Decelerate Blue

Graphic Novel

VG/A  Rapp, Adam.  Decelerate Blue.  First Second, 2017. 188p.  978-1-59643-109-6. 17.99

In Rapp’s vision of the future, everything is fast paced and the Guarantee Committee makes sure that your every action doesn’t waste any time. Meals are precooked, whenever you are done speaking, you say “go” indicating the next person can respond and contractions must be used as much as possible. Teenager, Angela, doesn’t like this lifestyle and when she finds a banned book called “Kick the Boot” by Kent Van Gough that the resistance movement uses as their bible, she goes underground with the movement. The resistance members take a pill called decelerate blue that makes them go slower, even reducing their heart rates. While Angela is slowing down and falling in love, the outside world is plotting to destroy the resistance. Loren Spector, LAPL, Memorial

Alex & Eliza: A Love Story

Historical Fiction

G/A  de la Cruz, Melissa.  Alex & Eliza: A Love Story.  GP Putnam’s Sons, 2017.  358p.  978-1-5247-3962-1.  $17.99

Like many people before her, Melissa de la Cruz and her daughter fell in love with and were inspired after seeing the hit musical, Hamilton on Broadway in 2016. The musical immediately made them wonder about Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler’s courtship and inspired de la Cruz. This novel focuses solely on the early days of Alex and Eliza’s relationship. It begins with their somewhat tumultuous introduction, where Alexander was charged with delivering bad news to Eliza’s father, which left Eliza not liking Alex at all. It takes a while, but ultimately Alex’s charm and determination pay off and lead to one of history’s most romantic love stories. You don’t have to be a fan of the musical or even know much about Alexander Hamilton or Elizabeth Schuyler as historical figures to appreciate this rich girl, poor boy romance. If you like historical fiction or just a good old fashioned love story, then this book is a must read. Loren Spector, LAPL, Memorial