Pearl the Book Girl

My Life Has Been Crazy!

2012-03-02T19:48:00.001-08:00

Hi guys, remember me!? Sorry I've been gone so long, it's been over a three weeks! I was super sick and decided to take a break then I found out my work was sending me to North Carolina for three weeks! That's where I am now and will be until next weekend. I am so busy I've had absolutely no time to blog and hardly any time to read. I'm now officially 12 books behind in my reading challenge. I will be back to blogging next weekend, but for now I've just been crazy busy with real life stuff. I just wanted to give you all a quick update with where I was. You'll be hearing from me soon!

Friday Face Off Cover Reveal: Bad Hair Day

2012-02-10T09:54:00.000-08:00

Friday Face Off is a meme hosted by one of my favorite book bloggers Misty over at The Book Rat. Usually this meme focuses on different cover designs for the same book and decides which is better for the story. I wanted to take this meme and add a little twist to it today by discussing a cover reveal!

I read Carrie Harris's Bad Taste in Boys last fall (haven't done a review yet, but I will I promise!) and I really loved it. It's a super cute zombie book that I think is a bit more geared for middle grade, but is still an enjoyable read. The second book in the series, Bad Hair Day, comes out November 13, 2012.

I love the covers of this series. I love the continuity with the font and color schemes. While I think Bad Hair Day isn't as eye catching as Bad Taste in Boys I think it's a great cover and I can't wait to read the follow up in the series!

Fracture by Megan Miranda

2012-02-09T18:38:00.000-08:00

Published January 17, 2012 by Walker Childrens
5 Stars
DAC 2012

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

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

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

Review: Fracture was a great book for me. I had been in a reading slump for a couple of weeks and this was the perfect book to draw me out. This book was so well written, I just had to keep reading to find out what happened next! Also, Fracture incorporates my favorite musical, Les Miserables, so it automatically gets about a million stars for that.

The mystery aspects of Fracture were really well done. The pacing was excellent. Facts were revealed at a good pace that kept me guessing but not frustrated. Everything in this story adds to the mystery. Even with the romance, the book never strayed from the main genre. Speaking of the romance, I really enjoyed that too. Even though there were some moments where I was yelling "just talk to each other! Stop being so stupid!" I really cared about Decker and Delaney. But man were they stupid sometimes!

One thing about Fracture that I really appreciated was the fact that while Delaney's abilities were presented in a paranormal way, it never actually became a paranormal book. There were scientific explanations for everything that happened and I found that to be very refreshing. I kind of wish that there was a little more explanation about what actually causes her abilities (not just something weird in her brain), but it's not a huge deal. Not knowing adds to the suspense, it's just that my science-y mind would like to know.

Overall Fracture is an excellent mystery that, while short, is perfectly paced and will keep you guessing. Fracture is a stellar debut and I recommend it for anyone looking for a spooky mystery with a great twist and a very well thought out ending.

The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison

2012-02-06T07:08:00.000-08:00

Published February 14, 2012 by EgmontUSA
egalley for review from netgalley
3 stars
DAC 2012

Goopdreads Review
Penelope (Lo) Marin has always loved to collect beautiful things. Her dad's consulting job means she's grown up moving from one rundown city to the next, and she's learned to cope by collecting (sometimes even stealing) quirky trinkets and souvenirs in each new place--possessions that allow her to feel at least some semblance of home.

But in the year since her brother Oren's death, Lo's hoarding has blossomed into a full-blown, potentially dangerous obsession. She discovers a beautiful, antique butterfly pendant during a routine scour at a weekend flea market, and recognizes it as having been stolen from the home of a recently murdered girl known only as "Sapphire"--a girl just a few years older than Lo. As usual when Lo begins to obsess over something, she can't get the murder out of her mind.

As she attempts to piece together the mysterious "butterfly clues," with the unlikely help of a street artist named Flynt, Lo quickly finds herself caught up in a seedy, violent underworld much closer to home than she ever imagined--a world, she'll ultimately discover, that could hold the key to her brother's tragic death.

Review: I wanted to start off this review by saying that while I gave this book three stars, I read an advance galley so I think the finished copy will be more of a 4 star book. There are certain things that will probably be edited up a bit (mostly some support to characters that may not show up a lot but are important to the story). However as it was The Butterfly Clues was still an excellent murder mystery that, while not really all that surprising, was still very suspenseful and enjoyable to read.

The Butterfly Clues is first and foremost a book about OCD. The author does a, well, intense job of describing what it's like to have OCD. It is on every single page, for better or worse. When the consistent need to touch, take, and tap is done well, it adds SO MUCH anxiety and tension to the murder mystery. It's like, imagine not being able to escape a dangerous situation because you HAD to tap your leg nine times before you went through a doorway, or you HAD jump over every crack in the sidewalk or you'd HAVE to go back and start over, even if someone was chasing you! There were times where I just had to take a break from reading because I was getting so freaked out! But then there were times where the OCD was just there because it had to be, but didn't do anything to move the plot forward. Those scenes were painfully slow to read.

I really liked Sapphire as a character, even though we never get to actually meet her. I don't want to give away the plot (even though I found it to be pretty predictable, as in I guessed everything from about page 60 or so) but I liked who she was and what ultimately happened to her. I found her relationship to Lo a little convenient, but still very interesting.

There is one other thing I didn't like, and I think this is just personal preference. What is up with the idea that homeless = artsy? Where exactly does this kid get the money to pay for art supplies? I had a really hard time believing a person like Flynt really exists. Maybe that's because I am too grounded in my need for security. I could never just be an artist and "live off the land" Chris McCandless style. I think if more background to how Flynt survived had been given I would have enjoyed his character more. As he was I pretty much rolled my eyes every time he used his art to be all mysterious and sexy.

Overall The Butterfly Clues is an intense murder mystery (that doesn't have any paranormal aspects to it, thank God!) that uses OCD to create extremely suspenseful situations for the main character. Lo is a unique character that has some major flaws, but you can't help but love and root for anyway. I recommend The Butterfly Clues to anyone who enjoys murder mysteries or books about mental illness (or books with beautiful covers!).

Friday Face Off Cover Reveal: Purity

2012-02-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

I am really excited for Purity by Jackson Pearce. I have a lot of high hopes for this book. I hope it will look at teen sexuality in a way that isn't slut-shaming or rape apologist. I hope it will be a book about a girl who learns that her sexuality is no one's responsibility but her own. Pearce is an excellent writer, and I really hope I like her contemporary works more than her fantasy.

I love the symbolism behind this cover. It makes me think of chastity belts and who holds the key to her "heart" (get the movie reference?). But on a more serious note this cover makes me think about unlocking sexuality and who has the right to hold the key. It's a very promising cover to a very promising novel.

February 2012 New Reads

2012-02-01T21:24:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Here are the debuts and releases that are set for the coming month. This by no means is a complete list, but just some of the books I'm interested in or excited to read. Please let me know in the comments what books you're looking forward to reading!

February 1

The Girls of No Return by Erin Saldin (DAC!)

Why I'm Excited - The premise of this book is really hard to explain, because I have no idea where it will go. I honestly can't say much because I don't want to know myself. I want this book to be a surprise, so we'll have to wait and see....

February 2

Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne (DAC!)

Why I'm Excited - A post-apocalyptic world where the main character lives in an "education facility for delinquents and crazies"? I'm so down!

Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale (DAC!)

Why I'm Excited - Someone Else's Life sounds like a touching story about family secrets, healing, and finding yourself.

This One Time with Julia by David Lampson (DAC!)

Why I'm Excited - This books starts off sounding like another dealing with death/coming of age story. But then it takes a turn into a weird-o murder mystery! Very cool. (plus I really like the title!)

February 6

The Rivals by Daisy Whitney
#2 in The Mockingbirds Series

Why I'm Excited - I own The Mockingbirds and I really want to read it. I love the whole premise of an underground student justice system. Even though I really dislike the new covers the series still sounds really cool.

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein (DAC!)

Why I'm Excited - I really like the world war II prisoner of war set up. I also like how it's told in a variety of ways including flashback and prose. and This sounds like a great story about how a true friendship can defeat any odds.

February 7

The Misdeucation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth (DAC!)

Why I'm Excited - This book sounds like an excellent addition to the growing shelf of GLBT literature for teens. An interesting twist is that Cameron's parents die at the very beginning of the book (no spoilers, it's in the description). I think it will be really interesting to read how Cameron navigates the coming out waters without parents to guide (or scare) her.

Dead to You by Lisa McMann

Why I'm Excited - This story's about an abducted boy being returned to his family and the struggles that ensue. He can't remember anything about his life before the abduction which does not help ease the tension. Sounds like it will be a heavy and dark read.

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood (DAC!)
#1 in The Cahill Witch Chronicles

Why I'm Excited - I love a good witchy book! In Born Wicked there are witch sisters hiding out from a brotherhood of priests that trying to hunt them down. I am very interested to see if this book will live up to the hype.

February 8

Pure by Julianna Baggott
#1 in the Pure series

Why I'm Excited - The description on this book is very vague, so I'll be honest and say I judged this book by the cover! I have no idea why, I just really <3 it. I think it's the font.

The Wood Queen by Karen Mahoney
#2 in The Iron Witch series

Why I'm Excited - I have the first book, The Iron Witch, and I really am interested in this series. Sounds like an interesting fantasy story about one poor girl getting mixed up in fey drama (seriously, when do fairies not have drama?).

In Too Deep by Amanda Grace

Why I'm Excited - I really like books about people dealing with rumors tarnishing their reputations, and I think that it happens all too much in high school and can be absolutely devastating. It doesn't matter if the rumors are true or not, once they start they can seem impossible to escape.

February 14

Arcadia Awakens by Kai Meyer (DAC!)
#1 in the Arkadien series

Why I'm Excited - Two words. Sicilian Mafia.

The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison (DAC!)

Why I'm Excited - Partly because it's a murder mystery with an OCD protagonist and partly because of pure unadulterated cover love, I'm really enjoying The Butterfly Clues. A very suspenseful thriller that has me guessing with every page. (I'm reading it now, thanks netgalley!)

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

Why I'm Excited - Honestly? I only want to read this because for the longest time I thought there was a Michael Cera movie based on the book (turns out the movie I was thinking of is called Paper Heart....nowhere close! I have no idea what I was thinking). So I have no idea what this book is about! We'll see when I read it I guess.

The Nightmare Garden by Caitlin Kittredge
#2 in the Iron Codex series

Why I'm Excited - I've heard fantastic things about The Iron Thorn, the first book in the series. It sounds like a crazy post apocalyptic sci-fi meets fey fantasy adventure with steampunk elements sprinkled about. Any series that's going to mix that many genres I must know more about! Plus I absolutely love the main characters name, Aoife (pronounced ee-fah). It's one of my all time faves.

Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen (DAC!)

Why I'm Excited - A Robin Hood re-telling with a female protagonist trying to run from her past by pretending to be one of Robin's merry men? Awesome! Sounds like a great adventure (too bad they aren't foxes and lions though. Gotta love the Disney movie).

The Vanishing Game by Kate Kae Myers (DAC!)

Why I'm Excited - I have to be honest, this is another case of cover love. I have no idea what this book is about, but I saw the cover and said "sold!". I'm not going to read anything about the book either, I'm just going to go read it. Because I like to walk on the wild side.

Various Positions by Martha Schabas (DAC!)

Why I'm Excited - I really like ballet, but I'm a little wary of this book. It sounds like it might stray too far into the pedophilia/sexual misconduct territory for me to really enjoy, but I'm willing to give it a shot. (Plus I have to give the title props for the double entendre).

February 16

Trafficked by Kim Purcell (DAC!)

Why I'm Excited - This book sounds different than any YA book I've ever read. A young orphaned girl from Moldova is brought to the US to a job that she thinks will earn hear enough to support what family she still has, but instead turns into hellish slavery. While I am worried it will be overly sensationalized, I am interested to see where this book goes.

The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour

Why I'm Excited -Again, this is largely due to cover appeal. But after reading the synopsis, The Disenchantments sounds like an interesting road trip book about friends growing up and growing apart.

The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen

Why I'm Excited - This book is described as "Pretty in Pink meets Anna and the French Kiss". HELL YES SIGN ME UP. That description and the adorable title are really all I need.

February 21

A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton
Gods and Monsters Series #2

Why I'm excited - I own the first book in the series, Death Becomes Her, and it sounds so cool. Medusa curses and bitchy goddesses? Yes.

The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg (DAC!)

Why I'm Excited - I'm just really intrigued by this story, and I think I'll either love it or despise it. It's about a girl who dies of a literal broken heart (Seriously? That's the part I'm not too sure about...) who then goes through the different stages of grief that help her move on in the afterlife (and that's the part that intrigues me). I'm torn on the premise so I guess I'll have to read it to find out!

Fever by Lauren DeStefano
#2 in The Chemical Garden Series

Why I'm Excited - I read the first book Wither and all I really liked was the beautiful cover. I was pretty annoyed with the illogical and weak world building, but I was interested enough in the characters to want to continue the story. Fever doesn't have a beautiful cover to keep me reading though (I really don't like it, ew), so I really hope the story telling kicks it up a notch.

Faery Tales & Nightmares by Melissa Marr

Why I'm Excited - This is a collection of short stories by the popular Wicked Lovely series author. I've heard a lot about this series, both good and bad, and really want to start it soon. I think this collection would be perfect for any fan of the series who is looking for more in that world.

February 28

A Touch Morbid by Leah Clifford
#2 in the A Touch Trilogy

Why I'm Excited - I own a copy of the first book, A Touch Mortal, and I'm really interested in the series. I love how this series has a really dark twist, and while it has mixed review, these books seem like something I'd really enjoy.

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
#2 in the Delirium Series

Why I'm Excited - Probably the most hyped book for this month. I own a copy of Delirium (with the original cover that is NOT very cute, I want the new one!) and all I've ever heard is how it is amazeballs. To be honest I started Delirium and put it down, but I'm willing to give the series another go!

Partials by Dan Wells (DAC!)
#1 in the Partials series

Why I'm Excited - I do love a good post apocalyptic adventure. This sounds like an awesome kick-ass adventure, and thanks to netgalley, I'll be starting this one really really soon. (Like right now actually)

Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

2012-01-31T13:57:00.000-08:00

Published in 2010 by Knopf Books for Young Readers

5 Stars

Goodreads Review

“I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Timesbestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.

Review: I love treasure hunt type stories. Like, really really love them. When I was a little kid I would make up treasure hunts for my younger siblings and I would spend HOURS drawing maps, hiding clues, and creating decorated boxes for the "treasure" (usually some apples or something, what I was only 6, don't judge). I've always daydreamed about finding a hidden passage, a secret diary, and some sort of clue trail of my own. I just LOVED the idea of finding a secret message tucked into the stacks of my favorite bookstore. It is my ideal adventure.

I absolutely loved the two main characters, but I think I connected more to Lily. I loved her kooky style and her brother and her dog and her freaking majorette boots. I also loved how she was the one to initiate the journal. She is more bold than me, because while I dream about finding a secret, she creates one and puts it out into the world.

Overall Dash and Lily is an adorable romance. It's an excellent tale about how the idea of a person may be different that who they really are, but that doesn't mean they still aren't right for you. It has a great theme that fairy tale prince charmings and princesses are wonderful, but they're only fairy tales. Real life relationships aren't as perfect, there are things that will frustrate and annoy you, but they're real and that is magic.

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

2012-01-30T16:45:00.000-08:00

Published in 2009 by Viking Juvenile

3 Stars

Goodreads Review

“Dead girl walking,” the boys say in the halls.
“Tell us your secret,” the girls whisper, one toilet to another.
I am that girl.
I am the space between my thighs, daylight shining through.
I am the bones they want, wired on a porcelain frame.

Lia and Cassie were best friends, wintergirls frozen in matchstick bodies. But now Cassie is dead. Lia's mother is busy saving other people's lives. Her father is away on business. Her step-mother is clueless. And the voice inside Lia's head keeps telling her to remain in control, stay strong, lose more, weigh less. If she keeps on going this way—thin, thinner, thinnest—maybe she'll disappear altogether.

In her most emotionally wrenching, lyrically written book since the National Book Award finalist Speak, best-selling author Laurie Halse Anderson explores one girl's chilling descent into the all-consuming vortex of anorexia.

Review: I'd be lying if I didn't say that I was really anticipating reading Wintergirls. I read Speak a while ago after watching the movie (which I actually liked! Who knew I'd like a K-Stew movie) and I loved the book. However, I'm sad to say that Wintergirls fell short for me.

I really enjoy reading books about mental illnesses including eating disorders. I find there are so many different ways an author can go when they're writing a story about mental illness. I felt like Anderson was close to hitting the mark, but didn't quite make it. I couldn't connect to her writing style which is surprising because I really enjoyed her writing in Speak. However in Wintergirls it was a little too poetic and "flowery" for my taste. I guess I was expecting a much more direct form of story telling, and Wintergirls kept me guessing as to what was really going on. I couldn't tell if it was a contemporary or paranormal book, and that ambiguity frustrated me and turned me off from large chunks of the story.

Another aspect of the book I didn't really like was the lack of character growth. I didn't get the impression that Lia really learned anything by the end of the story. I was hoping that I would get some sense that she was going to get better, that she would have some sort of epiphany about what she was doing to her body and her family. That never happened for me. At the end she still seemed selfish and defensive.

This review isn't to say Wintergirls is the worst book I've ever read. I did enjoy some parts, largely the horrific side effects of anorexia and bulimia, but for me parts of the book felt too hung up in a specific writing style or convention to tell the story clearly. Overall I would say Wintergirls is a good book, but nowhere near some of Anderson's other works.

Friday Face Off Cover Reveal: A Midsummer's Nightmare

2012-01-27T06:59:00.000-08:00

I haven't read any of Kody Keplinger's books, but I am really interested in them largely due to their covers. A Midsummer's Nightmare is coming out June 5th, and it sounds really good. I also really like this cover!

I love how the model is wearing a floppy sun hat and bathing suit - happy fun time vacation wear - but looks supremely pissed off. I think it fits the tone of the book really well and also goes with the cover themes of her other books. Looks like a great read!

These are Kody's other books. I think they fit the themes of the books well. I really love the colors used on the DUFF and even though you can't see it, the spine is totally eye catching. I also love Shut Out's cover. It fits the book perfectly, and I love the varsity font used in the title. (and is it just me or does this model look a hella lot like Liv Tyler??)

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

2012-01-24T08:14:00.000-08:00

Published March 9, 2010 by Dial
4 Stars

Goodreads Review
Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life - and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey's boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie's own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they're the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can't collide without the whole wide I world exploding.

This remarkable debut is perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Francesca Lia Block. Just as much a celebration of love as it is a portrait of loss, Lennie's struggle to sort her own melody out of the noise around her is always honest, often hilarious, and ultimately unforgettable.

Review: I read The Sky is Everywhere because my friend Gabrielle Carolina over at The Mod Podge Bookshelf really loves this book, and I can totally see why. By far the best thing about The Sky is Everywhere is the writing. WOW. Nelson's writing style is one of the most compelling and unique of any that I've experienced in YA. The story itself isn't uncommon, a girl loses her sister and is trying to put her life back together after her death, but it is the way in which this story is present that makes it so special. I could completely relate to Lennie, even though I have never gone through the tragedy of losing a sibling and best friend, how Nelson writes Lennie's thoughts make her totally relatable, hilarious, and heart breaking. Also, I loved the note convention used at the beginning and end of the chapters. I loved that the poems were printed on paper, cups, wrappers, trees, whatever was around. I love visuals in books and these really lend to the story and make it way interesting.

I also could totally understand why Lennie has feelings towards two different people. With Toby she's looking for someone who can understand her pain and make it go away. It's not so much that she actually loves Toby, quite the opposite she has tremendous feelings of guilt, but at the same time she is drawn to the person who can understand.

And then there's Joe. Let me just say that a man who can play an instrument well is dead sexy. He's the boy who can actually help heal her. I think it's so important that he moved to town after Bailey's death. He doesn't know pre-death Lennie, and loves her as she is now. I loved how he helped draw the music out of her and healed her with his. He helps her accept what happened and helps her see that life will go on and that she can go on, not forgetting her sister, but remembering all of the beautiful lessons she taught. (My only criticism of Joe is that he fell in crazy love with Lennie a little too fast. I would have liked to see the beginning stages a little more, so the healing love they experienced at the end would have been more supported).

Overall The Sky is Everywhere is a beautifully written book about losing a loved one and finding out that love can heal. (Word to the wise, the UK hardcover edition has full colored photos of Lennie's poems. I really wish I could get my hands on a copy, if anyone knows where I can buy it, please comment!)

Friday Face Off Cover Reveal: Rebel Heart

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

This is actually a double Friday Face Off because I'll be talking about a cover reveal and series cover change AND a series title change! You guys may remember I reviewed Blood Red Road back in August, and one of the best parts of the book was the beautiful cover.

Excellent cover, no? Well, with the release of Rebel Heart, the second in the series, the series has not only gotten a face life, they've also renamed the book to Dust Lands: Blood Red Road. Here are the new covers.

I know I rarely think this, but I really like the new covers more. I love the colors, and I think they look like totally awesome action movie posters! I really love the re-do for Blood Red Road, I think it puts off a way more "this girl is bad ass" feel than the original, which has a more desolate and sad feeling. So what do you think? Let me know in the comments!

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

2012-01-19T08:35:00.000-08:00

#6 in the Vampire Academy Series
Published December 7, 2010 by Razorbill
5 Stars

Goodreads Review
The astonishing final novel in Richelle Mead's epic series!

Murder. Love. Jealousy. And the ultimate sacrifice. Now, with Rose on trial for her life and Lissa first in line for the Royal Throne, nothing will ever be the same between them.

Review: I really enjoyed the end to the series, and I would say that this is one of the best paranormal romance YA series out there, and way better than certain other vampire series. I loved all of the twists and turns, there were a lot of things that took me totally by surprise.

For the first time ever I can say that I really loved what happened to Lissa and the transformation she went through. I had always thought that once the girls left school Lissa became a rather unimportant character to the main storyline, but I really enjoyed what she had to go through in this book. I don't want to give away spoilers, but I think that her ending was perfect for her character. I will be reading Bloodlines soon, and of all of the vampire academy characters, she is the one I am most anxious to continue reading about. I want to know what she will do and who will she become.

Sure I was kind of sad about Adrian, but seriously, did we really ever doubt Rose and Dimitri? I know I didn't. I did feel like this aspect of the story was rushed and that Adrian didn't get a very good resolution. He basically just threw up his hands and stormed out. That is the one aspect of the story that didn't give me a sense of completion. However, I do know that Adrian is a big part of the Bloodlines series, so I know we aren't done with him yet.

Overall the entire Vampire Academy series is just excellent. It has a well thought out society and history that really supported the main story line. The main characters Rose is awesome. She is spunky and sexy and loyal to the people she loves. She isn't perfect and makes mistakes, but in the end she will do whatever she has to in order to protect her family and friends. I highly recommend this series to everyone who wants to read a compelling paranormal romance. It's one of the best in the genre.

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

2012-01-18T09:06:00.000-08:00

#5 in the Vampire Academy Series
Published May 18, 2010 by Razorbill
5 Stars

Goodreads Review
After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri's birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s—and to her best friend, Lissa Dragomir. It's graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives outside of the Academy’s cold iron gates to finally begin. But even with the intrigue and excitement of court life looming, Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri. He's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance, and now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and she knows in her heart that he is hunting her. And if Rose won't join him, he won't rest until he's silenced her...forever.

But Rose can't forget what she learned on her journey—whispers of a magic too impossible and terrifying to comprehend. A magic inextricably tied to Lissa that could hold the answer to all of Rose's prayers, but not without devastating consequences. Now Rose will have to decide what—and who—matters most to her. In the end, is true love really worth the price?

Fall in love with Rose and Dimitri all over again in Spirit Bound, the eagerly awaited fifth novel in Richelle Mead's enthralling Vampire Academy series.

Review: After reading this book I had to breath a huge sigh of relief. I'm glad to see the series back on track. For anyone who is like me and hated Blood Promise, trust me when I say that was a hiccup in an otherwise excellent series. Spirit Bound is as full of awesome as the first three books. This is a difficult review to write because I don't want to spoil any of the crazy things that happen. Let's just say that I really like what happened to Dimitri. It's a really cool idea, even if it was presented in a rather convenient way. I also really liked Abe and I'm very curious to see what he will do in the next book (turns out he's awesome lol).

On the whole romance thing, I'm very anxious to see what will happen with the Rose-Dimitri-Adrian love triangle, but I have a few ideas. I'll write this part like I haven't read the series and say that I never was team Adrian, and I don't really get the people who are on his team. I mean, if you had the choice between a 6'7" awesome ninja fighter with respect and morals AND a super sexy Russian accent or a scrawny chain smoking alcoholic who is mentally unstable and makes thinly veiled sexual innuendos, who would you pick?

Top Ten Tuesday 1/17/2012: Top Ten Books I'd Recommend To Someone Who Doesn't Read X

2012-01-17T08:26:00.000-08:00

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week we will post a new top ten list complete with one of our bloggers' answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers in the comments.

TOP TEN BOOKS I'D RECOMMEND TO SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T READ X

1. Science Fiction/Dystopia - The Road by Cormac McCarthy or The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins If you're looking for an adult book I would look no further than The Road. It is a true post-apocalyptic book. There really is no hope, society hasn't bounced back, it's just barely hanging on, and the writing style is excellent in portraying this bleak feeling (for a similar YA book I'd recommend Blood Red Road by Moira Young. It's like The Road meets Mad Max). For a YA book I would recommend The Hunger Games trilogy. Not only is is super popular, but it's an exciting sci-fi with a really interesting premise (For an adult book I'd recommend Battle Royale and the movie).

2. Romance - Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins I'm not a big romance person, I tend to roll my eyes as sappy chick-flick type books. But, I really liked Lola. Yes there are many times where I want to just punch the stupid out of her, but I could really related to her at the same time because I'VE TOTALLY BEEN THERE. Also, Cricket (despite his horrible name) is a total hottie geek.

3. Fantasy - The Redwall Series by Brian Jacques or The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis These are two series from my childhood that I love. They're excellent fantasy series that I recommend all the time for kids. The Redwall books are just adorable, I love the badgers, they're my favorite. The Chronicles of Narnia are classic children's literature and I would recommend that every kid read them. (For an adult series it has to be A Game of Thrones).

4. Paranormal Romance - The Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead I really love this series (even though Blood Promise was a bit of a miss). The vampire society is really well set up, and the main relationship is totally believable. Lots of awesome magic, action, and yes, sexy times.

5. Classics - The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett This is one of my favorite children's classics. I was given this when I was a little kid and I've probably read it over 10 times. I was so enchanted with this book I would play secret garden every spring in my grandmother's garden. Combine that with the absolutely GENIUS musical written in 1991 and I am totally hooked for life. (seriously people, check out the musical. It is one of the best musicals ever written).

6. Fairy Tale Re-Telling - Cinder by Marissa Meyer I'm very critical of re-tellings. There has to be a fine balance between the well known fairy tale core and a new twist that makes it entertaining and new. Cinder walks that line perfectly. I love this book, the science fiction is excellent and the character are absolutely wonderful.

7. Horror - Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton Jurassic Park has been one of my favorite movies since I was 5 years old. I read the book when I was 10, and I fell even more in love. It's scary and science-y, which is the perfect mix for me. It is definitely an adult book with lots of scary scenes and adult themes (like man becoming like god-creators for example), but damn do I love this book.

8. Mystery - And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie I would go so far as to say Agatha Christie is the #1 mystery writer of all time, and And Then There Were None is her #1 book. It is perfect. The pacing of the plot is perfect, I was kept wondering who was the killer the entire time. And the ending? All I can say is WOW.

9. Tough Stuff - The Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls by Emilie Autumn Self Harm. Mental Illness. Objectifying Women. Depression. Rape. Suicide. TAfWVG is an excellent book that is half memoir half historical fantasy that takes a very stark and open look at mental illness and how it is dealt with, or in many cases not dealt with and just pushed under a rug. Emilie Autumn is a genius, both on stage and in writing. This book is beautiful, with over 200 glossy full color pages, and is well worth the money.

10. GLBT - Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan I think a lot of heterosexual people are a little wary about reading a GLBT book because they're worried about how they will relate to a romantic relationship between two people to which they're not attracted. I can totally understand this, but Will Grayson, Will Grayson is a story that can relate to anyone. It's not so much about a gay relationship (though that is a big factor), it's more about being who you are and being comfortable with that person.

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

2012-01-16T09:33:00.000-08:00

#4 in the Vampire Academy Series
Published August 25, 2009 by Razorbill
3 Stars

Goodreads Review
The recent Strigoi attack at St. Vladimir's Academy was the deadliest ever in the school's history, claiming the lives of Moroi students, teachers, and guardians alike. Even worse, the Strigoi took some of their victims with them . . . including Dimitri.

He'd rather die than be one of them, and now Rose must abandon her best friend, Lissa the one she has sworn to protect no matter what and keep the promise Dimitri begged her to make long ago. But with everything at stake, how can she possibly destroy the person she loves most?

Review: I have to admit that after the awesomeness that was Shadow Kiss my expectations where VERY high for Blood Promise. Sadly, I was disappointed. Blood Promise was the only weak point in the entire series and it was very weak for 75% of the book. With that said, there are still some really great parts of the book (mostly the ending, very awesome) and the introduction of some cool new characters (Sydney is super great as is Abe), but the book as a whole is far below the bar the rest of the series sets.

So, let's review the positives first. Sydney is introduced in this book, and she becomes a pretty cool character in the rest of the series and in the spin off series Bloodlines. However, in this book she's not that awesome, it's mostly just a way to put her in Rose's life. I also really enjoyed the ending. The final "battle" is exciting and really made me interested in the next book. I don't want to give any spoilers, but trust me that the last 100ish pages are totally awesome.

However, there are 300 pages of BORING before you get to the awesome. This book really takes a hit with the separation of Lissa and Rose. Mead tries to have both their story lines run congruently, but neither are very interesting. I found myself not really caring about Lissa when Rose wasn't around. I didn't think the information revealed about spirit was that great, and most of Lissa's plot was just filler to give her something to do while Rose was away. Also while Rose is in Siberia, we meet a lot of character that (with the exception of Sydney and Abe) serve no purpose to the main storyline and are basically just filler. Which is very obvious. Not to mention the way over use of flashbacks. There was just TMI. I don't care about the conversations that Rose had with Dimitri a couple months ago, I want to know what they're doing now. This entire book (with the exception of the last 100ish pages) is just filler that doesn't do anything to push the main story along.

OK, even with all of that said, this is still an enjoyable read, just not as TOTALLY FREAKING AWESOME OMG! as the rest of the series. Don't let this book stop you from the final two books. They are super excellent, especially Last Sacrifice. Overall Blood Promise is a bit of a hiccup in an otherwise enthralling series.

It's Monday! What are You Reading 1/16/2012

2012-01-16T06:29:00.000-08:00

It's Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by One Persons Journey through a world of Books. Each week we spotlight the books we are reading, planning on reading or just finished reading.

Finished Reading:

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Currently Reading:

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Up Next:

Why We Broke UP by Daniel Handler

73 Lessons Every Goddess Must Know by Goddess Leonie Dawson

2012-01-15T20:26:00.000-08:00

Published August 17, 2011 by CreateSpace
5 stars

Goodreads Review
How would your world be different if you knew you were a Goddess? Join Goddess Leonie for the spiritual adventure of your life, as you discover just what it takes to become your very own goddess.

Review: I discovered Leonie's Goddess Guidebook about a year ago and instantly fell in love with the turquoise mermaid magic that is her site. There is so much wisdom in just her blog, let alone her amazing lessons and classes. After a few months I decided to purchase a membership to the circle, and it was the best $99 I ever spent. Hands down. I have learned so much about my own spirituality and how to be a creative goddess, and I owe so much of that to Goddess Leonie. Her classes, meditation, artwork, and writing are all beautiful and inspirational. I am in total love.

73 Lessons Every Goddess Must Know is a lovely collection of some of Leonie's best work. There are sections on creativity, motherhood, self confidence, and spirituality all peppered with beautiful photography and artwork. My only wish is that this book was in full color. I would have paid double for that :)

If you guys are interested in checking out her stuff, here are some links to some of my favorite stuff. AND if you decide to buy something, please use the links below and I'll get a commission! How totally awesome is that! Please check it out!

The 2012 Creating Your Goddess Year Workbook

The 2012 Creating your Goddess Year workbook, planner & calendar is an incredibly popular & useful tool to help you plan out & make happen your most incredible year yet. Over the last three years, thousands of women have used this workbook with the most amazing results. It’s the best planning tool available to help you make your year more inspiring than ever.

It’s filled with over 100 pages of worksheets & a printable calendar to help you dream, manifest, set your intentions, plan & cultivate your amazing new year. The workbook has been lovingly handwritten & rainbow illustrated… perfect for you to print out, soak up the rainbow colours of & get thoroughly inspired by!

You’ll get clarity on what you need 2012 to be. What you want to create during it. And most importantly, how to make it happen.

This is one of the best things ever, if you only get one thing, make it this. It's only $9.99!

Click here to buy your own copy!

Get it all. Join the Goddess Circle!

The Goddess Circle is an online sacred space with e-courses, meditations & kits to help you discover the creative, wise, joyful Goddess in you! There are three e-courses you can enrol in to be a part of this amazing experience.

The Radiant Goddess e-course: a 21 day journey to discovering the radiant goddess in you. This e-course comes with nutrition and movement plans, meditations, a recipe plan & soulful goddess projects to help you shine all over: mind, body and spirit!
The Creative Goddess e-course: a six week path to discover the creative goddess inside you with sacred creativity, meditations & projects.
The Creating your Goddess Haven e-course: six weeks to create a home that inspires you with spirited interior design, divine decluttering & magical space-clearing.

With each e-course, you’ll receive meditations, videos, guidance and projects. You also get access to a private online message board for you to share your journey with other Goddesses on the journey!

Over the last five years, Goddess Leonie has helped over a thousand women over the last five years discover the Goddess inside them.

Click here to buy your own membership!

Here's a video of my own 2012 workbook. Definitely check it out, I love it!

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

2012-01-14T00:52:00.000-08:00

Published October 26, 2011 by Harlequin Teen
egalley for review from netgalley
5 stars

Goodread Review
Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Review: I have to admit that I was very skeptical going into this book, but I am so glad I read it! I think this may be my favorite of the series. The setting in this book is just fantastic. It is so interesting and vivid, I wish it were a movie because I think I could sit and watch just the scenery for days. I also really loved the overall story of the book (no spoilers!). The quest that Ash goes on is really interesting and looks at the moral implications of being fey as well as what the future holds for the fey as humans move into a more technology driven society.

One aspect of the story that I really liked was how it addressed where fairies go when people forget their names and stories. What happens when you stop believing in them. I've been a huge fan of Peter Pan ever since I was a little kid, so I know that if you want fairies to be healthy and strong, you have to clap your hands and believe!

The characters were as fantastic as they always are. I absolutely LOVED Ash as the narrator. He has this sense of introspection that Meghan never had. Meghan was basically just trying to stay alive, but Ash really contemplates stuff. He's a deep guy, ya know? He also goes through some MAJOR trials in this book, and I really enjoyed (even though it tore my heart up) reading about the different tests he had to face in order to reach his goal. And of course the side cast of Puck, Grim, and the Big Bad Wolf (who we met in Winter's Passage, one of the short stories) are as hilarious as usual. Grim really is just one of the coolest characters ever.

This cat is Grim lol

Overall The Iron Knight is the satisfying ending that fans of the series craved. I am completely in love with Ash as a narrator and I really wish there was more to the series. (Though, there was some stuff with Puck at the very end that just has my praying there will be a 5th Puck book. I WOULD DIE OF HAPPINESS. Seriously, I liked Ash but I'm Team Ginger all the way!).

Friday Face Off Cover Reveal: Sweet Shadows

2012-01-13T05:30:00.000-08:00

You all may remember that I did a review and giveaway of Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs. Well, here we have the second book in the series, Sweet Shadows, due to be published sometime in 2012. Here is the cover art.

I have to admit I'm not that impressed. I LOVED the cover of Sweet Venom, it's what drew me initially to the story. I think they're trying to continue the snake/hair theme, but without the braid it losses the effect. I still want to read the series though because the first book was highly enjoyable. What do you think?

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

2012-01-13T02:30:00.000-08:00

Published January 10, 2012 by Dutton Juvenile
5 Stars

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

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

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

Review: I need to put a disclaimer on this review that I highly doubt this review will adequately describe just how much this book means to me. I've always been a fan of John Green's work, but The Fault in Our Stars takes him to a new category. There are definitely still the elements that make it a John Green book, such as teens that have a better vocabulary than most dictionaries, references to obscure books, music, and lots of poetry, and in-depth analyses of the meaning of life. But with The Fault in Our Stars, he does this better than any book he's written before. Yes these teens are maybe too smart, and yes I had to look up a word more than once, but never the less this book looks at death, love, and illness in a way that is so REAL.

First I want to give you a little background on where I'm coming from, and why Hazel in particular touched me on a very personal level. When I was 14 (just about to enter high school), I had to go to the doctor for a routine checkup. I had some basic bloodwork done, then went home to await the results. I got a call at 1:00 AM that night saying I had to go to the hospital right then and there. It turns out my platelet count (they're in your blood and cause it to clot) was so low I was considered a "medical emergency" (An average count is 150,000 - 500,000. I was at 7,000). On top of that my red blood cell count was HALF of what it should have been. I spent that first of what would be many weekends in the hospital with doctors trying to figure out what was wrong with me.

They eventually diagnosed me with ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura) which is basically where my immune system attacks my platelets for no reason. But I went through months before the diagnosis where they thought I could have anything from ITP to a bone marrow disorder to leukemia. Yes, I went around for about three months thinking I had blood cancer. Not very pleasant for a girl just starting high school. Luckily for me I didn't have luekemia, but I was still in the hospital 1-3 times a week for two years. I was on a very aggressive steroid treatment as well as periodic IVIg treatments that not only didn't really fix my blood problem, also caused me to gain 80 lbs, have severe mood swings, and lead me to some pretty hard core self image and depression issues.

After 2 years my doctors decided I had to go to a more drastic from of treatment by way of splenectomy. Word to the wise, if you can avoid having abdominal surgery, I suggest you do it because it hurts like a bitch. If that didn't work we would have had to resort to forms of chemotherapy, which totally scared the shit out of me. Luckily the splenectomy worked and after a couple weeks my counts leveled to a perfectly healthy 300,000 which was way better than expected. I'm basically cured and I don't have to take any medication or do anything special now. I just have to be aware of my immune system because I am missing a spleen, so I can get sick more easily than other people. But compared to having blood cancer? I'll give the spleen freely, again and again.

Ok, I'm telling you all way too much information so you can understand where I'm coming from when I say this book hit me on a very personal level. John Green does an excellent job capturing the feeling of being sick. From puffy steroid face to midnight hospital runs to being afraid that your death will ruin the ones you love, John Green covers the realities of illness with sensitivity and honesty. He really gets what it's like to be sick, and to be so sick that you could die. It doesn't fall into that sappy lifetime movie-esque melodrama of so many other cancer books.

I also just LOVE Hazel and Gus. So much. And I won't spoil the plot, but I totally did not expect what happened to them in this book, and I am so glad it didn't go the way I was expecting it to. I loved how their relationship forms and how they understand each other. What's really great is these characters are people, not just their disease. Plus the banter back and forth is adorable while their serious conversations made me think about my life and what I really valued. I particularly loved the lesson Gus learns about wanting to leave a mark on the world, a legacy, something to be remembered by after he has died. I think we all feel like that, but is the whole world knowing who we are really what's important? Isn't having people who love you and loving them back enough? I also loved their "infinity". I don't want to say more than that, because I don't want to spoil, just tell you a little bit about why I love this book so much.

While I'm not happy with the cover nor the blurb (I get why Jodi Picoult is on it, I just hate the fact that she is) I hope people outside the YA and nerdfighter community will pick this book up. The Fault in Our Stars should be read by everyone who has ever felt like their life was less valuable due to something they cannot control, anyone who has ever wanted to be seen as more than "that cancer girl", and anyone who has ever had to come to terms with the finality of a human life.

Booking Through Thursday 1/12/12

2012-01-12T14:17:00.000-08:00

This is a weekly meme hosted by Booking Through Thursday in which every week a different question is posted that generally involved books and reading.

This week is interview week! Here are some really great bookish questions that I'm going to enjoy answering :)

1. What’s your favorite time of day to read?

I really like to read at night. I'm a bit of a night owl, so I just love snuggling up at the end of the day with a cup of hot tea and a good book.

2. Do you read during breakfast? (Assuming you eat breakfast.)

In the morning I like to read new posts on the blogs I follow and maybe some news updates. I don't really read a newspaper or book or anything.

3. What’s your favorite breakfast food? (Noting that breakfast foods can be eaten any time of day.)

I'm really not a big on breakfast food, I usually just like fruit (bananas!).

4. How many hours a day would you say you read?

I try and read at least an hour, I'd say 0.5-3 hours a day.

5. Do you read more or less now than you did, say, 10 years ago?

No, I've always been a big reader. I took a bit of a break when I was in college, but not I read just as much as I did in high school.

6. Do you consider yourself a speed reader?

No, I think I'm medium. I hear of some people who read a book a day and I just cannot do that. I'd say I read a book every 3-5 days.

7. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Oh wow, this is hard! I think I'd like teleportation. I absolutely HATE driving to work every day (45 minutes one way!) so being able to teleport to work would be freaking cool. Not to mention I could teleport to Italy for a weekend, if I wanted.

8. Do you carry a book with you everywhere you go?

Yes, I almost always have some sort of book in my purse.

9. What KIND of book?

I always carry around my journal so I can make lists of groceries or whatever. I may also be carrying whatever fiction book I'm reading at the time.

10. How old were you when you got your first library card?

Gosh, I don't even remember. I was in elementary school, maybe first grade? I've always had one (now I have three, because I'm cool like that).

11. What’s the oldest book you have in your collection? (Oldest physical copy? Longest in the collection? Oldest copyright?)

I have an original print of Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz, which is 1908. It was my grandfathers, and I love it.

12. Do you read in bed?

Yes! It's one of my favorite places to read because I just love being all cozy. I find reading a great way to wind-down from a long day.

13. Do you write in your books?

HELL NO. I absolutely HATE writing in books of any kind. I just don't understand why someone would write in a book, especially something that can't be erased like pen or hi-lighter. If I need to take notes on a book I'll jot down the page number in a notebook. That's what they're for, notes.

14. If you had one piece of advice to a new reader, what would it be?

I would say to read what you want to read. Don't force yourself to read something just because it's "popular" or a "classic". Read what interests you, and you'll find what you love.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

2012-01-12T12:09:00.000-08:00

#1 in the Lunar Chronicles
Published January 3, 2012 by Feiwel & Friends
5 Stars
DAC 2012

Goodreads Review
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

In this thrilling debut young adult novel, the first of a quartet, Marissa Meyer introduces readers to an unforgettable heroine and a masterfully crafted new world that’s enthralling.

Review: I know it's barely into 2012, but I already think that Cinder will be one of my favorites of the year. I've read a lot of fairytale re-tellings, but never one quite like this. There's not just one thing about Cinder that makes it so awesome. The setting, the characters, the twists, the writing style, and so much more all add to this unique reading experience.

Let's talk characters. Cinder is fantastic. She is one of the best heroine's I've ever read. I love how she faces prejudices against her and still tries to take charge of her own life. She's her own person and makes her own decisions. Some of the things that are said and done to her by her "family"are absolutely horrible, but that only makes Cinder more determined. It's not just Cinder that's an awesome character though. I really LOVED all of the supporting cast. Iko, Cinder's robot BFF, is adorable and HILARIOUS. Cinder and Iko together were some of the cutest parts of the book. I also really liked (and hated) the evil stepmother and sister. I think Meyer did an excellent job with these two characters because, while they are still evil beyotches, I understood WHY the were evil beyotches. They were just flat "bad guys" they had their own motivations and reasoning behind their actions.

Let's also talk Prince Kai for a minute. Prince Kai is dreamy and funny with great interaction with Cinder. I really liked how we also get to read some chapters from his perspective. Not only does this give us valuable information about the overall story, but we also get to see Kai's struggles. He's trying to come to terms with his father dying and the fact that he will be the next emperor, which is a huge responsibility at any time, let alone when his country is precariously close to war with a much stronger nation.

I absolutely loved the futuristic setting, AND the fact that it was set in future China! I've been to China, so I really enjoyed reading her interpretation of how China would have evolved.

Proof! I'm in the red coat, and yes that really is the great wall behind me.

Cinder is an excellent start to the series. There are going to be 3 more books, and each one is going to be a re-telling of a different fairy tale. They are Scarlet (2013) - Little Red Riding Hood, Cress (2014) - Rapunzel, and Winter (2015) - Snow White. This is really encouraging because in Cinder there are plenty of questions that still need to be answered, in particular with the Lunars and their evil "queen".

In all honestly, I haven't been this excited about a book in a long time. While I don't think I'm doing nearly a good enough job at expressing just why I love this book so much, I hope you all will look past my inadequate ramblings and just buy the book. You won't regret it.

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

2012-01-11T06:21:00.000-08:00

Published January 25, 2011 by Harlequin Teen
5 Stars

Goodreads Review
My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

Review: The Iron Queen is a gripping conclusion to the main trilogy of The Iron Fey series. It's the final show down between fey, with the summer and winter courts teaming up to stand up against the full onslaught of the Iron Fey forces, and Meghan may be their only hope of winning.

The best part of this book is what I've been saying is the best part for the entire series, the fey lore. We learn even more about the iron fey and Meghan and the magic revealed in this book is awesome. Kagawa is just an excellent world builder, as I have said before. I kept thinking that there was no way that the setting could get any better or that the world could be more enriched with thoughtful detail, but man was I wrong. I also have to commend Kagawa on her choices she made with the ending. I won't post any spoilers, but I'm really glad she went in the direction she did, and I loved how the ending wasn't picture perfect, but realistic. It fit the mythology she spent three books building and left me tearing up with a broken heart.

I also have to say that after three books Meghan FINALLY because the awesome bad ass I knew she could be. The growth from The Iron King to this book is just awesome. I love it when characters find their inner Chuck Norris and just start kicking ass. I loved all of the characters in this book though, not just Meghan. Puck and Grim are as awesome as ever, and we also got to meet more really funny and interesting iron fey. I really liked the rebels, it showed that the iron fey aren't just heartless machines. They're fey too with feelings and fears. I actually found myself liking Ash a lot in this book, unlike The Iron Daughter. I found Meghan and Ash's relationship to be a lot more believable which was a total relief. The character development for the entire cast was very well done.

Overall The Iron Queen is a fantastic finale to Meghan Chase's story. We've seen her grow from a timid school girl to a kick ass faery queen, ready to fight for the people she has come to love. The mythology set up in this series is superb. It is a rich and detailed world that will stay in your imagination long after you've put the book down. I cannot recommend this series enough.

I Couldn't Wait....

2012-01-10T15:48:00.000-08:00

So. I preordered The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, but that copy wouldn't have come until Friday so....I went to the store today. Make that three stores today. I was on a mission. A fish mission. And I didn't come away empty handed. DFTBA.

Teaser Tuesday 1/10/2012

2012-01-10T01:16:00.000-08:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
Share the title & author so others can add the book to their TBR list

Why We Broke Up

Novel by Daniel Handler

Art by Maira Kalman

"And I told you never to buy me flowers," and I can see it, you rolling your eyes and smiling on the stage. I smiled back, an Idiot who didn't want flowers, the fucking flower shop where everything collapsed, why the bottom of this box is carpeted with dead rose petals like a shrine on the highway where there's been a wreck.

Just After Sunset by Stephen King

2012-01-10T00:38:00.000-08:00

Published in 2008 by Scribner
4 Stars

Goodreads Review
Stephen King -- who has written more than fifty books, dozens of number one New York Times bestsellers, and many unforgettable movies -- delivers an astonishing collection of short stories, his first sinceEverything's Eventual six years ago. As guest editor of the bestsellingBest American Short Stories 2007, King spent over a year reading hundreds of stories. His renewed passion for the form is evident on every page of Just After Sunset. The stories in this collection have appeared inThe New Yorker, Playboy, McSweeney's, The Paris Review, Esquire, and other publications.

Who but Stephen King would turn a Port-O-San into a slimy birth canal, or a roadside honky-tonk into a place for endless love? A book salesman with a grievance might pick up a mute hitchhiker, not knowing the silent man in the passenger seat listens altogether too well. Or an exercise routine on a stationary bicycle, begun to reduce bad cholesterol, might take its rider on a captivating -- and then terrifying -- journey. Set on a remote key in Florida, "The Gingerbread Girl" is a riveting tale featuring a young woman as vulnerable -- and resourceful -- as Audrey Hepburn's character in Wait Until Dark. In "Ayana," a blind girl works a miracle with a kiss and the touch of her hand. For King, the line between the living and the dead is often blurry, and the seams that hold our reality intact might tear apart at any moment. In one of the longer stories here, "N.," which recently broke new ground when it was adapted as a graphic digital entertainment, a psychiatric patient's irrational thinking might create an apocalyptic threat in the Maine countryside...or keep the world from falling victim to it.

Just After Sunset -- call it dusk, call it twilight, it's a time when human intercourse takes on an unnatural cast, when nothing is quite as it appears, when the imagination begins to reach for shadows as they dissipate to darkness and living daylight can be scared right out of you. It's the perfect time for Stephen King.

Review: Stephen King is an excellent short story writer. I've always been so-so about his novels, but I really enjoyed this anthology. In particular I enjoyed the stories that were based on reality - serial killers, revenge stories, insanity. I am not as big a fan when ghosts and other paranormal things are in the stories.

My favorite stories were as follows. The Gingerbread Girl, which is about a woman trying to out run a serial killer; The Things They Left Behind, a surprisingly poignant story about a man dealing with survivors guilt after the 9/11 attacks; The Cat From Hell, a very freaky story about a truly evil cat; The New York Times at Special Bargain Rates, a story about a woman talking to her dead husband as he is waiting in limbo; and A Very Tight Place, which in it's depravity and pure gross factor, may be the most horrific story of them all.

I listened to the audio book and Stephen King actually reads the introduction and the notes at the end, which add a very interesting perspective to the collection. He talks about when the stories were first published and what he was going through when he wrote each of the stories. I highly recommend listening to this collection on audio, just don't do it as you drive home. at night. all alone.

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

2012-01-09T05:49:00.000-08:00

#2 in The Iron Fey series
Published August 1, 2010 by Harlequin Teen
4 Stars

Goodreads Review
Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.

Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

Review: The first 100 pages of this book are pretty rough, not gonna lie. I was expecting a lot more with the winter court, like what we experienced with the summer court in The Iron King. It felt choppy and rushed, like we were trying to get to the "good stuff" as quickly as possible. Also, I was not a fan of Meghan crying and moping about Ash during this part of the book. I wanted her to become less damsel in distress than in The Iron King, not more! I am not a big fan of that aspect of the series. I know Meghan has that awesome kick ass-ness in her, I want her to realize it already!

Once we got to Leanansidhe's house though, the book really took off. The story got super interesting, the romance spiced up, and I found the magic I fell in love with in the first book of the series. Ironhorse and Grim were awesome (as usual), Puck really stepped up his sexy, and Ash was his usual brooding (and hothothot) self. Leanansidhe was an excellent character, I really hope to see more of her. There were also some very interesting things foreshadowed about Meghan and her magical abilities, and I think I might know who the "Iron Queen" is, and if I'm guessing right I'm SUPER excited for the next book.

Overall The Iron Daughter is a very good second book in a trilogy that doesn't feel like a "transition" book. It has it's own unique story that gets better and better. I really enjoyed learning more about the iron fey, and while I would have liked more from the winter court, the set up for The Iron Queen is excellent and really shows the author's strong world building abilities.

The Reader by Bernhard Schlick

2012-01-08T10:53:00.000-08:00

Published in 1999 by Vintage
3 Stars

Goodreads Review
Oprah Book Club® Selection, February 1999: Originally published in Switzerland, and gracefully translated into English by Carol Brown Janeway, The Reader is a brief tale about sex, love, reading, and shame in postwar Germany. Michael Berg is 15 when he begins a long, obsessive affair with Hanna, an enigmatic older woman. He never learns very much about her, and when she disappears one day, he expects never to see her again. But, to his horror, he does. Hanna is a defendant in a trial related to Germany's Nazi past, and it soon becomes clear that she is guilty of an unspeakable crime. As Michael follows the trial, he struggles with an overwhelming question: What should his generation do with its knowledge of the Holocaust? "We should not believe we can comprehend the incomprehensible, we may not compare the incomparable.... Should we only fall silent in revulsion, shame, and guilt? To what purpose?"

Review: I picked up a copy of The Reader after watching the beautiful movie version (in which Kate FINALLY got her Oscar. About time!). Sadly the book did not live up to the movie at all. It read like a technical article. It was cold, stiff, and unemotional. The best part of the book was when Michael was a teenager, and even then I had a very hard time connecting emotionally to the characters. Once we move on to the trial the book completely lost me.

I think that this book is best for the people who lived during the time the book was published. It is an interesting look at the group of people trying to come to term with the crimes of their parents generation. There was so much opportunity with the idea of this book, but while the movie executes the themes in a way that will just crush your heart, the book falls far, far behind. This is one of those rare moments where I would say skip the book and watch the movie. Further, you MUST watch the movie, it is one of the most beautiful films I have ever seen.

100 Movie Challenge

2012-01-08T08:36:00.001-08:00

So I recently watched a video by BooksandQuills where she challenges herself to watch 100 movies in 2012. I think this is an excellent idea because I am a huge movie lover, so I decided to add this to my challenges for 2012. I'm making a separate page so that I can track books and movies more easily. Do you guys want me to review the movies I've watched? This could be a good way to add to my netflix account. Post in the comments below and let me know what you think!

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

2012-01-07T17:15:00.000-08:00

#1 in The Mortal Instrument series
Published in 2007 by Margaret K. McElderry Books
3 Stars

Goodreads Review
When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know.

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

Review: City of Bones has some really awesome things going for it, and some not so awesome things as well. This review is going to be a little different because I'm going to make a pros and cons list. Because I feel like it. And I can do what I want.

Pros

The Setting - I almost always love books set in New York City. It's one of my most favorite places in the world, and I loved the whole paranormal underground club scene.
Snark and Sarcasm - I can be a pretty cynical beyotch when I want to be, so I found myself giggle-snorting at a lot of the one liners and quips that the characters toss at each other.
HOTHOTHOTHOT - Jace may be an a-hole, but he's a sexy a-hole.
Clary is a red head - She's a pretty good heroine. She deals with all of the bad stuff that happens to her and doesn't take shit. She's not afraid to stand up for herself and that is awesome.
Shadowhunter Mythology - I really enjoyed the overall mythology and I think there's a lot of cool stuff to develop in future books.

Cons

Repeating the same stuff over and over - There were just too many repeated jokes, references, and phrases for me to really enjoy the writing. I HATE it when the same adjective gets used twice on a page, and I kept noticing that happening (Brindle. All the time. Everyone and everything is brindle colored). It's called a thesaurus. Get one.
Every character is the same - All of the characters have the same sarcastic sense of humor and after a while they all blended together into one giant ball of snark.
Random plot tangents - There were a lot of sub-plots that didn't really support the main story arc. I would read a hundred pages and then go "why did we just do that?" They serve absolutely no purpose for the main story.
GROSS - I'm not going to spoil anything, but ew. People who've read it know what it is. One of the plot points takes a really icky turn that I just do not like to read about. I was not please that that's the way the story went.

Overall City of Bones has a lot of potential, but I think it was failed by its editors. I am excited to read the next book in the series because even though I was not in love with this book there were a lot of great moments. I'm hoping that as the series continues some of the technical kinks will be worked out so the awesome story idea can shine through.

Soul Screamers Reading Challenge

2012-01-06T22:10:00.000-08:00

Rachel over at Fiktshun is hosting a great reading challenge. The challenge is focused around the popular Soul Screamers series by Rachel Vincent. The challenge is to read and review all five of the currently published books in the series by June 15th. Not only is this an excellent way to read this series (I own 4 of the books) but you can also win some totally awesome prizes, including a $50 gift card to Amazon, Barns & Noble, or The Book Depository or a pre-order of Before I Wake, the 6th book in the series set to come out June 2012! I encourage you all to head over to Fiktshun's blog and sign up for this awesome challenge!

The Morganville Vampires Vol. 1 by Rachel Caine

2012-01-06T21:53:00.000-08:00

#1 and #2 in the Morganville Vampires Series
Published November 3, 2009 by NAL Trade
4 Stars

Goodreads Review
The first two novels in the New York Times bestselling Morganville Vampires series together for the first time in a new trade paperback edition.

Morganville is a small college town in the heart of Texas-not a place that exactly screams "hotbed of creatures of the night". But college freshman Claire Danvers is about to discover why, in Morganville, you should never, ever stay out after dark...

Glass Houses
College freshman Claire Danvers moves off campus and into an old house in the small town of Morganville. Her new roommates have her back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood...

The Dead Girls' Dance
Claire may have a great roommate and a new boyfriend, but when she's invited to the Dead Girls' Dance all hell breaks loose-literally. Because this time, the living and the dead are ready to tear up the night...

Review: You can tell that Rachel Cain has a foundation in adult urban fantasy. I felt like I was reading more of a toned down adult book than YA. However I think this makes the series stand out from other YA vampire series. Cain isn't afraid to show you the sexy make out scenes, rather than just tell you it happened and gloss over the actual hooking up. I really appreciated that because what can I say? I like a little hot kissing every now and then.

Cain also puts her characters into very adult situations. In the first two books we already faced drinking, bullying, drugs, attempted rape, murder, and suicide. This is almost a bad thing because SO much bad stuff happened already I can't imagine where the series will go without becoming so dramatic it becomes ridiculous. And there's a lot more in the series (11 books so far).

Glass Houses
In the first book in the series we're introduced to 16 year old college freshman Claire. She is being horribly bullied by some BEYOTCHS and decides to move out of the dorms into an old house with three other teens Eve, Michael, and Shane. And then the shit hits the fan because Claire finds out there are vampires running this town and the girls who have been bullying her are tight with some scary vamps. Now Claire and her friends have to basically find a way to save their asses from being beaten or blood sucked to death. This book was super exciting and really caught my interest because the writing was just so different from all the other YA paranormals. I also loved that Claire was super smart and didn't abandon school just because of a little vampire problem. Eyes on the prize girl!

Dead Girls Dance
If you thought things were tense in the first book, then be prepared to be blown away by the second. Things really get crazy in this book when Shane's dad and his biker gang roll into Morganville to do some major vampire revenge massacre. In this book I would almost say things were TOO cray-cray because the resolution of all of the drama seemed to quick and easy. I do like how Claire seems to grow a pair in this book. She's a lot more resourceful and daring (maybe a little too daring at times). I also really liked learning more about the vampires and how they work (or don't work) as a society. (However the title is misleading because there's hardly any dancing).

I have to admit I was a little wary because of all the hype, but after reading the first two books I see that the series is deserving and am very anxious to read the next bind up.

Friday Face Off Cover Reveal: City of Lost Souls

2012-01-05T21:40:00.000-08:00

This week we had a big cover reveal with Cassandra Clare's City of Lost Souls, the fifth book in the Mortal Instruments series. I have to say that is is my favorite cover so far for the series. You all know how I feel about no face covers, so I'm very glad to see them stepping away from that trend. I really love the colors on the cover, all of the muted grays really make Clary's hair and dress pop. I've only read City of Bones, so I didn't have any expectations of who I wanted to see on the cover. Plus I gotta give it up to my fellow ginger, I love seeing red haired people on covers!

The rest of the series

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

2012-01-05T18:30:00.000-08:00

#1 in Shades of London Series
Published September 29, 2011 by Putnam Juvenile
5 Stars

Goodreads Review
The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

Review: The Name of the Star is an excellent murder mystery that combines historical, comedic, and paranormal aspects to create a unique spin on one of history's most famous crimes. This book is excellently researched and fully utilizes the urban legends that have grown from the historical facts to create a believable modern day mystery.

I really loved the main character, Rory. She is smart and funny and really well developed. She rolls with the punches and is able to step up to the different challenges she faces and is just totally awesome. But I have to admit my favorite moments weren't the fast paced action but the small moments when Rory was hanging out with her room mates and friends. Maureen Johnson is excellent at writing girlfriends. (I also have to admit that the first 100 pages or so felt like Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins but in London. Sort of a Aurora and the English Murder, if you will...)

One thing that I have to mention is the humor in this book. It is very smartly done. There are pop culture references without being specific. I really hate specific pop culture references because it dates a book. Maureen Johnson did a wonderful job creating jokes that are funny because they are funny, not because they're relying on current events that will be forgotten about in a year.

I'm super excited that this is the first of a trilogy. The ending of this book was CRAZY AWESOME. I really have no idea where the next book is going to go, which is both exciting and kind of scary. The next book is called The Madness Underneath (awesome title, btw!) and it's due out October of 2012 and I cannot wait. Will it still follow Jack the Ripper, or will it go into a different British myth? (maybe some creepy Alice in Wonderland? I'd freaking love that). The point I'm trying to make is that I'm really hooked on this series and will definitely be pre-ordering book 2.

Overall The Name of the Star is an excellent murder mystery with a great sense of humor AND a freaking scary ghost/killer that will keep you laughing and guessing on every page. I highly recommend this book for all fans of paranormal YA or books about European boarding schools.

Pink piggy mugs....for times of extreme stress

The Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls by Emilie Autumn

2012-01-04T19:23:00.000-08:00

Published in 2009 by Emilie Autumn Ent. LLC
5 Stars

Goodreads Review
Presenting Emilie Autumn's long awaited autobiographical, reality-bending thriller, "The Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls." This beautifully bound hardcover volume measures 8" x 11.5" and clocks in at a massive 274 fully illustrated pages. Positively packed with hand-written memoirs, photos, and paintings, this profoundly empowering epic not only deserves a place on your tea table, it is also one of the most complete accounts of bipolar disorder ever penned, and will take readers behind the doors of both modern day psych ward and Victorian insane asylum in this true life horror tale of madness, murder, and medical experimentation.
But reader beware: It's much easier to get into the Asylum than it is to get out.

Review: I don't think I've ever read anything like The Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls. It is amazing, horrifying, and both a work of magical fiction and brutal honesty. I felt like for the first time I had found someone who could understand how I feel. I identified on so many levels with this book, both physically, mentally, and emotionally. I appreciate Emilie as an artist so much more now because I realize just how much of herself she puts into everything she does. This is one of a kind, and is well worth every cent I paid and more.

The Asylum is a book, I think above all else, about women's rights. Women's rights to do whatever they want and have freedom over their bodies, minds, and lives. This includes the right to harm their bodies and to even end their life. Emilie is all about fighting like a girl and being a total bad ass, and I love watching Emily-with-a-y grow into a Victorian warrior queen. It's just totally awesome.

I also totally loved Emilie's story as well. I think it was such a perfect blend of fact and fiction that I really couldn't tell what was true and what was bleeding over into Emilie's story. The decent into madness was so slow and subtle that I found myself thinking very odd things were perfectly normal and destructive behaviors were really the only option available. And the ending? Amazing beyond belief.

On a more practical note I loved the overall presentation of this book. It is absolutely beautiful. Every page is glossy and full colored with photos, drawings, and cut outs from journals. It really adds to the story and makes it more than just a book.

I cannot recommend the Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls enough. It has so many fascinating topics. Abuse, mental illness, historical fiction, self mutilation, suicide, friendship, women's empowerment, music, photography, art, and of course muffins, tea time, rats, and leeches. So spread the plague little rats because, as we all know, dead is the new alive!

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

2012-01-03T08:33:00.000-08:00

#1 in Perfect Chemistry Series
Published in 2008 by Walker Books for Young Readers
Ages 15+
3 Stars

Goodreads Review
A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers.

When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more. In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.

Review: Perfect Chemistry is a modern day West Side Story. It's a classic tale of two star crossed lovers from opposite sides of the tracks defying social norms to be together.

I really enjoyed the beginning of the book, when Alex and Brittany both had preconceived notions about each other's motivations. I liked that as the reader I had insider knowledge and knew just how wrong each was about the other. I also really enjoyed some of their sweeter moments as Brittany and Alex learned the truth about each other (the wedding scene in particular was excellent). I also really enjoyed Alex's relationship with his family and how he tried to protect them from the gang while still appearing loyal. He walked a fine line, and it was really interesting to read.

There were a few parts of the books that weren't bad, but did leave me a little disappointed. Once Alex and Brittany recognized they liked each other it got a little cheesy and cliche for my taste. I tend to be a pretty cynical person so sometimes I didn't fully believe the character's motivations. Also Alex is in a gang but I didn't feel like there was enough gang violence. Gangs are really serious, and I can't help but feel there should have been more intimidating Alex into doing more bad things. I didn't feel like the gang was as in control of Alex as they should have been. And let me just say that I know this book is YA, but this is a romance people, I needed a little more in the sex scenes! Lots of good making out, not enough doing it.

The one thing that bumped this review down from a 4 star to a 3 star is the epilogue. I felt like the book had a good, concise ending until I read the epilogue. That took the book into ridiculously perfect happily ever after territory and I just couldn't take it seriously anymore.

Now don't get me wrong. I still really enjoyed this book, I just think it wasn't quite what I was expecting. So many people raved about it so I think I set myself up for failure. Perfect Chemistry is a great book for people looking for a forbidden love/Romeo and Juliet type story.

Friday Face Off: Cryer's Cross

2011-12-30T06:50:00.000-08:00

Friday Face Off is a meme hosted by one of my favorite book bloggers Misty over at The Book Rat. I don't know if Misty's already done this book, but wow I'm super confused now. This for the hardback vs. paperback covers of Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann.

These covers are super confusing. Like, I'm just befuddled. They aren't just different covers for the same book, they look like totally different genres! Is this a horror book or a romance? I thought I had a good impression of the book from the hardcover image but now with the paperback I just don't even know what this book is about. I really love the hardcover image, it makes me think this book is a creepy ghost story, which is right up my alley. But now after seeing the paperback cover I just don't know anymore. The paperback is a huge step backwards in my opinion, it looks like every other PNR out there and makes me question the story and how much I would like this book.

So let me know, which do you prefer? Also, for those of you who have read it, which cover do you think fits the book more?

Faves of 2011: The Covers

2011-12-29T10:26:00.000-08:00

So I decided to skip day 3 and 4 because they were a little too specific and I could really only think of a couple good answers, so I'm just skipping ahead to the covers. Because I can do that :) So here are my top 10 covers!

The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs

Possess by Gretchen McNeil

Feed by Mira Grant

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Blood Red Road by Moira Young

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Friday Face Off Cover Reveal: The Girl in the Clockwork Collar

2011-12-22T22:52:00.000-08:00

This week the cover for The Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross was revealed. This is the second book in The Seampunk Chronicles series, with the first book being The Girl in the Steel Corset. I haven't read anything in this series yet, but I love the covers. I like the Clockwork Collar's cover more because it features a minority race, which is rare. I love her purple dress with her black hair, it's so pretty! What do you all think?

Wrapping Up 2011 Read-a-Thon

2011-12-22T13:54:00.000-08:00

I'm doing another read-a-thon ! This one runs from today (December 22) and ends midnight December 31st and is hosted by Remarkable Reads. I plan on using this read-a-thon to reach my 100 book challenge for the year. Here's I plan on finishing.

The Iron Fey Series by Julie Kagawa

Deadline by Mira Grant

Re-read A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

Faves of 2011 Day 2: The Characters

2011-12-21T21:03:00.000-08:00

It's time for Day 2 of the faves of 2011 survey hosted by inkcrush! Today I'll be talking about the most memorable characters I met in 2011.

1. Favorite Female Main Character

I am going to pick Bridget from Possess by Gretchen McNeil. I loved her sense of humor and determination. She's very well rounded and makes mistakes but then LEARNS from them, which is something female MCs sometimes don't seem to do.

2. Favorite Male Main Character

I would choose Sean from The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. I absolutely love Sean's story and can really related to his conflicting feelings of duty and desire for independence. I also just adored his relationship with Corr, it brought me to tears.

3. Best Couple <3

Dash and Lily are a definite second place, but no one can beat Rose and Dmitri from the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead. They are both sexy, smart, funny, and totally head over heels for each other. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop and I also loved they more playful moments. Excellent characters!

4. Who I So Want to be Best Friends With

This is the same from June. I would SO want to be friend with Tiny Cooper from Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan. He is just so fabulous, we could fan girl over musicals all day!

5. Who I Fell Completely in Love With (New Literary Crush)

This is still totally Varen from Kelly Creagh's Nevermore. I have a secret love of goths, and Varen sounds SO hot, I love it! (Man I need to re-read this book, it's been too long!)

6. Best Character Twist (Who You Loved and then Hated or Vice Versa)

Ok I loved this character throughout, but I'm going to pick Karou from Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. Not because my feelings about her changed, but because of all of the crazy plot twists that were revealed about her. It had my mind reeling!

7. Best Kick-Arse Female

I read so many books about girls that kick ass, instead of picking just one, here's a summary.

Katniss from The Hunger Games

Tris From Divergent

Taylor from Beauty Queens

Saba from Blood Red Road

Rose from Vampire Academy

Gretchen from Sweet Venom

Scarlet and Rose from Sisters Red

Karou from Daughter of Smoke and Bone

8. Best Kick-Arse Male

Still Dimitri from Vampire Academy. So hot. So awesome. So Russian. He beats so much ass, it's ridiculous.

9. Broke Your Heart the Most

I read a couple of extremely sad stories this year, but the one that stands out in my mind is Shine by Lauren Myracle. My heart just aches for Cat and Patrick in this book, it's completely unfair what happened to them and it's completely unfair how no one in their community could care to help.

Some Honorable mentions are Liesel from The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Alice from Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott, and Charlie from The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.

10. Favorite Pet/Animal Character

Grim from The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa. He is so freaking awesome, he reminds me of this cat.

Here's a quote from Grim, just to showcase his awesomeness. “I was minding my own business long before you and the princess started humping like rabbits.”

11. Best YA Parents Award

Tris's mom from Divergent. I don't want to spoil anything, but she does some pretty cool things. I love the stuff that is revealed about her.

12. Favorite Sibling Relationship

That would be Shaun and George Mason from Feed by Mira Grant. I loved their relationship and how they adapted to a world with zombies. They totally trust each other and had a crazy emotional moment at the end of the book that really took me on an emotional roller coaster.

13. Favorite Best Friends/Friendship Award

I'm giving this to Karou and Zusana from Daughter of Smoke and Bone. I loved these girls because of their super funny banter and the fact that Karou doesn't just drop her friends the moment a hot guy comes along. I really hope Zusana will continue to be a big character in the next book because she is seriously freaking awesome.

14. Best/Worst Character Names

Best Girl: Alaska Young from Looking for Alaska by John Green

Best Boy: Varen Nethers from Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Worst Girl: Aine DeRis (because I have NO CLUE how to pronounce that) from Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

Worst Boy: Patch Cipriano from Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Faves of 2011 Day 1: The Books

2011-12-20T21:49:00.000-08:00

You all may remember me participating in faves of 2011 (so far) that was hosted by inkcrush back in June. Well, we've reached the end of the year and she's hosting another faves week, this time for every book read in 2011. This is a five day process that will go over books, characters, scenes, covers, and some other random things. So without further ado, let's get into day 1, the books!

1. Favorite Book Read in 2011

At the midway point it was a tie between The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and Feed by Mira Grant. I definitely still stand by those choices as two of my favorite books of the year, if not all time. I have read many books that I would add to this list as close runner ups, including Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor, Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake, Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins, Possess by Gretchen McNeil, Blood Red Road by Moira Young, and many more.

However, there is one book that I read this year that really stands out in my mind as just spectacular. That books is The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater.

I adored this book. The world set up is just perfect. I loved the seamless combination of a modern setting and ancient myth. The water horses and the culture that revolved around them never seemed forced. I loved the character development, in particular Sean and Corr's relationship. This book is adventurous, touching, and fantastic story telling.

2. Most Powerful Book

I had originally chosen The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. While I love that book, I think The Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls by Emilie Autumn was the most powerful book I read.

I don't think I've ever read anything like The Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls. It is amazing, horrifying, and both a work of magical fiction and brutal honesty. I felt like for the first time I had found someone who could understand how I feel. I identified on so many levels with this book, both physically, mentally, and emotionally.

3. Brilliantly Funny

Back in June I picked Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan, and you know what? It's still my pick.

I love the sense of humor that John Green and David Levithan have, and their writing styles work so wonderfully together. The banter between the characters is what really makes this book so funny. I also absolutely love Tiny Cooper and everything about him.

4. Best Ache-y, Heart-Breaking, Tear-Jerker Read

In June I picked The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and I still think this was the biggest tear jerker read of 2011.

I just cried and cried at the end of this book. It is so sad, not just because it's about the Holocaust, but also because it showed how there were victims on both sides. Plus father daughter stories always get me all weepy.

5. Most Beautiful Story

In June I picked Paper Towns by John Green. And while I still think Paper Towns is a lovely story, I think Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor is just a beautiful.

I went into this book thinking it was going to be just another paranormal romance (a Twilight knock off) but oh, was I wrong. This story is wonderfully explained with rich mythology that is slowly revealed with perfect pacing. Just when I thought I had figured out the book it would change and go in a direction I didn't expect, and how I loved it.

6. Delicious Rainy Day Comfort Read

I picked Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan back in June, and while I agree that book is so super stinking cute, I think Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins wins the sugar coated delicious comfort read award for 2011.

While I enjoyed Anna and the French Kiss, Lola was leaps and bounds better for me. I think this is largely due to the fact that Cricket is pretty much my idea guy. Tall with dark hair? Check. Super freaking smart engineer? Check. Adorably shy personality? Check. What's not to love, seriously?

7. Adrenaline Fuelled, Unputdownable Award.

I picked Blood Red Road by Moira Young, but now I think I'm going to go out on a limb and choose something you might not have expected. I pick The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa.

Confused? Well, this book is action packed, and Kagawa does not hold back in giving all of the gory details. Meghan is constantly fighting something, and someone of her party is always bleeding in some form. Also at the end there's not one, but TWO major battles, full of bloody descriptions. And when the character's aren't fighting they're busy making out, which can be just as adrenaline fuelled as a full on war.

8. The Beautiful Prose Award

I had originally picked Blood Red Road by Moira Young again, and I still agree this book is fantastically written. However, I have to also add The Scorpio Races to this award as well. The reason I loved these books so much is largely due to their unique writing styles.

9. The Most Atmospheric and Vivid Setting

In June I picked The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. And I agree, the setting is fantastic and I really can't count it out. I want to add The Scorpio Races to this category as well, because the setting is fantastically described (can you tell I loved this book?). I also really loved the setting in Daughter of Smoke and Bone. Not only was Prague fascinating, but I loved Brimstone's workshop and the Marrakesh markets as well. I really read so many books this year that just had amazing setting, I couldn't pick just one.

10. I so Want to go There Award

I had originally picked the Mediterranean Sea as depicted in Girl at Sea by Maureen Johnson. I read another book by Johnson, The Name of the Star, which was set in London, England. I've already been to both places and I would just love to go back, so this award goes to all of the awesome locations Johnson write about in her books.

11. Most Original and Imaginative

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray. Done.

12. Best Under Appreciated, Hidden Gem Book

I had picked Blood Red Road by Moira Young, but I have another that I really want more people to read and recognize as the awesome book it is. Possess by Gretchen McNeil is freaking awesome. Seriously.

Possess has a lot of suspenseful moments but McNeil has a great sense of humor that really lightens a would be otherwise dark and scary tale. Also, there's great kissing scenes. And creepy ass dolls.

13. I Had No Idea I Would Love This So Award

So I judge books by their covers. Sue me. And I totally judged Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead. I hate this cover so much, I just couldn't get past that. I thought no way is this book going to be any good. You know what? I love this series (minus book 4, that was bad).

14. Most Haunting Story

I had originally had a tie between Shine by Lauren Myracle and The Book Thief. Now looking back I realize The Book Thief has stuck with me this entire year, even though I read it back in March. This book is truly special, and I have yet to meet it's equal.

15. Outside My Comfort Zone but Gosh How I Loved It

I choose The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver in June, but then I read Want to go Private by Sarah Darer Littman. I can't really say that I "loved" this book, but it stuck with me. It was shocking and horrific and definitely not something I was comfortable with. This may not be a favorite, but I feel like it is an important book about a topic that is very relevant to teens today.

16. Series That I'm Loving.

I had chosen the Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa and The Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead, and I'm not changing my answers. I've finished all of the VA books and I'm on book three out of four for The Iron Fey, and I love them both, oh so much.

17. Always Recommending This Book

I am constantly recommending people read Feed by Mira Grant. This is such a great book, it has a little something for everyone. It has great zombie action as well as touching emotional scenes and government conspiracies. I read this back in March and it's definitely one of my most favorite books of 2011.

18. Completely Awesome Premise Award

In June I gave this to Battle Royale by Koushun Takami, and I totally think the premise of school kids forced to kill each other in a survival game is awesome (Hunger Games anyone?). But I also wanted to mention a book that I had such high hopes for, but fell flat for me. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin had such a cool premise and marketing strategy that I thought for sure I would just love the book. While the book lost me halfway through, the premise is still awesome.

19. Would Make the Best Movie

I read a lot of books this year that I could see being turned into movies. I love the idea of Blood Red Road and Divergent being made into films, but I also want to add Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake and Dash and Lily's Book of Dares to the list. They are two completely different books, but I think I would love movie versions of both of them.

20. Want to re-read Already

Yes, I still want to re-read Nevermore by Kelly Creagh and I probably will as the release date to Enshadowed (the second in the series) comes closer, but I also want to add The Hunger Games because I want to read the book again before the movie comes out. I may also re-read Daughter of Smoke and Bone before the release of the second book in that series as well.

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

2011-12-15T07:25:00.000-08:00

Published in 1999 by Harper Perennial Modern Classics
5 Stars

Goodreads Review
Oprah Book Club® Selection, June 2000: As any reader of The Mosquito Coast knows, men who drag their families to far-off climes in pursuit of an Idea seldom come to any good, while those familiar with At Play in the Fields of the Lord or Kalimantaan understand that the minute a missionary sets foot on the fictional stage, all hell is about to break loose. So when Barbara Kingsolver sends missionary Nathan Price along with his wife and four daughters off to Africa in The Poisonwood Bible, you can be sure that salvation is the one thing they're not likely to find. The year is 1959 and the place is the Belgian Congo. Nathan, a Baptist preacher, has come to spread the Word in a remote village reachable only by airplane. To say that he and his family are woefully unprepared would be an understatement: "We came from Bethlehem, Georgia, bearing Betty Crocker cake mixes into the jungle," says Leah, one of Nathan's daughters. But of course it isn't long before they discover that the tremendous humidity has rendered the mixes unusable, their clothes are unsuitable, and they've arrived in the middle of political upheaval as the Congolese seek to wrest independence from Belgium. In addition to poisonous snakes, dangerous animals, and the hostility of the villagers to Nathan's fiery take-no-prisoners brand of Christianity, there are also rebels in the jungle and the threat of war in the air. Could things get any worse?

In fact they can and they do. The first part of The Poisonwood Biblerevolves around Nathan's intransigent, bullying personality and his effect on both his family and the village they have come to. As political instability grows in the Congo, so does the local witch doctor's animus toward the Prices, and both seem to converge with tragic consequences about halfway through the novel. From that point on, the family is dispersed and the novel follows each member's fortune across a span of more than 30 years.

The Poisonwood Bible is arguably Barbara Kingsolver's most ambitious work, and it reveals both her great strengths and her weaknesses. As Nathan Price's wife and daughters tell their stories in alternating chapters, Kingsolver does a good job of differentiating the voices. But at times they can grate--teenage Rachel's tendency towards precious malapropisms is particularly annoying (students practice their "French congregations"; Nathan's refusal to take his family home is a "tapestry of justice"). More problematic is Kingsolver's tendency to wear her politics on her sleeve; this is particularly evident in the second half of the novel, in which she uses her characters as mouthpieces to explicate the complicated and tragic history of the Belgian Congo.

Despite these weaknesses, Kingsolver's fully realized, three-dimensional characters make The Poisonwood Bible compelling, especially in the first half, when Nathan Price is still at the center of the action. And in her treatment of Africa and the Africans she is at her best, exhibiting the acute perception, moral engagement, and lyrical prose that have made her previous novels so successful. --Alix Wilber

Review:

There are two big questions that The Poisonwood Bible raises. First, why does helping people in poverty have to be tied in with religious ambition, and second, why does religious fervor cause people to forget their common sense? I don’t understand why religion, especially (though not only) evangelical Christianity, causes people to act like Nathan Price. On one hand I’m ok with religion when it acts as a moral compass to guide life decisions that affect only you, and I’m even more ok with it when it guides people to help others out of a desire to be more God/Christ-like. However, what I do have a problem with is when people try and force that religion on others and try and change a person’s culture to make it fit into a prescribed box of what people are “supposed” to be. And when the desire to control other’s and make them just like you takes precedence over the safety and welfare of your family, well then you’ve just gone too far. People need to realize that while you may have chosen a particular path, other people may not choose it. And those other people may indeed be your wife and kids.

Ok, religion rant over, back to the book. I absolutely loved the first two thirds of the book. I loved the culture clash of a middle class white family being thrust into a tribal African culture. I also adored the five different viewpoints of the story. Each character had a distinct voice that added to the overall texture of the story. The African culture in this book is richly presented, with wonderful descriptions that show just how much the Price family was like a fish out of water. It also showed that people have to adapt in order to survive, and some members of the Price family welcomed the change while others fought it tooth and nail.

The last third of the book was when the story started to go downhill for me. Not that the political climate of Africa isn’t fascinating, but I felt myself emotionally disconnecting the more macro the story got. I was more interested in the effects that Nathan’s blind religious zeal had on his family and the African community than sweeping political commentary.

Overall The Poisonwood Bible is about how intolerance and ignorance does nothing but destroy the very thing you’re trying to build. Rigidly following religious doctrine only causes the people you’re trying to help resist you more. In order to bring about change you have to be bending and considerate.

Freedom by Jonathan Franzen

2011-12-14T12:41:00.000-08:00

Published in 2010 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux
3 Stars

Goodreads Review

Patty and Walter Berglund were the new pioneers of old St. Paul--the gentrifiers, the hands-on parents, the avant-garde of the Whole Foods generation. Patty was the ideal sort of neighbor, who could tell you where to recycle your batteries and how to get the local cops to actually do their job. She was an enviably perfect mother and the wife of Walter's dreams. Together with Walter--environmental lawyer, commuter cyclist, total family man--she was doing her small part to build a better world.

But now, in the new millennium, the Berglunds have become a mystery. Why has their teenage son moved in with the aggressively Republican family next door? Why has Walter taken a job working with Big Coal? What exactly is Richard Katz--outré rocker and Walter's college best friend and rival--still doing in the picture? Most of all, what has happened to Patty? Why has the bright star of Barrier Street become "a very different kind of neighbor," an implacable Fury coming unhinged before the street's attentive eyes?

In his first novel since The Corrections, Jonathan Franzen has given us an epic of contemporary love and marriage. Freedom comically and tragically captures the temptations and burdens of liberty: the thrills of teenage lust, the shaken compromises of middle age, the wages of suburban sprawl, the heavy weight of empire. In charting the mistakes and joys of Freedom's characters as they struggle to learn how to live in an ever more confusing world, Franzen has produced an indelible and deeply moving portrait of our time.

Review:

I really enjoyed Franzen’s writing style. He is clear, descriptive, and intelligent. I had a clear picture of the main character’s objectives and their inner struggles. Their backgrounds were laid out in a way that allowed me to see their growth without feeling like there was a massive info dump to get there. However there were times when I thought Franzen was trying too hard to be “cool”, in the way a 6 year old boy thinks poop and dead bugs are cool. There are some really weird analogies used that do not help me connect to the story (using the phrase “a firm little clitoris of discernment and sensitivity” to describe a woman’s intelligence for example….???? I’m sorry but I don’t know anyone who would describe a person as being a clitoris of anything. Just saying).

In particular I enjoyed Joey’s transformation. I loved how he went from a spoiled and entitled little shit to a man who had to make some huge choices. He started off with that “nothing bad can ever happen to me” mentality that so many teenagers seem to have, and then when something REALLY bad happened he learned to take responsibility for not only his actions, but the ethical and moral implications of those actions. In the end he turned out to be one of the most stable characters, which was something I could not predict based on his character at the start of the book.

The character I could relate to the most was probably Patty. I can completely understand how she can have everything she’s “supposed” to want and still be horribly unhappy. I can also understand how a husband can do everything right and still be wrong, and that the man who does everything so horribly wrong can be the only man you can love. It’s not healthy, but I get it.

The only character I didn’t like was Richard. I couldn’t understand his point of view or his motivations. I didn’t like how he said he cared about Walter so much but couldn’t have enough self-control to stay loyal to the one person who always stood by him. I also didn’t think this character was all that realistic. Sure he was a “rock star” but I didn’t think he was neither famous nor rich enough to have women just throwing themselves at him. He didn’t come across charming or sexy, just dirty and rude.

I think the overall theme of the book was a person’s sense of duty and if they were too cowardly to live up to their duty or if they had the courage to seek the freedom from duties that made them miserable. Every single character had to make a decision about their duties in life, whether it be to their children, spouse, friend, company, country, or themselves, and if they were going to meet expectations or not. More often than not they have to choose between two conflicting duties, which is not an easy thing. This was probably my favorite aspect of the book, and the development and choices of the characters were both expected and surprising.

Overall Freedom is like one of the videos on the weird side of youtube. Whether it’s a dog scratching its balls or a kitten randomly puking, there’s something freakishly fascinating about it. That’s what Freedom is; equal parts captivating and disgusting. I can really only recommend this book to you if you’re willing to take a look at the nastier side of people and can handle seeing some of that reflected in yourself.

Top Ten Tuesday 12/13/2011: Top Ten Books I Want To Give As Gifts

2011-12-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

TOP TEN BOOKS I WANT TO GIVE AS GIFTS

1. The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling - The books of my childhood are perfect gifts for any 11 year old.

2. The Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead - This is the perfect series for anyone looking for something to read "post Twilight". Although in my opinion, it's way better. I'd give it to any of my girlfriends looking for a sexy adventure story.

3. A Song of Ice and Fire Series by George R.R. Martin - I love this complex high fantasy, and I would give it to my super nerdy uncle.

Deception Point by Dan Brown - This is my favorite action book by Dan Brown, and with it's government espionage and crazy science it's perfect for my father, who is a mechanical engineer and a big John Grisham fan.

The Body Sacred and The Circle Within by Dianne Sylvan - These are two of my favorite religion books, and I would give them to anyone interested in paganism. Sylvan has an excellent writing style and I love her sarcasm and practical (while still having extremely poetic moments) style of writing.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor - This is a great book again for "post Twilight". I loved the romance in this book as well as the mythology. It's an excellent start to the series and one of my favorite books of the year.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater - The Scorpio Races is a perfect book for an advanced teen reader. It has lots of elements that make up a great YA book, romance, adventure, family drama, but is written in a distinctly adult voice.

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan - I have a couple of LGBT friends, and I think this book is the perfect gift. My friend Matt in particular I think would LOVE Tiny Cooper, show tunes and all.

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh - I'd give this to my mom, because I love Varen and I want to talk about him with her. No other reason, really.

Feed by Mira Grant - I'd give this awesome zombie book to any of my friends who liked a little science with their horror, and this is one I'd for my boyfriend to read.

Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire

2011-12-12T15:05:00.000-08:00

Published in 2000 by Regan Books
3 Stars

Goodreads Review
We have all heard the story of Cinderella, the beautiful child cast out to slave among the ashes. But what of her stepsisters, the homely pair exiled into ignominy by the fame of their lovely sibling? What fate befell those untouched by beauty ... and what curses accompanied Cinderella's looks?

Set against the backdrop of seventeenth-century Holland, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister tells the story of Iris, an unlikely heroine who finds herself swept from the lowly streets of Haarlem to a strange world of wealth, artifice, and ambition. Iris's path quickly becomes intertwined with that of Clara, the mysterious and unnaturally beautiful girl destined to become her sister. While Clara retreats to the cinders of the family hearth, Iris seeks out the shadowy secrets of her new household -- and the treacherous truth of her former life.

Review: I don't know what it is about Gregory Maguire, but I keep reading his books thinking I'll like them and I end up being disappointed at best, but more often than not annoyed and put off. I love the ideas of his novels, but every single one is a let down. Confessions is not so terrible as Mirror Mirror or Lost, but I'm still leaving feeling like he could have done so much more. There is all of build up in this novel and the ending feels rushed, like he got bored half way through and just decided to stop writing. Also, I am surprised at the lack of sexuality in this book, which is a very prominent topic in some of his other books. This story seemed ripe for sexual exploitation, and if there was any it was only hinted at. There were many aspects of this book that I thought were almost good, but just not quite developed enough.

I think I will always try and fail to enjoy his writing.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

2011-12-06T05:29:00.000-08:00

Published in 2006 by Scribner
4 Stars

Goodreads Review
Jeannette Walls grew up with parents whose ideals and stubborn nonconformity were both their curse and their salvation. Rex and Rose Mary Walls had four children. In the beginning, they lived like nomads, moving among Southwest desert towns, camping in the mountains. Rex was a charismatic, brilliant man who, when sober, captured his children's imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and above all, how to embrace life fearlessly. Rose Mary, who painted and wrote and couldn't stand the responsibility of providing for her family, called herself an "excitement addict." Cooking a meal that would be consumed in fifteen minutes had no appeal when she could make a painting that might last forever.

Later, when the money ran out, or the romance of the wandering life faded, the Walls retreated to the dismal West Virginia mining town -- and the family -- Rex Walls had done everything he could to escape. He drank. He stole the grocery money and disappeared for days. As the dysfunction of the family escalated, Jeannette and her brother and sisters had to fend for themselves, supporting one another as they weathered their parents' betrayals and, finally, found the resources and will to leave home.

What is so astonishing about Jeannette Walls is not just that she had the guts and tenacity and intelligence to get out, but that she describes her parents with such deep affection and generosity. Hers is a story of triumph against all odds, but also a tender, moving tale of unconditional love in a family that despite its profound flaws gave her the fiery determination to carve out a successful life on her own terms.

For two decades, Jeannette Walls hid her roots. Now she tells her own story. A regular contributor to MSNBC.com, she lives in New York and Long Island and is married to the writer John Taylor.

Review: This book made me rage! I was listening to the audio book in my car and literally yelling "you jerk! Don't give him money! Get a job! No, quit whining! OH MY GOD ARE YOU SERIOUS!?!?!" And yet at the same time part of me loved her parents. I honestly don't know how to feel about it. They seemed like such intelligent people, but without a drop of common sense. In the beginning I was like, ok they're weird but they're teaching their kids and they love them and while they might not have anything very rich, overall their life is ok.

I think it was once they moved to West Virginia that things went to hell. I spent a lot of that part of the book wondering why they stayed there; surely they were all more happy in Arizona? Alcoholism is a horrible disease, and my heart just aches for Jeannette's father, because I really think if he'd never gotten addicted their lives would have all been so much happier. The mom I think was a lot more emotionally scarred than we knew. We only got the story from Jeannette's perspective, and she seemed much closer to her father. I think if Maureen or Lori had told the story we'd understand their mom a lot more.

I feel bad for Maureen, but in a way her story makes sense. The other kids had their desert childhood to remember, but Maureen only knew West Virginia and the horrible conditions of their life there. She didn't know the lovelier parts of their lives, before dad fell completely into his disease and mom checked out.

There's a quote from Brian that really sums up this whole book. "You know, it's really not that hard to put food on the table if that's what you decide to do." Brian realizes that it's not too difficult to to provide for your family as long as you work hard and make the welfare of your children your first priority. His parents sadly didn't do that and no matter how much you argue for their loving and spiritual nature makes them, in my eyes, failures as parents.

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

2011-12-05T13:25:00.000-08:00

Published in 1997 by Picador
5 Stars

Goodreads Review
Her name is Dinah. In the Bible, her life is only hinted at in a brief and violent detour within the more familiar chapters of the Book of Genesis that are about her father, Jacob, and his dozen sons. Told in Dinah's voice, this novel reveals the traditions and turmoils of ancient womanhood--the world of the red tent. It begins with the story of her mothers--Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah--the four wives of Jacob. They love Dinah and give her gifts that sustain her through a hard-working youth, a calling to midwifery, and a new home in a foreign land. Dinah's story reaches out from a remarkable period of early history and creates an intimate connection with the past. Deeply affecting, The Red Tentcombines rich storytelling with a valuable achievement in modern fiction: a new view of biblical women's society.

Review: The Red Tent is an interesting perspective of one of the most know stories from the Bible. The story of Jacob and his many sons, in particular Joseph and his "Amazing Techno-color Dream Coat", have been told in many movies, books, and even Broadway musicals. The Red Tent tells the same tale but from the woman's perspective; a side that is sadly under represented in the Bible.

I really loved this book. Like REALLY loved this book. I absolutely loved the tribe aspect for the women. I think in modern times we look at ancient tribal cultures and see the women as repressed "possessions" of the men in the tribe. This book really shows how the women have their own culture, support systems, and contentment with their woman-ness. They aren't meek submissive pets. They stand up for themselves, are shrewd business women, and sexual beings aware of their bodies and the natural cycle of life. Being on their period wasn't the curse so many women complain about today. The Red Tent was their retreat, their place of solace where they could congregate and share in each other's wisdom.

There are a lot of people who dislike this book, and I think it's largely the people who cannot see history as any way other than what is exactly in the Bible. The idea that the "heroes" of the Bible may not be so heroic after all scares them because it causes them to question their faith. I think that it's very important to not read the Bible as literal fact for modern times. It has to be looked at within the context of a two thousand year old nomadic nation and that the Bible was written two thousand years ago in ancient Hebrew. There's bound to be some things that are lots in translation and through cultural evolution. For example the word "rape". Was Dinah raped in a modern sense, with violence and anger, or was she raped in an ancient sense, as in having sex out of wedlock? The same word but with two very different meanings and implications.

Overall I think The Red Tent is a very important book for women's spirituality. It presents the story of one of the most under represented figures in the Bible and gives her a voice. It never strays from the original backdrop of the Biblical story, but expands on this untold story with grace and beauty.

The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd

2011-11-30T19:13:00.000-08:00

Published in 2006 by Penguin (Non-Classics)
2 Stars

Goodreads Review
Sue Monk Kidd's phenomenal debut, The Secret Life of Bees, became a runaway bestseller that is still on the New York Times bestseller list more than two years after its paperback publication. Now, in her luminous new novel, Kidd has woven a transcendent tale that will thrill her legion of fans. Telling the story of Jessie Sullivan-a love story between a woman and a monk, a woman and her husband, and ultimately a woman and her own soul-Kidd charts a journey of awakening and self-discovery illuminated with a brilliance that only a writer of her ability could conjure.

Side note, this review is slightly spoilery, but I wanted to talk about some of the themes. You have been warned ;)

Review: The mermaid chair was the first book I read by Sue Monk Kidd, being attracted to her books after seeing the movie of The Secret Life of Bees. While I really enjoyed the movie, my first step into her books was sadly disappointing.

I found the plot of The Mermaid Chair to have great themes, but poor execution. It's a story about how relationships can fizzle out after a while and the temptation to find that spark in someone new. It's also about how the sense of duty and propriety can prevent a person from choosing their own happiness. But at the same time The Mermaid Chair is also about how people can have a life changing experience with a person even though they only know them for a short while and that meaningful relationships don't have to happen over twenty years. I just didn't like how these themes were displayed. There is very little room for the reader to draw their own conclusions, for the author will spell out each and every (obvious) symbolic meaning.

The biggest problem was my inability to care about the characters. On one hand I can totally understand Jessie and the choices that she made, having been there myself, but in reading her thoughts all I could think was that she was selfish and shallow. I didn't feel any sense of empathy towards her and couldn't bring myself to understand why she felt the way she did about her husband. I also didn't believe her "love" with Whit. It was definitely more of a case of lust and using a lover to hide from depression than true romantic love.

I want to make it clear that I didn't mind the affair, I can actually completely understand why she did that and her emotions behind it. I just didn't like how it seemed like she was fooling herself by calling it love. I wish she has at least cared enough about her husband to let him go first. He seemed like a honest man and didn't deserve her betrayal. Why are we all so afraid to admit our unhappiness to the people we care about before we do something that will end up hurting them way more than just telling the truth?

Whit was probably the best character. I could really identify with the choices he made in going to the monastery and his inner conflict trying to decide to stay or go, both from the monastery and his relationship with Jessie. I like the theme of taking that cave time to heal from something bad, but then also realizing when it is time to come out of the cave and begin to create a new path in life. The religious aspects and events that can totally shake the foundation of your faith and make you question everything you've always believed to be true was very interesting and well handled.

Overall I really liked the themes in The Mermaid Chair, and some of the setting and imagery was very nice, but the deliverance of the themes in general fell flat and unemotional.

Top Ten Tuesday 11/29/2011: Top Ten books on My TBR List for Winter

2011-11-29T04:37:00.000-08:00

TOP TEN BOOKS ON MY TBR LIST FOR WINTER

It's kind of funny this is this week's top ten Tuesday because I just did a video about my TBR pile. I made this video based solely on good reads ratings so some of the books I was like really? That's rated 4.56? Who knows, I guess I'll give them a go. Watch the video to see my TBR pile!

Best Friends

2011-11-23T05:44:00.000-08:00

So this has nothing to do with books, but I saw this today and LOST. MY. BUSINESS. Enjoy.

Shine by Lauren Myracle

2011-11-22T13:25:00.000-08:00

Published April 27, 2011 by Amulet Books
5 Stars

Goodreads Review

When her best guy friend falls victim to a vicious hate crime, sixteen-year-old Cat sets out to discover who in her small town did it. Richly atmospheric, this daring mystery mines the secrets of a tightly knit Southern community and examines the strength of will it takes to go against everyone you know in the name of justice.

Against a backdrop of poverty, clannishness, drugs, and intolerance, Myracle has crafted a harrowing coming-of-age tale couched in a deeply intelligent mystery. Smart, fearless, and compassionate, this is an unforgettable work from a beloved author.

Review: Shine is a very important book that covers the topics of homosexuality, drug use, and small town mentality. It's about how ignorance can breed fear and hate. But Shine is also about overcoming social expectations to do what is right.

I really liked how Shine handled such a wide variety of problems without ever feeling forced. The main story is about a gay hate crime, but as the motivations behind that crime unfold we get to see the fronts put up by everyone in the town fall away. We see that everyone has things about themselves that they are ashamed about. Instead of putting things out in the open where they can be resolved and get help they shove it down where it never gets dealt with and just festers and gets worse. I think this creates a sense of isolation and helplessness.

However I did find parts of the story very predictable. There would be times where I figured out something way before Cat and I would just sit there thinking 'Come on girl, figure it out so we can move on." Eventually she'd figure it out and we'd move on. There were also times where my imagination was way worse that what actually happened. I think that because it was a YA book parts of the story were toned down a bit. I don't have a problem with that but when I was expecting an ocean of hurt and only got a medium sized pond of hurt I felt a little underwhelmed (if that analogy makes any sense at all).

Beyond the who-done-it aspect of the story, I think the most important part is the commentary on how fear causes us to be selfish and act with a fight for survival mentality. We forsake other's well being for our own when fear takes us over. And ignorance and misunderstanding cause fear. We have to all be more tolerate and take an active role to understand each other and people who are different in order ot overcome that fear.

After the cluster-fuck that was the WSJ Article of Doom and the more recent National Book Award fuck up I can only hope that people will continue to read books and make up their own minds about the merits of a book. Shine is a dark book that covers dark topics yes, but overall it has a message of hope and that even the most prejudice of people can learn to accept and love.

Top Ten Tuesday 11/15/2011: Top Ten Books That Have Been On My Shelf For The Longest But I've Never Read

2011-11-15T07:29:00.000-08:00

TOP TEN BOOKS THAT HAVE BEEN ON MY SHELF FOR THE LONGEST BUT I'VE NEVER READ.

These are the YA books that I've either owned for a really long time or have heard about from everyone I know. I've been meaning to read these for a long time, and I'm hoping to get to these soon because they are awesome.

The Host by Stephanie Meyer
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Crank by Ellen Hopkins
An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
Pretties by Scott Westerfeld
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Need by Carrie Jones
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

2011-11-14T08:03:00.000-08:00

Published May 24, 2011 by Scholastic Press

4 Stars

Goodreads Review
The fifty contestants in the Miss Teen Dream pageant thought this was going to be a fun trip to the beach, where they could parade in their state-appropriate costumes and compete in front of the cameras. But sadly, their airplane had another idea crashing on a desert island and leaving the survivors stranded with little food, little water, and practically no eyeliner.

What's a beauty queen to do? Continue to practice for the talent portion of the program--or wrestle snakes to the ground? Get a perfect tan--or learn to run wild? And what should happen when the sexy pirates show up?

Welcome to the heart of non-exfoliated darkness. Your tour guide? None other than Libba Bray, the hilarious, sensational, Printz Award-winning author of A Great and Terrible Beauty and Going Bovine. The result is a novel that will make you laugh, make you think, and make you never see beauty the same way again.

Review: Zany, wacky, silly, hilarious, empowering, awesome. All adjectives that can describe Libba Bray's satire on modern beauty stereotypes and women's roles in today's society as well as consumerism, racism, LGBT issues, and politics. This is a perfect book for fans of Drop Dead Gorgeous, Miss Congeniality, and Legally Blonde (AKA me).

I really enjoyed all of the girls on the island and their unique personalities. What I liked was how each girl started off with their own preconceived notions, their own mold that they were trying to stuff themselves into (in particular Mary Lou was amazing). As the book progressed they learn how to let go of society's demands and expectations of them and to become the girls that they truly are. I think this is a lovely message for the book and I really enjoyed the delivery.

The humor in this book is pretty out there, I will admit. I consider my sense of humor to be pretty dry, so this over the top slap stick humor was a little too much for me at times. Other times this humor was right on point and had some very poignant undertones. Beauty Queens has varying levels of humor, so don't be surprised if you find yourself simultaneously rolling your eyes and laughing out loud.

Overall Beauty Queens is a very funny satire that comments on beauty and how we try and contain it and give it structure and definition instead of letting it be the wild exciting thing it is. While the humor doesn't always hit the mark for me, when it's on it's SO ON and speaks truly about sexuality and growing up.