The Cemetery Boys Book Tag

Hey, do you all remember that YA fantasy novel about trans brujxs and gay ghosts that came out in September and took the world by storm?

There’s a book tag based on it!

I found this on Anniek’s blog and enjoyed the hell out of their answers.

These prompts are…so good? I loved this book and I love this tag.

YADRIEL – An underhyped book that exceeded your expectations

Two of my favorite musical books this year were Ghost Wood Song and Ruinsong.

Ghost Wood Song is up for most underrated YA book in the Book Shimmy Awards and it is SEVERELY underappreciated. Go vote for it. (Or read it. Or buy it. Or put it on hold at your local library.)

I didn’t see a lot of hype for Ruinsong, which is UNFORTUNATE – let’s hear it for this fantastical f/f Phantom of the Opera retelling.

I was nervous about the execution but ended up loving it!

JULIAN – A book that doesn’t stick to one genre

Ring Shout is a historical speculative horror novella.

I’m really enjoying it.

Novellas are neat! Down with novels, up with novellas!

MARITZA – A book that helped you or got you through a tough time

The hit of serotonin I got from reading The Fire Never Goes Out in June sustained me through these final months of 2020.

I love this book. Just thinking about it keeps me going.

Yes, I’m going to reread it.

Don’t ask how many times I’ve done so this year.

QUINCES – Your favorite coming of age story

I wouldn’t call it my “favorite” coming-of-age story, but I did like Conversations with Friends.

I like sad books about sad girls trying to figure things out.

I like ’em a whole bunch.

DIA DE MUERTOS – A backlist book you wish you could “bring back” and hype up again

People on the internet have been getting back into Frog and Toad, one of my favorite book series from childhood.

I want EVERYONE to get into Frog and Toad.

Let’s create a Frog and Toad fandom!

Let’s have Frog and Toad conventions!

We can cosplay as Frog and/or Toad! (I’m Frog.)

PAN DE MUERTO – A story you wish you could give or offer your loved ones

S. T. Gibson has a queer reimagining of Dracula coming out called A Dowry of Blood starring Dracula’s Brides.

I got a digital ARC and I can’t wait to read it.

I think all of my goth queer friends would love this book.

TETHER – A book you feel most connected to

If I ever need to be summoned, please put a copy of The Princess Diaries in the center of the pentagram.

I will come running.

I don’t think I would love YA if I hadn’t read The Princess Diaries.

It taught me a lot about humor and audience expectations.

PORTAJE – A book that was “passed on” to you

My cousin gifted me her copy of Inspired the Christmas after Rachel Held Evans died.

Man, I miss Rachel.

She was a giant.

WET BINDER – Name a book you’re “stuck” on

I love this prompt idea but WOW is the concept unpleasant.

I think I remember the scene of Yadriel trying to peel off his wet binder in Cemetery Boys.

Bet it’s even worse than TRYING TO TAKE OFF WET JEANS.

I read a few chapters of The Death of Vivek Oji and I dread reading further.

I’m afraid this book is going to hurt.

Even a slightly optimistic, magical ending could leave me with chest tightness and anxiety sweats.

I don’t know if I can continue.

Also, even though it’s relatively short, it feels more daunting than some of the longer books on my TBR.

PURRCASO – Name a soft book you really love

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me has a soft color palette and a low-stakes plot.

I’ve only read it once but it left an impression.

I also read Written in the Stars recently and loved it.

Turns out I don’t hate romance novels – I just hate gender roles.

I thought the romance was really sweet and I loved the Seattle setting.

I wouldn’t be mad if sapphics in Seattle became a publishing trend.

Cemetery Boys is such a good read.

I think it’s up for Best of Shelf in the Book Shimmy Awards (link above.)

It’s really good. GIVE IT TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS FOR CHRISTMAS.

If you liked this book or you just like tags, definitely participate!