The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

I actually really loved this romance. I loved Katherine Center's other book, Things You Save In a Fire, and I thought this was so cute, with the girl being the bodyguard for the famous movie star. I loved the whole thing. 

It Ain't So Awful, Falafel by Firoozeh Dumas

After reading her memoir, I really wanted to read more of Dumas's works. This is a YA novel she wrote based off her personal experiences growing up. I think this would be a great book for kids and a great look at the 70s and the Iran Hostage Crisis.

The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd

I thought the idea of this book was so fascinating for the first third and then things got weird and I was super confused by the magic of it. I didn't love this. Plus it just didn't make sense to me. 

The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyah

I wasn't sure what I was expecting but this wasn't it. I thought the stories were really good, although some of them were a little raunchy for my interest. I loved some of the themes though. Really well done.

Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America by Firoozeh Dumas

This was hilarious and so well done as a group of stories about her childhood growing up as an immigrant in America. I love these types of cultural stories. 

Becoming Duchess Goldblatt by Anonymous

I had never heard of Duchess Goldblatt before this but Amanda recommended it, and I really enjoyed it. I felt like it was surprisingly deep and hopeful and nice. 

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jeannette McCurdy

This was so painful and wrenching to listen to, because of the abuse and pain she had to go through. I hope she manages to keep improving.