Young Adult Smash

Book Review: Shut Out by Kody Keplinger

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy Boles) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 16:46:00 +0000

Title: Shut Out

Author: Kody Keplinger

288 pages, Published by Poppy

Kody’s Information: Website | Blog | Twitter | FB

Buy The Book: Amazon

Summary: Most high school sports teams have rivalries with other schools. At Hamilton High, it's a civil war: the football team versus the soccer team. And for her part,Lissa is sick of it. Her quarterback boyfriend, Randy, is always ditching her to go pick a fight with the soccer team or to prank their locker room. And on three separate occasions Randy's car has been egged while he and Lissa were inside, making out. She is done competing with a bunch of sweaty boys for her own boyfriend's attention. Lissa decides to end the rivalry once and for all: She and the other players' girlfriends go on a hookup strike. (Summary provided by Poppy.)

My Thoughts:

With her debut novel, The Duff (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) (Poppy, 2010), Kody Keplinger was a breakout success. Keplinger’s latest YA offering, Shut Out, proves she has staying power. Based on the comedy Lysistrata by Aristophanes, Shut Out is the story of Lissa. Lissa is tired of the football team’s rivalry with the soccer team and she decides to put a stop to it by leading the girlfriends of the soccer and football team members on a hookup strike. While the book has many funny moments, Keplinger is at her best when she addresses many of the social issues that affect today’s teens. From the stigma surrounding talking honestly about sex and relationships with peers to the financial hardships many teens are facing due to the rough economy, Keplinger addresses topics that are important to her audience with sensitivity and humor. Parents, if you want to know what your teens are up to, I highly suggest picking up a book by Kody Keplinger. I’ll definitely be sticking copies of The Duff and Shut Out in all of my friend’s Christmas stockings this year!

Note to Parents: Poppy has the age recommendation for Shut Out listed as 15 and up. The book contains a few f bombs and sexual references, so use discretion when allowing your teen to read it. As always, I suggest reading the book along with your teen, so you can discuss the book with him/her.

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Book Trailer: Witchlanders by Lena Coakley

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy Boles) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 02:54:00 +0000

I am hosting Lena Coakley over at my other blog, The Well-Read Wife today for a This or That guest post. Lena is the author of the new YA novel Witchlanders. Check out the book trailer below to see what this mysterious and exciting new book is about!

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The Hunger Games Trailer Revealed On the Mtv VMAs Last Night

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy Boles) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 17:51:00 +0000

Click below to view The Hunger Games trailer:

The Hunger Games: Exclusive Teaser Trailer

Personally, I was a little underwhelmed. I wish they would have waited until they had some really great footage to share a clip with the world. But even though I wasn't impressed by the trailer, I'm going to stay optimistic. I'm really looking forward to this movie!

Leave a comment below to let me know your thoughts!

Video: Maureen Johnson Discusses Her Latest Book, The Name Of The Star

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy Boles) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:40:00 +0000

I recently read The Name Of The Star by Maureen Johnson.I absolutely loved the book. It is spooky and witty and spooky... Yes, I know I used one of those words twice, but it is that spooky! I'll have a review of it up sometime this week. In the meantime, here is a video I found on Youtube of Maureen discussing what the book is about:

The Name Of The Star comes out September 29th from Putnam Juvenile. Click here to read more about it.
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Book Review: Never Have I Ever (The Lying Game #2) by Sara Shepard

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy Boles) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:02:00 +0000

Title: Never Have I Ever (The Lying Game #2)

Author: Sara Shepard

320 pages, Published by Harper Teen, Ages 14 and up

Sara’s Info: Twitter | FB | Website

Buy The Book: Amazon

Summary:

My perfect life was a lie.

Now I’d do anything to uncover the truth.

Not long ago, I had everything a girl could wish for: amazing friends, an adorable boyfriend, a loving family. But none of them know that I’m gone—that I’m dead. To solve my murder, my long-lost twin sister, Emma, has taken my place. She sleeps in my room, wears my clothes, and calls my parents Mom and Dad.

And my killer is watching her every move.

I remember little from my life, just flashes and flickers, so all I can do is follow along as Emma tries to solve the mystery of my disappearance. But the deeper she digs, the more suspects she uncovers. It turns out my friends and I played a lot of games—games that ruined people’s lives. Anyone could want revenge . . . anyone could want me—and now Emma—dead. (Summary provided by Harper Teen.)

My Thoughts: Rarely does a series get better with each new addition, but that is absolutely the case with Never Have I Ever (The Lying Game #2) by Sara Shepard. This time around Emma is still being forced to live her life as her twin Sutton by Sutton’s mysterious killer, and she is still trying to uncover the truth behind the mystery of Sutton’s death. However, she has a new set of suspects in her twin’s death, and she finds they might just have a grudge against Sutton because of a prank gone bad. Sara’s pursuit of the suspects leads her on an investigation that includes many exciting twists and turns. Emma works on the investigation with Ethan, the only friend she has who knows her true identity. Sara Shepard is a master at framing up a good mystery. Filled with page turning action and a budding romance between Emma and Ethan, Never Have I Ever will entertain teen readers that enjoyed Sara Shepard’s other series Pretty Little Liars.

Note To Parents: As with the previous Lying Game book, a number of pranks played by Emma and Sutton’s friends are described throughout the book. Some of them are very dangerous. So you may want to discuss with your child prior to reading that they are for entertainment purposes only, and they should not attempt them with their friends.

Extras

Click here to read a Q&A with Sara Shepard and here to read the first 67 pages of Never Have I Ever.

Click below to check out a preview clip of the new ABC Family TV show The Lying Game (based on the book series!) which premieres on August 15th:

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In My Mailbox (IMM)

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy Boles) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 02:25:00 +0000

In My Mailbox (or IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.

I had a particularly great past couple of weeks, so I decided to share my mailbox.

I received a BIG box of awesome from Little, Brown, LB Kids and Poppy earlier this week containing the following 8 YA ARCS:

DJ Rising by Love Maia Goodreads | Little, Brown

Dumpling Days by Grace Lin Goodreads | Little, Brown

How To Save A Life by Sara Zarr Goodreads | Little, Brown

How To Rock Braces And Glasses by Meg Haston Goodreads | Poppy

Rock On: A Story Of Guitars, Gigs, Girls, And A Brother (Not Necessarily In That Order) by Denise Vega Goodreads | Little, Brown

The Queen Of Kentucky by Alecia Whitaker Goodreads | Poppy

The Rivals by Daisy Whitney Goodreads | Little, Brown

Winter Town by Stephen Emond Goodreads | Little, Brown

I also received the following YA books in the mail for review from other awesome publishers:

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead Goodreads | Razorbill

Dark Souls by Paula Morris Goodreads | Point

Witchlanders by Lena Coakley Goodreads | Atheneum

FYI Witchlanders and Dark Souls are both books I have scheduled for review on my other site, The Well-Read Wife.

I received the following adult books for review on my other site The Well-Read Wife:

BedBugs by Ben H. Winters Goodreads | Quirk

Pretty by Jillian Lauren Goodreads | Plume

Silas by Robert J. Duperre Goodreads | CreateSpace

What did you get in your mailbox this week? Leave a comment and let me know!

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Book Review: The Hollow by Jessica Verday

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy Boles) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 17:51:00 +0000

Title: The Hollow

Author: Jessica Verday

528 pages, Published by Simon Pulse, Ages 12 and up

Jessica’s Info: Website | Blog | Twitter

Buy The Book: Amazon

Summary:

When Abbey's best friend, Kristen, vanishes at the bridge near Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, everyone else is all too quick to accept that Kristen is dead…and rumors fly that her death was no accident. Abbey goes through the motions of mourning her best friend, but privately, she refuses to believe that Kristen is really gone. Then she meets Caspian, the gorgeous and mysterious boy who shows up out of nowhere at Kristen's funeral, and keeps reappearing in Abbey's life. Caspian clearly has secrets of his own, but he's the only person who makes Abbey feel normal again...but also special.
Just when Abbey starts to feel that she might survive all this, she learns a secret that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her best friend. How could Kristen have kept silent about so much? And could this secret have led to her death? As Abbey struggles to understand Kristen's betrayal, she uncovers a frightening truth that nearly unravels her—one that will challenge her emerging love for Caspian, as well as her own sanity. (Summary provided by Simon Pulse.)

My Thoughts: I have always been a sucker for books and movies with a spooky cemetery setting. So when I heard The Hollow by Jessica Verday largely takes place in Sleepy Hollow cemetery (yes that Sleepy Hollow!), I was hooked. From the eerie Sleepy Hollow locale to the quotes from The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow at the beginning of each chapter, Jessica Verday is a master at creating a hauntingly romantic setting populated by intriguing characters. The plot of The Hollow uses Washington Irving’s classic tale as a backdrop for the events of the story. It is not a retelling of The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow, but more of a tribute to the legendary story. The storyline revolves around Abby trying to come to terms with her best friend’s death while in the midst of developing a relationship with a mysterious boy named Caspian. My only critique is that I wish a couple of things were explained in a little more detail (i.e. what exactly happened to Kristen, why was Caspian able to touch Abby sometimes and not others). However, since this is a series, I have a feeling my questions will be answered in the next two books. And I am definitely going to read the next books!

Jessica Verday has not only created fascinating series, but she is also promoting the books in a unique way. Abby, the main character in The Hollow, wants to be a perfumer and open her own store called Abby’s Hollow. Throughout the book she is creating a new scent (in addition to others that she has in the works) inspired by her friend Kristen as a way to honor her memory. In conjunction with the books in The Hollow series, Jessica Verday has launched an online store called Abby’s Hollow where she sells perfumes and necklaces inspired by the books. I think this is such a cool idea and can’t wait to receive the perfume that I ordered from the site!

Click here to go to the Simon and Schuster page for The Hollow where a preview of the book is available to read.

Click below to view the book trailer for The Hollow:

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Book Review: Dead Rules by Randy Russell

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy Boles) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 19:47:00 +0000

Title: Dead Rules

Author: Randy Russell

384 pages, Published by HarperTeen

Randy’s Info:

Website | Twitter | FB | FB Fan Page

Buy The Book: Amazon

Summary:

Till death

Jana Webster and Michael Haynes were in love. They were destined to be together forever.

Do

But Jana's destiny was fatally flawed. And now she's in Dead School, where Mars Dreamcote lurks in the back of the classroom, with his beguiling blue eyes, mysterious smile, and irresistibly warm touch.

Us

Michael and Jana were incomplete without each other. There was no room for Mars in Jana's life—or death—story. Jana was sure Michael would rush to her side soon.

Part

But things aren't going according to Jana's plan. So Jana decides to do whatever it takes to make her dreams come true—no matter what rules she has to break. (Summary provided by HarperTeen.)

My Thoughts:

I am fascinated by ghosts. In fact, I spent the weekend of my 30th birthday at Myrtle Plantation in Louisiana. It is supposed to be one of the most haunted places in America, and I really wanted to finally see a ghost. But alas there were no ghosts to be seen at Myrtle Plantation on that particular weekend. I’m 35 years old now and still have yet to see a ghost. But I would love to. So what does this little anecdote have to do with Randy Russell’s book? Dead Rules is about a high school for dead teens (aka ghosts)! So, it was totally right up my alley.

I was initially drawn to Dead Rules because of the beautiful cover artwork and design. I was quite happy to find the story was just as intriguing as the gorgeous cover. Dead Rules centers around the school’s newest student Jana. Jana died in a freak bowling accident and is determined to have her boyfriend join her in the afterlife no matter what it takes to get him there. Jana is willing to break all the rules even if it means getting help from the school’s social outcasts the Sliders. Enter Mars Dreamcote the handsome Slider who wants to help Jana. I loved the Risers (“good guys”) vs Sliders (“bad guys”) set up. It reminded me a little bit of a modern day, ghostly version of the socs and greasers from The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.

Another highlight of Dead Rules is the series of breaks in the story where each of Jana’s new friends at the dead school tell their respective death stories (i.e. ghost stories). Each spooky story within this already intriguing novel is sure to send chills up readers’ spines. Jana is an interesting and quite complicated protagonist. Jana has a singular interest in getting her boyfriend to join her in the afterlife, and she is a little psychotic at times in her efforts. She kind of reminds me of a much perkier Veronica from the classic teen film Heathers. And this is a very good thing, because I love me some Heathers. Basically, Randy Russell has created an awesome new paranormal series, and I can’t wait to read his next book!

Note to Parents: While this book sounds incredibly dark, it is actually surprisingly teen friendly despite the dark subject matter. For example, Jana’s favorite curse phrase is “Fudge, fart, popcorn!” The publisher recommends it for ages 12 and up, and despite a couple of very tame sexual references, I’m inclined to agree.

HarperTeen has added even more incentive to read Dead Rules by Randy Russell. They have generously put the first 75 pages of the book on their website for free. Also, according to the Dead Rules fan page on Facebook, Randy Russell is sponsoring a series of indie bookstore credit giveaways to teens, readers, classroom teachers and librarians. Click here to go to the Facebook page for more information. And be sure to “like” the Facebook page while you’re there.

Be sure to check out the awesome trailers for Dead Rules on the HarperTeen Youtube page! Here is one of many of the promotional videos for Dead Rules:

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Contest: Enter To Win 1 of 3 Signed copies Of Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce!

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy Boles) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:51:00 +0000

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Jackson Pearce, author of Sisters Red and Sweetly, at the ALA conference. While I was there Jackson was nice enough to sign 3 paperback copies of Sisters Red for a giveaway here on Young Adult Smash. Sisters Red is a modern retelling of the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. It is an exciting, spooky, and romantic take on the werewolf legend.

From Goodreads:

Scarlet March lives to hunt the Fenris--the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.

Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts ferociously alongside her. But even as more girls' bodies pile up in the city and the Fenris seem to be gaining power, Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves. She finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax and Scarlett's only friend--but does loving him mean betraying her sister and all that they've worked for? (Summary provided by Goodreads.) Update: Congrats to Amy of Bookgoonie, J.P. of YA Urban, and Mrs. Heise from Heise Reads & Recommends. Thanks to everyone who entered. There will be another contest listed soon!

Fill out the form below for a chance to win 1 of 3 signed paperback copies of Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce. I will announce the winners right here on Sunday, July 24th.

Book Review: Sirenz by Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy Boles) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:16:00 +0000

Title: Sirenz

Authors: Charlotte Bennardo & Natalie Zaman

275 pages, Published by Flux

Charlotte’s Information: Twitter

Natalie’s Information: Blog | Twitter

Buy The Book: Amazon

Summary:

Bickering frenemies Meg and Shar are doing some serious damage at a midnight sample sale when the fashionistas find themselves arguing over a pair of shoes-with fatal consequences. One innocent bystander later, the girls are suddenly at the mercy of Hades, Lord of the Underworld himself. To make them atone for what they've done, Hades forces the teens to become special-assignment Sirens, luring to the Underworld an individual whose unholy contract is up.

Finding that delicate balance between their fashion addiction and their new part-time job in the eternal hellfire biz turns out to be harder than Meg and Shar expected, especially when an entire pantheon of Greek deities decides to get involved. Then there's the matter of the fine print in their own contracts... (Summary provided by Flux.)

My Thoughts:

I met Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman, the authors of Sirenz, at BEA this past May. They were so nice and funny at their signing that I knew I would most likely love Sirenz once I got around to reading it. And boy did I ever love Sirenz! I haven’t crushed on a book this hard in a long time.

Sirenz is about two girls: Goth attired and artsy, Meg and Shar, a Barbie girl in a Barbie world. Meg and Shar are a classic odd couple. The girls have trouble getting along after they are assigned to be roommates at their high school in NYC. However, once they get tricked into making a deal with Hades, they must find a way to work together. Above all, this book is about friendship. While there is some romance in the novel, there is no overpowering/overdramatic romantic storyline. It is simply about two girls trying to get along, and it is pretty hilarious. If it were a movie, I’d call it a “buddy comedy.”

Following the hugely popular Greek mythology trend in YA, Sirenz is a unique take on the Hades/Persephone story and is told from the perspective of the Sirens (Meg and Shar). Did I mention that Hades is not only haute but a certified hottie? Oh, I didn’t? Well, he is. At the signing, Natalie told me to picture Ian Somerhalder (Damon from Vampire Diaries) as Hades. I have absolutely no problem doing do.;) Hades is written perfectly. Part comic relief. Part tempting charmer. Hades is an awesome adversary for Meg and Shar.

Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman are friends in real life, so it is quite fitting that they would be so adept at writing a story about friendship. I am so happy I got a chance to meet the authors of Sirenz and just as happy that I read the book. I can’t wait to see what kind of antics Meg and Shar are up to in the next book in the series!

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Book Review: Falling For Hamlet by Michelle Ray

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy Boles) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 14:35:00 +0000

Title: Falling For Hamlet

Author: Michelle Ray

348 pages, Published by Poppy

Michelle’s Info: Website | Facebook

Buy The Book: Amazon

Summary: Meet Ophelia: a blonde, beautiful high-school senior and long-time girlfriend of Prince Hamlet of Denmark. Her life is dominated not only by her boyfriend's fame and his overbearing family, but also by the paparazzi who hound them wherever they go. As the devastatingly handsome Hamlet spirals into madness after the mysterious death of his father, the King, Ophelia rides out his crazy roller coaster life, and lives to tell about it. In live television interviews, of course. (Summary provided by the publisher.)

My Thoughts:

Picture this: A beautiful teen and her super famous boyfriend cannot go anywhere in public without worrying the paparazzi and other teens with camera phones will follow their every move. In the midst of an already out of control everyday life, Ophelia and Hamlet have to deal with a sinister conspiracy within the royal family. With Falling For Hamlet Michelle Ray has taken Shakespeare’s timeless characters, plot and setting and updated them for teens.

Obviously, Michelle Ray has changed a few things. For instance, she is telling the story from Ophelia’s point of view. Ophelia is in much more of the book than she was in the play, but this difference makes for interesting reading for anyone who ever wondered what Ophelia was like. As a former English teacher and Shakespeare After School leader, I wish this book had been written back when I was teaching. There is so much I could have done with it!

Something is awesome in the state of Denmark! Falling For Hamlet by Michelle Ray, a thoroughly modern retelling of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, will captivate teens as they read about how Ophelia deals with dating tormented Prince Hamlet. Click here for a chance to win a copy of Falling For Hamlet.

Note To Parents: There is one brief reference to a sexual situation in this book. This book is a perfect course supplement if your child is having problems understanding Shakespeare.

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Book Review: Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy Boles) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 02:41:00 +0000

Title: Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3)

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

400 pages, Published by Scholastic

Maggie’s Information: Website | Twitter

Buy The Book: Amazon

Summary: In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. In Linger, they fought to be together. Now, in Forever, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in. (Summary provided by Scholastic.)

My Thoughts:

I have been waiting for Forever by Maggie Stiefvater to come out ever since I eagerly devoured Shiver and Linger, the first two books in the Wolves of Mercy Falls series, last year. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the series, Forever is the concluding novel in a trilogy of books about teen shapeshifters. The books are part love story, part action adventure, and they are a wonderfully original take on the shapeshifter mythos. If you love YA with lots of teen angst, romance, and action, this is the series for you.

Throughout the course of the series the characters have grown and changed. The most dramatic change probably occurred in Isabel. Her storyline plays a key role in Forever’s plot, and I adore the strong, young woman she has become. I especially enjoyed the progression of Cole from brooding bad boy into a more evolved person fighting to find a cure for the shapeshifter virus. Cole is my favorite character in the series. Although, I freely admit that this probably has something to do with Maggie Stiefvater tweeting a picture of James Franco when people asked her to describe Cole. As always, Sam and Grace’s characters provide the cornerstone for the story to build upon. In the first two books I viewed Sam as a tragic figure, and I was glad to see him emerge as a leader in Forever. All of these descriptions probably sound pretty vague, but I really don’t want to give any of the major plot points away.

The thing I love about The Wolves of Mercy Falls series is that Stiefvater makes the relationships very realistic. Couples don’t fall in love overnight and friendships are far from perfect. Forever left me feeling bittersweet. It was incredibly well-written and entertaining, but as much as I loved Forever, I didn’t want the series to end. I can’t wait to see what Maggie Stiefvater writes next!

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Contest: Enter To Win A Copy Of Falling For Hamlet by Michelle Ray

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy Boles) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 19:57:00 +0000

Fill out the form below for your chance to win Falling For Hamlet by Michelle Ray. My review of this one will be up in a day or two, but trust me. This modern retelling of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet from Ophelia’s perspective is really good! I’ll announce the winners right here on Thursday, July 14. Good Luck! Click here to subscribe to Young Adult Smash. Update: Congrats to Mandee from Books and Bling. You won a copy of Falling For Hamlet!

Book Review: Clean by Amy Reed

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy Boles) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:13:00 +0000

Title: Clean
Author: Amy Reed
288 pages, Published by Simon Pulse
Release Date: 8/9/11
Amy's Information Website | Twitter
Buy The Book:Amazon

Summary:
Olivia, Kelly, Christopher, Jason, and Eva have one thing in common: They’re addicts. Addicts who have hit rock bottom and been stuck together in rehab to face their problems, face sobriety, and face themselves. None of them wants to be there. None of them wants to confront the truths about their pasts. But they’ll all have to deal with themselves and one another if they want to learn how to live. Because when you get that high, there’s nowhere to go but down, down, down.(Summary provided by Goodreads.)

My Thoughts: I came across the novel Clean by Amy Reed in this month's Simon & Schuster Galley Grab. I originally downloaded it because I thought it had a pretty cover. Last night I uploaded it to my Nook and thought I'd just check out the first couple of chapters. Three hours later I was still reading. This book is so much more than a pretty cover. Clean follows the lives of five teens as they complete a rehab program for substance abuse. Each teen's story is told in a first person narrative and the point of view (POV) changes rapidly throughout the book. Reed has a gift for writing from the adolescent perspective. While each of the characters had compelling back stories that were revealed as the book progressed. I was most drawn to Kelly. Her story of turning to drugs and alcohol because of a life lived in the shadow of her younger siblings was especially heartbreaking. Amy Reed paints a startling portrait of how our teens cope when the adults in their lives aren't paying attention. By the time I finished reading Clean I was in tears.However, Reed ends her novel on a hopeful note.I think this is a great book for teens and parents to read and discuss together.

Note To Parents: This book deals with many issues that could be disturbing for readers on the younger end of the young adult spectrum.Drug usage, frank discussion of sex and sex acts, eating disorders, and foul language are included in this book. I always recommend parents read books with material their child might have questions about along with the child.It provides a great opportunity for discussion.

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Book Review: Sweetly by Jackson Pearce

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy Boles) — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 23:26:00 +0000

Title: Sweetly
Author: Jackson Pearce
312 pages, Publisher: Little, Brown
Jackson's Information: Website | Twitter
Buy The Book:Amazon

Summary:
As a child, Gretchen's twin sister was taken by a witch in the woods. Ever since, Gretchen and her brother, Ansel, have felt the long branches of the witch's forest threatening to make them disappear, too.

Years later, when their stepmother casts Gretchen and Ansel out, they find themselves in sleepy Live Oak, South Carolina. They're invited to stay with Sophia Kelly, a beautiful candy maker who molds sugary magic: coveted treats that create confidence, bravery, and passion.

Life seems idyllic and Gretchen and Ansel gradually forget their haunted past -- until Gretchen meets handsome local outcast Samuel. He tells her the witch isn't gone -- it's lurking in the forest, preying on girls every year after Live Oak's infamous chocolate festival, and looking to make Gretchen its next victim. Gretchen is determined to stop running and start fighting back. Yet the further she investigates the mystery of what the witch is and how it chooses its victims, the more she wonders who the real monster is.

Gretchen is certain of only one thing: a monster is coming, and it will never go away hungry. (Summary provided by Little, Brown.)

My Thoughts:

Monsters lurking in the forest, eerie reoccurring music, a heroine with a complicated past... Sweetly by Jackson Pearce has many of the elements I love in a good book. Add descriptions of sweet delicacies throughout the book and you've got the perfect literary recipe for this sweet-tooth afflicted reviewer.

My favorite scene in the book involves one of the characters, scared out of her mind, singing the song The Big Rock Candy Mountain to herself.The lyrics to this song appear repeatedly in Sweetly, and Pearce uses the song to heighten the air of suspense and to add to the spooky atmosphere throughout.

Sweetly is a companion novel to Sisters Red, but it is definitely not necessary to read Sisters Red before reading Sweetly. The book can absolutely be read as a stand alone as it has only a couple of references to Sisters Red that will not confuse anyone who hasn't read it yet. Although, with that said, I highly recommend reading Sisters Red. It was one of my favorite paranormal reads of last year.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Jackson Pearce at ALA in New Orleans a week ago. (That's me with Jackson to the left.) I love the way she bases her books on classic fairy tales and injects her own brand of creativity into the stories. The stories are not merely a retelling of Red Riding Hood (Sisters Red) or Hansel and Gretal (Sweetly), but a spooky rendering of an alternative fairy tale world.

Below is a video of the song The Big Rock Candy Mountain to get you in the mood to read Sweetly:

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Book Review: Spellbound by Cara Lynn Schultz

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy Boles) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 18:14:00 +0000

Title: Spellbound
Author: Cara Lynn Shultz
344 pages, Published by Harlequin Teen
Cara's information: Twitter | Website | Facebook
Buy The Book: Amazon

From Goodreads:
Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Conner, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.
But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

My Thoughts:

This contains a couple of spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz is a a fish out of water story about a young girl named Emma who goes to live with her great aunt in New York City. Emma comes from a humble background and has trouble adapting to the fancy private school her wealthy Aunt has her attend. In addition to dealing with a new home environment and trying to find new friends amid a sea of unfriendly sharks, Emma begins having dreams of herself in past lives and has reason to suspect that she is destined to be with Brendan, one of her classmates at her new school.

I love the reincarnation/love curse storyline between Emma and Brendan. Emma is a likable, spunky teen, and she has some truly hilarious comebacks for the mean girls at her school. I also liked Brendan, Emma's love interest. He has that smoldering, sexy loner thing going on. I was definitely rooting for them as I read the book.

My only critique is that I wish the witchcraft storyline were a little more detailed. I would have liked for Emma's natural aptitude for witchcraft to have been showcased in a couple of extra scenes. There are several legends, flashback scenes and dream sequences within the book that help tell a kind of story within the story. I loved these scenes, especially one called "The Legend of Lord Archer." Shultz has a knack for accurately portraying the brutality of high school mean girls (and boys) within the framework of a fascinating paranormal storyline. Overall, I enjoyed Cara Lynn Shultz's novel, and I recommend it.

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In My Mailbox (IMM) ALA Day 1, YA Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy Boles) — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 02:19:00 +0000

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.
Below is a list of Young Adult books that I received or purchased at the American Library Association (ALA) convention that I attended in New Orleans on Saturday.

ARCS Received:

The Orphans Of Awkward Falls by Keith Graves, Chronicle Books
Perfect by Ellen Hopkins, Margaret K. McElderry Books
Sweetly by Jackson Pearce, Little, Brown
Dark Parties by Sara Grant, Little, Brown
Unforgettable by Loretta Ellsworth, Walker & Company
David by Mary Hoffman, Bloomsbury
Shut Out by Kody Keplinger, Poppy
Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan, St. Martin's Griffin
Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday, Harper Teen
Around the World by Matt Phelan, Candlewick Press
Cut by Patricia McCormick, PUSH
Belle's Song by K.M. Grant, Walker & Company
Possess by Gretchen McNeil, Balzer & Bray
Clockwork Prince (excerpt) by Cassandra Clare, Margaret K. McElderry Books
The Shattering by Karen Healey, Little, Brown
Shifting by Bethany Wiggins, Walker & Company

Books Purchased:

Glass by Ellen Hopkins
Tricks by Ellen Hopkins
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
The Fences Between Us: The Diary Of Piper Davis (Dear America) by Kirby Larson
Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Don't forget to stop by and enter for a chance to win a set of signed books (If I Stay and Where She Went) by Gayle Forman.

Contest: Enter To Win Signed Copies of 2 Books by Gayle Forman!

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy Boles) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 01:26:00 +0000

Fill out the form below for your chance to win autographed copies of If I Stay and Where She Went by Gayle Forman. I'll also include an If I Stay/Where She Went promotional bookmark that I got at the signing. If you are under 18 years of age, you must have permission of a parent or guardian before entering. Entries will be accepted until midnight central time on June 30th. I will announce the winner here on Friday, July 1st. Good luck! Congrats to Kristina of Ladybug Storytime! You won a set of 2 books by Gayle Forman!

Book Review: The DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) by Kody Keplinger

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy Boles) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 22:19:00 +0000

Title: The DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend)
Author: Kody Keplinger
288 pages, Published by Poppy
Kody's Information: Tw itter | Website | Blog
Buy The Book: Amazon

From the Publisher:

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "Duffy," she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren't so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone. (Summary provided by Poppy.)

My Thoughts:

After hearing how awesome The DUFF by Kody Keplinger is for the most of the past year, I finally decided to read it. I was really impressed by this one. Believe the hype. This book rocks. Keplinger takes the modern high school experience and brings it to life for her readers.

Bianca, the main character, perfectly embodies how most girls feel in high school. After she is referred to as the DUFF ( short for Designated Ugly Fat Friend) by the hot yet super-insensitive Wesley, Bianca's reaction is priceless. But regardless of the satisfaction she gets out of throwing a cherry coke in Wesley's face, his words sting and Bianca buys into them. The way Bianca goes about dealing with her insecurities and with her problems at home with her mom and dad will ring true to readers.

I think older teens and young adults well into their 20s (and in my case 30s) will love this book and have much to relate to as they read about how Bianca handles the many issues she encounters. I hate to even mention that Kody Kepplinger was 17 years old when she wrote the book, because it sounds like I'm saying this book is good for having been written by a 17 year old. However impressive it is that Kody wrote a book at 17 years of age, this book is excellent whether it was written by a 17 year old or a 45 year old. Go buy it!

Note to Parents: I should mention that this book has some cursing and sex scenes. The characters in the sex scenes use protection and there is discussion within the book about the consequences of sex. I feel like this is very realistic with regards to the high school experience and should not deter parents from allowing their teens to read The DUFF. Honestly, I highly recommend parents read it, so they can better understand what high school is like for their teens.