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| B00E718YEC
| 3.93
| 4,704
| Feb 04, 2014
| Feb 04, 2014
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it was amazing
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View the full review here: Every once in a while, a book comes along that is just so incredibly raw and real th View the full review here: Every once in a while, a book comes along that is just so incredibly raw and real that it leaves you very nearly speechless. Something Real is that book. Raw, angry and beautiful, this novel is a powerhouse of emotion. Heather Demetrios catapults herself onto the contemporary scene with a novel that takes a deeper look at the reality of "reality television," as well as what its impact might very well be on its stars. Giving a host of oppressed child stars a voice that is otherwise altered and manipulated to become what the viewing populace wants, this novel breathes new life into contemporary fiction and makes it powerful and relevant again. Something Real is, first and foremost, a character-driven novel. Bonnie� Baker was born on national television - literally - and she, as well as her twelve other siblings, have lived out much of their lives onscreen ever since. But the show was off the air, and four the past four years, Bonnie™has been able to live a real life outside of the prying eye of the paparazzi and the media which ravaged her family, and her own psyche, up until a dramatic incident forced them off the air. Living as Chloe for the past four years has been liberating, but being forced back on the air is the last thing she can deal with or wants. Bonnie�, Benton™and Lexie™are the Baker siblings we follow most, and it's interesting to see how being forced to live their lives on national television has shaped them all. Bonnie™fought to remove herself from it all, and she's become withdrawn, hurt, angry and closed off. Benton™has had to hide a piece of himself from the world for fear of outing those he loves most and Lexie™has become exactly what MetaReel typecast her to be. The characters within Something Real were very much alive throughout the novel. Each perfectly illustrated the natural angst of teenage life, but it was brilliantly amplified by the fact that they had to live their "normal" lives on the air. Bonnie�'s relationship with her parents, both her mother, birth father and her stepfather, was understandably strained, and it was very powerful to see just how the cameras transformed people's characters. It must be said though, that a secondary character very nearly stole the show in Something Real. Patrick, Bonnie�/Chloe's love interest was the most steady, handsome, nerdy, wonderful rock throughout the seemingly endless turmoil of the novel. Whenever she needed him most, he was there with the words and love she needed most. Even when she pushed him away, he never strayed too far. Most of all though, it was beautiful to see a teenage love story played out in an honest, pure and beautiful way. Rather than thrusting us into an insta-love scenario, Bonnie™and Patrick are friends, above all else, and their romance stems from this - the most powerful of places. Also amazing to experience was a well-executed plot that progressed through Bonnie�'s carefully executed character development, which fueled the major plot points and really kept things moving. And, it simply must be said, that this novel gives you a cast of characters that are true-to-life and easily relatable, which makes the novel all the more enjoyable. I've always said that the hardest books to review are the ones we love the most, and I'm not doing Something Real justice at all. Ms. Demetrios has crafted a novel that I will cherish among my favourites, and I will most certainly be on the lookout for more of her excellent, quirky and charismatic storytelling in the future. I give this novel a 5 out of 5, and I can't recommend it enough to all fans of YA and adult fiction, especially those who enjoy powerful contemporary novels. I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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not set
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Jan 20, 2014
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||||
| 1440563950
| 9781440563959
| 1440563950
| 3.46
| 750
| Nov 01, 2013
| Nov 29, 2013
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liked it
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View the full review here: There is something about the ritual of secret societies that is utterly fascinating, View the full review here: There is something about the ritual of secret societies that is utterly fascinating, so the premise of Poor Little Dead Girls spoke to me almost immediately. There's an innate darkness to the hidden nature of it, and I think that's what makes stories that involves secret societies so very gripping. It's not so much about the actual drama that needs to play out in the forefront of the novel, but rather played up by the cloak and daggers mystery of it all. It's all lurking in the shadows, and that's what keeps readers wanting more; it's simply not so cut and dried as we might otherwise want. Lizzie Friend offers us a fun blend of young adult and mysterious drama, all enveloped in this secret society. The mystery wasn't really that intensive, and I didn't feel as though it offered any insane drama at the end, but it was nevertheless interesting and engaging, which kept me invested from the start. Furthermore, the author sets up a great setting for Poor Little Dead Girls, which brings the background to the forefront and the visual elements alive. It was because of this that I felt completely able to put myself in Sadie's shoes, despite the fact that I didn't really have anything at all in common with her character. Sadie wasn't an incredibly deep character, but she was still likable, and I found it easy to become invested in her story and her side of the mystery. Nevertheless though, she rang true for me, and it made it easy to understand why she felt like an outsider in the world of Keating. There were heavy mentions of the styles, the name brands and the overall excess within the world of these teens, which made the circumstances far more believable and realistic, especially in a young adult novel. I think that I really just wanted so much more from the characters in the end. Jeremy, for example, was interesting in theory and in all of my suspicions, but he ended up being just as simplistic as I'd assumed, and while he was sweet, I think that I just wanted a bit more depth in the end. I have to say that Ms. Friend did create a pretty enjoyable setup for a lighter contemporary mystery. I think it's the type of novel that could really create the perfect setup for a promising new mystery series, but as far as I can see it's a stand-alone novel. The novel, the mystery and the characters were solid, if not spectacular, but I have to say that the verbiage and writing itself was the highlight of the novel for me. The author spun numerous quotes that resonated with me and really left me thinking - often more than the plot itself, so I can definitely say I'll read more from her in the future. Overall, Poor Little Dead Girls is intriguing, though not altogether spectacularly different. I think that it will find a great audience and that the author will find a good fan base from this novel alone. I give it a strong 3.5 out of 5, and I definitely recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy lighter mystery stories. I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book. ...more |
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1
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not set
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not set
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Jan 13, 2014
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Hardcover
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| 0373211066
| 9780373211067
| 0373211066
| 4.00
| 695
| Jan 28, 2014
| Jan 28, 2014
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really liked it
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View the full review here: This is the third novel in Karen Ann Hopkin's Temptation series, and I must admit th View the full review here: This is the third novel in Karen Ann Hopkin's Temptation series, and I must admit that from the start, this has been a guilty-pleasure series for me. I'm generally the type of reader that wants rough, tough and gruff contemporary fiction, and I have a penchant for quickly discarding what might otherwise be considered sappy romance. However, Forever earned a spot on my review pile, simply because there is something inherently alluring about a forbidden romance - especially one that crosses cultures and beliefs. Forever, once again, brings us back to Meadow View with Rose and Noah as they attempt to navigate new obstacles blocking their paths to happiness, yet again. For those of you unfamiliar with the series, Forever and its predecessors are the tales of an Amish boy, Noah, who falls in love with an English (non-Amish) girl, Rose. While much of the setup for the previous novels felt a bit trite and cliche, this third and final installment in the series offered a surprising amount of new depth to a pretty dramatic tale. Noah and Rose were rather reckless with their love for one another in the previous novels and, while they knew that their love would have consequences, they gave it little to no thought at all before. This time, however, we see Noah step up and mature, which I found really helpful for a series such as this. It would have been so easy for the author to simply settle for the drama of an unplanned pregnancy, but we actually get to see Noah take ownership of his actions and their subsequent repercussions. I was, however, still frustrated with Rose. There are serious strings attached to their relationship at this point, yet she still felt the need to hide it from her disapproving father. Colour me mad, but I would have loved to see the same level of maturity and growth from her as I did from Noah. In terms of writing, Ms. Hopkins doesn't disappoint. Her prose is simple but sweet, and it has a delicate nature that doesn't feel overtly flowery or pretentious, but it weighs lightly on our hearts while it pulls us into this web of a story. Like I said before, this is not the type of series that I'd normally love, but it's engaging, and you can't help but root for two such characters. The ending was a bit neater than I might have liked. I like a bit of an open end, if only to keep me thinking about the story long after I close the book on the final page, but Forever gives readers what it's promises from the start - a happily ever after. I do wish we could see Rose and Noah grow a bit more together as friends, rather than just lovers, but I suppose that's asking a bit much of such a series. Overall though, Forever is a fitting conclusion to a romantic forbidden love story. It was an interesting take on cross-culture relationships and, while often a bit cheesy, it was sweet, and it's a fast-paced read you can easily finish in a night. I give it a high 3.5 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of YA and contemporary romance novels. I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Dec 23, 2013
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Jan 13, 2014
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Dec 23, 2013
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Paperback
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| 0316222445
| 9780316222440
| 0316222445
| 3.38
| 2,646
| Oct 01, 2013
| Oct 01, 2013
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liked it
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View the full review here: The Phoenix Five are the elite...the best of the best...the most likely to succeed i View the full review here: The Phoenix Five are the elite...the best of the best...the most likely to succeed in everything in life. Awarded and revered, they are untouchable; until now. Stolen journals of the Phoenix Five reveal that nothing is real and everything the students - and the town - have seen is a lie. TO attain perfection, one must create the illusion of perfection; but if they leave a trace, it's bound to be found. And now, the truth is out there for everyone to see. Offering readers the age-old premise of the truth behind the lie, Pretenders will have a solid base of readers and fans based on premise alone. The evocative hook is alluring, offering us a peek behind the mask of perfection - something I'm certain I'm not the only one who covets. Author, Lisi Harrison, has written a story that whittles five picture-perfect teens down to the truth behind the facade and give us the real, hard truth. Rife with spice, intrigue, drama and plenty of reveals, Pretenders is a rollercoaster read. I mean it when I say with utter certainty that Pretenders has all the makings of a great first book in what could be a captivating new series. Ms. Harrison paints her characters, at first, in extremes - perfect and glossy. As the novel begins to peel back the layers though, the gray areas and the festering underbelly of their perfection is exposed. All these things make such an expose like that of Pretenders pack a powerful punch. Unfortunately, I had some qualms with the ultimate execution of much of the story. We are given five different POVs in this novel, and each is actually in diary form. Three girls and two boys pour their innermost feelings onto the pages, and I can honestly say that, at times, I couldn't remember which character I was reading about because each one seemed so dang similar to the last. They were immature, snotty, pretentious and fake - all of which I could forgive if I got to see a vulnerability to their characters that made them more accessible. That wasn't provided though. I think that, had the book been about 200 pages longer, this could have worked because the petty, shallow natures played well into the story. I just wanted much more progression than we actually got in the end. Furthermore, as this book is just the first installment in a new series, I was left with a lot of nagging questions about motives, events and even the characters themselves as we're thrust into a pretty massive cliffhanger, which felt more like being dropped off a cliff than anything else. Overall, Pretenders was not a bad book, but it felt a bit lackluster for having given readers such an excellent premise. I wish there had been perhaps two fewer characters and a few more answers, both of which would have kept me invested in the series. I give it a 3 out of 5, and I recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary stories and mysteries. I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Oct 17, 2013
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Oct 31, 2013
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Oct 17, 2013
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Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 0738737224
| 9780738737225
| 0738737224
| 3.40
| 223
| Nov 01, 2013
| Nov 08, 2013
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liked it
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View the full review here: Cassandra colours within the lines. She plays by the rules and does as she's told by View the full review here: Cassandra colours within the lines. She plays by the rules and does as she's told by her family and her religion, but she knows it's not her. It doesn't make her feel whole, or complete, or normal. Honestly though, Cass isn't sure who she really is, and she doesn't know how to discover that but by professing her innermost feelings on a blog. But the blog opens a Pandora's box in which everything is taken out of context and Cassandra is more confused than ever. Who is she really, and how will she tell the world - and her family - that it's time to meet the real Cassandra? In a novel that redefines what it means to tackle issues head-on, Sometimes Never, Sometimes Always grapples with hard-hitting topics that have defined a generation. Author, Elissa Janine Hoole, presents to readers a sympathetic character who wants desperately to fit in but doesn't know her place or how to define it. Surrounded by issues including fundamentalist religions, cyber-bullying, homophobia and more, the novel challenges readers to zero on those issues which they've encountered in real life and relate them back to the story. This is a tedious review for me to write because a part of me likes what the author set out to accomplish with this Sometimes Never, Sometimes Always. There is another part of me, however, that feels incredibly burdened by the cumbersome and somewhat overbearing details throughout the story. The beauty of the book lies within the fact that we're given characters with whom we can empathize and those who we desire to see change and succeed. And, when you break the plot down to its most minute elements, it works, and it's well planned out. The writing is solid, and the storyline is one which I was most intrigued about. Unfortunately, however, my enjoyment in reading the story was overshadowed by extreme excesses. In most novels, we'd see one main issue tackled - say, cyber-bullying. In this book, however, we're thrust into utter chaos with multiple issues including but not limited to religious zealots and extreme prejudices. It honestly felt like there was so much happening at all times that I never really got to see Cassandra develop and transition from the immature girl at the start to the empowered young lady at the finish. And, because there was so much going on at once, I never felt as though I could focus on just one main issue at a time. At times, the novel comes this close to succeeding in imparting a theme in our minds, but then it transitions at lightning speed, and we're onto the next issue. Essentially, it was a case of less really is more. Overall, Sometimes Never, Sometimes Always has all the makings of a successful novel, but it fell a bit short of my expectations and left me wondering why it didn't tackle one issue on its own. I give it a decent 3 out of 5, and I recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction. I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Oct 15, 2013
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Oct 31, 2013
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Oct 15, 2013
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Paperback
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| 037321099X
| 9780373210992
| 037321099X
| 4.26
| 27,049
| Nov 26, 2013
| Nov 26, 2013
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it was amazing
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View the full review here: Rachel and Isaiah have built their lives in careful facades. They both have buried s View the full review here: Rachel and Isaiah have built their lives in careful facades. They both have buried secrets - hidden pain - and they know that bringing them to life will only spell trouble. While Rachel is from the right side of the tracks and Isaiah is from, well, the opposite, there is a sort of undeniable, kinetic tension that draws them together. But nothing worth having comes easy, and Isaiah and Rachel will have to decide just how important they are to one another. It's no secret that the second book in this series stole my heart. When I first heard that Isaiah was going to be the focus of this novel, I had a moment of pause, and they I realized that I was pretty excited about it. Katie McGarry, yet again, delights her ardent fans with a novel that offers us what we love most - love in its purest, finest and most raw moments. Fleshing out to polar opposite characters who have a painfully beautiful love for one another, Crash Into You will envelop you in a world of drama, rich, unbridled tension and passion. Isaiah is one of those characters that just speaks to my soul. On the outside, he's rugged and rakish with tattoos and piercing eyes, but on the inside, he's warm, tender and soulful. That's honestly the best way that I can describe his persona because his warmth and his character brings Crash Into You alive in the very best way. We fall for him from book one, but it's his rich energy that keeps us coming back for more. I was pretty sure that, by her description, I would Rachel. Entitled teens are usually a pet peeve for me, but there was a sadness about her that added depth to her quiet, pure and rather innocent persona. Her personality perfectly balanced with Isaiah's, and their complementary natures made the story - and the romance - soar for me. Another thing I loved about Crash Into You is that there are soft, sweet moments between the couple and then times when your adrenaline is fueled with heart-pounding drama. It provided a well-rounded storyline and, ultimately, solidified the fact that Isaiah and Beth would never have worked in a story like this. Rachel and Isaiah, however, created a sort of solid ground, or an eye to the storm that raged around them. There love was like coming home in Crash Into You, and while we see cameos of previous characters, these two take center stage. Last but not least, I have to mention how much I loved the secondary characters. They added such a dimension to the story, drove me nuts at times, but altogether sold me on the fact that I absolutely must know more about West. Overall, yet again, Katie McGarry has stolen my heart with her writing. Crash Into You is even more rich and emotional than its predecessors, and I can't wait to see what we get with the next story. I can't help but give this one a 5 out of 5 and highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction. I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Oct 06, 2013
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Oct 15, 2013
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Oct 06, 2013
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Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 0316222704
| 9780316222709
| 0316222704
| 3.81
| 11,214
| Sep 10, 2013
| Oct 22, 2013
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it was amazing
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View the full review here: Gerald is the kid that everybody knew...and that nobody knew at all. Twelve years ag View the full review here: Gerald is the kid that everybody knew...and that nobody knew at all. Twelve years ago, his family invited TV cameras into their home to "help" them with their struggling family dynamic, complete with off-kilter and a dysfunctional child. Little did most of the viewing population know, every single moment was carefully crafted by someone more devious and psychotic than the rest, aimed solely at placing all blame and drama on young Gerald's head. Today, those memories, and that life, haunt him still. Will he ever be able to escape his past? In a day and age where reality TV is, oddly enough, king, Reality Boy couldn't be more relevant for the YA crowd. Yet, for some reason, this book has missed the necessary hype to get readers excited for its potential. It flew under the radar for me, as well, and I almost turned it down, but I did see some promise for another dramatic and realistic storyline from author, A.S. King. I was thoroughly impressed by the depth of this book, the internal struggle brought to light and a boy so lost in a web of false impressions that he's not even sure who he is anymore. This book, this story and this raw, gritty and emotional journey will definitely stick with me. Guys, it's been a long time since I've read an entirely believable male protagonist. There was such a heartbreaking authenticity to Gerald's voice in Reality Boy that made his plight resonate from the very first page. I couldn't quite get a grasp on his character at first because he is so very misunderstood, and a lot of what we are offered is what the very viewers of the reality show Gerald was a part of saw. He is such a broken, battered character - not externally though - so his wounds cut much deeper and, to most, can't even be recognized. He's simply seen as damaged. But there are so many facets to Gerald's character that make this story sing because as we peel back each singed, tainted and bruised layer, we begin to see that there is a genuine and vulnerable boy underneath who, above all else, simply wants to run from the nickname "Crapper" and the traumatic past that damaged him so much. Perhaps equally strong was the portrayal of Gerald's family throughout the reality TV process. Complete with a British nanny and staged scenarios, Lisi, Gerald and their malicious older sister, Tasha, are forced to live out their young lives for the world to see, digest and regurgitate - tainted by their own impressions, which haunt both Gerald and Lisi to this day. As the story progresses, we watch as this broken, shattered boy finds someone that sees him for something other than the poisoned image from reality TV, and as Hannah gently helps mend his heart, we can't help but root for their story to finally give Gerald the happy life he so desperately deserves. Now, be aware that the romance plays second fiddle to Gerald's journey, but it's done beautifully nonetheless, and I loved it. Overall, I was completely floored by the sheer poignance and power of Reality Boy. I hope this book doesn't remain as under-hyped as it is now, and I really hope that readers give it a shot. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction. I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Sep 08, 2013
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Sep 23, 2013
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Sep 08, 2013
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Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 0802734375
| 9780802734372
| 0802734375
| 3.93
| 18,791
| Oct 01, 2013
| Oct 01, 2013
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really liked it
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View the full review here: Derek pulled a stupid prank, and he's paying the price. Forced to move back home wit View the full review here: Derek pulled a stupid prank, and he's paying the price. Forced to move back home with his step-mother, he has to readjust to a whole new lifestyle and an entirely different crowd of people. Among them is his step-mother's extremely attractive and unavailable sister, Ashtyn. He knows he's not going to stick around if he has any say in the matter, so why not test the waters? Ashtyn, however, can take care of herself. With a clear goal and focus towards becoming a star player in a men's sport, she's thrown a curveball that make just make her vulnerable...and need Derek's help. But is there something more there than either of them are willing (or want) to admit? If there is one author I know I can turn to for contemporary fiction, it's Simone Elkeles, so when I discovered that her next novel, Wild Cards, was on the table, you'd better believe I was all over it. With great skill and heartfelt emotion, the novel sweeps us up into the story of two utterly believable and completely relatable characters for whom we're powerless but to feel for. Often times, dramatic and peppered with dashes of wit, humour and fun, Wild Cards offers us a journey that's as believable as it is sweet - if only because we can see a little bit of ourselves in Derek and Ashtyn. I'm no stranger to Ms. Elkeles' work. While some of her fiction works better for me than others, I don't think I can say that I've ever been disappointed, and Wild Cards is no exception to that rule. Derek and Ashtyn were clear, defined characters - both of whom I related to at times, and I felt for throughout. While Derek's tough-guy demeanor was clearly a facade, we could see the same mirrored in Ashtyn, and I appreciated the connection between the two characters that even they probably didn't know they had. It lent a sort of vulnerability to each of them, or a chink in the armour, if you will. I also liked that despite the fact that Derek was decidedly hot and attractive, there was more to him than a blanket stereotype. When we reach into his past and see his emotions for his birth mother who died of cancer, we see a real, true, tender person. Ashtyn was a bit of a kicker for me. She was sassy, judgmental, strong-willed and, frankly, obnoxious at first. But there was also a softer side to her that was just hid by her steely determination. I do think that the plot of Wild Cards took a pretty significant background role to the characters' developing relationship, and I did expect to have a bit more football - think, Friday Night Lights. Yes, there was an undercurrent of football that gently nudged the story along, but Derek and Ashtyn's interactions are what really fueled the entire plot. I think that the novel could have really bumped it up a notch by raising the game stakes, as well as fleshing out the ending a bit further because, in the scheme of things, it was quite abrupt. Overall, Wild Cards is another notch in Ms. Elkeles' winning YA belt. Despite a few hiccups or flaws, in my humble opinion, it's a sweet, fun, dramatic and engaging read. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of YA and NA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction. I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Aug 22, 2013
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Sep 08, 2013
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Aug 22, 2013
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Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 1442430389
| 9781442430389
| 1442430389
| 3.89
| 12,081
| May 21, 2013
| May 21, 2013
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it was amazing
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View the full review here: It's Jude's final summer at home before college begins in the fall, and she's planni View the full review here: It's Jude's final summer at home before college begins in the fall, and she's planning a summer of all the traditional fixings...but with a twist. Jude's the final of four daughters to leave the nest, which means that her summer will also be spent caring for and watching over her ailing father. As she watches her father slowly but surely begin to succumb to early-onset Alzheimer's, she finds just the ticket to bring a little spark back into their final summer together at home. Together, they'll repair her father's old motorcycle...but that means she must also interact with a Vargas boy, which means trouble. And, perhaps, just a little bit of love. I've been on a bit of a contemporary bender as of late, but I tend to struggle with my selections, simply because I am extremely picky when it comes to the type and quality of the genre that I read. The Book of Broken Hearts was highly recommended to me by Ginger from GReads and, trusting her expertise on the genre, I decided to give it a whirl. It's not my first novel by author, Sarah Ockler, and I can wholeheartedly say it won't be my last. Where the cover might imply a sweet, simple story, we're presented with enormous challenges, pain and the desire to change. Evocative and emotional, The Book of Broken Hearts will shatter yours into a million pieces, all the while slowly but surely piecing it back together. Before I can even start my review, I must simply state that this book is precariously close to the line of perfection, perhaps even toeing it. It embraces and embodies all the pain and challenges that come with a disease that is all-too familiar to many of us, and while we feel the deep and profound sense of loss that both Jude and her father feel, we also sense the connection that this debilitating disease is awakening. There is a delicate darkness to the subject matter of The Book of Broken Hearts because Jude's father's illness is always lurking stealthily in the background, waiting to strip away his last bit of dignity. However, through it, watching Jude build a beautiful and powerful relationship with her father was incredible. I worried a bit about the relationship aspect of the story, simply because I thought it would overpower the connection that Jude had with her father. Rather though, we see Jude's initial prejudices from years of scheming with her sisters against the Vargas brothers, and we see Emilio for far more than the girls thought he was. While her home life fought an uphill battle, Emilio was that proverbial lighthouse in the storm. He was sweet, kind, caring and patient, and we watch as his strength serves to bolster Jude's, giving her the strength she needs to survive her struggles. Emilio originally came off as cocky and, perhaps, a bit arrogant, but we see that beneath this teasing, he is a genuine, gentle guy who could melt your heart with his character, as well as his dimples. I felt as though I was utterly absorbed in the story, feeling every heartbreak, every laugh, every single bump in the road, and that, my friends, is what makes The Book of Broken Hearts work so very well. I've always said that the books we love the most are the hardest ones to review, and I can guarantee I did not do this book justice. I do, however, hope lots of other readers will see my ramblings and give The Book of Broken Hearts a go. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy strong contemporary fiction. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Aug 15, 2013
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Aug 22, 2013
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Aug 15, 2013
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Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 1402282451
| 9781402282454
| 1402282451
| 3.40
| 1,809
| Jan 01, 2014
| Jan 07, 2014
|
liked it
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View the full review here: Have you ever read The Face on the Milk Carton? That is, essentially, what I expecte View the full review here: Have you ever read The Face on the Milk Carton? That is, essentially, what I expected when I first began reading See Jane Run by Hannah Jayne. The mystery within the pages is set up early on, almost before we truly get to know our characters and our protagonist, which leads readers to believe that this mystery will dominate the novel above all else. I figured that the mystery, because of this, would be pretty cut-and-dried, but I was surprised to find that Ms. Jayne didn't hesitate to have us second-guessing, peering over our shoulders and really, honestly, topsy-turvy throughout. That is, essentially, what makes a good mystery after all, and it is a large part of why the novel ended up working fairly well for me. While much of the novel was rife with paranoia and speculation, however, we weren't offered nearly as much mystery or depth from Riley, our protagonist. On one hand, she's an incredibly sympathetic character, as we can sense her palpable anxiety from the minute the novel begins. On the other hand though, Riley fails to use any sort of logic or common sense when she could have probably easily discovered the root of the mystery, if only through asking the proper questions. Rather, we watch as Riley makes countless poor decisions, and we're helpless but to beat our head against a wall, begging this girl we really want to like to simply stop, take a breath and then proceed. At the same time though, you could sense an air of vulnerability about her that made you desperate to like her, regardless of her numerous character flaws. It must be said that I also really struggled with Riley's best friend, Shelby. The girl was so antagonistic, unfailingly blunt and constantly swapping between logical and illogical that the scenes with her actually pulled me out of the story more than once. If she'd been a bit more tempered and supported Riley's persona better, I think she could have worked. In terms of the mystery itself, See Jane Run isn't a slam-dunk, but it does have a solid setup. Yes, there were several plot holes throughout the novel, but just when I thought things were about to unravel, Ms. Jayne would patch up the fragmented pieces and send us down another path. I'm not sure it was entirely logical in the way that the mystery played out either, but I can appreciate the direction in which the novel took us. It was different than I'd anticipated, and there's something to be said for that, in and of itself. Furthermore, there is a sweet romance that leaves its mark on the story and the plot, and the connection between JD and Riley heightens the stakes and further draws us in, despite a few little flaws through the novel. Overall, See Jane Run was a solid, but not perfect novel. Regardless of the flaws though, I found myself rather enjoying the story as a whole, and I could overlook many of the little issues to appreciate the story in the end. I give it a solid 3.5 out of 5, and I recommend it to fans of YA novels, especially those who like mysteries and thrillers. I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book. ...more |
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1
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Dec 31, 2013
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Jan 13, 2014
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Jul 29, 2013
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Paperback
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| 161695261X
| 9781616952617
| 161695261X
| 3.32
| 488
| Jan 01, 2013
| Jul 02, 2013
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liked it
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View the full review here: Willa can't speak up for herself anymore. The time has come and gone for her to figh View the full review here: Willa can't speak up for herself anymore. The time has come and gone for her to fight against the hands that held her underwater until she succumbed to the dark water and her untimely death. Now, stuck in a town run by wealth and fear, four girls will stop at nothing to avenge Willa's death. Each girl has their own reason to avenge Willa's death, and each girl has their own part to play in the Gregory family's destruction. Just how far are the willing to go to do so though? This is not my first read from author/sister duo, Lisa and Laura Roecker. This is W.A.R. promises the same whirlwind story, teen cult mystery story and engaging characters that their previous novels have. With an engaging premise and a dynamic cast of characters, readers are promised a not so much a guessing game, but rather a telltale story of no-holds-barred revenge. From page one, This is W.A.R. pulls you in to the murky waters with the central character of the story with Willa, and we watch helplessly as she draws her last breath - giving us as much a reason as the characters to hope for righteous justice to be served. I was immediately pulled in by the premise of this story, and the promise of another great title from the Roecker sisters who seriously delivered with The Liar Society. The book offers us a solid plot, fast-paced writing, dynamic and unique characters and a world that is so chock-full of lies, it might just make your head spin. Our first look into the world of This is W.A.R. is through Willa's eyes, though we know her death is imminent. It's just enough, however, to capture our attention and ensure our investment in the plot to avenge her death. We're then introduced to four equally unique characters; Madge is Willa's stepsister, Rose is the daughter of one of the top-ranked employees of the Club, Lina is the rich rebel, desperately seeking her parents affection and Sloane is, quite simply, dumb as a rock. Normally, I would hate these cut-and-dried stereotypes of characters, but it works because we see the story from each of their points of view. The transitions are well done, the thoughts are unique, and I felt it was a good way to access the story from different angles. However, I did find that some of the characters' POVs were weaker than others. Sloane, for example, was pretty forgettable in the end. She just seemed to almost fill the void for another character. I also had a bit of an issue with the way these girls sought revenge. Trust me, I believe they were invested in the cause for retribution, but their actions spoke differently. I expected true, raw vengeance, but instead saw the girls resort to near-petty pranks to bring down the powerful Gregory family. I guess, perhaps, I was expecting more along the lines of Amanda Clarke's win-at-all-costs type of plot from the show, Revenge. Instead, however, we see hormones slipped into drinks, "damning" pictures coming to light and payoffs left, right and center. While, yes, they're teens and it might not seem really all that plausible, but I really wanted to see them go the darker route that showed a true investment in their cause. This is W.A.R. does manage to redeem itself with the speed of the plot, the fluid prose and the dynamic premise that will, nevertheless, keep you interested. All in all, despite being a bit let down by certain elements of the story, This is W.A.R. was a pretty solid book with great writing. I'm sure it will please a lot of readers looking for a light revenge tale. I give it a 3 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction and mysteries. ...more |
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not set
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not set
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Jul 29, 2013
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Hardcover
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| 0374351384
| 9780374351380
| 0374351384
| 3.90
| 26,982
| Sep 17, 2013
| Sep 17, 2013
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really liked it
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View the full review here: Elise has never really fit in. It's not so much that she's weird, but that she's dif View the full review here: Elise has never really fit in. It's not so much that she's weird, but that she's different. She's a teenager with quirks and all the awkwardness that comes with it, but it's a time in one's life when being different doesn't earn you any friends. And so, she does everything she can to fit in. She changes her appearance, feigns interest in things she could care less about and works hard to be anything other than who she is. It seems that there's no way out for Elisa, and she's giving up on everything when she meets Char, Vicky and Pippa, people that might just be able to appreciate her for who she is...and show her that it's okay. The beauty of contemporary fiction lies in an author's ability to capture, bottle and evoke all the cringe-worthy awkwardness, resentment, angst and confusion, all the while making you feel as though it entirely true. Leila Sales has written a book that does that and so much more with This Song Will Save Your Life. Rather than glossing over the sheer brutality of our teenage years, she spins a tale that is so extremely wrought with truth that it might very well take you back in time to the high school experience of your own. Here's a secret for you guys. In high school, I was pretty invisible. I wasn't popular, or extremely pretty, or even academically inclined. I did year-round swimming for a team out of high school, never had time to make friends, and I was perfectly middle-class, never owning the very best of anything, but really never wanting for anything either. I kind of just existed. Immediately though, this recollection of my high school experience helped me latch onto the verity of Elise's character, empathize with her utter confusion and her extreme desire to fit in. Let's be honest, our high school years are pretty much the only time in our lives that we want nothing more than to blend into the masses and become a part of the whole. It's easier. From the start, I could sense the deep, aching sadness in Elsie's voice, which was refreshing, despite her bleak outlook on life. She saw no way out of the endless ridicule, and while I wanted desperately to hate her for wanting to give up on it all, I can't say that I didn't have simple notions like that at least once in my life. Elise was a very tangible character, and I felt that I could step into her shoes without ever judging her, simply because her voice was so real and honest. Vicky is the best friend that we all wish we could have had in high school. She was unfalteringly honest, true to herself and unfailingly honest, of the secondary characters with whom we are presented, she felt the most real to me. I had a bit of a difficult time with Char in the sense that he almost resented Elise's abilities, which I worried would hinder her past the pages of the book, and yes, that's a reflection of how absorbed I was in this story. Pippa offered us a lightness that helped us breathe easier in the heavier parts of the story, and I was grateful for her refreshing outlook. There's a definitive character progression through the novel, as well, which helps fuel the plot of This Song Will Save Your Life, but I have to admit that this is a character-driven novel, and the plot is almost secondary to that...and it works. By giving us characters that we've all known at some time or another in our lives, wrapped up in rich, startlingly honest prose, this book is one that I truly felt from start to finish. And yes, music plays a large part in this novel. Think of it like a modern-day symphony. As it crescendos, so does the novel. The one simple thing I would have changed about the book is more focus on Elise's parents and that relationship. I think it could really have enhanced her journey to self-discovery. It's hard to review a book like this because to reveal plot progression reveals too much of the story, but this is one of those books that simply must be read. Despite wishing for a bit more from the parents, This Song Will Save Your Life is a book that many teens will relate to empathize with. I give it a 4.5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction. I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 25, 2013
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Aug 05, 2013
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Jul 25, 2013
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Hardcover
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| 0316221333
| 9780316221337
| 0316221333
| 3.87
| 48,121
| Aug 13, 2013
| Aug 13, 2013
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really liked it
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View the full review here: Leonard has given up. Today is the day, without a doubt, that he will end kill Asher View the full review here: Leonard has given up. Today is the day, without a doubt, that he will end kill Asher Beal, then turn the gun on himself. It's the way it has to be. It's the only way out now. From his less-than-ideal family life, to the relationships with friends that never really got off the ground, or simply crashed and burned, there is a reason that Leonard has come to the school today with a loaded gun in his backpack. But before he can finally end it all, there are just four people to whom Leonard has to apologize. And, once he does, he's free to finally and ultimately be free...if he truly wants it. I'm sure most of you can agree that this book has flown far beneath the radar on the YA market and, in some ways, I do understand why. Grappling with base human emotions, the darker side of the human mind, depression and suicidal themes, Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock challenges the boundaries of young adult fiction. With heartfelt emotion, raw tension and a painful, palpable sadness, Matthew Quick paints a picture of a boy so desperate to get out, he sees no other option than a tragic murder suicide. And, with even greater precision and feeling, we are offered not only an insight into how Leonard's life became so hopeless, but also to the true hope for redemption. When I read the synopsis of Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock, I'll admit that I had pause when considering picking it up. As readers of this blog, you know that I have a deep appreciation for darker books that tackle reality in a true manner. However, I was worried that a book this dark might be even too much for me to bear. However, I have to say that I was very wrong in that regard. Let me be clear though; this book is extremely sad. It's sad in the sense that it is so very heartbreaking to watch a teenage boy so lost in the throes of despair that he cannot find a way out. It's sad that we can't reach through the pages and hold this boy that is so real, tangible, sensitive and genuine. It's sad that we cannot convince him that it does get better. Leonard truly was a remarkable character. There's a distinct intelligence about him that contrasts perfectly with this shadow of depression surrounding him. He's lonely, and that feeling is aching and hollow from page one, and we're enveloped into the world in which Leonard has lost himself. Told in first person, I found it was easy to access Leonard's thoughts on life, as a whole. I'll admit it was a bit painful at times, and as we see in his footnotes describing the extraneous details, we see just how thoughtful he is. He examines everything. He sees and feels it all, and that pain and sense of loss is almost suffocating at times which, for a story such of this, is a huge talent. The brutal beauty of Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock lies within the ability to put us in Leonard's shoes though, and by giving us a true-to-life, searing tale of a teen who has no sense of self-worth left. I do wish the ending had been a bit longer to know with complete certainty Leonard's fate. There's something to be said though for leaving us with two divergent paths, a touch of hope and, after all, a resigned sense of closure. Overall, I was really, really impressed with Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock. It's about as dark as you can get in this genre without crossing the line because of the honest portrayal, but it is rich, layered and incredibly important. I give it a 4.5 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of YA and upper YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction and issue books. Please be aware of the dark subject matter and, at times, coarse language. I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 15, 2013
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not set
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Jul 15, 2013
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Hardcover
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| 144245864X
| 9781442458642
| 144245864X
| 4.21
| 3,916
| Oct 15, 2013
| Oct 15, 2013
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really liked it
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View the full review here: Annie and Mo are about as close as you can be without actually being a couple. They View the full review here: Annie and Mo are about as close as you can be without actually being a couple. They know each other through and through and, above all else, they have their backs. Mo's life, however, is in turmoil when his father's work visa is denied and the inevitability of his deportation is imminent. Annie is equally devastated, but she's determined to do something. The answer is there, but it could change everything - even there friendship. Is it really worth it? The premise of The Vow is remarkable and incredibly relevant for much of our culture, so when it crossed my radar, I knew that I had to have it. Known for her ability to craft meaningful, relevant and sensitive tales that speak to even the most stubborn of hearts, Jessica Martinez has written a story with two loving and lovable characters sure to pull at your heartstrings. With a delicate touch of sincerity, naivety, plenty of drama and the story of two vastly different worlds, The Vow has it all. Before I even begin my review, it must be said that Ms. Martinez is truly a remarkable writer. She has this ability to spin true reality into something that's raw, tangible and accessible without ever seeming even remotely preachy. That is great for a fairly issue-driven novel such as The Vow. Annie and Mo were two very different characters. Annie was, at times, needy and driven by selfish motives which, in essence, actually fuels the fire of the plot. Mo was a bit selfish, as well, only thinking of himself, rather than his family as a whole. He also lacked a sort of personal drive and ambition that would have pushed my liking his character to the next level. I was essentially kind of iffy on the both of them, simply because I couldn't truly find myself invested in their motives. That said, the plot of The Vow is another story entirely. While I struggled to find a sort of sense of compassion for Annie and Mo, I felt so very invested in the plotline, itself. As their actions and lack of understanding of the gravity and enormity of their actions started to come to light, the tension of the story kicked up to an entirely different level. At this point, there was a minor character shift, and I could almost see a lightbulb turn on for Annie, which redeemed her somewhat in my eyes. While the plausibility of the two teens doing this nagged at my rational side at times, I was generally impressed with how the story played out, though I'll definitely state that the writing and plot overshadowed the characters. All in all, The Vow wasn't without its flaws, but it's a solid story and another great example of Ms. Martinez's writing. I definitely know I can look to her for quality contemporary. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction. I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book. ...more |
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1
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not set
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not set
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Jul 08, 2013
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Hardcover
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| 1442481722
| 9781442481725
| 1442481722
| 3.79
| 3,447
| Sep 03, 2013
| Sep 03, 2013
|
really liked it
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View the full review here: Kari's life isn't so black and white. With parents who work as top-level spies, she' View the full review here: Kari's life isn't so black and white. With parents who work as top-level spies, she's learned to live her life in varying shades of grey because nothing is really ever quite what it seems. But a Code Black changes everything. Once her father declares it, she knows that something is really wrong, and she knows that she must do anything (and everything) she can to help her parents clear their names. The life of a spy is difficult though, and adding a teenage crush on top if it can only make things more crazy. It's time for a confession. I have a thing for mysteries. Whether they be books, shows, films...whatever...I love them. What I really love though, is a mystery that is well thought out, well executed and engaging throughout. Two Lies and a Spy offers the young adult crowd all that and more. Author, Kat Carlton, has given readers a lovable and fiercely independent protagonist in whom we find a heroine worthy of our praise. Twists, turns and young love abounds, making this book a heck of a ride. For some reason, despite the lack of hype for Two Lies and a Spy, this premise immediately spoke to me, and I knew I had to get my paws on it. I was right, too. Kari was such a fantastic protagonist, and I loved that we were given a strong, empowering girl to follow on this mysterious journey. Perhaps the most endearing quality that I found in her was that, unlike so many other YA characters, Kari actually took the time to think things through before executing her plan, for the most part. She did make one recurring error that irked me a bit, but at the same time, she's a teen under extreme duress, so I can find it believable. On top of Kari's amazing character though, we're also given a host of secondary characters, each of whom is complete with a full set of character traits and a character arc of their own. The thought that went into the this, as well as the interactions between Kari and the other characters of the novel including, but not limited to Luke and Evan, really served to heighten this mystery experience. The one downfall I saw coming was a bit of a love triangle starting to emerge - you all know how I feel about those. Frankly, I find it to be a crutch. If a girl likes a guy, dang it. Stick to that. Give us something legitimate to build upon. However, it was luckily just a minor hiccup, and the story kept spiraling us further along. The mystery element was, at times, far fetched, but it was fun, and it definitely surprised me near the end, which is something not too many mystery books can do. The story wraps up nicely, despite a cliffhanger ending, and I felt satisfied and intrigued. Overall, Two Lies and a Spy was a fun, fast and engaging book. While it might fly under the radar for some, it's great read, and I definitely want to continue on Kari's journey. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I recommend this book to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy mysteries and thrillers. I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Sep 08, 2013
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Sep 23, 2013
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Jul 08, 2013
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Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 0802720854
| 9780802720856
| 0802720854
| 4.17
| 89,106
| Apr 13, 2010
| Apr 13, 2010
|
really liked it
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View the full review here: Kiara has an idyllic life in Colorado, if you don't take into account the fact that View the full review here: Kiara has an idyllic life in Colorado, if you don't take into account the fact that she's still trying to overcome the stutter that has plagued her since childhood. Carlos, on the other hand, couldn't have lived a rougher childhood if he tried. After his brother, Alex, was jumped out of the Latino Blood, his family sought to help Carlos create a new future for himself, as well. Carlos, however, doesn't believe that future is for him. He's a gangbanger. It's his life, and it's all he knows...plus, he knows he can't escape it even if he tries. But Kiara, try as she might to ignore it, sees something in Carlos that he might just not recognize, himself...hope. This is definitely not the first book I've read by veteran contemporary author, Simone Elkeles, and I confidently say that it certainly won't be my last. Rules of Attraction follows in the same vein as it's companion/predecessor, offering a heartfelt story of two teens from opposite sides of the track. Blending raw tension, careful, slow-burning romance and a passionate story of trying to find one's place in the world, the novel tugs at your heartstrings from start to finish. Rules of Attraction promises to weave you into its world and break all rules, convincing you that there is redemption for us all - no matter how far gone we might think we are. Rules of Attraction is one of those books that doesn't require you to think too deeply as you read it, but rather it inspires you to do so. Written in dual first-person perspectives and alternating chapters between Carlos and Kiara, the author manages to perfectly execute a seamless transition each time and really establish a strong character voice for both. Kiara, though outwardly timid because of her stutter, has a quiet power about her, and the only time we see that headstrong confidence waver is when she lets her guard down around Carlos. He, on the other hand, has the carefully-crafted facade about him. Carlos does his very best to keep everyone at arm's length, and readers can quickly identify that it's actually a defensive mechanism. But rather than defending himself, he's protecting others from him. Therein lies our first clue that there is hope for this outwardly crass and abrasive character. Through the story, we get to see Kiara and Carlos slowly lower their walls to one another, and the beauty is that the two have the opportunity to save each other from themselves, as well as outside influences. There is no shortage of drama in Rules of Attraction either, though it's clear that in this story, the characters, rather than the plot, actually drive the story, and I liked that a lot. I do think that, at times, I wish their chapters could have been a bit longer. I wanted to remain in Carlos and Kiara's heads a bit longer than two to three pages at a time. This did, however, move the pace of the story along faster. I also think that the climactic scenes near the end could have been fleshed out a bit more. I wanted to feel a bit more fear, rather than certainty that it was all going to end well. That said, I was actually surprised to find that I enjoyed an epilogue for a change, as well. Knowing that there was a sense of finality to this story was really nice and refreshing. Overall, Rules of Attraction was a sweet, fast-paced and solid read. It's one of those books that doesn't necessarily force you to expand your literary horizons, but it definitely coaxes some emotion. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of YA and upper YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction. ...more |
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Jul 03, 2013
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Hardcover
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| 038573798X
| 9780385737982
| 038573798X
| 3.34
| 1,393
| Jan 08, 2013
| Jan 08, 2013
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liked it
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View the full review here: After a brief, hot, fantastic and fleeting relationship with her very first boyfrie View the full review here: After a brief, hot, fantastic and fleeting relationship with her very first boyfriend, Dominique is now single (and ready to mingle). But it's so much easier said than done. Now that she's had a taste of first love, that rush and all the fun and excitement that comes with it, Dom is hooked and she wants more. To complicate things, Dom is now a pre-med student, and her life is busy, but Dom finds the perfect solution with Guy, a studious guy who, like herself, is looking for all the fun but none of the hassle. But a no-strings-attached relationship isn't as cut and dried as she might hope. Complications abound and, well, being single is often just as tricky as being in a relationship. In the interest of full disclosure, I feel it's necessary to state that I did not actually read the first book in this series, as the author informed me that the books can read well as stand-alone novels. Anatomy of a Single Girl is a witty, humourous and engaging take on the rebound from a failed first love. Author, Daria Snadowsky, has crafted a novel that is sure to ring true, giving many a reader a chuckle reminiscing about their youth, their naivety and that overwhelming desire to find "the one." Often times heartfelt and sweet, other times serious and true, Anatomy of a Single Girl has a little bit of something for everyone. I have to admit that I'm not entirely certain where I stand on Anatomy of a Single Girl though. There were a good many times in the novel that I found myself making note of Ms. Snadowsky's exemplary ability to paint a realistic and somewhat educational take on intimate relationships. Then, however, I would have pause, remembering that this is an actual novel - not a textbook. In the same breath though, I love that the book is written clearly and decisively with fully-fleshed out characters with whom you can empathize and relate. It seems to me that there were two stark contrasts in this novel. One the one hand, we're given a sweet and engaging tale of a girl navigating a series of firsts in her relationship and finding a guy (no pun intended) who is willing to share in these experiences and teach her along the way. On the other hand though, there was a part of me that couldn't help but think that this novel was erring on the side of a safe-sex handbook. That's not to say that I didn't enjoy the laugh-out-loud moments in which Dom interacted with her parents, the shedding of the black-and-white images of relationships today and the super sexy Guy that we get to see as Dom's rebound. I guess I'd simply gone into the novel expecting more of a syrupy sweet story of a girl looking to overcome being single again and find a guy who is willing to be more than just a friend with benefits. Colour me a prude, but I feel as though the sexual situations were just too frank in this novel, and it almost marred the fact that this is actually a sweet, realistic and believable coming-of-age tale. In truth, with a host of great characters, an accessible writing style and a great premise, this book should have been a slam-dunk for me, but I was left a bit...well, wanting. Overall, Anatomy of a Single Girl wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't exactly what I was expecting either. Though it's marketing to a fairly YA audience, I don't think it's necessarily appropriate as such. I would say this is much more of an upper YA and NA tale. I give it a 3 out of 5 for the engaging writing, and I recommend it to the aforementioned age markets and those who enjoy contemporary stories. I received this book free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book. ...more |
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not set
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Jul 02, 2013
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Hardcover
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| 0316041459
| 9780316041454
| 0316041459
| 4.00
| 65,774
| Sep 01, 2009
| Oct 05, 2010
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it was amazing
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View the full review here: Life as Val knew it ended in an explosion of gunfire...gunfire unleashed by her boyf View the full review here: Life as Val knew it ended in an explosion of gunfire...gunfire unleashed by her boyfriend, Nick. The two spent their high school lives together as self-professed outcasts, enduring bullying and relentless teasing and, together, developed a "hate list" which named those who plagued their daily lives. Val meant it. She hated these people. She didn't know that Nick hated these people enough to kill them all. Now, Val and the rest of Garvin High are still trying to come to terms with the heinous crime that rocked their town, their school and their lives. But first, Val needs to come to terms with her own part in it and heal, so that she can actually move forward. For those of you who regularly follow my blog, you know that I'm a huge fan of issue-based contemporary novels. I believe that, when done well, these books have an enormous impact and the ability to make you think, feel and, in some cases, change. Hate List is the epitome of why I love issue books. Dark and brooding, it bores into the very roots of evil, bringing them to the surface and displaying our own darkest urges for all to see. Jennifer Brown has written a novel which encourages readers to feel and to embrace our own emotions so that, along with the characters of this book, we can heal. Raw, challenging and incredibly thought-provoking, Hate List is a book that I'm certain will stay with me for a very long time. I've previously read Bitter End by Ms. Brown, so I knew that I was going to get quality storytelling with Hate List, but I can honestly say that I didn't know just how much I was going to feel for these characters. From the start, Val keeps us at arm's length. She's angry, she's hurt and she's extremely confused, and the beauty of the novel is that we, as readers, feel and live those exact same emotions as the story starts to unravel and we understand the events of that day. I though that Val would be a more challenging character to access because of the walls she'd put up, but I was pleased to find that, little by little, she starts to expose the vulnerable core that she's hidden for so long. As she does so, we get the chance to see this pain and this inability to come to terms with what Nick has done. Nick, in large part, I felt was almost an afterthought until the very end. We see his actions and we recognize just how irreparably he's damaged this school, this town and definitely his girlfriend. However, we don't really get to see him until the very end. I was quite certain this was a weakness until the final scene, in which I understood the true purpose of Nick's role in Hate List. The secondary characters are phenomenal in this book. Jessica, the epitome of the popular girl, transforms immeasurably through this novel and, in doing so, we watch as her interactions with Val transform, as well. I felt such distress for Ginny through the novel, and I felt such incredible anger towards Val's father, seeing his anger as rooted in selfishness, though I began to realize that it was actually masking his own discontent and confusion. Hate List ripped my heart out numerous times, but finally let all its emotion bleed onto the last few pages as we watch this town, this school and this girl do their very best to rise from the ashes. I can't say enough good things about Hate List. If you want a book that will make you truly feel something, this is the book for you. Prepare...you'll need a box of tissues. I give this book a 5 out of 5, without question, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA and upper YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction and issue books. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 24, 2013
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not set
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Jun 24, 2013
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Paperback
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| 0802734413
| 9780802734419
| 0802734413
| 3.94
| 834
| Jul 16, 2013
| Sep 26, 2013
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really liked it
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View the full review here: Danielle loved Humphrey like a little brother. He's fun, he's sweet and he never rea View the full review here: Danielle loved Humphrey like a little brother. He's fun, he's sweet and he never really gives her any trouble at all. But Danielle could never have guessed the tragedy that would unfold, cutting Humphrey's life short and, effectively, ending her innocence. Trapped in a web of grief and pain, Danielle doesn't see a way out until she meets a boy that might be able to make it clearer what exactly happened that day. But the memories hurt just as much as the accident, itself. Can she escape the pain and move on, or will Danielle remain trapped forever? Issue books have always held a special place in my heart. I don't know if it's the realism that hits hard, or if it's the fact that I admire the author for grappling with some of the most basic, instinctual human emotions, but they usually just work for me. Imperfect Spiral tackles one of the toughest emotions of all - grief - in a realist, powerful and heart-wrenching manner. Author, Debbie Levy, takes her time with the story, spinning a melancholy tale that is accentuated with bursts of light, laughter and love, giving us hope for a sense of peace and resolution. With a deft, sweeping hand, Imperfect Spiral spins you into the throes of tragedy and helps you find your way to peace once again. I think that I was most attracted to Imperfect Spiral because it tackles grief, which is an emotion I don't see portrayed well enough in most of the YA genre. Grieving is such a complex process, and it's different for every person, so I was intrigued to see how the author portrayed a teenage girl's take on it, as well as the measurement of self-imposed punishment. Danielle was a very true and honest character. On the surface, we see your average teenage girl with a part-time babysitting job, but underneath, we see this roiling, tumultuous girl that is absolutely devastated by the death of her charge. She blames herself so entirely for Humphrey's death that, for a while, the grief is like a blanket emotion that overshadows everything else, and she's almost a shell. Through the story though, we get to watch as the pieces of her shattered teenage life begin to come together once again, and she starts to find her way back to a level ground of peace. Imperfect Spiral also manages to tackle other topical agendas, as well, which I found interesting. We watch as the death of a child becomes a campaign for public safety, stricter rules on undocumented immigrants and the advancement of political agendas. These topics are carefully arranged within the story, so as not to overshadow the progression of Danielle's healing process. I found that the relationship between Justin and Danielle was, for the most part, really well done and realistic. I do sort of wish we'd had the opportunity to know a bit more about Justin so as to better understand his role in her healing. The only other little qualm I had with the story was that, at times, I felt like it was a bit too introspective. I felt a bit smothered by the emotions at time, and it was hard to separate myself from that. Overall though, Imperfect Spiral was a really well done take on grief and the healing process, and I think it's an important read within the genre. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction and issue books. I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 24, 2013
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not set
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Jun 20, 2013
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Hardcover
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| 1419707930
| 9781419707933
| 1419707930
| 3.17
| 11,107
| Aug 27, 2013
| Aug 27, 2013
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liked it
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View the full review here: Wren has lived her entire life by a certain code. She did her very best to always a View the full review here: Wren has lived her entire life by a certain code. She did her very best to always abide by her parents' wishes, make them proud and, by doing so, make herself proud, as well. But the code isn't so black and white anymore. She still plays by the rules, and she does her best to always be perfect, but something is missing, and she's not sure what exactly it is. Charlie, however, knows what he wants from life. He's sweet, kind and lives with the constant shadow of his past clouding his future. But can Charlie help awaken something in Wren that makes her see what she really wants from life? I've had a tedious history with Lauren Myracle's books in the past. That's not to say I don't love her writing, but her work tends to simple ooze syrupy-sweet love and affection, and there is a part of me that just craves the anxiety that a dramatic tale brings. The Infinite Moment of Us promises readers the best of both worlds. Artfully weaving a story of two lost souls coming to together to heal each other and prove their own individual worth, the author provides us with a reason to believe in not only these characters, but ourselves as well. Oft times dreamy; other times heart-breakingly painful, The Infinite Moment of Us is sure to leave its mark on you, as well. Because I went into this novel with fairly low expectations, I think that the book really did work for me, despite a few quirks. There was a tangible, affected air to Wren's character that made her undeniably relatable to me, as a reader. She had this little-girl-lost vibe to her, as well as a wide-eyed-innocence, but underneath this vulnerable exterior, there was a girl with power, strength and the desire to do great things with her life. The Infinite Moment of Us spends a good deal of time offering us an insight into Wren's internal dilemma, which clashes painfully against her parents' wishes for her to go to college, secure a job and maintain that straight and narrow line she's always followed. In this sense, I really, really disliked her parents. So long as Wren played by their rules, everything was kosher. The second she strayed and made a move to secure a future for herself, they demeaned her, belittled her and did everything they could to sway her decision. As someone who hopes to be a parent someday, I can't think of anything more mentally damaging that a parent can do than that. Charlie, on the other hand, was somewhat of an enigma for me. He had a rich, tortured soul, and he gave off a frail, damaged vibe that made it difficult for me to dislike him, even when he acted like a childish and petty. I could forgive a lot of his shortcomings because his past was artfully fleshed out though, at times, they still managed to grate on my nerves. I will say that Wren's immaturity was rather jarring at times, too. There is a definitive insta-connection (I hate to say love, though I'm sure many will), as there is a physical attraction that rides right alongside the emotional connection, as well, and the way Wren handled it, at times, was a bit baffling and annoying. I will say that there are some intimate sexual situations that, while well-written, kind of irked me, simply because I would have been for more invested in Charlie and Wren as a couple had they not immediately leaped to the physical aspect of a relationship. However, it's the ending that lowered my rating of the book. I almost wanted that subtle closure that kept you guessing on whether the connection lasts, but Wren acts childish and petty and, somehow, Charlie and his family break through the mold they've been in through the story to simply tie it up in ribbons and bows. Overall, I liked The Infinite Moment of Us, but I can't say that I completely loved it. And, I think it should be mentioned that because of the sexual situations in this book (and there are a good many), I don't think this is for the younger YA audience. Rather, it's more suitable for upper YA and even NA. I give it a 3 out of 5, and I recommend this to fans of both genres, as well as those who enjoy contemporary fiction. I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 25, 2013
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Aug 2013
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Jun 12, 2013
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Hardcover
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my rating |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| 3.93
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it was amazing
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not set
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Jan 20, 2014
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|||||
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| 3.46
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liked it
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not set
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Jan 13, 2014
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|||||
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| 4.00
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really liked it
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Jan 13, 2014
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Dec 23, 2013
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|||||
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| 3.38
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liked it
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Oct 31, 2013
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Oct 17, 2013
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|||||
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| 3.40
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liked it
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Oct 31, 2013
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Oct 15, 2013
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|||||
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| 4.26
|
it was amazing
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Oct 15, 2013
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Oct 06, 2013
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|||||
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| 3.81
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it was amazing
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Sep 23, 2013
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Sep 08, 2013
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|||||
|
| 3.93
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really liked it
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Sep 08, 2013
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Aug 22, 2013
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|||||
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| 3.89
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it was amazing
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Aug 22, 2013
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Aug 15, 2013
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|||||
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| 3.40
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liked it
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Jan 13, 2014
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Jul 29, 2013
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|||||
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| 3.32
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liked it
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not set
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Jul 29, 2013
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|||||
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| 3.90
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really liked it
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Aug 05, 2013
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Jul 25, 2013
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|||||
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| 3.87
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really liked it
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not set
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Jul 15, 2013
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|||||
|
| 4.21
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really liked it
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not set
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Jul 08, 2013
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|||||
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| 3.79
|
really liked it
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Sep 23, 2013
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Jul 08, 2013
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|||||
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| 4.17
|
really liked it
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not set
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Jul 03, 2013
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|||||
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| 3.34
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liked it
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not set
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Jul 02, 2013
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|||||
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| 4.00
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it was amazing
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not set
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Jun 24, 2013
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|||||
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| 3.94
|
really liked it
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not set
|
Jun 20, 2013
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|||||
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| 3.17
|
liked it
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Aug 2013
|
Jun 12, 2013
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