Tell Me Something tuesday

Tell Me Something Tuesday is hosted by Rainy Day Ramblings and discusses a wide range of topics from books to blogging.

I missed last weeks post but since this weeks question ties in with last weeks – I figured I would post them together.

Questions:

May 28th: Who are some of your favorite authors?
June 4th: Who are some of your favorite audiobook narrators?

I have several favorite authors that I’ve stuck with and posted about over the years, so I’m going to feature a new to me author that has absolutely floored me with her talent – both in writing and narrating.

Elizabeth Acevedo

I’ve only read The Poet X & With the Fire on High so far but both were on audio and narrated by the author.

I don’t think her books should be read any other way if you’re able to get them on audio. I often struggle with audiobooks but Acevedo’s are sheer perfection. Her voice lulls you in then punches you in the gut. You feel the words.

I think she taps into a readership and style that’s often neglected in YA. I love me a cute YA romance or an issue driven novel but Acevedo’s coming of age stories are grounded in the everyday struggles of teenage girls and a society that often boxes them in, judges them differently – all told through the lens of her own latinx roots.

Her stories are rich in culture, never shy away from real life issues (religion, teen pregnancy, homosexuality) and don’t ignore how money (or the lack thereof, shapes those issues and choices.

She does all this without drowning her characters in unnecessary melodrama to up the stakes or introducing a last minute over-the-top rom-com moment to make things work out.

Yes, there are boys who are only out for one thing, or parents/adults that get it wrong – but she also provides nuance. Characters that show that boys can be patient and caring, or learn from their mistakes – parents that are willing to get help or finally step up.

There are no big moment, flowery endings but her stories are more believable for it. Each girl Xiomara in The Poet X – with her abusive mother, and  Emoni – a teen mom whose cooking transports people to long lost memories - in With the Fire on High struggle but get stronger on each passing page as they learn to dream, ask for what they want and learn to trust in those who are willing to lend a helping hand. There’s sacrifice and heard work...and reward.

I guess I would call these books quieter types of stories but there’s nothing quiet about Acevedo’s writing. It’s powerful, brutally honest and ultimately hopeful. 

I’m inspired by her characters so I can imagine how teens, especially teens that don’t often see themselves reflected in YA, would be love this author. I've given both her books 5 stars - and if you know me - that's a big deal.

Who are you r favorite authors and audiobook narrators? I'm really interested in the narrator rec's. I'm too damn picky lol