A Place for Us

*Mornings in Jenin* by Susan Abulhawa is a poignant and powerful novel that spans several decades, telling the story of a Palestinian family whose lives are profoundly affected by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The novel centers around the Abulheja family, whose home in the West Bank town of Jenin is destroyed during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. The narrative follows the lives of several generations, particularly focusing on the struggles and resilience of the protagonist, Amal, as she grows up in a refugee camp, grapples with the loss of her family members, and contends with the trauma of displacement. Through vivid storytelling, *Mornings in Jenin* paints a deeply human portrait of the Palestinian experience—capturing the pain of exile, the loss of homeland, and the hope for a better future despite the violence and suffering. The novel is an emotional exploration of love, survival, and the impact of political conflict on personal lives, offering readers a deeply empathetic view into the complexities of the Middle East and the ongoing struggle for peace and justice.

*Secrets of Dark Psychology and Manipulation in 2020* by Nick Reynolds is a book that explores the darker side of human behavior, offering insights into how individuals can manipulate and influence others using psychological tactics. The author dives into various techniques of persuasion, manipulation, and mind control, discussing strategies such as emotional manipulation, gaslighting, and covert coercion. Reynolds aims to help readers recognize these tactics in others and protect themselves from being exploited, while also offering advice on how to use them responsibly, particularly in personal or professional settings. The book also touches on the ethical considerations of using psychological strategies, urging readers to be mindful of the potential consequences. With its focus on understanding and defending against manipulation, *Secrets of Dark Psychology and Manipulation* offers practical knowledge for navigating relationships and interactions in a world where such tactics can often go unnoticed.

*The Ballad of Never After* by Stephanie Garber is the second book in *The Once Upon a Broken Heart* series, continuing the magical and suspenseful story of Evangeline Fox. Following the events of the first book, Evangeline is once again caught in a world of enchantment, betrayal, and complicated love. After making a dangerous bargain with the Prince of Hearts, Jacks, Evangeline must navigate the twists and turns of her own destiny while facing the fallout from her past decisions. As she struggles with the challenges of love, loyalty, and power, Evangeline must confront dark forces and uncover hidden truths to protect herself and those she cares about. *The Ballad of Never After* is a fast-paced, emotional ride, blending romance, danger, and magic in a world where nothing is as it seems. With its compelling characters and unexpected plot twists, it keeps readers on the edge of their seats, offering a rich continuation of the series.

*The Demigod Diaries* by Rick Riordan is a collection of short stories set in the world of *Percy Jackson & the Olympians* and *The Heroes of Olympus* series. It provides additional adventures and insights into the lives of the demigod heroes from both series. The book includes a mix of original stories, character sketches, and journal entries from the perspective of various beloved characters, including Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, and Leo Valdez. Along with new quests and challenges, *The Demigod Diaries* explores the characters' personal growth, friendships, and relationships. It also features some fun illustrations, puzzles, and codes, making it an engaging read for fans of the series. It is an enjoyable companion for readers looking to dive deeper into the Greek and Roman mythological world that Riordan has so vividly created.