11/22/10
Guest Post: Ari from Reading in Color
Posted In: guest blog
Today I have a guest post from fellow blogger Ari from Reading in Color. At Reading in Color, Ari reads and reviews YA and MG titles that feature PoC!
We have about a month and a half before the winter holidays and that means many people will be buying books for the holidays. (I hope). This also means that people will be asking for recommendations. I tend to get quite a few emails asking for recommendations of diverse reads that would be good for someone’s daughter/grandson/niece/myself/etc. Which is awesome. I love that people want to diversify their reading and support authors of color (or just authors who write about people of color). What’s not so awesome is when I can’t recommend specific genre titles. Then I feel bad and become more determined to diversify the type of books that I read by/about people of color. A popular request I get is romance, which I don’t read much of (another is fantasy). Partly because there’s not a lot of YA romance being written with multicultural characters and partly because I don’t really like to read it. So when Kristi kindly reached out to me to write a guest post for her, I decided now was a perfect time for me to share my very very recently created list of YA books about people of color with some good romance (in no particular order). I tried to mostly talk about the romance, but I did get carried away a bit 
1. When the Stars Go Blue by Caridad Ferrer. I was fortunate to get my hands on an ARC (thanks Abby!) and O.M.G. I don’t normally squee about books, especially not romance ones, but this one is FANTABULOS (see I’m even making up words). It’s an adaptation of Carmen and it involves dancing, bugle corps, soccer players and so much more. Both love interests are completely dreamy and it’s such a good representation of first love. Again, O.M.G. You do not want to miss this book. Releases November 23. GO GET IT (to clarify, I think that you should go get every single book on this list but I most strongly feel that way about this book).
2. If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson. It’s Jacqueline Woodson what more can you say? Her writing is beautiful, it flows off the page. And of course, she breaks your heart in the process. When this book was first published it was revolutionary for being a YA about an interracial romance, and it’s still timeless (which is both good and bad).
3. Little Paradise by Gabrielle Wang. The writing is picturesque as it paints scenes of daily life in Melbourne, Australia during World War II. this was my first YA set in Australia and it covers a lot of other ‘first’ (new-to-me) topics. The ‘first’ solely romantic story featuring two Asian characters (one Asian Australian, the other directly from China), the ‘first’ YA that talks about life in China during and after WWII. The romance is gentle and while it is the focus of the book, there is a nice variety of historical details. and who doesn’t love a good ol’ WWII love story? Soldiers and civilians, a classic.
4. Saving Maddie by Varian Johnson. This is an unconventional romance at its finest. Joshua is a preacher’s boy and he’s been in love with his best friend, Maddie for as long as he can remember. Maddie is a preacher’s kid too, but she moved away years ago. Now Joshua’s in high school and Maddie’s back and better than ever (in her opinion). She’s just as gorgeous, if not more so, than when she left but she’s also drifted far away from the church. Joshua wants to ‘save’ her and bring her back to the church, but Maddie doesn’t want to be saved. This book asks some really good questions such as ‘should we try and save everyone?’ and ‘should we try and save someone even if it means changing yourself and/or that person?’. It’s not at all preachy and the romance is excellent, especially since Maddie and Joshua start off friends and then drift to acquaintances and then they reach that awkward stage of not-defining their relationship. Romance with some really good food for thought.
5. Other by Karen Kincy. Romance is not what this book is about, instead it’s a rare paranormal that is about pookas and kitsunes (and no, I will not tell what they are. Find out for yourself). The awesomeness of this book lies in a nice love triangle and Tavian. Tavian is Japanese and short. Think about that for a minute. How many times have you read a book where the guy is short? Or Japanese? Or both? Combined with the fact that the main character, Gwen is really cool? Yeah, that’s a win.
6. Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves. The romance doesn’t play a big factor in this story. In fact, what I like most about the romance in this story is that it’s an interracial couple, biracial Hanna and Latino Wyatt and they are such a great couple. They fit each other and butt heads and it’s totally fascinating to read about. But the best part is that Hanna doesn’t care about sex. she’s carefree in her sexuality and she’s super confident. She knows that she’s beautiful and that she can manipulate men. She’s powerful and unapologetic and that makes her someone well wroth reading about. And the fact that Wyatt can ‘handle’ her speaks volumes about his character (not ‘threatened by strong women’ or what have you).
7. Perfect Shot by Debbie Riguad. Snappy dialogue and another confident main character. London plays volleyball (athlete!) and that’s all she cares about. But she has a chance to enter a modeling competition and she decides to go for it. Her fashion journey includes meeting a cute photographer and the regular hijinks ensue. What’s nice about this book is that it’s a rom-com with diverse characters. It’s not sensational, but it’s a nice affirmation of the diverse world we live in. And between London, Pam (Haitian Drama Queen), and Brent, the characters are genuine and fun.
8. A Wish After Midnight by Zetta Elliott. Another good book with a strong love triangle. This is the first book I ever felt the need to make a ‘team’ for (Team Paul, by the way). Set during the 1863 Civil War Draft Riots, the whole story contains an air of both magic (making wishes, time travel, reaindg books)and anger (at slavery, at the white aboltionists who think Black people are stupid, at adults in the modern day world who look down on working class people, etc.). Genna is one of my all-time favorite protagonists and I think she will quickly become one of your favorites as well. Both Judah and Paul have redeeming qualities, but they also have flaws, therefore Genna’s decison is not easy or obvious. One of my personal favorites because it does have a strong romance but it also presents some good topics of discussion.
9. His Own Where by June Jordan. First book to be written in Black English (forget about being PC) and it is exceptional. 92 pages of romance, of learning only about the two main characters and their lives with each other (through which we learn about family issues, race and class). Filled with irony (cemetery scene anyone?), the characters are authentic and while the writing take some getting used to, once you become accustomed to it, you can appreciate the fine quality of it.
10. Secret Keeper by Mitali Perkins. I personally prefer historical romances and this one is extremely well done. Set in 1970s India, it’s not all about romance, it’s mostly a coming-of-age story that involves discovering talents, embracing your family and playing cricket 
Another heartbreaker. Seriously you need tissues and a stress ball.
11. The Agency series by Y.S. Lee. I can’t say much about this book, but it’s a fantastic addition to the historical fiction romance category. It’s not about romance, it’s about Mary Quinn, a female spy who lives in Victorian England. The banter between her and her love interest, James has been described as having Elizabeth vs. Darcy epicness and I can attest to that. absolutely wonderful. The first book in the series is A Spy in the House.
Thank you for having me Kristi!
~Ari
You can visit Ari at Reading in Color!
Related posts:
- Guest Post: Y.S. Lee
- Guest Post: Steph Su
- Guest Post: Christina Gonzalez
- Ivy Devlin Guest Post
- Be My Guest Reviewer: Kelsey from Reading Keeps You Sane
66 Comments
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Wonderful recommendations!=) I see a few that peak my interest!=)
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Wonderful recommendations!=) I see a few that peak my interest!=)
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What a great list! I read (and totally loved) When the Stars Go Blue! I have a couple of the others on my tbr, but most of these are new to me. I'm definitely going to be looking into each of them more, and adding most, if not all to my tbr! I loved this post!
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What a great list! I read (and totally loved) When the Stars Go Blue! I have a couple of the others on my tbr, but most of these are new to me. I'm definitely going to be looking into each of them more, and adding most, if not all to my tbr! I loved this post!
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I totally forgot to add another great one: The Billi Sangreal series by Sarwat Chadda. Both Devil's Kiss and the Dark Goddess have a great romance. The stories are very action oriented and that's what makes the romance so endearing (especially in the Dark Goddess). I love this series so I highly recommend it to everyone!
@LoveLivLife-Yay, I hope you do read some of these
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I totally forgot to add another great one: The Billi Sangreal series by Sarwat Chadda. Both Devil's Kiss and the Dark Goddess have a great romance. The stories are very action oriented and that's what makes the romance so endearing (especially in the Dark Goddess). I love this series so I highly recommend it to everyone!
@LoveLivLife-Yay, I hope you do read some of these
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Omigosh, this is so awesome! *scribbles down all the books I haven't yet read*
Thanks for sharing your recommendations! -
Omigosh, this is so awesome! *scribbles down all the books I haven't yet read*
Thanks for sharing your recommendations! -
Thank you for this list Ari. I love that you said to forget about being PC!If You Come Softly, A Wish After Midnight, and His Own Where are all being added to my to read list and I just ordered them all on Amazon.
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Thank you for this list Ari. I love that you said to forget about being PC!If You Come Softly, A Wish After Midnight, and His Own Where are all being added to my to read list and I just ordered them all on Amazon.
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Some of these were already on my wish list, but others are getting added!
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Some of these were already on my wish list, but others are getting added!
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I loved loved loved Y.S. Lee's The Agency (I've read both books that are already out) and am waiting not very patiently for the third which comes out in 2012. The second one does not touch *so* much on Mary Quinn's heritage but as Shakespeare wrote, "the plot thickens"…
I got to meet Jacqueline Woodson at a CLCSC breakfast and I have to say, her writing is *beautiful*. She had all of us laughing hysterically during her speech, then crying when she read from If You Come Softly. (at least, I'm pretty sure it was that one, she has so many and I was a little busy weeping.)
Great guest post, Ari! I think, if you haven't scored an ARC, you will adore Matched by Ally Condie when it comes out at the end of Nov.
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I loved loved loved Y.S. Lee's The Agency (I've read both books that are already out) and am waiting not very patiently for the third which comes out in 2012. The second one does not touch *so* much on Mary Quinn's heritage but as Shakespeare wrote, "the plot thickens"…
I got to meet Jacqueline Woodson at a CLCSC breakfast and I have to say, her writing is *beautiful*. She had all of us laughing hysterically during her speech, then crying when she read from If You Come Softly. (at least, I'm pretty sure it was that one, she has so many and I was a little busy weeping.)
Great guest post, Ari! I think, if you haven't scored an ARC, you will adore Matched by Ally Condie when it comes out at the end of Nov.
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Have to say I love your blog!! It is so great! Thanks for the list – I will put When the Stars Go Blue on my TBR, it sounds amazing!
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Have to say I love your blog!! It is so great! Thanks for the list – I will put When the Stars Go Blue on my TBR, it sounds amazing!
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Now I am absolutaly planning to read When the Stars Go Blue (I LOVE Carmen) and Saving Maddie.
If You Come Softly is one of my favorite books.
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Now I am absolutaly planning to read When the Stars Go Blue (I LOVE Carmen) and Saving Maddie.
If You Come Softly is one of my favorite books.
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Thank you for these great book suggestions. A few of them I already had on my Goodreads list, and the other ones I added!
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Thank you for these great book suggestions. A few of them I already had on my Goodreads list, and the other ones I added!
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When the Stars Go Blue really sounds good! Great list! I've never heard about some of these books before, so thank you
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When the Stars Go Blue really sounds good! Great list! I've never heard about some of these books before, so thank you
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Aah! I love this list! Now I have some books to look up over my break. I keep seeing The Agency series everywhere now I'm definitely adding it to my wish list.
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Aah! I love this list! Now I have some books to look up over my break. I keep seeing The Agency series everywhere now I'm definitely adding it to my wish list.
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Thanks for the great list. You reminded me that I need to read Other by Karen Kincy.
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Thanks for the great list. You reminded me that I need to read Other by Karen Kincy.
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@Ashley-I sincerely hope you do read at least one of the other books I mentioned on my list. I might give each holiday book blogger swap partner a copy of When the Stars Go Blue (in addition to a book on their wishlist, heehee). So much love for that book.
@Lauren M-I love your enthusiasm and I'm confident at least one of these books will be enjoyed by you
@Mandy-Wow that is the highest compliment, that you have just ordered the books on Amazon! I will make a public proclamation if you don't like them, but I think I can safely promise that you will adore If You Come Softly, His Own Where and A Wish After Midnight =)
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@Ashley-I sincerely hope you do read at least one of the other books I mentioned on my list. I might give each holiday book blogger swap partner a copy of When the Stars Go Blue (in addition to a book on their wishlist, heehee). So much love for that book.
@Lauren M-I love your enthusiasm and I'm confident at least one of these books will be enjoyed by you
@Mandy-Wow that is the highest compliment, that you have just ordered the books on Amazon! I will make a public proclamation if you don't like them, but I think I can safely promise that you will adore If You Come Softly, His Own Where and A Wish After Midnight =)
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So glad to see you mention June Jordan, Ari. I love her poetry. And thanks for mentioning the Agency books!
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So glad to see you mention June Jordan, Ari. I love her poetry. And thanks for mentioning the Agency books!
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I totally agree with Lauren M with "scribbling down all of these suggestions" (actually I will be adding of these suggestions to my goodreads/shelfari accounts). fun post
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I totally agree with Lauren M with "scribbling down all of these suggestions" (actually I will be adding of these suggestions to my goodreads/shelfari accounts). fun post
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Oh and @Mandy-Sometimes I get so tired of being PC! haha
@Liviana-Sweet, I love adding books to people's wishlist *evil cackle*
@Read Now-I second that on not waiting patiently for The Traitor in the Tower (i think that's the title?). Where is 2012????
I envy you meeting Jacqueline Woodson it would be amazing to hear her speak! I haven't read many of her books but they all sound fabulous and like true heartbreakers. Which is part of the reason I've held off reading them
So glad you liked my post. I've heard wonderful things about Matched but I wasn't sure if I was going to read it (I'm not a romance fan and if there's no poc in it, I'm not so sure if I'm going to read it right away). Thanks for the rec!
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Oh and @Mandy-Sometimes I get so tired of being PC! haha
@Liviana-Sweet, I love adding books to people's wishlist *evil cackle*
@Read Now-I second that on not waiting patiently for The Traitor in the Tower (i think that's the title?). Where is 2012????
I envy you meeting Jacqueline Woodson it would be amazing to hear her speak! I haven't read many of her books but they all sound fabulous and like true heartbreakers. Which is part of the reason I've held off reading them
So glad you liked my post. I've heard wonderful things about Matched but I wasn't sure if I was going to read it (I'm not a romance fan and if there's no poc in it, I'm not so sure if I'm going to read it right away). Thanks for the rec!
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I am a HUGE Ari fan! Thanks for this amazing list. Just got WHEN THE STARS GO BLUE (and now the song is permanently in my head–luckily, it's a great one).
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I am a HUGE Ari fan! Thanks for this amazing list. Just got WHEN THE STARS GO BLUE (and now the song is permanently in my head–luckily, it's a great one).
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@Willa-I'm thrilled that you enjoy my blog and so psyched that you put When the Stars Go Blue on your wishlist
@Gabrielle-If You Come Softly is such a fantastic read, and yet I don't think I could read it more than once. Yes, yes read Saving Maddie and When the Stars Go Blue!
@Cheryl-Good to know =)
@Pisnat-With comments like those I'm glad I got to do these kind of guest posts. I'm aghast that you haven't heard of some of these titles. Hope you do check them out
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@Willa-I'm thrilled that you enjoy my blog and so psyched that you put When the Stars Go Blue on your wishlist
@Gabrielle-If You Come Softly is such a fantastic read, and yet I don't think I could read it more than once. Yes, yes read Saving Maddie and When the Stars Go Blue!
@Cheryl-Good to know =)
@Pisnat-With comments like those I'm glad I got to do these kind of guest posts. I'm aghast that you haven't heard of some of these titles. Hope you do check them out
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@Loren-Defitely add The Agency series to your 'get before or during' the holidays list
@Natalie-I recently read Other and it was such a good read. I don't read much paranormal, but I would ,ake an exception for Karen Kincy!
@Ying-thank you for commenting and no problem about mentioning The Agency. No good romance list would be complete without it.
I need to read more June Jordan. His Own Where was simply divine.
@Allison-Hooray! Enjoy, and let me know when you read one
@Melissa-The fact that your a fan of mine is mindboggling, thank you =D I love the Corrs version of When the Stars Go Blue. Cover story needed please!
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@Loren-Defitely add The Agency series to your 'get before or during' the holidays list
@Natalie-I recently read Other and it was such a good read. I don't read much paranormal, but I would ,ake an exception for Karen Kincy!
@Ying-thank you for commenting and no problem about mentioning The Agency. No good romance list would be complete without it.
I need to read more June Jordan. His Own Where was simply divine.
@Allison-Hooray! Enjoy, and let me know when you read one
@Melissa-The fact that your a fan of mine is mindboggling, thank you =D I love the Corrs version of When the Stars Go Blue. Cover story needed please!
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oh thats so cool! I love how you take the time to seek out Poc writers and protaginists! Ill check out some of the books you suggested.
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oh thats so cool! I love how you take the time to seek out Poc writers and protaginists! Ill check out some of the books you suggested.
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Wonderful suggestions Ari!
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Wonderful suggestions Ari!
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Wow! I haven't read any of those books. I will make it a point to read all of them.
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Wow! I haven't read any of those books. I will make it a point to read all of them.
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I have the Agency Series, but I haven't read it yet
I also have Devil's Kiss
I'm really excited to read Other because of the Japanese character and mythology, my mom is Japanese , and it's really cool to read a book with a Japanese characters since it's so rare in YA -
I have the Agency Series, but I haven't read it yet
I also have Devil's Kiss
I'm really excited to read Other because of the Japanese character and mythology, my mom is Japanese , and it's really cool to read a book with a Japanese characters since it's so rare in YA -
Thanks for these suggestions! This is the first time I'm hearing of many of these. I appreciate that they're not all just about romance. I hate it when a teenage girl comes of age in a book solely as a result of a high school romance–I think that's so far from realistic and can actually be pretty damaging to the young reader. Still, as long as the romance is balanced with personal growth, I'm on board!
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Thanks for these suggestions! This is the first time I'm hearing of many of these. I appreciate that they're not all just about romance. I hate it when a teenage girl comes of age in a book solely as a result of a high school romance–I think that's so far from realistic and can actually be pretty damaging to the young reader. Still, as long as the romance is balanced with personal growth, I'm on board!
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Your foto is great:)
My favourite is definitely "A Wish After Midnight" by Zetta Elliott. It contains everything I am interested in: magic,a bit of fanasty, history and a love triangle. Perfect! I will put it on my wishlist. Thanks for your awesome suggestions! -
Your foto is great:)
My favourite is definitely "A Wish After Midnight" by Zetta Elliott. It contains everything I am interested in: magic,a bit of fanasty, history and a love triangle. Perfect! I will put it on my wishlist. Thanks for your awesome suggestions! -
Thanks so much for this list! I'm also always on the look out for books, in various genres, featuring PoC. I have some friends who are big fans of romance, who I'll be passing these titles along to!
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Thanks so much for this list! I'm also always on the look out for books, in various genres, featuring PoC. I have some friends who are big fans of romance, who I'll be passing these titles along to!
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I think I should try to find The Agency Series by YS Lee. I have seen it around a bit and it sounds really intriguing.
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I think I should try to find The Agency Series by YS Lee. I have seen it around a bit and it sounds really intriguing.
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Thanks so much for the recommendations! It's really cool that you receive emails asking for recs. I'm bookmarking so I can come back and check these titles out!
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Thanks so much for the recommendations! It's really cool that you receive emails asking for recs. I'm bookmarking so I can come back and check these titles out!
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These look like Great books! I can't wait to go get them! Thanks for the list!
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These look like Great books! I can't wait to go get them! Thanks for the list!
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Great list! I'm starting on #1.
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Great list! I'm starting on #1.
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well written!
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well written!
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Such a great list ! When the Stars Go Blue sounds really good and the cover is gorgeous !
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Such a great list ! When the Stars Go Blue sounds really good and the cover is gorgeous !
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