Have you read any of these? If so, what’d you think?

Whichwood by Tahreh Mafi.

What it’s about (from Amazon): Our story begins on a frosty night . . . 
Laylee can barely remember the happier times before her beloved mother died. Before her father, driven by grief, lost his wits (and his way) and she was left as the sole remaining mordeshoor in the village of Whichwood, destined to spend her days scrubbing the skins and souls of the dead in preparation for the afterlife. It’s become easy to forget and easier still to ignore not only her ever-increasing loneliness, but the way her overworked hands are stiffening and turning silver, just like her hair.

But soon, a pair of familiar strangers appear, and Laylee’s world is turned upside down as she rediscovers color, magic, and the healing power of friendship.

Lush and enchanting, critically-acclaimed author Tahereh Mafi weaves together an all-new magical adventure in this dark, Persian fantasy, a companion to the New York Times bestselling Furthermore.

Why I added it: It showed up in a newsletter I’m subscribed to from Book Riot. I was fan of Mafi’s Shatter Me series. Furthermore is also on my TBR. I started that one at the wrong time. It looks like this is the companion to that one (which would explain why the art looks so similar).

Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder

What it’s about (from Amazon): 

On the island, everything is perfect. The sun rises in a sky filled with dancing shapes; the wind, water, and trees shelter and protect those who live there; when the nine children go to sleep in their cabins, it is with full stomachs and joy in their hearts. And only one thing ever changes: on that day, each year, when a boat appears from the mist upon the ocean carrying one young child to join them—and taking the eldest one away, never to be seen again.

Today’s Changing is no different. The boat arrives, taking away Jinny’s best friend, Deen, replacing him with a new little girl named Ess, and leaving Jinny as the new Elder. Jinny knows her responsibility now—to teach Ess everything she needs to know about the island, to keep things as they’ve always been. But will she be ready for the inevitable day when the boat will come back—and take her away forever from the only home she’s known?

Why I added it: Orphan Island is long listed for the National Book Award. I happened across it in an email this week and found the premise to be intriguing. This is definitely high on my TBR.

Waste of Space by Gina Damico

What it’s about (from Amazon): Cram ten hormonal teens into a spaceship and blast off: that’s the premise for the ill-conceived reality show Waste of Space. The kids who are cast know everything about drama—and nothing about the fact that the production is fake. Hidden in a desert warehouse, their spaceship replica is equipped with state-of-the-art special effects dreamed up by the scientists partnering with the shady cable network airing the show.

And it’s a hit! Millions of viewers are transfixed. But then, suddenly, all communication is severed. Trapped and paranoid, the kids must figure out what to do when this reality show loses its grip on reality.

Why I added it: Damico’s Croak series is one I go back to a couple times a year. I just love them. I want to read her other books as well. It’s also a ringing endorsement that my wife laughs out loud as she reads it.

Here’s what else I’ve recently added to my TBR.