Frenetic Reader

In My Mailbox

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren and inspired by Pop Cult ure Junkie. Descriptions and such from goodreads.

Things for review:

No Safety in Numbers by Dayna Lorentz

A biological bomb has just been discovered in the air ducts of a busy suburban mall. At first nobody knows if it's even life threatening, but then the entire complex is quarantined, people start getting sick, supplies start running low, and there's no way out. Among the hundreds of trapped shoppers are four teens.

These four different narrators, each with their own stories, must cope in unique, surprising styles, changing in ways they wouldn't have predicted, trying to find solace, safety, and escape at a time when the adults are behaving badly.

This is a gripping look at people and how they can—and must—change under the most dire of circumstances.

And not always for the better.

I hadn't even heard of this book before it showed up to my house, but it sounds crazy in the best way possible.

Cold Fury by T.M. Goeglin

Sara Jane Rispoli is just a normal sixteen-year-old girl coping with school and a developing crush— until her parents and younger brother are kidnapped, and she discovers her family has been a key figure of Chicago’s Outfit (aka the mob) for decades. Her father, grandfather and great grandfather all used their special ability, cold fury, to settle disputes between the two mob factions—the muscle and the money. And unless Sara wants the mob to think her now missing family has turned state’s evidence, she will have to fill her father’s shoes as the mob’s peacemaker, using her own cold fury.

I also hadn't heard of this one, but, oh my gosh, THE MOB! My favorite!

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near-impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one unlikely refugee.

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life– a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha… and the secrets of her heart.

I prefer my fantasy to be dark, and this one sounds like it will be.

Freshmen Year and Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin

Kelsey Finkelstein is fourteen and FRUSTRATED. Every time she tries to live up to her awesome potential, her plans are foiled – by her impossible parents, her annoying little sister, and life in general. But with her first day of high school coming up, Kelsey is positive that things are going to change. Enlisting the help of her three best friends — sweet and quiet Em, theatrical Cass, and wild JoJo — Kelsey gets ready to rebrand herself and make the kind of mark she knows is her destiny.

Things start out great - her arch-nemesis has moved across the country, giving Kelsey the perfect opportunity to stand out on the soccer team and finally catch the eye of her long-time crush. But soon enough, an evil junior’s thirst for revenge, a mysterious photographer, and a series of other catastrophes make it clear that just because KELSEY has a plan for greatness… it doesn’t mean the rest of the world is in on it.

Kelsey’s hilarious commentary throughout her disastrous freshman year will have you laughing out loud—while being thankful that you’re not in her shoes, of course…

Because my own high school career is nearing its end, I anticipate that this book will make me feel all sorts of things.

The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

[description from goodreads]

Dying of a broken heart is just the beginning.... Welcome to forever.

BRIE'S LIFE ENDS AT SIXTEEN: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart—literally.

But now that she's D&G (dead and gone), Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend has been keeping a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost—and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul . . . who just might hold the key to her forever after.

With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on. But how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?

Review:

For some reason, I had a sinking feeling that I just wouldn't like The Catastrophic History of You and Me. I think what threw me off is that Brie dies from a literal broken heart-- I mean, how much more corny can you get? The ridiculous nature of that event never dwindled, but I actually enjoyed the book overall. I have plenty of issues with it, but even when I was rolling my eyes, I was enjoying myself.

Since I already briefly mentioned the cheesiness of this book, it might as well be the first complaint I expand upon. Despite my affinity for Narrators From Beyond the Grave, I'm not a huge fan of Brie's afterlife. I never understood what exactly Brie's current home is-- heaven? purgatory? something else? Granted, Brie never seems to find out enough either, but the actions she was able to take there never made sense. I didn't understand what exactly she could change on Earth, or what a Lost Soul is, or how they thrive in Brie's new home, or how Brie would even spend all her time in this place. The book also seemed like it was trying to throw in too many big ideas about souls, eternity, and all that jazz; there were simply too many topics that just appeared instead of naturally being introduced and developed for them to seem like anything but random.

However, despite how awkward I found most everything to be, there's just something about this book that I like. Brie often annoyed me with her overblown affection for the not-very-exciting Jacob, and her relationship with Patrick was similarly incomprehensibly deep, but she charmed me anyway. Her writing style is so easy to read and sprinkled with bits of humor that it always had me smiling, even in the sections where she went off on melodramatic tangents. I also enjoyed that even though she's stuck in one place, there is plenty of drama and new information she discovers about both her life and afterlife. It makes for an always exciting read, even though a lot of the action is more melodrama than anything.

It's melodramatic and often nonsensical, but so charming and happy-making that I can safely say I do indeed like The Catastrophic History of You and Me despite its faults.

Book details: Dial/Hardcover/$17.99

Source: sent by publisher for review

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

[description from goodreads]

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl... Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future.

Review:

Retellings usually catch my attention, especially when they're retellings of stories I'm very familiar with. I don't think there's any tale I know better than "Cinderella," so I looked forward to this unique spin on the story. Cinder is predictable beyond even the parts lifted from the original "Cinderella," but its originality, intriguing characters, and promise for the quality of the future series installments more than make up for that.

It's hard for me to tell if my feelings on the setting of New Beijing are a result of my own natural desire to know everything or a lack of development on behalf of the novel. Because, while there is definitely a lot of information included about cyborgs and the Lunar enemies of the kingdom, I never really felt like I understood the full scope of their role in the society. It was nice that the included information seemed naturally given rather than dumped in chapters solely for exposition, but still, I think there is far more that never made it in to the story. However, while I never understood the entirety of the setting, I did at least enjoy what happened in it. Despite how predictable things were, even things not from the original "Cinderella," there's just so much always going on that it was hard for me not to always want to keep reading.

Although its the plot and premise are definitely the "selling point" of this book, the characters truly are the best parts. All the hardships Cinder herself faces as a cyborg make her both insanely tough but compassionate to those she cares for. It's this combination that makes her sympathetic as well, and thus always a treat to read about, especially in her more emotional moments. I liked most of the other characters too; although some, like the Lunar queen, are comical with their one-dimensional personalities, those who appear often are delightfully realistic. Prince Kai, for example, always managed to impress me with his kindness and acknowledgment that although he is capable of getting things done, he needs help as well.

Cinder may have lacked some development and surprise, but what's included is exciting, unique, and purely enjoyable in every sense of the word.

Book details: Feiwel & Friends/Hardcover/$17.99

Source: sent by publisher for review

And By the Way by Denise Deegan

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

[description from Book Depository]

At Strandbrook College, we are Kids Of. Kids of diplomats, media stars, musicians, artists, actors, oh, and wealthy people who aspire to all of that. I'm the kid of a rock star. Means nothing to me. When Mum died, six months ago, I didn't just lose her, I lost my dad - to work. The only thing he does now is annoy me. He hires people like 'The Stylist' who wears bullets in her belt and makes him look like a hobo. Seriously. But 'The Rockstar' isn't the only person who drives me mad. There's David McFadden, a guy in my class who could have helped but didn't. Now, it's too late. I don't want his help. Because I'm not going to trust anyone, love anyone, rely on anyone. That way I'll never be hurt again. If only I could solve the problem of Rachel, my best friend, who won't let me pull back just like that. Even David McFadden won't stay out of my face. But I'm not going to fall for his blue eyes, his windswept hair or the plaited leather on his wrist. And when he says he wants to help, I'm sure as hell not going to listen...

Review:

Because And By the Way comes all the way from Ireland, I had not heard of it before it was offered to me for review. However, books involving celebrities are impossible for me to resist, so I happily accepted it. While it is by no means a mind-blowing read, I did really enjoy it.

Although there is plenty of angst present in Alex's life, the book manages to balance the sadder parts with the lighter sections quite well; it often seemed as if there was too much going on to give anything the deserved attention, such as Alex's relationship with her father, but in terms of tone, there's the nice balance between sad and calm. Despite the fact that many of Alex's problems seem underdeveloped in their brevity, there is always at the very least plenty of drama and explicitly detailed emotions that make this book constantly exciting and poignant to read. Even with all of Alex's intense emotion in mind, this book is by no means a depressing one, for certain things in her life, like her romance with David, and her conversational style make it light and fast.

Most of my qualms with this book I touched upon earlier-- there just didn't seem to be enough time spent on some of the smaller issues so that they seemed entirely believable. For example, Alex's friends, Rachel and Sarah, kind of come and go. Which does make sense in terms of the choices Alex makes, but it doesn't really lend to their being particularly well developed. Still, even the less realistic characters and story lines are amusing and provide Alex with another source of trouble that make this book an intense one.

Simultaneously light, emotional, sweet, and poignant, And By the Way is a truly enjoyable read despite my wishes for more development in certain areas.

Book details: Hatchette Ireland/Paperback

Source: sent by publisher for review

In My Mailbox

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:56:00 +0000

In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren and inspired by Pop Cult ure Junkie. Descriptions and such from goodreads.

Exciting things for review this week:

Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby

Meet Josephine Foster, or Zo Jo as she’s called in the biz. The best pint-sized photographer of them all, Jo doesn’t mind doing what it takes to get that perfect shot, until she’s sent on an undercover assignment to shoot Ned Hartnett—teen superstar and the only celebrity who’s ever been kind to her—at an exclusive rehabilitation retreat in Boston. The money will be enough to pay for Jo’s dream: real photography classes, and maybe even quitting her paparazzi gig for good. Everyone wants to know what Ned’s in for. But Jo certainly doesn’t know what she’s in for: falling in love with Ned was never supposed to be part of her assignment.

This one sounds ridiculously adorable.

Keep Holding On by Susane Colasanti

Between Noelle’s difficult home life and the bullying she endures at school, all she wants is to get out of her small town. Noelle would give anything to be with Julian Porter. But staying with her emotionally distant boyfriend is safer. When things heat up between Noelle and Julian, she has to decide whether she can be her true self with him.

I've read all of Susane's Colasanti's books, so I'm excited to see how this one compares to the rest of them.

Wicked Jealous by Robin Palmer

Simone never saw herself as the “cute girl”—she was always the chunky, band tee wearing, France-obsessed smart girl. But now that Simone’s a few pounds lighter and sporting a new retro style, things have gotten, well, weird. Her crush Jason seems to actually know she exists. And when Simone’s soon-to-be stepmonster Hillary stops ignoring her, Simone knows something is up. When Simone’s brother offers to let her move in with him and his six roommates on the beach for the summer, Simone jumps at the chance. But living with seven very different college boys isn’t exactly helping her land her very own happily ever after.

I've been meaning to read one of Robin Palmer's books, so I was very glad to receive this one. It sounds like a fun take on Snow White.

Favorite Retellings

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 19:30:00 +0000

The title says it all.

1. Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier (based on "The Six Swans")

I love this whole series but have to give most of my adoration to book one. Usually such high fantasy makes me want to run, but I'd gladly read all 500+ pages of this beautiful story in one setting.

2. Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood by Eileen Cook (based on The Count of Monte Cristo)

Based on that cover alone you know this book is going to be ridiculous, and it is, in the best way possible. It's such a fun book to read that I couldn't help but put it on this list.

3. Ash by Malinda Lo (based on "Cinderella")

Succinctly summarized as "a lesbian retelling of 'Cinderella,'" but it's also much more than that. It's wonderfully written and manages to be both complex but also beautifully, purely simple.

4. The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale (based on, uh, "The Goose Girl")

Every word makes The Goose Girl seem like a true fairytale, and that's what makes it so magical.

5. Undercover by Beth Kephart (based on Cyrano de Bergerac)

Beth Kephart's writing blows everyone else's out of the water, hence my love for this book. Definitely my favorite Cyrano retelling (excluding maybe that one episode of Boy Meets World).

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

[description from goodreads]

Jill MacSweeny just wishes everything could go back to normal. But ever since her dad died, she's been isolating herself from her boyfriend, her best friends--everyone who wants to support her. And when her mom decides to adopt a baby, it feels like she's somehow trying to replace a lost family member with a new one.

Mandy Kalinowski understands what it's like to grow up unwanted--to be raised by a mother who never intended to have a child. So when Mandy becomes pregnant, one thing she's sure of is that she wants a better life for her baby. It's harder to be sure of herself. Will she ever find someone to care for her, too?

As their worlds change around them, Jill and Mandy must learn to both let go and hold on, and that nothing is as easy--or as difficult--as it seems.

Critically acclaimed author and National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr delivers a heart-wrenching story, told from dual perspectives, about the many roads that can lead us home.

Review:

Because I know you're already singing it to yourself:

Now that we've got that out of the way, let me tell you how much more I love Sara Zarr's How to Save a Life than The Fray's. Not that I don't like the song, because I do, but I like Sara Zarr's books more than most things, including that tune.

Jill and Mandy have such different personalities that making them narrate the same book is both a delightful and slightly annoying thing. Although they're different, they have one thing in common: I can't take too much of either of them at once. Not necessarily in a bad way, though-- I think it's more that they are so human that I couldn't help but be annoyed at one point or another, like I am with most humans. Mandy, for example, speaks and acts in such a naive and optimistic manner that I often couldn't believe someone would be so hippie-like all the time. However, she also speaks so beautifully with her simplicity and optimism that even when I couldn't understand her actions, I could at least enjoy reading about them. Similarly, with Jill, she would often be so harsh to her friends that I didn't understand why she and they still stayed together. Her angst is so easy to relate to, though, and so detailed that I also couldn't help but love her narration. Together, they balance each other out superbly.

The rest of the book I am similarly love-hate about. This is definitely a character-driven novel, and thus the plot sometimes left a bit to be desired. I did like that there were so many issues for each character to deal with-- Jill and her friends, her dad, her mom and new living mate, for example; and Mandy with the prospect of having a child, giving the baby up, and her family life back home. However, despite all these various issues, sometimes things were a bit repetitive. The girls feel so many different things about each issue, but there are only so many actions that can be taken in regards to them that I often felt like I was reading the same thing. Still, there's a constant source of angst and drama, all of it beautifully written and emotional, which makes it always poignant to read.

Although it could have used a bit more varied and faster plot to make me completely love it, I still found How to Save a Life to be a wonderfully real, emotional, touching read.

Book details: Little, Brown/Hardcover/$17.99

Source: bought

Waiting on Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. Descriptions and such from goodreads.

Today I'm waiting on:

The Opposite of Hallelujah by Anna Jarzab

Caro Mitchell considers herself an only child—and she likes it that way. After all, her much older sister, Hannah, left home eight years ago, and Caro barely remembers her. So when Caro’s parents drop the bombshell news that Hannah is returning to live with them, Caro feels as if an interloper is crashing her family. To her, Hannah’s a total stranger, someone who haunts their home with her meek and withdrawn presence, and who refuses to talk about her life and why she went away. Caro can’t understand why her parents cut her sister so much slack, and why they’re not pushing for answers.

Unable to understand Hannah, Caro resorts to telling lies about her mysterious reappearance. But when those lies alienate Caro’s new boyfriend and put her on the outs with her friends and her parents, she seeks solace from an unexpected source. And when she unearths a clue about Hannah’s past—one that could save Hannah from the dark secret that possesses her—Caro begins to see her sister in a whole new light.

---

It's about time that I got news of another Anna Jarzab book, as I've been waiting for her sophomore novel since I read her debut All Unquiet Things. However, even if I didn't really like her first book, I'm sure I'd be looking forward to The Opposite of Hallelujah because sister stories are some of my favorites. Especially ones that involve secrets.

Released October 9.

Happy Galentine's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Valentine's Day is tomorrow, but I really don't care about that. I do, however, care about Parks and Recreation, a fabulous show in which main character Leslie Knope honors her lady best friends on February 13, Galentine's Day. Inspired by that, here are five of my favorite book best friends:

1. Georgia, Jas, and the rest of the Ace Gang from Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging

Georgia is hilarious on her own, but she is truly nothing without her equally loony friends. They're the best kind of crazy.

2. Jenna and Cameron from Sweethearts

Galentine's Day is supposed to be for girl best friends, but I love Cameron and Jenna too much not to put them on this list. Their relationship is so complicated and full of pain but also so beautiful and pure that I can't help but love it.

3. Gemma, Felicity, Pippa, and Ann from A Great and Terrible Beauty

Speaking of complicated relationships, I think these four have Cameron and Jenna beat by a long shot. They cause so much pain and drama in each others' lives but there's no denying that, in spite of everything, they're best friends deep down.

4. Ruby and Chloe from Imaginary Girls

Books that involve family relationships tend to be some of my favorites, so it was inevitable that a pair of sisters would show up on this list. They might even beat Gemma, Felicity, Pippa, and Ann in terms of twistedness, but despite how messed up they are, it's more than evident that they care about each other too.

5. Rose and Lissa from Vampire Academy

These two have a bond like no other and it shows throughout the entire series. No matter what, they stick together, and this love for each other makes me love them.

In My Mailbox

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:51:00 +0000

In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren and inspired by Pop Cult ure Junkie. Descriptions and such from goodreads.

I definitely failed on posting this week since I was on a school retreat (Kairos, for all you Catholic schoolchildren out there). It was great but I'm glad I can now return to getting back in to the reading and blogging groove.

This week for review I got:

Love? Maybe. by Heather Hepler

Just because Piper's birthday is on Valentine's Day does not mean she's a romantic. In fact, after watching her father and then her stepfather leave, she's pretty sure she doesn't believe in love at all. Then her friends concoct a plan to find them all Valentine's dates, and somehow Piper finds herself with the most popular guy in school. But true love never follows a plan, and a string of heartfelt gifts from a secret admirer has Piper wondering if she might be with the wrong guy.

In this heartwarming romance, true love is more than a maybe - and it might be closer than you think.

Definitely a festive read for this week! I might even have to read it next since being festive is one of my favorite things.

I also got a book called Vampire's Kiss but it's not only a sequel to a book I haven't read, but also has vampires, which I can't really handle more of. People that have read book one, Isle of Night: is it worth the read anyway?

Prized by Caragh M. O'Brien

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Spoilers for book one in the series, Birthmarked, ahead!

[description from goodreads]

Striking out into the wasteland with nothing but her baby sister, a handful of supplies, and a rumor to guide her, sixteen-year-old midwife Gaia Stone survives only to be captured by the people of Sylum, a dystopian society where women rule the men who drastically outnumber them, and a kiss is a crime. In order to see her sister again, Gaia must submit to their strict social code, but how can she deny her sense of justice, her curiosity, and everything in her heart that makes her whole?

Review:

I enjoyed this book's predecessor, Birthmarked, a surprisingly large amount so it was with great excitement that I finally tore in to Prized. Although I didn't like it quite as much as book one, I still enjoyed it and can't wait to read the series' conclusion.

Prized seems almost like the start to a whole new series; because of the drastic change in setting, the world-building must begin anew. However, I found Sylum to be just as greatly developed as the Enclave in Birthmarked. I found it to be a refreshing setting compared to the dystopian societies included in the slew of current apocalyptic YA, and I liked it even more for its always surprising nature. The people Gaia encounters in Sylum often seem similar because their roles are so limited, but despite their similarities, they always manage to bring information about a rule or tradition in Sylum that changes Gaia's plans about what to do with her time there. I especially liked Gaia's presence in this society, because she's so different from the rest of them that it's impossible for her not to clash with the rulers and seek out the truth about their often misguided practices.

However, the fact that this book seemed like a different series also hurt it for me. The action in this book took a while to get going because of all the required exposition, but even once it began I was never really sure what the larger point was. Series typically have different problems in individual books but one overarching issue (Harry Potter has to deal with Umbridge in Order of the Phoenix but still has the problem of Voldemort too, for example) as well. I'm still not sure what the overarching problem in this series is, let alone its role in Prized. For this reason I found it very disconnected in terms of it being a second book in a series, even though I did always enjoy it for what it is.

Although it feels sadly disconnected from Birthmarked, I still liked Prized for its original new setting and consistent action, and I'm excited to see where Gaia goes in the next installment.

Book details: Roaring Book Press/Hardcover/$16.99

Source: sent by publisher for review

Waiting on Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. Descriptions and such from goodreads.

Today I'm waiting on:

Pieces of Us by Margie Gelbwasser

Two families. Four teens.
A summer full of secrets.

Every summer, hidden away in a lakeside community in upstate New York, four teens leave behind their old identities…and escape from their everyday lives.

Yet back in Philadelphia during the school year, Alex cannot suppress his anger at his father (who killed himself), his mother (whom he blames for it), and the girls who give it up too easily. His younger brother, Kyle, is angry too—at his abusive brother, and at their mother who doesn’t seem to care. Meanwhile, in suburban New Jersey, Katie plays the role of Miss Perfect while trying to forget the nightmare that changed her life. But Julie, her younger sister, sees Katie only as everything she’s not. And their mother will never let Julie forget it.

Up at the lake, they can be anything, anyone. Free. But then Katie’s secret gets out, forcing each of them to face reality—before it tears them to pieces.

---

I really enjoyed Margie Gelbwasser's first novel, Inconvenient, and this book sounds like it will be just as great if not better. There's only one thing I like more than secrets, and that's secrets that get revealed. I can't wait to see the fallout of these characters' actions.

Released March 8.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

[description from goodreads]

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumors in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumors tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

Review:

I have a bit of a love-hate relationships with John Green's books. I really do love them all individually, but when I consider them together they often blend too much for my liking. However, The Fault in Our Stars definitely stands out from the rest even if it did not invoke quite the emotional reaction other works of Green's has.

I think what prevented me from loving this book entirely is that I already knew how it ended. When I first saw the spoiler I didn't know it was a true one, but of course it was always in the back of my mind, so the events of the book were ultimately not as surprising as they otherwise could have been. However, although I already knew one of the major events of the ending, I always enjoyed seeing the story unfold. Hazel, Augustus, and their peers encounter so many colorful, crazy people and places that I always always entertained. However, to go along with the entertainment, I was also given plenty to think about. With such a deep and emotional premise, it's impossible for this book not to include some grandiose discussions of life, death, health, friendship, and a multitude of other things. Hazel and Augustus often appear impossibly articulate and intelligent, but somehow for this book it works because all the things they say are worth thought and attention no matter how pretentious they can be.

It also doesn't hurt that Hazel, Augustus, and most of the rest of the characters manage to be both funny and sad, my favorite combination. Because Hazel is so unused to spending time with others her age, especially those who are not currently sick, she has a totally fresh, candid, and witty perspective on everything around her. Augustus provides both a great contrast and accompaniment to Hazel; he seems to know so much more than the girl, giving the pair things to discuss, but as the novel progresses, he seems to know so little that his quest for knowledge may never end. Seeing the pair embark on their journeys of self-discovery together is truly a heartbreaking and beautiful thing, for they've been through so much individually that they of course go through just as much together.

Although it lacked a strong emotional reaction because I already knew what was coming, there's no denying that The Fault in Our Stars is a great book. It's so very depressing but also so witty, a combination that creates a perfectly poignant and intelligent read.

Book details: Dutton/Hardcover/$17.99

Source: bought

In My Mailbox

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren and inspired by Pop Cult ure Junkie. Descriptions and such from goodreads.

Some intriguing things for review this week:

Graceling by Kristin Cashore (plus sequels/companions Fire and Bitterblue)

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug. When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone. With elegant, evocative prose and a cast of unforgettable characters, debut author Kristin Cashore creates a mesmerizing world, a death-defying adventure, and a heart-racing romance that will consume you, hold you captive, and leave you wanting more.

Despite the fact that this is basically everyone's favorite book, I haven't read it yet. Shameful, I know, but I am sure that when I finally get to it I will enjoy it immensely.

Where it Began by Anne Redisch Stampler

Sometimes the end is just the beginning.

Gabby lived under the radar until her makeover. Way under. but when she started her senior year as a blonder, better-dressed version of herself, she struck gold: Billy Nash believed she was a the flawless girl she was pretending to be. The next eight months with Billy were bliss...Until the night Gabby woke up on the ground next to the remains of his BMW without a single memory of how she got there.

And Billy's nowhere to be found.

All Gabby wants is to make everything perfect again. But getting her life back isn't difficult, it's impossible. Because nothing is the same, and Gabby's beginning to realize she's missed more than a few danger signs along the way.

It's time for Gabby to face the truth, even if it means everything changes.

Especially if it means everything changes.

The girl's stare on this cover is super creepy, but I think the book itself will make up for that.

Fracture by Megan Miranda

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

[description from goodreads]

Eleven minutes passed before Delaney Maxwell was pulled from the icy waters of a Maine lake by her best friend Decker Phillips. By then her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead. And yet she somehow defied medical precedent to come back seemingly fine- despite the scans that showed significant brain damage. Everyone wants Delaney to be all right, but she knows she's far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can't control or explain, Delaney finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her altered brain now predicting death, or causing it?

Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who recently emerged from a coma with similar abilities. At first she's reassured to find someone who understands the strangeness of her new existence, but Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature-or something much more frightening?

For fans of best-sellers like Before I Fall and If I Stay, this is a fascinating and heart-rending story about love and friendship and the fine line between life and death.

Review:

I can never seem to pass up a book with a narrator who is dead or has had a near-death experience of some sort. Fracture, because its narrator returns from death, thus interested me greatly; sadly, this interest didn't stay as intense the entire length of the book, but I liked it nonetheless.

Despite the fact that it's what drew me to the book, what I liked least was Delaney's habits after waking up from her coma. It never really made sense to me what her supposed ability of sensing death was supposed to be about; it's a decidedly supernatural idea, but it's such a small part of the rather short book that I never quite saw the point in its inclusion. Her ability became even more strange once Troy, who has a similar power, appears; he's almost comical in his attitude, and even when they two were together I wasn't sure of what exactly their abilities were supposed to do.

Still, Troy at the very least provided some much needed drama in this book. I may not have liked him, but I appreciated that he provided a constant source of conflict, along with a few twists and heart wrenching bits near the end. Everyone else I am similarly iffy about; for example, Decker, Delaney's best friend, is clearly sweet and I enjoyed his role in Delaney's healing, but the relationship between the two was more frustrating than enjoyable to read about. When together, which is often, they were just too angsty for my liking. Separate, though, I like them both, especially Delaney. She more often than not manages to describe her chaotic and sad feelings well, especially as she begins to explore her abilities and adjust to life once again.

Fracture does have an intriguing premise and consistently emotional and therefore compelling narrative, but it lacked far too much depth in both characterization and plot for me to move beyond simply liking it.

Book details: Walker/Hardcover/$17.99

Source: sent by publisher for review

Wildthorn by Jane Eagland

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

[description from goodreads]

Seventeen-year-old Louisa Cosgrove longs to break free from her respectable life as a Victorian doctor's daughter. But her dreams become a nightmare when Louisa is sent to Wildthorn Hall: labeled a lunatic, deprived of her liberty and even her real name. As she unravels the betrayals that led to her incarceration, she realizes there are many kinds of prison. She must be honest with herself - and others - in order to be set free. And love may be the key...

Review:

On the list of things that I like, asylums, history, and angst are all ranked relatively high. I wasn't always a fan of the way they, along with the many other things tackled, came together in this book, but I still found Wildthorn an original and engaging tale.

It was initially difficult for me to get in to this book, though, for its first section switches between the past and present. This constant switch is a bit annoying in that it ends half way through and thus appears to be solely for the purpose of introducing relationships, but luckily the scenes set in the present are far more compelling. Because Louisa is so set on the idea that she isn't crazy, while everyone else thinks she is, much of the original excitement in the story centers upon whether she really is mad or if there is a conspiracy behind her sending there, either option I would have been happy to read about. As the novel progresses, there is even more time spent describing the horrific practices of the asylum, another topic I delight in reading about even if it did often seem like certain details were included solely to be shocking, and not because they were necessarily essential to the story.

I felt like other aspects of the novel appeared to be trying too hard as well; for example, although I did like Louisa's determination to become a doctor, as she describes in the chapters set in the past, her manner of discussing it seemed so speech-like and inorganic that she seemed more preachy than genuine. However, despite her and some of the other characters' tendency to appear exaggerated to the point of inhuman, I did enjoy reading about the people in this novel. Louisa's determination and curiosity pushes her to always seek answers, making this book consistently an adventure, especially when secrets about the other characters are discovered. The uncovered secrets in this book are probably the best parts, because not only do they make for an exciting read, but each other reveals something about one of the characters that moves them beyond their often two-dimensional appearance.

Wildthorn has a great, unique premise and consistently engrossing narrative, but because I often found it tried too hard to include many big issues, I don't love it as much as I could otherwise.

Book details: Graphia/Paperback/$8.99

Source: BEA '10 (I know)

Waiting on Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. Descriptions and such from goodreads.

Today I'm waiting on:

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Oct. 11th, 1943

A British spy plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France.

Its pilot and passenger are best friends.

One of the girls has a chance at survival. The other has lost the game before it's barely begun.

When “Verity” is arrested by the Gestapo, she knows she doesn’t stand a chance. As a secret agent captured in enemy territory, she’s living a spy’s worst nightmare. Her Nazi interrogator gives her a simple choice: reveal her mission or face the firing squad.

As she intricately weaves her confession, Verity uncovers her past, how she became friends with the pilot Maddie, and why she left Maddie in the wrecked fuselage of their plane. On each new scrap of paper, Verity battles for her life, confronting her views on courage, failure and her desperate hope to make it home. But will trading her secrets be enough to save her from the enemy?

Harrowing and beautifully written, Elizabeth Wein creates a visceral read of danger, resolve, and survival that shows just how far true friends will go to save each other. The physical bonds of war will never be as strong as the bonds forged by the unforgettable friendship in this extraordinary tale of fortitude in the face of the ultimate evil.

---

Books with Nazis tend to be pretty great, but one with Nazis, planes, spies, and best friends? It doesn't get much better than that.

Released May 15.

A Million Suns by Beth Revis

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Spoilers for book one in the series, Across the Universe, ahead!

[description from goodreads]

Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.

It's been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to enact his vision - no more Phydus, no more lies.

But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart.

In book two of the Across the Universe trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis mesmerizes us again with a brilliantly crafted mystery filled with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.

Review:

I really did enjoy Across the Universe, so I looked forward to this sequel even though many of my experiences with sequels in general aren't that good. However, I like A Million Suns the same if not more than I like its predecessor.

Although it did take a while to get going, there is plenty of excitement happening in this book. Amy and Elder's search for the truth occasionally seemed a bit repetitive because of its scavenger hunt-like nature, but at the very least, their repetitive actions always ended up with different results and dramatic encounters with the other people aboard the ship. And, really, the repetition and agonizing length of their hunt is all worth it by the end because their revelation, and the chaos it causes, its delightfully surprising and intense.

One thing I'm more torn on in this novel, though, are the characters. Although they both narrate the story, it's always seemed to be more Amy's story than Elder's to me. I never remember his sections quite as vividly, or care about him quite as much, even though he is often involved in the more dangerous and intriguing problems aboard the ship. Subsequently, I also never really seem to pay much attention to the other people who appear in his story, and thus I don't really find them as believable as they could be. Amy, on the other hand, I do really like because of all the shenanigans she gets caught in and the way she deals with things that the others in the book simply can't.

A worthy sequel to the great Across the Universe because of its action, intrigue, and most excellent ending.

Book details: Razorbill/Hardcover/$17.99

Source: sent by publisher for review

In My Mailbox

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren and inspired by Pop Cult ure Junkie. Descriptions and such from goodreads.

This week, I just bought one thing, but I'm very excited about it:

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumors in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

John Green's previous books are all great, and I've heard nothing but amazing things about this one. I'll have to read it next so I can see if I agree with all the hype (I'm sure I will).

Favorite of "Contains Shakespeare"

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:44:00 +0000

I've read plenty of books that are inspired by, based on, or contain a Shakespeare play in one form or another. Here are five of my favorites:

1. Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev (contains the fairies from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Ariel from The Tempest, and various other theatrical characters)

A truly magical and beautifully written novel with an awesome sequel too. I'm excited that I finally have book three in my possession for I can't wait to see what happens to Bertie, Nate, Ariel, and the rest of the gang. (But mostly Nate.)

2. My Invented Life by Lauren Bjorkman (contains [and is based on, I believe] As You Like It)

Hilarious, sarcastic, ridiculous, but smart-- aka, all my favorite things in one.

3. Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty by Jody Gehrman (based on Much Ado About Nothing)

I'm automatically inclined to like books that feature baristas, as that is one of my favorite words, but it doesn't hurt that it's pretty funny and sweet too.

4. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa (contains Puck and various fairies from A Midsummer Night's Dream)

Puck is my favorite of this series, so it only makes sense that book one shows up here.

5. Chasing Windmills by Catherine Ryan Hyde (cheating with this one since it's based more on West Side Story than anything, but West Side Story is based on Romeo and Juliet so it totally counts)

Because I hadn't even seen West Side Story yet when I first read this book (if I had, I would have been rather biased toward liking it) my love for it seems all the more true.

Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

[description from goodreads]

When Lupita discovers Mami has been diagnosed with cancer, she is terrified by the possibility of losing her mother, the anchor of their close-knit Mexican American family.

In the midst of juggling high school classes, finding her voice as an actress, and dealing with friends who don’t always understand, Lupita desperately wants to support her mother by doing anything she can to help. While Papi is preoccupied with caring for Mami, Lupita takes charge of her seven younger siblings. Struggling in her new roles and overwhelmed by change, Lupita escapes the chaos of home by writing in the shade of a mesquite tree, seeking refuge in the healing power of words.

Told in evocative free verse, Lupita’s journey is both heart-wrenching and hopeful. Under the Mesquite is an empowering story about the testing of family bonds, the strength of a teenage girl navigating pain and hardship, and the kind of love that cannot be uprooted.

Review:

This book is another prime example of my horrible procrastination habits-- it took me months to finally read it, which was a silly choice on my part for Under the Mesquite is a beautifully written, emotional novel despite its brevity.

However, its brevity still prevented me from loving this book completely. It's about 250 pages long, but considering it's written in verse and covers so many years, it seems even shorter. This short length often prevents certain characters from being well developed, because they either leave Lupita's life after one year or seem to change completely in the time that she doesn't cover. In the grand scheme of things, though, this qualm is a bit insignificant in comparison to the wonderful development of Lupita and her writing. Poetry inherently makes everything simply sound more emotionally charged, but the detail and thought Lupita puts into her words elevate her writing even further, making it easy to connect to her situation. Her detail helps showcase her harried feelings about her mother's condition and her family, and coupled with just as wonderfully described moments of joy that inevitably occur, the narrative is truly something beautiful and heart wrenching.

It's not a flashy or action-packed book, and it fell too flat with certain characterization for my liking, but the intense emotion and lovely writing make Under the Mesquite worth a read.

Book details: Lee & Low Books/Hardcover/$17.95

Source: sent by publisher for review

Waiting on Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. Descriptions and such from goodreads.

Today I'm waiting on:

The Best Night of Your (Pathetic) Life by Tara Altebrando

An all-day scavenger hunt in the name of eternal small-town glory.

With only a week until graduation, there’s one last thing Mary and her friends must do together: participate in the Oyster Point High Official Unofficial Senior Week Scavenger Hunt. And Mary is determined to win.

Mary lost her spot at Georgetown to self-professed “it” bully Pete Lembo, and she’s not about to lose again. But everyone is racing for the finish line with complicated motives, and the team’s all-night adventure becomes all-night drama as shifting alliances, flared tempers, and crushing crushes take over. As the items and points pile up, Mary and her team must reinvent their strategy—and themselves—in order to win.

---

I totally enjoyed Tara Altebrando's Dreamland Social Club and have been eager to read another book by her. I also have a inexplicable fondness for scavenger hunts and tales of college angst so I'm doubly excited to read this one.

Released July 5.

Leverage by Joshua C. Cohen

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:47:00 +0000

[description from goodreads]

The football field is a battlefield.

There's an extraordinary price for victory at Oregrove High. It is paid on - and off - the football field. And it claims its victims without mercy - including the most innocent bystanders.

When a violent, steroid-infused, ever-escalating prank war has devastating consequences, an unlikely friendship between a talented but emotionally damaged fullback and a promising gymnast might hold the key to a school's salvation.

Told in alternating voices and with unapologetic truth, Leverage illuminates the fierce loyalty, flawed justice, and hard-won optimism of two young athletes.

Review:

Every time my friend Jordyn of the blog Ten Cent Notes recommends a book, I take a horribly long time to finally get around to reading it even though I always end up loving her recommendations. This might be the worst instance of my procrastination because, my goodness, this is one heck of a book.

"Enjoyed" is not exactly the word I would use to describe my feelings on this book, for it's far too horrific and intense for it to be a pleasurable reading experience-- my love for this book is definitely more on the masochistic side. From the very beginning of the novel, when the awkward gymnast Danny meets the stuttering football player Kurt, it's obvious that even though they don't have much of a relationship early on, the interactions between their two teams are not going to be pretty. It's the stars of the football team that appear (and remain) the most horrific people, but as the novel progresses, everyone has their awful moments. The actions the boys take are just sick, immoral, horrifying, heartbreaking, and demand the question of why anyone would do such stupid and disgusting things. On more than one occasion I had to text the aforementioned Jordyn exclaiming shock and horror at what I was reading because some things were just too graphic and intense for me to not freak out over.

However, despite all the horror occurring, the book doesn't use them purely for shock value, as evidenced by the care in developing the characters as well. While some of the minor characters, like the football captains, seemed a bit flat in that they do most of the same things throughout the story, the other leads are simply wonderful, especially narrators Danny and Kurt. Danny is so very unassuming and that's part of his charm; although his father does not care much about his sport and there's better people on the team, he tries his hardest and when he doesn't do the right thing, his guilt and torment are painfully evident. I love Kurt even more because even though it hurts to see him stutter and struggle over the scarring events of his past, watching him move past those things and figure out what exactly he should be doing is so very moving, especially in the book's conclusion.

Leverage is hard to read because of its horrifying events, but it's so wonderfully written and developed that the emotional havoc it wreaks is well worth it.

Book details: Dutton/Hardcover/$17.99

Source: bought

Quote Post!

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:36:00 +0000

Because I don't have an In My Mailbox for today and quotes are my favorites:

“Remember that at any given moment there are a thousand things you can love.”

- The Realm of Possibility by David Levithan

“Time passes too quickly when you're getting ready to do something you don't want to do.”

- Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers

“Nothing ever really goes away--it just changes into something else. Something beautiful.”

- Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

“Sometimes the facts in my head get bored and decide to take a walk in my mouth. Frequently this is a bad thing.”

- So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld (Underrated book!)

Fairy Bad Day by Amanda Ashby

noreply@blogger.com (Khy) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

[description from goodreads]

While most students at Burtonwood Academy get to kill demons and goblins, fifteen-year-old Emma gets to rid the world of little annoying fairies with glittery wings and a hipster fashion sense. She was destined to be a dragon slayer, but cute and charming Curtis stole her spot. Then she sees a giant killer fairy - and it's invisible to everyone but her! If Emma has any chance of stopping this evil fairy, she's going to need help. Unfortunately, the only person who can help is Curtis. And now, not only has he stolen her dragon-slayer spot, but maybe her heart as well! Why does she think it's going to be a fairy bad day?

Review:

Although I tend to shy away from paranormal stories like they're the plague, I can handle them when they're a bit more fantasy and wrapped up in a light package; hence, I enjoyed Fairy Bad Day immensely.

The premise of this book is a bit ridiculous-- hipster fairies! -- but that's part of this book's charm. I love the wide variety of creatures included and that all of them, no matter their level of danger, are slayed; it doesn't get much better than murder. I wish there was more of an introduction to the other creatures, techniques, and school because Emma's friends all are assigned to slay different things and they don't get as big a chance to shine. But, at least the main villains, the fairies, were nicely developed-- I wish the worst of the worst appeared sooner and wasn't so over-the-top, but hey, at least it was fun. I had a blast reading Emma's adventures in finding out just what she was up against, because as she digs deeper, she's forced to confront some hard-hitting truths about herself, her family, and her slaying way of life.

Just like my feelings about the plot and premise, my thoughts on the characters lean toward both wishing they were better developed and not really minding since they're so entertaining anyway. Emma, as anyone else in this story would, does not handle her fairy assignment with grace, but as she gets used to dealing with the creatures, she becomes hilariously snarky and simultaneously tough. I wish her love interest, Curtis, was as nicely developed and amusing because although there are some delightful twists involved in his life that make the fantastical aspects of this world all the more interesting, he does not particularly stand out. Everyone else is also a bit interchangeable for me; I remember people's habits, like Emma's friend's penchant for horoscopes, much more than I remember names, but that may just be my poor memory failing me once again.

It's no award winner or stunning piece of work, but that doesn't take away from the fact that Fairy Bad Day is one insanely fun, adorable read.

Book details: Speak/Paperback/$7.99

Source: sent by publisher for review