Haskell Himself by Gary Seigel

Haskell Himself by Gary Seigel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Haskell Himself by Gary is an unputdownable coming of age story with an LGBT twist. Haskell is a 16-year-old kid growing up in the sixties. Even with the sexual revolution going on, he is struggling to find his place as a gay young man. He's already had a modicum of success, as a former child star but wants more from life. Added to his own complicated path is the fact that his mother takes off, leaving Haskell with his aunt. This book is a great story, an expose' of the culture at the time, and interesting to read. Emotional upheaval and conflicting emotions feature prominently in this story, giving it a relatable edge. You can relate to Haskell's struggles. Issues like bullying are also tackled, making this a relevant novel, even today. Highly recommend.

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Half- Cut by Arnold Eslava Grunwaldt

Half-Cut by Arnold Eslava-Grunwaldt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great first installment to this up and coming series, Half-Cut (The Cut Series Book 1) by Arnold Eslava-Grunwaldt is a fast-paced book with a realistic edge. The protagonist is Hamilcar or "Ham" Hitchcock; he's the lead detective on unusual murders going down in Yonkers. Heads on the victims are shaven half-way, creating a distinct signature for what might be a serial killer. The style here is natural, gritty, authentic, and you feel you are there in New York. Great characters, strong plot, and crazy killings make this an eminently readable book and an exciting first book in this new series. Plenty of twists and turns add to the pace and solid writing. Highly recommend for a strongly written police procedural thriller.

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Colors by J.M. Ferreira

Colors by J.M. Ferreira
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Colors by J.M. Ferreira is a brilliantly written book about Pua and her struggle to find herself and her identity. The writing is evocative and thoughtful. The setting is lush and well described. Hawaii opens up in this novel in new ways, revelatory ways that never were thought of before. The description of the homeless camp on the remote beach makes it feel like home, it is cozy and strangely comforting. The family relationships are finely tuned and immensely challenging for Pua. This is a fascinating and beautifully written book, more on the level of literature than just a novel. Thought-provoking and memorable, this book is highly recommended.

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