Burn Baby Burn

There is a reason why this book was so many awards in 2016! FIVE STARS! Burn Baby Burn takes place in the summer of 1977 in New York City. There is a lot going on in New York that Summer: the Son of Sam serial killer is murdering young couples in the streets and there is a spike in crimes of arson (and looting during the infamous blackout that occurred that Summer).

Not only is the city a disaster, but Nora has troubles of her own: her brother, Hector, is growing more uncontrollable by the day, her mother is helpless to stop him, and her father is so busy with his new family that he only calls on holidays.

And it doesn’t stop there. The super’s after her mother to pay their overdue rent, and her teachers are pushing her to apply for college, but all Nora wants is to turn eighteen and be on her own. There is a cute guy who started working with her at the deli, but is dating even worth the risk when the killer especially likes picking off couples who stay out too late?

This book is not cheesy. This book is not filled with typical YA teen angst. Nora’s issues are real and relate able. This book is one of the best books that I’ve read so far in 2017. You can bet that if Meg Medina writes anything else that I will be reading it!