Stephanie Perkins called We Are Okay “a perfect book,” so obviously, I had to read it as soon as I possibly could. And wow—this truly feels like the book Nina LaCour has been working towards all along. The absolutely heartrending story of Marin and her emotional journey will absolutely keep you captive until you turn the last page, and probably even well after.

If you’re a plot geek, you may think there isn’t much for you here—after all, the bulk of the story takes place on Marin’s empty college campus, as she contemplates the event of the summer before that have led her to this place of loneliness and grief. But I promise: the way LaCour lovingly, painfully explores Marin’s emotions is breathtaking, and packs as much of a punch as any twisting action scene.

Though there is a healthy dose of angst here, and some metaphors may err on the side of tortured, the prose is beautiful enough to more than atone for any of the book’s sins. The relationship between Marin and her best friend Mabel—specifically, how the focus stays on their broken friendship, in spite of everything else that’s happened—is the epitome of authentic. This is a short read, but a potent one.  

(And a bonus A+ for the stunning endpapers that complement that gorgeous cover so well!)

Compass South is the first book in the graphic novel series Four Points, and I am counting down the days until the next book is published. A whirlwind of adventure, trickery, and discovery, Compass South is the story of two twins on a quest to con a grieving man out of his fortune when they believe their father has abandoned them.

1848 New York City: The graphic novel opens with the exchange of infant twins. When their mother dies, Alexander and Cleopatra, and their few possessions, are entrusted to her ex-lover – just the small gingered babies, a knife, and a pocket watch. Now 1860, we come upon the twins, fatherless, breaking and entering in a desperate attempt to please a local gang. Unfortunately, the heist doesn’t go quite as planned, and the twins find themselves in jail, betraying the gang in exchange for their freedom. While awaiting their train out of New York, Alex stumbles upon some fortunate news – a very wealthy man in San Francisco is looking for his two redheaded sons, whom he lost as babies.

With new names (and a new haircut for Cleo) the twins set off for California to make a fortune. But it turns out, Alex and Cleo aren’t the only redheaded twins in need of some cash; when they meet up with two like-minded delinquents, Alex ends up brawling in a market. This act of defiance, of course, only leads to more trouble as the twins get separated and sold into slavery by local law enforcement, forcing each of them to team up with their money-hungry enemies.

This book is quick and dangerous but with surprising moments of hope and loyalty spread throughout. And the knife and pocket watch I mentioned earlier? We only scratch the surface of their importance in book one!