Kerry O'Malley Cerra's 3 favorite reads in 2024

This is one of the most beautiful books I've ever had the pleasure of reading. It's in the vein of Harry Potter in that it has an incredible and adorble cast of characters who I grew to care about deeply. Each one's personality was distinct and fun and their personal stories were heartwarming and heartwrenching all at once.

The undertones of the book were done so well, too. It really makes you look at the whole "see something, say something" mantra in a new way.

This is one of those rare gems that I hope become a movie.

It was thrilling to be back in this world once again. Admittedly, I was nervous when I read the prologue. I wasn't sure we'd be brought back to the island, and yet after finishing, I see the importance of why it was done. Again, the characters were the high point for me, but I also love how doing this right thing isn't always easy or clear.

As with the first, I truly hope this one is made into a movie.

I listened to this on audio and it's likely the best narration I've ever, EVER heard. Kudos to the reader.

Ugh, this book slayed me. I had no idea what to expect before I picked it up, and I'm glad for that. As a fan of all things space myself, that was a huge initial draw, but it was the character that kept me reading.

This debut novel is extraordinary. It allows inside the imagination and heart of Nove--a severely autistic, non-verbal twelve year old, with all her hopes, her frustrations, her loneliness, and her longing for a permanent family. She and her sister have lost their mother and eventually Nove loses track of her older sister, who has been Nova's sole advocate. She's in foster care, and eventually rises above her limitations, refusing to become her labels. Persistently pursuing her dreams--she keeps a heartfelt journal nobody can or is willing to read, refuses to give up hope that she'll be reunited with her sister, explores an expanding universe of her own imagination--readers won't be able to help but dream right along with her. She's a space oddity, for sure, but in all the best ways.

I rooted for her with every page I turned, and I bet other readers will, too.