Dad And Daughter Pop Culture Reviews – Books You Should Check Out

There is a new series here at Art of Fatherhood. My oldest daughter, Lily wanted to see if we could work on an article together for my site. Now that summer vacation is here she has some time to work on a few new projects. So we decided to review some of our favorite things in Pop Culture. We will be sharing book reviews, TV shows you need to check out and more. This week we are starting off with books you need to check out. Lily will share five of her favorite books she is reading and then I will share mine. Hope you enjoy these book sections and this series. 

Lily’s Top Five Books 

1 – Six of Crows

While I’m not finished with Six of Crows, I wanted to include this in the article because it’s really good. Once you devote time to reading it, it becomes impossible to stop; there are breathtaking plots, hard-core characters, and so much suspense on what happens next. The author, Leigh Bardugo, creates an amazing world in which you want to take part of.

2 – The Rise of Kyoshi

I’m a huge Avatar: The Last Airbender and Legend of Korra fan, so when I heard about The Rise of Kyoshi, I was enthusiastic. The way the author, F.C Yee writes is so captivating and brilliant, giving us relatable characters and unexpected plot twists in the book. The Rise of Kyoshi also makes you think really hard about Kyoshi and you start to piece together what made her a menacing Avatar.

3 – Hello, Cruel Heart

The trailer for the live action Cruella was making me so impatient for when the movie would come out, and when I found this book mentioned in a magazine, I really wanted to read Hello, Cruel Heart. The book takes place when Cruella (or Estella) was 16 and goes through her early life, including her struggles. Maureen Johnson does a great job showing Estella’s love for fashion and thievery-which continues throughout 101 Dalmatians and Cruella.

4 – Majesty

In the sequel to American Royals, Katharine McGee continues to show us a “what if” world where there was a monarchy instead of a democracy in America-in today’s world. Majesty was a brilliant masterpiece with drama and romance that kept me reading until the end. Katharine McGee makes it so realistic that having an American Monarchy is believable-and draws you in, wishing you were in that world.

5 – Namesake

Pirates of the Caribbean meets National Treasure in this sequel to Fable. Adrienne Young does a great job writing this truly amazing book filled with great surprises, characters you grow a liking to, and power struggles between dominant trade companies-and the deal Fable, the main character, makes with her wealthy grandmother (a grandmother she’s never met) to save most of the region and her sort of boyfriend for a rare gem that no one hasn’t seen in years-makes it a very good read. 

Art’s Top Five Books 

1 – Star Wars: Light of the Jedi: The High Republic 

Charles Soule is the author of this book in this new Star Wars series. It is a golden age of the Republic. You follow hyperspace scouts looking to expand the reach of the Republic to the furthest stars. Right now worlds flourish under the benevolent leadership of the Senate. With the help from the Jedi the Senate is looking to find new ways to connect the galaxy. This opens up a whole new set of characters, planets and stories in The Star Wars universe. For those looking for more stories from a long time ago, Light of the Jedi: The High Republic is a great way to start that journey. 

2 – Golden Kicks: The Shoes that Changed Sport

I got this book for Father’s Day. My wife and daughters know that I am a sneakerhead. The great part about this book from Jason Coles is that he covers sneakers from all eras. I learned about Chuck Taylors and the evolution of track cleats. Plus I learned some new facts about some of my favorite sneakers like the Nike Trainer I. You can tell Coles did a ton of research to make this book happen. Even if you are not a sneakerhead, but are into sports this book is a fun read. 

3 – Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy – Book II: Greater Good

When you have a book that combines one of my favorite Star Wars characters, Thrawn and have that book written by Timothy Zahn it is a book I need to read. As a Star Wars fan I love the fact that the Star Wars Universe can expand pass the movies with these books. Thrawn has to save the Chiss Ascendancy once again from an enemy that seems to be two steps ahead of the Chiss Ascendancy. This is the second book in that series and I recommend both of these books to any sci-fi fan. 

4 – 1996: A Biography ― Reliving the Legend-Packed, Dynasty-Stacked, Most Iconic Sports Year Ever

I have had the pleasure of working with this book’s author, Jon Finkel on a book as well as Facebook Live show that both centered around fatherhood. Jon is a fantastic writer and this is one of his best books. 1996 was one heck of year in the sporting world. I was in high school that year and while I was reading 1996 it brought me back to my teenager years. Jon captures that year in such a spectacular way. For anyone who loves sports or just pop culture make sure you pick up this book.

5 – From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back

As you can probably see I really enjoy reading Star Wars books. This one puts the spotlight on my favorite movie of all time, The Empire Strikes Back. You won’t see Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker or Princess Leia as the main characters in this tale. This book is a combination of authors that are great at their craft. Their passion for this movie is seen in each chapter. From a Certain Point of View is an exciting reimagining of the film featuring new perspectives from 40 authors. You will laugh, cry and love every moment of this book. Listen to your feelings you know you want to read this book.