Andrea Nourse's Blog, page 8

Review: Dear Martin, Nic Stone

Y’all this book. Wow.

I’m not sure any review I write will do it justice. Dear Martin was heartbreaking, inspiring, and important. The questions and situations Justyce faces are a direct reflection of our country right now.

Dear Martin should be required reading in our schools.

The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany, Lori Nelson Spielman

This was the perfect book to pull me out of my reading hiccup (I don’t call them slumps).

Sometimes I get a little crazy and pick up a book without reading the synopsis. I had a general idea of what this one was about, but I came in a little blind.

I’m glad I did because I was intrigued immediately. My heard broke for Emilia and, later, Poppy. Maybe Lucy, a little, but mostly Lucy just made me smile.

I do wish we’d had more time with Aunt Poppy & Rico, their story was beautiful but heartbreaking.

If you’re looking for a heartfelt, multigenerational family saga, this is the book for you.

(thank you to Berkley for the free eARC). Out 11/17/20!

Mr. President, America is Speaking

Mr. President, America is speaking.

Bear with me today, friends, this may be a bit of a ramble as I gather my thoughts.

Four years ago I woke up in tears. I walked into my 18-month-old son’s room and apologized to him. I listened to Christmas music on my way into work and cried as I noticed that my neighbors had already pulled down their Hillary Clinton yard signs. I cried at my desk. A co-worker took me to lunch and to get ice cream.

Then I got angry. I marched. I volunteered. I canvassed. I donated. I spoke up.

This year, I’m numb but angry. I’m in shock but not surprised.

America is a racist nation. America is filled with single issue voters that have decided their one issue matters more than the rights of their fellow citizens. They’ve decided that they’re okay with racism, homophobia, xenophobia, bigotry, and sexism as long as their white “Evangelical” issues are protected.

Look, I know votes are still being counted. I know this fight isn’t over.

But the tired old man that they elected king is going to do everything he can to destroy our democracy. He’s been slowly picking it apart for four years, and if he wins, I fear for the future my children will face.

Every vote must be counted. Every fucking vote matters. We cannot and will not let voter suppression re-elect the tyrant. I will not lose my country. I will not standby as my country gives into the dark side.

This race is close—too fucking close.

We will not go down without a fight.

Vote Like Your Life Depends On It

When I am stressed, I do my nails. I am calling this mani the Blue Wave.

Today is the day, y’all. I’m feeling all kinds of emotions … hope and fear, mostly.

As a mother.
As a woman.
As an aunt and a daughter.
As a human who cares deeply about the lives and rights of others.

If you didn’t early vote or mail your ballot, please vote today. If you’re in line when the polls close, stay in line—you will be able to vote.

Know your rights. Voter intimidation is illegal. No one can take your vote away.

Save your voting selfie for after you cast your ballot as many states have laws against taking photos in the voting booth.

Take care of yourself today. Be vigilant. Be kind. Be patient. We likely won’t have results tonight.

Review: Red, White & Royal Blue, Casey McQuiston

Have you ever read a work of fiction that you wished were nonfiction?

Reading Red, White, and Royal Blue had me wishing with every ounce of my life that it was real. Especially the ending … that BIG blue ending.

I’ll admit this one was a bit of a slow start for me, but I’m fairly confident that’s because of 2020 and not because of the book.

VOTE.

VOTE.

Put on a mask and vote.

Vote early.

Vote by mail.

Vote on Election Day.

Just vote.

The State of Things

Y’all I don’t even know anymore. This year has been one punch in the face after the other.

Personally, there have been some highs but the world is literally burning, so those moments pale in comparison to the lows. It’s hard to celebrate a new house or a new book in the midst of a global pandemic that’s infected millions and killed hundreds of thousands or as we watch Black men, women, and children being murdered in cold blood by the people who are paid to protect and serve or as the rights of our LGBTQ+ friends are on the line.

Yesterday, I received the lovely contact tracing call. Last night (7 days ahead of a presidential election) the “Senate” confirmed a radical originalist to the SCOTUS that forever changes the landscape of the court.

I’m not going to lie, it’s hard to remain positive or feel hopeful.

I’m beyond angry. I don’t know if there is a feeling deeper than rage, but I’m feeling it.

If you haven’t voted, make a plan for 11/3. VOTE. Don’t be cute and vote for Kanye because you believe the bullshit being spoon-fed to us by Fox News, Russia, and internet trolls. There is too much at stake this year.

Oh, and wear a fucking mask.

After Everything is Here!

Somehow, I missed posting about After Everything on release day. When I say this week has been a whirlwind, I am not even exaggerating.

The release of After Everything has felt so different from all my previous books. There’s something magical about all book releases, but this one made my heart burst into a million tiny pieces.

Ya’ll, my book is in a bookstore! A real live bookstore! And, not just any bookstore, but Parnassus Books here in Nashville. I don’t even know if I can put into words how amazing that feels.

The early reviews have been amazing, and as I read each one I am reminded of why I wrote this book. I wanted to write a book that felt real, honest, emotional, and raw. After Everything is all of those things. Abby is real. Her struggles are real. Her dreams are real. She makes terrible choices and has to face the consequences, but each choice she makes is made with one goal in mind: to be true to herself.

Thank you to all of the readers, bloggers, and Bookstagrammers who have helped make my dreams come true. I love you all!

I’m Speaking

“Mr. Vice President, I’m Speaking.”

“If you don’t mind letting me finish, we can then have a conversation, OK?”

These two phrases (and the fly) are what struck me the most during last night’s Vice Presidential debate.

I’m speaking.

Such a powerful statement in two simple words.

As an educated woman with a career, I was never taught or encouraged to say those two words. Though, I’ve thought them every time a man spoke over me or interrupted me or refused to pay attention as I spoke. I’m not alone in this. Every woman in America is familiar with the silent seething that accompanies these moments.

At the end of the debate, I sent a co-worker a text saying I was going to order us shirts that say “I’m speaking” for us to wear to meetings.

Senator Harris exuded power and confidence as she refused to yield her time or voice to the white man who, without a hint of shame or hesitation, worked to overpower and silence her. She didn’t flinch. She looked him dead in the (pink) eye and said, “Mr. Vice President, I’m speaking.”

When my daughter is older, I will play her clips of Senator Harris during last night’s debate. Our voices as women matter. Our words matter.

Thank you Senator Harris for reclaiming your time and asserting your voice.

Review: Grown, Tiffany D. Jackson

Wow.

This book exceeded every single one of my expectations. Jackson’s writing pulled me right into Enchanted’s world and held me hostage. I could not put this book down.

The topics weren’t light and were absolutely gut wrenching at times.

I highly recommend this book, but go into it knowing your heart will break and you’ll want to jump into the pages to save Enchanted.
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