ARC Review: Every Day by David Levithan

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Publication Date:  August 28th, 2012

Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl. 

Every morning, A wakes in a different person’s body, a different person’s life. There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.
It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.

With his new novel, David Levithan has pushed himself to new creative heights. He has written a captivating story that will fascinate readers as they begin to comprehend the complexities of life and love in A’s world, as A and Rhiannon seek to discover if you can truly love someone who is destined to change every day.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

I don't really have words.  I've been a fan of David Levithan's writing for awhile now, and although his work often surprises me, I was not prepared for the impact Every Day would have one me.  This book will hopefully be one of those books that, through word-of-mouth, ends up being read by everyone.  It deserves to be.  It is just so... Again, NO WORDS.  That makes writing a review rather difficult, so I guess I will start by quoting some of my favorite words from the book.  I don't often do this, but while I was reading Every Day, there were several occasions where I felt like I wanted to remember something that was said- something that struck a chord with me.  These quotes are full of the kind of truths about humanity and love that few people are able to articulate, and I love David Levithan for being able to do it.  I bookmarked a few of my favorites to share with you.

"I no longer think she's just being nice. She's being kind.  Which is much more a sign of character than mere niceness.  Kindness connects to who you are, while niceness connects to how you want to be seen."

"Falling in love with someone doesn't mean you know any better how they feel.  It only means you know how you feel."

"This is what love does: It makes you want to rewrite the world.  It makes you want to choose the characters, build the scenery, guide the plot.  The person you love sits across from you, and you want to do everything in your power to make it possible, endlessly possible."

"I wanted love to conquer all.  But love can't conquer anything.  It can't do anything on its own.  It relies on us to do the conquering on its behalf."

This book is a love story, but it is SO much more.  This book is about A, a person without a body, who inhabits a new body every day of his life, for only one day.  A is not male or female, and is not defined by a body.  A is a voice; a soul.  A just IS.  When A comes across Rhiannon one day, while in the body of her boyfriend, there is an instant connection.  As A jumps from body to body, day to day, there is an inexplicable pull toward her.  A shares the circumstances of his existence with her, and they embark on an exploratory journey; can Rhiannon love A for the person, regardless of the body A is in?  Their journey is uplifting, beautiful, poignant, and heartbreaking.  These two characters became a part of my person and made me want to be better inside.  They made me rethink what I consider important- made me want to look deeper into who people are. 

This book is full of wisdom and depth.  It asks a lot of questions that can't be answered in black and white, and I found myself thinking about the story well after I finished reading it.  In fact, it's over a week later, and I'm still thinking about it.  I wanted to hold off reviewing Every Day because I knew David would be at the Decatur Book Festival, and I wanted to hear him speak about it first (I was also hoping to have a finished copy signed for a giveaway, but they sold out of them).  I'm glad I did.  Hearing him read his own words added another layer of depth to A's character.  Hearing him talk about his personal thoughts on this story, his characters, and love and humanity in general- I love the book even more for it.  I remember once reading a blog post where someone was saying that YA literature would be the death of Literary Fiction; I wish the author of that post would read Every Day.

In the end, I'm not sure this can even qualify as "review", but rather, I think of it as a reflection.  Until now, Love Is the Higher Law was my favorite of David's books, and I didn't think he could possibly top it.  Well, he did.  Not only is Every Day my favorite book of 2012, but it will go down in the ledger as one of my favorites of all time.  This is a book I think everyone should read.  Young, old, straight, gay, male, female, Democrat, Republican.  I challenge anyone to read this and not come away from it changed in some way.  Well done, David Levithan.

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Grade Level Recommendation:  I would normally say that this type of book should be read by older teens.  Not for content, necessarily, although there are a few mature situations, but because I would normally say that older teens would get more out of it.  I don't say that about Every Day because I think it is the type of book you could read more than once, at different points in life, and get something different each time.  I think this book should be read by EVERYONE, and I think its appropriate for readers ages 12 and up (7th grade+).

ARC Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Publisher:  BloomsburyUSA

Publication Date: August 7th, 2012

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

With each debut I've read this year, I believe more firmly, that 2012 is THE year of the debut, and this book has been one of my favorites.  Throne of Glass is absolutely PHENOMENAL!!  I really enjoy a good High Fantasy from time to time, with GOOD being the operative word.  Over the past few years, most of the HF novels I've read have fallen really short for me.  Of course, that is partly Kristin Cashore's fault for writing her brilliant Seven Kingdoms Trilogy (Graceling, Fire, Bitterblue), setting the bar so high, but honestly, the stuff that has come out in the genre just hasn't done much for me.  That changed this year.  First there was Shadow & Bone by Leigh Bardugo (read my review HERE), and now this gem, Throne of Glass.  Where to start when reviewing near perfection?

The central character is Celaena Sardothien, otherwise known as Adarlan's Assassin.  Celaena had been toiling away in the prison mines of Endovier, a horrible place where most don't survive a week, for over a year, when she was plucked out by the Crown Prince of Erilea, Dorian, and his loyal Captain of the Guard, Westfall.  Prince Dorian proposes an agreement- Celaena competes in a challenge to become the king's Champion.  If she wins, she will serve as the king's assassin for three years and then be free, if she loses, she will be returned to the mines until she inevitably dies there.  She accepts the challenge, with every expectation of winning.  She is, after all, the most skilled and notorious assassin that anyone has ever seen.  What she doesn't expect is what comes to pass over the course of her training and the challenge period...

Celaena is totally kick-ass.  I have always said that Katsa from Graceling is hands-down, my favorite kick-ass female heroine, and I have to say, Celaena gives Katsa a serious run for her money.  Celaena wasn't born with her abilities like Katsa was, she trained hard and learned everything she knew.  She is smart, witty, cunning, and forward-thinking.  She is beautiful, fit, amazingly strong for her small stature, and tough as nails. She is also very human and extremely emotionally damaged.  Each and every part of her person plays a part in shaping her experience at the king's palace, and I found myself repeatedly surprised at her combination of tenacity, ferocity, and vulnerability; it was a constant subtle reminder that in the end, she was just a young girl with extraordinary abilities.  

Celaena did not carry this story by herself, though.   Captain Westfall really intrigued me with his mysterious, stoic nature.  From time to time, he would slip, and let some of his humanity show, but for much of the book, I was as unsure of what to make of him as Celaena was.  Although, I have some inclinations now that this book is over, I still have a great many questions pertaining to WHO he really is, and those questions are really what have me most looking forward to the next installment in this series.  Another character I really liked, and from the other reviews I've read, I know I'm in the minority here, was Prince Dorian.  At first, I felt the same as Celaena did about him- I thought he was the pompous, over-privileged,  philandering, pawn of his viciously cruel father.  What both I and Celaena learned over the course of the story was that his only true fault was that he didn't have enough of a spine to stand up to his father, but that he had a very kind heart, one not cut out for what was expected of him.  I also really loved Princess Nehemia, and I truly hope we see much, much more of her in subsequent books.  As for the other champions, a few played important roles in the story, but none really had the lasting impact on me like the aforementioned characters; not did the other sponsors.  Even the antagonists, Cain, as revolting as he turned out to be, or Perrington and his girl Kaltain and their evil plots, didn't stay with with me, which is fine.  I prefer to dwell on the others in my mind, as I anticipate future stories taking place in this vividly breathtaking and horrible world.

As far as the story is concerned, I can't go into it much without spoilers, but I will say this... I went into this expecting a standard High Fantasy, and it very much started out that way.  What I didn't expect was the paranormal elements, the tumultuous romance, or the heart-pounding mystery that it evolved into.  Those elements are what set it apart from some of the other High Fantasies I've read, and made it absolutely riveting.  I loved the way the ended too.  Everything about it was unexpected, but at the same time, it didn't feel like a cliffhanger.  I think there is SO much more to this story, and I eagerly await more, but at the same time, I feel content, much like I do after a delectable dessert.  I will definitely jump at the chance to have that dessert again, but I don't feel the need to dive into a vat of it right now, but rather, just settle in and enjoy digesting it.

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Grade Level Recommendation:  There are a handful of hot make-out sessions, but no sex.  There is definitely violence.  That said, it is relatively tame compared to much that is out there.  I would say this is appropriate for 5th grade+ (ages 10 and up).

P.S.  Sarah Maas will be at the Decatur Book Festival, and I am super-excited!  Given my great LOVE for this book, I'm thinking of doing a giveaway of a signed finished copy.  What do ya'll think?

ARC Review: Timepiece by Myra McEntire

Publisher: EgmontUSA
Publication Date: June 12th, 2012

A threat from the past could destroy the future. And the clock is ticking...

Kaleb Ballard's relentless flirting is interrupted when Jack Landers, the man who tried to murder his father, timeslips in and attacks before disappearing just as quickly. But Kaleb has never before been able to see time travelers, unlike many of his friends associated with the mysterious Hourglass organization. Are Kaleb's powers expanding, or is something very wrong?

Then the Hourglass is issued an ultimatum. Either they find Jack and the research he's stolen on the time gene, or time will be altered with devastating results. 

Now Kaleb, Emerson, Michael, and the other Hourglass recruits have no choice but to use their unusual powers to find Jack. But where do they even start? And when? And even if they succeed, it may not be enough...

The follow-up to Hourglass, Timepiece blends the paranormal, science fiction, mystery, and suspense genres into a nonstop thrill ride where every second counts.
(Courtesy of Goodreads)

Oh, how I've waited for the release of this book!  Its predecessor, Hourglass, was one of my favorite books of 2011 (read my review HERE), and I had such high, HIGH hopes for Timepiece.  Did it hold a candle?  Did Myra McEntire deliver?  Yes and YES!  I loved this book even MORE than my much loved Hourglass!  It was fan-freaking-tastic!!  

I have to start this review by admitting that I never even read the synopsis... I didn't need to.  I knew I wanted to find out how this fabulous story would progress... That said, I was a little thrown when Timepiece ended up being from Kaleb's perspective.   NOT that I am complaining.  When I read Hourglass, I knew Emerson and Kaleb weren't right for each other (I mean, come on, she and Michael blow up electronics because their connection is so fierce), but forgive me Jesus, this 35 year old woman was having some seriously naughty thoughts about the boy!  The fact that this book puts you in Kaleb's head is bonus point one for Myra and Timepiece!  Onward...

So, Kaleb...is he everything I thought he would be?  Yes and no.  He's better.  I thought he would be a bit of a douche, and in the beginning, I thought I was right, but...  Really getting inside his head, you begin to understand his tortured existence and you have to forgive him for the faults he showed in Hourglass, and then you want to help him to get better.  His life has definitely not been easy, and while it improves on some levels in Timepiece, there are also some really heartbreaking moments as well.  As for Emerson and Michael...they really play more of a supporting role in this book, which in part, made me sad, but this really isn't their story.  Jack and Lily, on the other hand, get lots of face-time.  Jack is so much worse than I could have imagined, and Lily surprised me in many ways.  I think I might like her as much as I like Emerson.  There are a few new characters, and of them, I found Poe most interesting.  Hopefully, we'll see more of him in Infinityglass...

Story?  Totally made of win!  The pacing and plot development were spot on.  I could not stop reading, and there were surprises around every corner.  There are still lots of questions, but I say that in a positive way... I'm just itching to get my hands on the next book.  I had a feeling that this series would be a favorite after I read Hourglass, and this book has solidified that statement!  If you have not read Hourglass, you're lame!  Go out and get it!  While you're at it, get Timepiece because you'll NEED to know what comes next (then shoot me an email and thank me for that awesome bit of advice)!  In a literary world where the same story seems to get told over and over, it is refreshing to come across something so original! Add to that the fact that it is told from a male POV (truly a rarity in the YA fiction world), and there are no faults in this book. Myra McEntire, you RULE!

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★++  

Grade Level Recommendation:  There is definitely some hot and heavy in this book, but nothing graphic or inappropriate for the intended audience.  It was more romantic than anything.  I said Hourglass was appropriate for 4th grade+ because it was pretty squeaky clean.  Timepiece is maybe a bit older.  Kaleb is a drunken, tattooed/pierced rebel and he is known to be a bit of a ladies man.  That said, I would put this one at 6th grade+ (ages 11 and up).

ARC Review: Black Heart by Holly Black

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Publication Date:  April 3rd, 2012

Cassel Sharpe knows he’s been used as an assassin, but he’s trying to put all that behind him. He’s trying to be good, even though he grew up in a family of con artists and cheating comes as easily as breathing to him. He’s trying to do the right thing, even though the girl he loves is inextricably connected with crime. And he’s trying to convince himself that working for the Feds is smart, even though he’s been raised to believe the government is the enemy.

But with a mother on the lam, the girl he loves about to take her place in the Mob, and new secrets coming to light, the line between what’s right and what’s wrong becomes increasingly blurred. When the Feds ask Cassel to do the one thing he said he would never do again, he needs to sort out what’s a con and what’s truth. In a dangerous game and with his life on the line, Cassel may have to make his biggest gamble yet—this time on love.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

**Thanks to Kelsey, Amber, Shannon, and Lori over at Southern Book Bloggers/Southern ARC Tours for the opportunity to review this amazing book!**

I'm going to begin this review by publicly stating that I am absolutely CRUSHED that this is the final book in the Curse Workers trilogy.  I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute spent reading the three books in this trilogy, and I wish that Holly Black would consider writing more of the world it takes place in.  It's not that I'm unhappy with how she ended things.  Actually, quite the opposite is true, I just crave more.  I'm a huge fan of her writing, and when the first book, White Cat, was released, I was skeptical because it wasn't about fae; she is the MASTER to whom all other writers of fae should bow, and I was wondering if she could do supernatural mafioso.  Well, she can, and she has, and now that it's over, I can say, without pause, that she did it brilliantly!!  I loved White Cat (read my full review HERE),  I loved Red Glove even more (read my full review HERE), and this, the final book, was even better.  Now to my review of it...

It's going to be very difficult to review this book without spoilers for books one and two, but I will stick to my "Spoiler Free" policy, and try because I really want everyone who has not read this series yet to run right out and get started!  Because the only thing I didn't like about Black Heart is the fact that it was the last book, I am going to bullet point my love...

• Characters:  The characters are pretty much the same as those in the first two books.  There are a few that aren't part of the story anymore, and there are a couple of new ones, but the main characters are still Cassel, Lila, Sam, and Danica.  Barron makes more of an appearance in this one as well.  The characters are still awesomely flawed, and brilliantly written.  Holly does a fabulous job documenting the internal struggles that they face from Cassel's POV.  The new characters who were introduced definitely added elements of surprise to the story, shaking things up a bit.
• World:  Did I mention that I love this world she's built, and would love to read more books set it in?  A world where everyone wears gloves because you never know who might be a "worker", or what kind of "worker" they might be?   A world where one of the core platforms of every politician is "Worker Rights"?  This world is so smartly woven, with such a modern "what-if" spin.  I love it because it is relateable and plausible.
• Plot and Pacing:  Cassel's internal struggles, general mistrust of everyone, undying love for Lila, and dedication to his mother are all showcased in gigantic ways in this book.  Yes, they played huge roles in the first two, but a lot of things come to a head in this one.  There were some very unexpected twists in the story and everything moved along smoothly.  Cassel had to make a lot of decisions about questions that didn't necessarily have good choices for answers.  This was much more unputdownable than the first two books, and that is saying something!
• The Writing:  Did I mention I'm a HUGE fan of Holly Black's writing.  She manages to draw you in and then use her words like duct tape to bind you to the book until the final page.  I have never been able to a put one of her books down to read something else, and this was no exception.  Her writing truly casts a spell on me.

Overall, my reading of this book was bittersweet.  I loved it so much, but I got more and more sad, the closer I got to the end.  Yes, I loved the end.  It was an absolutely PERFECT ending to Cassel's story, and I could not have asked for more on that, but there are so many other rich characters who I would love to read more about.  Who knows, maybe she'll consider a spin-off series...  *drops to knees in ardent prayer*

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★++ 

Grade Level Recommendation:  I'm going to recommend this as a series, now that it's complete.  I would call this a "Supernatural The Sopranos Lite".  If a movie were made of these three books, it would definitely be PG-13.  There violence, sex, drugs, and crime.  That said, it is thought provoking  and I think the protagonist makes the right choices in the end.  There are lessons to be learned.   This series is suitable for ages 13 and up (8th grade+).

**Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY for a SIGNED hardcover copy of Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver.  Click HERE! **

Review: Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

Publisher: Little, Brown BFYR

Publication Date: September 27th, 2012

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

WHY did I wait as long as I did to read this amazing book?  Seriously.  The reviews have been fabulous- everyone who has read this has raved about it- so why did it take me more than three months to get around to reading it?  Two words.  The cover.  I know a lot of people loved the cover of this one, but I didn't.  It looks cheap to me, and being the cover whore that I am, I just couldn't bring myself to put this ahead of prettier books.  Yes, I know what they say, and I know it sounds shallow, but it is what it is.  I totally regret my judgement, because I LOVED this book.  I want more. NOW.

If you're looking for something completely fresh and beyond beautifully written, look no further.  Laini Taylor's writing takes individual threads and weaves them into a tapestry that takes your breath away when you see the final product.  She creates a fantastic world, with characters so bizarre and gorgeous, that they will invade your dreams.  This was one of those books that I wanted to read quickly to know what would happen next, but at the same time, I wanted to slow-read it to savor the exquisiteness of her writing.  It's a gift to be able to create art with words, and Laini Taylor has that gift in spades, but writing alone doesn't make a book.  A book needs a story...

This story grabbed me from the beginning.  I was instantly intrigued and enamored by Karou.  She is such a great character and I only grew to like her and respect her more as her story unfolded.  I found myself becoming fond of Brimstone and Issa despite the fact that they were "monsters".  I was utterly absorbed in the mystery of why the teeth were so important, and completely taken aback when I found out the reason.  Then there was Akiva.  Good?  Bad?  Can angels even be bad?  Is it ever that black and white?  There were so many facets to this story that I cannot even begin to unravel it here.  What I can tell you is that they come together beautifully in ways that are both unpredictable and sensible.  You will come out of this story satisfied, but wanting more, if that makes any sense.

If I had gotten around to reading this book in 2011, it would have, no doubt, made my Top Ten list.  I will be all over book #2, Days of Blood and Starlight, when it releases in September.  If you haven't read this book yet, get on it.  You won't be disappointed.

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★+++

Grade Level Recommendation:  There are a couple of tastefully done, non-graphic sexual encounters, and there's so violence, including a beheading, but otherwise this book is pretty clean.  I would recommend it for grades 7 and up (ages 12+).

Audiobook Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile/Brilliance Audio

Publication Date: January 10th, 2012

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.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

This book was one of my most anticipated releases of 2012.  John Green is an amazing writer, who knows the intricacies and simplicities of the teen mind better than anyone I can think of.  When I heard about The Fault in Our Stars, my first thought was, "How is John Green going to pull off making cancer funny?".  It's not that I wanted him to make cancer funny, but I've grown to expect a certain amount of his particular brand of humor from all his books, and cancer or not, I was expecting it here.  Well, I'm pleased to say that John Green did it; he wrote about about kids with cancer that was not only humorous, but tastefully so.  It was full of the one-liners and observations that John Green is known for, but it also had it's share of very poignant statements, which he is also known for.  An example of one of the one-liners that made me laugh out loud was early on when, after support group, the kids were talking about how the moderator said that they were literally living in Jesus's heart, and Hazel responded, "Someone should tell Jesus. It's gotta be dangerous storing children with cancer in your heart."  I laughed so hard at that comment, but then later on, we get one of those statements that makes you cry, when someone (I won't say who or why because I don't want to give spoilers) says, "Grief does not change you, it reveals you."  How true is that?  I loved the characters and the story was both gut-wrenching and uplifting, often in the same sentence.  This book is a book that everyone should read; not just fans of John Green, not just teens or adult YA fans like myself, EVERYONE!  I think anyone could benefit from reading this book, and I dare anyone to say that it sucks.

This book is by far, John Green's best book yet, and I think the audio experience made it even better.  The narrator, Kate Rudd, was the perfect voice for Hazel and she did a great job of adding emotion and life to the story and characters.  The best part of the audio version though, had to be the pretty lengthy interview with John Green at the end of it.  I always enjoy hearing him speak and this case was no different; for such a young guy, he is very wise.  If you can get your hands on a copy, do yourself a favor and give it a listen.

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ +++

Grade Level Recommendation:  Usually, with John Green's books, I say they are definite HS, minimum 8th grade+ reads because he so accurately portrays teens, and quite frankly, older tweens and young teens don't necessarily need exposure to the fact that a lot of behavior parents would never want to believe of their "good" kid would partake in is extremely typical of "good" kids.  They will find out soon enough... This book, though, is different.  First off, the characters, as much as they want to be, are NOT typical teens; they are teens with cancer and struggles that take away much of the joy of being a kid.  Also, this book is pretty tame content-wise, compared to his other books.  There is sex, but it is not at all graphic and is portrayed as a beautiful thing between two people who love each other and who know they don't have time to wait until they are married, or even "adults".  I think the benefits of a 6th or 7th grader reading this book well outweighs some content that some parents might find objectionable.  I would be more than willing to allow my 5th grader to read this, knowing that she would get a tremendous amount of the right kind of insight out of it.  Grades 6 and up (ages 11+). 

Review: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Publication Date: September 27th, 2011

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

In short, this book was amazing!  I had really high expectations because it has gotten such rave reviews from bloggers whom I respect, but that can be really dangerous...  Often when I have such high expectations, I'm disappointed, and that disappointment makes me judge the book a little more harshly than I would have.  I was so happy when this book not only met my high expectations, but exceeded them.  It was really awesome!

I didn't have a single complaint of this book; it was perfect!  The writing was very good.  You would never guess that this was written by a debut author.  Michelle Hodkin did a wonderful job with Mara's flashbacks and nightmares, which could have very easily gone wrong.  She also managed to take characters who, if written differently, would have evoked entirely different feelings in me.  Mara is a great heroine who I never felt pity for, even though I felt sad for her great loss and confusion.  She was a strong girl who had a terrible tragedy befall her, but she was aware of what she wanted, and did what she needed to do.  I also adored Noah; with his playboy reputation, he could have easily been someone who, despite his actions, I could never trust, but I do.  I trust him. Implicitly.  

As for the story itself...  So good.  Original, dramatically paced, with just the right amount revealed at just the right times.  I never once thought I had things figured out, but at the same time, I never felt confused.  I was taken aback by a few twists, and even then, I wasn't thinking back on things like I usually do, saying, "Oh, I should have totally seen that coming!".  The twists and revelations were always surprising, and often the type that leave you with your mouth hanging open.

I loved this book.  A LOT.  It is easily one of my top 5 books of 2011 (which is saying loads because so far, I've read 181 books this year).  It was an amazing read, and I highly recommend it for lovers of all genres.  It's got it all; thrills, suspense, mystery, romance, and drama.  Sadly, book #2 doesn't come out until late 2012.  It will be torture to wait considering the ending, but I'm sure the read will be that much more satisfying when the time comes!  Michelle Hodkin has definitely raised the bar for future debut authors, and I have a good feeling that she'll do the same for the Sophomores...

My Rating:  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★+

Grade Level Recommendation:  There are some scary moments and a bit of cursing.  There is also some steamy stuff.  I would put this book at 8th grade and up (ages 13+).

**Don't forget to enter my international GIVEAWAY for your chance to win a SIGNED hardcover copy of Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins!  Click HERE to enter!**

Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Publisher: Dutton

Publication Date: September 29th, 2011

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

Stephanie Perkins is a gifted YA Romance writer.  She understands teen angst and insecurity, while at the same time is able to make a happy ending something you can believe in.  I am such a fan, and a year ago, I would have never believed that was even a remote possibility.  I am not the biggest fan of the YA Romance genre.  I usually find the books sappy, lame, and completely unrealistic.  I do have a few that I have loved, but in the past, I have almost always passed them over.  That was until I read Stephanie's amazing debut, Anna and the French Kiss.  For months, I'd read gushing review after gushing review, had numerous blogger and Goodreads friends tell me that it was a "must-read", but still I pushed it aside in favor of something else; I didn't like the lame cover or title, plus it was a Contemporary Romance... Finally, in the mood for something light, I caved and read it... I was an instant fangirl!  I finished it and immediately wanted to read Lola and the Boy Next Door- and had to wait because it wasn't out for several more months... :(

When Lola and the Boy Next Door finally came out, I was so excited!  I ran right out to buy it, and then had it was hijacked by my daughter... When I finally got it back, I read it in one sitting.  I enjoyed it as much as Anna and the French Kiss, and possibly a little more because of Cricket; I liked Etienne (from Anna), but he wasn't crush-worthy for me (too short- yes, I'm THAT shallow), but Cricket? *swoon*  He was my teenage dream-boy.  Cricket wasn't  the only character I loved though.  I really adored EVERYONE.  Hell, even Calliope grew on me.  Stephanie has a way of making even the antagonists in her stories at least somewhat likable.

As for the story itself, I just loved that while is was a Romance, it was so much more.  Lola had other issues to deal with.  To her, boyfriend Max hung the moon, but I thought he was kind of a douche most of the time (although I do give him credit for the brunch thing, even if it was more self-serving than not). Lola had put him on such a pedestal, that she couldn't see the issues in their relationship, and the ones she did see, she always seemed to make them her fault.  Until Cricket came back... Then there is the family dynamic.  Lola's dads were amazing parents, but even in San Francisco, it can't be easy to have two dads and an absentee mom.  Kids can be cruel.  Add to that Lola's quirky wardrobe, wigs, and thinly veiled insecurities, and you have a nightmare on your hands as far as a social life is concerned.  Even so, I loved Lola.  I loved how she grew into herself and discovered who she was and who and what were best were best for her.  I loved, loved, LOVED this book.  It was one of my favorites of 2011, for sure.  I can't wait for Isla and the Happily Ever After to come out sometime next year (no, there isn't even a date yet!).  I will be sure to pre-order the second I can!

If you have not read Anna and the French Kiss or Lola and the Boy Next Door, do it!  Now!  Even if you're like me, and don't particularly like YA Romance as a genre, do it anyway!  You won't be sorry you did!

My Rating:  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★+

Grade Level Recommendation:  Very sweet story.  Lola does talk about losing her virginity to Max, although it's not a graphic description at all.  Also, Max and his friends smoke cigarettes and pot.  Generally speaking, I would say this is for grades 7 and up (ages 12+), but that is very discretionary.  Because I have no illusions about the things my 5th grader is aware of (teen sex, drug use), I allowed her to read it because these things are mentioned in passing and are not what the story is really about.

**Don't forget to enter my international GIVEAWAY for your chance to win a SIGNED hardcover copy of Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins!  Click HERE to enter!**

Review & Giveaway: The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Publication Date: September 29th, 2011

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.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

Okay, so I have always liked Maureen Johnson.  She writes an eclectic mix of things, but I always find her witty and funny.  This book was a departure from what I'm used to reading from her, but that isn't a bad thing.  I actually loved this book.  A lot.  So much so, that I had to review it right away and include a giveaway because it was so good and I needed to share, and it is the perfect time of year to read it because the events take place right around now.  So, why did I love it?

Well, first off, it was a wonderful blend of genres.  You have a combination of Paranormal, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Muticultural, and Romance.  There's really something for everyone in this book.  It was well researched and fabulously written.  I'm no writer, but I can imagine that it is difficult to seamlessly blend genres like Maureen did, and I'm very impressed.  Next, the world building was very nice.  I've never been to London, but I feel like I could now navigate East End, and the very least.  Her descriptions were great and very authentic.  It is abundantly clear that she lives there part-time.  

I liked the characters, and although I found one or two annoying, I didn't really dislike anyone (except the killer).  Boo was my favorite.  She made me laugh, and I loved her manner.  Jerome is one of my new imaginary boyfriends.  As for Rory, there were a few times I wanted to smack her, but overall I really liked her.  I loved her Southerness; her love of fatty foods, iced tea, and long drawn-out stories.  I liked that there was some mystery around some of the characters.  It bothers me when authors develop everyone at the beginning because it's not real.  You don't get to know people in an instant; it's a gradual thing, and that's how these characters were written.

As for the story... LOVED IT!  It was well paced, and had oodles of twists and turns.  I will not spoil it all for you by giving anything up, but I will say that it was a total page-turner.  I could not put it down and had to bribe myself with a chapter in order to get anything else done (load dishwasher=1 chapter, fold a load of laundry=1 chapter, etc.).  It was not at all what I expected, but SO much better.  When I heard about this book, I was intrigued, but it wasn't at the tippy-top of my list, but I'm telling you, now that I've read it, it should definitely be at the tippy-top of yours.

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★  

Grade Level Recommendation:  This book can be gory at times; it is about a serial killer who is recreating the Jack the Ripper murders of the late 19th century, so it can be graphic.  Other than that there really isn't much that would be objectionable for the average middle schooler.  There's a little teen drinking, but it takes place in London, and it's legal, and there's some innocent romance.  I would say this is fine for 6th grade and up provided the violent nature of the murders isn't an issue.  (Ages 11+)

...and now, for the giveaway I promised (because I loved this book so much and had to share!)!

Review: Ashfall by Mike Mullin (You Really MUST Read This Book!)

Publisher: Tanglewood Press

Publication Date: September 27th, 2011

Under the bubbling hot springs and geysers of Yellowstone National Park is a supervolcano. Most people don't know it's there. The caldera is so large that it can only be seen from a plane or satellite. It just could be overdue for an eruption, which would change the landscape and climate of our planet.

Ashfall is the story of Alex, a teenage boy left alone for the weekend while his parents visit relatives. When the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts unexpectedly, Alex is determined to reach his parents. He must travel over a hundred miles in a landscape transformed by a foot of ash and the destruction of every modern convenience that he has ever known, and through a new world in which disaster has brought out both the best and worst in people desperate for food, water, and warmth. With a combination of nonstop action, a little romance, and very real science, this is a story that is difficult to stop reading and even more difficult to forget.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

Wow! This book is just awesome!  I would have had this up sooner, but the publisher must have realized it's amazingness and moved the release date up, because it came out a full three weeks earlier than the date I was given with my ARC.  Because I had lots of content planned for Banned Books Week, I decided to wait; I didn't want my (rave!) review of this book to get lost amongst my BBW posts...

So- I loved it.  We have covered that.  Why? For so many reasons, so once again (and I've realized that an author should feel honored when I do my review this way), I will be doing my review in a bullet-point format (in no particular order, of course).  First though, I want to tell you a little about my personal reading experience with this book.  I read this as a buddy-read with my oldest daughter.  She's in 5th grade, and in hindsight, there are a few points in the book that might have been a little much for the average 5th grader, but I've always been a little more liberal with her, content-wise, because she has been reading so far above grade level for so long, and just is aware of more than most 5th graders are through her reading experiences.  I can tell you though, this book gave us so many thought-provoking discussion topics; more than any book since The Hunger Games, so if you are looking for a good book to read and discuss with your older kid, or if you are looking for a great teen book club selection, look no further.  Now for my review...

• The Research~ I have to start here because I am just blown away by how meticulously Mike Mullin researched this book.  I am a science nerd, so I am always impressed when an author goes out of the way to make sure the scientific facts are accurate.  Not only did he do this, he put a whole section in the end explaining how he researched this book, along with a listing of web resources and non-fiction companion books.  I have a tremendous amount of respect for him in this aspect for two reasons.  One, teens often believe what they read to some extent, and when their fiction is based on fact, you have a win-win.  Add to that a source of instant gratification for more knowledge when the book is fresh in their minds, and it leads to a great opportunity for learning about something that they may never have known they had an interest in.  Two, this book is SCARY in a very real way.  Even as an adult, I wanted to find out the likelihood of this type of thing actually happening in my lifetime.  Having science behind the story and putting concrete facts out there helps with that.
• The World Building~ Mike Mullin knows how to use an adjective!  He did his Mad Libs as a kid!  He has a way of describing even the most desolate landscape in a vivid way that puts you there.  I never had difficulty envisioning the backdrop of this story. I also never had any trouble feeling the emotional energy surrounding any particular part of the story, and that is so important.  It's one thing to be able to describe the physical world in which a story takes place, but capturing the emotional setting is so difficult.  Mike Mullin did it masterfully.
• The Characters~ This book is really centered around two characters and of course, as any reader would expect, they are well developed and attachment-worthy.  Alex rose to the challenge of survival in very unexpected ways, even to himself.  Darla may be one of the smartest, most kick-ass female book characters I've ever had the pleasure of getting to know.  Neither one is your stereotypical hero, which makes this book so much more relevant to the average reader.  What I found great was that even the most minor players in this story were well developed.  A good number of people cross Alex and Darla's paths; some stay awhile, others are just passing through, but you form feelings, one way or another, for all of them.  
• The Story~ Well, obviously, if the story sucks, the other points are just irrelevant, aren't they.  This story DID NOT suck!  It was amazing!  It kept a furious pace, and actually caused me to have to lie to my beloved child ("No hunny. I didn't finish the book without you while you were toiling away at school." *looks to the side guiltily*). I is just not a book to be put down.  There is no slow start; no build up.  It starts with a (literal) bang, and does not slow down. If you like action, you will love this book, but there is SO VERY MUCH MORE to it!  This book examines human nature, and without judging, shows that when it comes down to it, human nature is not always pretty.  When it comes to true survival, most people are going to do what they have to do, even if it goes against what they think they believe.  The subtle social commentary is what makes this book the amazing book that it is.  When books get too heavy with a message, kids shut down; they don't want to be preached at.  Mike Mullin manages a perfect balance that will make teens WANT to think about it.

Overall, I have to say that this is one of my top reads of the year.  I can't say that I "enjoyed" it in a way that means it gave me a good feeling to read, but I did enjoy it in a way that it gave me lots to think about. I love books that stay with you, and this one does.  I would say that it should be read in every high school English class because it is so thought-provoking and realistic, but I think it would end up challenged by (nutty) parents because there are people out there that would not want to see some of these stark realities... Book number two, Ashen Winter, is set to release in October of 2012 and I will be begging for a review copy!

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★  

Grade Level Recommendation: If Emma had been reading this solo, without parental discussion, I would have made her wait until about 8th grade.  It's an intensely graphic book with straightforward talk about sex, survival, and the horrors of human nature.  There is some language, sex, and a great deal of very real violence (including rape, murder, and cannibalism).  All of this would maybe be fine in its context for a 6th or 7th grader, but what I found most disturbing were the attitudes and lack of humanity some of the characters had about these things, and that is why I would recommend it for independent readers ages 13+ (8th grade+).  If you're buddy reading and discussing this with your child, it would probably be suitable ages 12+.  If you are pretty conservative and really want to be safe, read it first before presenting it to a middle school aged child.  This is definitely NOT a book for most middle grade readers.  If it were a movie, a PG-13 rating would be borderline.

Banned Book Showcase: Unwind by Neal Shusterman

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Publication Date: November 7th, 2007

Connor, Risa, and Lev are running for their lives. The Second Civil War was fought over reproductive rights. The chilling resolution: Life is inviolable from the moment of conception until age thirteen. Between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, however, parents can have their child "unwound," whereby all of the child's organs are transplanted into different donors, so life doesn't technically end. Connor is too difficult for his parents to control. Risa, a ward of the state is not enough to be kept alive. And Lev is a tithe, a child conceived and raised to be unwound. Together, they may have a chance to escape and to survive.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

Why I'm Showcasing This Book:

...Mostly because I can't get past the absurdity of this book having been banned. A Montgomery County, KY high school removed this book from classroom discussion and curriculum because, "Some parents have complained about five novels that contain foul language and cover topics - including sex, child abuse, suicide, and drug abuse - deemed unsuited to discussion in coed high school classes. They also contend that the books don't provide the intellectual challenge and rigor that students need in college preparatory classes.". Have any of these parents actually read this book? Lacking intellectual challenge? This is one of the most thought provoking YA books out there!!! As far as the content matters, these are high school kids! Oh my gosh! I don't know if high school kids should discuss *gasp* sex, or suicide, of abuse, or *hushed tones* drug abuse. It might warp their impressionable young minds... Are these parents THAT delusional? It's a good thing for these people that intelligence is not a requirement for having children. I really have no more to say...

Review:

This book is so well done, I barely have words. Not only is it thought provoking on so many levels (medical ethics, abortion, government, religion), it is thrilling and action packed. The characters are great; there is at least one that every type of kid can relate to. The story is plausible; I could very well see war erupting in the future over the abortion and stem-cell debates, and drastic measures being taken to end it. This book is chilling with the ideas presented, and it's hard to choose sides if you really think about each side carefully. I actually think that this is one of the BEST books out there for classroom discussion. If you have followed my blog long, you know that Neal Shusterman is my favorite YA author, and this, by far and away, is his best book. Everyone, teens and adults, need to read it!

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★+++

Grade Level Recommendation: This book deals with some sensitive issues, but I don't believe it is anything that the average middle school aged kid could not grasp. However, I think that the more mature a kid is, the more thought provoking it will be. Grades 7+ (ages 12 and up).

**Don't forget to enter my giveaway for the Banned Books Week Giveaway Hop HERE**