Caitlyn Jenner Reveals She Hasn’t Spoken to Kim Kardashian West in a Year

Caitlyn Jenner ‘s relationship with her family has been strained, to say the least, since releasing her memoir, The Secrets of My Life ($9) back in April. With the book not only detailing her lifelong struggle with gender identity and eventual gender confirmation surgery, but the inner workings of her relationship with the famed Kardashian clan, Jenner’s daughters have been plenty vocal about speaking out against her portrayal of the family. The former Olympian is now opening up about their relationship once more, saying that she hasn’t spoken to Kim Kardashian West, in particular, in more than a year.

“It’s been a little bit tough over the last couple of years on the Kardashian side,” the 68-year-old said at a talk at the Cambridge Union in the UK. “To be honest, I don’t talk to them anymore. Kim, I haven’t talked to in a year.”

The reality star also told the students in attendance that she considers herself blessed to have had the family come into her life, and has found their strained family ties exceedingly difficult. “They don’t want me in their lives; they bashed me pretty badly,” she continued. “It’s devastating when your kids do that. It really hurt.”

Kardashian West, who was historically very supportive of her step-parent’s transition, has expressed her anger over the book on several occasions, calling Caitlyn a “liar” and, more recently, saying that she’s “not a good person.”

Still, the Olympic Gold medallist says that she hopes all is not lost with her family.

“I don’t know what the future holds. We will see,” she said. “My life revolves around my children.”

What do you think of the KarJenner infighting? Let us know @BritandCo.

(Photo via Jamie McCarthy/Getty)

When my daughter was born, my dad gifted her a set of Precious Moments Disney Princess figurines, each with a certificate of authenticity and a heartfelt message about granddaughters. It was a very sweet gift coming from a man who isn't super sentimental, but the figurines were so delicate. Once she hit the toddler stage and wanted to play with them, a few ended up damaged. Now, they sit on a shelf in her room, mostly unnoticed — and, as it turns out, she’s not much of a Disney fan anyway.

It’s a reminder that the things we hold onto or give as gifts don’t always end up being the treasures we imagine they will be. For me, the items with real meaning are the old photos of my grandmother, my dad’s mom, and a few pieces of artwork I grew up with. Those are the things I actually cherish.

Here's stuff you're likely holding on to that your grandkids won't actually want.

Photo by Esra Korkmaz

Fine China

Dishes that you can't just toss in the dishwasher? Nope. These are likely to sit in some drawer, never to be used. Maybe your kids or grandkids will use a teacup as a jewelry holder or upcycle a few plates at places like Brooklyn Tea Cup, which will turn them into stacking trays. But the whole shebang should probably be donated to an antique shop or someone who really values this sort of collection.

Photo by Ray Shrewsberry on Unsplash

Bulky, Heavy Furniture

My friend Amy inherited a writing desk and together we hauled it up several flights of stairs in our first San Francisco apartment. I'm still traumatized by that event. This kind of furniture doesn't make sense for modern apartment or small space living.

Photo by Acton Crawford on Unsplash

Collectible Figurines

Beanie Babies, Precious Moments, any kind of decorative and not-at-all-useful collection is, well, not wanted (sorry!).

Photo by Tatyana Novoselova

Antique Silverware

Having to polish silver is a thing of the past, and not something anyone today will want to keep up with!

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

Photo Albums

Kids will love the memories, but they’d rather have a digital version. You can convert the photo collection to digital, and then just frame a few treasured shots.

Photo by Curtis Adams

Formal Dining Sets

No one really has a separate “fancy” dining area anymore, and if they did, this set is not likely to make the cut. Unless your child or grandchild is a dedicated DIYer, old furniture like this is often just that — old, not treasured.

Photo by cottonbro studio

Old Electronics

With the ease and convenience of streaming, that vintage VCR or stereo system you're holding onto should head straight to the donation pile.

Photo by Lany-Jade Mondou

Dusty Jewelry

Don't get me wrong, there is probably one piece in a collection worth handing down, but if it's lived on a tray collecting dust for 20 years, they’re probably not interested.

Photo by Keith Cassill

Random Holiday Decor

Your kids might keep one sentimental ornament, but not your entire themed collection that will feel dated once they have their own home and tree.

Photo by James on Unsplash

Encyclopedia Sets

Sorry, but we have Google and ChatGPT now. These bulky books are kitschy more than resourceful.

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Do you love dogs yet dread the constant cleaning that comes with shedding? Countless people can relate.

But while every dog owner knows a little fur is inevitable, certain breeds are known for being lower-shedding.

Whether you suffer from allergies or just want to reduce the time you spend cleaning up hair around your living space, here are 12 low-shedding dog breeds that'll make great additions to your household (without the mess).

Scroll to find out the best low-shedding dog breeds!

1. Poodles

Goochie Poochie Grooming

Poodles are known for their hypoallergenic coats, so they shed very little and are ideal for anyone seeking a low-shedding pet.

This breed also comes in three sizes, the Standard, Miniature, and Toy, and is easy to train due to its high intelligence. Just keep in mind that, regardless of their size, all Poodles require regular grooming to keep their curly coats free from mats and tangles.

2. Bichon Frise

RDNE Stock project

Just like the Poodle, the Bichon Frise is another breed that features a hypoallergenic coat. These dogs are tiny, cheerful, and popular due to their friendly nature.

Plus, they're known for being very smart and trainable, making them great family pets that keep clean up around the house to a minimum.

3. Labradoodle

ten Brinke photography

Originally bred as a hypoallergenic service dog, the Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle.

These dogs inherited low-shedding coats, thanks to Poodle parents, and are favored for their friendly and affectionate nature. They thrive when given plenty of exercise and early socialization.

4. Maltese

Katya Wolf

Malteses are adorably tiny and cuddly hypoallergenic dogs prized for their silky white coats. They make playful and loving companions, but owners have to stay on top of their grooming routine.

If you prefer that your Maltese has a longer coat, regular maintenance is important to prevent any mats. Otherwise, keeping a shorter "puppy" cut can make grooming much easier.

5. Yorkshire Terrier

JÉSHOOTS

Affectionately referred to as "Yorkies," Yorkshire Terriers are little hypoallergenic dogs with big personalities. They crave attention and are very loyal to their owners.

These pups also shed minimally and can adapt well to a range of households, from cozy apartments to spacious homes.

6. Schnauzers

Sebastian Coman Travel

You may not know that there are three Schnauzer breeds, including the Miniature Schnauzer, the Standard Schnauzer, and the Giant Schnauzer. Despite their size differences, all three are low-shedding.

Miniature Schnauzers are revered for their intelligence and typically weigh between 10 and 20 pounds. Standard Schnauzers, on the other hand, are also known for their smarts and enjoy long walks and mental stimulation. They just can weigh as much as 45 pounds.

Giant Schnauzers can reach up to 85 pounds and are some of the largest hypoallergenic dogs. To keep these pups happy, give them a lot of playtime and exercise.

7. Havanese

Paul Groom Photography Bristol

The Havanese is a little, playful breed that's popular for its charming personality and silky coat that doesn't shed much.

These furry friends adore human interaction, making them devoted companions, and are considered low-shedding. All they need is some regular grooming to keep their coat smooth and tangle-free.

8. Italian Greyhound

Alina Skazka

Italian Greyhounds are sleek and elegant, featuring short, smooth coats that barely shed. Contrary to what their graceful appearance might suggest, these dogs are also very playful, affectionate, and sensitive.

If you're searching for a sophisticated yet loving dog that doesn't require a lot of cleanup, this breed may be your perfect match.

9. Portuguese Water Dog

Julissa Helmuth

Portuguese Water Dogs were first bred to work alongside fishermen. Today, they're regaled for their energy and athleticism, making them a great option for active families.

These dogs also have hypoallergenic fur and don't shed much. If you're an outdoor enthusiast who wants to maintain a fur-free home, the Portuguese Water Dog might be the pet for you.

10. Basenji

Elina Volkova

This unique, cat-like breed is famous for its barkless nature. It actually makes a distinctive "yodel" sound!

Basenjis are very intelligent, playful, and sometimes mischievous, with a high prey drive. Additionally, they don't shed a lot, have minimal grooming requirements, and are often free from usual canine odors.

11. Shih Tzu

Edyttka Stawiarska

The Shih Tzu was initially bred as a companion pet in China and has remained a famous lap dog to this day. They love human company and usually stick to their owners' sides.

But while they're low-shedding, these dogs will still grow a long, luxurious coat that requires regular grooming. Otherwise, you can keep it trimmed shorter for easier maintenance.

12. Brussels Griffon

Mladen Šćekić

Lastly, the Brussels Griffon is a small breed with a rough coat that's non-shedding and simple to groom. That's why these dogs are stellar choices for anyone seeking a low-maintenance pet.

In terms of temperament, Brussels Griffons are smart, affectionate, sensitive, and quite cuddly.

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Blake Lively is as multifaceted as they come. She's an actress who has starred in titles like Gossip Girl, A Simple Favor, and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (plus It Ends With Us). She's the founder of Betty Buzz, which has a variety of non-alcoholic mixers that taste just as good on their own as they do with liquor. And, she's also a mom. Lively has been outspoken about protecting her children from the paparazzi, making rare public appearances with them for events like her husband Ryan Reynolds' Hollywood Walk Of Fame Ceremonyandcozy date nights.

When Lively and Reynolds seemingly announced the birth of their fourth child last year, we melted. Here's everything you need to know about Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's kids.

Is Taylor Swift friends with Blake Lively's kids?

Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Yes, Taylor Swift loves Blake Lively's kids! The family has shown up to the Eras Tour multiple times, and most recently supported the popstar at her concert in New Orleans, Louisiana. Blake and Ryan were joined by oldest daughter James (who looked amazing in a Reputation-inspired 'fit), and I can't believe how much James and Blake look alike! She's truly her mini-me! At the Philadelphia show of the Eras Tour, which Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively attended, Taylor said hello from the stage.

One funny detail about Ryan Reynolds' kids that I love is when he mentioned the girls finally realized Taylor Swift was a popstar. "I think what's most exciting for them is that for the longest time they just thought Taylor's just like an aunt, like a friend of Mommy and Daddy that's very, very close, almost family," he tellsThe Jess Cagle Show. "And then they went to a concert one day and were like, 'Ohhhhh, this isn't a hobby.'"

For Super Bowl Sunday in 2024, Blake Lively joined Taylor Swift to support beau (and KC Chiefs tight end) Travis Kelce. "Last week I left my kids for the first time ever," she says on Instagram. "I took pictures upside down and had no clue. I treated a friendship bracelet like a Flat Stanley for my husband like I didn’t realize it wasn’t ‘07. I borrowed more jewelry than the skeleton in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. And I went clubbing. Now I know what my episode of TheTwilight Zone would look like."

How do Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively prioritize their kids?

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Michael Kors

At the end of September, Ryan Reynolds revealed how different parenting seems to be now than when he was a kid. "Parents today are so different. We're so soft," he said at HubSpot’s INBOUND tech conference (via People). "I don't yell. I grew up with like — it was nuts, it was an improvised militia.”

“Now it's like, I can go look at all my resources for parenting and remind myself how to be perfectly compassionate,” he continued. "Something I love about [conflict resolution], and I know this is not very fancy, but what I love about it is that you can meet somebody where they are, and you don't have to be right or wrong...You can disagree and still connect."

Blake Lively recently joined an episode of her Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' costar Amber Tamblyn's Further Adoand revealed the one unbreakable rule she made with Ryan Reynolds.

“When Ryan and I got together, we made a rule not to work at the same time,” she says. “So that we could always prioritize our personal life...That takes working really hard when we're not. Just like financial planning and sustaining that; it takes balance.”

I love that Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are serious about their family life, and that they have identified what works for them and are sticking with it.

What is the name of Blake Lively's 4th baby?

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' fourth baby is named Olin, which he revealed during the July 22 premiere of Deadpool & Wolverine!

Before Ryan chose to reveal the name, he appeared on the Today show and made a cheeky joke about it after the hosts urged him to spill the beans. He said, "We always wait for Taylor to tell us what the child's name will be. We'll say this: we're still waiting."

What are Blake Lively kids ages?

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Michael Kors

Blake Lively's kids are all under 10. James is 9 (turning 10 on December 16), Inez is 7 (turning 8 on September 30), Betty is 4 (turning 5 on October 4), and Olin turned 1 in February.

What gender is Ryan and Blake's fourth child?

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

On July 26, Ryan Reynolds confirmed that he and Blake Lively's fourth baby, born in February 2023, is a boy in an Instagram video supporting mental health charity Walking 4 Hope. Speaking with founder John Bell, who struggled with suicidal ideation after the 2020 loss of his son Jake, Reynolds says, “I want to share with you that I, too, have a son...Boy, John, if I love him one-tenth as much as you love Jake, I’ll feel like I’ve done a pretty d—mn good job.”

Considering how adorable James, Inez, and Betty are, I can only imagine how cute Blake Lively's son is!

How many children do Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have?

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively have four kids. They welcomed their third daughter in 2019, making this new addition to the family their fourth child.

Did Blake Lively have a 4th baby?

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for American Cinematheque

Blake Lively posted a pic on Super Bowl Sunday in 2023 showing what appears to be a post-baby body with the caption "Been busy."

Lively confirmed her fourth pregnancy in September 2022 when she arrived at her Forbes event in NYC cradling a baby bump and by posting her own personal photos on Instagramhoping that "the 11 guys waiting outside [her] home for a 🦄 sighting will leave [her] alone."

How old was Blake Lively when she had her first child?

Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Michael Kors

Blake Lively was 27 when she gave birth to her first daughter, James, in December of 2014.

Why did Blake Lively name her daughter James?

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

The couple decided to name their daughter James after Reynolds' late father. While the name connects both James and Reynolds to his father, it also gives Lively the chance to bond with her daughter over having historically male names. "I liked having a boy's name," Lively said on Good Morning Americain 2015. "I thought I'd pass it on."

Their third daughter Betty's name is a tribute to Lively's late father. We didn't know the name of the couple's third baby until Taylor Swift used all three names in her 2020 album folklore. Swift also used James' voice at the beginning of her 2017 track "Gorgeous"! Does that mean we'll hear one of Ryan Reynolds' children in Reputation (Taylor's Version)? I hope so!

What has Ryan Reynolds said about raising their kids?

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

In a conversation with Hugh Jackman ahead of Deadpool & Wolverine, Ryan Reynolds opened up about how his family has helped his anxiety. "I think it makes it better because your focus is less on yourself and more on your kids," he says (via People). "I love that I've had anxiety because when I see my kids experiencing some of that, which is probably genetic, I know how to address it in a way that is compassionate, that actually allows them to feel seen. I know that I can't just fix it. And I can communicate all that stuff to them and with them. I'm always grateful for it."

Per People, Ryan Reynolds has also made it clear he and Blake are wholly invested in the kids' daily lives. The doting husband and father enjoys the moments of "walking them to school and walking them back" as it deepens their bond. More than anything, Ryan and Blake's main goal is to make sure they teach their kids how to be introspective with Ryan saying "the thing we sort of hang our hat on the most is self-awareness with our kids."

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

However, that doesn't mean Blake and Ryan don't absolutely love being parents. "We're very excited [and] we wouldn't do this four times if we didn't love it," he says in an interview with CNBC's Power Lunch. "Everybody's doing great. Everybody's actually doing fantastic. I think if we hadn't figured it out by now, I think we'd be in deep, deep trouble."

"It's a zoo over here," he jokes. "This is my office here, this is where I'll probably — to be honest, I'll probably spend the rest of my life in here."

We love how much energy Ryan and Blake are pouring into their kids. It's always beautiful when parents are able to be present with their kids and teach them how to be present with themselves. Ryan Reynolds has also mentioned how having daughters "has been such a ride." Since he comes from a family of all boys, having daughters is something that was beyond his wildest dreams! “I love being a girl dad,” Ryan tells Access in 2020. “I have three daughters, which I never in a million years would imagine.”

He mentioned his newest child in June of 2023, when he announced his new series Bedtime Stories. "The idea for a show made to help everyone fall asleep was born the same day as my fourth child," he says on Instagram.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

The Deadpool actor also offered some parenting advice on Amanda Hirsch’s hit podcastNot Skinny But Not Fat. "Embrace the chaos,” he tells Hirsch. "[Blake] always says, ‘They're all under our roof right now. The whole family's under our roof right now. We have them all.’ And that is a fleeting thing. Not an infinite resource, you know?”

While Reynolds understands firsthand how overwhelming parenting can feel, he also doesn't wish away this time with four young kids: “Just say, ‘Think about what you would give in 40 years or 30 years to come back and enjoy this one moment.’"

Besides this, Ryan knows their kids' childhoods don't mirror his or Blake's. However, he's not trying to place a huge emphasis on that because he wants them to have "as normal a life as possible" (via Page Six).

"I try not to impose upon them the difference in their childhood to my childhood or my wife’s childhood," he said (via The Hollywood Reporter). "We both grew up very working class, and I remember when they were very young, I used to say or think, like, ‘Oh God, I would never have had a gift like this when I was a kid,’ or, ‘I never would’ve had this luxury of getting takeout,’ or whatever."

In his eyes, he doesn't feel like it's the kids' responsibility or "bag of rocks to carry" because they're full of "gratitude" and "have a strong sense of empathy." That's how he knows he and Blake are "doing an OK job" as parents.

How has motherhood affected Blake Lively?

Dimitrios Kambouris/Staff/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images;Art by Claire Shadomy/B+C

Blake Lively opened up about how Ryan Reynolds and she monitor screen safety for their kids, which is definitely something top-of-mind in 2024. “This is not an ad. I get nothing out of this. I just love @tappityapp,” she said of the STEM-focused educational app. “It’s engaging, informative, fun and they care about safety."

She also jokes that she's learning new things right along with her kids! But, no matter how educational or fun an app is, Blake Lively also emphasizes the importance of engaging with her kids' devices: "I’m always triple checking any kids app constantly for safety because that’s my responsibility not an app’s, but I do LOVE this one.”

Despite its fun and funny moments, the actress has admitted being a mom is hard, but she did it with her signature dry sense of humor. “BettyBooze at your service," she wrote in an Instagram Story announcing the new brand. "These are recipes I’ve been making for loved ones for years. But I have 4 kids now. And I’m tired. So here they are. In a can."

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for American Cinematheque

However, Blake Lively absolutely loves motherhood, and says in a 2022 interview with Forbes that having children has made her feel more comfortable in her own skin. "Once I had children, that just became even more profound because my time was even more precious, but also I think having children for me made me feel so much more in my skin," she says. "I never felt more myself or at ease in my own body or more confident — not to say that there aren't a bevy of insecurities coming at me a million times a day, but I just feel incredibly settled."

Speaking with People in 2021, Lively also explains how important it is that her children see her accomplish things outside the home. "I want to be as present of a mother as humanly possible and I want them to feel my presence, but I also think the best way to be the best mother is to show them that you can have a life and have a passion and have an identity outside of just being a mother," Lively says.

While she acknowledges that motherhood is all-encompassing, and it looks different for everyone, she knows that having your own identity is very important. "Teaching them that they can maintain themselves and that everything is possible [is crucial]," she adds.

When did Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have their daughters?

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation

Blake Lively's children were all born in the last 10 years. Blake Lively's daughters are James, Inez, Betty, and her fourth child is named Olin! Their fourth baby's name was announced during the premiere of Deadpool & Wolverine. Blake gave birth to James in 2014, while Inez was born in 2016. Lively gave birth to Betty in 2019 and Olin in February of 2023.

Do Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's kids have nannies?

Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' children don't have a nanny. "I feel like I could sometimes have a bit of a short fuse, but there's just been this weirdly endless supply of patience," Ryan told GQ in 2015. "I have no problem waking up five times in the middle of the night and changing diapers, and as exhausted as you get, I have this stupid grin on my face all the time."

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This story has been updated.

As much as we'd love to hear that BridgertonSeason 4 is releasing earlier than next year, we'll have to settle for as many teasers and first looks as we can get for now! Fans already know Yerin Ha will be stepping into Sophie Baek's shoes alongside Luke Thompson as Benedict, but Netflix finally released something that'll keep us satiated for a while. We can't promise much else — except these two are clearly going to make our hearts race when they're finally on-screen.

Here's the official Bridgerton Season 4 first look with Sophie & Benedict!

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Benedict's always been one of the lighthearted Bridgerton siblings, but Season 3 showed up just how, uh, free he can be. While he and Eloise did discuss their mutual feelings of wanting to explore life, it seems our loving bachelor is set on finding love in unexpected places.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Benedict may not have fallen in love with Tilley, but it appears he's head over heels for Sophie and we think it's adorable. But, there's one glaring problem: Sophie's a maid who has plenty of secrets.

Never before have any of the Bridgerton children gotten romantically involved with someone who's in another social class, so this already sounds scandalous.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Ah, but what will the watchful Queen Charlotte think? Remember, she was certain she was going to expose and punish Lady Whistledown before Penelope's moving speech got her to change her mind. We can only guess how she'll feel about the Bridgertons once she learns of Benedict and Sophie's forbidden romance.

In the meantime, we're already dreaming up as much as we can about this exciting season with these pictures! Oh, and did we mention there's a video too?!

Watch The 'Bridgerton' Season 4 Sneak Peak Here!

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Seriously...season 4 can't come fast enough!!!

We can't wait to see how Benedict and Sophie's love shakes up the Ton in Season 4. We're sure Queen Charlotte and Lady Danbury will have much to discuss!

Lately, we don't have to look far for doomsday news or potential policies that make us feel like a dystopian future will soon be our reality. Although we like to joke about it, we've seen pop culture seemingly predict our current societal and political landscape via everything from episodes of the The Simpsons to the books we've read over the years, wondering how these fictitious communities could experience horrible environments at the hands of others' decisions.

Since art is often bred from very real feelings about history's patterns, we think it's time to open a few relatable books. In our eyes, unprecedented times call for reading thought-provoking work that may seem bleak, but offers hope set in motion by one person's courage in the face of oppression and fear. These are the best dystopian books you should read in 2025.

Here are 15 dystopian books to read if you're tired of doom scrolling on social media.

Amazon

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Guy Montag's job as a fireman isn't like what you or I are used to. Instead of saving the lives of those affected by fires, he and his co-workers set them because it's a crime to have books in one's home. He does his job well and comes home to the passionless marriage he has with his wife Mildred, running on a mindless loop. It isn't until he meets a teenager named Clarisse that he begins seeing the world through her eyes and it makes him uncomfortable.

Underneath that discomfort is the knowledge that he's been keeping a secret all along and will have to decide which side of history he wants to be on.

Amazon

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Even if you've never read the book or watched the hit TV series, chances are you've heard about The Handmaid's Tale. It's ruffled feathers to the point it's made it to the banned books list, but author Margaret Atwood's message is loud and clear: women's reproductive rights could become weaponized.
She begins her tale in the aftermath of a second Civil War that's dismantled "normal" America. As such, the Republic of Gilead has been set in place that's meant to remind men and women how things used to be. With men holding positions of power and fertile women being enslaved to help regrow the population comes a sordid tale of oppression and abuse.
However, one maid's memories and desire to break free from her horrible role encourages her to stage one of the biggest coups.

Amazon

The Power by Naomi Alderman

The Power places decisions in the hands of young girls who aren't typically afforded it. Readers will meet several characters like a wealthy Nigerian boy and a tough-as-nails girl, but what's shocking is what happens when something ignites teenaged girls with something powerful. If they choose, these girls can cause great harm to others or even end their lives.
It's a far cry from the idea that young girls are weak and powerless in a world that seeks to tame them.

Amazon

Chain-Gain All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

Loretta Thurwar and Hamara "Hurricane Staxxx" are a part of Criminal Actional Penal Entertainment, aka CAPE, as prisoners. They've worked their way up the hierarchy of the Chain-Gain All-Stars and are the reigning champs as they fight until the death to earn freedom.

However, there's a catch: one of them will be heavily discouraged from leaving with every hardship they face. It seems greed has no bounds and will make sure to keep viewers invested.

Amazon

American War by Omar El Akkad

Sarat Chestnut was a little girl when the another Civil War occurred in the year 2074, but she was aware enough to understand the criminalization of oil. Also, she's watched half of Louisiana succumb to being under sea level. Once her father loses his life and her family's driven to Camp Patience, she surrenders to a new normal. However, there's a false underbelly of the Camp and it works its magic on Sarat.
Before long, she's become a weapon for a war that'll change the lives of everyone.

Amazon

Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica

What happens when to a world without animal meat? In Tender Is the Flesh, readers will face the horror of this staunch reality.
For main character Marcos, life has dealt him a set of terrible cards. He's separated from his wife and watching his father's health deplete quicker than he can blink his eyes. There's also the sickening fact that he's a part of the "Transition" that helps process specialized human meat.
Then one day it happens: he meets a woman who's supposed to be packaged for consumption and it shatters his usual resolve. The more he interacts with her, the more he wants to find a way to turn away from this horrific government project.

Amazon

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

15-year-old Tally has been waiting to turn 16 for a long time because she's finally going to become gorgeous. Thanks to life-altering surgery, she gets to stop being looked over and will join a society where she doesn't have to work hard. But her friend Shay isn't so sure about this idyllic world and decides to escape it.
However, those in charge aren't a fan of this runaway situation and put Tally in a complicated position that'll alter her future.

Amazon

The Last Murder at the End of the Worldby Stuart Turton

The former world? Utterly destroyed.The island? A perfect paradise that's home to 125 people who have learned to peacefully coexist. They don't question their right to live off the land nor the curfew that's been set in place. The crack in their perfect situation doesn't come until they find out a popular scientist's been murdered.
This death triggers a breakdown in the security that was keeping them safe from the atmosphere that killed others once before and they don't have long to fix it. However, their memories have been erased and they're not sure who caused these scary chain of events.

Amazon

The Ferryman by Justin Cronin

The Ferryman describes what happens when another "perfect" paradise seems like it's everything but that.
On Prospera, only the privileged are allowed to enjoy glorious living. Though they enjoy the finer things in life, the staff who makes sure they're comfortable aren't granted the same opportunities. Truthfully, they're waiting for the right time to rebel against their conditions because they know the spoiled citizens of Prospera will be granted multiple chances at life.
For Proctor Bennett, his job as a ferryman is to make sure people are able to "retire" when it's time. It's a job he does without fail until a lone message makes him question the validity of the islands.

Amazon

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Beatrice Prior lives in a society that's divided into the Candon (honest), Abnegation (selfless), Dauntless (brave), Amity (peaceful), and Erudite (intelligent) factions. This helps keep society running according to the government's plans, but Beatrice is torn between remaining with the Abnegation or joining a new faction.
When she makes her choice, it sends ripples among those who know her and then there's Tris. He's harboring something that's sure to make him a target so she'll try to protect his secret while keeping her own interests at heart.

Amazon

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

North America's now known as Panem, and it's comprised of twelve districts that once rebelled again the Capitol. However, their defeat was costly and caused them to allow two kids per district to participate in "The Hunger Games." It's a known fact that they may die as a result, but nothing's happened to change this unimaginable law.

When Katniss Everdeen volunteers as tribute so her young sister doesn't have to compete, this sets forth a chain of events that prove her an unlikely winner and hero.

Amazon

Ripe by Sarah Rose Etter

Cassie's secured a job in her ideal role in Silicon Valley, but it turns into something nightmarish. She doesn't have a work-life balance and is tasked with doing borderline illegal things. She also can see the stark difference in economic classes because her job has a front row view of many displaced members of society.
Accompanying Cassie is something dark that responds to the state of her mental health. As she grapples with pregnancy and the things her job demands of her, she'll have to ask herself if the cost of success is worth it.

Amazon

The Garden by Nick Newman (February 18, 2025)

Evelyn and Lily are two sisters who've been living in a beautiful garden that no one can see behind. They don't remember what life was like prior to being near it as they've become preoccupied with making sure it flourishes. All of this changes with an unknown boy shows up in their curated world. They're not sure who he is, but his presence makes them question how they've chosen to live their lives.

Amazon

Fable for the End of the World (March 4, 2025)

Caerus is fueling the nation's debt problem among those who aren't wealthy, and it affects Inesa as well as her family. She and her brother are in charge of a taxidermy shop, but their mother's selfishness puts their lives in danger when her debt reaches an astronomical level. The only solution for this is for Inesa or her brother to be entered into the Lamb's Gauntlet where they'll be killed. The merciless killer? Melinoë.
She has no remorse as she's been trained to be heartless towards her victims. But Inesa proves to be the first "Lamb" that makes her question what she's doing. Together, they'll go on a journey that changes how they see their lives and love.

Amazon

Outlawed by Anna North

Ada and her husband were happy, but she failed to conceive a child in a town that views infertile women as evil. Though she wishes things could be different, she runs away before she can be hanged and joins the Hole in the Wall Gang. It's leader is known as the Kid who wants the world to stop harming women. But the Gang's got a plan that's not safe because creating a viable future is scary.

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