Month: July 2025

Strange Houses by Uketsu is a non-fiction horror phenomenon translated from Japanese. The story begins when a friend approaches the author about a strange house. What starts as casual curiosity quickly leads Uketsu into something much deeper—something far more disturbing than blueprints and floor plans.

As Uketsu discusses the house with an architect friend, theories begin to take shape. Hidden rooms, secret tunnels, and the chilling possibility of an unknown child—all unfold in a novel unlike any other. Every page brings a new question, a new twist.

Uketsu, an anonymous Japanese author also known for Strange Pictures, brings a unique perspective to the genre. The concept is gripping and the story is full of potential. However, the writing style—told almost entirely through conversations and phone calls—misses some of the suspense and drama you might expect from horror. While the tone is more factual than frightening, that might actually appeal to readers who shy away from truly scary stories.

In the end, Strange Houses feels like a ghost story told by a close friend—one with just enough mystery to keep you turning pages, but not so much that it keeps you up at night. It’s a unique and curious read for anyone interested in horror, urban legends, or architectural oddities.

Beneath the Wide Silk Sky by Emily Inouye Huey is a young adult historical fiction novel set during World War II in the fictional town of Linley Island, Washington. The story follows Samantha Sakamoto, a young Japanese American girl and a secretly aspiring photographer with a remarkable talent. But after the recent death of her mother and with their family farm on the line, her dreams feel further out of reach.

As anti-Japanese racism surges in the midst of war, Sam must confront the painful truth about her community—and even her closest friends. Her sister, Kiki, tries to blend into American society by sneaking out and spending time with friends. Meanwhile, her brother, Charlie, is hiding a secret that could put the whole family in danger. In a world full of secrecy and betrayal, will Sam find someone who truly understands her? Or will she be swept away by waves of prejudice and hatred?

Huey explores powerful themes—racism, identity, and injustice—through deeply developed characters. Whether portraying patriots or protesters, she conveys their emotions with authenticity and impact. Though Sam is a high school student, her story makes her feel both older and younger at once. Her willingness to set aside her own dreams for her family’s needs is inspiring. She is neither quiet nor obedient, as society expects—her voice is raw, emotional, and brave. She is forging her own path.

Beneath the Wide Silk Sky is both poignant and powerful. It’s a compelling read for middle schoolers and young adults, though younger readers may find the historical and social themes harder to grasp.

Alex & Eliza by Melissa de la Cruz is a historical romance that reimagines the courtship between Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler—the same pair made famous in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical Hamilton. But instead of rapping battles and stage lights, this story takes you deep into the real-life world of 18th-century America, during the heart of the Revolutionary War.

The novel opens in 1777 at a glittering ball hosted by the wealthy and well-connected Schuyler family in Albany, New York. Eliza, one of three daughters, isn’t as flashy as her sisters—but she’s intelligent, independent, and quietly rebellious against the expectations placed on young women of her status. That night, she meets Alexander Hamilton, a young officer delivering bad news to her father. Though Alex arrives on official business, a spark ignites between the two.

At this point in history, Alex is working as General George Washington’s aide-de-camp—a trusted advisor and letter writer—but he’s also an orphan with no family name, land, or fortune. That matters in Eliza’s world, where daughters are expected to marry well and strengthen their family’s social standing. This sets up the central conflict: can love overcome the rigid expectations of class, gender, and family duty?

De la Cruz blends fact and fiction in a way that feels natural. She incorporates real historical events and figures—like the Battle of Saratoga, Valley Forge, and the political tensions brewing between states—but focuses most on the emotional lives of her characters. Her writing is heartfelt and personal, showing both Alex and Eliza as more than just names from a textbook. They’re smart, flawed, and deeply human.

What I loved most was how Eliza’s character was given real strength. In many historical love stories, the girls are quiet and passive. But here, Eliza is brave, outspoken, and thoughtful—someone who questions what’s expected of her and dreams of something more meaningful than a strategic marriage.

Alex & Eliza is a sweeping, romantic read with just the right amount of historical detail. It touches on real issues of the time: social class, women’s roles, and the uncertainty of war. If you liked Hamilton, enjoy historical fiction, or are looking for a love story with a bit more depth, this is a great pick. Best for teens and young adults.