Welcome to Litsy!

4.5/5 stars! In 1970, Bean and Liz go to live with their uncle while their mother continues to “find herself.” Much like The Glass Castle, The Silver Star follows children forced to grow up too fast and realize adults aren‘t perfect. Set in small-town Virginia during school integration, the story weaves family secrets, racial tension, and a town bully who seems untouchable.

“Don‘t be afraid of your dark places,… If you can shine a light on them, you‘ll find treasure there.”

I have been a cranky reader lately but I don‘t think this book not working for me was because of my moods. Just before graduation, Phoebe meets her birth parents despite her reluctance. The meeting leads her to leave her home and try to go unnoticed in the home of her friend and his 13 siblings. However a haircut makes his brothers take notice and Phoebe follows where they lead. Phoebe annoyed me and her journey and this book seemed directionless.

I was so excited to see that Stephen Colbert selected this book for viewers to read. I think it‘s this author‘s best book.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQsEE9ckbQA/?igsh=ZHU4bWRlYm0xMDQ0

So I quite liked this - but I did expect a little more to happen. Once I settled into the style of the book, it was hard to put down. Zippy is such a sweet, naive young woman and my favourite parts were when she was working with her customers. I would love to revisit her and see where she is in five years!

I adored this book, beautifully written

Realizing there are ten weeks left in the year is ridiculous, and I can‘t resist #10beforetheend. I have 10 books left for the #192025 challenge, so that‘s my list! For some of the years I‘m still debating between a couple options, so that‘s why there‘s more than one book cover in several slots. Fingers crossed I can get all of these read by the end of 2025!

“Impoverished high school junior Hazel Smalls and privileged senior Sterling Lovell would never ordinarily meet. But when both are punished with in-school suspension, Sterling finds himself drawn to the gorgeous, studious girl seated nearby, and an unlikely relationship begins.“

FULL SPOTLIGHT: https://tinyurl.com/59m5cbk8

@susanbeckhamzurenda
@merceruniversitypress