Emersen Cooper: Bookish Ins and Outs for 2026
This blog immediately caught my attention, especially as I was figuring out my own reading plans for 2026. I was really curious about Emersen’s perspective, and one “In” that stood out to me that she listed was shopping at local bookstores. I’ll admit I usually stick to chain stores for the rewards points, but Emersen reminded me that local bookstores offer something truly unique. This blog is perfect for anyone looking to create their own “Ins & Outs,” and just because it’s April doesn’t mean it’s too late to start now!
Melia Gemrose: I Am Made of Death by Kelly Andrew
Oh my goodness, the synopsis honestly scared me a little, but I love that! Recently, I’ve been getting more into thrillers, so I’ve been on the look out for some good recommendations. Melia’s review makes I Am Made of Death sound like the perfect next read! I am curious about this demon that lives in Vivienne’s body, and how she becomes selectively mute to stay true to herself. The cherry on top was the inclusion of Greek mythology! Any book involving the Olympians deserves a spot on my bookshelf.
Danielle Hartshorn: Books Studio Ghibli Films Were Based On
A couple of years ago, Studio Ghibli movies were showing at my local cinema every month, and I was addicted to the point that I even got a membership just to see each movie. But until I read Danielle’s blog, I wasn’t aware that some of my favorite Hayao Miyazaki films were originally based on books! After seeing that several of my top five Studio Ghibli favorites were mentioned, I immediately added the original books to my TBR. I’ll read them first, and then later I’ll watch the movies to see how similar or different they might be.
Abigail Ortiz:Lullabies for the Insomniacs: A Memoir in Verseby Ella Grace Foutz
I’ve never been much of a poetry person, but just the title Lullabies for the Insomniacs: A Memoir in Verse piqued my interest. I related to Abigail through the ‘lullaby’ aspect of the title, as it represents comfort despite the book’s much deeper themes beneath the surface. Hearing how the book shares the author’s mental health struggles in such a clear way, while still highlighting the kinds of challenges tweens and teens might face today, sounds really honest and beautiful.
Aruna Sreenivasan: Ida in the Middle by Nora Lester Murad
Aruna’s review brought Ida’s story to life in such a powerful way. She explores Ida’s life in America and the challenges of adapting to a new home, while also highlighting a magical element—Ida can transport to Palestine by biting into her late aunt’s green olives. What stands out is how Ida uses her experiences in Palestine to raise awareness among her friends, family, and teachers. Published in 2024, Aruna’s review makes it bittersweet how relevant these stories remain, and that’s exactly why I have a soft spot for historical fiction.
Vanshikha Vij: TBR: To Be Read or To Be Removed?
The title alone is so clever, especially since it plays off a phrase most of us already know. I love how this has become a yearly tradition for Vanshikha, going through her TBR and deciding what stays and what goes. There’s something so real about how honest she is with herself, whether that means admitting she might never finish a book, or recognizing that her tastes have changed over the years. It makes the whole blog feel more genuine and relatable. I even found myself agreeing with some of her decisions along the way. It’s the kind of blog that makes you want to revisit your own TBR and be a little more selective about what to keep and what to let go.
Sam Yanis: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan
This review was exactly what I needed, especially since I’ve been feeling nostalgic lately. After getting the original Percy Jackson series for Christmas and watching season two of the new adaptation, I’ve been eager to return to the world that started my reading journey. Seeing that Sam reviewed Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods felt perfect. I loved how the story has changed to Percy trying to survive his senior year while preparing for New Rome University. It’s relatable as I’m also about to enter my senior year and am just trying to survive and thrive. I’m definitely planning a bookstore trip to start my new Percy Jackson adventure!
This is just a small snippet of the amazing work our graduating seniors have done over the months and years, and I definitely encourage everyone reading this blog to check out at least one piece. Even though I only joined Pine Reads Review this year, I already wish I had more time to make memories with them. Between their reviews, blogs, interviews, and our club meetings and events, they’ve made Pine Reads Review truly special. I can’t wait to see all the incredible things they do next. Good luck out there!
Keonte Emerson, Pine Reads Review Writer, Editor, and Social Media Manager