One Librarian's Book Reviews

A Wrinkle in Time 50th Anniversary Blog Tour: Sharing A Wrinkle in Time

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

One of the best parts of reading is sharing what we read. We form book clubs and start book blogs and become librarians in order to experience the joy of sharing our favorites. But what I find even more fun than just blabbing on about a book I loved to a (sometimes) astonished friend/patron/stranger is something a little bit more: putting the right book at the right time into the right hands.

A Wrinkle in Time, which is celebrating its 50th year of publication with an awesome new edition (see the features below), is such a unique book! It has a little bit of everything and doesn't quite fit anywhere, rather like the main character Meg feels. Part fantasy, sci-fi, religious allegory, even dystopian at times, this book has it all. But what makes it survive the test of time are the relatable characters. Meg, who doesn't quite fit in, who doesn't do things "right" at school, who doesn't feel comfortable in her own body. In short, nearly every young girl or boy at some point in their life will feel like Meg.

So why is this book not universally loved? There are many people who did not love this book. Even hated it. Several of my siblings expressed loathing for this book years after having read it, admitting they remember nothing about it except that hatred. It is an odd book, quirky, difficult to feel comfortable with. Universal love is not what makes a book "good" or "classic" or "enjoyable." That is why connecting just the right kind of reader with just the right kind of book at just the right time is essential.

When children or young adults or not-so-young-adults feel like Meg, like they don't fit into their own life or their own world. This book could remind them they have a place, that they fit somewhere in this universe. That they are not alone.

The right readers for this book (and millions of other books) are out there waiting. It could be someone you know or someone you don't know, aching to find the right book at just the right time. Put it in their hands.
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Check out the other blogs on the 50 years, 50 days, 50 blogs tour

A Wrinkle in Time: 50th Anniversary Commemorative Edition features:

Frontispiece photo*†
Photo scrapbook with approximately 10 photos*†
Manuscript pages*†
Letter from 1963 Caldecott winner, Ezra Jack Keats*†
New introduction by Katherine Paterson, US National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature†
New afterword by Madeleine L’Engle’s granddaughter Charlotte Voiklis including six never-before-seen photos†
Murry-O’Keefe family tree with new artwork†
Madeleine L’Engle’s Newbery acceptance speech

* Unique to this edition † never previously published

What kind of Wrinkle reader were you?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: This Dark Endeavour by Kenneth Oppel

2012-01-26T11:24:00.000-07:00

This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein by Kenneth Oppel
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: August 2011
Pages: 304
Source: Library
For: Fun
Series: Yes, Book 1.

Viktor and Konrad are twin brothers who have shared just about everythin in life. But when Konrad becomes ill, Viktor finds that the only place he can turn is to alchemy and a dark secret hidden in his father's house. Will he be able to save Konrad before it is too late, or will he find that he has fallen into something much deeper and darker than he imagined?

Things I Liked:
[I totally wish I'd read this in 2012, so I could pair it with Frankenstein for my Classic Double Challenge. Alas, I didn't.] Just the concept of seeing Frankenstein as a teen delights me. I really enjoyed the interactions of the characters, including a love triangle that didn't suck. I especially liked seeing Viktor wonder about his motivations and the lengths he'd go to in order to save his brother. I thought it was a pretty good backstory that fit right in with the classic book. There was also quite a few exciting adventures and a touch of the Gothic spookiness from the original tale. A pleasure to read. I liked Elizabeth a lot:

"I just assumed it would be Henry and me climbing the tree."
"Oh." she nodded humbly. "Yes. I suppose that makes the most sense. I can just wait at the bottom and do needlepoint by the light of the lantern-"
"Elizabeth-," I said, hearing the fire kindling in her voice.
"-or just daydream about the latest Paris fashions." p 105

Things I Didn't Like:
It definitely doesn't have the spark or the depth of ethical issues that Frankenstein does. I guess that's what happens when you talk about what some crazy guy did before he went really crazy!

Read-alikes:
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
A little like Prophecy of the Sisters trilogy by Michelle Zink for the atmosphere and Gothic feel

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
one or two

mrg-factor: none
a bit of kissing, though

v-factor: ->
some rather intense parts, a little fighting

Overall rating: ****

What do you think of a prequel for a classic book?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

The Queen's Thief Week: If You Like...

2012-01-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

Chachic of Chachic's Book Nook is celebrating one of my all-time favorite series all week long! Be sure you go check out the awesome guest posts and other goodies (including a guest post from Megan Whalen Turner). Ever since she announced this, I wanted to write something. But what? I didn't have time to reread the series, not even the books I haven't reviewed on my blog. And what could I possibly say that hasn't been said better elsewhere? So, I thought I'd list just a few enticements that might make you want to pick up this series if you haven't, or read it again if you have.

If you like...

...political intrigue, you will become embroiled in the Queen's Thief series.

...complex plots, you will get caught in the intricacies of the plots in the Queen's Thief series.

...a cocky, wickedly lovable, indescribably sneaky main character thief, you will love Gen from the Queen's Thief series.

...a love story that will surprise you with its depth and impossibility, you will fall for the Queen's Thief series.

...subtlety of plot and mere hints of clues, you will devour the Queen's Thief series.

...an ending that both surprises and makes sense, you will drop your jaw for the Queen's Thief series.

...detailed, smart, layered writing, you will find it in Megan Whalen Turner's the Queen's Thief series.

...a pseudo-historical setting with mythological aspects, you will get lost in Sounis, Eddis, and Attolia from the Queen's Thief series.

So, what makes you love the Queen's Thief series? Or what makes you want to start it?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Families

2012-01-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

I'm jumping in on another Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, just in time for freebie week! I decided I'm going to talk about my favorite bookish families. I have a soft spot for family dynamics, whether sibling or parent-child. Growing up in a big family was so fun (and crazy) and played a huge role in making me who I am today. Here are ten of my favorite fictional families (in no particular order):

The Beaumont family from Savvy (and Scumble) by Ingrid Law. Oh how I love the quirky wildness of not just the immediate Beaumonts, but the whole crazy extended family. Reminded me of my own family's hectic reunions.

The Ryves brothers in the Demon's Lexicon series by Sarah Rees Brennan. What a sticky, interesting, realistic relationship they have. And it just gets better with each book. To a lesser extent, I also like the Crawfords too. Really, this book is filled with fabulous family dynamic.

Carter and Sadie Kane from the Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan. I just finished listening to The Throne of Fire on audio and it was absolutely hilarious! I fell in love with the sibling banter, the growing relationship between these two. A perfect book for brothers and sisters to both read and enjoy.

The March family (of course!) from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Can any family list be complete without the Marches? I adore the four daughters, with a soft spot in my heart for Jo, naturally. I loved reading about the ways they understand each other and the ways they don't. How different and yet how similar. Definitely rang true for this girl with four sisters. And don't forget Marmie!

The Bennets from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. The ultimate family of frivolous and sensible sisters (and parents). I adore how Lizzy and Jane can understand one another so well, and still love their ridiculous younger sisters. And the parents, I wish we had a story about them falling in love (or not falling in love as the case may be). To a lesser extent, I also like the Dashwoods in Sense and Sensibility, though I think they are too extreme for my taste.

Kendra and Seth from the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull. Much like the Kanes, this brother-sister team is full of fighting and love, butting heads and working together. There is something about brothers and sisters that makes such an interesting dynamic. They can get along so well, but they can also fight like the dickens! (Which, come to think of it, is the way sisters are too.)

The de Luce sisters from the Flavia de Luce books by Alan Bradley. Oh I will never get over the antics these rivaling sisters throw at one another. Spiteful, bitter enemies, but still managing to hide a regard for each other deep under the surface. A realistic, if slightly scary look at sisters.

The Pevensies from the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. I just loved how they all had to work together (at least in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe) to accomplish anything. Each one is so individual and there is a lot of envy and rivalry, but they hold fast to each other in the end.

The princesses in Entwined by Heather Dixon. Seriously, putting twelve princesses into a story sounds like a nightmare (not to mention real life)! But I just fell in love with those oldest three and how unique and fun they all were. Again, each one was important to the story, but in different ways. It seems they all have different strengths and weaknesses.

The Weasleys from the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling. Really, who doesn't love this collection of red-haired brothers and sister. Every one of them was unique, every one of them had strengths, and I loved each of them to bits. Nothing quite like a big family to make me feel at home!

Who are your favorite fictional families?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

My Epic Youth Media Awards Fail!

2012-01-23T12:05:00.000-07:00

I just had to note: I totally failed on this year's winners! Usually I manage to read at least one book from the Newbery or Printz winners list before the announcement. This year? Not. One. Seriously, how did this happen? In fact, pretty much the whole list of winners was a fail for me. I read (and loved) one honor book for the William C. Morris award (debut authors), The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson. I'm hoping to fix this and I put several of the winners on hold at the library. Still, I'm feeling pretty lousy in my reading. And I admit I'm a bit sad that Okay For Now by Gary Schmidt didn't even garner an honor. But! There are lots of delightful books (well, I hope so, since I haven't read many) on the winners list.

Newbery winner:

Printz winner:

For a full list of the winners, check out ALA's announcement.

How did you do on your award-winning reading?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink

2012-01-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date: August 2011
Pages: 368
Source: Library
For: Fun
Series: Prophecy of the Sisters, Book 3

*Spoilers for the first two books likely*
Lia is nearing the end of her search for the things she needs to close the gate. All she needs now is the fourth key and the stone. But, time is something she doesn't have. Pursued by the Souls and constantly battling against their powers has worn her down. Will she have the strength to withstand them and will she be able to get Alice to help her close the gate?

Things I Liked:
I was happy to finally have the conclusion to this series. I love the Gothic historical fantasy feel to the story. With the secret societies and the place the two sisters have in the prophecy, I couldn't stop reading the final book. I loved especially the dynamics of Lia's relationship with her sister and with the other keys, particularly learning to forgive and trust. I thought those were the most interesting parts of the book, though how the ancient rite would be performed was also intriguing. Though the ending seemed inevitable, I was still interested in how she would get there. A satisfying end to an interesting series.

"We all fall short at times, don't you think?" she asks. "But we forgive others their shortcomings and hope they will do the same for us." "Perhaps. But that's the thing; I have not forgiven their shortcomings as readily as you forgave mine. Now..." I sigh. "Well, now I suppose it seems unfair to expect them to extend their kindness to me." p 238

Things I Didn't Like:
I got a bit tired of the doom and end of the world feeling that Lia seemed to express at the end of every chapter. Yes, if she fails, it's all over, but it seemed overdone and beaten to death. Also, I was rather disappointed in how easily and neatly the end came about. Alice's part in the book came suddenly and seemed rather unlike her character. I admit I had a hard time believing it. Still, a good story.

Read-alikes:
Dreamhunter by Elizabeth Knox
The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
maybe a few

mrg-factor: XX
it's there, but not explicit

v-factor: none

Overall rating: ***.5

I'm starting to think I just don't like the last book in trilogies anymore. Maybe I just don't like endings?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

2012-01-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Publisher: Doubleday
Publication date: September 2011
Pages: 400
Source: Library
For: Fun

This book is very hard to describe, but at its center lies Le Cirque des Rêves, the Circus of Dreams, a mystical, unusual, different kind of circus. Battling behind striped curtains and caramel apples are two magicians, Celia and Marco, locked in a battle not of their making. Will this place of dreams be a witness to their destruction or to a much different end to their battle?

Things I Liked:
This book is very, very atmospheric, and I think this is it's greatest strength, why so many people have raved about it. The way Morgenstern writes, the strange details and the unique elements of the circus come right to life. It is like living through a vivid and strange dream on page, never knowing exactly what will pop up next. I really liked some of the characters, notably not Celia or Marco, but Chandresh and Poppet. It is, to use the overused phrase, evocative. You actually feel (and smell and taste) like you are at the Night Circus. A truly interesting and unique book that really pops from the page to life.

Things I Didn't Like:
I was not really impressed with the epic love story. I felt like there wasn't any development of their relationship. They have very little page time together and yet they have this unbreakable bond of love. I just couldn't buy it. I also really wanted more explanation of the magic, the illusions, and what happened in the end. It was so vague that I honestly thought I'd skipped a chapter or something. Definitely worth the read just for the experience, though. All that raving didn't go awry in this case.

Read-alikes:
I really don't know of anything similar, maybe Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clark a little

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@#
at least one f-bomb that I can remember

mrg-factor: X
sensual, but not much action on the page

v-factor: ->
a few incidents but the details are light

Overall rating: ****

Can you think of anything like this? It is very unique, I think.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Mini Reviews 4: Bring on the Minis!

2012-01-18T10:07:00.001-07:00

Another set of minis today! I'm becoming really fond of this way of reviewing - it's so much shorter and easier. Here's hoping I can say it in fewer words!

The Secret Life of Ms. Finkleman by Ben H. Winters
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: September 2010
Pages: 256
Source: Review copy provided by publisher
For: Review

When Bethesda Fielding decides to do her secret project on the mysterious life of boring music teacher Ms. Finkleman, she little expects to uncover what she does. A former punk-rocker and famous mystery woman, their unassuming teacher is plunged back into the spotlight. But the discovery is not exactly as either Bethesda or Ms. Finkleman thought it would be.

My thoughts: This is a short, sweet, and fairly funny story about the mysterious lives of teachers - what do they do outside of school?  A story that seems to not have much depth, but pulls a few surprises before it ends. It's something to give your MG kids who like music and wonder what their teachers do in their spare time.
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Slayers by C.J. Hill
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication date: September 2011
Pages: 384
Source: e-book from NetGalley
For: Review
Series: Probably, this is Book 1

When Tori heads to dragon camp, she does not expect to find out that there are real dragons. A spoiled daughter of a rich senator, she is discovering the adjustment to her fellow slayers, descendents of knights specially trained to kill dragons, are not very welcoming. She is thrust into a different world and not quite sure she wants to be there. After all, not only are dragons real, they are vicious and might just be used to take over the world.

My thoughts:  I liked how it was more than just a dragon story.  There were interesting ethical quanderies and developing relationships and realistic interactions between teens. It was an interesting mix of contemporary and fantasy.  Explanations of the dragon and slayer histories were somewhat vague and a bit unbelievable for me.  Even though it didn't feel like fantasy most of the time, I'm anxious to see where this newly-fantasy author takes this story.
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Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: November 2011
Pages: 352
Source: Library
For: The Dystopia 2012 Challenge
Series: Yes, this is Book 1

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in over 200 days. She's been stuck in a cell, slowly losing her mind, always fearing the power she holds in her hands. But when the Reestablishment decides it wants to use her as a weapon, Juliette must make a decision - one that will have much more powerful repercussions than she can imagine.

My thoughts: I thought the book had some really interesting and unique aspects to it: a little paranormal, a bit dystopian, mashed together. The main characters were intriguing: Juliette and Warren especially. I was initially (and quite a bit throughout) thrown off by the writing style - the stream-of-consciousness feeling. The strike-throughs, which bothered some, weren't the most difficult for me to deal with, it was the use of odd metaphors and strange turns of phrase that just struck me as off. A few times, this took me completely out of the story and I think that's much of what made me not enjoy it. I was also disappointed in the lack of details on this future world, the Reestablishment, and what was going on. Still, I became invested in what happened to Juliette and Adam and Warren. I may still pick up the sequel. And I have to admit, hearing Tahereh speak at a Dark Days event (recap to come...sometime) I wanted to like it even more. She was really relatable and funny and genuinely happy to be a YA author. I'll be interested to read more from her.
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The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise by Julia Stuart
Publisher: Doubleday
Publication date: August 2010
Pages: 304
Source: ARC provided by publisher
For: Review

Balthazar and Hebe Jones have lived in the London Tower for eight years, Balthazar working as a Beafeater. But when a small zoo is placed in his care, his rarely simple job gets even more complicated. Soon, he's juggling exotic animals, Tower secrets, and his own grief over the loss of his small son. Will he pull through this adventure in one piece?

My thoughts: This is a quirky, charming book filled with odd characters doing even odder things. It is very British, though I'm obviously not a great judge of something's British-ness. The story itself was rather fun - Balthazar dealing with all of these exotic animals being installed in various locations in the Tower. I often got distracted because there was a lot of unrelated historical facts and stories that were inserted at random times. Some of it was interesting, some of it just felt like a distraction from the story. In fact, it almost felt at times that the author really wanted to write a book about weird historical facts about the Tower, but wanted to disguise it as a novel. I think what kept me reading was really the strangeness of the characters - and also to find out about Milo. Definitely not like anything I've read in a long time. This is an adult book, so it has adult language (one f-word) and other mature content.
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Ripple by Mandy Hubbard
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication date: July 2011
Pages: 260
Source: Library
For: Fun
Series: Probably, this is Book 1

Lexi has cut herself off from friends and everyone she cares about. She has a terrible secret, a terrible power. Drawn to the water and to singing a deadly song, she must avoid killing again. Because last time, she killed her boyfriend. But when things suddenly change and her life might just return to normal, will she have the strength to make her most difficult choice yet?

My thoughts: I really liked the idea of this book - a siren who inadvertently kills the guy she likes. It felt unique and different from most of the paranormal romance books out. And it did have some original things, I think. I liked how a lot of the book focused on grief and guilt and its effects on her relationships.  But there were a lot of small things about it that bugged me. One of those things, the way the moon always seemed to be rising at sunset, is just the astronomy-major in me being bugged by something small. I was also a bit thrown by learning that Steven and Cole were best friends, but Steven was a senior and Cole a sophomore. Not that it isn't possible, but it was a bit odd to me. Where were Cole's parents?  And I could kind of see the twist coming a long way off. Generally, just not the right book for me. Still, I think it will hold some appeal for fans of paranormal romance. A note on content: language (one f-word), mature content: one scene in particular, and violence: a few grisly parts.

It seems despite my attempts to say less, I still manage to say a LOT in these "mini" reviews. Do you like them more or less than my regular (long-winded) reviews?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Vanish by Sophie Jordan

2012-01-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

Vanish: A Firelight Novel by Sophie Jordan
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: September 2011
Pages: 304
Source: e-book from NetGalley
For: Review
Series: Firelight series, Book 2

*spoilers for the first book quite likely*
When Jacinda and her sister and mom return to the pride, she knows things won't be the same. But it is worse than she imagined. Her sister is no longer at home with her and her mother is unable to bear the pride's contempt. Cassian and his cousin Corbin are both paying too much attention to her. And most of all, Jacinda misses Will. Will they ever see one another again? Has she lost her chance at love forever?

Things I Liked:
I still enjoyed the family dynamics, though they kind of took a back seat in this book. The plot was pretty interesting too, with enough action to keep me reading and wondering just where she was taking her characters and how they would get there. I still like the idea of Draki and what they are, what they do, their mythos, etc. It's an intriguing concept.

Things I Didn't Like:
Really, it just doesn't stand out in a crowd of paranormals, despite its unique type of creature. I didn't really care what happened to Jacinda and I really wasn't fond of either of her love interests. The plot was fairly exciting, but I just struggled to get through the book. It will be enjoyed by those who can't get enough paranormal romance, but it just wasn't the book for me.

Read-alikes:
Read the first book, Firelight
Lots of other paranormal romances: Hush, Hush, Twilight, Mortal Instruments, etc

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
maybe one or two

mrg-factor: none
mostly it's kissing

v-factor: ->
a little bit of action, but nothing graphic

Overall rating: **

How far into a series you don't enjoy do you go before giving up?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Listless Monday, Music Books Edition

2012-01-16T10:05:00.000-07:00

Listless Monday was inspired by both Amanda at A Bookshelf Monstrosity's feature Books by Theme and Court at Once Upon a Bookshelf's Listed feature. Be sure to check out their lists!

Listless Monday and Name That Book have kind of been on break for a while. Not sure when I'll get back to Name That Book, but I did manage to get a new Listless Monday together finally. Today's list is one that I'm hoping you will have suggestions for, since I don't know many books with a musical element. But, I know lots of people will! Doesn't have to be a specific type of music or anything, just some aspect of music incorporated into the story.

Music Books

Audrey, Wait! by Robin Fenway
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
Clockwork Three by Matthew Kirby
Countdown by Deborah Wiles
A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban
Drums, Girls, And Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick
Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John
For the Love of Music: The Remarkable Story of Maria Anna Mozart by Elizabeth Rusch
Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly
If I Stay and Where She Went by Gayle Forman
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
Lament and Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater
The Musician's Daughter by Susanne Dunlap
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
Saving June by Hannah Harrington
The Secret Life of Ms. Finkleman by Ben Winters
Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
Struts & Frets by Jon Kovron
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
The Vinyl Princess by Yvonne Prinz
Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez
We Shall Overcome by Stuart Stotts

Any suggestions?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

I Actually NEED It 12

2012-01-13T08:52:00.000-07:00

I Actually NEED It is an extremely irregular feature where I express my desire, or rather need, for certain books that haven't come out or aren't available at my library yet. To learn about the reason behind the name, check out my inaugural I Actually NEED It post.

It's about time for a new year's post about books I NEED. Here they are, taunting me with their publication dates:

The Agency 3: The Traitor in the Tunnel by Y.S. Lee
The Agency series is one of the few straight-up mystery series I've been able to read and enjoy. So excited for more Mary adventures! Coming February 2012.

Partials by Dan Wells
This sounds like an interesting premise for another dystopian/futuristic book riding the wave of popularity. What can I say, I'm still addicted to them! Coming February 2012.

A Breath of Eyre by Eve Marie Mont
Dropping into the pages of Jane Eyre? Yes, please. Plus, it fits so nicely with my Classic Double Challenge. Coming March 2012.

Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter
I've slowly been sucked into the secret world of the Gallagher Girls and the last few in particular have been increasingly exciting. Finally coming March 2012!

The Savage Grace by Bree Despain
Final book in the Dark Divine series, one of the few paranormal romances I've been able to handle lately. Coming March 2012.

Seeds of Rebellion by Brandon Mull
I really enjoyed the first Beyonders book, and its a fun new series from the Fablehaven author, so yes please to this one, coming March 2012.

Black Heart by Holly Black
I'm also addicted to this Mafia-magic series and looking forward to the final book in the Curse Workers series. (But what's with the funky cover? I totally prefer this one that matches the other two books.) Coming in April 2012.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth
One of my fave dystopians from last year has a sequel? Well, of course it does! Anxiously awaiting May 2012!

The Drowned Cities by Paolo Bacigalupi
This book is considered a companion to Ship Breaker (which, in and of itself makes it more desirable to me than a straight-up sequel). I'm certainly hoping we get a little more Tool in this book! Coming May 2012.

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore
Yeah, everyone has already talked about this one, but just in case you missed it, the last in the sorta-series with Graceling and Fire, two fabulous fantasy books. Finally coming May 2012.

What books do you NEED this year?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: He's So Not Worth It by Kieran Scott

2012-01-11T09:29:00.001-07:00

He's So Not Worth It by Kieran Scott
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: June 2011
Pages: 368
Source: e-copy of ARC provided by GalleyGrab
For: Review
Series: He's So/She's So, Book 2

Ally's life has certainly gotten a lot more complicated. After the disaster at Shannen's party where she realized her friends really don't want her, she retreats into a different life. In order to avoid her almost-boyfriend, Jake, she will do almost anything - including possibly spending the summer on Long Island where all of her former friends will be. Can things get any more complicated? Of course they can.

Things I Liked:
I'm kind of hooked on the twisty, soap opera-y life that is displayed here. The rich, the poor, the envy, the malice, the hate and the hurt - all so engrossing. It's so horrifying that it's interesting. I really don't much like Ally in this book. She acts like a jerk almost through the whole thing, treating her friends and family like dirt and then wondering why they're angry. The book almost seems like a manual for how to be selfish. Still, it's like I can't look away from these teens who struggle to figure out themselves while making tons of awful mistakes. It's definitely got that real feel to it!

Things I Didn't Like:
I really was annoyed with how stupid the characters acted sometimes. Yes, it is very likely realistic, but it still bugs. I got very tired of Jake swearing every other word. Seriously, I get it, he swears, but do I have to keep getting hit in the face with it? I'm not sure I can handle another book of this, but of course this one ends on a ridiculous cliff-hanger revelation. We'll see.

Read-alikes:
Read the first book, She's So Dead to Us first
Populazzi by Elise Allen
The Real Real by Emma Mclaughlin and Nicola Kraus

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@#$%
a lot with numerous f-words

mrg-factor: XX
plenty of page time, though not a lot of descriptive material

v-factor: none
but I thought I'd mention lots of underage alcohol consumption here

Overall rating: ***

Not exactly something I'd "recommend," but somehow it's addicting, like bad reality TV.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Top Ten Tuesday: More Please

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's time for another Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week, the prompt is what authors you want more from. Essentially, if it's not asking too much, could you please squeeze out another book for me?

Markus Zusak
Seems like I've been waiting forever for something more. Mind you, I haven't read all of his books, so I need to get that done, but I think there is (finally) another book coming, Bridge of Clay. Crossing my fingers!

Jane Austen
Really, I don't think six complete novels are enough from one of my all-time favorites. I see no problem with a zombie Jane, since she's already got the Bennett sisters reincarnated to combat them. Plus, I need at least one more heroine to love (and hero to drool over).

Elizabeth Gaskell
What, you let a little something like death prevent you from finishing Wives and Daughters? I'd like another great story, if you don't mind (and if it's not too selfish, something BBC could do a fabulous miniseries for, ok?)

Harper Lee
Admittedly, it would probably be difficult to live up to your first (and only) book at this point, but we could sure use another Atticus.

Megan Whalen Turner
So even if we "just" had one not too long ago, with her usual half-decade between each book, I just don't think my patience will last quite long enough. And is there more for my favorite thief?

J.R.R. Tolkien
True, LOTR will always be your masterpiece, but I think it would be lovely to have another spanking good adventure of epic proportions from you. Or maybe just the lost stories of Aragorn?

Nancy Farmer
Seems like it's been a while since we've seen something new and specifically, I'd like a House of the Scorpion sequel, if you please.

Margaret Mitchell
This woman left us with the ULTIMATE cliffhanger and no sequel has done it justice. A little post-mortem writing seems in order, I think.

Moira Young
Having been blown away by your first book, I'm ready for more! Could we speed things along a bit?

Shannon Hale
What, having twins is an excuse? And, ok, she has two books coming this year, one this month, but still! I need them NOW!

Who do you need just a little more from?

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Book Review: Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

2012-01-09T08:37:00.000-07:00

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter
Publisher: Hyperion
Publication date: June 2011
Pages: 304
Source: Library
For: Fun
Series: Heist Society, Book 2

Kat's reputation, since the last major break-in she planned, has preceded her everywhere. But, when she's asked to steal the Cleopatra Emerald - steal it and return it to its rightful owners - she's just a little bit nervous. Not only is it hard to get a public glimpse of the emerald, it is also cursed. Can she and her crew manage to get their hands on this slippery jewel or will the game finally be up for Kat?

Things I Liked:
Ally Carter has the ability to make a smart, fun, action-movie-like plot into a fantastic book. I loved reading this, figuring out what Kat would do next and how she would pull off another fabulous heist. I especially loved that Kat was doing all of this while trying to figure herself out. She's vulnerable and she makes mistakes, and she's not sure who she is, but she knows what she's good at too. I just had such a good time reading it that I can't wait for more thieving action.

Things I Didn't Like:
I did have some of the heist figured out (though, I was really thinking "she should have done this" and then learned...she did). But none of that spoiled it for me. Especially because Carter made me doubt what I thought before the end and managed to keep the intrigue and suspense all the way through. Great story!

Read-alikes:
Start with Heist Society by Ally Carter
A bit like the Curse Workers series by Holly Black

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
if there are, they are few and far between

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
some action, nothing graphic

Overall rating: ****

Why are books about thievery and mafia-ish societies so appealing to this law-abiding girl?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

2012-01-06T10:10:00.000-07:00

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
Publisher: Atria Books
Publication date: April 2007
Pages: 560
Source: Library
For: Book Group

Nell was abandoned on a ship to Australia when she was only a little girl. Found by the dockmaster with only some clothes and a book of fairy tales, she remains ignorant of her past until he tells her on her twenty-first birthday. This launches Nell on a quest to find out about her real parents, a journey that lasts through decades and into her granddaughter's life after Nell's death. Will they ever know the truth of their past?

Things I Liked:
This was one of those books that intrigues you with family mysteries. I was really interested in the family history and the processes Nell and Cassandra took to find out about their family. I must admit, though, that I was more interested in reading the first hand stories of Eliza and Rose than in Nell or Cassandra. The historical details and the crazy family secrets drew me in more than the other stories. I also really enjoyed the fairy tale aspect - several stories weaving in and out. I thought the Frances Hodgson Burnett detail was fun too, what with a bit of secret garden going on. A complex and interesting story from beginning to end. I liked this detail:

He was a scribble of a man. Frail and fine and stooped from a knot in the center of his knobbled back. Beige slacks with grease spots clung to the marbles of his knees, twiglike ankles rose stoically from oversized shoes, and tufts of white floss sprouted from various fertile spots on an otherwise smooth scalp. He looked like a character from a children's story. A fairy story. p 101

Things I Didn't Like:
I have to admit that about 1/3 of the way in, I had already figured Nell's history out. Perhaps not to the precise details, but I knew a few of the key facts. That made it slightly less interesting for me, not to mention I wanted to smack Nell and Cassandra for being so blind. I did not like how much the story jumped around, what with flashbacks right in the middle of backstories during current stories. I don't mind duel history viewpoints, but when they jump so much, I find it distracting. There were only a few places in the book that made me want to stop reading because of it, though. A good story, but not one of my favorites.

Read-alikes:
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Arcadia Falls by Carol Goodman
A little The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett tie-in too

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
scattered here and there, nothing too strong

mrg-factor: X
a bit of implied stuff, not much on page

v-factor: ->
just a little bit

Overall rating: ***

Do you find yourself liking fewer adult books if you usually read YA or does it still have a draw for you?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

(Still) Wrapping up 2011: Stats and Challenges

2012-01-05T12:44:00.000-07:00

You know, if I were more on top of things, I'd have done all this stuff before today. Alas, I'm not.

I really love to analyze the stats from my reading during the year, so here are a bunch of numbers (and a few more graphs) that show a bit more about what I read.

Total number of books read: 150
(my favorites of the year are listed here)

Fiction: 142, 95%
Non-fiction: 8, 5% (ouch, I really need to up this number)

Age Range:
Middle Grade (or younger): 56
Young Adult: 78
Adult: 16

Sorta Genres:
Historical Fiction (ish): 19
Mystery (vague, I know): 2
Realistic Fiction: 20
Sci-Fi (ish): 2
Paranormal: 22
Horror (ish): 1
Magical Realism (in my opinion): 5
Fairy Tale Retelling (straight up, anyway): 3
Steampunk: 1
Fantasy (ish): 44
Dystopian: 20
Graphic Novels or Illustrated: 11
(Of course these "genres" won't add up to 150, since some cross over and some don't fit and so on.)

Authors:
Male: 38
Female: 114
(Also not adding up because there are one book with a male and female author, three books with two female authors, one book with two male authors, and one book with three male authors.)

Most Read: Catherine Fisher (4 books, the Relic Master series)

Most Read Runners-Up in a ten-way tie with 2 books each:
Richard Peck, Christopher Paolini, Lois Lowry, Kieran Scott, Jonathan Maberry, Cinda Williams Chima, Mary Pearson, Stephanie Perkins, Sophie Jordan, and Ursula Vernon

Source:
Books read for review: 69, 46%
Books from the library: 73, 49%
Books from my collection not for review: 7, 5%
Books borrowed: 1, <1%

Format:
Audiobooks: 14
E-Books: 18
Print: 118

Other:
Published in 2011 (US): 72, 48%
Debut Authors in 2011: 23, 15%
Debut Authors in 2012: 1, <1%
Rereads: 10, 7%
Did Not Finish: 6, 4% (out of 156)
Books part of a series: 80, 53%

And while I'm wrapping up, here are the challenges I signed up for in 2011. I just wanted to say: I finished them all! The only one I nearly didn't was the historical fiction challenge, which definitely challenged me to pick more HF books.

Debut Author Challenge, hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren:
completed with 22 debuts (see the list here).

Middle Grade Book Challenge hosted by Cindy's Love of Books:
completed with 45 books (see the list here).

YA Historical Fiction Challenge hosted by YA Bliss:
completed with 11 books (see the list here).

2011 E-Book Challenge hosted by The Ladybug Reads:
completed with 18 books (see the list here).

100+ Reading Challenge, hosted by Home Girl's Book Blog:
completed with 150 books (see the list here).

I was also "participating" in two perpetual challenges, which I didn't do so well with. The Local Author Challenge, hosted by Suey at It's All About Books, I read at least 2 by authors from my new locale, Arizona:
The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann and Slayers by C.J. Hill
And I think I got about 5 or 6 Utah authors too! (Ok, this year it will only be Arizona authors that count.)

For the Printz Project, I only managed to read one Printz book, the winner for the year, Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi. I've gotta work on that a little better this year!

Whew! Now maybe I can get some reviews posted. Congrats if you made it this far! What stats do you love to keep?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Classic Double Challenge: January

2012-01-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

The Classic Double Challenge has officially started! Though it is the first month and I don't expect many of us (including myself) to get the reading done for the challenge right away, I'm including a linky for any reviews or other discussions you have about the books you're reading that you may want to link to. Also, feel free to comment if you don't have a blog or goodreads account or other forum for discussing your book pairs. At the end of the month, I'll choose a winner from those participating in the challenge and send them some kind of bookish prize yet to be determined (bookmarks, swag, a book or two, etc). If you do happen to link up or discuss in the comments, I'll give you an extra entry for the monthly prize. I'm so excited to have so many participants (you can check out their posts/comments on the Classic Double Challenge sign-up page). Also, check out the (growing) list of possibilities for the Classic Double Challenge. And if you haven't signed up and want to, you are welcome to join in any time this year!

Discussion question: What classic book do you wish there was a contemporary retelling (or more retellings) for and why?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Everneath ARC Winner!

2012-01-03T16:16:00.003-07:00

Just wanted to let you all know, I did pick a winner for the Everneath by Brodi Ashton ARC and it is...

Cheyenne T.

I've contacted Cheyenne and I'll be sending the book out ASAP, so she can get it read right away. Thanks to everyone for entering and I hope you all get a chance to read the book when it comes out later this month. It's worth it!

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

2012: The Books I Read

2012-01-01T16:52:00.000-07:00

Since I decided not to join one of those big number challenges this year, I realized I still needed to have a post where I could keep track of what I read in 2012. Since I started my new job, I've had a lot less time to read, but I'm hoping to read 100 books, since I think I can still manage that :)

Read in 2012

1. Legend by Marie Lu
2. Brisingr by Christopher Paolini
3. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
4. Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George
5. The Inquisitor's Apprentice by
6. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
7. The Cheshire Cheese Cat by
8. The Dragon's Castle by Joseph Bruchac
9. Tris and Izzie by Mettie Ivie Harrison
10. Prized by Caragh O'Brien
11. Ivy and the Meanstalk by
12.

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Happy Cybils New Year!

2012-01-01T13:59:00.000-07:00

Just dropping you a note to let you know the Cybils finalists were announced today! Yeah! What a fabulous bunch of books they are too. I'm judging on the Middle Grade Fantasy/Sci-fi panel again this year and I've read three of the seven finalists, which means I get to discover four more delightful books! Be sure to check out all the finalists in the other categories, since there are loads of great books to be found.
Hope you are all enjoying a great start to 2012!

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

2011-12-30T15:53:00.000-07:00

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu
Publisher: Walden Pond Press
Publication date: September 2011
ISBN:9780062015051
Source: Library

Jack and Hazel have been best friends ever since Hazel can remember. But when Jack one day disappears, Hazel is sure he has been taken by the white queen and sets off to rescue him. She is sure that when he didn't want to be her friend anymore that it was the queen's influence over him. And she will go to whatever lengths and wherever she must to save him. But what if he doesn't want to be saved?

Things I Liked:
I just loved the fairy-tale-ness of it, but more than that, the realistic view of fairy tales. It was a balance between the things that can happen in fairy tales and just how uncomfortable or horrifying those things would be in real life. It was such a sweet and also bitter story about growing up, losing friends, dealing with change, and all those things that can happen to disappoint us when we are 11 (or older). A beautiful story, filled with beautiful characters and setting. I really hope this one gets a Newbery honor at least.

Things I Didn't Like:
I admit the first part of the book did not interest me. I was looking forward to the fairy tale and it seemed like a realistic fiction book initially. I don't hate those kinds of books, but it wasn't what I expected. I really loved it eventually and can see how the first part ties into the second, despite its near lack of fairy tale or magical detail.

Read-alikes:
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
(it also had a bunch more literary allusions throughout that made me happy, including HP, The Golden Compass and other delights)

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
some frightening details, but not very

Overall rating: ****

What are your picks for the Newbery?

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Book Review: Firelight by Sophie Jordan

2011-12-29T11:42:00.000-07:00

Firelight by Sophie Jordan
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: September 2010
ISBN:9780061935084
Source: Library

Jacinda has been groomed for leadership in her draki pride, ever since she became the first fire breather in centuries. But when breaking the rules puts her in contact with a sympathetic hunter and on the bad side of pride leadership, her mother takes Jacinda and her twin sister and secretly runs from the pride. Will they be able to blend in with regular people and will Maidens be able to keep her inner draki alive?

Things I Liked:
I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. I remember reading several scathing reviews when it came out and I completely agree with much that was said. However, maybe it was my lowered standards, but I managed to enjoy it. I really loved the family relationships. I thought it was important for Jacinda to grow up and understand what her family has done for her over the years. There was a nice conflict between Jacinda and her sister that kept me interested in the story. Also, the plot picked up about halfway through enough to keep me reading.

Things I Didn't Like:
The writing was not really to my taste, feeling a little too choppy sometimes. And the beginning was very slow and felt like every other paranormal romance out there. The ending was a little far-fetched also. It definitely has its flaws, but I'm planning to pick up the next one anyway.

Read-alikes:
It reads a lot like many of the star-crossed paranormal romances out

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
A very few mild ones

mrg-factor: X
some sensual stuff, innuendo mainly

v-factor: ->
a little bit, but not much

Overall rating: ***

Any fans of this series want to tell me why you like it?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Favorite Reads from 2011

2011-12-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

So, there have been a host, a flock, a crowd of best lists and favorites lists, and all kinds of year end lists. I'm just throwing in my two cents. Since I've read (or will have read) more than 150 books this year, having around 25 favorites isn't too many, right? Eh, I'm going to talk about them all anyway! :) I'm not even trying for categories or books released this year or anything. Here they are in no particular order or even a semblance of order:

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
A fantasy gem in my comfort genre of choice. Reading it felt like coming home to my old favorite fantasy books.

Blood Red Road by Moira Young
A dystopian adventure that swept me up and swallowed me whole. Impossible to put down from beginning to end.

Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce
This is an oldie but a goodie; one I wish I'd had when I was twelve.

After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick
What I like to call bitter sweet hilarity. Proof that there is life after cancer, and it can be fun!

Plain Kate by Erin Bow
The ultimate "under the radar" good book - I loved it, but no one else seems to know about it!

Leaving the Bellweathers by Kristin Clark Venuti
I'm such a sucker for quirky families and this MG read had a whopper of an oddball family.

Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
A smart, thoughtful, unique, stand-alone dystopian (even if there is a companion book coming out).

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
A fave author does it again, and how! With writing so rich, you could be tasting the goulash in Prague.

Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt
I don't know how Schmidt does it, but he creates the most semi-tragic, but somehow comic stories! I simply love Doug.

Entwined by Heather Dixon
A sweet, smart, witty retelling. Brought new life to a tale that's been told many times.

The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
A book that reminds you just how easy your life is, and how to be optimistic in the face of tragedy.

The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima
One of my favorite fantasy series. I thought this was the last one, so I was happy to learn it wasn't!

The Giver by Lois Lowry
There is a reason this comes to mind when you think classic dystopian. Always worth a reread!

Crossed by Ally Condie
Proof (to me) that a slow-moving sequel can be just as good as the first one.

The Ring of Solomon by Jonathan Stroud
Contains one of the most hilarious characters in all of juvenile fiction. And my favorite djinn ever.

These is My Words by Nancy Turner
I do read adult books and apparently they are good too! :)

Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
A book that opened my eyes and urged me to think differently of those with physical disabilities - works for kids and adults alike.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Still just as powerful and heart-wrenching as that first time.

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson
Hello historical fiction, I'd almost forgotten how charming you can be.

Divergent by Veronica Roth
A heart-pounding, read-it-in-one-sitting, must-be-devoured-in-big-gulps dystopian adventure.

White Cat and Red Glove by Holly Black
Love this wickedly smart series with con men for characters and surprising twisty plots.

Wither by Lauren DeStefano
A story with writing beautiful enough to overshadow the crazy plot.

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Another book to remind me that adult books can captivate me still.

Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Been waiting a long time for this one and I wasn't disappointed at the depth and beauty of the tale. (Bonus: I have a giveaway for this book going on right now.)

Icefall by Michael J. Kirby (review to come)
A bitter cold story filled with warm-hearted characters and intriguing suspense.

What are your favorite reads of the year?

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Book Review: Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

2011-12-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
Publisher: Random House
Publication date: October 2010
ISBN: 9780385737647
Source: ARC provided by publisher

Andi feels like her life is falling apart, ever since the accident when her brother was killed. Her mother is lost in grief, her grades are slipping, and she feels responsible for his death. When her father shows up and takes her to Paris for Christmas vacation, she is so angry she doesn't know what to do. All she knows is that she needs to get back, even if it means finishing her school project on a French composer. But when she finds a diary from a young girl caught up in the French Revolution, she might get more from this trip than she expected.

Things I Liked:
This book was a really interesting way to learn about the French Revolution. At first, I did not have any interest in reading about Andi and the things that were going on in her life. But, when her story began to intersect with Alexandra's, I think it got more interesting. I liked the realistic look both at the situation Andi was in and the French Revolution and what went on then. By the time we got to the end, I was so involved in both of their stories that I couldn't put it down. A beautifully written and perfect mix of contemporary and historical fiction. Some favorites:

How could we compete against time and space and God and truth? Mom with her paintings of birds' eggs and coffee cups, me and Truman with our stupid, crappy kid stuff. It was laughable. My father didn't give a rat's about the bands I liked or Truman's latest cartoon crush. Why would he? He had better options. I mean, who would you hang with if you could - Johnny Ramone, Magneto, or God? p 28 of ARC

He's wearing boots, a kilt, and a long-sleeve T. No coat, even thought it's December. Beautiful people don't need coats. They've got their auras to keep them warm. p 34 of ARC

Things I Didn't Like:
It was not very comfortable reading about Andi's suicidal tendencies and the way her depression seemed to take over her whole life. Yes, this is a very realistic the situation, but it's hard to read and sometimes I wondered if there was even going to be something hopeful or redemptive at the end. It was kind of a toss up on that, but it did have some good points. Also, I think it will be a much bigger success for those who are big music fans - most of the mentions of musicians and composers were obscure to me and I just couldn't get into that aspect. But, for music-lovers, that will make this book even more intriguing. I can definitely recommend it to fans of Donnelly and music fans or historical fiction fans.

Read-alikes:
A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@#$
scattered throughout, a few f-words

mrg-factor: XX
not really graphic, but present and often

v-factor: ->->
not exactly violent, but she does consider suicide a LOT

Overall rating: ****

Do you like books with two storylines - a past and present?

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Book Review: The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, and June by Robin Benway

2011-12-21T11:36:00.000-07:00

The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, & June by Robin Benway
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication date: August 2010
ISBN: 9781595143785
Source: ARC sent by publisher

When April, May, and June, three sisters navigating high school together, start experiencing special powers, they think they've hit the jackpot. April who can see the future, May who can disappear, and June who can read minds, are pretty sure using their powers to deal with high school drama is about the best thing. But, when April sees something horrible coming, they begin to wonder if the powers are there for a different purpose.

Things I Liked:
I had some seriously mixed feelings on this one. First, I really liked the sisters. I thought they were individual, smart, and had realistic interactions. Their relationships were complicated and each one held things back as well as shared things, just like real sisters do. I especially loved how their personalities shone through the pages and seemed to fit with their abilities. May was always fun to read about, being the middle child with a snarky attitude. I was also kind of intrigued by the idea of their powers sort of running in the family. But, not much of anything was mentioned about this and I wish there was more.

Things I Didn't Like:
I wasn't entirely sure what kept this from being a good book for me, but I think it was the weird combination of contemporary issues and sort of random paranormal elements. They end up not really doing anything with their powers and I thought perhaps there was a reason for them. It felt almost like the author thought the contemporary side of the story wasn't interesting enough and so she threw in some paranormal stuff (though, obviously, that's just my opinion). Also, the huge build-up with all the foreshadowing and visions didn't fit with the not-very-exciting ending. I thought it kind of fizzled out. Still, might be fun for someone wanting a sisterly book with a touch of paranormal.

Read-alikes:
Maybe a bit like Clarity by Kim Harrington

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@#
regularly throughout, at least one f-bomb

mrg-factor: X
mostly just talk

v-factor: ->
a very little bit of action

Overall rating: ***

Are you ever unsure just why a book doesn't work for you?

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