was definitely worth the read. The story was a good vehicle for the medium and I was never bored but I was never deeply hooked. Again, it's possible that it's because I didn't read it in print that I didn't feel as drawn in as I might have been. I would still recommend it.

4.5/5

EVERY STAR THAT FALLS by Michael Thomas Ford (Audiobook)

1/2/2025

Read by Barrett Leddy.
Sequel to SUICIDE NOTES

I honestly didn't know there were fifteen years between SUICIDE NOTES and EVERY STAR THAT FALLS but I'm glad I didn't have to wait for this. I know at the end of SUICIDE NOTES, Ford didn't feel the need for a sequel, preferring to let the readers decide what happens to Jeff. It was interesting to hear how he changed his mind after receiving so much feedback from the readers wanting more of Jeff's story, especially with his best friend. I really enjoyed the sequel - it maintained the quirky writing style that Ford is known for while handling next steps in Jeff's life, having gone through what he has (trying to avoid spoilers here). It didn't necessarily follow the path that I thought or wanted it to take; then again, it's not my story and Ford is always a satisfying read for me.

5/5

SUICIDE NOTES by Michael Thomas Ford (Audiobook)

1/1/2025

Read by Barrett Leddy.

I haven't read a Michael Thomas Ford book in years. I loved his previous works so I was excited to read this and it did not disappoint. Jeff is such a relatable character (at least for me) and it handles such serious issues in the brilliant way that Ford does. It was reminiscent of It's Kind of a Funny Story, a film I happen to adore. Starting my year with this book was definitely a win.

5/5